Is it premature for me to post here?
It looks like we're good to start this today. Are my peeps still around?
"'Aye, I'm here."
"Ready and waiting."
The big man, clad in worn but fine breastplate and with a pair of blades strapped to his hip, takes a long swig from his flagon. "So what's all this about cultists or sommat?"
He runs a hand through long black hair before smiling at his compatriot-to-be, the big half-orc, and extending a hand. "Care for a drink? The name's Valeros, glad to meet 'yer acquiantance."
"Ahem..."
“Loyal Pathfinders,” the deep-voiced Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch says from the end of the long dining table, “our colleagues in Absalom are putting pressure on me to find out more about the forgotten goddess Lissala and her worshipers. We have searched catacombs and libraries for artifacts and accounts of the faith for centuries, but now that we know the cult is still active here in Varisia, this has become a priority for the Ten."
“One of my agents claimed she had uncovered an active cult of Lissala practicing their rites in Palin’s Cove, a few days ride from Korvosa. If she’s correct, this would be an unusual opportunity for us—we could study the goddess and her faith firsthand instead of piecing together information from disparate runes and legends hidden in the dust of a crumbled empire. Find this cult and get to the center of its inner workings. Brute force might get you in the door, but we won’t learn much from a bunch of dead cultists, so infiltrate it if you can. Learn what secrets you can, and get out safely to report your findings to me. I want to know how Lissala’s faith has survived 10 millennia undetected, and what foul plan they’re concocting that has precipitated their resurgence all of a sudden."
“I have a man in Palin’s Cove by the name of Gerhart Aldrim. He has arranged lodging and cover identities for you if you need them. Aldrim will expect you at the Baited Hook Inn within the week, and can answer any questions you might have about your mission. Oh, and one last thing: The agent who uncovered the cult has not reported back in some time. So do be careful. Losing one Pathfinder is misfortune; losing an entire team would seem like carelessness.”
The dwarf tries to keep his unruly hair out of his face as he listens to the Venture Captain give the assignment.
"What is the name of this agent that went missing?" He turns to his fellow Pathfinders, "I'll need to stop and pick up a couple of supplies, anyone else?"
"Cover identities? That mean we're like...spies or som'thin'?" Valeros sniggers at the idea of himself in a big trenchcoat and hat, skulking about.
"I dunno if you noticed, but we're not exactly the least stand-out-y group of people, and its not every day that ancient evil cults accept a handful of new members all at once."
"Not specifically but the longer you're in Palin's Cove the greater the chance the cult will learn of your presence and your purpose there. Use your best judgement but I suggest you try to complete your task as quickly as possible. You're all veteran agents, I'm certain you won't disappoint me."
"What is the name of this agent that went missing?" He turns to his fellow Pathfinders, "I'll need to stop and pick up a couple of supplies, anyone else?"
“Charito Menas, her name was. Taldan, lovely to look at, but arrogant as the hosts of Hell. She didn’t like me much. Never told me much about where she was going, who she was talking to, or what she found out. Then one night she didn’t come back. Guess whatever she was looking for found her first. Not my fault I had no idea where to look for her. Frankly, I didn’t like her enough to risk my good arm poking around where I’m not wanted.”
"Cover identities? That mean we're like...spies or som'thin'?" Valeros sniggers at the idea of himself in a big trenchcoat and hat, skulking about.
"I dunno if you noticed, but we're not exactly the least stand-out-y group of people, and its not every day that ancient evil cults accept a handful of new members all at once."
“Sheila thought a bunch of Pathfinders asking questions might put the cult on its guard. We put together a different story, if you want it. One of you will be Avis Dimitrov, from the Dimitrov family in Korvosa. Dimitrov seeks depraved pleasures and mystic enlightenment. Rich, amoral, and not too bright—the kind of folk any mad sect would be happy to have aboard. The rest of you can pose as Dimitrov’s bodyguards, servants, advisors, and hangers-on. I have some fancy clothes to make you look the part, and a letter of introduction from a Korvosan wizard who was born here. No skin off my nose what you do with this; Sheila told me to get it ready and she’s not one to be lightly refused.”
"I'd be more than happy to pose as a bodyguard. Look the part and all." Valeros takes a moment to admire his biceps before continuing.
"And don't take offense to this, Daxter" he says, indicating the Chelaxian wizard, "but I rather think that if someone were to be this...Avis, it ought to be you."
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He does look sorta depraved, doesn't he. The half orc laughs at his own joke as he is reaching over to shake Valeros' hand in greeting. Pleased to meet you, but I'll pass on the drink, until after the mission.
We'll be needing a good description of Charito Captain Heidmarch, not just a name. And knowing her skill set and any identifiable equipment she was know to carry would be good as well. And I think I recall a few things about Palin's Cove that I picked up on the streets. Thought I'd share them with the group now.
"Charito? She had dark wavy hair and olive skin..."
"She was a 'troubleshooter'. You know, the sort skilled at getting into heavily locked and trapped places. She carried the sort of tools that you need in that sort of work."
Palin’s Cove was once a fortress that withstood countless sieges. Now the town makes siege engines. But the factories that brought the town wealth have destroyed much of its natural beauty. The nearby woods have been cleared and the air is full of dust and soot.
Palin’s Cove is run by a council of the most powerful and influential of the industrialist magnates whose business keeps the town’s economy going. Representatives of the Dunstone, Hurne, Ireni, Rumalin, and Talich families serve as the effective leaders of the council, and each has more than one member of the clan on the council, an honor only these families hold.
In recent years, the outside world has more become aware of the power of siege machinery produced in Palin’s Cove. Emissaries from mercenary companies and foreign powers have begun visiting the town council, offering lucrative sums to commission weapons. The authorities in Korvosa are not amused, but have yet to step in as Palin’s Cove’s liege state to put a stop to the town’s foreign contracts.
Gerhart Aldrim is an old man and long retired Pathfinder. He was once a tall strong man but the trials of the Society have left him maimed and nearly crippled.
While the others are talking, Harsk fumbles with his backpack. He pulls a bag with some raw meat out of one of the pouches. "'Scuse me, but its time to feed Biter." He steps outside for a bit.
He returns without the bag, but with a couple of scratches on his forearms. "He gets a bit dodgy when I'm late with the vittles."
"So, our uppity friend here will be Dimitrov and the rest of us cretins will be his guards?" Harsk gives Dax a sever look, but then breaks into a grin. "No worries on that. I've been called much worse!"
"Doesn't sound like too pleasant a place...I don't suppose you think there'll be any pretty ladies there? No...I didn't think so either." Valeros says, sort of mumbling to himself.
"D'ya think there's any sort of connection between the big weapons and the fact there's an ancient evil cult in the area? Or maybe somethin' we can use 'em for? And what was Gerhart offering to do for us?"
"I'm certain there will be plenty of attractive women within the city but I expect you will see to the mission first", the Venture Captain says with a bit of annoyance.
"Gerhart will be providing you with a safeplace to rest during your stay and cover identities."
"Of course, of course. The mission first, as always. Don't worry, I won't be letting you down."
Valeros taps the chest of his breastplate with a nail to emphasize his point.
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Hurriedly scuffling in the door is a thin, Kelish woman, standing at a middling 5'4". Her black hair is pulled back into a ponytail, matching colour with her glasses. She wears unflattering Abadarian clergy robes, clearly hiding some kind of light armour underneath them. On her belt is a booklet entitled "Abadar-Pathfinder Society Account #22357."
Looking only slightly ragged, she enters the room as unobtrusively as possible. "My apologies, Mrs. Heidmarch; Your husband requested a minute of my time in fact-checking his briefing for repairing the situation that occurred last night." She adjusts her glasses to her face and takes a seat. "Canayven filled me in on the general synopsis of this mission. What is the manner of cover under which we will be hiding?"
"Situation that occurred last night?" Valeros raises his eyebrows.
"Miss El-Amin. I'm glad you could make it, though I'm a bit disappointed at the lack of punctuality. Fortunately, I am accustomed to repeating myself", the Venture Captain says with a smile.
“I thought a bunch of Pathfinders asking questions might put the cult on its guard. Gerhart and I have put together a different story, if you want it. One of you will be Avis Dimitrov, from the Dimitrov family in Korvosa. Dimitrov seeks depraved pleasures and mystic enlightenment. Rich, amoral, and not too bright—the kind of folk any mad sect would be happy to have aboard. The rest of you can pose as Dimitrov’s bodyguards, servants, advisors, and hangers-on. Gerhart has some appropriate clothes to make you look the part, and a letter of introduction from a Korvosan wizard who was born here. Gerhart will give you the rest of the details.”
See this post for info about Palin's Cove and Gerhart.
In addition, Amira knows that though Gerhart Aldrim may put on a strong front, he's actually quite bitter about what happened to him while he was in the Society's direct employ.
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"Sincerest apologies, Lady Heidmarch. I must admit, your husband has a powerful air about him that makes him... difficult to ignore. He also had a few odd personal questions for me as well, but are largely irrelevant..." She pauses a moment, before mentally returning to the meeting. "One question, though; I believe we should have reason to suspect deception from Gerhart if you used any of the Society's means to ensure this false guise. In the past, he's made a number of comments that can be read as signs of a strong distaste for the Society as a whole, particularly those involved in his happenstance of unfortunate termination."
”I’m not certain what the actual question is, but if you’re concerned about Gerhart’s loyalties – don’t be. He’s served as our eyes and ears for many years without any indication that he cannot be trusted. Take his rambling for what it is, the grumbling of a man well past his prime.”
”I wish I had more information for you but as you said, that’s the whole reason behind this mission. There’s very little that we know about the cult of Lissala and even less that’s been confirmed. We do know that they like secrets and that they’re dangerous. That’s about all for now.”
"So, just 'fer the purpose of confirmin', we're supposed to infiltrate this evil cult, learn everything we can about it...and then what? What happens once we've learned everything we think we can?"
Valeros shuffles his feet impatiently.
”Get out, preferably alive, and report back to me.”
”Yes, of course, we’ve arranged proper transport for you. I expect you can be ready to leave by the afternoon?”
”You might have some trouble pulling off the look with those stones orbiting your head”, the Venture Captain chides with a gesture toward the several flawed gemstones floating around Slash.
"I'm good to go now, unless any of you have got suggestions to make. Bodyguard work is simple and all, after all. Let me know when we need to leave."
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Slash sheepishly captures each of a almost half dozen (5) flawed and cracked stones that were orbiting his head and puts them away. Yes Venture Captain. Good call. Slash indicates that he is ready to go but recommends we discuss the groups strengths and weaknesses along with tactics in the case of trouble on the trip.
"Ye talkin' about our various methods of threat extirpation?"
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The door into the chamber opens again after the half-orc leaves, but a completely different man appears in his place. He is quite obviously Keleshite in origin, dressed in a beautifully brocaded gold and blue overcoat and carrying a long pipe in one hand from which wafts the unmistakable smell of cabble-weed. His face is quite narrow with a pronounced nose, dark eyes, and a waxed moustache and beard that he must spend at least an hour tending every morning.
He looks about, his eyes not quite tracking very well. "I'm sorry, I must have gotten lost," he says in heavily accented Taldane, "I was looking for kitchen ... but this isn't kitchen ... or is it?"
The Venture Captain frowns.
"I see punctuality is not a trait they recruit for in Absalom", Sheila chides passive-aggressively.
"Mr. Morningstar, your comrades can fill you in on the details. I have another team to brief and you all have preparations to make. Good day Pathfinders and good luck."
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Pallas looks at the Venture-Captain, not quite sure of who she is. "I'm sorry, sweet lady, are you hostess here? If so, I'd like table for one with a view of pond. Pond very nice here." He smiles at her quite sweetly, and fishes a silver coin out of his pocket to tip her before taking a long pull from his sweet-smelling pipe.