It definitely sounds exciting. We'll need to be well prepared though. I can brew up some potions for everyone if you guys want to chip in for the raw ingredients. What's everyone thinking about getting?
After the feast, Kaylee gathers the fellow adventurers around someplace with a bit of privacy.
The celebration has nearly come to a complete close. Over time, from around the corner of the Greathall where the party is discussing matters, they witness numbers of people moving from the feast at the Greathall to the Seven Silvers pub for a drink. The dour mood is turning profits for the small pub but not for the right reasons. Among those carying about their business are Dimeria and Cygar with Roldare following not far behind muttering to himself. The trio appear to be engaged in a fairly deep conversation and actively avoid the pub for the privacy of the street holds in comparison.
Hmmm, potions sound good Kaylee. Maybe you can use some of those spells from that spellbook we found. Personally, after I get a good nights sleep, I might wander over to the apothecary and see what sort of wares they have on offering.
When Kerret notices Dimeria and Cygar with their heads together, he takes a passing interest. I wonder what has those two thick as thieves. Cygar's probably trying to find out what happened to Dimeria and her brother in the Crypt. Still, they went through a horrible ordeal. He should really give them a little time before he interviews them for his report or whatever it is... As the young sorcerer trails off, a thought suddenly strikes him and he drops his voice to an urgent whisper. Dimeria! She saw Kassen! And heard about the amulet and that Golden City! What if this Cygar isn't what he appears?! Kerret looks to the others imploringly. We should get out there and make sure she doesn't say anything that she shouldn't...
Kaylee listens to Kerret's plea. "Follow me, I'll try to get Dimeria out of there, you distract Cygar." she tells him. She then moves a little closer to the trio, ducking out of sight behind them in an alleyway and casting Fumbletongue on Dimeria.
If Dimeria doesn't make her save:
Kaylee approaches the group openly at the sound of Dimeria's random words. "Oh my dear!" she exclaims worriedly "I found you just in time! I was worried this might happen. Come with me, Dimeria. I'll see if I can't get you cured before this becomes permanent." She quickly grabs Dimeria by the sleeve and guides her away from Cygar, hoping Kerret and the others can take care of Roldare and prevent Cygar from following.
If Dimeria does make her save:
"Dimeria, dear!" Kaylee calls out, interrupting their conversation [b]"The mayor asked me to check on you. Said you seemed a bit pale at the dinner. I told him that of course you looked pale after what you've been through but I'd check on you nonetheless. Is there anything I can do for you? I have a tea that should help you sleep soundly at night." She waits a few seconds for one of the men to talk to Cygar before subtly guiding the girl away.
This enchantment causes a creature to be unable to speakintelligibly. Any effort the target makes to talk, in any language, comes out as a useless mix of unconnected words and noises. Even magic words are affected to some extent; the target has a 20% spell failure chance for any spell it attempts to cast with verbal components, and a 20% chance to incorrectly use a command word to activate a magic item. This spell has no effect on telepathic communication, or the vocalizations of creatures that lack a spoken language.
As you approach it's quite obvious that Dimeria is telling Cygar the events of the Crypt of the Everflame in detail. That is cut short once Kaylee casts her spell. Dimeria's words turn to gibberish which takes her and Cygar by complete surprise, but not so much as Roldare who lets out a panicked yelp.
"Oh my dear! I found you just in time! I was worried this might happen. Come with me, Dimeria. I'll see if I can't get you cured before this becomes permanent."
Kaylee grabs Dimeria's sleeve and tries tugging her away. Dimeria resists however, and reels backward trying to pull her sleeve out of Kaylee's grip.
DIMERIA: "Ajhgsa adfuh asfuh asdfj!"
CYGAR: "Wait a second! What's going on here? Unhand the poor woman!"
Kaylee releases her grip, not wanting to force the woman against her will. She turns to Cygar, "This young lady has been through a lot. Why are you trying so hard to find out what happened in the crypt? she asks, heatedly.
Ah, I think what Kaylee means to say is that there will be plenty of time for questions and answers in the next few days, Kerret adds helpfully. We'd actually just decided to speak to you about our experiences, Master Cygar, but you have to understand that Dimeria and Roldare were subjected to some truly awful things in the crypt. Kaylee is one of our local healers, and she's more concerned with the health and well-being of the townsfolk right at this moment, as I'm sure you can understand.
If you'll come with me, I'll be more than happy to tell you the tale of our journey. How about the Silvers? We can have a flagon of wine, and you can tell me more about these Pathfinders.
CYGAR: "I believe there may be some confusion here. You see, Dimeria and I are actually close friends. I'm not interrogating her, we're merely having a discussion."
Dimeria tries to speak but the spell's effects have not quite ended and the same incomprehensible babble escapes her throat. Instead, she nods her head rapidly to confirm Cygar's story.
ROLDARE: "It's true."
CYGAR: "As you may know, my objective in Kassen is to help setup passage for a Pathfinder outpost in this region. Dimeria is my contact for Kassen and we have been developing a steady friendship over these weeks. I apologize for leading you to believe my intentions are less than pure. However, since I have you all now perhaps a meeting at the Seven Silvers would be a good idea. Dimeria has shared one particular piece of information with me that I feel needs to be discussed right away. That is of course if Dimeria's tongue has unravelled itself.
Dimeria tries hard to form proper words once again, and quickly her speech returns to her.
DIMERIA: "Yes, we should do this now. The next few days are going to be busy. As we speak, Mayor Uptal and some of the villagers are organizing a party to return to the Crypt of the Everflame to recover the bodies. I have volunteered to go along. There will be a memorial service shortly after.
CYGAR: "Excellent, everything is on me courtesy of the Pathfinder Society."
The Seven Silvers is crowded yet surprisingly quiet. A low murmur echoes throughout the room, mostly prayers and stories of the friends and loved ones lost at the Crypt but a select few of the brave heroes of Kassen. Trelvar Silvers the bartender is delighted to see you. "Somebody clear a table for the heroes of Kassen!" he shouts. The man you know as Grimscar, owner of the Woodcutter's Guildhall stands up from a crowded table. "Come here, you can have our table" he answers and clears not only his own table but the one next to it and pushes them together to provide ample seating. Cygar orders a round of drinks and some food before sitting down.
CYGAR: "I was planning on waiting until you were ready but as I mentioned, Dimeria had told me of one particular detail that I can't help but ignore. That is, the mask that you identified as Razmirian from the body in the Crypt. Now she also mentioned The Ghost of Kassen told you tomb robbers broke into the crypt and stole a pair of amulets. If your powers of deduction are as good as mine you might have concluded that the robbers are in fact Acolytes of Razmir. The thing is, I think I know which ones! In the city of Tamran, not far from here is a growing cult of Razmire with quite the unsavory reputation. Though I can't confirm it, rumor holds it that the cult is being lead by an Elven priestess of significant power and influence. I can't promise its what you're looking for but its a good place to start. If you're interested I'd like to arrange passage for you to Tamran. There I have a contact that may be able to help you, however there is a catch. The passage is by River Barge en route to Nirmathas and commanded by my good friend Captain Walren. The thing is, the Barge departs tomorrow."
Lorant looks back and forth between Dimeria and Cygar. "You said you knew which thieves these might be. Do you have names?"
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CYGAR: "I apologize for my poor choice in wording. By which ones I was referring to the temple of Razmir in Tamran. Unfortunately I have no names to offer you."
"Not even the name for the Elven priestess?" Kaylee wonders, "This doesn't give us much time to prepare. We'll need supplies… Are there any towns or cities on the way there?" she asks.
Wait, wait, wait. This is all so much. These Razmirans? What do they want? All I know is they're some kind of cult from across Lake Encarthan. What are they doing here in Nirmathas? What more can you tell us about them? Kerret looks wary, and truth be told, a bit frightened. Do we have to go so soon? We've only just returned...
I haven't even had a chance to talk to father, he mumbles half to himself.
It is a lot… I haven't even told Davyd and Emily that I've returned or of anything that's happened yet. Faith and Arynn will be upset that I'm leaving again so soon.
CYGAR: "The name of the Elven Priestess is mystery to a great many, that is if she even exists at all. For all I know she could be a complete fabrication created by the cult. No source of mine has ever been able to provide an eye witness account, just rumors and stories."
"As for the cult itself, They appeared, in Tamran about 2 years ago, first as a small band of missionaries. They soon raised the funds to build a temple, which was constructed over a year ago. Their power and influence
in the city have grown ever since. Members of the cult go out frequently to aid the poor and proselytize, however since they appeared crimes of thievery, blackmail and extortion have been out of control. The town guard pays them no heed and even goes so far as to dismiss reports of illegal activities which raises suspicions about the temple either infiltrating them, or just keeping them in their pocket. Tamran might have an easier time dealing with the problem but the followers all wear those damn masks to conceal their identities which makes it that much harder."
"We could all help each other out here if we pooled our collective resources. By travelling to Tamran to investigate the temple, a journey funded by the Pathfinder Society on my behalf, you could potentially find clues as to the whereabouts of the trinket your town founder requested you locate. Think about it, the body you found in that crypt was obviously an Acolyte of Razmir. There isn't even another known following of Razmir in the entire region. If they didn't steal what you seek to find, who else would have? In return, I get a great story for the Grand Lodge along with any incriminating information about the cult that may aid in their dismissal. Lastly, the Pathfinder Society is looking to recruit within the area. The life of an adventurer may not be the one you dreamed of but if it is. This could be exactly what we all need to get recognized."
"I understand that the imminent departure is a little sudden but it is the only connection for safe passage to Tamran I have. Captain Walren is a good friend but his cargo is important and he cannot delay. Once the Black Mist leaves, it might not even return this season. How long did you really plan on sticking around Kassen before you started your mission?"
Lorant looks around at the others slowly. "We should go. I know we just got back and everyone wants to reunite with their family. I want to counsel with the Captain and see my parents. Maybe Emily too. But if we don't go now, we break our promise to Kassan's ghost. And really, what better addition to our story than stealing away in the middle of the night to safeguard a great secret from a terrible cult?"
"We all wanted to see Tamran anyway. Maybe just sooner than we thought."
a robust voice calls out from just feet away.
The speaker - a tall, bespectacled man dressed in a fanciful overcoat - approaches the party. He offers the heroes of Kassen an appraising glance, as well as a curt nod. The man then makes his way to Cygar's side.
"I trust that these are the ones you spoke of?" he asks him, gesturing toward the others. His manner of speaking makes it clear that it is not really a question. Without waiting for an answer, he looks to them each in turn and dips his head. "I am a representative of the Pathfinder Society; Lector Rhomelus, at your service. I have been looking into this cult for some time now, and believe that I can be of some assistance, if you would have it." He makes a point of looking to Cygar once more. "That is, if that arrangement is agreeable with Cygar, of course. He might not approve of me trying to steal your thunder."
CYGAR: "Rhomelus, your timing is superb."
Cygar slides over a chair so that Lector may seat himself with the rest of the table.
"I was just going over the details, but I am optimistic that things will work out favourably for all of us. Still no decision has been made yet."
"Lorant is right, we can't delay our journey. Too much could be at stake. I'll return home tonight to quickly explain what has occurred and why I am leaving again so soon. All the shops are closed now anyways. In the morning I'll pick up the ingredients I need and maybe a portable alchemy lab to brew some potions on the way."
She looks over the new arrival with a curious eye. "A kindness to meet you, I'm Kaylee Pruitt." she says as she extends her hand for a handshake. "If you don't mind me asking, how do you plan to offer assistance?"
Kassen seems a little, smaller anyway, now that we're back at least. Kerret sighs and looks around a bit wistfully, but straightens his shoulders and nods decisively. Tamram's no Korvosa, but it'll do for a jaunt. And if we can discourage these cultists from poking their noses where they don't belong, so much the better.
When Rhomelus makes his appearance, Kerret smiles welcomingly, and slides over the flagon of wine and a cup. Another Pathfinder! Excellent! Will you be coming with us? If you've got information on these Razmirans, that'll surely be a help.
"I like to think of myself as an agent of truth," Lector answers, shaking Kaylee's hand and taking the seat offered to him. "Infiltration, espionage... I will do whatever is necessary to expose the cult's activities and take back what was lost. But I suppose I can let my actions speak for themselves." Accepting the flagon, he starts to pour himself a cup of wine. "On the unfortunate side of things, Cygar has just told you everything that we - that I know. However, these recent events have presented an opportunity that we have never had before."
"I will make an offering to Erastil before we leave, and arrange for my tasks to be seen to."
I say little, concern about neglecting Kassen warring with responsibility to the spirit of Kassen. I know in my heart which will win but feel better with a little fussing.
CYGAR: "I'm happy to have us all agree on this. Together we will achieve much good for the people of Nirmathas. Since we are all have so little time to prepare we should perhaps think about spending the remaining hours of the day taking care of any remaining business before we run out of daylight. I'll inform Captain Walren that he will be taking on a few additional crew for the first leg of his journey. The Black Mist sets off first thing in the morning so be sure to meet at the docks at first light."
"One last detail before I forget. As I said earlier I have a contact stationed in Tamran. He is known as . Don't forget his name as finding him should be your first priority upon arrival. Reginar knows the city well and has been keeping an eye on the masked followers of Razmir along with Rhomelus."
Lorant scoffs at Lector. "'Infiltration and espionage.' Hardly an Agent of Truth." He sighs. "But this isn't as fun as the stories made it seem either. I suppose it will be helpful to have you with us, Mr. Rhomelus." He nods at the man.
"Truth is not always easy to grasp," Lector replies, not at all offended. "There are those who would hide it away from plain sight, or use it for sinister purpose. But I can assure you of one thing, Ser Pelus - this will make for quite a story." He smiles.
"In that regard, I will try not to disappoint you."
Lorant laughs. "Ser Pelus! Just Lorant, Mr. Rhomelus. Just the Farrier's son. I'm not knight or a hero from the legends."
"You might be a hero soon enough, Lorant" Kaylee teases him before addressing the group, "Is there any thing else that needs to be discussed? I'm anxious to go make preparations."
CYGAR: "I should be off to make preparations as well."
DIMERIA: "Us to. The following week is going to be a difficult one for Roldare, Myself and the town. Still, I wish you the best of luck on your adventure."
Dimeria and Roldare rise from their seats and prepare to leave the establishment. Cygar remains for a second longer:
CYGAR: Is there anything else you might need of me before your departure tomorrow?"
Lector looks to rest of the party, pushing the bridge of his glasses further up his nose.
"My affairs are in order. I will be ready at your convenience."
"I don't think there is anything that I need from you, Cygar. I'll see everyone at the docks tomorrow at dawn." Kaylee bows to everyone quickly and then makes her way to the marketplace for a few purchases before heading home to spend what short time she has left before she leaves again with her family.
CYGAR: Excellent, I shall be on my way then. I understand that this may be hard for some of you but keep in mind the long term benefits. I bid you all a good evening and look forward to happier things to come."
With that Cygar, Dimeria and Roldare stand up and exit The seven Silvers, but not before Cygar pays for the tab. Dimeria escorts Roldare back home and Cygar disappears into the dusk to do whatever it is Pathfinders do.