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Your adventure begins in Sandswept Hall, the Pathfinder Lodge in Sothis. Balentiir shutters of the windows in his second-story office overlooking the lodge’s tranquil gardens and seats himself behind his writing desk. He nods and introduces a thin, aging Garundi man in an ornately bejeweled and feathered turban. “This is Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage. I trust most of you know of him already. If you don’t, know that he has served both the Ruby Prince and the Pathfinder Society for many years, uncovering vast troves of lore from Ancient Osirion and mentoring some of our finest agents. He recently approached my colleagues and me with a request for assistance, and the Society has agreed to step up and aid its ally. The arrangement is, in fact, rather mutually beneficial.” He nods to Amenopheus, signaling the elder man to speak.
“Faithful servants of the past, I bid you greetings,” the wizened sage says with a shallow bow. “Our esteemed ruler, the Ruby Prince, recently released me from his service, which has freed me to learn more about a little-known organization to which I belong: the Jeweled Sages, protectors of Osirion’s history and chroniclers of its past glories. Quite by accident, I found myself initiated into this group, and have long believed myself to be its sole surviving member. Each sage in the group possesses a unique jewel—a priceless artifact that contains memories of Osirion’s golden age.” He pauses as if considering how to express his thoughts “For many years, I have sought news of any other members of the Jeweled Sages. My agents recently learned of the Diamond Sage, whom they traced to the city of Eto in the Osirian Desert. At the same time, I received word from a reliable source that several other jewels in the vicinity. I ask that you travel to Eto, negotiate with my contact in the city for his assistance, and then use what you learn to find the Diamond Sage and these lost jewels.”
Venture-Captain Balentiir frowns and adds, “This contact has tried to remain anonymous, but we suspect he is none other than Grandmaster Torch. If you’ve heard of him—or worse, met him—you may know trading favors is his signature. Regardless of Torch’s past treacheries, we need you to deal with him fairly for the information. There is a caravan leaving for Eto in a few hours, so don’t delay."
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A striking woman enters the room. Her features suggest that she is from somewhere in the Tian lands and she carries herself with an aristocratic haughtiness that suggests a noble upbringing, which makes the dozens of tattoos that cover most of her visible skin even more incongruous. The tattoos appear to be done largely in the Varisian style. She does not appear to be carrying any weapons or wearing armor.
"Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. I am Hoprah, and I will do what I can to ensure the success of our mission. Master Amenopheus, pray thee, what more can you tell us about the Diamond Sage? Have you met? And what do you know about the character of the sage's jewel?"
"And, VC Balentiir, erm, it appears that there has been some past misdealings by this Torch person? Why should we trust him? And what can you tell us about his ways of operating?"
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A short but average looking dwarf with braided long brown hair and beard clad in a finely fitted breastplate gives Hoprah a bow as she introduces herself, "Well met Hoprah, I am Tuthil Kegbane Inquisitor of Iomedae at your service."
Tuthil appears well armed with a darkwood bow sheathed over his back, and a longsword at his hip.
"I am use to dealing with treacheries people, and keeping the dealing fair."
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Amun-Heth is a deeply tanned Osirian human who bears no visible weapons and dresses like one of the many stylites and monks seeking enlightenment out on the fringes of the great desert. An intricate tattoo is visible on his right arm; it evidently stretches at least to his neck.
"I am called Amun-Heth. I have heard of both the honorable Amenopheus and the disreputable Grand Master Torch. It is an honor to serve the one and a danger to deal with the other. For the honor of the Scarab Sages, I shall do both."
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Amenopheus calmly replies to Hoprah, albeit likely not the response she was hoping for. "Besides the existence of the sage, we have learnt nothing that would help us in approaching them."
Venture-Captain Balentiir sighs heavily with regards to Grandmaster Torch. “The man is a charming devil to be sure. He always plays one side of a deal against the other, and usually ends up ahead. You’ll recognize him by his burn scars. He suffered some injury that never seems to heal. Whatever you do, never fully trust him.”
Before Amun-Heth, or anyone else can continue, Balentiir raises his hands in a calming gesture. “I assure that much of the Society shares your feelings; however, Torch has leverage that we would rather he not use against us. Any violence directed toward him would be revisited on us a hundredfold, so don’t be selfish. Save your vendettas for another day.”
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The silent bearded man ,clad in grey clothes, was scanning the place and people, while the Grandmaster spoke.
He bows to the Grandmaster with respect.
This is a great quest, probably full of challenges. I will do my utmost to bring you satisfaction. I have done a few missions for our Faction already... but I haven't had the pleasure to work with you all,
so I should introduce myself. My name is Lebraerio Hantwell, but you can call me Leb for short. I dabble in alchemy, and I always enjoy an intellectual challenge. I'm not that good when things becomes physical,
unfortunatly.
He smiles
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Untir is a tanned Garundi man. His long dark hair is tied back from his eyes with a ragged leather strip at his brow. Other than the breastplate he is wearing, a silvery large shield attached to his left arm, and a simple shortspear strapped to his back, he carries little else. He is dressed in thin and light clothing, suitable for desert dwellers of the Osirion.
He looks with clear reverence at Amenopheus. "I am pleased to have made your acquaintance. My name is Untir, Untir Jonrot. I have served as the apprentice shaman for my tribe, Running Scorpion tribe in the heart of the Osirion desert. In the last year, with the urging of my ancestors, have found myself with the Society. Little would I have imagined this path would have led to this personal encounter with the fabled Sapphire Sage. Tales of the Jeweled Sages are legendary in my tribe, and it is my honor to serve you in this." Untir gives the wizened man a deep bow.
He then turns to the rest of the party. "I'm afraid I have not encountered this Grandmaster Torch personally, but he already has the sound of a unsavoury man."
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Around this here parts, Grandmaster Torch is a rarely heard name, but Lebraerio believes him to be Absalom's most notorious information brokers. Infamously to only play by his rules, and perhaps, has deeper roots within the Pathfinder Society than many might know.
Before departing, Amenopheus pulls a weathered stone from his robes and strikes it once against the wall to break the stone into two crystalline geode halves. He hands one piece to the Pathfinders, instructing you, “If you find one of the jewels of my order or the person known as the Diamond Sage, I ask that you contact me. Concentrate on the stone and speak a message of a few dozen words. I will hear you and respond with further instructions. It will only work once, so keep it safe.”
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Venture-Captain Balentiir makes arrangements for you to travel to Eto as part of a trade caravan of heavily laden camels, and he pays for the cost of the travel. "Go live and prosper Pathfinders." The journey overland is uneventful, boring and perhaps a little uncomfortable due to the hills.
The immense rock walls that ring Eto rise from the horizon like a shimmering mirage that gradually sharpens into focus. The city sits inside an elevated crater with sheer, weathered sides broken only in two places by heavily guarded gates. Long lines of caravans wait in a meandering queue awaiting entrance as officials search their cargos for contraband and calculate taxes. Water sellers, food vendors, and guides march up and down the lines peddling their wares and services to the visitors. Beyond the gates, the main thoroughfares fan out around the various districts of the city before dwindling into the dozens of pathways that flow through the bazaar like the delta of the great River Sphinx.
As your caravan approaches the gate, a trio of officials walk up to inspect the caravan. The Caravan leader explains this is the normal procedure for entering Eto. "Eto is a hub of trade in Osirion’s interior, and these officials ensure that no one brings dangerous contraband (such as certain drugs, large quantities of explosives, etc.) into the city. They further confirm that all Osirian relics are documented and taxed. "
The trio chats with the caravan leader and he confirms that you indeed are guest to the caravan. One of the officials come up to speak to you. Your customs agent is Mahu, a bored Garundi man whose graying beard and tired eyes suggest he’s seen it all and heard every excuse at least a few dozen times. "So, where have you come from strangers? And what brings you here?"
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"Greetings, good Mahu, we are most lately coming from Sothis, but indeed we are travelers from many far lands. I myself am originally from Minata, in far Tian Xia, where my family was one of great esteem and respect. Alas, we lost everything to an usurpation by our hated rivals and were forced to flee. Since then I have lived in Varisia, where I learnt the noble art of tattooing-" - she gestures towards her numerous tattoos - "as well as one or two other useful skills."
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Hoprah is certain the man is a professional, and isn't hiding motives, but is there to do his job to the best of his abilities. "I see, yes, you do not look like you're from around Osirion. That is all very interesting. And why would the Pathfinders... be here today? Business I presume?"
He doesn't really seem impressed at Hoprah's attempts of small chat.
He indicates as well that he would need to inspect your belongings.
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Untir has been rather solemn throughout the journey. But a transformation seem to come over him when the caravan nears officials. His entire demeanour brightens and he carries a warm smile.
"Good day, Master Mahu. As is evident, I am a native Osirion. From one of the many desert tribes, but admittedly I have been spending the last couple of years in Absalom. Good to see that the old homelands hasn't changed much. My, it must have been six years since I last visited. Anything noteworthy recently?"
Untir's mouth purses ever so slightly when Amun-Heth openly declares their allegiance to the organisation, but it reverts to a warm smile almost immediately. "Well, you know us Pathfinders. Always out to explore the world. Bringing my new-found friends here to visit the wonders of our homeland!"
As he speaks, Untir opens his backpack for the official's inspection.
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He rummages through your belongings one by one, checking them thoroughly while continuing the small talk. Eventually he finds no fault within what you carry, or in your words.
Something about having a native Osirion with you pays off, he continues to chat with Untir in a friendly manner, and chats about new developments of newly found relics, and some newly built buildings.
"...and don't be a stranger, if you need any help, feel free to search for me out here, and have a pleasant day.
The House of the White Uraeus is a two-story, whitewashed stone structure located in one of Eto’s more upscale districts. A large brass plaque above its door depicts a snake with two “necks” that split from its body, each with its own head. The servants that manage the inn wear immaculately clean clothing and maintain a quiet but cheerful facility. This is the place where you are supposed to meet Grandmaster Torch. As you arrive, a half-orc looks over, and with a grunt waves for you to follow him further into the building.
Although its exterior is unassuming, the interior of the White Uraeus is richly decorated with panels of gold-veined marble and bubbling fountains in secluded courtyards. Cool breezes carry the scent of blooming desert flowers throughout the clean halls. Two half-orcs keep watch outside one set of closed doors. After a moment inspecting the visitors, they pull open the doors to reveal a tiled bathing chamber beyond. “Welcome to Eto, Pathfinders,” rasps Grandmaster Torch as he lounges in a steaming tub. “I didn’t imagine we would meet again under such heart-warming circumstances, yet the White Uraeus certainly knows how to make a traveler comfortable. What can a humble secret monger such as I do for you?” he asks as he leans forward in the tub and flashes a knowing smile.
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"Greetings, Grandmaster Torch, we bring, um, felicitations from Venture Captain Balentiir. We've been told that if we are need of information, there is no one better than you to provide it, so we come in the hopes that you may have the information we require, and that, in turn, we may assist you in whatever way might be beneficial to you."
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The man considers your words for a moment, “Amenopheus may have overlooked the fact that he owed me several favors before I ever asked for his help, but I don’t mind extending a discount to repeat customers,” he remarks with a rasping chuckle as he snaps his fingers to summon one of his bodyguards, who arrives carrying a folded piece of paper. “Let’s see what’s on today’s schedule,” he murmurs as he examines the paper’s contents. “Yes, all of this will do. Consider this my price—all of these tasks completed to my satisfaction in return for what I know of the sages’ jewels. Do we have a deal?” He holds out the paper..
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Untir rapidly read through the list of requests, his face rather neutral. Once done, he looks up and gives Grandmaster Torch a wide smile.
"I can see that we are dealing with a master of information. You had deduced the mission from our Venture Captain was on behalf of Amenopheus regarding the sage crystals without us mentioning it. Truly a master." Untir bows deeply. Glancing back at the list briefly, he continues, "I notice that this quests you are sending us on are of ... I should say ... of a dubious nature? Not that we are turning it down because of it. No, no. Just want to understand where they stand should we be unfortunate to encounter any of the local law enforcement agents. And oh, certainly hope no innocent lives would be lost?"
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Grandmaster Torch chuckles, "Discretion would perhaps be advised. As long as my objectives are met, it matters not of the lives of others." He mentions cold heartedly.
"The information is not to be bargained with, my terms are fair, and final, if you are not interested in this, I could sell this information elsewhere, especially with the fact Amenopheus being involved." As he says this, his guards come start to look lively, in event things go sour.
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Some common knowledge that Leraerio recalls:
The cult of Khepri, the dung beetle, is common among the peasants and laborers of Osirion. Khepri represent those who toil in ignominy and squalor. He is a trickster, turning the indignity of his appearance and labor upon those who consider themselves refined, elevated, and superior to others.
"The book is a mundane piece of equipment." Grandmaster Torch replies, but offers no more further of the book.
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Hoprah claps her hands with delight. "Ah, a bit of intrigue, a bit of skulking, a bit of intimidation, well, you certainly are familiar with us pathfinders, aren't you!?! Well, if you will stick to your end of the bargain, I'm sure we can manage our end without too much trouble. After all, what could possibly go wrong?"
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Soon after, Grandmaster Torch grows bored of idle chatter, and signals his guards to see you off. His miniature half-orc army leads you out the same way you had entered.
A little ahead of you lies the Eto Bazaar. The sprawling bazaar at the heart of Eto is a riot of colorful tents, ramshackle stalls, and haphazardly parked carts and wagons surrounding the only permanent structure, the tall stone Government House home of the governor Asep Ma. With an influx of foreign explorers fueling economic growth, the city’s merchants, laborers, and artisans can provide nearly everything an adventurer could need for exploring lost ruins and tombs. Nothing in the bazaar comes without a price, though, and the Eto’s inhabitants are renowned for their ability to haggle. During the day, buyers and sellers pack this busy public area, crowding the narrow pathways between shops.
The bazaar provides a good opportunity for making purchases, but not only that, it is a good place to pick up local rumours or learn about certain individuals you are tasked against.
An upcoming holy day of Sarenrae has people remembering how a cleric of the goddess tried to purge the land of evil over a hundred years ago; however, the ruins of the old city beyond the cliff walls still hide shrines to the old faiths, especially the serpent cult of Apep. The serpent god’s slithering children are blessed with the ability to go unnoticed by eyes accustomed to the Dawnflower’s light.
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Tuthil shares what little he knows about the bazaar, ”Madame Zelekhati recently began hiring more workers at the Dancing Dunes, though she sends away most who don’t have at least some elven blood. Also, most merchants recommend avoiding Beggar’s Alley, which is home to a gang of pickpockets known as the Hundredfingers.”
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The book is a simple leather book binded by a metal scarab clasp. Rummaging through the pages of the book, you noticed it to be a simple prayer book, with multiple pages of prayer. Prayers for rain, prayers for crops, prayers for sun...etc anything and everything you could think of that could be possibly related to Khepri.
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That was expected. The book is mundane, very interesting as it shows the evolution in the worshiping of Khepri, from slavery to free toil, but the most interesting part is the scarab clasp to keep it close. It can be used, as a focus, for divination magic. So Torch can spy Lozar by this way. Maybe we could either try to disrupt the magic from the item to get it useless for Torch treachery, or rip it from the book (but that might damage the book itself) ..or do nothing and simply follow Torch's orders.
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"Personally, I see no reason to betray Torch unless and until he turns on us. We need the information that only he possesses - let us stay on his good side, at least for now. As for this Lozar fellow, since it appears that his stinginess is getting in the way of the launching of his expedition, perhaps we can use that to our advantage?"