The hills ringing Almas, capital of Andoran, slope gently toward the harbor cradling the Hornet’s Nest, the red sun rising behind them. This morning the ship’s activity rivals its namesake as Pathfinders and their agents bustle here and there inside the ship’s hastily constructed command post. After a short wait, Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks rolls into the ship’s galley, his face scowling and dark eyes bloodshot.
“You lot again? The Decemvirate promised better, but I suppose we have no time to waste. You have likely heard the rumors—which, unfortunately, underestimate our danger.
“The Society’s lodge in the former Cathedral of Aroden here has thrived of late—they say thanks to Venture-Captain Brackett’s grand parties, which seduce the weak-willed leaders of this so-called ‘democracy’ into permitting the Pathfinder Society unfettered access to the resources in the nation’s interior. Not likely you lot were ever invited, though. Needed to be of the presentable sort, after all.
“Last night, Brackett threw one of his most extravagant fetes yet to celebrate the recent return of a team of Pathfinders up near Falcon’s Hollow on a diplomatic mission to the region’s fey. Fillian over there claims that all the sparkling light made the Cathedral’s windows a stunning sight. Everyone was having a grand time until the trouble started. At the stroke of midnight, a dozen guests drew their swords and methodically massacred the others—poor, drunk fools. A moment later the lights went out. Fillian had been admiring the windows from the dome’s walkway and ran upward, to the belfry. Says he hid there until daylight and then crawled out to my ship here. He heard many others flee underground, followed by screams of agony.
“Shortly before dawn, several bands of what looked to be hulking, cloaked hobgoblins left the Cathedral, taking off in different directions into the city. Not only do we need to retake our lodge and rescue any survivors, but whatever those monsters plan to do in Almas, it’s got something to do with the Cathedral. I imagine even you understand how that might look for the Society if something bad were to happen to the city at large, centered on our local headquarters.
“You can probably guess who’s behind this—the Shadow Lodge, source of endless trouble this past year. We need that Lodge back, and we need Brackett alive. Time is not on our side here, and I fear it may already be too late for whatever those monstrous brutes left the Cathedral to do.
“According to Fillian’s tale, the best way in is the belfry. So your job is to get in there, kick the Shadow Lodge out, and keep Brackett alive. And put a stop to whatever ongoing plot you manage to uncover.
“Good luck. You’ll need it.”
May the warm winds of Almas find you well, friend. I have heard news of the terrible tragedy in the Cathedral of Aroden. But perhaps from such horror some good will arise. Attached to this note is a small ledger that another of our agents liberated from some smugglers bound for Katheer. It contains evidence that a Qadiran agent used the Almas Lodge to launder their ill-gotten slave money in Andoran. Give it to Brackett, and the slavers will henceforth be most unwelcome in the Almas Lodge!
We have also heard rumors of hobgoblins inside Almas. Perhaps coincidence—but most likely not. The Society cares little that such creatures have penetrated our fair city, but we must protect the citizens as best we can. Learn where any of these creatures hide, and we will move quickly to neutralize them. If you have reason to believe the forces are sizable, do not risk yourself to eliminate them; stay focused on the task at hand, for Andoran’s betterment.
May freedom always reign,
Captain Colson Maldris
It is rare indeed that we have unfettered access to the Cathedral of Aroden and its many treasures, and I simply insist that you take advantage! We have heard tell of a forbidden book, the Book of Dreaming Devils, that the Almas Lodge has kept hidden from outside view for decades. Find it, and House Thrune will be most pleased.
Additionally, I must ask a personal favor. The Almas Lodge’s librarian has something of a strange obsession with me. While I am hardly one to discourage admiration, rumors have reached me that he has taken a step that is… embarrassing. If you discover any such evidence, pray bring it to me, and we will celebrate most decadently.
With the greatest pleasure,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
I write this in great haste, for t here is much to be done in Almas. The Cathedral of Aroden holds fabulous knowledge in its walls, but surprisingly enough some of its most unique knowledge emerged in our own age. Wystorn Telfyr, the Lodge’s librarian, has learned a great deal about homunculi, surpassing even our sages. T he key , we suspect, lies in t he creatures’ incubation fluid. Take this opportunity to extract some, and the Ruby Prince will be most pleased. I also beg of you a personal favor—a close advisor to the Ruby Prince traveled to Almas recently and at tended Bracket t ’s gala. T his woman, Ramenophesa, is truly a font of wisdom. I beg that you rescue her if you are able.
For Our Ancestors,
Otoneraphim, Humble Scribe of the Ruby Prince
My sources tell me that you head into Almas, that strange city where the unwashed masses try to rule themselves! Indeed our esteemed traders have not yet penetrated its obtuse markets—an odd place indeed. One of our agents—a bear of a man, with unforgettable scars atop his bare pate—was finally making headway, but we fear he is lost after attending this fool Brackett’s ill-fated gala. Fortunately, this man Fuha was a renowned note-taker. Perhaps he left a list of his contacts, either on his person or in his quarters. Find it, and all may not be lost. We must, however, ensure that Fuha is never discovered as one of our agents. Stealthily destroy any items that could connect him with the Satrap, if you can, and you shall be richly rewarded.
Do not tarry!
Trade Prince Aaqir Al’Hakam
Your jaunt in Almas shall not be without benefit to Taldor, despite the troubles it causes for the Society. The Emperor feels especially curious about this Cathedral of Aroden, thanks to Aroden’s long patronage of our fine nation.
Legends say that the cathedral’s famous southern window hides a coded prophecy about Taldor’s future, one we hope is more accurate than the Starfall Doctrine but whose contents have remained thus far hidden. The code is intricate, but copy it for us, and perhaps it will aid us in recovering our nation’s glory. I close with a personal request of your honor. One of Taldor’s finest youths, and a distant cousin of mine, was also an apprentice to Brackett’s lieutenant wizard. The boy, Greudemoffit, attended the gala last night—rescue him, and you will have my deepest gratitude.
For Taldor!
Lady Gloriana Morilla
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A bald human in simple garb nods and closes his eyes as he ponders the information that has been shared thus far.
A massacre? Quite disturbing. And hobgoblins... this does not bode well.
Wilhelm then opens both eyes and pierces the eyse of VC Hamshanks. "Has there been no other communication with the any of the individuals that have committed this massacre? Do they have any demands, or is this just a power play by the Shadow Lodge?"
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Kraang gives Sascha he undivided attention, nodding at all the appropriate moments. His sour milk colored eyes focus on her every mannerism through his cowl. Kraang rests his body on his stout quarterstaff as his long, rubbery fingers. The hulking figure dressed in dusty, ruby-colored robes from head to toe eyes his companions tenativly.
"Who is this Fillian and how does he know all of this?"
VC Hamshanks waves your questions away with a meaty hand and says, "You should direct all questions to Fillian, the young apprentice to the wizard Telfyr, who was the only one to escape. He's got more information than I can give you."
Stepping out from behind the Venture Captain is the young apprentice mage Fillian. “After all the light, it seemed so dark—I couldn’t see much. There was a lot of noise at first. I think they were barricading the main entrance, and then it got real quiet once the invaders dragged the captives off upstairs, yelling in a coarse, monster language the entire time. All I heard after that was wind blowing all around the main chamber, and sometimes cackling—Master Telfyr’s homunculi, I’ll wager; they’re always laughing and jesting.”
"The hobgoblins were seen about before the incident but I haven't heard any news from the city since then. They don't seem to have any demands, at least not yet. They just wanted to massacre. And supposedly keep a few for some foul purpose. It could be a power play or it could be just the first step in some complicated political maneuver to throw the Pathfinders out of the city and swoop into power."
Hamshanks interrupts, "Eh, you know what? Never mind this hostage situation. We'll find someone else to cover this task. I hear there's something going down in Goka, though. . . "
After an abrupt departure and long journey across the sea to Goka, you have finally arrived to meet with Venture Captain Amara Li.
Venture-Captain Amara Li is waiting in a well-maintained private garden behind a house on a quiet street in Ramparassad, the capital city of Dtang Ma, a nation in eastern Tian Xia. She speaks once everyone has arrived and has had an opportunity to enjoy tea. “When first I arrived in Absalom two years ago, I had a simple but nuanced mission: to increase communication and sharing of resources between the Pathfinder Society and its counterpart in Tian Xia by establishing the Lantern Lodge’s position on the other side of the world.”
She pauses briefly to sip her tea, before adding, “More than a year ago we successfully purchased and restored the house known as Hinojai, which was once a base for the Way of the Kirin. When we acquired Hinojai, it was as much a gambit to attract the attention of the remaining agents of the Way of the Kirin as it was an opportune acquisition of real estate. And indeed, a man claiming to be an agent of the Way recently contacted me by leaving me a message here.”
“Although the Way of the Kirin fell into ruin with the fall of Lung Wa a century ago, its far-reaching resources remain valuable, and it still commands great respect. If the Pathfinder Society could ally itself with the Way, the relationship would be of immense benefit to both organizations."
Amara’s voice reveals her satisfaction as she says, “Pathfinders, we are on the cusp of just such an alliance. In a day’s time, we shall meet with this representative from the Way of the Kirin, and you are to act as security for me and ensure that the meeting is a success. I do not expect any trouble from the Way, but after all of the betrayals and double-crosses that the Society has experienced over the past few years, I worry that this is an elaborate setup by the Aspis Consortium. I have arranged for us all to be transported to the site early tomorrow morning, so take care of any errands you have in Ramparassad this afternoon. There are no settlements near our destination, and we will be spending the night there. I expect you understand the need to be fully prepared.”
Amara Li stares into the dregs of her tea as though she were attempting to discern some lost thoughts in the green leaves floating at the cups bottom, then looks up. “Ah yes—before the negotiations begin in earnest, I will host a formal tea ceremony to set the tone. I encourage you to participate, though doing so is not required. I would, however, expect you to dress appropriately for the event.” With that she stands and waits to accept any questions.
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An unshaven man sits up straight as VC Amara Li stands up.
"High tea, eh? Well," he rubs his unshaven chin, "I'm sure I could rustle up some finery to wear for the occasion. One question: who exactly are the Way of the Kirin? I've been with the society for some time, but I have yet to encounter any organization that uses that name."
Other than that, Desmond doesn't have any questions. An escort mission, what fun!
Once the Pathfinders are let loose for the night, Desmond picks up a few things.
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A man stands listening to the Venture Captain while eagerly examining everything around him. He appears to be of Kellid descent, but has some notable Tian features. He wears monk's robes and gear of a traditional Pathfinder. His hair is a tangled mess of locks and he has a glint ot his eyes.
It is exhilarating to at last be in the homeland of my mother and her ancestors and I would be most honored to attend the tea ceremony.
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"It would be an honor to escort you, Venture-Captain Li," Shan says while bowing with respect. He then nods at Desmond's question and also asks one of is own.
"Besides the Consortium, what other hazards might we come across on our way to this meeting?
"As for the tea-ceremony, it would be my honor to attend, Venture Captain. I will maitain the honor this event deserves."
Shan looks over at the new Pathfinder that has joined his ket and bows.
"Greetings. My name is Shan Pangu, Lord of the Mountain. I am but a simple soul in search of enlightenment. Would you by chance be a practitioner of the magical arts?"
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I wonder what VC Heidmarch meant by, ‘Don’t waste your “Without Error” slot when you teleport this agent. You know roughly where she’s going, right?’
Standing before you is a slightly harried-looking half-elven woman of an indeterminant age. She wears a simple traveller’s skirt and blouse, with a scarf tied over her mousey blonde hair.
She removes the smoked goggles from her eyes, clasps her palms together in front of her and bows at the waist before respectfully addressing Venture-Captain Li.
我已经告诉这个妓女，这句话的意思，我很荣幸
She looks over her companions.
Totally not a Scarzni hitman – Is he lookin’ at me?
Not sure what to make of the second one. I suspect he can change into a near endless number of forms depending upon his needs.
The dwarf looks familiar … can’t quite place him though … did he have the lead role as the dwarven prince in that play that came out recently ..?
"Hi, there! Please call me Luisila, humble and obedient servant of the Unquenchable Fire! So happy to meet you all for the first time!"
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Shan releases an uneasy cough at Luisila's introduction to Venture-Captain Li. The dwarf with frost blue hair and dark skin steps forward with a nod in the direction of Luisila. His hair forms a braid that nearly reaches his lower backside. The dwarf is dressed in humble clothing that are really nothing more then cloth covering his sculpted frame held in place by a double wide belt. A bandolier crosses his chest is filled with a number of different vials and flasks. He wears no armor and the only observable weapon is a mithral temple sword that appears untouched.
"Blessings upon you, Luisila. My name is is Shan Pangu, Lord of the Mountain. It is an honor meeting you again. I say this because I feel we may have met in another life."
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Luisila bows low in response to the dwarven monk’s greeting. “The honor is mine, Master.”
*mentally snaps fingers* The carriage driver from the Lady Dacilane affair? Wow! Lord of the Mountain … I believe he speaks of the Way …
There is no trace of disrespect in her voice. She is trying to establish a rapport with the monk, with the aim of promoting mutual respect.
“So I guess it matters not the name of the donkey you ride up the mountain, as long as it leads you along the way to the summit?”
She smiles. ”I prefer wasps to donkeys … but let me concede that point.”
“What of the Mountain itself? Is there only one Mountain, or are there two or even four? I understand some adherents of the Way propose somewhat different approaches. Peace, calm, seclusion and humility on the path to perfection being one. Are the teachings on one Mountain ‘better’ than those on another? Relative concepts like ‘better’ sound confusing to an ignorant priestess when discussing an absolute like perfection.”
“Please do not misunderstand me, Master, I mean no disrespect. But perfection is not a goal I would choose for myself.”
She laughs, “I would be UNBEARABLE if I was perfect. Trying to achieve excellence is enough for a simple soul like me.”
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Desmond adjusts his bandolier and approaches the half-elf. "Ol' Shan here is quite the philosopher. But I say he does his best work with his bare hands. He's like a spider monkey when he grapples." He gives the dwarf a friendly punch on the shoulder.
"He doesn't always approve of my faction duties, but he doesn't get too upright about it. There ain't anyone I'd rather have in my corner."
"So Luisila, what does a servant of the Unquenchable Fire do, exactly?"
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Shinkeer nods at the party. I am called Shinkeer. It pleases me to make your acquaintance. Shin gives a small bow. So you two have worked together before it seems. Always good to have companions you know to watch behind you. I hope to earn that honor before we are through here. Shin moves closer and say in conspiratorial whisper. Master Shan, do you know what design of clothing would be appropriate for this ceremony? Though my mother's ancestor came from this homeland, I grew up in the north, among the mammoth riders. I am not familiar with such things and own only my robes.
Amara Li responds to Desmond, "Slightly more than a century ago, the Lung Wa Dynasty collapsed, plunging much of Tian Xia into chaos. During this time, a once-powerful military and trade organization known as the Way of the Kirin also crumbled and disappeared from the public eye. At the height of its power the Way of the Kirin held great wealth and had small private armies defending its interests. A century later, the Way has not entirely vanished, but the organization’s influence has waned to the extent where its very existence is kept secret for the sake of its remaining members. What remains is a shell of its former glory. The few extant members of Way of the Kirin have access to vast stores of wealth, information, and magic, but there are few they would trust to wield these resources. It is an organization that has captured my interest for some time now and I feel that the Way of the Kirin is an ideal complement to the Pathfinder Society in Tian Xia. The Society has the wealth of agents that the Way of the Kirin lost, and the fallen organization in turn possesses a pool of wealth, political contacts, and local knowledge that the Society lacks. It is a perfect pairing of compatible organizations."
She turns to the dwarf. "Ah, so good to see you Brother Shan. I do hope that you will don a shirt for the tea ceremony and negotiations. I do not expect any trouble from the Way of the Kirin, and we have taken considerable measures to ensure this mission is secret. Even so, I am certain that both the Golden League and the Aspis Consortium would leverage every resource to prevent this alliance. Much as the Society has gathered rivals in the Inner Sea, the Way of the Kirin has made many enemies in Tian Xia. The Golden League is a powerful criminal organization with influence throughout Tian Xia. They are masters of subtle manipulation, bribery, thuggery, and assassination. Their enforcers are called Xun—merciless thugs who don’t hesitate to maim or kill a person for the league families they serve. They are easy enough to spot by the nearly full-body tattoos that they favor. Should you see any Xun here in Ramparassad, keep clear.”
Amara Li moves to the door. "Well, if you have no other questions, it seems that you will all make quite the company and I am proud to be working with you all. Desmond and Luisila, talk to the carrier outside. I believe he has some letters for you. Shan and Shin, I have a letter for you here. I will see you all tomorrow morning." She hands over a small folded paper to Shan and Shin.
What lies ahead is among the most important events in the brief yet illustrious history of the Lantern Lodge, and I shall accompany you so that we might act as one. Whatever lies ahead, I require that you follow my instructions closely and do everything you can to ensure that the alliance between the Pathfinder Society and the Way of the Kirin comes to fruition.
I want you to know that whatever happens, it has been a great joy and an even greater honor to serve as your patron.
Respectfully,
Venture-Captain Amara Li
In the past I have expressed skepticism of Amara Li’s push to expand the Pathfinder Society’s activities into Tian Xia, but it seems her efforts are finally coming to a head in a way that will greatly benefit the Society. As a result, her mission is your mission. Do everything in your power to ensure Amara’s negotiations with the Way of the Kirin conclude successfully, follow her instructions closely, and ensure that any enemies that threaten the mission are soundly defeated.
Yours in loyalty,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
A son of the Gael family—long a thorn in my side—is now incarcerated deep within the Fortress of the Nail. I let slip the fate of the errant youth to his parents so that I could enjoy their reaction, and to my delight, the fools have concocted a crazy plan to free their idiotic child from the most notorious prison in Varisia. The operation will no doubt get half of the Gaels killed, see many more imprisoned, and bankrupt the family. Generous person that I am, I have offered them appropriately flashy material support to aid in their self-destruction.
It will take far too long to order fireworks from Tian Xia, so I will acquire the explosives directly from the warehouses in Varisia. All I need you to do is track down the exporter Samorn Nhean in Dtang Ma and convince him to share exactly where he ships his fireworks in Varisia.
Savoring success,
Guaril Karela
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"So Luisila, what does a servant of the Unquenchable Fire do, exactly?"
Luisila says casually, “Oh, pretty much anything we want.”
On further reflection. “Though there are instruction manuals for those that need them. You might find Our Lady in the Room’s Eleventh Commandment of interest, Brother Desmond …”
With a smile. “Don’t get caught!”
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Luisila shows everyone a provisional shopping list she has produced.
“Criticism from a professional group, is always welcome. I see it as part of my responsibilities to try and keep you all on your feet, while buffing whoever has a tactical advantage.”
“Do you think we will require trail rations or camping gear? I’m thinking a diplomatic summit of this magnitude will be well-provisioned in comfortable surroundings, no?”
Courtier’s Outfit 30gp / 6 lb
Jewellery 50gp / 1 lb?
Silver Holy Symbol 25gp / 1 lb !!
Cold Iron Dagger 4 gp / 1 lb
Antitoxin 50 gp / -
Weapon Blanch (Ghost Salt) 200 gp / 0.5 lb
Potion of Fly 2 PP
Oil of Daylight OR Scroll of Remove Blindness/Deafness (I can only afford one) 2 PP
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Shan ponders at Luisila's statement while stroking his beard. He gives a gentle reply in a calm voice.
"Some say we all climb but one mountain. We stop at death, then continue at birth. When you have reached the top of the mountain, no matter how many stops one has made along, you have reached enlightenment.
"Other say that each life is a new climb of a new mountain. Some are an enjoyable experience while others are fraught with suffering and pain. Some times the journey is long and fruitful, while others too short and tragic. Enlightenment then is only achieved once one has climbed the finite mountains the Way can provide. I shall need to mediate more on this.
Shan takes the letter from Venture Captain Li with both hands and a nods of the head. He abstains from reading it until he is alone.
He responds to Shinkeer after the meeting has concluded. "Formal dress of the court is all that is needed. It has been some time since my last visit, but I am sure the tailors that provide such clothing sell there wares near the Palace. I need to make such a purchase along with a few other items."
Shan reads over Luisila's list while hmm'ing to himself and nodding.
"You have made some wise choices. If such items cannot help us in this venture, they may aid you in future missions. The potion of Fly may be much, though. I see you have a bow, and I have been told elves make some of the best archers in the land. Des is a dead aim shot as well. I would hate for your to call in a favor for this item."
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Desmond looks over Lusila's shopping list.
"Hmm, looks good. I've got to pick up a few things as well. I figure I'll need a crisp, new explorer's outfit for the tea party. What? I'm not trying to pass myself off as a noble - a clean outfit should be just fine. Also, I want to pick up one of those wayfinder thing-a-ma-jigs. Shan, you remember that Sahar had one of those? Pretty sweet. Also, I need to pick up some antitoxin. A buddy of mine nearly bought the farm from some nasty giant centipedes and some antitoxin really would've helped him. Well, here's the complete list."
Desmond removes his list and shares it with the others.
antitoxin - 50 gp
Wayfinder - 250 gp
Explorer's Outfit - 10 gp
Rations, 3 days' worth - 3 gp
Chunks of Meat, dried 5 - 15 sp (for Sahrek)
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"I have recently made a large purchase, so I'll have to get a wayfinder at another time. Besides I have been making my way through the darkness and wilderness quite well for some time." Shan appears to have a new double width belt around his waist with a Brahma bull tooled into the leather.
"Shinkeer, are you able to use a wand of Mage Armor? If so, I have one. I humbly ask that you cast it upon me during times a battle."
"Priestess, would you do the honor of using this wand upon me when in need? Shan holds a wand of Cure Light Wound before Luisila."[/b]
Shan will purchase a courtier's outfit (a nice saffron & crimson jacket and pants in the Tien fashion with jewels) along with a vial of antitoxin. -130 gp.
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Desmond leaves Sahrek in the care of the Society kennel as he goes about asking after Samorn Nhean. He tries to find a tavern and talk up the locals.
He purchases 1 gp worth of drinks and tries to press the bartender for any information. "I wonder if you could help me. I'm looking for a fireworks dealer named Samorn Nhean. I understand he can get his hands on excellent displays. Do you have any idea where I might be able to find him?"
As Desmond gulps down half his drink, he pushes a small pile of gold across the bar.
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"Priestess, would you do the honor of using this wand upon me when in need? Shan holds a wand of Cure Light Wound before Luisila.
Luisila makes a simple bow with palms clasped. "It would be both an honor and pleasure, Brother Shan."
She thinks for a second before adding, "Do you have any objections to the forms of healing I act as a conduit for - via my connection to the Lady in the Room?"
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Luisila is comfortable enough with her new companions that she decides to share a concern with the group.
“These diplomatic conferences are basically big talk-fests, right? Do you think we’ll be expected to make small talk with any Way of the Kirin diplomats?”
“Sahrek, I have a feeling we’re not in Varisia anymore, but I do have some Riddleport news that might interest people from Tian Xia. What do you think about these as icebreakers?”
Community Concerns: “A survey undertaken by a Calistrian vicar named Zynep Ravana concluded that rates of teenage pregnancy fall off significantly past age 20!”
Theological Debate: “Aroden was still alive hours before he died!”
Urban Renewal: “Residents of Lubbertown being offered compensation are turned off by the size of Overlord Cromarcky’s package.”
Education: “A study by the Cyphermages has found that illiteracy is still an obstable to success.”
Gangs: “I understand Riddleport’s crime lords have sent the issue of cannabis distribution to a joint committee.”
Desmond asks the right questions and the bartender informs him that although Samorn Nhean seems to have gone into hiding he can still be found hiding out at one of his partner's houses.
Sahrek listens to the strange lady's words, not comprehending. He sniffs around about her feet.
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Desmond follows the bartender's directions. He finds Nhean at a humble residence.
"Samorn, I understand you are the person to go to for fireworks. I also see that you don't want to make your location widely known. It would be a shame if the criminal underworld were to find you, wouldn't it?"
Desmond gets in Samorn's face, "I found you, but I'd be happy to forget I ever saw you if you tell me one simple piece of information: where do you ship your goods to in Varisia?"
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“Shan, Shinkeer … has Desmond ever disappeared like this before? If so, are there any places he likes to freque …”
The look on the two ascetics’ faces gives her all the answers she needs.
She shakes her head. Silly me.
With her holy symbol of Calistria carefully hidden under her blouse, Luisila kicks open the door of the tavern, marches straight up to the bar her face like thunder. She stops and puts her face about six inches away from Desmond’s.
**Acting** With spit flying out of her mouth. “Cali-damnit, Desmond, will you ever learn! You are coming home, RIGHT NOW, or Threv help me, I will not be held responsible for my actions! I dunn brung your kin-folk, Jethro and Cousin It to help if need be. Now how ‘bout you finish up your business and let’s go!”
She softens a wee bit and says, “Little Ezrek and Linnea miss their pa, ya know.”
Luisila turns to the barkeep. “You any help in getting him outa here faster?”
Once outside, Luisila will apologize to Desmond.
“Sorry, Desmond. I think I got a bit carried away and you managed to get all the directions you needed while I was still rambling.”
“If you want some help with your contact let me know.”
“Samorn, just tell him what he wants. Then I can get him home to the youngun’s.”
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Shan will follow Desmond, if he will have him. Shan is more worried about the people of Tien then Des, and rides along for their safety.
If Shan is present, he will help move along the conversation before events turn messy.
"It would be wise to answer the man. I pity those who do not tell him what we wants to know. I have seen him cut out a man's tongue, then feed it to his pet wolf, bloody & raw."
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The first time Luisila sees Sahrek with his master, (probably while she’s apologising to Desmond outside the bar??) she will stand a respectful distance from the pair, addressing Des in a calm, even voice. She will make frequent eye-contact with Desmond, but will not stare at him.
If Sahrek reacts favorably to this (and Desmond agrees), Luisila will then glance for a short time at the wolf, smile without showing her teeth, and hold out her hand for the fifth member of the party to smell.
Samorn looks frightened by the crew who just barged into his hide-out. "A man's tongue? Really? I have many clients in Varisia." He begins to rattle off names. Somewhere in the middle of the list is the name Guaril Karela.
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Desmond's countenance brightens a bit.
"See, Samorn-that wasn't so hard now, was it?" He places a hand firmly on the trader's wouldst and squeezes firmly as he gives Samorn a hard stare.
"Just make sure that Guaril Karela gets his order before anyone else."
With this business done, Desmond steps out into the street. As the party heads down the street, he growls, "Didn't need your help with that. I woulda had that guy soiling himself before long. Some stupid gorram fireworks..."
To Luisila, "What was all that about Ezrek and Linnea? You know Ezrek? I wonder why he ain't on this assignment. Could use his chemical know-how. Oh, and you are one odd bird - you know that?"
As he gets Sarek. From the kennel, he notices Luisila paying special attention to the wolf. "Don't worry, he don't bite lest I say so."
I may not have done that well on my own. I guess I owe them. Welcome to the club.
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Luisila kneels down and gives Sahrek a scratch behind the ears while responding to Desmond.
“Yes, Ezrek is a great guy as well as being a real team player. I have been fortunate enough to have completed two missions with him.”
“Having said that, I can’t imagine a more admirable replacement than Shinkeer.”
To Luisila, "Oh, and you are one odd bird - you know that?"
She stands up and gives the brusque ranger a wry smile.
“You know what they say, Desmond. Odd birds of a feather … shouldn’t throw stones.”
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Shan smirks at the back & forth between Des & Luisila. The admiration that a father has for his children comes over him.
"I am sure you would have done fine without us, Desmond. This side-trek appeared to be important to you, so I wanted to make sure that this gentleman didn't get away before you could speak with him," Shan says with a bushy browed wink.
"Now if you will excuse me, I will need to retire. I must be rested and vigilant tomorrow. The journey will be long and full of dangers. If not, then I can only hope this caution can be wasted."
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Satisfied with purchases and spell list, Luisila applies Ghost Salt to ten arrows and prepares for the daily obedience ritual to her Goddess before turning in for the night.
Hmm … might try a new position … how about the lotus?
She studies her concise, traveller’s edition version of the Book of Joy and briefly considers whether Desmond might be interested in it.
Nah. The concise version doesn’t have any pictures in it.
She reads one of the more controversial passages of the holy text, regarding Tordurbar, a chaos beast and Major Domo of the Savored Sting. The author postulates that in personifying the Trickery aspect of Calistria, one of Tordurbar’s endless forms mimics that of the ‘Old Man’ – Herald of Irori, the Master of Masters.
She exults Tordurbar before saying a short prayer for absent friends, wherever they may be.
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After the trip to the store, Desmond retires to his room, not because he is tired, but due to boredom. He tries to make a go of reading the available books, but they're just boring histories. "Seriously, the Andorans and Chelaxians should just kill each other off. Save us all the headache..."
He finds a songbook - folktunes mostly - and thumbs through the pages. He finds one he recognizes and feels just bored enough to sing to Sahrek, who up until now had been quietly dozing at the foot of the bed.
He's careful enough to keep his voice down to avoid calling any attention from the others.
The next morning, Amara, yourselves, and a pair of servants are teleported to the island where the meeting will occur, and she reveals that you are now on a small volcanic island at the northern end of the Minatan Archipelago.
A black stone pier juts out from the beach, though years of pounding surf and use make it impossible to discern whether it was magic or skilled hands that constructed the pier. Igneous black sand peppered with chunks of dark gray rock makes up the beach. Further up the hill, the landscape is filled with strange shapes eroded from the charcoal-colored stone. Wild basalt beasts, bizarre pumice chimneys, igneous archways, and twisted stone snakes line the winding milelong path that crawls up the steep hillside. The black tiles of the lighthouses’s rooftop is just barely visible between two of the more serpentine stone menhirs. A light mist dampens the docks and darkens the stone to a glossy black.
You travel along the path for some time before Amara Li leads you to your destination. A lighthouse towers above a two-story house. Both structures are made primarily of the local soot-colored basalt. The lighthouse appears to be intact, but the manor has fared less well—its windows lack screens and its roof sags, suggest it has suffered badly from decades of neglect. These structures perch at the edge of a cliff, with the north-facing side of the house supported by tall stilts anchored deep into the cliff.
Amara Li explains to you, "The Way of the Kirin acquired this island as a part of a deal for military aid, though in following the local standards, the exchange was presented as an exchange of gifts rather than as a formal contract. Rocky and barren, the island has little to offer to the average Minatan, but it provided an important refuge and way station for the Way of the Kirin. The Iko family, that is the ancestors of Iko Tsuneo the contact we are meeting, continued to foster good relations with the island’s neighbors even after the collapse of Lung Wa, and as a result the inhabitants of the other islands in the vicinity have left it alone."
Amara Li continues, "Now I believe we have about two hours before Tsuneo arrives. I suggest you use this time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and perhaps set up defenses and traps just in case there is some sort of ambush. It does not hurt to be prepared for anything."