You are waiting for the briefing with your fellow agents.
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Walking comfortably down the streets is a man decked in exceptionally fine, but well broken in, gear. While his muted chain armor and boots certainly stand out, it is his bow that makes the man. Made of lavishly carved wood and highlighted in Andoren blue, it's obviously worth a fortune. Still it is his travelling mate that draws the eyes of many. Next to him is a wolf the size of a horse. If the ranger's garb is subdued, the wolf's is resplendent. Mithral barding of elven make hugs the lupine form.
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Chun Hei is a well armed Nagaji with an 8 pointed shuriken etched into the center piece of her armor. She moves with surprising speed and grace given her armor, almost as if her feet slide across the floor.
She places her right fist into her left palm and bows slightly as she introduces herself.
"I am Chun Hei, Paladin of Yaezhing, punisher of wicked."
She straightens and releases her hands.
"I have been bred by my Naga masters to slay demons in an upcoming war but have been gifted 10 years to explore the world and better myself, thus I have chosen to join the Pathfinder society. Here I have prospered, and am once again honored with a sacred mission."
Chun Hei's common is clearly accented and not her first language.
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"Well met Chun Hei. It has been some time since I've been to your part of the world, though. While I know the human tongues well, I have never learned yours. I seek to remedy that." Bishop's eyes widen as if remembering something, turning to a bookish man. "Ah this is my translator Jarvis. He's an expert in ancient languages, and often translates for me on journeys."
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A prototypical dwarf grumbles as he nearly splits the room's tiny sofa in two, depositing his full armored weight upon it like a ship dropping anchor.
Grunting, he tears some hair from his already thinning beard while making a fist.
"Blasted Society! Ah swear tha' Decemvirate 'as nothin' but ol' Thorgan's death on their minds. First ah thought ah was retirin', but now ah find me'self back 'ere with nae ah good reason."
After a pair of dwarves gently place a keg in the room's center and arrange a number of heavy glassblown mugs, they nod to Thorgan who waves his hand like he just doesn't care anymore about much of anything.
"Bonekeep, Bonekeep, Bonekeep. Ah thought tha' was th' worst o' it. But ah swear by tha' fiery axe o' Angradd if there was a risk o' death, they always circled me name first t' go."
He nods to his new companions.
"Ah know not what ye all did to get set up with meh this day, but ah reckon if we're all 'ere then it's somethin' suicidal tha' Decemvirate's lined up yet again..."
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The sounds of a carriage arriving became louder and louder until the "Hooo" from the coachman and the horses neighing were replaced by the sounds of boots and of a door opening.
A few second later, a man in black livery opened the doors, bow to the people in the room and announce Tamerius Blakros, Hero of Nerosyan, Captor of Tancred Desimir, Sky Citadel Reclaimer, Hellknight signifer of the Order of the Gate, Cleric of Asmodeus, Mendevian Crusader and demons' hunter.
Juste after the annoucement, a man of average height and proportion in his passed thirty with salt and pepper hair and hard looking eyes enters the room. He's wearing a courtier outfit at the colors of the blakros family enhanced by a red cape, a medal of honor pin on his heart. Around his neck, a red symbol of Asmodeus in ruby and on his right shoulder, a black and red Raven.
He clearly seems more annoyed by his entrance than pleased and when the first man come to take his coat he stops him with one hand.
The man named Tamerius turns to his comrades. Apologies for all the decorum, but since I married Mikaela I have some obligation toward my new family.
It's a pleasure to meet you. May the Cleansing Fire of Asmodeus upon us all.
When the herald came again near Tamerius he says It will be all Nestor, you can leave. I'm on duty now.
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A richly-appointed sedan chair, crafted from ebony, bedecked with silver filigree, and with dark purple curtains, carried by two burly Keleshite males, comes to a halt before the gathering.
It is gently brought to the ground, and its occupant steps out - a tall, thin male with remarkably pallid skin, and black hair with a pronounced widow's peak, dressed in loose-fitting robes which seem to move and shimmer in the light, giving the illusion of electricity arcing across his form. He carries a staff of ebony, topped by a silver skull, and has an Ochre Rhomboid Ioun Stone orbiting his head.
"Greetings. I am ze Trade Prince Nikolai Tesla. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
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"They really do mean business. I've heard some of your names before."
Bishop plucks the string of his bow. "It's good to be out of retirement. It didn't suit me. Erastil teaches that rest comes after work, but I just don't feel ready yet."
He chuckles a bit, "Besides the old codger isn't always right anyway."
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A small, grey haired gnome with a large pair of spectacles looks up from a book title A Dialektic on the Improbable Coexistence of Teknology and Magick - written in the original Aklo of course. He wears both a rapier and a whip.
"This seems a rather portentous gathering of warriors and spellmasters. Greetings, fellows, I am Davoliznakamusha Polyphonus, Adjunct Professor of Linguistics at Oppara university, member of the Scrolls. Here to lend my small set of talents however I can to our Noble Cause, whatever it may be this time"
Upon seeing the nagaji speak he perks up. "Ah, now there is something new to me. A nagaji! Let me see if I can make a guess at your tongue, sir. A mixture of Draconic, with Tien influences perhaps! Chi'ss Ga Na Vi? How are you today?" the gnome asks.
A messenger-a young agent who looks quite in awe of such a distinguished group, nervously approaches and hands you a note before bowing respectfully and returning to his duties, too nervous to engage you all in conversation.
Distinguished Agents,
The Pathfinder Society has a rare and prestigious opportunity that calls for our best agents, and I have recommended you to represent the Society. This mission requires secrecy. Make haste to the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Once I have confirmed each team member’s participation, I will meet you at the Wall of Names.
Explore, Report, Cooperate,
- Marcos Farabellus
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As you arrive at the Wall of Names, you spot Farabellus pacing the length of the wall, inspecting the names inscribed upon it with grim solemnity. By the time you approach, Farabellus nears the end of the wall, and the most recent inscriptions. As he spots you, the Master of Swords hails you over for the briefing.
“I thought this place appropriate. You know, all of the agents who’ve fallen in service to the Society have their names inscribed here; for me, it’s a reminder that the Society’s deeds often come at a cost. I asked each of you to join me here today, for I could think of no better place to give you this serious mission.”
The Master of Swords is visibly pensive for a moment before continuing. “Through their proxies, the Decemvirate have completed negotiations with the Thuvian city-state of Pashow. As you may or may not know, Pashow is set to receive the latest shipment of Thuvia’s famous sun orchid elixir—a tonic that rejuvenates and forestalls the ravages of age. The last two shipments of the elixir to Pashow over the last decade have failed to reach the city, and in their third attempt, they seek the aid of the Society to ensure nothing goes amiss.
“You might ask yourself what business the Society has in dealing with the sun orchid trade, or sending agents to act as convoy guards—especially agents as esteemed and talented as you. Well, the leader of Pashow, Emir Guldis, has solid evidence that the Aspis Consortium intends to make an attempt on the delivery, seeking to claim the elixir for the Consortium.”
Farabellus sweeps his arm over a section of the wall inscribed with the names of dozens of fallen agents. “The Aspis wounded us, hit us here, on the grounds of this very lodge. These names are all those who fell in that heinous attack, and the one who we’ve learned organized that attack is also the one planning to rob Pashow. Even if you have no care for vengeance, I ask that you lend your services to protect a troubled city from Aspis schemes and avert the chaos and hardship that would ensue. You’ll act as representatives of the Pathfinder Society, ensuring that Emir Guldis and his city get their elixir, and that the Consortium gets nothing.
“As you ensure the delivery of an alchemical miracle capable of extending one’s life by a few decades, remember that the names inscribed on this wall are immortal in a way far beyond anything that can be found within a vial. Remember that we owe the names on this wall for the sacrifice they made—a sacrifice that allows this Society to endure.”
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Davoliznakamushka closes his eyes and ruminates on many things, the Emir, the attack, the intricacies of Thuvian politics, and the elixir
"Ah yes, the agent of chaos... was it that disgruntled Venture Captain to which you refer, or that man who was on a quest to avenge his slain family member, or someone else? I was in Taldor at the time, so I'm a bit unclear on the events?"
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Nikolai frowns.
"Anything zat disrupts trades strikes at ze very foundations of modern society, for trade is ze lifeblood of our vay of life, alloving goods and services to move far beyond zeir point of origin. Even if ze Aspis vere not involved, I vould be happy to help to deal wiz zis situation..."
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Tamerius listen carefuly to the Master of Sword's words.
Averting Chaos in this world his one of my sacred and profane duty. I will gladly help restore Order in Pashow.
I'm not that familiar with the Aspis Consortium as I was away with my family from the Grand Lodge when their assault happened. But when the society was helping the Crusaders fighting demons, they tries to undermine our operations and uses their connections to rise the price of crucial equipement for crusaders, and that is something I cannot tolerate.
I will put what my God, my Order and the Society give me to be sure their scheme will find an end in Pashow. Says Tamerius.
After a short silence he asks Master Farrabellus, what will be excatly our mission ? Just be sure to deliver to Pashow and the Emir the shipment of the Sun Orchich, prevent any action from the Aspis ?
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Thorgan rubs his eyes, looks about the Grand Lodge campus, rubs his eyes again, and then finally says what's on his mind.
"Wait, ye mean yer not sendin' us into th' lair o' an ancient red dragon? Not 'aving us descend through th' rift o' th' Worldwound inta' th' very Abyss itself?"
Thorgan coughs, a reminder of his frequent brushes with death.
"Not inta' some Mwangi lich-docta' lair? Nae inta' the embrace o' a risen Runelord?"
Thorgan looks to his allies.
"Why! This sounds like a vacation! Jess a quick trip down ta' Thuvia to fend off ah team o' Aspis agents! Tha's all!?!"
Davoliznakamushka knows that the sun orchid elixir is a unique alchemical liquid known
to reverse the ravages of aging. A Thuvian alchemist developed it, and local authorities say that he resides in a vast—and some say impregnable—fortress called the Citadel of the Alchemist. Every year, six vials of this miracle substance are released from the citadel and travel to one of Thuvia’s city-states. In turn, the city-state sells each of the vials at an auction, commanding some of the highest prices seen on Golarion.
He also knows that the Emir inherited his title at a young age. Guldis spent his first years of his tenure squandering the good faith vested in him by the people of Pashow. He was once a corpulent specimen of humanity, and while he has since replaced fat with lean muscle, the people of Pashow still view Guldis as a slothful ruler. Most signicantly, his regime’s failure to transport Pashow’s last two deliveries of the sun orchid elixir has eroded the citizens’ confidence.
Marcus Farabellus is able to answer your curiosity about Aspis involvement. "Our eld agents are actively working against a resident Aspis Gold Agent by the name of Kitio Aspenthi. Both our organization and Emir Guldis separately came to the conclusion that Kitio is making a play to claim some or all of the sun orchid vials for the Aspis Consortium. We have other agents tracking Kitio down, but we need our best—you—to ensure the sun orchid delivery reaches Pashow. Emir Guldis will have more information on site."
Before you depart to meet with the Emir, Marcos Farabellus gives you a palm-sized ceramic disk bearing the Glyph of the Open road on one side and a pair of crossed swords on the other. He explains that when broken, this allows the user to speak up to 100 words to the Master of Swords and receive a response. Farabellus asks that should your duties change, you should update him and reassess priorities together.
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Nikolai inclines his head to acknowledge the Master of Swords' request.
"Very vell, zen. I vill be happy to render vhat assistance I can."
He then nods to Chun Hei.
"Agreed, ve should discuss tactics. My preferred option is to act as aerial artillery in combat, but in a pinch, I can also scout."
To illustrate his point, he concentrates, causing large bat-like wings (which have a faint bluish tinge, and crackle faintly with electricity) to sprout from his back, emerging through carefully-prepared slits in his robe.
He then takes off, hovering a few inches off the floor, before dropping to the ground again.
As he does so, the wings disappear, and he smiles, revealing elongated canines.
"I can maintain zem indefinitely, but I find zat it is best to not vorry ze local populace too much, unless in extremis."
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"I'm a pretty good archer, and it's my main method of attack so I prefer a distance. Timber here fears nothing and I've taught him how to flank, so you can count on that."
The wolf nuzzles the ranger, nearly knocking him over. "Outside a fight I'm an excellent tracker and good at being quiet." Indeed when you actually look at his armor there is a supernatural amount of shade falling on it.
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Thorgan hefts his axe.
"Ah'm decent at using th' axe, but what ah love best is getting in close with them wizardy-types and darin' 'em t' cast their spells at ol' Thorgan!"
Returning his attention to the swordmaster, Thorgan wonders at the next step.
"So, are we ta' go straight to tha' Citadel and serve as overqualified guards? Or stop by n' talk t' tha' Emir first?"
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"Fighting! Melees, fencing, dueling... yes, well I have read a few rather informed treatise on the subject, have spent a bit of time in the field and have exercised my sword arm some small amount. I would say, however, that I prefer to take a more strategic approach to any sword of violent confrontation. It is key to know your foe as well as your self, to understand their very minds. Thankfully, I am well equipped to do just that. Listen to my advice, and I assure that your successes will be made manifold."
"I do worry that we are stepping into the middle of a very delicate political situation. If the Emir has any factions in his government that seek power, this delivery would be the perfect time to strike."
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I call for Asmodeus to help me fight Chaos. I summon devils to help us fight and I can call the cleansing Fire of Asmodeus to destroy our ennemies.
Kahl'Heel is a very good scout. He can be invisible, creates illusion and other things. He also be able to determine if a creature is good or evil and anything magical.
I'm also able to heal but I have only one such spell prepared. Be careful in your fight.
Says Tamerius.
He turns to Chun Hei If you can turn the gift of Queen Galfrey in a magical weapon I will gladly accepts it. I'm no warrior, but sometimes it's good to be able to fight.
I can cast on my own armor a protective spell.
Then he asks Nikolai If you are able to casts mage armor to Kahl'Heel please do.
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Chun Hei nods "In combat I am much more maneuverable that I would appear, able to make surprising charges around the battlefield. If I have a few moments to call on Yaezhing's might I can enlarge and take control of large swaths of the battlefield. I can also lay on hands and withstand quite a bit of punishment. I am also lucky."
The emir is eager to talk with you as you arrive, ushering you into a private meeting room in one of the palace’s spires. Joining the group is Saabira Taheri, the head of Pashow’s city guard and Guldis’s personal security advisor.
The emir orders servants to bring food and drink for you, but he only partakes in small amounts of either due to his anxiety. The chamber’s central feature is a vast wooden table covered in maps with a tray of markers kept to one side. A semicircular glass window occupies much of one wall, providing a pleasant view of Pashow and the desert beyond.
Emir Guldis begins speaking as you are seated. "“I thank you all for coming on such short notice; I know the negotiations between my city-state and your Decemvirate only recently came to a conclusion. Sadly, there is little time for pleasantries, as the sun orchid elixir is likely already being delivered into the hands of my agents at the entrance to the Citadel of the Alchemist."
Emir Guldis places a small marker near the mountains south of Pashow on the grand map before him.
"Dozens of convoys have convened to receive either one of the six vials of the sun orchid elixir or a convincing fake. From there, the convoys will split up to travel to Pashow by myriad means and paths. We do not expect any activity within sight of the citadel, and using a variety of travel methods gives us the best chance of ensuring at least some of the elixir makes its way here."
The emir places several small convoy markers near the marker at the south end of the map. Immediately, magical lines of color, matching the colors of their respective markers, form on the map. Each of the lines zigzags through the desert or moves in a direct line, ending at the northern edge of the map where Pashow is styled in deep crimson ink.
"I have retained your services not as mere caravan guards. No, you are the last contingency to assist should any of our true convoys come under attack. I have several conjurers on standby to magically transport wherever you are needed most. The Decemvirate have promised me that you are their most experienced agents, and your presence eases my mind in the face of potentially losing a third shipment."
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"Yes, Master Tesla has an excellent question. The elixirs are valuable targets to many, but they specific nature of your current opponent may be vital to our successfully defeating them. Also, not to be droll, but if you have easy access to conjurers, why not simply transport the elixir's to their destination via magic?"
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"Indeed, why not simply give us the elixir? If we can be counted on to stop an attack...."
Bishop thinks for a moment, why not use the Maze of the Open road?
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Nikolai shrugs.
"My guess vould be zat it is not simply a matter of getting ze Elixir from point A to point B; it is also about being seen to be getting it from one location to ze ozer - being seen to have ze political influence necessary to be granted ze privilege of having ze Elixir, and ze power to keep it safe. Zat is vhy ze Elixir going missing is so damaging..."
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Chun Hei will ask some details regarding the caravans and look at the map for further info.
"How long are their journeys expected to take?"
How many Caravans are there?
"What livery will the guards be wearing? It would be unfortunate if we reported somewhere hot and started attacking the wrong targets. Are there any other ways to quickly identify them, and how should we identify ourselves so that they don't start attacking us?"
"Ve are happy to assist in ensuring zat ze arteries of trade remain unclogged. Vhat, if anyzing, can you tell us about ze previous ambushes?"
"Also, not to be droll, but if you have easy access to conjurers, why not simply transport the elixir's to their destination via magic?"
"The previous transports were not really ambushes. We have attempted teleportation twice now and both times the vials failed to reach the destination. It is still a mystery so I can not tell you can more except that I was not willing to risk teleportation of the elixir again. Thus all this trouble with an elaborate ground transportation scheme."
"Indeed, why not simply give us the elixir? If we can be counted on to stop an attack...."
"Yes, and if our unknown enemies knew that you had the elixir, they would put all of their energies in attacking you and stealing it. As much as I respect and admire your abilities, I would fear that not even a well-equipped team such as yourselves would be able to withstand such an assault. By sending out decoys and splitting the vials up, we necessarily confuse the enemy and force them to attack several targets at once, if they attack at all."
"How long are their journeys expected to take?"
"It is varied, as each caravan's route and method of transport is different. Some will take hours, others days, perhaps weeks." He gestures to the map where some of the colored lines are indeed already moving quickly across the desert while others only crawl slowly from the Citadel.
How many Caravans are there?
"What livery will the guards be wearing? It would be unfortunate if we reported somewhere hot and started attacking the wrong targets. Are there any other ways to quickly identify them, and how should we identify ourselves so that they don't start attacking us?"
At this point, Saabira Taheri, the head of Pashow's city guard, speaks up. "There are two dozen convoys in total, but of course there are only six real vials of sun orchid elixir. The rest are decoys carrying fake vials. The real six vials are split up among different groups. The first is The Faithful Procession, a local church of Abadar which has provided a juggernaut to contain the vial and a host of divine servants following the massive construct."
"The second vial is held by the Inquisition of Inevitables. This is the answer of our very own conjurers, when their teleportation efforts failed. They have summoned six kolyarut inevitables who are walking invisibly from the Citadel to Pashow. They are expected to be the last group to arrive."
"The third vial is held by our own officially touted Parade Caravan. This massive caravan includes hundreds of soldiers and mercenaries from Pashow."
"The fourth is a group of your very own Pathfinder agents working in collaboration with some of our elite military forces. Some of your agents have provided a lead golem to obfuscate the caravan's position."
"Next there is an Iroran monk and self-styled "Lord" Lightfoot, which is capable of traveling at incredible speeds unrivaled by any other runner. He is springing through the roughest terrain where raiders could hardly keep up with him."
"Finally our very own Emir Guldis has contracted a unit of Korvosa's famed Sable Company Marines to deliver the last elixir. They comprise a dozen hippogriff riders who plan to fly across the desert and should be one of the first groups to arrive."
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Thorgan nods at the impressive description of the six forces tasked with the delivery of each of the six vials, wondering how impressive the six decoys are as well, or the sheer appearance of the force would assist any observers in quickly ascertaining which are real and which are decoy.
"So ye mentioned your teleportation magic failed in transportin' the elixirs... are we certain it'll work in teleportin' us?"
"So ye mentioned your teleportation magic failed in transportin' the elixirs... are we certain it'll work in teleportin' us?"
Emir Guldis answer, "Yes, there have never been any other teleportation mishaps in this region except for the two times that we have tried to transport the elixirs in this way, in which cases they were somehow intercepted."
You remain with Emir Guldis and Saabira as the convoys get underway. Magically relayed reports via sendings and other methods keep everyone apprised of the ongoing progress of the convoys. Things begin looking up for Pashow as Lord Lightfoot and the Sable Company detachments return to Pashow with their two vials of the sun orchid elixir.
However, the progress takes a turn for the worse when one of the emir's conjurers burst into the chamber in a panic. "Emir! I've just received word for the Pathfinders' convoy. They're under attack by a company of bandits and require immediate assistance!"
Emir Guldis begins questioning the conjurer, obviously flustered by this development. Saabira cuts in, "Coordinates! What are their coordinates?" While the conjurer stumbles to produce an accurate location for teleportation purposes, Saabira tells you, "You need to head out as soon as possible. Carry back the elixir yourselves if necessary. Farhaana is standing by to teleport you as soon as you are ready."