Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury is stoic yet shows signs of exhaustion as he strides into the room and places a piece of paper on the table. “Pathfinders, some weeks ago we received this letter from an anonymous source, advising us of the discovery of a Sarkorian site in rural Mendev, near the village of Dawnton. We sent three Pathfinders to perform an initial investigation. “Word came to us two days ago that the entire team has been arrested for murder and is scheduled to be hanged in seven days’ time. I would appreciate your traveling to Dawnton, investigating the crimes, and finding any evidence necessary to clear their names.”
He pauses for a moment, as if gathering his will or holding back strong emotion. “As much as it grieves me to think this possible, you may find evidence that implicates our comrades. If they are guilty of this crime, let them hang. It’s justice of a sort, and we must all remember that we are guests in Mendev and subject to all its laws. Your predecessors’ reputation has tarnished the Pathfinders’ name in Dawnton, so I recommend you not travel and investigate openly as Pathfinders agents.
“Be careful,” he recommends, “and remember that three comrades are relying on you.”
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Kirin stands in the outer office clad in low-cut orange and red nobles silks complete with elegant jewelry. On her right arm and up to her shoulder you see an ornate tattoo of some sort of colorful bird. She stands, only mildly impatient.
Glancing to the group of gathered pathfinders awaiting audience with the Venture Captain, Kirin will introduce herself with a flourish.
"My name is Kirin Quetzal, owner of the Quetzal caravan" she says with obvious pride. "I am a talented Keleshite Princess. Powerful 'jinni' blood flows through my veins providing me the ability to cast magical spells - primarily electrical in nature."
Looking in turn to each of the gathered pathfinders with whom her safety is likely soon to be at least partially dependent upon, she'll ask with genuine curiosity "And who might all of you be?"
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A tall blue skinned woman with blue-black hair rests on a pillow. When Kirin speaks, her eyes open to reveal white eyes. There is no discernible iris or pupil. She wears a simple robe of black silk with dark green trim. Her boots are elegant, yet practical. There is a slim dagger at her hip.
"Greetings, Princess. My name Celeste. By my blue skin you have likely deduced I am a samsaran. It is true. I am. I call Tian Xia home, but have come to Absalom to join the Pathfinders to find ancient secrets, temples, and knowledge that was once lost. During my studies I was mentored by Venture Captain Taco, though that is not his real name. He recognized my potential, though I did not convert to the worship of Korada as he had hoped. Still, he believes I am capable of great things and I do not wish to disappoint him."
"My own personal journey is one of self-perfection and reflection. Through meditation and control I hone my abilities of mind and body. That is from where my magic originates; magic that targets the mind. I can read thoughts and cause mental pain and anguish. I can move objects simply by thinking it. My force of will protects me from harm of both mind and body. She smiles with slight nod. "I look forward to our adventure together."
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A tall, dark skinned man with light, skin showing clothing stands with his arms crossed, a few feet of buffer between him and everything else. While his bag seems to have a few weapons strapped and stowed on it, at his hip is what looks like a large arm, but made of neither flesh nor metal, instead a pale green stone.
He eyes the room, careful not to come to close to anything or anyone, as if everything in the world was just a little bit more fragile than it should be.
"Idris," he says in a deep voice, short and staccato. "Frontline, as I'd prefer that when things go wrong, as they often do around me, it happens to our enemies instead of my allies."
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A serious looking elf with light features and a chiseled face stands from the overstuffed chair in the corner. He wears clearly Elven garb, with a noticeable northern flair to the clothes such as fur lined boots and cloak. He makes a show of an elaborate and formal bow too all within the room.
He speaks in a calm, yet distant voice, "Greetings members of the common races..."
He makes a deliberate nod at Celeste, "...and those of more rare bloodlines. I am Emmisary Hûraegon, sent by the Mordant Spire to assess our agreements. Do not worry, I have worked just as hard as all of you for my Wayfinder, enduring the same trials as all of you. So while my position and title should carry with it a certain level of respect, you need not question my loyalties. You also have my permission to forgo our typical formalities, and you may refer to me by my given name, Ehr'lynd."
He turns towards Kirin with a quizzical look in his eye, "Keleshite Princess and caravan leader you say. Quite impressive. Perhaps later we could discuss in a more formal setting a potential for business. I am always looking for clients, and I assure you my services come quite recommended."
Ehr'lynd takes a seat again, only passively involved, and clearly assessing silently the evolving discussion around him.
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Rafael stands at an average height and fit build with his tanned arms crossed. He wears sleaveless sun bleached leathers that appear well kept but carry the aroma of seaweed and salt.
His beard is loosely braided down to his mid chest and dyed a bright blue while his head is bald and marked with a few tattoos from drunken nights spent in foreign ports.
He shifts his weight and for a moment feels the room sway.
Bloody land legs, I miss my boat. he thinks while eyeing the room, unsure of what's ahead.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." He says with a bright white smile and charismatic shine in his sea colored eyes.
My name is Rafael Sebjorn, a stealth blade at your service. I'm currently on hiatus from my day job, Gozreh felt my boat and men were of better use below the waves.
But the days go on, and might I say you have the most beautiful beaches to wash ashore on in Absalom."
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"Oh, my... two rogues? The Venture Captains must think this calls for subtlety. I must take pains to keep Idris out of trouble. He seems the bullish type. Also, a Mordant Spire elf! Tsukiyo has blessed my search for knowledge, truly! I must talk with this Emissary Hûraegon more on our travels. I am positive he will have much to tell me about his homeland. Maybe he will take me there one day? And his bow. Such a thing is not common place. I must take note and ask him to tell me more. I wonder who else is joining us?"
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A female, slightly breathless from walking briskly, strides into the room. Silver-white hair frames a serene face the pale blue of a dawn touched sky. Dressed in a black and white gown, cut in Tien-Hwan fashion, she is covered from neck to ankle. Her hands slip inside her bellowing sleeves as she crosses her arms in front of herself and bows low from the waist to the assembled Pathfinders.
"I apologize for my tardiness. I was at my studies and lost track of the time." Her eyes scan the room, taking in the assembled crowd. Her words are Common, but in the thick accents of Tian Xia"I am Sung Ka Ri, but I prefer if you call me Kali. My most present incarnation led me to follow the path of the arcanist, channeling my energies into arcane magics. I am protege to Venture-Captain Sigvard Tornkvist in the Sothis Lodge, but have taken a break in my studies to answer Venture-Captain Jorsal's call for assistance. It appears he summoned people from diverse backgrounds. It will be a pleasure to work alongside this esteemed assemblege."
She takes a deep breath and releases it slowly. "Would someone mind repeating the part of the brief I missed?
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"You're right on time Kali, Venture-Captain Jorsal was explaining a situation up in Mendev to us. Some Pathfinders were exploring the possibility of a new Sarkorian site when they were arrested for murder and their execution by hanging is in 7 days. We're tasked with traveling to Dawnton and clearing their names if evidence is on their side."
Rafael walks up to the map laid out on the table in the middle of the room. He traces his finger along a blue line.
"I've traded along the Sellen before, never that far north myself, but doing so is quite common." He says in a distant voice while reflecting on past expeditions.
He turns and faces the group, the likes of which he's never spent much time with before.
"My real thought is what our alibi will be, we're a pretty unique lot and will definitely stand out. Perhaps we can investigate under the cover of the Quetzal caravan or Mordant Spire? Though a fictional outfit may be better, we're not sure what we'll run into up there and should be careful that we don't tarnish yet another reputation."
Dawnton is a small village at the crossroads of the local trade highway and the Setian River, a tributary of the Egelsee. It has a small permanent population, but swells to many times its size on festival days and during the harvest.
As with many small villages in the region, Dawnton has become distrustful of strangers since the fall of Kenabres. This distrust is especially virulent toward tieflings and others with demonic roots, influence, or appearance.
Tobias Luin is both the village’s sheriff and mayor. Local opinion holds that he is fair to the point of being soft. It is unusual that he would hold an execution, but local law calls for a vote of the citizenry to decide the fate of those guilty of capital crimes.
Seeing the entire team collected, Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury says, "Pathfinders, pack your things, and get on the road as soon as you can. It will take at least three days by horse to get to Dawnton. If you have need of horses, you can borrow one from my stables.
"You now know everthing that I do, and time is of the essence. If you have need of any supplies, please purchase them here, in Nerosyn. Dawnton is a very small town, so may not have what you need if you forget anything.
"Explore! Report! Cooperate!"
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Ehr'lynd gives a subtle frown at the late arrival, "Wǒ kàn dào wǒmen zhōng de yīxiē yǔ chuàngyè Dreng chuánzhǎng de zhǐdǎo xià huāfèi tài duō shíjiān"."
After mentally cataloging the event, he stands from the chair while smoothing the wrinkles from his nearly pristine armor. After a quick look around the room he softly chuckles, "Rafael, your idea has merit, but to claim a group with even one human is working under the Mordant Spire is laughable at best. It appears I need to make some inquiries to the state of the Society's multi-cultural classwork. If Miss Quetzal would like to act as our cover though, I would have no objections."
His look turns from mild frustration to seriousness, "I have heard of this Dawnton. Small village near the Worldwound. Rumor has it that they have a disdain for Tieflings, and while we have none in the group, I could easily see the peasantry mistaking our two Samsaran colleagues for demons. We should take precautions."
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"Yes, we can travel under cover of my caravan - if that is what the party wishes. We have trade agreements in Irrisen, Razmiran and the Mana Wastes, why not Mendev as well? Kirin says, in all seriousness.
"I employ a wide variety of races - so you'll fit in on that account. I do have some more silk scarves available if anyone would like to attempt to conceal their features. Though, if we truly wish to attempt the concealment route some disguise kits might be in order."
Venture-captain Jordan looks Idris, and says,"I might wonder if they confuse you as well. We haven't seen many folks like here in Avistan... I dare say you are the first that I have met.. "
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She looks toward Ehr'lynd, a small frown furrowing her brow. Her Tien is differently accented to that spoken by the Mordant Spire elf. "Ehr'lynd, 나는 벤처 대장 Dreng 와 약간의 시간을 보냈어요 . 여기에 모든 사람들이 당신은 시간 이 상대적 알고 있어야합니다."
She reaches for the wayfinder tied to the bow of her dress. "If we need to be undercover, I won't be showing this."
Venture-Captain Jorsal, may we purchase items from the quartermaster before we depart? If so, I would like a Pathfinder Pouch and a pair of dark lensed glasses, to hide my eyes." She looks around the room, her pupil-less eyes 'Perhaps a scarf as well, to hide my hair."
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Idris smiles, chuckling slightly as the party discusses the possibility of disguises. "I am good at hiding my intentions, but not my frame. Though as long as I'm not exposed to the energies of the maelstrom, I can pass as human...ish."
"If the city grows during the festival, would that work as a cover? Are we in season for anything like that?"
"Sung Ka Ri, you are welcome to make use of the quartermaster. I am sure that he can find what you will need. Does anyone else need of supplies?" replies Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury.
"Idris Mael," he say, addressing the Ganzi, "I believe that your 'festival' will be going on with the possible executions. This is a small town, and such spectacle, no matter how distasteful it might be, attracts people. Especially now, in the winter seasons, when there are no crops to attend to. Expect many people from the surrounding towns to be swelling the population of Dawnton.
"Would you mind explaining further your comment on being exposed to the energies of the maelstrom? Are you going to put my team here at risk?" Jorsal finishes, with a stern look on his face. "I am no Drandle Dreng... I prefer to well brief my teams before I send them into danger. We in Mendev live in a dangerous world, one that carries a far greater cost for failure than that in the South."
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Idris smiles, removing his pack slowly as he looks at the Venture-Captain. "I suppose there haven't been many reports of my type yet, have there?"
The large man sets his pack on the table and begins digging through, pulling out a vial of green liquid - acid - wrapped in cloth.
"I don't usually like showing off, but I suppose if it will make you feel better.." he pulls the stopper from the vial with his teeth and holds his arm out, tipping a few drops of the acid out onto his dark skin.
He doesn't flinch as the acid sizzles on his skin - he instead smirks, as the veins in his arm suddenly light up a sparking blue, illuminating his skin and showing the shifting marks on his skin, like living tattoos.
After a few moments the electric blue fades, his dark skin once more overtaking the marks of his chaotic birth, the acid calming. Idris carefully pushes the vial back to the cork in his mouth, smiles, then licks the few inert drops of acid off his arm.
"It makes a good party trick," he laughs deep at this, looking to this fellow Pathfinders for reactions. "Were it not for my Garundi mother's dark skin, I believe I would have a much harder time blending in."
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Shock slowly fades from Rafael and he realizes that he has been staring at Iris for the past few minutes.
"That's...remarkable..." He says, a bit unsure what to say of such a gift that Iris has hinted at being a curse.
That light show is probably just the beginning of what his true power is, I'll have to keep a close eye on how the crowds are reacting to our presence. Especially to him."
He clears his throat and is ready to finish up business before they travel.
"If we're heading into cold weather I'll need to trade some things as well. Also, Kirin, I'll take you up on your offer and show some caravan colors. Other than that, I'm ready to embark to Dawnton"
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Kali leaves briefly, returning with her pack of items. In preparation for travel, she exchanged her flowing robes for baggy trousers,a tunic jacket held closed with corded frogs, and a wide belt bearing two pouches. A mace hangs off her belt at her right hand and a crossbow is slung over one shoulder. Two wands are tucked in her belt. Someone looking at her equipment can see cords attaching the wands to the belt.
She speaks, her tones moderate, articulating her words "I am ready to proceed. I will wait here for the rest of you to gather your gear."
She places her items neatly in a pile in the corner, then pulls a book from her pack and settles crosslegged on the floor next to her gear, nose to the pages.
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Celeste's eyes narrow, her jaw firm, she leans forward a bit.
"I am no demon. I am no denizen of the lower planes. I have nothing to hide. The people of Dawnton must face their prejudice and overcome it if they are to become enlightened. The world is a large, beautiful, and weird place. By becoming exposed to all that Golarion has to offer, these "simple farmers" will find their experience of life richer and more rewarding."
"And then they'll kill me!"
Celeste doubles over in laughter, emitting various squeals and chorltes as she attempts to compose herself and fails.
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Kirin maintains a neutral composure towards her comrades. Her eyebrows raise slightly as Idris performs his ... tricks.
Kirin leaves and returns dressed in her cold weather gear and boots - though accented with colorful ornate scarves.
"Are we agreed on the 'appearing as merchants' route? With a few bodyguards... And maybe a historian." Kirin says with a sharp look towards a few of her party members.
"I would not bring the full caravan for initial trade negotiations - that would only slow us down. Headed north, so my guess is they'd be desiring furs, food. And spices are usually popular. I can pack a small supply. Traveling on horseback? Assuming there are enough horses for all, Venture-Captain Jorsal?" Kirin looks towards the VC as she takes a moment to stow her Wayfinder in a hidden inner pocket of her robes.
"We have time to chat further on the road. I suggest we depart and see what we can do about the fate of our three fellow pathfinders" Kirin motions towards the door to leave.
Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury says to Kirin, "Yes, I can spare the six horses that it would take to get you there. Kirin Quetzal, I might suggest traveling without your caravan, as it has been my experience that caravanserai tend to be less concerned about haste than I would prefer you to be. Remember, the Pathfinders are to be hanged at dawn in seven days, and on horseback it will take you three days to get there, barring distractions.
"I applaud you for your thinking out of the box, so if you can coerce your partial caravan to move with the necessary haste, do as you see fit."
He considers his words for a moment. "Remember, you are going to a small, frontier town. I would suggest limiting the number of people going to question any specific people. They will be looking at outsides suspiciously, and moving around in large numbers might raise suspicions even higher. This is just a suggestion, but one that comes from experience."
He looks around the room before asking one final question, "Are you all ready to head out? You may have the letter I received, in case it should prove to be useful for your search. However, be careful with it, for its contents will disclose you as being a Pathfinder as well. Godspeed!"
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Rafael moves toward the door, his left hand resting on the battered hilt of his rapier.
"Alright, I'm going to swing by the quartermaster on the way to the stable. I'll meet everyone there soon." He says over his shoulder as he opens the door and exits the room.
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"I often arrange new trade negotiations as a side on my own adventures - seldom do I travel with the whole caravan. Yes, I intended to do this trip without - as haste is of utmost importance.
I'll bring just a few goods to trade - no more than my horse can carry. A sample of what the Quetzal caravan can offer.
Creative thinking on Rafael's part, yes. Though we may want additional side stories as well. And we should talk on the road - as to what party split is appropriate in town, if we go that route. A fluent speaker and some muscle for each group, I imagine? And a means of silent communication - does anyone have a spell of the sort? Message perhaps? I do not."
If no one else reaches for the letter Kirin will take it and fold it hidden in her robes.
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"I do not think the two samsarans should be out by ourselves. While I believe we could handle anything put in front of us, it would be nice to have a bit of "muscle", as you call it, to extract us from precarious situations. My languages run toward the uncommon: planar languages in specific. But, as I mentioned I can detect thoughts several times a day if I wish to forgo casting spells. So, if you think someone is lying to us, well then I can help determine their veracity.Before they kill me that is." Celeste begins to laugh again, this time catching herself before she loses control.
"I can only think my vast repertoire of knowledge is why I was selected for this mission. I am not very good at talking to people, nor getting them to open up to me. I know quite a bit about a lot of things, but people are not one of them. Sorry. If we are not welcome in Dawnton, I will play the fool or the person who appraises items, which ever the Princess requires of me."
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Ehr'lynd picks his pack; he has clearly packed up what he believes to be suitable equipment prior to meeting with the Venture Captain. His impatience is clear, but he holds his tongue and says nothing more regarding whatever mental notes he seems to be taking.
"Thank you Venture Captain. Your briefing has been...", the pause is noticeable, "extremely useful. Thank you for use of your horses as well. I assure you that they will be returned as safely as our fellow Pathfinders. It's good to see that leadership considers its resources valuable enough to explore their personnel's guilt or innocence. Clearly the reputation that has been set out among the rank-and-file is inaccurate. I have made note of this."
He turns towards Celeste, "I too am more of an observer than a negotiator, although I am not untrained in that area. Perhaps we shall let Kirin do what she does best with the verbal discussions, while some of us explore what is really going on. I am willing to assist on either front and will not lead this expedition."
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"Kirin, would you like me to put it in my pouch where it cannot be found, even if we are searched? For that matter, does anyone else have small items they want me to store?"
She looks at the group, her head cocked slightly sideways, a pondering look on her face. I have a way to keep in touch with each other, via my message spell. I can also detect magic, clean items, light dark hallways, chill my opponents, make people more friendly, and make items or ground slippery. I am also fluent in many languages, have some skill at talking to people, and utilize magical items. She pats the wands at her hip "These will allow me to heal you if you are hurt and provide armor to those that don't wear any."
The ride to Dawnton is uneventful. The Pathfinders push hard, knowing that the lives of three fellow agents rest in their hands. They arrive early in the evening of the third day. They find that although it is not harvest season, the town of Dawnton is crowded with vistors that have come to witness the executions. Despite the morbid circumstances, the villagers see this as an unexpected opportunity to gossip, barter, and celebrate, giving much of the village a festive atmosphere complete with games and drunken revelry. At night, most of the village becomes eerily quiet as people retire and fearfully watch the shadows for signs of more murderers or demons. A portion of the tent city remains active long into the night.
The party easily is able to pick out some interesting places within the small town, including the general store, the only inn, the sheriff's house, the tent city, and the beer garden.
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Rafael is still mounted on his horse, calmly holding the reigns. He is wearing his winter coat along with boots and a hat, a light fog of warmth leaving from his breath. His backpack of supplies is mounted to the horse at the back of the saddle but his rapier is still fixed to his belt while a dagger is on his right and another on his left boot.
"I agree with Kirin's thoughts during the ride, on splitting into two parties for an initial investigative sweep. There seems to be a drunk side and perhaps more sober side of town, that's a pretty natural line for breaking up the work. My years of experience trading on the seas give me acceptable skills for working with people, so Kirin and I should probably head different ways if we do split and no one else wants to lead the second groups talking."
He softly pets the tired horse on the neck. "Shall we get rooms and first unpack? I know Heavy-Hoof, the Scorn of Trails would like some oats."
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"Yes Kali, by all means" Kirin hands over the note.
Kirin pauses a moment, considering. "Might I suggest this as a location for all of our wayfinders?" Kirin scans the group for their reaction, as she pulls hers out and offers it to Kali.
As we approach the town Kirin pauses to suggest "Perhaps we should split here, before entering. I myself intend to head to the inn, secure a room for the night, perhaps arrange trade, and chat with the locals. If there's time I'll head to the general store, again on the pretext of trade. Then perhaps the Sheriff's house if I can come up with a plausible reason to do so."
"Might I suggest two or three of us head to the beer gardens and tent city and gather information, and maybe grab A drink." Kirin stresses the singularity. "Any volunteers?"
"Rafael for the tent group, good. One or two others?"
"Then we can all meet up at the inn tonight and discuss what we've found."
"Thoughts?"
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Idris takes great enjoyment in the ride to Dawnton - the rolling hills, the wild winds - it reminds him of why he joined the Society - the paid travel.
While planning...
"Many find it hard to read me. I'm more than comfortable lying and even more comfortable asserting my place. I'd like to stick with someone who can talk just a bit nicer than I, but could use a bit of muscle to back them up."
"Kirin, I would be more than happy to accompany you whenever you are going to discuss trade. There are some things I could gather and that I would like to discuss with the locals."
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"I will keep my wayfinder on my person, thank you. It gives me certain... benefits when I wear it. I think I will go to the beer gardens. I am positive my blue skin will cause a commotion and allow me to use detect thoughts and gather the most information possible. Since it is almost night time, and we do not plan to be out and about for long tonight, I can read others' thoughts for 18 minutes. That should be plenty of time to get a reading on the town, and what they all think of me."
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Ehr'lynd has a small barely perceptible smile across his face for the majority of the trip. It is clear that he seems to enjoy the quiet and solitude of travel more than most. He loosens up on horseback and does not maintain the same stoic and formal demeanor as when he represents himself in a more formal setting. He rides quietly for most of the days, clearly observing, but rarely speaking unless spoken to.
He responds to the conversation of the road, "I will hold onto my own belognings thank you very much. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but it is best if each of us displays self-sufficiency.
For our task at hand however, I do have extensive background in many local cultures and I can cerainly...", he pauses for dramatic effect as he looks at everybody knowingly, "observe."
As they approach he assesses the conversation, "Yes, if our goal is to divide and conqueor based on our strengths. Perhaps, as Kali has noted that she too has some social expertise, it is best if I back up Kirin." He dismouts and pats the horse on its nose, "I agree though that we should meet together afterwards at the Inn to compare notes. After you Kirin, we have trade agreements to discuss." The last comment is met with a knowing nod to Kirin, as if Ehr'lynd is in on some kind of inside joke.
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"Rafeal! Let us adjourn to the local watering tent! I am positive a randy pirate like yourself can keep a girl like me safe?"
Celeste's eyelids flutter at the human. No longer able to keep up the charade, Celeste breaks out in a fit of laughing. She takes Rafael's arm in hers and announces "this strong specimen of a man" will protect her as they make their way to the tent.
"Rafael, my magic works a bit different than what you are used to seeing. I do not need to say funny words or make goofy gestures. All I need do is think and focus my emotions. You will see a small spiral appear on my forehead between my eyes when I cast my spell to detect thoughts. Please keep talking to me as if you are telling me one of your whales of a story. I will need to concentrate for roughly three minutes of uninterrupted time so be prepared to embellish the story. Think you can do that for me?"
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"Ahem. Yes, but you mentioned a whale and I can give you one more."
"Many a beast has peered an eye at this young adventurer, but Ol' Alma is the only sight that still lives in my mind. What we first came upon was nothing common nor overly unusual either. The dire sharks had chased down, well, something. What we saw was only a sea of blood and flesh..."
'...the sharks didn't last long, their gluttony brought forth what I had believed to be the anger of the sea itself. The whale was the size of a fleet and from its head was not a single horn like what's up north in the seas of ice, this monster proudly donned a massive rack reminiscent of your deer or mouse..."
"...The mighty thing roared across the bow, it's mighty jaws bared, the powerful rack of coral antlers raking the sky. Creatures spit at us from within that labyrinthine crown and eyes larger than our own darted within the hallows..."
"...I am no longer scared of what feasts on men m'lady, oh no, not after the King whale was so easily taken under. Any man swept over that night did not simply lay to rest in the belly of a mere animal, they're in the catacombs of guttural catacombs. Deep within the food of the food of that storm spewing methuselah fish. She had brought with her one hell of a storm, one so tiresome that alone it could have splinted a sailors sanity..."
"...from the starboard she rose as high as the moon sat over the ruins of our ship. From her sides shuttered massive wings. As they beat in the air, water fell like raining knives and the wind tore the rigging off the ship. Sails, masts, and all. The lightening that eternally shot from it's mouth ignited the sky..."
"...when it was just me and her, alone in a sense, save for the haunting screams that pulled at me from the depths and her halo of sky shattering light. We floated in chaos among the debris of our dance and I thought my fate had come..."
"Alas, I awoke to the blinding light of day with my back nearly broken by the rocks. And the worst part was I drifted ashore miles from the nearest port and it took me days of wandering before I could get hired aboard a new ship."
At the center of the tent city’s open area stands a broad beer garden with walls constructed of beer barrels and crates. This is the social hub for the country folk. Approximately a dozen adults sit and drink, watching outward and speaking in low whispers.
'That's an odd story... what's the fellow talking about.'
'I don't like how that woman is looking at us. She's up to something, I just know it! Nothing good comes from travelers in groups of three.'
'Why ain't those outsiders drinkin'? Don't they think our beer is good enough for them?'
Some of the folk here seem like they could be friendly, some just seem like they want to lose themselves in their beer. A couple look like they may be down right hostile. You do see a couple of younger men, laborers by the looks of them, that have before them a wondrous site... it comes in towers!
The village’s inn is huge for a settlement of this size, but it’s full to bursting during the harvest season.
"What can I do you fine folks for?" asks the middle-aged woman at the front. "In town for the hanging? Ain't gonna be for a few more days.
"Name's Hanna, and I run this place. I suspect you need a room. Got two available, be a gold per person, and you'll have a to share. That's per night, you know... but it does cover your meals. Sorry if it seems a bit steep, but we're almost full up."
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Kali tucks the Venture-Captain's note and Kirin's wayfinder in the pouch, then closes it securely.
"My magics won't stretch between the groups at this distance. I can keep one group connected at best."
She looks between the group of Celeste & Rafael and the group comprised of Kirin, Idris, and Ehy'lynd. "Why don't we make the split even, then. I will go with them." She gestures toward Celeste.
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Once Rafael's story is done he looks over to Celeste and sees the spiral is gone. Scanning the room he looks for friendly faces that are willing to converse, especially for any sign of river folk. He smiles wide at Kali and the beer tower. I just may have to join them and that spectacle... This is a very comfortable environment for him, he was raised within the noise of laughter, imbibing, tall tales, and drunken scuffles.
As a beer maid wanders by Rafael gets her attention and buys a large flagon of ale, takes a sip, and then glances back at Celeste.
"So how was your journey?" He says trying to read her serious, focused face beneath her hood. "I would like to get a better feel for the rough looking group in the corner. There have been rumors of similar crimes in this area and if people are being framed it's reasonable to suspect that the real murders would enjoy watching their proxies hang."