You have been summoned to the city of Padiskar near the northern tip of the Isle of Jalmeray. It is not so much a city as a ring of small villages surrounding a massive, howling ruin, from which terrifying screams of whatever the Vudrani Maharaja Khiben-Sald left there in ancient times can still be heard.
Padiskar’s longtime Venture-Captain Aamina Shahrazad, was recently murdered, and you have been asked to meet with the new Venture-Captain, Vasuman Mihir, who maintains a small safe house for the Pathfinder Society in Padiskar.
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A somewhat well-built Chellaxian woman, hunched over as if afraid for her life enters the room. She looks like a traveling barber but for her studded leather armor. She has black, flowing hair and a pair of shaving razors (kuiri) at her side in an easily-accessible pouch. ”I-I don’t. . . I-but-I don’t know if I’m. . . supposed-I, uh, I received this letter.” she was in a very timid voice, gently holding out her invitation, as if fearful the letter might come alive and bite her.
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A tall, young looking human with long blonde hair and blue eyes joins the gathering. He is wearing a very intricate breastplate and carries a glaive which he is seen as using as a walking stick as he joins you. He also has a crossbow strapped to his back. Around his neck is a very noticeable silver necklace revealing he belongs to Shelyn.
He smiles as he sees the others that have gathered. "Greetings. Seems we all have been summoned here. I'm sure it will be a pleasure to work with all of you."
"Oh... before I forget. I am Wylka Forth. Shelyn's Disciple."
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"Nice meeting ya, Vylka."
The dwarf extends his hand towards the cleric, with a wide smile on his face-"A man of faith, are ya? Vell, those are really useful here and there. I'm Fernando."-he pulls out a small amulet of Torag tied around his neck, showing it to Wylka.
"I'm not a man of religion meself, but I kiss this amulet tons once the dice start rolling. Haha!"
You may already know something of how the new Venture-Captain, Vasuman Mihir, came to his current position.
As you and your fellow Pathfinder agents greet one another, you recall that this is not the first time that you have received greetings with respect to your impending mission in Jalmeray.
Agent of the True Commerce,
Jalmeray is known as the Kingdom of the Impossible and when it comes to bribing their tax collectors this moniker is truer than the sun is yellow. Offers of gifts to smooth transactions generally lead to misunderstandings there and, as a result, our reputation in the Thakur’s court is somewhat sullied. We must work to remedy this, but by different means. We need to impress the agents of the Thakur at the grass roots level. Should you encounter any of the Thakur’s agents, please make a determined effort to make a positive impression on them, and make sure that they associate that impression with Qadira.
I have one other request: there is a rumor that this Zamir acquired a dervish tapestry that does not belong to him. Those in our organization care not that he has it, but we want you to prove that you have the skills to get it back through negotiation or bribery.
Prove to me that you have these skills by carrying this tapestry to the designated storefront door here in Absalom.
Best Wishes for a Safe Journey,
A Business Fellow
Faithful Agent,
This scoundrel Zamir is known to us. Another of our agents was with a caravan that he raided a few short weeks ago. The bandit stole an important and ancient item from the man and may still have it. The item is known as the Pharaoh’s Crook of Order, and though it is not a particularly powerful item, it is a token of favor given to the Society by the Ruby Prince himself and an important symbol of our historic explorations and delves in his country. We care only that it is in the hands of loyal Pathfinder agents—you may keep it if you like or return it to me for a reward.
A trusted agent in Jalmeray revealed to me in a letter that Zamir’s hideout is an ancient monastery filled with statues (though he failed to note the location). One statue in particular appears to venerate one of Osirion’s greatest hand-to-hand fighters, the beauty known as Banafrit. It is known that all statues of Banafrit were commissioned as oddities and trinkets. Stand close to her ear, whisper the words, “In greatness, for Pharaoh,” and her head should click and fall off. These statues were commissioned thousands of years ago—there may be problems.
Bring the head to Venture-Captain Valsin and tell him that it is a gift from an “Old Friend” and you will have my gratitude. Do not damage the head.
Signed,
A Friend of Valsin
Exquisite Flesh Morsel,
I sent a Chelish diplomat named Sananda Florez to talk to Zamir some months back and it seems to she’s been enslaved by that beast instead. Though the idea of Sananda in chains is… thought-provoking, I need you to find her and ask what message she has for her sweet mistress. This is our code, and upon hearing it, she will share with you what she knows. You decide if she deserves to be free.
She was likely captured placing a small device (a smooth black stone) beneath the ruined gate of Zamir’s hideout. While we can hear what’s going on around this device, it does not tell us its location—an oversight to be sure. Find this device and return it to me—there’s too much attention on Zamir now and it no longer serves a purpose. Ensure that none of your pathetic Pathfinder colleagues sees you retrieve it.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Agent of Nobility,
We among the noble classes have refined the art of personal combat to a science that is unmatched in the world. Everyone knows this. I’ve heard much of late about the so-called “empty hand martial arts.” Ridiculous as it may be, some are crediting these foreign methods as superior to ours.
Observe what you can of this outrageous fighting style while in Jalmeray and report the details to me. If this is the next Opparan dalliance, then I want to be at the front of the line.
I’ve also heard tales of monks using complicated mechanical statues with which to train their initiates. If you find one in Jalmeray, do me a favor and smash it to pieces and recover any mechanical trinkets that appear to power the thing. These trinkets could help us to build such
device elsewhere to train our noble operatives.
Kind Regards,
A Courtier of the Coming Empire
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Argenta turns away from the window shivering despite the heat. Lets hope we aren't being sent into those haunted ruins...
She joins the rest of the party waiting for their briefing. Its good to meet you all, hopefully we will all be well suited to this mission. My name is Argenta, recently from Katapesh.
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The Chellish lady hesitantly looks in the general direction of Argenta, but noticeably does not make eye contact. “I-but . . . oh, I, that is to say. . . I have. . . my na- uh, others call me, uh, Barbra. I. . . I am a, oh, I’m a barber. Pleased to meet you, Mistress” she timidly shirks away as if the mere act of declaring her name required all the courage she had.
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"Anyone know a Zamir fellow 'round these parts?"-asks the dwarf inconspicuously, looking at the window, his smile temporarily gone from his face.
Whatever the answer, he offers everyone an empty cup, saying with a smile "If we're going to be working together, I find good ale always loosens one's muscles."
"It's a special brew, this one"-he says while gesturing towards a cask of ale that sits atop his backpack-"The brewer let it distill with some medicinal herbs, so it's good for clearing your throat and sinuses, and has a mint aftertaste."
A the conclusion of the your most service, you were approached by one in attendance who hands you an envelope bearing a red seal, before disappearing. The envelope contains a map to location for a dead drop in an alley in Oppara as well as hand-written letter that reads:
Agent of Nobility,
We among the noble classes have refined the art of personal combat to a science that is unmatched in the world. Everyone knows this. I’ve heard much of late about the so-called “empty hand martial arts.” Ridiculous as it may be, some are crediting these foreign methods as superior to ours.
Observe what you can of this outrageous fighting style while in Jalmeray and provide a report with the details to me at the indicated location. If this is the next Opparan dalliance, then I want to be at the front of the line.
I’ve also heard tales of monks using complicated mechanical statues with which to train their initiates. If you find one in Jalmeray, do me a favor and smash it to pieces and recover any mechanical trinkets that appear to power the thing. These trinkets could help us to build such
device elsewhere to train our noble operatives.
Kind Regards,
A Courtier of the Coming Empire
The door to the safe house opens and in walks a Vudrani man dressed in fine silks and carrying what appears to be a magical staff. ”Greetings, Pathfinders,” says upon entering. ”I am Venture-Captain Vasuman Mihir. I trust each of you had a safe and trouble-free journey. But enough with pleasantries.”
“This is a fake scepter of the arclords,” he says, hefting a bejeweled staff in his hands bearing glowing runes across its surface. “You will lead a caravan toward Niswan carrying this false relic and several crates of minor magical items. My porter, a young boy named Waman, will give you a detailed travel itinerary, which you must follow with care.”
“Except,” he continues, “that it is almost certain that you will be ambushed before you reach your destination, since young Waman is a spy for the Aspis Consortium and has sold out and murdered a dozen or more of our brethren and associates, including our former venturecaptain— I’m sure of it.”
“The scepter is bait in a trap, and you are the teeth.” Mihir looks at you intently, stressing the point. “Do not let on to Waman that you know of his transgressions—we need him to lead us to his master, the bandit lord Zamir. We’ll either make Zamir our man or disrupt his business permanently. I’ll deal with Waman myself once this affair is resolved.”
Venture-Captain Mihir hols up a second item, a plain-looking but easily recognizable wayfinder. “This wayfinder is also a fake, although unlike the scepter, it does have real power. The dial always points to the scepter.”
Mihir demonstrates, moving the wayfinder in a circle around the scepter, the needle pointing unerringly at it. “Waman gave Zamir information that enabled the bandit fool to steal artifacts from dozens of our caravans and even from safe houses such as this one. Zamir has a method of disassembling the artifacts so that he can smuggle them off the island with ease, bound for ports of call in Cheliax. What we do not know is where Zamir is, since he never attacks with his men.”
“I gave Waman the information about your journey, so at some point along the route, Zamir’s bandits will ambush you.” says Mihir. “Previous experience indicates that his bandits will not kill if they don’t have to. Let them steal the scepter. You must put up a small struggle, maybe even kill or injure several of his men, but most importantly you must let them escape and they must escape with the scepter.”
“Give them a few hours after the ambush to escape and then use the wayfinder to track Zamir to his hideout.” The Venture-Captain instructs. “Zamir is an arrogant man whose loyalties lie with whoever can make him famous to the people of Jalmeray. Right now he believes the Aspis Consortium is the answer. You will either convince him that the Society is the answer—as he could be a very powerful ally in the region—or you’ll end his operations for good.”
“How you handle it, I leave to you.” Mihir pauses briefly, as if to entertain any questions.
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Barbra shirks even farther into her corner of the room if, if that is even possible. "Buh-wha, we- we're going to walk into a trap. But isn't that . . . I mean, REALLY dangerous? I mean- oh, um, venture captain . . . I, um. I mean, I don't- don't want to question, but . . how many men will ambush us. Not-oh, uh, not that I want to question your-uh-your wisdom but I just don't know about this mission" on the last line she seems to shrivel up even more, as if just becoming self-conscious for contradicting a venture captain.
Barbra shirks even farther into her corner of the room if, if that is even possible. "Buh-wha, we- we're going to walk into a trap. But isn't that . . . I mean, REALLY dangerous? I mean- oh, um, venture captain . . . I, um. I mean, I don't- don't want to question, but . . how many men will ambush us. Not-oh, uh, not that I want to question your-uh-your wisdom but I just don't know about this mission" on the last line she seems to shrivel up even more, as if just becoming self-conscious for contradicting a venture captain.
"Do not worry Barbra. We are not walking into the trap. They are. With foresight into the ambush we can limit our injuries which I can heal afterwards."
“The cleric is correct.” Venture-Captain Mihir responds. “Zamir is a rebel and a bandit and the people of Padiskar know him from his youth as a fool who desires fame above all else. This is why I think his loyalty to the Aspis Consortium is thin at best and there’s a chance he can be brought to our side rather than simply slain.”, the Vudrani man explains.
“Despite this reputation among the locals, Zamir does have men in his employ.” Mihir continues, “How many? We don’t know exactly. The villagers are sure that he’s absorbed several smaller jungle-bandit groups and we’ve heard rumors that the long-deposed and villainous monks of the Tiger’s Eye are working for him.”
"What is the terrain that we will be passing through like? Is there anything special we need to prepare for? Will we be on foot or is transportation being provided?"
For the first time, Mihir laughs. “Ah, yes. I suppose I should not expect foreigners from Absalom to know their way around Jalmeray or the other Kingdoms of the Impossible.” The man’s mirth is fleeting, however. “The city of Niswan is many miles away, necessitating travel by wagon caravan. All routes between Padiskar and Niswan, save those by sea, require travel through the jungle. Bring sufficient food and water for your travels. Likewise, be prepared for wild beasts and insects. If you are not used to the heat of a tropical island such as Jalmeray, then prepare for that as well, I suppose.”
“As I noted, the travel itinerary, and thus the exact route, has been left up to my porter, Waman.” Mihir notes, “He routinely handled such matters before falling under my suspicion. Were I to now take the matter out of his hands, it may well alert him to the fact that I suspect him involved in treachery.”
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The value of a man doesn't only reside of his past, but also in his potential futur.
If by convincing him to help we prevent a greater danger than just killing him it will be a good action.
Says Tatiana before she adds
Does the Society provides food? As for the water, I suppose I could call for Pharasma's gift to provide it.
The value of a man doesn't only reside of his past, but also in his potential futur.
If by convincing him to help we prevent a greater danger than just killing him it will be a good action.Says Tatiana before she adds
Does the Society provides food? As for the water, I suppose I could call for Pharasma's gift to provide it.
"The Pharasman speaks wisdom." Venture-Captain Mihir agrees, "If you have been with the Society long enough, then you know that the organization has, at times, had use for liars, thieves, and those with... other skills."
"As for food, I would assume that a Pathfinder always has ample provision on his or her person whenever undertaking a mission, particularly one of length as you never know what the future may hold. Having sole control over one's own source of food is always wise, particularly when expecting betrayal." The Vudrani man notes, "Nevertheless, as part of the caravan's protective detail, you will be afforded a daily portion from the among its stocks."
"Good luck on your journey and may the gods guide your hand.” Mihir concludes.
The caravan leaves two days hence. Thus, you have that amount of time to prepare for your journey.
Venture-Captain Mihir can ensure you have access to purchase items.
Venture-Captain Mihir gives the imitation scepter, which was created by the Society and attuned to the fake wayfinder, to the party. It is of masterwork quality, but has no actual powes.
You may already know some additional information about Zamir, or be able to find out more by inquiring among the locals.
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Hmm, not only is this Zamir a criminal, it seems he is also wanted by the Thakur. I suspect an alliance with him would be more trouble than it is worth. He is also said to be a weretiger by some...
Does anyone have any ideas about how to set this up. We obviously wanted the sceptre to be found but we don't want it to look too easy. Perhaps in one of the crates in the caravan but near the bottom and well packed in straw or similar? As for the wayfinder, one of us should certainly keep it. Does anyone have any of those magical storage devices?
[dice=knowledge(arcana)]1d20+5
[dice=knowledge(planes)]1d20+5
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"Well, for what it's worth, I think I'd agree both with both ladies."-the dwarf says with a smile, taking a swig from his tankard.
"Why don't we proceed with the following: we try our best to take him alive, and question the bastard. That way, we can get info on any possible plans that might endanger any innocent folk, and we can question him about his motives, too."
The dwarf cracks his knuckles and arches his head "If he proves to be good-natured, we can go from there. I'm not above forgiveness, but I'm no fool."
Fernando purchases 20 rations and refill his waterskin with fresh water.
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"I agree we shouldn't make it too easy for them to find the scepter but we should also make it easy for them to grab it and be on there way quickly. If they have to dig for it, they might want to stay and fight longer."
Wylka taps his chin for a few moments, "How about this. We put it in a crate by itself in a wagon. But we make 'traps' around it to make it look like it is well secure. Make the 'traps' painful but not deadly."
"As for the Wayfinder, I'm willing to carry it."
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"How about we buy a barrel, capable of holding the scepter. Then, we fill it with a cheap and bad grain ... and caltrops. That way, the thieves might think it's somewhat hidden and protected. Then, we wrap the box around with a 10 ft. chain, and we use this lock right here to lock it."-Fernando says while taking out a lock he has.
" However, I don't really have the funds to buy a chain right now. I can offer my lock and maybe 6 pounds worth of caltrops."
"I'm alright with Vylka holding the wayfinder. Just keep it hidden, in case they notice the arrow pointing at the scepter."-Fernando says finishing his ale and winking at Wylka.
Weretigers tend to be solitary creatures, only spending time with others of their kind when they feel the urge to breed. Evil weretigers enjoy the thrill of hunting intelligent prey.
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Fernando buys the barrel, the grain and the 4 pounds of caltrops.
Then he introduces the scepter into the barrel, fills it with grain and the 4 pounds of caltrops, and then takes it to a local artisan for him to hammer shut.
When he is finished, he approaches Barbra with a smile on his face "Listen, lassie. Can you lift this up? I'm more of a dexterous type of dwarf, and you seem to have quite brawn for this package."-he says as he winks towards her.
The cooper's services are included in the purchase price of the barrel.
Having finished your preparations, you set off to the safe house where you find Waman, who provides you with a map and instructions regarding how to guide the caravan to Niswan.
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"Thank you, Vylka. I appreciate your solidarity. I'll be sure to pay you back once we come upon some coin. I get to keep the chain, though!"-the dwarf says with a long, roaring laugh.
Fernando buys the barrel, introduces the scepter, fills it with rice and caltrops and asks the cooper to hammer it shut. Then, he wraps the chain around the barrel, locking it shut with the simple lock he bought.
"Say Wylka, if you're a cleric of Shelyn, are you good with them arts? Might scare the bejeebers out of them if we paint some fake runes into the barrel. Here, I always carry chalk with me."-Fernando says, taking out a piece of chalk from a pouch inside his trenchcoat.
"I always carry chalk with me! Saved me from a pinch more than once."