The six of you are summoned to the heart of Skyreach to meet with Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes. He sits on a large plush bench next to a finely dressed and full-figured woman, who looks as though this meeting isn't worth her time. Drandle speaks up. "I'd like to introduce you all to Lady Gloriana Morilla." the woman tilts her head slightly in acknowledgement, but makes no other effort to greet you.
Dreng continues on. “Recently, a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a unique relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we have a unique opportunity to add to our collection for study. In return, however, we must deliver one of our catalogued items to Escadar in exchange. The Low Azlanti drive a hard bargain, so we need you to escort a relics broker to Escadar so he can authenticate the Azlanti item and mediate a fair deal on the Ten’s behalf.
"I should warn you that the Society isn't the only ones after this relic. The Aspis Consortium has also tendered an offer, and the gillmen have agreed to accept it if we don't finalize our own agreement within 30 days. An Aspis warship patrols the waters outside Escadar, preventing us from arriving unmolested. However, Lady Gloriana and I have come up with a solution."
Lady Morilla stirs from her silence and speaks in a strong, demanding voice. “I have used some of the Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives to plant a false crew manifest and course plans with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis Consortium spies who certainly keep an eye on such matters believe we are moving our relic to Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty of time to make the final agreement with the gillmen before the Society’s window of opportunity runs out.”
Dreng continues next, "Head to the Siphons in the Puddles and speak with Grandmaster Torch. He will provide you with a route to Escadar. Afterwards meet with Nester Rees at this address. He's the appraiser you need to escort. Once there we have arranged lodgings for you at the Grindylow's Goblet. Send word to the Low Azlant embassy and watch over the negotiations. Do you have any questions?"
"How long is the road to Escadar? Are any means of transport available to us, or must we travel on foot?"
"Grandmaster Torch can answer your questions better than I, Daniel. And remember, all because it sounds easy doesn't mean there won't be unexpected hurdles. Can't plan for everything."
As you all prepare to leave, Lady Gloriana holds out her hand to Daniel to aid her in rising. As Daniel pulls his hand back, he finds a note has been palmed to him.
Dearest Pathfinders,
As you know, the people of Taldor share a proud history that traces their blood to the ancient Azlanti who founded our great nation. I have a letter that I ask you to deliver to the gillman embassy in Escadar, so my request requires no additional effort on your part other than carrying a simple envelope and delivering it when you reach your final destination. I have no hesitation in telling you the letter asks the gillmen to consider an alliance with the nation of Taldor—if the letter finds its way into an influential gillman’s hands, it would please me greatly. A new dawn will rise over Taldor,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
You travel through the flooded streets of the puddles, finding your entrance into the siphons. A gruff half-orc guard grants you entry into Grandmaster Torch's audience chamber. Torch is a dark-haired man, covered in burns and sitting in a bathtub, two attendants continually pouring water over him. His half-orc bodyguards eye you continually as he speaks.
“Well met, Pathfinders. I see you have survived as the Decemvirate’s pawns thus far, and for that I commend you. This next task they have for you is more dangerous than the venture-captain may have told you, so let me give you a word of warning. I have made it my life’s work to ensure Pathfinder agents are given all the tools they need to return home from their myriad adventures, and this map is the tool I give you. Follow the directions on my map as strictly as you can. Deviate from this path and you may encounter challenges far beyond your abilities. Many would paint me and those who believe like I do as betrayers of the Society, but it is the corps of the organization that I am completely loyal to. Each and every one of you.
“If you believe you have been mistreated by the Ten or their representatives, don’t hesitate to let me know upon your return from Escadar. My network of agents and spies if vast, and I am a powerful ally to have on your side.
”Now be off. You have a long journey ahead of you. And remember, don’t deviate from this map—it’s designed to get you there and back safely!”
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As soon as he enters the puddles Wuse springs to life his nostrils flaring. He thinks of the standard route to Torch and figures a quick stop onto his favorite (well top 10) bar and get a drink. As we pass the bar:
Hey guys, I'm going to get a quick drink, I know the best place right over there.
Without really waiting for a reply he sets off towards a dumpy looking place that most likely only has the best e-coli rather than the best beer. He walks right in and you can see through the open door him skitter up to the bar. You notice the whole bar has turned their attention to him upon his entry. The bartender hands him a very large flagon and wuse turns to face the people back resting on the bar. He smiles.
In a second the beer is within Wuse. He slams the mug on the table, strides to a half-orc woman sitting near the entrance, and headbutts her.
The whole bar erupts into cheering as Wuse makes his exit. He ruturns to the group much more even in his step. He is silent, but wears a large tooth lacking grin.
"All manners of creature could conceivably be encountered. The route I am providing, while I have not taken myself, I have on good word to have been used often enough to have little enough to worry about. I could spend weeks preparing you for anything you may encounter, but by then it will be too late. Try to stay on the path."
"Grandmaster, what do you know of the gillmen? They are obviously savages, but are they predisposed towards evil? Or are they simply forced to their harsh ways as means of survival when pressed by the civilized races?"
"The gillmen are people, each with their own goals and motivations with as much variety as you and us. I'm not certain where you have heard of their harsh ways, though they can be as brutal as any of us when pushed."
"I spoke not of them as individuals, but as a society. Humans are also diverse but there have been human kingdoms ruled by evil tyrants. But I guess my perception of their harsh ways was born out of prejudice. I shall find a way to atone for that."
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"Thank you for your concern Grandmaster, we will be careful on our journey. We had best be on our way." Astarton didn't know what was going on in particular, but he was sure they were not intent on giving out more information than they were letting out, but someone was holding back something. He was sure of it. It seemed odd to him that there would be such amounts of intrigue in a society that purported the transparency of information.
While preparing for the journy, you finally meet up with the appraiser, Nester Rees. He appears to be a man of Garundi descent. The first noticeable thing about the man is the limp with which he walks, and the cain he holds to support himself. "Greetings gentlemen. I am Nester Rees, appraiser for the Pathfinder Society. I have already prepared my belongings for the trip and will be ready to depart whenever you all are."
"I assure you, I can keep up quite acceptably, though the concern is most appreciated. I would actually be more concerned about those of you in the heavier armor, and you good dwarf. While I'm sure you could walk much longer than I, you do poesses, how should I say this. A shorter stride if you will. I would be more than happy to acquire a few ponies for the expedition, to ensure we arrive in a timely fashion."
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I will not stay in a saddle. I'm not tryin ta be diffucult here just saying it's physically impossible. Pehaps we should grab a lounging cart if I'm going to slow us down walking. Just big enough for me so it doesn't slow down the horse. Sorta wheelbarrow type thing. I'll just layabout on it so I don't slow you down.
"The choice is yours, but depending on the route, the mountains may be difficult to traverse in a wagon."
The Cairnlands, a broken landscape of blood-salted earth and the ruins of countless failed assaults on Absalom’s walls, soon yields to open fields and fertile ground. Ahead, a vast forest covers the foothills of large range of snow-capped mountains. The well-trodden road soon ends at a tall wall of trees, signaling the end of civilization.
As you approach, a group of three centaurs can be seen coming over a hillrise nearby. One of their numbers, presumably the leader, calls out to you. "Hail travelers. I am called Urdel Thunderhoof. You travel far from Absalom. Perhaps I could have a moment?"
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Astarton got more agitated the further into the wilds they went. All of this open land with who knows what behind every tree, it was unnerving. When they were approached by centaurs, he relaxed. At least they couldn't hide behind trees.
"If your moment is for some pleasant conversation or a bit of advice, I for one would welcome it. But sadly, a moment is all we can spare since we have a long way to go yet and we have need of a prompt arrival."
"So much the better for you that we speak then. My group are hunters, following the trail of a great cat in the area. It has threatened our food supply so we seek to deal with it. I would recommend you be wary."
Daniel salutes the noble creatures.
"Thank you for the information. We will be doubly watchful. Incidentally, which way are you pursuing it now?"
"We plan to travel west from here, hoping to find it's lair before returning to our village. Where does your group travel at this time?"
"Our path lies to the north, through the mountains. We would gladly assist you and make our own journey safer, but we still have a long way to go and cannot allow ourselves to be delayed. Unless you know how we could pass the mountains quicker?"
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Wuse has spent most of his time trying to stay on his damnded horse. He hasn't had the time to take a drink in hours and you can tell it is effecting him heavily. He actually appears mildly sober. But not entirely nice at the moment. He has taken this opportunity to swig large amounts from his skin. Upon finishing he takes inventory of his surroundings. His face scrunches up as if trying to recall something.
Cat, you say...I hear cat is tasty.
"There is little we can tell you beyond our hunting grounds, but we would not have you go away empty handed." The centaur leader retrieves a handful of berries from a pouch and one of his longspears. "These berries have an enchantment placed upon them to make them a full meal, as well as to heal wounds. And this spear is well crafted by my tribesmen. I ask you please take care, friends."
"We must be off to continue the hunt. Good travels."
Unless someone wants to ask something more of them, the centaurs take their leave.
"We are in your debt, friends. Should you require our assistance, you can seek us out in the Absalom Pathfinder Lodge. Fare thee well and good hunting to you."
Daniel marches forward, his spirits lifted by the selfless kindness of the creatures.
As the centaurs leave, Nester remarks on the encounter. "You all handled yourselves well. I feel that I am in quite capable hands seeing that situation resolved. Though we should definitely press on."
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Astarton spoke to Daniel as they rode off. "They seemed nice. I wouldn't want to invite them to a dinner party though. They are too tall to be comfortable in my place. That and I don't know if they are housebroken. My horse sure isn't. Although they are only half horse. But still, it's the wrong half for that sort of thing..."
Daniel allows himself to smile. "I'm not sure they would be excited to go under human roof and eat human food, anyway. They are closely bonded with the nature, and we are lucky to be treated so kindly by them. I prefer to think of it as a good omen."
The sound of running water echoes ahead, and several muted beams of light pierce the thick forest canopy. Soon the dense forest opens, revealing a river that blocks the way forward. A large felled tree trunk offers a way over the swift moving river. With the exception of the rushing sound of the water, an eerie silence pervades the area, as does the fresh smell of death.
Ahead of you, you all spy a deer carcass laying in the middle of the path ahead.
Jericho
Astarton
Wuse Guy
Talor
Daniel