This is the gameplay thread for tying up loose ends between D'Aponte's death and the return to Magnimar.
Dovak looks to the gnome. "Well, I think the fishing thing kinda applies here... But I don't think either of us want to scale him. Maybe just a proper burial instead. I think maybe he was... like a fish out of water in a way? He just wasn't... in the right place. But now Pharasma can send him to where he'll fit in better, right?" Dovak looks slightly hopeful that the gnome will understand and agree with his ramblings. He pulls his bedroll out of his pack and uses it to cover the corpse. "Just until we take him outside." he whispers.
He walks over to the books D'Aponte's henchmen indicated and puts them into his pack, nodding to Jaraim as he does so. "Can you watch over things here? I'll start digging. Simple tasks to occupy a person help keep you going in times like these." Dovak says. He pulls a dingy shovel off his pack and holds it in one hand. "Zirt, when you feel a little better, maybe you can help dig... or write a eulogy? You're a good speaker, so I'm sure you'll say something that will lead him well on his path to being sorted."
"Eep! I certainly don't want to scale him!"
Zirt looks like she might be sick, but as Dovak continues her expression calms a bit. "I think... I think you're right. We should bury him. I... I'll come with you? I've never... I had a pet squirrel once, that died, but... that's not a person... I'll... I'll help you dig and try to compose something while we're doing that?"
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Jaraim nods his head "Aye, looks like the fight's mostly gone from these two. I'll see if they can tell us more about what's been going on here."
He glances to D'Aponte's body. "May his body be more good in the ground than it has been above the ground."
He then takes a moment to loosen a small round semi-transparent green bead from his beard and hands it to Zirt.
"Thkhurrk azth thkurrath, wahaart. Nak rurk k'ath lazr'th taazk' th'azga our'h waur'rtazkaurr. K'ath zhurhnt ath az poakkah rhnazzia zhak'ur'k 'ath laztrathth."
Cyniq begins searching through the lab using her detect magic cantrip for any magic items or other valuables that might be useful or worth selling.
Hiram stands guard near Jaraim as he talks with the two lab assistants.
One of the lab assistants is visibly trembling, his eyes are full of tears and he immediately begins apologizing as Jaraim approaches. The second stares blankly at D'Aponte's body in the center of the room.
Digging an appropriate grave outside will take around 1.5-2 hours (with or without Zirt's help digging - probably 2 if there is conversation). During this time Jaraim can talk to the lab assistants and possibly get information from them. Cyniq will search the lab, get bored and also search the courtyard as well but doesn't go farther than that.
When you return to the lab, you find D'Aponte's body has been wrapped in bed sheets as a sort of funeral shroud. Jaraim directs the lab assistants to help carry the body out to the grave site.
Zirt accepts the bead solemnly, sniffing a few more times and wiping her nose. Finally she looks up and nods at the dwarf, then follows Dovak outside to help him dig.
When the job is finished and the body placed within, she recites:
"A man has died, a story done; a fish has gone away,
But we must live and carry on and do our work today.
Perhaps a mother's love he lacked, a father's guiding hand,
But actions do not heed excuse when consequences land.
"D'Aponte received his due, for actions done and said,
And we must learn from this, his tale, or soon we'll all be dead."
She looks over at the paladin and dwarf uncertainly, a plea for acceptance in her eyes. Oh, I do hope that was alright...
Zirt nods slightly and turns to Dovak and the dwarf. "I... I guess we ought to go back to town and see how soon we can get passage on a ship back to Magnimar?"
As Jaraim is arranging stones, one of the lab assistants bolts away from the grave site running west.
The second assistant looks at the group surprised, a little scared and puts his hands up shaking his head. "I don't know! No trouble, I don't want any more trouble! Please! he pleads.
Zirt squeaks in fright and looks over at Dovak for guidance.
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Jaraim shakes his head. "Bah! Let's not concern ourselves with him, let him run."
He stands and dusts his hands on his trousers. "I'll help you arrange travel from Absalom before I file my report at the Pathfinder Lodge." He looks to Dovak and nods. "Keep the books, I was never fully briefed on the mission."
Looking to D'Aponte's assistant he says "If you're serious about not wanting trouble I'd like you to come with me to the Pathfinder lodge and tell them everything you know about what was going on here. I'll defend your freedom as best I can so long as you cooperate."
The little gnome gulps and nods at the dwarf, suddenly sad as she realizes that this is the end of their time in the same group. "Will you write, Mr. Jaraim? Oh, do say you will. I did mean it when I said I'd like to come with you to visit your people, someday, and I would so like to hear about all your adventures with the Pathfinder Society while I'm sitting and trying to read boring things my uncle assigns me. You will write, won't you??"
"I think you'll need to give him your address before he can write you, Zirt." Dovak interjects. Looking at Jaraim he says "Thanks about the books. And you," his voice takes a stern note as he turns to face the remaining assistant, "you would do well to change your ways. Be more careful who you work for--this time may or may not have been your fault, and you luckily were not put in serious harm's way, but your next... 'employer' may not be so nice. Maybe Jaraiim can give you a recommendation for the Pathfinder training or something; if not, think about stopping by the Iomeden temple in Absalom. Someone who repents his evil deeds and is willing to work to bring the light to others will probably be welcome there." Done proselytizing, Dovak turns back to Zirt.
"That was a wonderful eulogy. Much better than anything I could have come up with, even given a whole day. I'm sure your mother would approve, and maybe you've opened a path for him to go on with Pharasma's guidance that wouldn't have otherwise been there." Dovak smiles and begins to pack up his things for the journey back to Absalom and then Magnimar.
Zirt's little hand jumps to her mouth to stifle a giggle. "Oh! I suppose I do have to give him my address! Mr. Jaraim, you may write me at my uncle's... here, I'll write it down for you!"
She produces a quill and paper and scribbles down an address for the dwarf, handing it to him carefully afterward.
At the paladin's final statements, she sighs and wrings her hands. "Oh thank you, Mr. Dovak. I do hope so... I do so hope that's the case."
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Jaraim chuckles.
"Of course I'll write you, friend. Perhaps I'll even visit Magnimar some day and see what you're up to. Janderhoff is a short distance west so it certainly seems feasible that I could give you a tour of my homeland."
He looks up to the sky.
"Let's get back to Absalom. First round of drinks over dinner are on me, then we'll see about getting you back to Magnimar."
The assistant timidly mentions he would like to retrieve his belongings from the tower and mentions there is a medium cart with which the team can take any goods back to Absalom.
Zirt helps load any relevant items into the cart, hoping someone else will volunteer to tow it. At the offer of drinks, she smiles. "Oh, I would so like a nice cold mug of fineberry juice! Do they have fineberries this far south? I think it's the right time of year for them..."
Her little brow furrows. "but it might not be. What sorts of juices do they have here, Mr. Jaraim?"
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"Heh. I was thinking something less fruity my friend. But, perhaps we can find you something interesting."
Jaraim offers to help pull the cart and Eckard Fess (the lab assistant) lends a hand as well. Along the way he tells his story of how he got wrapped up with D'Aponte. It's clear that Eckard was with D'Aponte before he started going crazy and while Eckard noticed changes he didn't realize how far gone D'Aponte had become. It's clear now, in hind sight, that things weren't right but Eckard never wanted anyone to get hurt.
Among the items in the tower (including things taken off D'Aponte's body) the team finds the following:
Dagger +1
Seven bottles of (mediocre) wine
Two potions of cure light wounds
Three vials of alchemist fire
D'Apontes journal and spellbook
Gold medallion worth 50gp
Everyone gets 150gp and 700xp for bothering with D'Aponte
Zirt smiles happily at the dwarf, and listens to the assistant's confessions with a thoughtful expression.
As they walk back along the road, she ventures, "Whatever shall we do with all of these things? Jaraim, would the Pathfinder Society want his things? Perhaps he has family we should send his things to?"
"If we can find his next-of-kin they should get it, otherwise we could donate the proceeds from selling it to the church. There are needy folks who depend on that sort of charity." Dovak looks pensive "or at least that's what I have heard. I haven't been at the Magnimar church that long, and they had me out doing errands most of the time."
Cyniq would be interested int eh spellbook and any other books found laying about, though she will share with her companions. She is a budding scribe after all.
I'll be happy to get back to Magnimar. but do you think we could do a little shopping in Absalom first?
"Oh! I like shopping! What do you want to buy? I think we should check when the ship leaves, but I bet we'd have a bit of time to go shopping together! And maybe we can even hear some good stories in the marketplace! Usually merchants who come from a long way away have lots of good stories to tell, though I think I've heard most of the ones going around this year already. But maybe someone will have a new one!"
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Jaraim shrugs. "Honestly, the bureaucracy and over inflated egos I've encountered in the Society have me second guessing my involvement with them. You guys said you were here on behalf of an old partner of D'Aponte's or something? Maybe he knows about next of kin? Eckard, any idea?"
Eckard squints and shakes his head. "No, I don't think so. He would occasionally speak of family members but I don't recall names or anything. If I do remember I'll let you know..."
Jaraim nods. "Perhaps take small valuables, sell the rest and give the money to his family or those in need if his family can't be located. I think that's an honorable idea."
As the conversation shifts to shopping in Absalom...
"I'm sure there will be some time, I know a few folks who can help negotiate travel back to Magnimar but it may take a day or three. In Absalom you can find nearly anything you can imagine. The city at the center of the world, they say. In part because trade from all of Golarion seems to be attracted to the city; also because it gives the residents there an excuse to feel superior to everyone else."
D'Aponte's library has several bookshelves worth of content and you can't fit much of it in the initial wagon load (think of it more like a rickshaw cart - not a horse pulled wagon). If, the group wants to spend an extra day or two removing everything from the tower we can do a fast forward and discuss what you find.
If not, this is what you find of interest on first browsing:
Three books that look to be part of a set about Varisian history. Some of the pages have notes scribbled in the margin or loose paper tucked inside with more notes.
Cyniq is a scribe, one of her friends runs a book shop...
Yeah, she'll raid the library.
Who needs food? put another book on that rickshaw.
D'Aponte's library contains a fair number of tomes referencing Varisia ranging from botany and herbal guides to history and Thassilonian lore. Several notebooks appear to be written by D'Aponte, field guides, recipes and log books detailing his experiments over the years. The more recently created tomes include wine making guides, gardening almanacs and one book which deals with maintaining youthful appearance filled with page markers and dog-eared pages.
In the D'Aponte's living quarters there is one more journal that looks to have been penned by a woman. You recognize the name on the inside front cover as that of his deceased wife, Burgstem's sister. He has some fine clothing in good condition in his armoire and several find dresses are hanging there as well.
Also inside the armoire is a box filled with woman's jewelry (an assortment of rings, bracelets and necklaces) that share a common dragonfly theme. There is also an ivory comb and brush set and a silver mirror that continue the firefly motif.
The lab contains standard alchemical supplies and equipment. Beakers, burners, powders and various non-magical concoctions.
The courtyard contains the wine making supplies, several large barrels of wine, the remains of the manikins and the large fruit-bearing vine which has been harvested up to eight feet. Above the eight foot mark there are still a fair number of red-orange fruits.
Eckard indicates this is the fruit they used to make the wine which he says isn't the best he's tasted but it was interesting to learn how spirits are made.
In the assistant's quarters you find the belongings of Parieth, the assistant who ran away (Eckard had already collected his few belongings). Several changes of common clothing, a small bit of coin, his journal and stashed in the bottom of his footlocker are several letters from someone in Cheliax and a holy symbol of Asmodeus. It seems Parieth was reporting D'Aponte's work to someone in Cheliax. The latest indicates they were pleased with how far along D'Aponte had come and, unbeknownst to him, he was proving to be a fine guinea pig. It commends Parieth for helping to direct D'Aponte's studies and they (the Chelax contact) were hopeful the results would be even more interesting than those in Magnimar.
After sorting through what you deem valuable Jaraim suggests that he will hire someone in Absalom to clear the rest of the tower and, after paying that resource and a bit of coin for Jaraim, they will send the remaining gold to Magnimar c/o the Church of Iomedae.
You pack up the cart, mostly with books and Jaraim begins pulling it back to Absalom.
In Absalom Jaraim insists on immediately going to his favorite inn, Kreig's Raucous Ram, for dinner. Where he is greeted by the Kreig the barkeep who shouts "I thought I told you to stay the hell away from 'ere!" before he offering a big smile. "The usual for you, I'm sure, but what of your friends?"
To which Jaraim replies "Seafare to Magnimar, soon to set sail by preference." He gives the group another look "And whatever food, drink and room they'll have tonight is on me."
Zirt's eyes are wide and her interest is entirely focused during the excavation of the library. When they finally arrive back in Absalom, she plops herself down at a table in the inn and lets out a long, tired sigh.
"Oh my, I am so very tired! And to think that we were only here for a day... but I do think we'd better get back to Magnimar. Mr. Barkeeper, may I have some juice? I don't know what varieties you have, so you may surprise me! And Mr. Jaraim is so very kind to pay for it..." She turns a sweet, grateful smile to the dwarf.
Cyniq sits down next to Zirt and Dovak, you know, I was scribe, newly graduated as a journeyman mage when I thought I had found an opportunity at adventure.
Waving at Kreig, bottle of mead, if you have it.
Pulling out Parieth's journal, she spreads it in front of her, I have a feeling our adventures aren't over. I happen to like living in Magnimar, and having this kind of influence rooted doesn't sound good. Nodding to Jaraim, he doesn't seem like those other Pathfinders, maybe we just ran into a bad group. I had heard that there is a place in Magnimar that has some, maybe they would be interested in this information.
Nudging Zirt with an elbow, Cyniq whispers, that cute one over there has been eyeing you for the last ten minutes, the one with purple hair.
What about you Dovak? I know a shop in Magnimar where we can get good prices on these books.
Zirt squeaks in fright at Cyniq's whisper, her eyes going wide as she glances around in blushing panic.
"Well, I'm not really in a hurry to join the Pathfinders, but being back in Magnimar would be nice." Dovak looks at the fare around the bar and says "I'll have a simple meal and a glass of wine please." He seems lost in thought, but the lost look persists until Zirt squeaks. "Huh?!" he blurts out. "Is everything okay?"
Jaraim ensures the drinking and dining continue throughout the evening. Several hours after dinner begins, Kreig comes over with a list of ships leaving Absalom for Magnimar over the next few days. The group decides to book passage on a direct sailing that will be leaving in two days.
After passing the payment along, Jaraim doubles his booze intake and becomes quite merry. Singing dwarven drinking songs, dancing a bit and telling jokes with other patrons.
The young man who had been eyeing Zirt seems about to make his move, walking toward the table. Seeing Zirt's reaction as Cyniq nudges her and Dovak's response, he blushes and turns away not making eye contact for some time. As he goes back to his table his friends laugh and look to be giving him a hard time.
Everyone roll a perception check please.
Cyniq smiles and nudges Zirt guess he had cold feet.
She turns to her mug of ale and looks deep into the cup.
Zirt giggles and watches the young man with his friends, a slight look of sympathy making its way onto her face for a moment.
"Zhis fuud ish amazhing!" Dovak says through a full mouth. He swallows and continues, "Just absolutely delicious! Are you guys enjoying yours? Man, it's really the simple things that make life worthwhile, eh?"
I prefer a bit more spice, seems a little bland. Picking through the meal, she spears a small bit of some exotic vegetable and munches on it, you know, this was my first time outside of Magnimar?
Zirt cranes her little neck around, trying to take in everything happening in the tavern all at once. At Cyniq's words, she turns to smile at the redhead. "You grew up there, then? I had never been into Magnimar until just a few days ago when I arrived to visit my uncle!"
I did, father raised me, never knew my mother. Took my studies at the Stone of Seers. And I work for a merchant, mostly just scribing and stuff. I was saving up to take a trip to Korvosa when this opportunity landed in my lap. But I couldn't afford to live here, its really expensive. Cyniq gives Dovak a warm smile, what about you?
"Whll Y goo uph nn Hien..." Dovak swallows again and continues "Well, I grew up in Tian Xia, and spent a long time wandering around both with my adoptive family and then following my late master--may Iomedae grant him peace--around while he fought evil creatures. But I'd never been to Absalom before this trip."
any other time, I think I would want to stay and explore. But I think these notes should be delivered in person.
"Well, then let's get them delivered. The coin he promised should be more than enough to come back to Absalom and explore for a while. How about you Zirt? Your uncle probably wants to see you... though either way I'll be going back so I can deliver the notes if you two want to stay here. I don't know how I'd send your payment over though. Maybe the Abadarians will do some kind of money transfer..." Dovak says just before starting his next bite.
"Yes, I think we should go back as soon as we can get passage! I do hope Mr. Zeke sent that note to my uncle, and that he's not worrying -- my uncle, I mean, though I hope Mr. Zeke isn't worrying either. Ms. Cyniq, do you really think that other young man was looking at me??"
Your stay at the Raucous Ram is reasonably comfortable. While there seems to be continual singing and merriment on the main floor, your rooms on the third floor are quiet enough that the goings on downstairs does not disturb your sleep. The food is fair and while it does get loud in the evening the mood is always upbeat and you don't feel endangered.
The next two days pass quickly. Jaraim shows you around parts of Absalom and you have some time to catch up on shopping, praying or studying. Absalom has goods and services from the far corners of Golarion so you have no trouble finding anything you need.
On the morning of your departure a young human boy sent by the captain of the vessel knocks on your door to wake you just before sunrise. He ensures your cargo is loaded and helps to sort out your entries in the ships ledger. You're lead below deck to one of the guest quarters near the rear of the ship. The cramped quarters has four beds and as many footlockers for personal belongings.
Prior to launch the captain calls everyone to the main deck. The three of you are one group of passengers bound for Magnimar. A handful of others, mostly human and halflings are gathered in a crowd with you. Behind the captain is an elven woman, presumably a noble or wealthy merchant, in a long light blue robe. To her right is another elven woman wearing ornamental leather armor with a fancy blade hanging from her hip. She seems to be studying each of the assembled group very carefully. Directly behind the woman in leather is a seven foot tall angelic construct made of brass with a strange magical flame like blowing hair atop its head.
The captain addresses the group and lays out the ground rules for his ship. Basic stuff - no violence, no theft, everyone pulls their weight, etc. After describing the various methods of punishment should anything get out of hand he introduces the elven noble-woman as lady Alvaerele Shalandalan and mentions she is a personal friend and a very special guest. As a matter of respect and security everyone should stay away from the forward deck quarters.
You find the crew to be friendly and are invited to join them in their evening festivities. You don't see much of Lady Alvaerele but occasionally her companion is above deck watching the crew perform their duties from a distance.
Zirt's eyes widen to the diameter of saucers at the sight of the elves and the strange angelic construct. She tugs on Dovak's elbow just to make sure he sees, too. "Mr. Dovak, look! Elves! We didn't have any elves in Whistledown, though I guess I saw a few half-elves come through on occasion with merchant caravans. But never any full elves! Do you think they're from Kyonin? My dear playmate Alison Trundlecorkitchpoffer used to say that her father had once been to Kyonin and that it was all bright and shiny and beautiful, and that all the elves were wise and intelligent and lovely to look at. Lady Alvaerele sure is lovely, don't you think? What a beautiful robe! Oh I do hope we can meet her and talk to her! I'm not sure what I'd say though!"
"She's quite a lovely lady. And that tall one behind her is interesting as well. But the Captain said we should stay away from her room... Maybe if she's on deck sometime we can say hello."
Somehow I just can't picture you at a loss for words. Cyniq smiles before walking to the bow of the boat to take in the fresh air and watch the ship plow through the waves.
Zirt, when you mention Lady Alvaerele's name you feel the woman in leather's gaze locked on you. She stares for a moment before nodding slightly and continuing her scan of the assembly.
You concentrate for a moment and detect no hostility or evil intent from anyone on the upper deck which includes the captain, the elven women, the construct and a two deck hands nearby.
The crew makes good time but in the late hours of the fifth night you're awoken by the sound of a man shouting and ringing a bell.
"To arms! All hands on deck! We've been boarded! All han..." The voice and the alarm stop mid sentence.
Map on the way tomorrow but feel free to state any actions you take.
Dovak awakens with a start; his hair is a mess and his clothes are unkempt, but with practiced motions he starts pulling on his armor--albeit hastily. As he does so he takes a look around the cabin and yells to anyone still asleep: "Wake up! We've got to defend ourselves!"
Zirt's still form begins flailing wildly as her shrill voice is raised in protest. "Mother! Mother! Help! The hyukus are farniking the krats again! Mother!! Ahhhh!"
There is a pause as the little gnome stops moving, and a moment later her voice, now slightly calmer, is heard again as she jumps out of bed. "Mr. Dovak?! Ms. Cyniq?? What's going on? Boarded? Who would want to rob us?!? I suppose we'd better go above!"