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You begin the adventure in an opulent parlor in the Druman capital of Kerse, part of the manor home of Temel Passad, a prominent Kalistocrat. Served the finest Chelish wine and delicate sweetmeats while awaiting their host, you have time to peruse a letter from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin and introduce yourselves to your fellow pathfinders
Society agents recently learned of a lost, previously undocumented Sky Citadel in what was once Sarkoris, the land now consumed by the Worldwound. As we cannot push into that demon-infested wasteland ourselves, we have recruited dwarven aid in the dangerous expedition. In exchange for military assistance and historical expertise, the dwarves will have the opportunity to reclaim this lost stronghold.
Two weeks ago, Highhelm sent an entourage of diplomats and tacticians north toward Mendev to meet with Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury to discuss terms and develop a plan of attack. When they failed to arrive in a timely fashion, Jorsal commissioned sending magic to contact Rakuska Ingardam, the mission’s leader. Rakuska’s return message—cut off due to the magic’s limit—was as follows:
“Passed Xer, paid our way, but attacked and overcome. Razmiri priests hold us for unknown purpose. We are held somewhere near the Glass River at...”
One of several possible places they are held is the Gray Revelation Inn, about thirty miles east of Xer—we suspect the Razmiri priesthood uses the site to interrogate prisoners. You must investigate and liberate the three dwarven envoys—if indeed that is where they are imprisoned—and then escort them to Mendev. Accompanying you are two other dwarves who will take the captured envoys’ places if you aren’t successful: merchant Metella Raugar and respected Pahmet mystic Amauhak. The Kalistocrat Temel Passad, a Druman with whom we have dealt in the past, has volunteered a boat to transport you north, and I see little reason why we should not take him up on this offer. Building a good working relationship with one or more influential merchants would be to everyone’s benefit.
Good Luck
Ambrus Valsin
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A gnome in conspicuous garments is sitting on a chair, taking modest sips of "Egorian Blanco". "You know what? After being sent to the frigid Irrisen three times in a row, I sure can appreciate the air around here. The wine's not bad either."
"While we wait for our dear host, let us introduce ourselves. I am mister Rizzlefunk. You may call mister Rizzlefunk." Rizzlefunk declares a bit redundantly, and then mutters something under his breath. "Or, if you make the mistake of calling me short, funny, or small, you will call me MASTER Rizzlefunk..."
He puts aside his glass and continues: "I am a specialist in languages, a psychologist extraordinaire, and one very persuasive gentleman."
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Kaye has always had mixed feelings about Chileax. They make good wine, but how many people do they force to work on it? If they were paid well that would be a different story.
Kaye shakes his head and reads the letter again. Not looking up, he asks the Gnome "Is Irrisen as cold as they say? I've heard a torch extinguishes itself upon exposure to the open air."
"How rude of me. Doing some mental calculations about which merchants I should speak to in Kerse later on." The human stands up, ready to give handshakes. "My name is Kaye, good to meet you all. I am humbled to have joined such an outstanding crew."
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"Hhssskorroo ..." said by way of sparse introduction with the lispy accent of the Nagaji. The enigmatic tunnel fighter clearly has some mysterious connection with dwarfs, as evidenced by his Dwarven Urgrosh; however, he also adds something of an eclectic touch with his Kikko armor and composite long bow.
Husker avoids the Chelish wine, but helps himself to several of the sweetmeats while listening intently to the briefing ... expression difficult to read.
This will be a welcome change to the cold climates of my previous assignments.
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A rather subdued Varisian woman is studying the decorations in the parlor, seemingly uninterested in the wine or sweetmeats. After another brief glance though the letter still in her hands, she looks toward the others. "I'm Lissa, Please look favorably upon me." she finally states, still seeming a little distant.
"Does anyone know much about Ramziran? This is the first time I've been this far inland, so I haven't had much interaction with the nation," she adds, almost as a afterthought. "After all, if the Ramziri are going to be our problem on this mission, getting everyone on the same page about them is only to our collective benefit."
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GRR! Ugh! Slops...
The sound comes from burly man in worn chainmail shirt peeking out from under a shabby cloak. His hair is already gray, but strong hands and a confident glance to speak more about the experience than about the old age.
Name's Uslad. Originally from North. And, by the way, I never wanted to go back. There is nothing good in the North. And can not be. Because it's North. Clearly?
His voice sounds confident, without a hint of complaint. He looks like a man who thinks he understood everything about life, and the main conclusion which he did - "life s**ks". Perhaps he likes this idea, as it reconciles him with reality and himself.
Briefly about me. Can tear someone's head off. Can explain that someone was wrong, and then tear his head off. But prefer to tear first, and then explain. It's safer.
The feeling that the further he is already talking more to himself:
The times now are not the same. Young people completely out of hand. No respect for elders. No order. Could you imagine such an outrage, with which have to deal, in the olden days? In the past people were nicer and respected each other. Now, look, we need to save the dwarves. Which was captured by the priests of some new "God". The shame.
His monologue ends with a sudden turn, which he pronounces very quite and with an unexpected for such a person reverence in his voice:
Goddess, forgive them everything and accept them in your Lovely Dark Embrace.
Does anyone know much about Ramziran?
This question return Uslad to reality from his communication with himself. His voice once again sounded loud and dissatisfied:
Of course we all know! Heretics. The youth came up with a new God, and let's worship him, not looking around. Fools. We will come there and just kick some jerks ass, such a plan. And there is nothing more to say about.
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Rizzlefunk eyes the old man and the nagaji during the introductions, possibly scheming something. He jumps down from his armchair, oversized for a gnome, and starts to waddle around the room. "I've never been of religious sort, myself. I prefer to stay morally flexible, if you can understand. Razmiri machinations are unknown to me."
The linguist points at the letter. "About our mission... has everyone read this?... Our mission sounds simple. I only hope our escortees need little-to-no active protection, and can pull their weight. But I know better: our dear Venture-Captain addressed the two as a merchant as a mystic; titles that would hardly suit warriors."
"Misters Uslad and reptilian: I predict that our backline in combat will have the majority of the team. Are you confident in your ability to carry the team's health and safety?" Rizzlefunk says, stretching his neck as he looks up to the burly man and the reptilian warrior.
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Two silent servants open a pair of richly lacquered doors, and a human and two dwarves stride into the lavish parlor. The man, clad in immaculate robes of whitest silk, is short and round with a blond oiled beard, and his eyes are alert and amused. He takes a touch of snuff from a golden box and sneezes before saying, “It is a pleasure to welcome Pathfinders to one of my estates once more. I am, as you may know, Temel Passad. Allow me to introduce—”
One of the two dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man. “We can introduce ourselves, Passad. I am Metella Raugar, representing the interests of several Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companion”—she gestures to a dwarven man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf—“is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a mystic of the sand dwarves of Osirion.”
Temel resumes with only the briefest look of annoyance crossing his face I hope you are enjoying your refreshments can I get you some more Sweetmeats, wine or perhaps something more suited to your tastes?
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"Misters Uslad and reptilian: I predict that our backline in combat will have the majority of the team. Are you confident in your ability to carry the team's health and safety?"
Possible! Or we'll use you as bait, and gonna hit back to the enemy! In any case, in trouble we will not leave you. Har!
He grins to the gnome, clearly finding him funny. At the same time, Uslad closely inspects this "specialist in language and psychology", knowing that something is dangerous in him - otherwise he wouldn't be a Pathfinder and not standing here.
Har! By the way, it wasn't a joke. My friend recently hunted ghouls - while they nibbled the wizards, he hit them in the back - and not a bad beat, if to believe his words. However, he is also a healer, and wizards then managed to get to their feet. What about me - I can fight... differently... Har! Most importantly, if I'm in the first line, after the battle, someone who'd heal my wounds. Otherwise I'll think about it... Do we have such a person?
Zagaz umgak bezek!
Wulthrung azkahr thongli stok! Gorlm kurlz gand! Eglarm vorn! Har!!
Then, switching back to regular common language and turn his attention to Temel Passad:
Sweets is so-so, wine is also not a dream. Used to do a lot better. In the old days people knew how to make good food and good booze, but that's because the people themselves were better... What to do, the difficult time has come... Oh!
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"Misters Uslad and reptilian: I predict that our backline in combat will have the majority of the team. Are you confident in your ability to carry the team's health and safety?""Possible! Or we'll use you as bait, and gonna hit back to the enemy! In any case, in trouble we will not leave you. Har!"
"Har! By the way, it wasn't a joke. My friend recently hunted ghouls - while they nibbled the wizards, he hit them in the back - and not a bad beat, if to believe his words. However, he is also a healer, and wizards then managed to get to their feet. What about me - I can fight... differently... Har! Most importantly, if I'm in the first line, after the battle, someone who'd heal my wounds. Otherwise I'll think about it... Do we have such a person?"
"...Is that so." In an attempt to drop the subject on fighting styles, Rizzlefunk continues: "Speaking of healing, have you been instructed on wand-use? They are practically a requirement now for every Pathfinder, these days. I even know a Venture-Captain - I'll let that person benefit from anonymity now - who'd personally beat up every Pathfinder agent without a healing wand. Trust me, ever since being a witness to that show, everyone I've worked with have carried one. If you have one, I'll see if I can make use of it for you. -"
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At the human and dwarves' arrival, Rizzlefunk halts his discussion. He introduces the team to the three, and then speaks to the dwarves: "We have received a briefing to the mission and the mission sounds simple. Assuming our intel on the priests' location is correct, of course. Do either of you know the way to this Gray Revelation Inn?"
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Lissa watches Rizzlefunk and Uslad verbally spar, alternately amazed and concerned about the bravado and belligerence that's flying in the conversation. She mentally debates stepping into the conversation, but is interrupted by the arrival of their host, and the 'diplomats' that they are to guide. With the introductions made, Lissa hesitantly picks up a goblet of the wine.
"Your hospitality has been quite gracious, Mr. Passad. This is far more then I had expected for any mission," she says, intent on flattering her host. "Your further assistance with travel is also greatly appreciated. Is there anything that your captains have told you that we should expect on the trip along the Glass?"
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Temel smiles appreciativvely at the words of Kaye and Hskoro near empty plate and thanks Lissa for her kind words especially before adressing Urslad I am sorry my refreshments are not to your tastes I fear The Abacus's meagre provisions will be even more of a dissapointment but there should be time before we sail tonight for you to arrange for better fare. I believed pathfinders used to such privations
Metella then responds to Rizzlefunk Now as to the Inn it is a way point on the Glass river just past the town of Xer. Now some - She shoots Temel an unfriendly look propose we first stop off in Xer to pay the appropriate dues and smooth any further interactions up the river before investigating the Inn
I say we sail past Xer and take our chances on the river. Perhaps someone in Xer tipped off these pirates that the first delegation was travelling that way
Amauhak interrupts before Temel argues the point Emissaries calm yourselves. We have been over this ground before. I trust our Pathfinder guides to choose the wisest course of action But i believe it would be prudent for us to remain in our cabins as we pass through Razmir
Temel nods at the wise dwarfs words We have plenty of time to discuss this My ship The Abacus leaves tonight. There are enough provisions for the journey to Mendev but should you wish to accquire more palatable fare before we depart you are free to do so
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Metella then responds to Rizzlefunk: "Now as to the Inn, it is a way point on the Glass River just past the town of Xer. Now some," she shoots Temel an unfriendly look, "propose we first stop off in Xer to pay the appropriate dues and smooth any further interactions up the river before investigating the Inn. I say we sail past Xer and take our chances on the river. Perhaps someone in Xer tipped off these pirates that the first delegation was travelling that way."
"That 'someone' sounds like a reasonable person, actually," Rizzlefunk says after a moment's consideration. "Even considering the risk of alarming the enemy of our coming, I'd hate to have to deal with local authorities only because we never paid our dues. Besides, the enemy is probably expecting a rescue team anyway."
The small psychologist walks around a little. "That said, I think we could aim to cater to both goals. We sail to the vicinity of Xer, to a safe distance from the town's view. Then we send someone, by foot, to the town to pay the dues. With the dues paid we can freely sail past Xer, without alarming the enemy nor the authorities."
Rizzlefunk stops, and looks to his team to see if anyone objects.
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When the team of Pathfinders were preparing to leave with the dwarves, two individuals arrive.
One of them is a well looked man, with blond hair and a impressive posture. Besides him, stays a woman with some kind of elven traits, with a supernatural beauty, resting a greatsword on her left shoulder, while she smiles to the party.
"I'm sorry for being late, brothers", told the man, "I'm Argazhon and this is...", he is interrupted by the woman...
"I'm Hellany", she tells them.
"I'm here, I can speak by myself", she reproves Arghazon.
"So, what is our mission?", she asks before Arghazon could open his mouth to do this.
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"Greetings, Argazhon and Hellany. I am called Kaye. Mister Rizzlefunk, Lissa and Uslad have joined me for a while. Tea? Biscuits? I'm full for now." Kaye covers his mouth and burps.
"It looks like many of us are well equipped for a diplomatic discussion, haha. Make sure you are ready for the cold. I have my own solution for that, but I don't know about you..."
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Temel welcomes Argazhon and Hellany "Greetings Pathfinders! Ambrus did warn me you might not be on time. Here are some extra Sweetmeat that my chef had set aside." he snaps his fingers and two servants appear on with a tray of sweetmeats and the other with a tray with two glasses of wine "Sit! Be comfortable! We were just discussing how to proceed on reaching Xer."
"Now Rizzlefunk has made a novel suggestion of sending one of your number ahead to pay the toll at Xer. I fear it is doomed to failure as it is so outside the normal way of doing business as to draw unwarranted attention. I believe it also violates one of the tenets of the pathfinder society, Never split the expedition I believe you say? I am willing to pay my dues in Xer. Metella on the other hand wants to slip by Xer altogether. Neither way is without risk and I fear Uslad may be right. However the fact remains we should have a plan of approach"
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"Splitting up the party...is a bad idea." Kaye paces around the room. "I would rather speak to the authorities in Xer before we begin an investigation. We are unaware of the size of the enemy, and asking for assistance, or at least their sanction would be useful. The last thing we want is to be considered foreign invaders."
"Don't you agree, Metella? Temel seems to understand this."
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He looks into the eyes of a female dwarf, like referring to all, but in fact to her one.
Argh! You know what? I agree with Metella! Don't listen them! This officials from Xer - they somehow connected with this razmirian captors! Contact with them is dangerous, and besides, we do not have anything to anybody!. Let's take our chances on the river! And yes... no splitting!
He turns to his future comrades.
Trust me. So tells me my heart and my experience... I want to release those dwarves, not just to deliver new diplomats to address. And for this we must act discreetly and firmly. And contacting with the official, we can make our journey easier, but we will spoil everything... Everything associated with the words "time to save", "liberate", and so on. Remember, it's still a question of honor to the Pathfinder Society! Argh! I said.
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"Technically," Rizzlefunk responds to the mentioning of splitting the party, "splitting the expedition would not be a necessity for my suggested plan, because sending the entire team to the town would be just as simple and with the same results. But if it is against the local practices then that's the end of that," he says with a shrug.
"As it stands, I am with mister Kaye about the matter. Dealing with the enemy is one thing, but dealing with the lawful authorities is a whole another level of unwanted work. We'll go with Temel's plan."
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After a long moment's thought, Lissa speaks up. "What if we take advantage of the fact that we think information will come from Xer? Bad information is worse then no information, right? What if we made them think our entourage was less capable of defending itself or attacking their base? We could trick them into a false sense of security and when we actually apply overwhelming force, they'd be unprepared for that. And if they aren't getting information from Xer, no harm done. "
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"It will soon be time to depart" Say Temel. "Perhaps we can continue this discussion aboard The Abacus. I would be interested to know how you propose to look weaker than you actually are
You soon gather on the boat called The Abacus A sailing barge crewed by 5 sailors of Temel As you sail north on Lake Encarthan you quickly settle in to a routine of sailing by day and mooring at night and setting a watch. The emissaries generally keep to the cabin but at this stage occaisionally take in some outside air
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Uslad prefers to be in crows nest. There he can be fenced off from people to be alone and fully enjoy the beauty of the water. There's no need to grumble and someone to argue with... He almost feels young at this point
However, he does not forget to vigilantly look around, because the caution is deeply rooted in his nature. Almost as a grouchiness.
Uslad prefers to be on duty on the third watch. To rise early - it's in his nature.
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Kaye stands near the bow of the ship during the 1st watch.
"Ah, ships. What a marvel of transportation." Kaye breathes in deeply. "I'll need to prepare my mixes against the cold- haha, it will be different from the desert, but things should work out the same."
"Bah! I can't see a thing through this fog. Or is it my goggles?"
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Rizzlefunk has had his share of ships and water in general. He spends his time below deck, meditating on something. Whenever a sailor or a passenger visits the below deck and passes by him, the linguist exchanges a few words.
His palm is gently grasping a locket of some kind.
As he knows himself to be a heavy sleeper, he volunteers on the 1st watch.
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Noting the lack of interest in the idea, Lissa shrugs. "I don't think anyone's interested in the idea. So, I'll just let it drop."
Lissa's preferred seat is near the bow of the ship as well. She's more interested in the currents then the scenery, and kinetically plays with the water to pass the time. When the mention of watches are bought up, She grumbles a little before claiming a spot on the 3rd watch. "I'm not the best at mornings, but at least that will mean I'm focused when we are in Xer."
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The city of Xer occupies the north bank of the Glass River, and its dozens of docks remain busy as ships headed both east and west call at the port. Grubby men and women in bulky jackets patrol the docks, and few smiling faces are to be seen. The boat’s captain chooses an isolated berth sheltered on either side by tall warehouses.
As you approach one of the bulky jacketed oiks holding a barely trained wolf on a leash shouts out "What you doing in Razmiran? And how many souls aboard?" before the crew even have chance to secure the ship to the dock
Bow; Kaye,Lissa
Midships Hskoro
Stern
Cabin Rizzlefunk Argazhon Hellany (3 Emissaries)
Crowsnest Uslad
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Argazhon and Hellany greets back to Temel, while takes the glasses of wine. They hear attentively the discussion about the path the party will choose to follow, and think that sail past Xer and take their chances on the river and don't split the party are the best choices, then they told it to the others.
Argazhon and Hellany will stay in the cabins in the below decks during the trip. Eventually, if need, they may go to the main deck to take their turns on the watch.
When they arrive at the docks, Argazhon whispers "I told this was not the best choice..."
Hellany presents herself to the man in the bulky jacket, "hello, my good man. We are just travelers, no more then six, maybe one more or one less, and we won't spend here more time than the necessary to get some supplies", she smiles and winks at him.
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"Hmph" Say the one holding the wolf "Looks like them crusaders will have anybody and anything these days. The mighty elf can't even add up properly. I can see ten or eleven on deck already" The five crew on your barge toss a couple of ropes to dock workers on the pier who tie the ship to it.
The thug looks at the Hskoro and Hellany with some distaste. He comes to a decision "Right everybody on board your ship stand on the deck. That includes you up there" He indicates Uslad before giving the wolf beside him a tickle behind the ear. the wolf nearly snaps his hand off in response. " Once everyones on deck Hotspur and me will do a thorough search below for contraband. When we're done I want to see all your weapons peacebonded and the toll of two gold pieces paid in full. Keildan and Creth will keep an eye on you as I search the hold"
Keilden is on the same pier as the thug doing the talking where you are moored up. Creth is on another pier just off the bow of your barge about twenty feet away as the bolts in his crossbow might fly.
(The pier is about 5 feet above you and ladders in the side of the pier go down to the water. One ladder is near the bow the other one in reach of the boat is by the stern)