Dot!
You've all been summoned to Katheer, to the Pathfinder lodge operated by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi, who is abroad but has left written instructions for you.
Pathfinders,
As the seasons change and the fickle winds alter their course to bring rain to a parched land, so too do the Ten once again turn their eyes toward Qadira and its riches. Sadly, the circumstances are tragic, not celebratory. Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari, mentor and aunt-by-marriage to the esteemed Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, passed away recently, and the family is holding a wake for her at their estate in Katheer. The trade prince has asked a handful of agents to join him for this event, and I request that you do just that both as a show of solidarity for an important ally of the Society. I understand he also has other work for you that might prove quite lucrative, so as long he does not ask for anything too bizarre, I trust you will honor his requests as you would my own.
I am away on business, but I had another agent retrieve several worthy items from my personal vault. Please take one to offer to the family in the name of the Society and me during the wake.
Be civil,
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi
Looking down at the desk, you see a scimitar, a shield, and a gold ring.
A typical wake begins as a somber affair, but it’s common for the mood to lighten as the sun warms the room and the living share stories about the deceased and comfort the surviving family members.
As dusk approaches, those in attendance wish the deceased peace through speeches and gifts that might accompany the deceased to the grave. Not only does this honor the dead, but it’s also an opportunity to comfort the living and remind those present to make the world a better place.
A less common funerary practice involves exposing the corpse to the sun for a week or more in conjunction
with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing. During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away.
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Breaking the silence, a young man clad in the garb of magi steps forward, looking over the items in question. Greetings, fellow Pathfinders - I am Cathis; new to the Society, but I have high hopes for what lies ahead.
"I know little of Quadiran funerary rites. Which of these items is best suited as gift to Princes Bahjari's family?"
All three items are magical.
+1 scimitar.
+1 ring of protection.
+1 light fortitude shield.
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Wearing a worn, but well-made breastplate, a blond aasimar reads the note with solemnity, nodding to himself, "Before I forget my manners, let me first say my name is Maximillian Arcos and I'm sure it will be a pleasure to work with you all."
"Fortunately, I have recently read a book that describes Qadiran funerary rituals in some detail so we might know what to expect. Although wakes begin quite somber, they often lighten up as the sun warms the room. Those in attendance tell stories of the deceased and try to bring some comfort to the surviving family. At dusk, attendees give speeches wishing the deceased peace and leave a gift to accompany them to the grave. This brings honor to the dead, as well as comforts survivors and reminds those in attendance to try to make the world a better place."
"The only other thing I remember is a less common practice involves leaving the corpse in the sun for a week after enchanting it with magic to stop decomposition. During this week, friends and family are tasked with keep scavengers away."
"Since I do not really know anything about the family, I would think the ring would be best choice for a Trade Princess, especially if the sun ritual is going to be performed."
You don't know specifically who she worshipped, and though Katheer has no uniform burial tradition, there are some common funerary customs tied to the local worship of Sarenrae.
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A blade is a men's best friend. Lets take the scimitar. Says a young varisian warrior clad in plate armor and bright colorfull clothes with most fingers full of golden rings and matching pair of earrings to complete the outfit. His face is of the brutish type with a nose broken too many times and strapped to his back are two twin shortswords. My name is Nicolae, charmed to meet you all.
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A young woman wearing goggles on her forehead smirks at Nicholae. In a false air of propriety she says, "Charmed, I'm sure," and then bursts into a giggle. She clears her throat and introduces herself, "Petra Venkman. Scholar in both the fields of the magical arts and the occult magical arts."
Adjusting her goggles slightly she asks, "Back to the topic at hand. How does one dress for a princess's funeral? I hope it's nothing too stifling."
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A small, flame-haired gnome shoves her way closer to the items, trying to get a good look at the shield.
The gnome chuckles, "Well, I can't tell you anything about the shield, unfortunately. But my name's Cyrinda and this little guy," she pulls a mottled grey rabbit from her pack, "is Ajax!" She stows the rabbit safely away.
"Sad business about the Princess, isn't it? I hope we're able to lift everyone's spirits!" she says, hoping to almost convince herself.
"Nicolae, I like your logic. Most folks can use a good blade."
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"Hold on, friends." A lanky man with sloping, Kelish features and Sarenite garb steps forward to review the items. "Muzhaa'f of the Burning Desert, at your service. Methinks that perhaps we should find out some more about the family, and that will tell us what to bring. I myself would find the shield most appropriate, but others" he waves at the Varisian "would clearly prefer the sword. Yet others might prefer the ring. I shall make some inquiries about town, if anyone would care to join me."
Once you have chosen to bring the scimitar as a gift, the servants come in and show you to a study where, dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam stands waiting behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief. “You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari—a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests." He sigh with fatigue and says.
“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina’s family to conduct business at her wake."
“Though I have inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes with throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations."
He fixes your party with a determined look. “For that reason, I requested the Society’s aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?”
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Cathis nods to Aaqir solemnly. "You honor the memory of the princess, Trade Prince. No doubt she would take great pride in your decision-making. 'I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends.' We will strive to make peace, and sow alliances. Please, tell us more about these rivals, and the relationships they share.
The Trade Prince turns to Cathis. "I or one of my assistants shall point them out as they arrive. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential.”
“Temel Passad is a prophet of Kalistrade, an adherent to a strict set of personal codes that supposedly aid in one’s earning wealth. He is a clever man that the Society has dealt with before—typically under pleasant circumstances. His business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, which has led to a rivalry with Metella Rauger.”
“Doritannia Raffella buys and sells alcohol and spirits. She comes from a common household yet elevated her status through her own acumen and hard work, though she recently fell on hard times. No doubt her experience would be a valuable asset to any business venture.”
”Metella Rauger represents several trading houses from the Five Kings Mountains, and she has worked with the Society and its allies before. She’s stubborn but fair. No doubt she will be on edge here thanks to Temel Passad’s having decided to attend and honor Zarmina’s memory.”
“Pellius Melkior is from Andoran and has established himself as a reliable trader of durable goods in his country. Rumor has it that he has also looked into expanding his business into the River Kingdoms and Taldor.”
“Jakti al’Awar has spent much time abroad and only recently returned to Qadira. He maintains a small business in magic items, and some speculate that his travels and business are primarily for scholarly purposes. What is known is mostly speculation; he is something of an unknown here.”
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Creating stable, peaceful alliances would make the region a better place for everyone. Not every problem needs be handled with the edge of a blade.
"I must confess that I find it unfortunate that business must be conducted during a wake, but I do see the general benefit in creating these alliances. You have my support, Trade Prince."
"Al'Awar might be a mystery, but his wealth and influence are quiet well known." The Trade Prince smiles.
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Cyrinda becomes interested upon learning about Doritannia Rafella. "She sounds like a woman after my own heart. Self-made, and she sounds like she'd be fun to have at a party. I can't wait to make her acquaintance."
The gnome's ears perk up at the prince's description of Al'Awar. "A dealer of magic items? Color me intrigued." She rubs her hands together in anticipation of making a connection for a better supply of magical goods.
"Should I find something a little more suitable? Is there time?" She looks down at her sorceress's robes. She thinks to herself, They're a little simple - but at least their not so skimpy as that tart Seoni's excuse for an outfit.
To Petra, "Nothing specific. Perhaps if you know of some unusual magic item that might spark his interest."
Aaqir nods to Cyrinda. "There is time to procure other clothes if you so desire, and the local custom is to wear at least some white. However, Zarmina had many foreign contacts who are likely to attend in many styles of dress, so as long as you are clean and presentable, you are welcome to wear what you wish."
In addition to its honoring the deceased, Zarmina’s wake is an occasion for extended family and friends to reunite, reminisce, and renew their bonds. Several of these guests are only now arriving from abroad, though the Bahjari family has provided rooms for many out-of-town visitors who are already mingling in the manor’s entry hall. Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies the party for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters. He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later. Once he is sure the party is at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.
As the mingling begins and the guests mill about, The Trade Prince's aide points out the five most important guests.
In walks Temel Passad, a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems. In following the tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade, he avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of the refreshments available.
*****
Next is Doritannia Raffella, an attractive Taldan woman in her 30s with long brown hair. She is dressed finely but moves with none of the grace and bearing that might suggest a noble upbringing.
Speaking with Doritannia, you notice she often looks to Temel Passad for approval before answering a question.
*****
Then follows Metella Rauger, a redheaded dwarf who wears a tabard emblazoned with the Five Kings Mountains heraldry. She’s unarmed for this event, though she often touches her belt with her right hand as a habit. When dealing with strangers, she faces the person squarely while watching for signs of trickery. She relaxes visibly around those she knows.
*****
Next is Pellius Melkior, a clean-shaven man of average height with sandy-brown hair. He is quick to laugh and makes a point of being especially friendly in the hope of winning key allies, though he begins to lose interest in a conversation if he senses someone is neither influential nor have the ear of someone who might help him get ahead. It is possible to regain his attention with the promise of business leads or professional tips. For all his ambition, he is well mannered and tries to behave with the best of intentions.
*****
Lastly is Jakti al’Awar, a large and somewhat physically imposing figure. He prefers to encourage others to speak their minds, patiently listening with a polite smile and an intense stare as he listens for admissions of past indiscretions. His holy symbol rests in a fold of his cloth belt, and prefers to keep his affiliation quiet. Nonetheless, he finds religious discourse fascinating and cannot help but inquire about obviously religious individuals’ beliefs—especially if those people adhere to a schism’s or cult’s variation on a common faith. He keeps his distance from the cleric Umut, whom he respectfully leaves to perform her duties without distractions. He is accompanied by two bodyguards, Hakim and Amalia.
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The cleric nods to his companions and sidles up to Jakti al'Awar, addressing him in a burnt, raspy Kelish. "It is comforting to see a noble sun-burnt face amongst so many strangers," Muzhaa'f begins. "I am Muzhaa'f of the Burning Desert, beacon of Sarenrae's glory, and your humble servant. By the look of your garb, you are well traveled. Whence have you ventured from our beloved homeland?"
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Cyrinda notes Temel Passad's entrance and moves over to the tall man. With a curtsie, the diminutive sorceress introduces herself, wary of offending the man with physical touch, "Master Passad, it is a pleasure to meet you - though I wish it could be under better circumstances. My name is Cyrinda Wix, I am a simple sorceress working for the Pathfinder Society. How are you finding things in Katheer?"
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Petra walks toward Temel Passad and stands at a respectful distance. "Ah, Master Passad, I should have recognized you simply by your reputation of being the most dapper gentleman at any event. Resplendent and yet still respectful of the occasion." The young woman curtsies and introduces herself, "I am scholar Petra Venkman."
Jakti al'Awar's initial reaching to Muzhaa'f's attempt at conversation is somewhat cold, but talk of his homeland and Sarenrae seems to have touched on subjects he has personal feelings for. "Muzhaa'f, it is good to see another face unafraid of the light of Sarenrae. I have traveled far in my time, and often forget that home is where my heart is. I am glad we have met, though I wish it were under better circumstances."
Temel hardly notices Cyrinda's words, having been taken in by Petra's appraisal of his fine outfit.
"Why thank you, lady Petra, or is it professor? Either way, you have a keen eye. This is finest cotton and purest gold, out of respect for the dead of course. No, it wouldn't do to make an appearance at such a somber event dressed like a traveler or a..." He glances in the direction of Metella Rauger, "dwarven peasant."
Offering his arm to Petra, he walks and talks with her quietly for a few minutes. Eventually he admits to a certain issue he would like assistance with.
"Look, we all know Pathfinders can be very resourceful individuals, and are experienced in gathering information under tricky circumstances. I must admit that Metella Rauger is a boil on the backside of the trade profession, and I know she intends to garner influence at this tragic event. I've heard that she has been working on some sort of speech, and I believe she carries a written copy on her person or stashed away in her quarters. Do you think you could...?" He leaves the question open for interpretation.
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Maximillian approaches the dwarven envoy Metella Rauger with a friendly smile, "Excuse me, but I could not help but notice your tabard. That would be the Five Kings Mountains, wouldn't it? I did not mean to be a bother, but I am Maximillian Arcos, paladin of Iomedea and a Pathfinder. I believe the society and your dwarven homeland have had some positive interactions in the past, I hope that we can continue to work together in a positive manner in the future. Either directly or through our envoys such as the Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam."
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Muzhaa'f continues in Kelish. "Indeed, the circumstances are most melancholy. Zarmina was a shining example, a person of worth in these strange times, and it is a sad occasion to see her time come to a close. But, as the Dawnflower's fire is everburning, her example must continue to shine, no? The torch must be passed, wouldn't you say?"
Metella is enchanted with Maximillian. "The Dwarves of the Five Kings have indeed had profitable business with the Society in the past, and I glad that some have noticed. We try our best to be honorable and forthright in our dealings, unlike some..." She glances at Temel Passad. "For instance, Temel has seen to it that we look foolish at every opportunity. I would love to return the favor at least once, and I have procured a small dose of sneezing powder that I hope to someday slip into his snuffbox, but he is a wary opponent and would be far to suspicious of any dwarf that tried to get close to him or the room he has been staying in here at the event. I don't suppose you or one of your Pathfinder companions could do me a favor? I promise it is merely just a harmless prank."
Nicolae approaches Doritannia Raffella and introduces himself, but she is far to interested in a current conversation to reply with more than common courtesy, and does not see impressed with the prowess of his knuckles.
Petra arrives at Metella's chambers, waits for the hallway to be clear of eyes, and tries the door. Unfortunately, it is locked.
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Maximillian shakes his head sadly, "I would be happy to help you in any forthright capacity, but I'm afraid my sense of justice cannot allow me to aid you in the task that you ask. If matters are poor with you and Passad perhaps we can arrange a mediation between the two of you in order to set matters straight and soothe any bad feeling. If that does not work for you, surely there is some other way to deal constructively with Passad. Would you like me to talk to him?"
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Putting himself in proximity to Pellius Melkior, Cathis finds an opportune moment to join conversation with the man. "Losing the princess is a great loss - for Qaradi, and for all of her family and business associates. Did you know her well?"
"Her nephew is set to succeed her - a fine gentleman, with quite the nose for business. I had occasion to speak with him at length, earlier."
Pertra sees no other way in.