The city of Padiskar near the northern tip of the Isle of Jalmeray 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. The new Venture-Captain Vasuman Mihir maintains a small safe house for the Pathfinder Society here, taking over from Padiskar’s longtime Venture-Captain Aamina Shahrazad, who was recently murdered by men loyal to Zamir, a bandit lord and rumored Aspis Consortium agent who operates out of the nearby jungles.
Venture-Captain Mihir’s briefing was short and serious. “This is a fake scepter of the arclords,” he said, 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 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. 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 held 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 demonstrated, 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. 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. 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. Good luck on your journey and may the gods guide your hand.”
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Smiling at Kioshi's brash assertion, the gaunt, tanned man in front of you replies: I, too, look forward to our magical adventures together. I see you have much to learn, however, about the value of the admittedly less-scholastic Swords of the Society. I myself have greatly profited from their sturdy armour that can stand safely between you and ferocious ape-men, their sharp blades that slay soul-stealing spirits before they can siphon your stamina, and their general willingness to lead the way when kicking in doors and shooting troubles!
Looking around at his companions, the man known as Unknown continues: Still, the unusual composition of our team does open certain... possibilities. Perchance, would you have spell-books that I could peruse? I would be happy to offer the same courtesy to you all, and I trust we can all find better things to do with our coins than pay library fines... .
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As the Venture Captain briefs the team, Unknown takes a pinch of something from a small box, rubbing it behind his ear in a contemplative fashion, before he speaks:
Ah, my good Venture Captain, why are you certain that Waman is the source of Aspis information? If we are to risk our lives on this perilous venture, I would like to know for sure that this Zamir is not using some other method of learning our Society's routes and cargos?
And, speaking of perils, what can you tell us about the forces likely to be deployed against our caravan?
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A tall man of Taldan descent enters in a hurry.
Sorry I'm late...messenger gave me the wro g summkns. I am Patros, of Cassomir. Glad to meet you all. What have I missed?he says breathlessly as he dumps his pack in the corner. His wickedly curved blade bounces easily on his hip, with tassles in Taldor's colours. His armor doesn't make a single clink as he walks. After getting the run down, he nods his head in acknowledgement.
So, resist, but don't win. Let them take the scepter and track them down. Sounds easy enough to me. he says confidently
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"Well spoken Unknown - let us put our heads together and see if we can exchange any spells. Here is the list of initial level spells that I have mastered: Disguise Self, Ear-Piercing Scream, Infernal Healing, Keep Watch, Cause Fear, Hydraulic Push, Sleep, Secluded Grimoire."
"Patros - of course I was just joking. My twin brother is a master of the rapier so I am happy to have you in the team"
Andor contemplates a moment.
"To be honest Venture-Captain I think that you have been very clever in this matter. The plan sounds too good to be true. So let us hope that we do not create a big mess and are successful to fool our opponents." he says grinning.
Andor then starts thinking about his past experience to see if anything comes to mind that could be relevant regarding the scepter or the area or the opponents or rumors given the information provided.
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Following behind Patros, though in an admittedly less hurried fashion, a young, cut and shaven man dressed quite well for a Pathfinder fellow follows after him. Though his clothing seems to be more of what a Taldan dandy thinks an adventurer dresses like. Complete with the wide-brimmed feather hat! "Fashionably late, Master Therinor. Never let them think your circumstances are beyond your control." Ben stated, raising a finger and wagging it. "Benedict Versorius Tordeft of Oppara, Jewel of Taldor, at your service. Though I find 'Ben' to be faster and easier."
Finding out that his mission team consisted of fellow academics, he smiled and nodded, producing a book of his own. "A trade of information. I always welcome such negotiations. Though you might find mine to be a bit... lacking. I'm afraid my studies are more geared to the application of magic as a weapon and self-improvement. Taldan studies emphasize an equal dedication to both martial and magical prowess. Some sacrifices must be made to pursue both, obviously." His book contains a select number of spells, including Burning Hands, Color Spray, Mage Armor, Enlarge Person, and Protection From Evil.
The mission briefing earns a nod to the Venture Captain, leaning on his elegantly crafted staff. "Sounds straight forward. I find a promising business opportunity is enough to sway most minds from violent means... or at least employ them in your favor. The challenge, naturally, will be securing an audience with this... Lord Zamir."
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A hulking nagaji observes as Venture-Captain Mihir gives the briefing. Classic bait scenario. I look forward to putting on our ruse. I have no further questions.
Jeskit is curious about the trading of spell secrets as he is also magically attuned and equally relieved to see the arrival of Patros. It will be helpful to be accompanied by a competent martial. A pleasure to meet you all. I trust that I can count on your arcane support as I draw fire at the front lines.
Ah, my good Venture Captain, why are you certain that Waman is the source of Aspis information? If we are to risk our lives on this perilous venture, I would like to know for sure that this Zamir is not using some other method of learning our Society's routes and cargos?
"I became increasingly suspicious of Zamir’s attacks coming so quickly and precisely against Pathffinder targets. I spent months leaking specific caravan information to each one of my agents in Padiskar one at a time and then waited at the location specified for any sign of Zamir’s bandits. When I leaked to my porter, the young boy named Waman, that the Pathfinders would be carting new items into Padiskar from a temple-cave complex in the jungle, and the caravan was then set upon by Zamir, I knew I had my spy."
And, speaking of perils, what can you tell us about the forces likely to be deployed against our caravan?
Mihir answers, “We don’t know how many men he has 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.”
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.”
Andor then starts thinking about his past experience to see if anything comes to mind that could be relevant regarding the scepter or the area or the opponents or rumors given the information provided.
The scepter of the arclords is a legendary artifact lost when the Vudrani rajahs returned to the island in 2822 AR and destroyed the Arclords of Nex at Padiskar. The scepter’s powers and location (or even if it survives) are unknown.
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As he listens to Ben, Unknown smiles: Well said, Taldan. A Wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when his divinations told him to!
Leafing through the spellbook, he sniffs, remarking off-hand to Patros: I learned long ago in Katheer that specialization requires at least a little sacrifice in breadth. I always supposed the reverse must also be true. I didn't realize, however, that Opparan schools cut so deeply!
Still, a bargain struck is a bargain struck, and well struck at that when it is with a companion of amiable and agile wit. Besides, I can report to the pact-masters this was a... cultural exchange.
Turning next to Kioshi's book, once Ben has finished with it, Unknown remarks: Aha! It seems we share a certain interest in matters philosophical. Perhaps we might have time during our caravan to discuss the finer points of Rodiran nilhism?
In reply to Jeskit's to-the-point question, Unknown briskly confirms his willingness to aid: You keep your blade between the raiders and me, and I'll keep my magic between their blades and you!
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... a bargain struck is a bargain struck, and well struck at that when it is with a companion of amiable and agile wit. Besides, I can report to the pact-masters this was a... cultural exchange.
Turning next to Kioshi's book, once Ben has finished with it, Unknown remarks: Aha! It seems we share a certain interest in matters philosophical. Perhaps we might have time during our caravan to discuss the finer points of Rodiran nilhism?
"I really appreciate your openness - and your good ideas! You, Ben and I should immediately start and get to work, now. But of course we do not have enough time to exchange all our spells and to be honest I am very intrigued by the wealth of magical effects that you have studied and scribed into your spellbook. Ben and I will surely take another deeper look into your spellbook when time allows after our adventure. Again - thank you for the tutelage!"
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"I became increasingly suspicious of Zamir’s attacks coming so quickly and precisely against Pathffinder targets. I spent months leaking specific caravan information to each one of my agents in Padiskar one at a time and then waited at the location specified for any sign of Zamir’s bandits. When I leaked to my porter, the young boy named Waman, that the Pathfinders would be carting new items into Padiskar from a temple-cave complex in the jungle, and the caravan was then set upon by Zamir, I knew I had my spy."
"Wow - that is really clever Venture-Captain! Hmmm ... how much time do we have before we have to depart? Does it make sense to gather some more information about Zamir here in Padiskar or do you believe you have already done that?
Regarding Waman ... I can imagine that you are going to use Waman a little longer to feed him false information and I can play this game a while longer but when we are back and Zamir dead or behind bars he will face our anger for being responsible for so many deaths! "
"Behind bars? No my dear friend, Wamen shall be sold into slavery. He is a criminal.
That is all the information we have okn Zamir. You wlll have time to make purchses before meeting Walan to join the caravan.
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Your enthusiasm for teaching a lesson to enemies of the Society is admirable, Kioshi. I suggest, however, that your proposed punishment is inefficient.
A dead man tells no tales to warn off other potential traitors, and produces no profit to help restore the damage his perfidy has done. Besides, what deterrent is a moment of pain, compared to a lifetime of dull suffering and constraint?
This is why the laws of Jalmeray provide for the punishments they do. I think we should respect them. I think the Widows and Orphans of the Society Fund will thank us, too.
Turning his attention back to the Venture Captain, Unknown replies: I believe that is all the questions I have. Let us depart for the scriptorium / market, and then away!
Mihir answers, “Last I knew, slavery was an accepted custom in the Inner Sea and more so on this island. Waman is a criminal and mine to deal with.” Then he gives the party to the safe house where you meet with Waman.
"Good good, offers the scribe after introductions are made. "We can begin within the hour. He gives the party a map and instructions regarding how to guide the caravan to Niswan.
Waman looks perplexed, but then realizes Kioshi is referring to the map. "My scouts have informed me the coastal routes are flooded. You will have to take the jungle route."
"Welcome travelers. I am Phalgun. We travel to Padiskar with cloth and carpets to sell," one man answers. "Please, will you share our campfire with us?"
They seem cautious, but polite and friendly.
While the conversation starts out not quite guarded, it does warm up over the evening. They share food and drink, and as much as hospitality allows expect the same from the party. They do not press the party on any particular topic and offer answers to any questions you might ask.
As the evening wears on, Phalgun and the merchants set up for the evening, securing their items, packing away food and setting up a watch schedule.
"Often enough. We always stop here on the way down to Padiskar," Phangun answers. He seems a little starry eyed to actually be speaking with one of the naga-kin. "What brings you from your homeland?"
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Kioshi aks the group to please come together a little bit farther away from the four men:
"Guys, I do not know if these men will be involved in the ambush against us. But if they are just travellers I do not want these guys to get endangered by our scheme! You know that we might be attacked tonight. What do you think we should do?"
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Agreed, Kioshi. Let us keep together. I'll take the last watch: I need my beauty sleep! :) Where do you think we should stash the scepter?
I'd agree, Patros... but if they are the bandits, perhaps we should let slip something about the scepter? To see if we need to watch our backs as well as our fronts when trouble starts?
When Unknown is with the other group of travellers, he will try to suss out whether they are on the up-and-up. So, you are in the carpet and rug trade? A fine mercantile enterprise. Probably safer than relic-hauling, at any rate. Do you have many troubles with bandits on your travels?
"Relic hunting? That is dangerous work. Best be careful the bandits have been particularly aggressive in this part of the jungle. Phalgun offers. "I suppose it is a good thing in more than one way to have hired muscle among you." he eyes the cargo appreciably, when word of the relic slips out, but also has a bit of trepidation.
Eventually the four set up watches and turn in with an impressive precision.
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Ben weathered the journey impressively, considering he doesn't exactly seem outfitted for arid travel. The four merchant travelers pique his interest, but he opts to follow with the safer plan and let others try to suss out information about these unknown wanderers. At the same time, he could not, in good conscience, let them be threatened if they were simply innocent bystanders.
"I would suggest we stay close to their site, but keep the scepter on the farthest side from them. In the open, if possible. That way, if the bandits descend on us, and are truly interested in the scepter, we may keep these gentlemen at arms length of it... it may be wise to keep both our surroundings and these men under our watch... I shall take the second shift."