As you begin to gather in the inner courtyard two of the statues come to life; they appear to be humans wearing tiger masks. The stage what appears to be a mock battle, an impressive display of skilled fighters working fluidly with one another. At the end of their display they turn to you and bow."What is your business here?" one of them asks.
The two monks look at one another after a long silence before shrugging and trying their question in a few different languages.
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Roland sees no one wants to answer it and thus he takes the lead.
"We came here to talk, but were greeted with arrows instead. Perhaps you would be nice to point us to Zamir's rooms before we need to kill other stuff." His words are emotionless, but he still have his Greatsword in one hand, and so he does seems threatening.
"Zamir....he's here. What do you want with 'the great one?" Their words are laced with sarcasm...you even think you detect an eye roll.
The monks laugh at Tromos' question and some tension seems to slip from the air. The lift up their tiger masks before speaking. "We are very much human. You discovered us while we were meditating."
Bendax turns on his gnomish charm and explains the Pathfinder's mission with Roland, Guilford and Tromos filling in minor details here and there. The monks seem satisfied with what they hear. "It is true we have no great love for this Zamir. He promised to help restore our Temple, but he spends all of his time in the basement trying to get his trinkets to work. You can find him downstairs...you will get no resistance from us." With that they return to their place on the wall and resume their trance. Within seconds you have to concentrate really hard to determine that they are not made of stone.
Workshop
This large basement room is set up as a workshop. Four workbenches are covered with odd tools. Three men and one woman work at the benches, each chained in place by a heavy iron collar.
No guards, but no keys either. The workers spare you but a passing glance; it appears as though they're not quite sure whether or not you're working for Zamir.
Tromos is able to free the workers from their chains...oddly enough they keep right on working for a few moments before realizing they've been freed. "May we leave? the woman asks.
"We don't know." one of the men offers in reply. "Zamir took our spell books...we are unable to cast any spells. All we know is that we are supposed to disassemble these things to make it easier to smuggle off of the island."
"Zamir is in there somewhere. We've never been allowed in there." The old wizard points to the next room. "We would help you if we could, but we are weak and without our magic."
The disassembled items give off a magic aura...but without reassembling them it is difficult to tell exactly what their purpose is; putting them back together would take a significant amount of time.
"Welcome Pathfinders. I see you've let my "hired help" go on their way. It shouldn't be too difficult to find suitable replacements...any volunteers may feel free to chain yourselves to one of the tables in the next room." An imposing looking man (presumably Zamir) is holding the fake scepter of the arclords while a tiger rests at his feet.
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"Oh yes, that! You see, we received a terrible welcome at the front gates" - says the big man, pointing at his bloody shirt where now only the blood remains of a deep wound - "and so we thought 'oh, he doesn't wanna talk to us, maybe he need some stimulus', - he speaks walking a little to the south, pretending to be looking at the walls, but only intending to separate the group - "and I see we got our attention oh mighty Zamir. We are not here to fight with you, but to negotiate, as we know you're smart and powerfull."
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"Indeed, my companion speaks the truth. We are interested in discussing a business relationship between you and the Pathfinder Society. We are aware, mighty Zamir, that you currently have an understanding with our rivals in the Aspis Consortium. We are convinced that we can make you a far more attractive offer if you will enter into an exclusive agreement with us."
Zamir gives only a passing glance to Roland before responding to Guilford. "A far more attractive offer....do tell." his reply is laced with equal amounts of curiosity and sarcasm.
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"Our offer is simple," Tromos replies. "Where you once aided the Consortium and hunted Society agents, you will do the opposite. The Society, for its part, will help you gather power and prestige in Jalmeray."
The elf folds his arms. "The fact that we are here, and the Aspis are not, should serve to indicate who is the more potent ally, and the more dire foe."
Hiram adds his voice to the chorus. "The Consortium appeals to power and greed. They are very good at that sort of thing. The Pathfinders, on the other hand, seek knowledge and prestige. In the long run you and your efforts will be held in much higher regard with the Society. But of course the choice is ultimately yours."
Bendaxalon begins bouncing up and down, excited at the sight of the tiger as well as concerned that he can not be seen with all these tall people around. "It would be a great choice to join the society. If someone of my stature can gain notoriety just think of what they can do for you!
Hey there nice kitty!"
Zamir strokes his tiger behind his hears before offering "You make some compelling arguments. I'm almost convinced. If I accept your offer how would we proceed?"
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"We would put you in contact with a local Venture-Captain. They would be your point of contact with the Society and provide you with information and resources to aid you in your efforts on the Society's behalf. Perhaps in a short time, you might even be made a Venture-Captian yourself, and given the authority to administer many of the Society's affairs here in Jalmeray. These positions are highly sough-after and prestigious, and would grant you aimproved access to the Society's vast network of information and the like."
"Well...things clearly haven't worked out for me here. Perhaps joining the Society is the path I should follow." He laughs briefly at his own pun and continues. "Jumra and I will go with you and speak with the leaders of your Society." He drops the scepter and scratches his tiger behind the ears.
The journey to Padiskar is largely uneventful as is your return trip to Absalom; where you are not greeted with praise or accolades but rather with the details of your next assignment...
The boons won't be distributed until after the event officially ends...I wouldn't expect anything before mid-January.