Samildanach The Dread |
Throwing his pack down and fiddling with the straps of his armour, Samildanach eyes the other half-orc curiously. Samildanach stands at around 6' and his frame is well filled out with corded muscle, he wears a dark gray seawater stained robe over black leather trousers and high boots, with a simple breastplate and a wooden Symbol to Gozreh hanging from thonging around his neck.
A few Tridents hang from the half orc's back and his face is painted with the intricate look of a devil, obviously using to add to his races natural ferocity.
"I am sure you are pal," he says gruffly, "The names Samildanach."
nightdeath |
At the Grand Lodge in Absalom, where you join a gathering of several hundred fellow Pathfinders for an announcement by Ianareth Alazario, Cheliax’s newly appointed liaison to the Pathfinder Society. With her on the stage is Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus, and the former Chelish liaison Zarta Dralneen (now head of the Dark Archive) looks on from the front row of the auditorium.
A tall, heavy-set woman wearing a black-lacquered breastplate and a sweeping ruby cloak rests a hand on the gold pommel of the longsword at her hip as she readies to address the Pathfinders assembled at the Grand Lodge. She nods once to Marcos Farabellus before beginning. “I am Ianareth Alazario, and I come to you with words spoken by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. Pathfinders, your exile is at an end. Cheliax welcomes you once again.”
Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus vigorously leads a round of
applause that echoes off the sturdy walls following the new declaration. Ianareth’s smile is as wide as her host’s, though it falters slightly when her gaze falls on her disgraced predecessor Zarta Dralneen.
Ianareth continues, “With your help, I would mend the rifts between us and forge an enduring friendship. I have entrusted your Master of Swords with several promising leads found within our borders. To that I add only this: Pathfinders, the glory of Cheliax is placed in your care.” Ianareth bows deeply to Marcos and then to the crowd before taking her leave.
Marcos Farabellus steps behind the lectern and announces, “I’ve gathered a handful of teams to lead these initial expeditions, and I’ve posted those outside with times to meet me in my office for more details. There’s rewarding work ahead, so don’t be late!” With that, the auditorium begins to empty.
Walking briskly with infinite poise and a clenched jaw, Zarta Dralneen is the first to disappear through the doors. As promised, Marcos Farabellus has posted a list of half-a-dozen teams to lead these first sanctioned expeditions, and one of these includes each of you.
The crush of Pathfinders jostling to read the names of the lucky few is punctuated with groans of disappointment at those failing to find their names on it, however you find yours easily enough embossed in bold script.
You have but a short time before you have the first meeting with Farabellus, and it’s scheduled to begin shortly after the presentation ended.
Nithrun |
Nithrun looks at the sheet, happy to find his name. He looks around the room to try to identify who else is on his team.
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach looks on at the pompous display from the latest ambassador with an impassive look on his face, arms folded during the clapping. Shrugging and knowing his Ship was currently undergoing repairs after their trip to the Mwangi, Samildanach decides to see if he has been chosen for a days work.
Walking beside Tog, the ex-pirate points out his name on one of the list, handily the one under his own.
"Looks like it is me and thee fella," he says with a natural growl, looking down to see a Halfling peering at the list too. "You too eh? Lucky, lucky."
Magni Stonebow |
"Here I am. Well met!" says a dwarf wearing pelts and a strange cap.
"... I guess?" he finishes noting 2 of his current companions to be half orcs.
Just roleplaying, don't worry
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach slaps the Dwarf hardily on the shoulder with a barking laugh, clearly enjoying his slight discomfort. Looking around he waits for the others on the list to gather before seeking out the whichever poor soul they have to brief them.
"I am sure we will get on swimmingly! Well, assuming you can swim!"
nightdeath |
As you enter, Zarta Dralneen stands across the Master of Swords’ desk, her back turned to you. She momentarily acknowledges the newcomers before continuing to lecture Farabellus. “Beware the good intentions of a Chelish diplomat. Who controls whom behind closed doors in Cheliax, and who are we serving by heeding the call of Abrogail’s infernal masters?”
Marcos strokes his beard for a moment, buying time to phrase his reply. “Caution is warranted, but you shouldn’t let past follies color your opinion of this opportunity, Zarta. This is our chance to freely operate within Cheliax again. The doors of Delvehaven may still be closed, but we can start to mend soured relations.” Marcos turns to the recently arrived agents. “I expect everyone who takes an assignment to conduct themselves as diplomats as well as explorers. We don’t need a public debacle to ruin our welcome, again.”
Zarta straightens her back and glares imperiously down at her counterpart. “Folly? One day you will look between the sheets and see you’ve climbed into bed with a snake, Marcos. I sincerely hope none of your agents find themselves in desperate need of a retrieval team; I remind you that devils work quickly to strip hope from one’s senses.” She turns and strides out of the room.
The Master of Swords massages his forehead with one hand and motions to chairs with the other. “Lady Dralneen assumes that we take Cheliax entirely at its word. Ianareth Alazario provided me an incomplete history of a small keep in the Eismonts called Emberhold, once property of House Davian. The reason we don’t hear much of the Davians anymore is that they led the resistance against House Thrune during the Chelish civil war, and her infernal majestrix is not known for showing mercy. I’m sending you to explore the site, learn what you can about what happened there, and bring back any information about the Davians.
He leans forward and lowers his voice before adding, “You’ll be traveling through Corentyn, and I’d like you to pay a visit to the Museum of History there first. The curator, Zefiro Balinger, is an acquaintance of the Society and may have details not available in the official records. Get Balinger’s help, then visit Emberhold.” Marcos presents a small folded map. “You’ll leave Absalom aboard the Sea Sylph in two days—Society’s picking up the tab. It’s been years since we’ve had first-hand reports coming out of Cheliax, so be ready for anything.”
Until approximately three years ago, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen served as the Chelish liaison to the Pathfinder Society—the role that Ianareth Alazario now fills.
Zarta’s tenure ended abruptly after she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Society agents tracked her down and rescued her, after which she severed her ties to Cheliax and founded the Dark Archive.
Delvehaven, a prestigious Pathfinder Lodge in Westcrown, has been sealed since 4676 AR, when a terrible tragedy in its halls threatened the stability of the city.
Certain Chelish officials “disappeared” Zarta based on fictitious evidence submitted by one of Zarta’s political rivals. Despite the Pathfinder Society’s providing evidence to disprove these false accusations and exonerate her, Cheliax has provided neither any acknowledgement of or apology for imprisoning and punishing her for crimes she did not commit.
Only Thrune-sanctioned Pathfinders were allowed to operate in the region prior to Delvehaven’s closure. Reports from Delvehaven were heavily redacted, contained little information of value, and worse, artifacts began to disappear. Tensions between Cheliax and legitimate Pathfinders were ruinous for years even before Thrune closed Delvehaven; even with Zarta’s influence, the Society managed only a handful of expeditions in Cheliax over the past decade.
House Davian, led by Duchess Lannavia Davian, challenged Thrune for control of Cheliax at the Battle of a Hundred Kings, a struggle that devastated Corentyn near the end of the civil war. The house’s holdings included much of the nation’s west coast.
Thrune retaliated by utterly crushing the Davians. Numerous revisions of Cheliax’s official history have downplayed the Davians’ role during the civil war, such that many don’t even remember the Davian name, much less that the great house almost defeated Thrune.
Cheliax’s state religion reveres Asmodeus. Though other faiths are not forbidden, none may flout the nation’s laws, challenge the mandates of Asmodeus, or defy House Thrune. Those who revere chaotic deities in particular often find themselves under especially close scrutiny.
It’s an open secret that several clandestine and very illegal organizations operate throughout Cheliax. This includes the Bellflower Network, a halflingrun group that liberates the halfling slaves so common in the country. Even discussing the organization openly might be considered a criminal act, if done so under the wrong circumstances.
Tog Snaglakrugdumpgh |
Tog explains "Tog look for friendly clues."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
"Tog already know about friendly Zarta lady and her fall from grace in Cheliax. Tog can tell what he knows about story if people want though."
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach listens to Zarta's outburst and fights off a smirk, that the Chelish were fighting amongst themselves held great pleasure to the Shackles born Half-Orc, who had come into contact with the Chelish Navy more times than he would like. When she stormed out, Samildanach turned to Marcos all business and listened to the briefing stoically.
"Seems simple enough, Apart from Gods-Damned Devils I don't know much of Cheliax's inner workings but I do know some specifics."
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
"Yeah, Zarta went missing for a while, I think the term is "disappeared", taken by the Chelish officials. It would seem some grave mishap caused the only Chelish lodge to be closed down, but that seems to to be too bad as the place was useless anyway. Redacted reports and missing artefacts and the likes.
So best to not annoy the locals, remember slavery is not only legal there, like it is in Absalom, but openly flaunted and Devils have citizen rights too, though they aren't liked."
Going to by a Silver Dagger for 22GP as I keep forgetting to buy one...
Nithrun |
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Nithrun listens to the conversation and adds, "I can understand why Zarta would disapprove of the mission. But I'm eager to visit the museum."
Magni Stonebow |
Diplomacy check (gather Information): 1d20 ⇒ 19
"Yeah... Cheliax isn't the nicest of places but if need be there are still some courageous souls fighting against infernal oppression. Maybe the halflings from the Bellflower Network could lend us an hand? Just be careful not to mention them to the wrong people" says Magni considering the situation.
nightdeath |
Marcos glowers at Samildanach for a moment on her remarks.
"Zarta is a valued member of the society and even should you have a dislike of the chelish, I'd suggest you follow the tenants that our society holds dear. It is a loss that Zarta has lost her position in Cheliax but to so casually dismiss what she and her like minded people do is to belittle the society on a whole."
With Magni,
"Indeed the network operates in a precarious situation. Be careful with whom you speak as it is well known that the place isn't amiable to those sympathetic to the Bellflowers."
With a final dismissal, he waves you all off to prepare for your journey.
"Your ship will be ready at the docks tomorrow, so make your preparations and go with the best of wishes."
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach shrugs at Marcos' dressing down, noting how defensive he got of Zarta and wondering what may be going on there. It was well known that Zarta had a peculiar tastes. No business of his own, he chooses not to pry and makes to leave the briefing room and gather his gear together.
"Right, tomorrow then. See you all then folks"
spent the money on the dagger, no more purchases
Nithrun |
After leaving the meeting, Nithrun organizes his bags with anticipation for the coming voyage.
nightdeath |
On the morning of the second day, Marcos sends an aide to the docks with a message for the party.
[ooc]See Handout #1[/spoiler]
A Human man tends to the gear supplied by the Pathfinder Society, readying it for the journey in the hold of the Sea Sylph.
The supplies are mostly mundane archeological equipment including shovels, mattocks, brushes of different sizes, rope, sieves, and numerous crates and packing straw with which to safely store artifacts during the return trip. There’s also a small amount of gold for import and export fees, as well as to buy riding horses in Corentyn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The journey from Absalom to Corentyn is uneventful, with favorable winds and only one stop at the port of Merab. Captain Zaerim of the Sea Sylph states that the short waylay is an excuse to hug the southern shores of the Inner Sea and avoid Chelish naval patrols. The party catch their first glimpse of the red Chelish flag days later, and your arrival is estimated to be in Corentyn at dusk a few days after that.
The last fiery golden rays of daylight silhouette the towering monument known as Aroden’s Arch, which reaches out from Corentyn’s southern wall to divide the Arcadian Ocean and the Inner Sea. Corentyn’s numerous fortifications rise behind mighty gray and brown limestone walls. Masts of ships both in port and at sea rise in the hundreds, like a legion pointing their spears toward the heavens.
As the Sea Sylph approaches port, Captain Zaerim orders his crew to
ensure goods are neatly arranged and presentable. He’s collecting
papers and seeing to the accuracy of his logs when he turns to all of you.
"I suggest you go about seeing that your own papers are in order.
Corentyn impounds undeclared goods and that contraband worth more than a gold piece can earn the offending captain 20 lashes. I wouldn't want to be on the receving end of that." he pauses and looks at all of you.
"I would strongly advise you to check on your equipment and such in order to avoid unnecessary complications."
As an evil-aligned port city, Corentyn has a relatively short list of banned or restricted trade goods. Even these tend to change gradually to fit mandates from Egorian, protection of local industries, or evolving standards. In large part, the customs process is more an assurance that all goods are properly accounted for and taxed, rather than a prohibition against importation.
The following are considered contraband for the purpose of this adventure.
∙ Holy symbols and holy texts dedicated to chaotic gods— visitors are free to worship whomever so long as this doesn’t challenge Thrune’s or Asmodeus’s authority, but a recent court decision has identified such holy symbols as a medium for proselytization.
∙ Scrolls and potions of spells with the chaotic descriptor
∙ Poisons whose combined cost exceeds 150 gp
∙ Drugs whose combined cost exceeds 50 gp
∙ Large weapons—an uncharacteristic string of attacks has resulted in a crackdown on citizen weaponry that most assume will end in the next month or two. Until this resolution ends, only light weapons are permitted in the city limits. The PCs can declare and leave larger weapons on the ship at no cost and retrieve them when they depart
for Emberhold.
Tog Snaglakrugdumpgh |
Tog pulls out a carefully organized list of his gear, clearly written by somebody else, likely Zarta.
Tog scratches his head "Tog scratch head because he doesn't know which items might be problem. He is Protector of Great Vault and keep good inventory though"
potion of fly, wand of cure light wounds, acid, alchemist's fire, tanglefoot bag, thunderstone, mwk full plate, arrows (20), darkwood composite longbow (+3 Str), mwk orc double axe, wayfinder, backpack, chalk (5), grappling hook, hammer, hemp rope (50 ft.), holy symbol, wooden, miner's pick, mwk manacles, piton (10), portable ram, shovel, sledge, soap (heavily used), spellbook, trail rations, waterskin, 628 gp, 9 sp, 4 cp
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach seems much more lively on the Ship journey to Corentyn, happily aiding the sailors in their tasks and giving blessings to Gozreh for a safe passage for them all. Obviously uneasy at the thought of entering Chelaxian soil, the Half-Orc composes himself and nods to the Captain.
"So, apart from 'whatever in the nine hells they feel like', anyone know what is exactly contraband in this place? Marcos did ask us to play nice after all."
Nithrun |
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Nithrun scratches his chin thoughtfully, reviewing the contents of ballads and rumors that were known to him, but to no avail. "I have no idea. Perhaps the captain, or someone at the port, knows what exactly is forbidden?"
Magni Stonebow |
"I do not know what these devil pawns consider "contraband" nor I care but I suspect it could be whatever suits their fancy at the moment" answers Magni as a seemigly perpetual scowl gives expression to his stony visage.
nightdeath |
Captain Zaerim looks at the whole lot of you seemingly not impressed but he does answer to Samildanach, seeing a kindred soul.
"Well now, holy symbols of different dieties, weapons for sure, spells but who else knows what form of magic they are, drugs and poison of course though it really depends on how heavy your purses, slivered tongues or even the deposition of the offical." he mutters the last part darkly.
Waving his hands to beckon to his sailors, he turns to you.
"I must see to the of the cargo and must take my leave, I wish you luck and fair weather in your endeavours. We'll be making port soon."
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach nods his thanks to the Captain and, out of respect to the man to avoid him getting fined by the Chelish officials, Samildanach leaves his Tridents and shields in the boxes provided, though elects to keep his Holy Symbol as henwould suffer without it, and his Dagger and armour.
"Well, unless someone wants to pay the allocated 'Tax' for contraband or sweet talk the Official, I suggest we play nice like the Captain asked. I'm guessing small stuff is fine yeah?"
He turns to the Captain and utters the blessings of Gozreh before thanking the man.
"Aye, fair weather and fine sailing Captain. Your ship is a dream"
Nithrun |
Nithrun looks uneasily at his rapier and bow, uncomfortable to hand them over, but not wanting to go against orders. He holds them out weakly to the captain.
nightdeath |
Within moments of docking, thse ship is boarded by a halfling along with what seems to be thugs dressed in uniforms, judging by their disrespect to the halfling.
His smile is strained even as he immediately all ut snatches the ledgers from the good captain and begins going through it while making several notations in the ledgers.
The 'guards' on the other hand runs rough shod on the ship demanding to see crates opened and checking their contents though at times, they are reigned in by their superior, the halfling.
The search is somewhat frantic and it seems that the halfling is looking or something more then just the contents of each crate.
The halfling looks up after perusing the ledger and glares a tthe pathfinder even as his high pitched voice carries towards Captain Zaerim.
"These passengers of yours......where do they hail from and their business?"
Captain Zaerim looks and answers politely.
"These good sirs are but passengers from Absalom. Th--"
Captain Zaerim attempts to give a fuller explanation but is cut off by the halfling.
"I would prefer these peopl explain their presence here and the reason for such a highly dangerous weapon be allowed here." he eyes Tog's axe with some trepidation.
Samildanach The Dread |
sense motove: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Originally taken aback by the idea that a Halfling is in charge of the boarding party, Samildanach puts the thought away as irrelevant before looking at the guards rush and specific aearch pattern, something the Pirate was used too.
Wishing the Captain or First mate were present to talk circles around the official, but decided to try and help Tog.
"As the Captain says, we hail from Absalom at this time and at the behest of Ianareth Alazario, to investigate on her behalf. What our friend Tog means is that the Axe is precious to him and he would be willing to cover any... Expenses... Incurred for keeping on his person, to follow the Laws as needed."
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Magni Stonebow |
Sense motive check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
"What the half orc said... well, the second half orc, the other one is our bodyguard and bodyguards need their weapons, don't they?" says Magni trying to corroborate Samildanach's tale.
Then the dwarf points his finger at the halfling and asks:"Are you a slave? I heard all halflings are slaves in Cheliax..."
Aid Another(diplomacy) check: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (20) - 3 = 17
nightdeath |
The two guards/thugs stiffen as they overhear Magni's words and slowly but surely inch away from the halfling as if expecting something.
The halfling glares as his voice comes out colder than ice.
"I. Am Tamrin Credence, An Official on official business. Your very suggestion speaks poorly upon you. As for weapons it shall be confiscated and retrieved when you leave for the mere price of 30gp. Furthermore you'll find that here in Corentyn, it is safe with the hellknights around to keep the peace. You may of course hold on to your daggers and such but your friend's axe must be handed over. I'm certain you do want your visit to be as pleasant as possible."
With a sneer he continues,
"Seeing that you're but new visitors, it shall be my duty to inform you that casting any arcane spells more powerful than cantrips within 5 miles of the Esoterium carries the penalty of having the offender’s spellbook burned or their hands broken, unless they’re registered members of the Esoterium. If you wish, you may secure a temporary license at that school for 50 gp. Similarly, divine spellcasters are required to register with the Harbormaster’s office, something I can do for you immediately"
Once that is done and the search completed, he gives each of you an itemized receipt of your declared goods and confiscated items.
Nithrun |
Nithrunfrowns at the news about magic. It was a pity to not be able to use his magic, but he couldn't waste all his pocket change on his couple of spells.
Samildanach The Dread |
Samildanach nods at the Halfling, refraining himself from slapping the Dwarf on the back of the head And people call my race uncivilised, he thinks darkly as the Halfling concludes his business, glad he had hidden his weapons on board.
"Right then, that is settled. Let us press on."
Magni Stonebow |
"Yes well, no need to get all riled up! It was just an innocent question. Anyway I guess you can say I can cast some "divine spells" although that's not what I'd call them" says Magni not showing much remorse at all as he speaks.
nightdeath |
"Failure to register yourself is on your head." replies Tamrin..
He looks like he can't be more excited to be off, eagar to be somewhere else.
nightdeath |
Tamrin pockets the coins with a grin and presents what sems to be a pre-prepared parchment, stating the owner's registration for the period of stay.
"I suggest you bring your enemies if any to the Wicked Fork in the West Drenches, where the food can kill someone even if the proprietor’s endless banter fails to do the trick."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
The Museum of History
Broad marble steps, barely dulled with age and showing only the tiniest of cracks lead to the solid, reinforced double doors of Corentyn’s Museum of History. The building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding structures, most of which are small, cramped, and crumbling. Two city guards stand at the intersection nearby, watching the tradesfolk, fishermen, vintners, and others who make High Quarter their home.
You easily find Zefiro Balingerin an adjacent wing, where he nervously watches the streets.
Samildanach The Dread |
Glad to see the back of the officious Halfling, Samildanach bids the Captain farewell and heads into the city proper, holding in his disain for the peoples of this diabolical nation. Nodding politely to the guardsman at the doors, the Half-Orc is impressed at the collections here, however edited or downright false they may be.
Finding their contact, Samildanach waits for the man to look their way before speaking, atandif a distance back as he seems jumpy.
"Zefiro I presume? Our mutual contacts bid us speak, why the edginess?"
Nithrun |
Nithrun greets Zefiro with a "Hello." He looks out the window through which Zefiro is peering, trying to notice what Zefiro was watching so nervously.