The Red Arm of Absalom - Ongoing Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red

D. joins Gallix in the patient waiting.

Mr Peppers does his best to clean himself up when they reach the edge of town, a good prestidigitation really goes a long way. "Anyone else wish to be cleaned up a bit before we get into town? Can't receive a hero's welcome looking like dirty and dusty travelers."

Let it be known that once we escaped the collapsing mansion and were in a safe place, Mr Peppers took the time to thoroughly dry everything in his possession as well as offer this to everyone else.

Mayor's Office

Mr Peppers takes a seat near the Mayor's desk and begins taking out the documents "If you have some space here we can talk about what we found inside. A beautiful building really, that family spared few expenses in its construction. Depending on what the collapse of the basement did to the structural integrity it could very well be cleaned up and reused."

Mr Peppers pulls out his journal as well to go through the details of what they found where and what happened, leaving out no detail. "In the basement we found the source of the bile and dispatched him and his minions back to their home plane. I'm afraid he is behind the missing owner of the warehouse sadly. We also found lots of important historical records of the town and its founding family. Important history and some possible closure for the families in town. Miss Cup and I would like to make copies of some of these documents for the historical records of the area back in Absalom. We also found some records of the dark arts there, we'll take those with us also for records back in Absalom. Your townsfolk won't want them around anyhow."

He takes a sip of his waterskin and looks to the group and to the mayor "Have I left anything out? Or did you have any other questions Mayor?"

Sandra Trinelli looks no less shocked than she does relieved, especially when Mr. Peppers mentions the part about destroying the source of the bile. "You must mean Marcuccio Bravoni. He had been missing for a while. It's no coincidence that he owned the warehouse that was bile-infested and that you've now found his body at the estate. But why him..." she wonders. "It may have been that the demon was using the warehouse as his headquarters, and Bravoni was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's unfortunate."

She takes the documents from Mr. Peppers and examines them. "A lot of our citizens are going to very interested in these records. Thank you for your service and bravery. You've thwarted the demon's plans and removed all sources of the Demon's Bile, and with these records, a grim chapter in our history is nearer to coming to a close. You may make copies, but please leave us with all of these records. The truth about the Sarinis must be known, and people deserve to know what happened to their ancestors." She clears her throat and smiles, standing up to offer handshakes to everyone as a sign of gratitude. "The Red Arm of Absalom and Pathfinder Society has served Saringallow well! I think this calls for a celebration."

Gallix straightens up from his position on the wall and stretches with a loud moan of pleasure. "Celebration, eh? Well now you're talking my language! Before we get up to anything too exciting, though, I wondered if I might have a word with you about old Marcuccio's warehouse."

Wondering if I can take this opportunity to try to get started on some faction goals. In this case, the following goal: Undermine a rival entrepreneur or merchant so that you can claim his market share. Doing so requires a successful Bluff, Intimidate, or Profession (merchant) check (DC = 15 + your character level).

Mr Peppers looks more or less pleased with the outcome, especially the party. I'm not sure this is the best place for those dark rituals to be housed but what's a good intentioned Elf who's spent his life studying the Arcane gonna do... "I'd advise against keeping the rituals here but that's ultimately your call. If you'd like we could leave you with a copy of them in a less complete form? For safety reasons of course."

"I better get those shoes and new robes if there's going to be a celebration to attend!"

As promised, Sirettis offers her eyes to Anilda. "We defeated Wormgnash, and his dark infection. Unfortunately, there were many more casualties before we finished. Especially the, ah, children. The good news is that your future children will be free of its corruption. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Sirettis lets Anilda take her eyesight, rendering her blind for Blind for: 1d4 ⇒ 3 hours. "I... require assistance back to town."

On the way back, Isa and Sirettis tweet at each other.

Mister Peppers summarizes the events and presents their findings. "We met one interesting creature named Anilda. She seems drawn to the history of the Sarini's carnage and profane sacrifice. She is not hostile, although she is sightless. I let her, 'borrow my eyes' as she put it, but she assured me my sight will return. Please do not harm her." Sirettis pauses. "She has a fondness for centipedes."

Back at the Ranch

Anilda scoots back on the bed as her eyes begin to work as well as Sirettis' did. "Oh. Hello. You are very pretty. I like your bird," she says as he looks at Isa, still expressionless. "The noise downstairs. Wormgnash is gone. I am... Free now. Like you. We're not so unalike." Anilda picks up a broom and begins sweeping the area around Sirettis' feet.

Town hall, Saringallow

"I'm sorry," Mayor Trinelli says to Gallix, her arms folded across her chest. "Your request makes logical sense, but I think it insensitive to consider replacing Marcuccio's business so quickly. Perhaps after he's been properly mourned by his family, we can talk about it."

She then glares at Mr. Peppers. "You're quite persistent, but I highly doubt anyone would attempt such rituals ever again. Let's agree to have Lupia keep them in an extra hidden spot in the Archives. Perhaps you can magically hide them, if you're so inclined."

"Anilda. And she's there all alone, now? If you say she's harmless, I have no problem with someone maintaining the Estate. While the documents will put our citizens' minds and opinion of the Estate at ease, I doubt anyone will want to visit the place."

Once everyone's done with their questions, the Mayor informs her guards of the findings, and word of your success quickly circulates throughout town. Townspeople begin seeking you out and offering their sincere thanks for recovering their history and putting any rumors to bed. Although written in blood, the citizens of Saringallow deserved to know the tragic past of their ancestors, and they can now look forward to the future and to happier times ahead.

And that's a wrap! Congratulations on a thorough success! I hope you enjoyed these modules, I sure enjoyed running them.

Mr Peppers nods in satisfaction with the Mayor's aquiessence "That sounds reasonable. My intentions are good, I hope you believe me. There are many who are swayed by the power of demons and devils can bring. Your town is living proof of this."

After collecting his journal and make a few last notes he hands it off to the Mayor to sign, as well as the other members of the group. "Just a formality for the Society. Bosses need to know we're doing what we say we're doing out here... not just spending their gold on a beach somewhere!" He smiles and nods to the Mayor and heads off with the group "I think its time to get a bath and a hot meal! And I've got shoes to pick up!"

"I'm sorry," Mayor Trinelli says to Gallix, her arms folded across her chest. "Your request makes logical sense, but I think it insensitive to consider replacing Marcuccio's business so quickly. Perhaps after he's been properly mourned by his family, we can talk about it."

"Of course, of course. I merely hoped to provide some stability after the family's loss. You are completely in the right, though. The time is not right. Thank you for your consideration." With a deep and exaggerated bow, Gallix makes his way out of the mayor's office and exits the Town Hall.

The mayor's words had struck Gallix deeply, and he was immediately reminded of all the losses people had suffered throughout this ordeal, perhaps none as much as the boy who had suffered under the compulsion of the Bile, yet had survived to endure the shame of what he had done. The brawler makes his way to the temple of Erastil to speak with Father Ildris and to find out where he might find Gellion. Once he has directions to locate the boy, he seeks him out right away, and, upon finding him, sits him down for a chat.

"Listen, Gellion, I know you've been through a lot in the past few weeks. I know that the weight of what happened to you while you were under the Bile's influence is heavy. I've been there myself. Ya know, when I first met these folks, we got into a pretty tough spot, dealing with things that I never imagined I would encounter. And that drove me to do some pretty desperate things." He pulls a cigarette from within his chest pocket and holds it up to show the young man. "I have these special cigarettes that I make, and they help make me stronger. But they also take away some of my sense and some of my...restraint. So, when we were in the heat of fighting our way through some of the people that were working against us, and Sirettis put one of them to sleep, I...didn't hold back. I killed him in cold blood." He puts the cigarette back in his pocket before going on. "I was ashamed of how ruthless I had been for quite a while, and even now, thinking back on it, I don't think I was totally right to do it that way, but I've had to move on. I've had to move on so I can help my friends. That's what you need to do, Gellion! Find a way that you can learn from what happened, and help your friends. That's how you move on from this. Trust me."

Sirettis sits outside of the inn, sitting in the lotus position. As the sun sets, she stares at the full moon, now visible in the sky. Her hair is loose. Her vision has never been clearer. The wind picks up, and her hair flutters freely. She knows it is coming. Isa sleeps peacefully, resting between her legs.

Sirettis focuses for a moment, and her hair grows like a pair of wings. Flapping, she rises above the ground. "Yes, Isa. I am more than alright. Every time it talks to me like this it leaves some of its power behind. I will use it to save myself and my friends. All of them."

"The Red Arm will go where they are needed."

You all collect up the most elegant shoes you've ever had, along with beautifully tailored outfits that could grace any noble's ball!

The celebration and party in Saringallow goes well into the night. Each of you spend time with the locals in Saringallow. Mr. Peppers gets to flirt more with dependable Drummady, Gallix and Uesugi get to exchange war stories with the baker, Cup and Sirettis have a great time chatting with the town archivist, and D gets tons of free drinks at the Witch's End tavern. The whole town is excited.

Gellion seeks out Gallix. The boy looks down, kicking rocks. "I still feel a bit like the jerk who let himself get mind-controlled and let everyone down, but Nolaria thinks that I should give myself some time. Can you tell me a bit more about the Pathfinder Society? Maybe what I need is a little time away... Though, I'd have to clear it with both my parents and Mistress Pricknettle!" He looks earnestly. "Nixa and Nolaria were thinking of traveling too. Maybe we could learn a bit more about it? Go through a little training?"

When you visit the Saringallow Post Office the next day, the post master, a little gnome named Pal Scrivenbags, jumps up and down in excitement to see you all again. "Looks like you fine folks all got mail from that lodge of yours in Absalom!"

He's holding up six envelopes, all marked with the Glyph of the Open Road.

Cup opens her letter in excitement. "Oh, new assignments for us! I cannot wait! I hope it's somewhere dangerous and new!"

But when she opens her letter, her face falls. "Oh. I've been assigned elsewhere. And it's not even dangerous or exotic... Some sort of sporting event qualifier in Absalom, and then a tax matter in some little town in Varisia?"

She tries to be perky but she's not succeeding very well. "Um, where are you guys going?"

After digging through his mail bag of holding for a while, Pal produces another letter, this one marked for Gallix in short, but elegant hand-writing.

After reading through the letter, a slight smile creeps across Gallix's lips, and a bit of moisture begins to pool in the corner of one eye. "Well, it seems I'm a free man," he says with a bit of a chuckle. He holds out the letter to anyone who might be interested to read it, then straightens up and sighs heavily. "So. We're headed to the desert, eh? Sounds fun!"

Mr Peppers takes his envelop from the annoying little Postmaster and forces himself to smile and nod, but avoids any and all conversation with it. I knew I should have asked someone else to check my mail today, ugh.

He quickly leaves the building and reads through the note in the peace and quiet of the street. "Hey, looks like we've got some more work to do, down south in Thuvia?" Knowledge: Geography: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 What does the impeccable Mr Peppers know of this... Thuvia.

"I'm sorry to hear about your appointment Miss Cup. I'm afraid the reputation as a fine librarian is catching up to your calling as a field agent. If you aren't careful you'll end up pushing paper for Ambrus for the next 100 years."

"And for my final trick, I shall disappear!" Silas stands atop a makeshift stage - really just an inverted hollow wooden box - at the Sip of Sunlight Inn. A small crowd had gathered before him, what with word of his arrival in Aspenthar circulating amongst his "many fans," or so he thought. No, he didn't think, he was sure he had a fanbase of thousands, yet the audience of only three standing before him would tell one otherwise.

... At least, before anyone realizes none of this is real.

"Behold!"

He palms a red ball and begins working it with his hands, flipping it behind them, into his sleeve and back out, all while feeling in a secret pocket sewed into his sleeve for the correct wand.

That one's bless... cure light wounds... snowball...

Silas would feel the metal identity tag he'd engraved into each wand as a way of knowing which wand he was touching without seeing it. He'd put the ball in his robe, flip one hand over the other and take the ball back out, his fingertips rubbing a different wand each time until he found the right one.

Got it!

He slips the wand out of the pocket and into his sleeve, sliding it into his wrist sheathe. A tiny click, audible to only him, tells him he's ready. Then, he holds both palms out, making his eyes glow purple as he uses a different spell, detect magic, and uses the distraction to activate his wand.

UMD: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

The crowd gasps as he disappears before their eyes, and he quickly steps off stage and runs back up to his room, where he bursts out laughing at another successful ruse.

Uh oh! Looks like Silas is gonna be competing with Gallix for a fanbase, in addition to trying to one-up Peppers in the arcane. Haha!

Definitely more likely in the former than the latter... :)

Uesugi opens his letter as the others do and reads it thoroughly.

"Where is this place called, Thuvia?" he asks of the others. When he hears that Madame Poshkettle will be leaving them he puts his hands to his side and gives her a customary bow. "Our paths shall cross again Madame Poshkettle. Your guidance has saved us many times and I shall miss the company of you and Little Dragon."

He then looks at Little Dragon, "Little Dragon your ever faithful steed asks that you give him leave to travel with these others. You must watch over Madame Poshkettle and guard as you have guarded me. Your courage is one that shall never be forgotten and never overlooked. When your faithful steed returns to you I shall be ready to carry you once you again."

Finally he looks at the gnome postmaster and begins to write something in his Tien "I shall need some supplies sent to Thuvia. Can you please deliver a note to a man in Absalom? His name is Master Yamashita. He can be found in the Foreign District"

Sirettis reads the letter, curious.
"Off to Thuvia, then. I did not expect this." She seals the letter and thanks the deliveryman. She turns to her friends to see how they are reacting. Miss Poshkettle's disappointment is clear.

"Miss Poshkettle. When you believed I was still owned, you were willing to buy my ownership, then free me." She kneels down so she can look the gnome in the eye. "I will never forget this act of kindness. Now you have the opportunity to show this to others in need. Do so." She gives the gnome a relatively tight hug.

Str Check: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Emphasis on relatively.

"I will take the lessons you taught me to Thuvia and spread goodwill there. I want you to know that you and the Red Arm have taught me lessons of courage. It's gotten easier, now."

She stands up, and Isa tweets in her direction.

Longjing hangs upside down from Uesugi's helmet, forcing Uesugi to look cross-eyed at him. 'Raaawk. Noble steed, know that you were the worthiest mount a dragon could ask for. I look forward to riding with you again!"

Then he lands on Cup's head. "I suppose you can be my steed for now, Cup... Have you any crackers for a very hungry dragon?"

"Yes, I ordered some from Gunty." Cup fishes in her pocket for the cracker, and then looks around at her teammates, suddenly feelling very small and very alone. "Oh well, at least in Absalom I'll be able to see my family again. They'll have missed me!"

She runs up to Sirettis and gives the sylph a hug. "Take care, Sis! I love you!"

To Mr. Peppers, she holds herself with dignity and says, "My era of dealing with paperwork shan't last long, Pep. If nothing else, I'll pull favors until I'm transferred back to all of you again. Take care of yourselves in Thuvia, okay?"

"We will. Take care of yourself, Miss Poshkettle." So much courage...

Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

Sirettis tries to recall interesting facts about Thuvia but nothing extraordinary comes to mind.

Mr Peppers nods at the stoic Gnome "I'll keep them on the straight and narrow don't worry about that. Once your chores are done look us up, I'm sure we'll be back in Absalom soon enough. Don't stray from your obligations, even if they are boring and tedious. The Arcane is often very tedious."

Mr Peppers starts to head off, then stops and turns for one last moment "And don't go causing any trouble with those spells you just jotted down, responsible spellcasting!"

Mr Peppers also mentions what he knows of Thuvia to everyone so they can prepare. "I'm going to buy a wand of create water, I have a feeling it may come in handy there. Keeping cool and not sun burnt may be an issue too." This skin is delicate!

Peppers you are the resident bookworm so roll away for knowledge checks please

Mr. Peppers already rolled it. You can all click the spoiler or look at the player handout in my header.

The goodbye talk..

D. nods at Cup.
"Make sure we see you back in good health, until then."
-------------
Reading the letter

"Thuvia? That sounds more like a woman's name.
Is this a city dedicated to some western geisha?"

..."No matter. We will come, we will see, and we will conquer."

D. looked forward to test his increased power, he was now able to lift much heavier objects, and the destructive potential increased as well.

"The region is in an eternal power struggle over some kind of...age retarding liquid." Sirettis seems curious after Mr. Peppers describes the region. "They seem to value it more than water. Strange."

Cup and Longjing travel with you until the port of Almas, where you seek separate ships. Cup sets off ahead of you, dog and parrot in tow. "Oh my gosh I'm late! Bye, all! Good luck in Aspenthar!"

The rest of you catch Balean's Breeze and have a mostly uneventful sea journey to the port city of Aspenthar. You arrive to a city with sparkling white sand beaches, a gorgeous coastline with deep blue green water, an open air market, and the largest number of troops you've ever seen. Half the city seems to be in uniform, men and women alike. Some are socializing in outdoor cafes, off-duty. Other troops jog in formation along the beaches, or patrol through the town.

One bronze skinned woman in a Captain's uniform smiles at you. "Welcome to Aspenthar! Can I direct you to anywhere?" Even here, this near the ocean, it is very hot and dry. The woman fans herself with her clipboard as she speaks with you.

Sirettis enjoys the journey across the sea. Her hair flies loosely in the wind, maybe a little more than the breeze should allow. She and Isa tend to tweet in Auran, but it seems to mutate to a different language altogether.

The number of troopers, casual yet in uniform, intrigue her. "So many soldiers, here." The woman runs up and greets the party.

"Lady Gloriana Morilla- where is she?" Sirettis asks. The desert air picks up, or maybe it's something else...

Charm Hex: Will Save DC 16 or improve your attitude to me by 1 step for 4 rounds.

Mr Peppers spends some time aboard the ship doing his best to catch up on some reading and work with his spells. Adventuring is tiring and dangerous work, not to mention very time consuming. A life of non stop adventuring may be good for the pocketbook but its very difficult for those who like to do ample reading. Each morning Mr Peppers rises with the sun, casts endure elements on himself, then does some basic stretches and exercises on deck when the weather is fair, nothing too strenuous but enough to keep limber. I think I miss Gunty's bread already, but I think I can still see some of it on my midsection!

He mostly keeps to himself for the bulk of the day to work but during the mornings or evenings he brings himself out of hiding to eat and socialize with the group as well as the crew.

Land HOOOO!

"My first time in this sort of climate. So dry. So few trees and forests. I hope our trip keeps us out of the desert, but I have a feeling it won't."

Once Sirettis asks her question, Mr Peppers pipes in "We're also looking for the Sip of Sunlight Inn? A nice place I hope?"

Captain's Will Save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

The Captain's cheerful demeanor turns just a bit frosty. "Was that absolutely necessary?" She frowns, her brows furrowing. "We get all sort of nobles visiting to come discuss trade deals. The Citadel of the Alchemist is not far from here, you know, and we are its most zealous--and competent--protectors." She sighs. "I did see a tall taldan woman with cleavage down to here," she gestures to a point in the middle of her chest, "and her nose a bit high in the air walking earlier today with our own Lady Ziralia."

A smile flashes on the Captain's face...

...and then she returns to business.

She turns to Mr. Peppers with a smile and raised eyebrows. "The Sip of Sunlight? It's very nice indeed, if a bit on the... well... pricey side." She pauses. "Though I'm not sure about the entertainment they've been having lately. Some rather flamboyant foreign wizard. Oh well. At least he's not from Pashow!"

"Would you like me to flag down an ensign to escort your party there?"

As the Spirit mentions 'her' he feels the rage ignite within him. It had been months since he had an audience with the woman --although he had other less flattering names for this manipulative creature -- and if his late master had not given Uesugi his last order to join the cause of the Sovereign Court he would have been the happier for it. He had never really indicated to The Red Arm his involvement with the woman and her faction but he doubt he could hide it any longer.

The woman forgot no face and remembered all names that passed by her eyes. She would remember him and knowing her had probably asked for Uesugi to be one of the ones sent to help her in whatever unhonourable act she was up to. Still her decision to dismiss Uesugi as nothing more than inconvenience had led him to The Red Arm and for that he could never be more grateful. For as much as he missed his homeland these strangers had become his family.

'Whatever you have us doing Madame Morilla if it should claim the lives of any of my clan I will find a way to make you pay. You are not my master my blade does not protect you only your cause.'

"We should go to the inn first to find our replacement for Madame Poshkettle. He should be there when we speak to our contact."

The Captain flags down a harried ensign. "Escort these visitors to the Sip of Sunlight. You copy, Ensign?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" The wide-eyed ensign bobs her head and glances nervously to you. "Right this way, if you please." The ensign takes you through a few twists and turns to a wide boulevard filled with stately looking buildings made of rose-colored stone. There are a few potted thick leaved succulents providing some greenery to this desert city, and overhead a billowing canopy of translucent silk soars high above the street to provide some measure of shade in the warm noon day sun. "They retract that at night," the ensign offers. "That way you can see the stars. Nothing's prettier than Aspenthar at night."

The Sip of Sunlight is gorgeous inside, its tearoom decorated in colored tile mosaics and tasteful silk curtains and pillows. The airy common room is a natural breezeway, and song birds titter in some decorative cages along the walls. The inn opens out into a central courtyard with tiled walkways and flowering desert plants and palm trees. Water burbles from a natural spring in the courtyard, and splashes down a tiny waterfall.

In this courtyard, and looking rather out of place, is an inverted wooden crate that clashes horribly with the normal decor of the inn. A handmade sign reading, "Come see Silas the Great!" stands propped up next to the crate.

A quiet turbaned man bows and says, "Welcome to the Sip of Sunlight! Are you the party that was booked from Absalom? If not, are you looking for tea, a meal, or something else?" He looks out the windows and turns to Uesugi. "That is a lovely horse. Do you wish us to stable it?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
Mind reading skill. :)

"Lady Ziralia must be an examplary individual to you and your comrades, correct?
You seemed to blush with admiration.", D. plainly states.

When the party takes their leave, and comes to the Sip of Sunlight, D. takes in the scene with a judging look.

"Not bad, but our own decorations are better, more colorful.
The birds are a decent touch."

But that horrible wooden sign...

D. feels an itch to mess with it, and the sign quietly drops face down.
"Must be wood worms..."

Using telekinesis to spill the water near any annoying person in the fountain's vicinity.

W-why did I do that?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"My apologies. This is my first time here, and I did not know of the reception to Lady Ziralia. If you are any indication, she must be a noble and gifted individual. It must be an honor to work for her."

Bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Sirettis hides behind a compliment, then follows Mister Peppers and Uesugi to the Sip of Sunlight, quietly.

At the inn, Sirettis notes the fancy layout- how many people spent their days laying the area out? Were they paid well? Did they want to do it?

"Ah yes, we travelled from Absalom to book a few rooms here." She bows to the host, fighting back the wind only she can feel. "Tea would be lovely..." She can't help but look at the crate of Silas the Great- clearly someone who worked hard and didn't rely on status for his keep. "And who is this Silas?"

HAH! Look at him! He doesn't get it! You'd think after spending three years in a library researching the stuff, he'd be a professional. Why can't he be more like his brother? What a loser. Silas the Plain. Silas the Plain. Silas the Plain!

"UGH" Silas gasps hard as he jolts awake. He breathes deeply for a few moments, then shrugs. "Oh. That one again. Heh," he says as he shifts and puts his feet on the ground, taking a sip from a mug next to his bed. "Well! I guess it's time for another show..." He peeks into a satchel tied around his waist. Two gold coins slide around the soft leather interior. "These people don't know a good show when they've seen one."

He heads back downstairs and over to his stage, noting the five strange looking travelers. Look at those two big bald heads. Probably from the east. Quite funny looking. And the frail lady with the wispy golden hair. Eh, not really my type. The muscular guy with the gloves looks fun. An eccentric group, likely on a mission of some sort. Wait a minute, those dark robes..

"Hey. I thought I heard my name. Here for my next show?" Silas walks over to the group and looks Mr. Peppers up and down. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but notice you've got a spellbook there. I know a wizard when I see one, being a skilled master of magic myself and all. What brings you here? Other than seeing yours truly, of course." He smugly grins.

With the Thuvian Captain

"Who isn't proud of Prince Zinlo's eldest?" The Captain acknowledges. "She is as welcome as desert water, and clever enough to understand the paths of shifting sand."

____

At the Sip of Sunlight

The turbaned man bows. "As Silas 'the Great' has reappeared, I will allow him to make his own introductions. I am Suleiman, your host. I will bring iced tea for everyone, see to the stabling of the horse and then make sure your rooms are ready. Welcome to Aspenthar." In a swish of robes, he makes his way out of the courtyard leaving you all alone with the new Wizard.

"Oh. You are Silas?" Sirettis does a curtsy. "Good to meet you. My name is Sirettis. My friends and I are the Red Arm of Absalom. We were sent here on behalf of the society..."

"So we can assume you are a street performer, with knowledge of the local affairs?"

"Sirettis of the Red Arm of Absalom?" Silas' eyes widen as he recognizes the 'Red Arm' name. "Of course I'm Silas! You haven't heard of me?" He's legitimately surprised that people wouldn't know who he is, but he shrugs and continues, "I've arrived from Absalom as well on behalf of the Society. I was told I might meet a group of Pathfinders with that Red Arm title, so it looks like I'm in the right place." He sits down on his stage. "Pleasure to meet you."

"A street performer is a little unbecoming, but I guess when you get down to it, that's what I am. I prefer the phrase master of magic, personally. As nice as this place is, it's been tough making a copper or two. Citizens seem a little ... Thrifty. "

My performances are awesome and no one's gonna tell me otherwise!

"I do not care if you have spent ten thousand candles in some dark room cut off from the world or every minute performing sleight of hand with every child that has walked by with a begriudging parent. You are our responsibility now for whatever our contact needs of us. I will have faith that your recommendation comes because you have some skills which we will need to see this mission through. Now pack up your show we are expected to meet with our contact and she is not one who likes to be left waiting. What talents do you bring to us Silas the Street Magician?" the tone from Uesugi is a little sharper than usual you notice.

Suleiman comes back balancing a tray arrayed with a carafe full of minty tea, glasses full of ice cubes and sliced lemons. The ice crackles as the turbaned man pours tea for all of you, and then says, "A letter has arrived for you." He hands you an ornately engraved invitation addressed to Sirettis and Uesugi, marked with a scarlet wax seal imprinted with the Sovereign Court's Rising Phoenix symbol.

It is now about three o'clock.

Sirettis tilts her head, curious at Uesugi's change of tone. Maybe he doesn't respect street performers? She makes a mental note just as Suleiman hands her a letter.

"It sounds like we are due at about 4 past noon. I-should wash up, shouldn't I?" Sirettis knows she should be clean and proper in the presence of nobility, but as equals?

Arrival in Thuvian

Gallix's eyes grow wide as he disembarks from the ship that had carried them from Almas across the Inner Sea. So this is Thuvia, he thinks, Home to some of the greatest alchemists ever. I wonder if he's here somewhere...

The young man sits by quietly as the others discuss their business with the captain. Gallix had never had the best relationship with the authorities, no matter what their nationality. His eyes were drawn instead to some of the exotic herbs and plants on display in some of the stalls. He had conducted a few experiments with his mutagen mixture on the way from Isger, trying to incorporate some of the flora and other assorted reagents he had picked up in the Chitterwood, at the Sarini estate, and...elsewhere. He had almost figured out a way to enhance his mutagen so that it would do more and last longer. He just needed a few key components to make sure there weren't any undue side-effects.

Sip of Sunlight Inn

"Oh I love iced tea! Thanks, Suleiman!" Gallix grabs a glass from the tray and takes a deep, appreciative gulp of the tea. He swallows and sighs happily. "That hits the spot! Been a long time since I had tea like this."

As Sirettis introduces the group, though, Gallix's face droops. "Ah! Come on, sis! Do it like I showed ya! When you someone asks who we are you gotta do it like this." He then backs up and finds a clear spot beside Silas's stage. The lights in the courtyard inexplicably go out, and a spotlight appears, illuminating Gallix in silhouette. As he speaks, he moves back and forth, striking various poses and occasionally indicating one of the other members of the group.

"From their mighty seats in Skyreach, high above the rooftops of Absalom, the Decemvirate looked down and found their Society in disarray, lacking the heroes needed to carry out their great commands. And so, a call went out to the far corners of Golarion, and that call was answered by the appearance of a group of mighty warriors, arcane masters, and wielders of unbelievable power. Today, that group has appeared to perform whatever task is required, whether it is the eradication of malignant simulacra, the extermination of dangerous vermin, or the expulsion of vile demonic forces. On this, I, the Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne, do swear. For we are the RED ARM OF ABSALOM!!!"

He pauses for a moment to allow for applause or general adulation of his performance, then turns back Sirettis, the lighting in the room suddenly returning to normal. "See the difference, sis? Ya gotta sell it! Am I right?" he asks, turning to Silas, whom he has just now noticed.

"Sell it...yes." Sirettis writes a note for later.

For the rest of this adventure, Gallix gets special lighting if he wants to introduce the Red Arm of Absalom. Just sayin'. I ❤ that intro!

___

After baths, more mint tea, and a change of clothes, the Red Arm of Absalom is ready for their next challenge. The salty air of Aspenthar's port yields to delicate perfumes and incense as a servant leads the way into an elegant townhouse. Another servant serves tea in Tian porcelain, offering the first cup to Lady Gloriana Morilla and the second to a regal woman wearing a colorful headscarf and a striking gold necklace. “At last, our team has arrived!” Lady Gloriana announces, gesturing to the other teacups. Her keen eyes immediately take note of Sirettis and Uesugi, and she gives both of them a small and knowing nod. “Please... help yourselves. Allow me to introduce Lady Ziralia, eldest daughter of Aspenthar's liege, Prince Zinlo. She has requested the Society's services for a rather intriguing project.”

Lady Ziralia nods. “Thank you for the introduction, Lady Morilla. As it happens, I am here today on behalf of Pashow, not Aspenthar.” Lady Ziralia studies each of the team’s faces in turn, as if to take the measure of each member. As if satisfied with what she sees, her face breaks into a dazzling smile, white teeth brilliant against her rich dark skin. “I am so honored that you have agreed to help us in our hour of need.”

Lady Morilla is pictured on Slide One. Lady Ziralia is pictured on Slide Two.

Meeting at the Inn
Silas' face drops when Uesugi reprimands him, and he feels compelled to follow his instructions even if he doesn't know why.

This guy's so serious. Thinks he's so big and tough... I should put a snowball down the back of his shirt when he's not looking. Heh heh.

He palms his wand of snowball for a moment, but decides he better not. And when Gallix cuts in, Silas stops and applauds the magnificent introduction as he gets up from his crate. "Bravo, bravo! What a show, even for the likes of Silas the Great. .... Hey, we could make quite the duo. You put on dramatic scenes behind me while I stand up front and cast rare and powerful magic. What do you think? Just leave Mr. Serious out of it." He pantomimes a yawn as he glares at Uesugi, then packs the rest of his precious magical gear up and heads off.

Not a lot of time to respond to the opening scene so I'll leave you guys to it for now! I'll post tomorrow.