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With the dark cloud lifted Uesugi watches on as the barbarian engages with the woman. He urges Yurei forward to close off any possible escape for the woman and lets Yurei have into the woman as he slices his katana for the woman's head.
"ENOUGH! We end this now!"
D and Usesugi both miss the dodgy Aspis leader with the crossbow, but Yurei manges to get a bite in on her!
Red and Green run and puke some more.
Pep and Gallix are up.
Finish this!
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Knowing the cloud of smoke will soon return, Mr Peppers decides he should help speed up the process here. He takes a step to the south for a better view and channels some extra energy into his favorite spell, hoping the extra pop will dislodge the woman from her feet.
A tall, dark and smiling Elf fades into view "Hello there Miss." He turns to Gallix "Now she's on the ground and you've got Uesugi standing over her, finish this off ok?"
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Gallix grins broadly as Peppers reappears and applies his usual magical prowess to the rather evasive Aspis woman. "Why thank you, Mr. Peppers, I was just thinking of doing something similar myself." He looks down at Ivira and gives her a mocking pout. "So sorry. Looks like this is the end for you." He kneels down with each blow, bringing his full body weight into the force of his fist.
With the toppling magic missile, the whole battle changes in an instant. The heroes rally, and the leader of the Aspis agents is brought to the ground. It does not take the team long to capture the two remaining guards who are still retching miserably but now hold up their arms in surrender.
What do you do now?
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Sirettis disperses the cloud with a wave of her hands, then floats down to the ground. She turns to Silas. "My hair seems to have a mind of its own, but recently I've been able to wield it like it were a third arm. Usually, it flows with the wind."
She turns to the two conscious Aspis agents. She lets the sweet air charm them before she continues her questionnaire. " it is unfortunate that you had to be witness to that violence, but the courts of Pashow will judge you fairly. I know you two were merely coerced, and I will do what I can to grant you leniency. Please, tell us about your mission here, and your ultimate goal."
She waits for her friends to restrain the two agents.
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Mr Peppers watches the carnage unfold on the leader. Uesugi really takes no prisoners does he. Yumi neither. "I'm sure we can convince the other two sick ones to surrender, no need for more bloodshed here I think." He hollers over to the two miserable wretches wretching.
He gives them a quick once over with his magic detection as they are liberated of their equipment by D, Gallix, and Uesugi. "Leave no stone unturned." He leaves Sirettis to question them while he pulls out the papers he collected from the orange tent to glance over, as well as check to be sure the fire is out. "Great job on the fire D. I did get some papers before hand but I'm sure I missed some of interest."
The two puking guards shake off the Charm Hex, but wanting to preserve their lives, they still readily talk to you. "Look, we were hired by Ivira," Red says earnestly. "Ivira’s boss hired us to help test the sun orchid elixir’s defenses, and see what we can learn about them so that we can pull a big heist in a future run."
Green adds, "We don't know much about the guy. All I remember about him is a pair of initials, K.A., from the bottom of the letter explaining our duties." One of them has a creased and dirty version of this note in his vest pocket.
The rest of the team unburies the tent. Sorting through, you find detailed records of Prince Zinlo’s involvement in the Consortium’s scheme, including a detailed provenance of every resource he provided the Aspis agents. He went into excruciating and exacting detail about some of the Emir’s planned defenses. The note describes plans to send multiple decoy transports to confuse would-be-thieves and to move some vials of the elixir “by other means entirely.” The records also show that Prince Zinlo and the Aspis Consortium conducted extensive trades with each other at favorable rates and have been doing so for well over a decade.
What do you do?
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"At first I suspected Emil would be treacherous, jealous of Ziralia's success." She looks at the papers and watches Zinlo's dealings with Aspis. "Instead Zinlo wanted Aspis to succeed, and Emil to fail." She looks up to the sky. "Their failure and our success will weaken their position, possibly dissuade them from trying again."
"Let us turn these agents to the guards, and inform Lady Ziralia of the developments."
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Mr Peppers shakes his head in disgust as he goes through the documents. "Everyone always meddling in someone else's affairs, creating misery for their own personal gain. Politics and greed at its 'finest'." He says with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
Mr Peppers checks the personal tents of the Aspis as well before they leave for anything else that may be of use.
"Lets get moving. We've got much to discuss and some miles of sand to cover in the mean time." I wonder how Ziralia is going to take this strong proof of her father's dirty dealings. And I wonder who this KA could be...
At length with guards in tow, your group makes it back to the Barracks and the Tent City. Lady Ziralia greets you when you arrive. "What did you find? Were they simple travelers or trouble makers?"
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Sirettis makes sure Emil Guldis is not near. "We have caught the interlopers. They work with an organization called the Aspis Consortium, and were tasked with a goal similar to ours- discover the weaknesses of Pashow's transports, make their way into the transport guard, and secure the vial before we did." Sirettis hands Lady Ziralia the notes they acquired from the sickened agents.
"Did you... know Prince Zinlo has been working with them for years? They tried to destroy the evidence as soon as we engaged with them. They have had at least a decade of cooperation- long enough to cover Pashow's two losses." Sirettis motions to the collected letters, notes and pages. "This is why I wished to speak to you without speaking to Lord Emil."
Gauging Lady Ziralia's reaction, Sirettis expects her to be surprised. Treachery cuts the deepest bonds. Nadini may never trust her again. She will be forever an outsider here. Not that her blue-white skin would help much.
"The Pathfinder Society offers its services to save the people here. I do this not for profit, but to find myself. Our group, no, our family, the Red Arm of Absalom, gives me an anchor to stabilize upon." She looks to her teammates and smiles. "You have friends and family of your own, but if you need another anchor, the Pathfinder Society would be glad to accept you."
Sirettis finishes with a curtsy. It didn't matter if she overstepped her bounds, she had to be honest. No more lies.
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Sirettis had done such a good job of explaining their findings, that Silas simply stood there, still in shock at the power of Mr. Peppers' toppling magic missile. "A blast so strong it knocked her off her feet..." he mumbles to himself in a trance like state. "Mr. Peppers, I was wrong. You're a great wizard yourself. A little odd, perhaps kind of awkwardly serious, but skilled nonetheless. And I swear I'm not just saying this to get a peek at that spellbook of yours!"
"Yes, if you're looking for honesty and continued takedowns of corrupt governments, the Pathfinder Society is for you," Silas combines his harsh remark of Ziralia's father with a thumbs up.
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Mr Peppers concurs with Sirettis in his matter-of-fact style. "She speaks 100% the truth. You will need to have a heart to heart with your father. I don't believe you can continue to support both Aspenthar and Pashow with this information, at least without some sort of resolution."
Mr Peppers smiles at Silas when he finally admits what was obvious all along. "When you focus your skills and time on something you can accomplish great things. Your focus has been divided into... less than noble Arcane pursuits. You're welcome to copy from my spellbook what you can cast, which at this point I expect is pretty limited."
He pulls out his book and goes through the spells with Silas when the time is right, doing his best to help him learn a more respectable profession.
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Gallix grimaces as the mercenaries describe the plot and reveal Zinlo's involvement. "Figures. Power like that only seeks to sustain itself, more often than not. And the Prince decided he'd hedge his bets by employing scum like this to help him ruin his neighbors."
As the group reports to Ziralia, Gallix hangs back, looking rather upset by the whole thing, but taking note of how well Sirettis is doing as she talks to the princess. She's really coming into her own. Seems like she's starting to believe in her own strength. That's good. We'll all need to be strong if things continue on the way they have been.
"Over the past ten years?" Ziralia takes a deep breath and sits down. "I feared my father's ambition would pull him down a dark path. However, I had no idea it had been happening for so long. What will I ever tell Guldis? Are we the architects of his misery?"
She stands up, pacing. "If I tell Guldis... No. When I tell Guldis... Oh, what will that bring us? I can make no promises about where my loyalties may lie should Thuvia -- Gods forbid -- descend into civil war." She looks at all of you. "Still... I am grateful for you opening my eyes. I have always been an advocate for the sovereignty of independent city-states. I will not forget what the Pathfinder Society have done to bring hope to the people of Pashow."
She takes Sirettis's hand. "I will look into your offer as well. One can never have too many friends." Then she smiles. "Speaking of which, I have someone you may want to talk to..."
She opens the tent flap, and leads you to Nadini. Nadini throws her arms around Sirettis. "I've been told of your mission! I should have known you were no traitor!"
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Sirettis is surprised. She expected Nadini to approach her, Full of anger. Instead, she found forgiveness and friendship. See? A smile and a fancy dinner will grant you leniency. Imagine, how much more you could have gotten away with had you used your powers to the fullest extent...
Sirettis shakes those thoughts from her mind and eventually returns the hug. "I am so thankful, Nadini! I was sworn to secrecy and had to remain quiet until we were successful. You did everything right, and we were able to stop a much more vile organization from making things worse for Pashow." She smiles. "Oh, we must return to the restaurant from before! I have many friends- no, family to present. Once I finish the briefing, of course."
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They then ride off to Lady Morilla ready to deliver their valuable treasure to her.
Lady Morilla is delighted to see Sirettis and Uesugi again, and even more delighted with the wonders of the recovered documents. "Well, well, well..." She raises an eyebrow, and gestures to a servant to provide both Uesugi and Sirettis with tall glasses of some iced and very aromatic mint tea. "Who would have guessed that Prince Zinlo was such a naughty boy? Imagine, dallying with the Aspis for over a decade!" She pouts for just a moment, and then she grins, her eyes gleaming. "This might explain why Aspenthar is by far the wealthiest of the Thuvian city-states, when all five have had the exact same product to sell... I am guessing that dear Aspenthar has been silently auctioning the lifeblood of Pashow."
She runs a light finger along Uesugi's cheek. "You've done well, Poppet. Perhaps later I can show you how very appreciative I am of your efforts. This information can keep Zinlo in check." She also grins at Sirettis. "You are a quiet one, but very effective. I will remember this."
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Meanwhile, the rest of you receive a note commending your work, handwritten by Emir Guldis himself:
Pathfinders,
I was dubious about what you could offer, but you have exceeded my expectations. Thank you for helping save Pashow from the brink of destruction. This was of course only a trial run. When it comes times to transport the real elixir, I will call on your Society again.
Know that you always have a friend in Pashow.
Emir Guldis
And now, dear party, we have reached the end of our adventure. Thank you for doing this journey with me. It is a tradition in my games that everyone at the end submits an Easter Egg: a little extra scene or vignette showing your characters in action.
Is there an NPC they'd like to visit with again? Was there something in particular they learned? A moment that helped them grow? Feel free to show us and enjoy!
I myself am looking forward to rejoining you all as Cup, as the Red Arm of Absalom ventures into Cosmic Captive with GM Red!
Hmm
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Sirettis is thankful the test run went well and the immediate crisis was averted. Lady Morilla's compliment was also noted, although Sirettis already knew that behind every rose was a mess of thorns.
As promised, she has a dinner with Nadini at their favorite restaurant, and invites the party to join, if they have free time. She tells her stories about the Red Arm and their adventures fighting Demon's Bile and witnessing Starfall. Exciting but also scary.
For Sirettis, the night is quiet, and Isa is asleep. That means one thing. So she waits for the wind. She waits for... her.
Why do I let it dominate me? Sirettis thinks. My thoughts are always so focused on it. I should focus on my friends, my family. Like Sir Uesugi, trapped by his own code and social status. Or Miss Poshkettle and her highs and lows. Even Mister Silas and his showmanship.
She stands up and looks in a pool of water. I'm happy Nadini realized all I wanted to do was help. She was so exhausted, I pitied her. Covered in sweat, physically drained, a frown across the bottom of... her.... Nadini's face reflects off the pool. Her hands reach up to the face and Sirettis realizes she looks like Nadini currently.
As Sirettis's mind flashes to her friends and allies, her body responds, stretching slightly in size, shape, dress and gender. "Wh-what is happening? Stop!" Sirettis stills her mind and returns to her normal self.
Sirettis, that was all you. Doesn't all this power feel nice?
Sirettis takes a deep breath to calm herself down. "Is this what happened to you? Without a family to claim as your home, you blow like the wind. You are everywhere, yet nowhere."
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Mr Peppers will accompany Sirettis and Nadini out to dinner. He's happy to be wrapping up this trip and he's always eager to spent some time socializing with those who work with the arcane. "As I'm sure Sirettis has already apologized, I would like to add in mine as well. I just couldn't let you call for help in the ravine. The faster we were able to overwhelm you the more likely there would be no casualties." He pauses and brushes some sand from a fold in his cloak.
"As I mentioned to the Emir that day, I highly suggest incorporating some backup measures to communication, I brought up alchemical rockets as a possibility... You may want to remind him again." He calls over the waiter to order them a bottle of wine then continues. "What sort of spells do you specialize in?" He continues to prattle on and on about different spells and techniques, especially anything that may be regional.
Mr Peppers tracks down Corporal Chandiver for a quick discussion before heading out into town. He stops at a local shop, smiles and nods to himself before heading inside. A small bell up in the corner of the door rings as he opens it and steps inside. The smell is wonderful. After a short discussion with the proprietors, his purchase is boxed up and wrapped nicely.
Across town he walks to a lazy dead end street. The wind is blowing dust and dirt, wiping it up, he covers his face with his cloak. He checks a note in his pocket before heading up to the common adobe style home and knocking on the front door. A few vases of desert flowers decorate the stoop. A man with far more grey in his hair than not, and quite stooped over answers. "I'm sorry to bother you Sir, but Corporal Chandiver was kind enough to give me your address, may I come in?" Mr Peppers asks as he hands the man the long box wrapped in deep blue ribbon.
Inside the common home sits a woman, an Elven woman, she looks up and wipes away the tears from her red eyes. "This is not a good time, may we help you?" She asks from her chair as her husband hands her the open box filled with a beautiful bouquet of blue flowers.
He responds in Elven, looking to the husband to be sure he understands him first before continuing. "I'm sorry to intrude but I wanted to deliver my condolences in person. Your daughter Lin was a fine girl, everyone loved seeing her cheery face in the morning and again at the end of each day. It was a tragedy what happened, but I wanted to let you know that I'm certain we've caught her murderer and I expect the Emir to exact justice on your behalf. May her light never leave your hearts."
With that he bows and takes his leave heading back to town, its almost dinner time.
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After the group begins to disperse following their reports to Lady Ziralia and the Emir, Gallix stays behind for a moment. Once the others have stepped away, he approaches the Emir and gives quick bow. "You're excellency, I'm glad that we were able to help you in this matter in our small way. I wonder if I might continue my service to you in helping with the production of the alchemical rockets Mr. Peppers suggested as a magic-resistant means of communication for your future convoys."
The emir eyes Gallix warily for a moment and soon recognizes that the young man is after more than he has expressed. "Of course Pashow would be glad for your continued assistance, Mister Granbonne, but I believe there is something more to your offer. Perhaps you hoped to gain something from the work in turn?" Gallix grins and gives a light chuckle. "I'm glad to see Pashow's ruler cannot be so easily deceived. Yes, I was hoping I might gain something in return: knowledge. You see, I'm something of an amateur alchemist myself. The substances I use to enhance my abilities are alchemical in nature, and the medicine man who taught me the craft hailed from Thuvia. He told me that the skills he taught me were only a shadow of what I might learn if ever I ventured to Pashow, the city that stands guard over the Citadel of the Alchemist. So, yes. I would like to help produce your rockets, but, if permitted, I'd like to do some studying while I'm here."
The emir stands silently and regards Gallix for a long moment, then places a hand on his shoulder, "We shall see what you can learn in the time you have left in our city. Perhaps we can at least make sure that those substances you use do not kill you..."
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Having delivered his report to Lady Morilla he hear's the beautiful countess' words and bows respectfully. He had learned the lesson of what he would always be to her. A pawn and nothing more. She would not have his heart to manipulate at her convenience.
'Beware the seducer whose words taste as sweet as honey yet when it runs out you find your own hand in the hive of wasps.' His late lord had often told him this yet he could never figure out until now.
"Another time perhaps Lady Morilla. I must go to my clan. May your choices always lead the Sovereign Court with the honour befitting it."
Excusing himself respectfully he bows and heads out with Spirit. "I shall see you and the others later, Spirit. I do not know when I shall see these lands again and Yurei is urging for a run along these sands.
That night Uesugi lets Yurei run with no purpose in mind other than to enjoy the warm air as it descends into a cool night. There under the vast sky he looks overhead wondering if there are more stars in the sky than grains of sand on the ground. He lets out a loud laugh away from all but Yurei to hear. For this moment he lets himself be free enjoying every minute of it. As the night grows he turns the mare back to the settlement passing through the tents he smiles as he catches sight of Gallix and as he nears him his face returns to its stoic mask.
Barbarian! It is time for you to fix your savage tongue. You sound like a dead oxen when you speak in Tian..." He would never grow tired of this life.
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D. walked out of the debriefing with his thoughts going round and round.
While my time with this organization has been brief, i've seen some machinations in different places.
Yet, what is it that i truly want. Increasing my yet latent full potential, sure, but why stop there.
An estate of my own would be a good start, but that requires staff, guards and such. Perhaps the vacant house of my late uncle could suffice, for the time being.
D. nodded absent minded, and turned to look for his first employees.
At some point, longer than he'd liked it to have lasted, he finds a young woman, being cornered by two street thugs.
"How about you entertain us, sweet little miss?"
Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, he addresses the thugs with an ominous tone.
"You there, leave, i would have business with her."
The two turn around, arrogant smirks on their faces.
"Oh? Is that so? Who might you be?"
<Ominous tone>
"Your death.".....a nearby crate flies at the left guy.
The guy on the left, not wearing anything other than clothes, takes the heavy crate right to the face, and drops.
The other is hesistant.
< D. >: "That happened because i willed it. You get a single opportunity to get away now."
The thug positions himself behind the woman, holding her in a neck break grasp.
"Back off, or the woman dies."
D. considers his options, as it was potentially more of a bother than he would have liked to.
< D. >: "Woman, i could move on. Or, i could kill this man. If i do, you would repay me by working at a house, of which i will give the location, cleaning it and keep it in order while i am away. Do you accept?"
She nods, and the noise of a support beam coming from its place follows. The thug looks up in terror, as the beam crashes down onto him.
D. then casually walks up to her.
"I am sir D. Arthraven, your new employer. You will go to this specific residence.", he writes down an address and hands it to her.
She nods, and takes her leave. D. has a faint smile of satisfaction, as he watches the obedient stance of the woman leaving.
He casually paces away, his first step to acquiring staff for his personal estate having been set. More would surely follow in the nearby future.
============== Back with the others ==============
D. overhears Uesugi's comment about Gallix's aweful pronunciation of the eastern speech, and grins.
"Uesugi-san, try one of those vowel sensitive words, and see if he makes a baka (*) of himself."
(*) Fool, silly person, in Japanese.
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Silas eagerly takes Mr. Peppers' spellbook and finds a comfortable spot in the sand, tracing his finger along each page. He takes out a vial of ink and a featherpen and begins delicately copying the runes, holding the book up for Mr. Peppers to approve his work after he's done. "Not bad, right? I think this one will be particularly useful," he says as he finishes up a copy of the Color Spray spell.
When he's done, he uses prestidigation to wipe off any collected sand and dirt and returns the book to Mr. Peppers. "Thank you. With your help, Silas the Great just became Silas the Greater!" He says as he throws his arm around Mr. Peppers and laughs.
Silas joins Mr. Peppers, Sirettis, and Nadini at dinner, but not as a guest, rather as a performer. He takes his spot above his stage. "Thank you for coming. How's the lighting in here, folks? You, in particular, are looking a little dim." He points a finger at one of the waitstaff and makes the metal plate and cloche he'd been holding glow brightly. "Better."
I... actually casted that myself?
Silas grins smugly yet his eyes show a tinge of disbelief, and he pulls out his spellbook, flipping to the page for Message. He holds the book in one hand while continuing to manipulate wands with another, buying time until he understands the spell. "Is it just me, or are you..." He pauses abruptly, then points to the same waiter. "Hearing things?" The halfling waiter gasps, "It's true! He's in my head!"
I'm on a roll. And I've not even used the magic sticks yet.
He continues his act until he's exhausted all of his low level talents, then parks himself at the table and enjoys his roast lamb and potatoes.
As he turns down for the night, Silas pulls out a piece of parchment and begins to write.
Brother - Today, I met with this resourceful bunch, The Red Arm of Absalom. They had a few mages of their own, though one had a strange bird assisting in her spells, the other was quite skilled in classic arcane magic. And he's helped me. Magic of untold power flows through my veins, brother! ... Rivaling anything I'd ever seen you use! Hah! Silas is writing so hastily at this point, that much of the words are illegible. You should've seen the magical construct we took out today. And we wiped the floor with some Aspis jerks! What have YOU accomplished?! He stops and drops the pen, crumpling up the paper.
Why do I care? Still... He uncrumples it, signs it with an S., and drops it off at Pashow Post.
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In the days that pass following the staged heist and the takedown of the Aspis agents, rumors are heard as far off as Thuvia about an event taking place back in Absalom. The word comet is mentioned more frequently than expected, and looking up at the night sky, a very faint glimmer of light ever so slowly creeps along - almost to the point of appearing that it isn't moving at all.
Silas awakens one evening and tells you that he isn't interested in any "lame shooting stars." He has several more "high profile" guests to perform for, but offers his sincere gratitude for accompanying him through Pashow. He assures you that it isn't the last time you'll see Silas the Great, and mimics Gallix's wink on his way out.
You all receive a letter requesting your hurried presence back in Absalom from the Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr. She specifically requests The Red Arm of Absalom, noting your particularly successful affairs in time's past, Isger, and even Thuvia. In the note, she mentions that anything else being requested of you can wait, and that every other available Pathfinder agent has also been invited for this expedition of sorts.
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"It is good seeing you, Mister Silas. Good luck no your performances." Sirettis curtsies as he leaves. "What a kind man."
Sirettis reads the missive. "It seems like we're needed back in Absalom." She sighs. "And I was just getting used to the heat."
The sylph spends some time with the Thuvian dogs, and more time with Nadini. When in private, she tries to get accustomed to her new ability. Her skin ripples, blown by an invisible wind as she changes her appearance. It's frightening, but also liberating. No one stares at her when she's just another human.
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As Silas makes his announcement that he is going to leave them, Gallix leans back in his chair and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a copper piece and begins flicking it up into the air and catching it. As soon as the performer finishes his announcement, Gallix catches the penny again, then flicks it over at Silas. "Good show, pal. I look forward to seeing it again sometime soon." He smiles and takes Silas's hand to shake. The handshake seems to be ending when suddenly Gallix's smile disappears, his grip tightens, and he pulls Silas in close, so that Gallix's face is right next to the magician's ear. "But so help me," he whispers harshly, If you ever try to upstage me again, I will have to kill you." He releases the handshake and is all smiles again as he takes his seat.
Later on, as the group is poring over the letter from Absalom, Gallix sighs deeply. "Alright, guess it's time for Stop the Space Rock from Destroying the World, Part 2. I've got a bit of shopping to do. Anyone care to join me?" The brawler stands and waits for anyone else to come along, then runs up to his room to grab the finely crafted and bejeweled shoes he had received from Drummady back in Isger.
He takes the shoes out to a local mage guild and asks them if they'd be able to make the shoes a bit lighter, so they would hardly touch the ground as he fought. The wizard attendant gives him a strange look, "Sir, these are very fine shoes. You plan to fight in these? Will they not be destroyed?" Gallix simply shrugs. "Not if you put some of that good magic stuff in 'em, right? Anyway, money's tight, but I got enough for this. So can you do it or not?"
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Mr Peppers attentively watches Silas preform for the inn and nods to him after each proper cast, giving the slightest bit of encouragement from his table through his own message spell. "You're doing well Silas, remember the proper enunciation's." Well at least I helped him regain his path, he'll never amount to much of a mage but not everyone can... He smirks to himself.
Once the formalities with the mission have been completed, Mr Peppers seeks out Teemera and properly introduces himself. "I've been told you used to run the greatest Arcane school in Pashow? If you've got any spare time I'd be honored to discuss the Arts with you, perhaps over a glass or two of chilled wine?"
The rest of the group rarely sees Mr Peppers in the week that follows, unless they frequent Teemera's Transport tent or what remains of Pashow's arcane library.
Reading the missive Mr Peppers packs his things and finds the others, ready to travel back to Absalom. "Sounds like another great opportunity coming for us, lets catch a ship and get back, there's much to prepare." Maybe this time I can make a better showing of myself to the others than that time hopping trip.
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Uesugi watches the exchange between the barbarian and the street performer with curiosity.
"Until we meet again, street performer. You are likely worth more than the copper you were given, but should we see you again my hopes are you will have new tricks for us." he gives the man one last stern look and heads away.
As the days go by Uesugi meets with the every now again and when they see him they notice he is usually engrossed in a notebook scribbling something. When others ask what he is working on he tells them they will see in due time.
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D. sees it with equal curiosity, but seems to just be able to focus on the words said.
Interesting, but of no matter to us here and now.
"If any of Peppers-san's spells save your hide, be sure to thank him later if we next meet."
During the few days after concluding the mission, D. had been meditating and delving into a deeper understanding of his latent powers.
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Sirettis has had time to reflect. Ever since her freedom was purchased, she has had nothing but questions.
Where do I belong now?
What do I do next?
What is... it? And why does it augment me?
The Thuvian dogs yap at each other and provide her all the companionship she wants. They aren't judgemental, they don't mock her fragility, and they don't give her pale white skin awkward glares. They don't even care when her appearance changes.
Tall, male, short, lanky, big boned- her appearance changes as she concentrates. It is nice to walk through the market as a human and seem ordinary. But sometimes she hates it- she should be proud of who she is, Isa was right. With all the changes she has gone through, she doesn't know what her natural state is. It is too fluid, like a leaf caught in the wind.
What am I?
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The trip from Thuvia to Absalom takes but a few days aboard a chartered ship across the Inner Sea. You eventually dock at Absalom's Port, where you're stuck waiting in line as other vessels approach, unload dozens of eager Pathfinders, and quickly depart. The streets are lined with all manner of crowds from all over Golarion, and Secret Agent D hears whispers which would lead you to believe that somehow, some way, the comet you'd noticed flying above your heads may be your ultimate goal. Or perhaps they really are just rumors.
Just like the time you had all investigated the Sky Key, you find yourselves in a grassy plain not far from Absalom's main gates. In between the crowds of gnomes, half-orcs, and dwarves are eager vendors standing with wagons chock full of potions, wands, weapons, armor -- it's as if the entire Merchant's Quarter has moved out here. "Daggers n' short swords, leather armor, splint mails, curative potions, we got it all! Step right up and get it while ya can!"
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Sirettis spends one last dinner with Nadini before leaving the dunes of Thuvia for the temperate climate of Absalom. She's used to the strange looks, but when there are none she realizes she appears to be a sailor. For most of the trip she remains in the sleeping quarters, meditating and keeping herself under control.
She hasn't seen Absalom for a while, and notices subtle changes. One thing that doesn't change, however, are the merchants. Always eager to earn coin. Sirettis finds a merchant suited to helping wizards and those who study the arcane.
"I am looking for a headband that enhances my intelligence. If you find one with the knowledge of nobility, I would prefer that over all else." Sirettis looks at her money. "I believe I have enough for a fair trade."
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Sirettis seems more withdrawn than usual, often excusing herself when in large crowds. She also seems to require more sleep lately.
While sailing back to Absalom, you find one of the crewmen, sleeping in her cot in the guest room, with Isa resting on top of the many blankets. It looked like a pile of blankets at first.
Sirettis seems more withdrawn than usual, often excusing herself after briefly staying with the Red Arm for too long.
Sirettis has admitted before that she isn't in complete control of her abilities. Maybe she learned something new after helping Thuvia.
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On the second day of the trip Uesugi arises just as the sun creeps on the horizon and heads up to the foredeck to work on his daily exercises before majority of the crew awakens. As he passes Spirit's quarters he notices the door is slightly ajar. Never one to intrude he thinks nothing of it until Uesugi sees a sailor in her cot perplexed by the sight he lowers his worry when he also sees that Isa is close by resting peacefully. Nodding to himself he closes the door quietly and continues to the deck.
Upon arriving back in the City at the Center of the World, Uesugi excuses himself from the others making sure to bring Yurei back to the stables by the Grand Lodge in the Foreign Quarter.
He gives the mare a gentle pat on the head and then makes for the Market district where you notice he is carrying a bolt of fine black cloth back to his room, along with some other supplies you are not sure what they might be for.
Making quickly for his room he sequesters himself to it and takes little if any visitors.
You also find him usually jotting something down in his notebook which he keeps on his person at all times. When you get close he is quick to close the book only opening it once you have moved off.
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It seems like Sir Uesugi has his own secrets. Perhaps his brush with Lady Morillia was more intense than I thought. Sirettis makes a mental note of it and continues her day. She needs to focus.
"Of course, thank you." Sirettis drops four bags of a hundred platinum pieces each onto the wagon's counter.
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On the sea voyage back from Thuvia, Gallix spends most of his time up on deck, mastering the use of his newly enchanted shoes. The Thuvian mages had certainly done their jobs well, and it actually took a day or so for Gallix to compensate for the shoes' tendency to practically glide across the smooth surface of the deck. For the first hour or two, in fact, he had barely been able to keep his feet, and at one point nearly gained enough momentum to throw himself overboard. Luckily, Uesugi had been observing his practice for a moment and caught the barreling brawler by the collar.
The comedy show didn't last long, however, and soon Gallix had mastered the magic in the shoes and was dancing across the deck more fluidly than ever, every stride carrying with it a devastating combination of 1-2 punches, followed up with an explosive uppercut.
He was finally beginning to feel truly great!