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Relieved that the whole temple fiasco had ended somewhat in his favor, the Pathfinder noticeably relaxed, letting his shoulders slump slightly even amidst the presence of the Merchant Princess Almah and her guest.
At the prospect of a reward, Amir simply raised his hand in denial, shaking his head slowly to commiserate his point.
"If you're going to give me a share, I'd rather you put it towards the guardsman's family. Times are tough; probably even tougher for his wife and kids. It might not ease his passing, but maybe it'll help them get by," encourage the bard, waggling his brow thoughtfully before adding, "And if he didn't have one, then split it between your men. Tell em' they have my condolences."
With the assembly on the move to disperse, Amir gave one final, slight bow to Almah and her compatriot before turning on his heel and leaving their chambers. With the temple dealt with and contact made with those who revived the fallen vista, Amir now had his work cut out for him, bearing both much to chronicle and leads to follow. Doomed to be busy for the foreseeable future, the Pathfinder thought it more prudent to get a jump on the job now.
For the next few days, the Pathfinder is both strangely scarce and yet everywhere at once. A blur of (albeit sometimes inebriated) activity, his time was quickly sundered between filing his own chronicles, getting up-to-speed with the goings-on themselves in Kelmarane, and preparing for his inevitably prolonged stay in the rekindled battle-market... at least until he was satisfied with the sanctity of Kelmarane as a whole.
Petitioned Almah, Merchant Princess and Emissary of the Pactmasters, to relinquish control of the ruined site to the faithful of Nethys to help bolster Kelmarane's presence in lieu of having it torn down. Should the clergy choose not to reclaim it, will send word to the lodge in Osirion to have members of the Society sent to scour it clean before the temples' destruction or reclamation by nature.
I admit, my initial impression of these heroes wasn't what I was expecting. Then again, there was little information to go on regarding the individuals themselves before my arrival, so I suppose that was a given. Initial thoughts:
Merchant Princess. Agent of the Pactmasters. Employer to the Heroes of Kelmarane and undoubtedly the biggest power player here. Almah's easy on the eyes, level-headed, and a sharp dresser. Good taste in picking associates; it's no wonder she was chosen to lead the foray in reclaiming Kelmarane. Seems to keep to herself for the most part, but clearly seeks counsel with her former employees; good sense, that. Knows how to manage people, and understands their worth.
*Highborn. Likely has ample connections with Katapesh outside of the Pactmasters; eyes and ears everywhere. Could probably organize endeavors to expand into the Brazen Peaks in time. Wonder if she's single?
It isn't often I meet Varisians this far south; doubly so for someone like Bartan. Gifted with arcane talents. Quick-witted. Ladykiller. Deadly with a deck of cards. Either a faithful or fanatic of Irez; seems obsessed with fate and fortune. Backed my ploy to see the remains of the temple put back in the hands of Nethys' clergy. Nice enough guy.
*Seems to have a thing for Yazi. And most other attractive women. Can hardly blame him; Yazi doesn't seem to mind. Potentially exploitable weakness; might never see the black widows coming. Also, should probably never play cards against him.
The only man who seems like he belongs here, Hajar nar Jundi is a faithful of the Dawnflower and defacto spiritual leader of the clergy, it would seem. Competent combatant with his falchion, equally capable field medic with his divine talents. Led the charge against Haidar, and intervened to save the lives of Yazi, Bartan, and Khayal. Good leader, but a bit uptight. Found the venture into the ruins a waste of time, even though we dealt with the wereleopard encroaching on the roads.
*Stout and dependable. Would follow him to war; would make a terrible Pathfinder though. Chaste? Eunuch? Married? Unknown. Probably shouldn't ask. Given some creative tweaking, might make for a good main character for a book.
Stern. Quiet. Deadly with those kukri of his. Khayal seems to be as much an extension of Almah's influence as he is a protector, appointed to keeping the roads clear of gnolls and other such things. Married, it would seem, but to whom I'm not sure. Poor sap. Still, wouldn't want to cross blades against him. Nearly felled by the rogue Emir amidst the ruins while protecting the others, but was quickly saved through curative magics by Hajar.
*Awfully mysterious. Also faithful. Turned down prospective celebration to spend time with his wife; potential target should someone seek to try and supplant or seek vengeance against Khayal. Would be a bad move for them; revenge is a double-edged sword.
If Hajar is the pinnacle of rigidness, Yazi is the Anti-Hajar. Bloodthirsty, ungodly strong, wildly promiscuous, gives Almah a run for her money in the looks department. Outspoken and bold; draws eyes faster than men and women draw breath. Unsure of personal interests in Kelmarane's liberation; suspect there's more to her than she lets on. Nearly met an untimely end when the wereleopard ambushed her in the caves below the temple amidst the eerie smoke, but was saved through Hajar's prayers.
*Woman after my own heart; lives fast, unafraid to take risks. Security issues? Unsure if just paranoia brought on by mists, or something more emotional and personal. Seems to have a thing for Bartan; doesn't mind sharing that with others in a very literal sense. Potential risk factor. Should never spite her after hearing her tale of peppers and prophylactics.
A druid who has history with the Heroes of Kelmarane that joined them in their search for the wereleopard terrorizing the roads between Osirion and Katapesh. Is an odd fish; don't mind watching her work though. Potent summoner and spellcaster, she conjured a horde of bats during the group's encounter with chokers deeper in the temple ruins, and parted the mists during the brawl with the Falcon Emir. Didn't seem particularly enthused to partake in celebrations after the heroes cleared the temple, nor pleased when I voiced my interest in letting Nethys' clergy retake the ruins. Feel like she means well, but doesn't seem interested in socializing outside of her saviors, nor in Nethys' magic.
*Not sure if ambivalent to or unaware of various romantic ploys. What does a druid do in their spare time? Gets emotional over the suffering of animals; should probably make all attempts to avoid getting my camel slaughtered if she's within earshot. Must be careful where I walk, too, lest I accidentally kick a cat.
Firstly, Amir'll forgo his portion of the reward for dealing with the wereleopard. If my math's right, that's 150gp. He'll either give it to the family of the guard who died, or donate it to the men he served with so they can drown their sorrows.
Shopping! Taking your advice, Amir'll pick up a Wand of Identify if he can for 750gp (leaving him with 1132.88gp). He'll also pick up a Courtier's Outfit and the requisite jewelry for 80gp so he's not so ragamuffinish (knocking him down monetarily to 1052.88gp).