Venture-Captain Amara Li is waiting in a well-maintained private garden behind a house on a quiet street in Ramparassad, the capital city of Dtang Ma, a nation in eastern Tian Xia. She speaks once everyone has arrived and has had an opportunity to enjoy tea.
"When first I arrived in Absalom two years ago, I had a simple but nuanced mission: to increase communication and sharing of resources between the Pathfinder Society and its counterpart in Tian Xia by establishing the Lantern Lodge's position on the other side of the world." She pauses briefly to sip her tea, before adding, "More than a year ago we successfully purchased and restored the house known as Hinojai, which was once a base for the Way of the Kirin. When we acquired Hinojai, it was as much a gambit to attract the attention of the remaining agents of the Way of the Kirin as it was an opportune acquisition of real estate. And indeed, a man claiming to be an agent of the Way recently contacted me by leaving me a message here."
"Although the Way of the Kirin fell into ruin with the fall of Lung Wa a century ago, its far-reaching resources remain valuable, and it still commands great respect. If the Pathfinder Society could ally itself with the Way, the relationship would be of immense benefit to both organizations."
Amara's voice reveals her satisfaction as she says, "Pathfnders, we are on the cusp of just such an alliance."
"In a day's time, we shall meet with this representative from the Way of the Kirin, and you are to act as security for me and ensure that the meeting is a success. I do not expect any trouble from the Way, but after all of the betrayals and double-crosses that the Society has experienced over the past few years, I worry that this is an elaborate setup by the Aspis Consortium. I have arranged for us all to be transported to the site early tomorrow morning, so take care of any errands you have in Ramparassad this afternoon. There are no settlements near our destination, and we will be spending the night there. I expect you understand the need to be fully prepared."
Amara Li stares into the dregs of her tea as though she were attempting to discern some lost thoughts in the green leaves floating at the cups bottom, then looks up. "Ah yes-before the negotiations begin in earnest, I will host a formal tea ceremony to set the tone. I encourage you to participate, though doing so is not required. I would, however, expect you to dress appropriately for the event." With that she stands and waits to accept any questions.
Amara Li looks to Peck and answers all his questions with one single argument in very calm voice and open smile. "To ensure the utmost secrecy, I will not reveal that until after we have left in the morning. There are too many curious ears in Ramparassad. Don't be worried about possible ambushes. The mission is totally secret. And even then, we have cautiously selected the place and our return methods so that is no problem."
Amara Li nods at Jules "Your lady fellow is right. You are here to secure the encounter and thus, you are expected to act as bodyguard and both bring your weapons and secure the area."
Turning her attention to Aikio "Slightly more than a century ago, the Lung Wa Dynasty collapsed, plunging much of Tian Xia into chaos. During this time, The Way of the Kirin, a once-powerful military and trade organization also crumbled and disappeared fom the public eye. At the height of its power the Way of the Kirin held great wealth and had small private armies defending its interests. A century later, the Way has not entirely vanished, but the organization's influence has waned to the extent where its very existence is kept secret for the sake of its remaining members. What remains is a shell of its former glory."
The Venture-Captain makes a pause, then continues "The few existant members of Way of the Kirin have access to vast stores of wealth, infrmation, and magic, but there are few they would trust to wield these resources. They are an ideal complement to the Pathfnder Society in Tian Xia. The Society has the wealth of agents that the Way of the Kirin lost, and the fallen organization in turn possesses a pool of wealth, political contacts, and local knowledge that the Society lacks. It is a perfect pairing of compatible organizations that I seek to unite."
Finally, after Pecks question she simply adds with an smile "Don't worry about weather Peck, just bring some nice kimono and you can be sure it will be ok."
Golden League toughs have been more visible than usual in Ramparassad, though they have not caused much trouble.
Members of the Golden League have been spotted all over Ramparassad, and it looks as though they are watching for someone.
Peck researches the area and finds a place where to buy a couple of fly potions.
As you prowl around the city, you are given certain private and secret messages.
Pathfinder,
In the past I have expressed skepticism of Amara Li’s push to expand the Pathfinder Society’s activities into Tian Xia, but it seems her efforts are finally coming to a head in a way that will greatly benefit the Society. As a result, her mission is your mission. Do everything in your power to ensure Amara’s negotiations with the Way of the Kirin conclude successfully, follow her instructions closely, and ensure that any enemies that threaten the mission are soundly defeated.
Yours in loyalty,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
Cousin,
A son of the Gael family—long a thorn in my side—is now incarcerated deep within the Fortress of the Nail. I let slip the fate of the errant youth to his parents so that I could enjoy their reaction, and to my delight, the fools have concocted a crazy plan to free their idiotic child from the most notorious prison in Varisia. The operation will
no doubt get half of the Gaels killed, see many more imprisoned, and bankrupt the family. Generous person that I am, I have offered them appropriately flashy material support to aid in their self-destruction.
It will take far too long to order fireworks from Tian Xia, so I will acquire the explosives directly from the warehouses in Varisia. All I need you to do is track down the exporter Samorn Nhean in Dtang Ma and convince him to share exactly where he ships his fireworks in Varisia.
Savoring success,
Guaril Karela
Servant of the Ruby Prince,
The Ruby Prince’s condition has stabilized, but he remains weak. Nonetheless, our best physicians are optimistic that in time they might banish this affliction.
Before the fall of the Lung Wa Dynasty, the Way of the Kirin was known to have extensive libraries. The Way of the Kirin is a shadow of its former self, but perhaps some of their libraries survive. See if they still exist and if so, try and secure access to these libraries for agents of the Ruby Prince. An exchange of knowledge between our cultures should be mutually beneficial, and perhaps in their foreign libraries we shall find insight into the curse that has befallen our prince.
Seek truth in the foreign lands you tread,
Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage
Favored Vassal,
The timing of this mission is intolerable. I have far too many tasks in Varisia that demand attention for the Decemvirate to send such a talented agent traipsing about the far side of the world. At least your time need not be wasted, for I understand you will be working closely with Amara Li, a crafty but altogether levelheaded negotiator who can navigate the customs of many nations with ease. No doubt anyone she deigns to meet with will also conduct himself appropriately, and this could serve as an educational opportunity for you. Closely observe how she conducts herself during formal negotiations and report back to me about the finer nuances.
Perhaps we might use these techniques when dealing with the trying self-styled “nobles” of Magnimar.
Conduct yourself with dignity,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
Within your city research, you enter into one Apothecary you have been told to sell good remedies.
Finding the apothecary is easy, and as you arrive, the frail chemist is speaking loudly to a tall, muscular, tattooed man as though her were a child, saying in Tien:
"I don’t care if you are employed by the last dead emperor of Lung Wa! I can’t make such a salve by tomorrow morning, so tell your boss to come by in two days like I said before!"
The man pufs up as though preparing to bully the old woman but thinks better of it and simply leaves.
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In tien Aikio asks about the tattoos. "Perhaps I have been too long in the Inner Sea."Aiko seems confused for a moment as if forgetting something important. Then she snaps her fingers and a spark of flame appears over her head. "Ah! I have not introduced myself! I am Aikio the Red and my colleagues and I are visiting your fair city on a bit of a history research." Aikio bows to the apothacary, translates for the others and then returns to her original question. "I do not recognize many of the designs the man wore. Though he obviously thinks so, were they significant?"
Looking at the samurai and speaking in Tien "That is true master Akiochi. But I only sell the salves to those who really deserve it. The old traditions are being lost these days. And all those strangers going around here..." the woman look at all of you who are clearly not original from Tian Xia. "My name is Som Kesor, and even the old Emperors reverenced my solutions. But tell me, what does it bring you to this place with such a company? If you need some alchemical remedy, you should know I am not taking new customers no matter what, try the next year. But if you are just looking for information, I may help you, my 90 winters have made to see a lot of stuff here around."
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Not really sure what is being said, Luminos approaches the chemist.
He says in common, "hello friend, my name is Luminos, a fellow alchemist by trade, perhaps we could exchange a few formulae? Afterwards, we were wanting to know if you had heard anything interesting about the Way of the Kirin or the Aspis Consortium. We wish to help the Way of the Kirin join us, the Pathfinder Society. Do you happen to know anything that could help us keep that going smoothly?"
If the woman understands what Luminos just said, she totally ignore it looking straight in front of her without turning to the tiefling.
After a moment, a small girl, which can probably be her granddaughter gets out of the shadows and starts talking in a strange language.
"Grandmother, this devil here, I think he wants to know more about the Way of the Kirin and its enemies."
The woman drinks some kind of herbs from a wooden glass with a vegetal straw while she listens to her granddaughter. She slowly turns to Akiochi with a bothered expression. In Tien, she says "I guess you are talking about the Golden League. Members of the Golden League have been spotted all over Ramparassad, and it looks as though they are watching for someone."
You feel like she knows more about the Golden League but she is saving that for herself.
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With a small bow Akoichi speaks again."Honored Aunt, I apologize for my lack of knowledge! We indeed seek a group and we were tasked by our superior to find a group called the way of the Kirin. If it is known as the golden League, you have indeed given us a light to lessen the darkness of our ignorance. For that you have my thanks. I wish, I could leave now, but my honor demands that I ask, no beg, for a few more words of wisdom!"
At first the woman seems confused, then she doesn't seem to be willing to speak more about the topic. "That's all I can say about it."
Leaded by Akoichi the party lefts the shop. After a while walking around and asking questions the party ends up into a fireworks merchant shop which you have been told has had business with the Golden League.
As the party walks in, the man presents himself with indifferent expression.
"[b]Hi, you seem from out of town. My name is Samorn Nhean and in case you are looking for fireworks you have come to the right place. Otherwise, you are most probably out of place and better you should leave. So what do you need?
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"I don't suppose anyone knows who they are looking for?" Aikio asks before leaving. "Oh yes," she snaps her fingers creating a spark. "Do you have any recommendations where one might find flash-boom-pop-ooh-ahhs? Fireworks? She clarifies.
"Greetings Samorhn Nhean. Aikio bows to the shop owner.
"He would love it if I could direct his business your way" the Tengu finishes.
Nhean seems a bit worried. Talks in Tien:
"Oh, I am sorry, I would not be able to do that. The Golden League just bought all my fireworks stock and I have been struggling to fulfil all orders during the last month. I have placements that have more priority, sorry."
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The fire wizard smiles (as much as a Tengu without lips can smile).
After a bit of talking, Aikio convinces Nhean about how convenient it would be to make your shipment before the other orders. He is hard at the beginning about it, but at some point you manage to set it clear, he will have plenty of advantages and he finally concedes. The fireworks are properly booked and you leave the shop.
You enjoy the remaining hours of the day doing your things until time for sleep arrives. After a night good rest, you wake up and move towards Amara Li house, where you start preparing everything for the trip.
Once at place, she points you towards a small chamber, you can see a circle, drawn with charcoal in the floor "This is a teleportation circle, it will moves us to the island where the meeting is held. This way they cannot follow our steps in anyway. A ship will arrive to the island to take us home once the meeting ends. Please take position on the circle." Amara points towards the center of the circle, where two servants already stand.