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Throughout the world of Golarion, members of the Pathfinder Society travel and adventure, unearthing long buried secrets of the world's past and rediscovering things long forgotten. Heroes ad scholars to some, grave-robbers, trouble-makers, and vigilanties to others, they form an elite brotherhood of adventurers, undertaking missions of great risk and even greater prizes.
Each of you have passed the initial training to be accepted into the Society. Some longer ago than others, but each has to begin somewhere. Tough you all have separate, and possibly more important allegiances beyond the Society, (some to a deity, some to a political entity, some to themselves, while others to a central concept), being a Pathfinder necessitates a certain bond, a respect, a trust in each other, though you may have just met.
No matter where, in the wide and uncharted world(s) you may hail from, the Society has need of your skills at a moments notice, and so, from across the world, you receive a summons to travel to Varisia, a land filled with mystery and likely the most potential in the Society’s eyes anywhere on the planet. From there, you are to travel to Magnimar, to report to one Shelia Heidmarch, Venture Captain and mistress of the Lodge.
Known for constantly requesting new Pathfinders to be stationed at her Lodge for a few weeks to a few months, almost as if her own personal workforce, it seems your time has come to be guards and private work force at the reputed Heidmarch Lodge. . .
You arrive later in the evening, and are answered at the gate by a man dressed somewhat like a monk or simple clerk. He receives you, reading over your missions statements bringing you here, then escorts you inside for an audience with Sheila.
“Welcome to Varisia, welcome to the city of Magnimar, welcome to the Pathfinder Lodge of Heidmarch Manor, but most importantly, welcome to my home.” Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch greets you in her low, breathy voice, finishing with a warm smile.
“Varisia is a land of ancient wonders and exciting possibilities,[b]” she continues, “[b]and I’ve found it most helpful to keep a team of Pathfinders on call at the lodge at all times, should anything of interest to the Society come up unexpectedly. This assignment is only temporary. We’ll rotate in a new team to take your places in a few weeks, but rest assured, there’s plenty of potential for you to make a name for yourselves as Pathfinders here."
"I’ve arranged for you to stay in Bakrakhan House, one of our guest cottages, for the duration of your stay here. It’s currently unoccupied, so you’ll have the place to yourselves. You’re on duty starting tomorrow morning, so take some time to settle in, wrap up any unfinished business you have in the city today, and should the Society have need of you, I’ll contact you directly."
"I'm certain you must have quetions, and I would be delighted in answering what I may".
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As a local to Varisia, Barrin knew very well Captain Sheila’s reputation. However since he grew up on the town of Galduria, and never was commissioned before, this was the first time he saw her at a so close distance.
Barrin had so many questions about the field, the manor and so on. But the high presence and exuberant charisma of this beautiful woman demanded such respect that he was imprinted with the same urge for silence that only a wizard could experience when standing in front of the large collection of “forbidden” books in the twilight academy’s library.
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"we thank you for your hospitality, noble lady. We will seek to fulfill whatever tasks may present themselves. For myself, I'd be interested in knowing if you've got an infirmary on premises?
Angruf hikes up his pack, looks again appreciatively at the hall, as though fixing it in his mind for some later purpose, then stumps determinedly, though not terribly quickly, towards their new base of operations.
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Arush waltzes into the audience chamber, casually wiping trace dust particles from his sleeve.
"I apologize for my tardiness, Lady Heidmarch, the pig of an innkeeper at the Dryad's Grove Inn had the audacity to allow his scullery maid to touch my personal belongings without my permission. Naturally, I insisted the hag be flogged immediately, but he balked at my demand and the ensuing argument not only delayed my arrival...but has forced me to, errmmm, relocate. I trust that I can rely on the servants of your household to respect my very simple desire that my possessions be handled (that is to say, not handled at all) as a person of my station is accustomed."
"Oh...by the way, when is dinner to be served? Naturally, I will need to see the selection of wines available to ensure a proper culinary experience. My digestion can be quite troubled by some of the foods served in your "quaint" lands and I find that just the right vintage of wine can do wonders for staving off any issues that might normally result."
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"i too must confess a sarrow for my lateness i got lost getting here and as my friend got called away on an errand I'm his replacement..." a person states looking like their definitely trying to hid something about themselves. He's wearing a military looking uniform with a rifle slung over on shoulder and Scimitar by their side... giving a quick look around then announcing high I'm Garak... Garak Tsador"
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Watching the spectical of Arush's entrance, "Welcome to my home, sir. Dinner shall be served in the hall after you are afforded the chance to store your belongings and prepare. My servants are well behaved, and I assure you, they shall not touch your possessions. They are under orders, in fact, to remain as unseen as possible, as we Pathfinders have a tendency towards secretive information."
Turning back to Davian, as whe was about to speak with him, a hint of excitment returns to hr voice, "You are from the area? Hum, where exactly? Have you worked for me before?"
As Garak enters, "Lady. Welcome to my home. Fear not for your tardiness, I'm not one for such propriety. Come, join us. We where just about to hear from a local Pathfinder."
She motions for you all to take a seat, and rings a small silver bell sitting on one of the tables. A different servant comes within moments, and she instructs them to bring drinks for you all. "Perhaps we should begin this with introductions. As you all know, I am Sheila. My husband and I run the only Varisian Pathfinder Lodge in the area, and like yourselves, we mandate the the Society send us newer Pathfinders to us, both to occupy our Lodge and to experience the many wonders of the area. The length varies, depending on what the individuals accomplish, though it can range from a week to a few months in the duller seasons."
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Emerging out of the shadows cast by the light from the fire roaring in the room's oversized hearth, a figure emerges quietly and slowly. A dark hood from a midnight blue cloak covers his head, its opaque shadows covering most of his face. You would swear a moment ago that there was noone there.
"Good evening all" He announces in a gravely, almost hushed tone. "Lady, my deepest apologies for keeping you waiting. My travels have been long and I arrived later than expected into town."
He glances at the remaining open seat, "For me?" he asks rhetorically, and pushes back his hood to reveal a face that looks more weathered than it should, adding years to his apparent age. With a smooth wave of both arms he pushes the sides of his cloak back to reveal a dark green tunic and pants. He sits and makes eye contact with each person at the table briefly before announcing, "I'm Valanyonnen Arandorian, but I go by Val, tis a pleasure to make your acquaintances.
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All this time Barrin has been discreetly looking into his notes trying to verify if the written information about the manor actually correspond to the physical place.
After sometime he realize that most of the invitees have already introduced themself and reach the conclusion that it is inappropriate to remain in silence.
"I want to ask everybody for your forgiveness since I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Barrinelos Kjeld and like Master Skordru I am also local to Varisia. Well met!"
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My family are wanderers and our wagons traveled to many places throughout Varisia. I remember as a child visiting Magnimar, but it has been many years.
Davian takes his seat, and waits anxiously for his drink to arrive. As he sits down, a trinket near him flies across the room for no apparent reason.
Ahem. I apologize for my uncle Jan's poor behavior. He's been following me causing mischief ever since he died three years past.
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"Ah, before I forget, I was instructed to give these to you", as she stands and approaches her desk, crabing a few letters and scroll cases.
As you take the letter, a scent of the open, clean ocean, a brisk salt and strong, but pleasant hint of the smells of Andoran hit you. On a folded piece of stationary with a blue border of various birds of prey flying over an open ocean, written in a silver ink reads:
Hawk of Freedom,
By now, you are in Magnimar, a city founded a little over one hundred years ago by those who wished to shrug off the yoke of imperialistic oppression. I’m sure you can see the many similarities between Magnimar and Andoran itself. Our government seeks to expand the size of our newly established embassy’s grounds in Magnimar, but certain bureaucratic and legal technicalities are delaying these requests. Please present yourself as my representative at the Pediment Building in the Capital District as soon as your other duties allow. Obtain an appointment with the lord-mayor’s secretary, Valanni Krinst, and try to convince him to expedite the paperwork. It may be difficult to see such a busy man at such short notice, but my sources say he’s the only one who can make this happen.
For liberty,
Major Colson Maldris
Within a small box, decorated with small pieces of silk, is a single letter. It smells of Qadiran oils and reminds you of a more civilize area.
Subject of our suzerain empire,
The new avenues of trade opening up in Varisia represent a fantastic opportunity for us. I have heard of a new drug known as “Midnight Milk” said to be manufactured in Magnimar. To have sole access to the supply of this pharmaceutical throughout the Inner Sea would mean massive profits. However, my last agent sent to acquire samples never returned. Go to the Dreaming Dryad, a drug parlor in the Lowcleft district, and inquire of the owner, Vert Klydus, if he has such a narcotic. Observe the man’s reaction carefully. If he indicates that he does possess the drug, do not sample or purchase any! Escape immediately and report your findings as soon as possible.
May your fortunes be shaded from harm,
Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam
In a simple, unremarkible, dull black scroll case is a letter that reads:
My Upright Comrade,
Magnimar is such a beautiful city, is it not? So many prospects for easy coin, which of course is why so many of our brethren flourish within the city walls. I ask that you personally deliver this gift of an exquisitely carved antique viola to my esteemed colleague Jaster Frallino. He can usually be found in his caravan wagon, called the Fish Tank by locals, in the Varisian encampment in Magnimar’s Lowcleft District. Frallino is a very influential man, so you may find it tricky to convince his guards to permit you an audience. This I leave to you, keeping in mind this man is both family and a friend. Once you have delivered my gift, tell him these words exactly: “Cousin Karela and his caravan have arrived in Riddleport. He sends his regards.” Convey his response to me via the usual sources.
Show me you got what it takes,
Guaril Karela
A simple letter. To the unaware eye, it seems like a missive from a distant relative, meant to encourage the reader, though to those in the Shadow Lodge, a variety of double meanings and codes translates to:
Valued Agent,
It has come to my attention that several of the codes we use to communicate with our operatives in Varisia are almost certainly compromised. Give this missive to a man named Ebrylis at the Magnimar Lodge as soon as you can after you arrive. It contains a new cipher cunningly designed to give false messages to those still using the old decryption method. Make certain no one notices this exchange; it’s vital that Ebrylis’s role as a Shadow Lodge operative remain a secret.
Keep your team safe,
Grandmaster Torch
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"Well, it is getting into the evening, and I'm certain you are all tired", as she rings the bell again, summoning a servant.
“Ebrylis, if you could show them the way, please,” Sheila says as she turns and departs. “Oh, one last things, my friends. While in my house, all of the typical Pathfinder Society rules do apply. I will not tolerate infighting nor disrespect of other’s achievements, beliefs, or customs.”
A half-elf guardsman steps forward. “This way, please,” Ebrylis says. “Bakrakhan House is the last house on the end. I’m sure you’ll want to unpack, set up your bunks, and so on. Mistress Heidmarc wishes to explain the history of the houses, as well as the manor at tonight's dinner. Dinner’s at sunset in the manor’s dining room. Look for me at the gate if you need anything else. I’ll leave you to it.” With that, Ebrylis strolls back down the path.
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After unpacking Barrin decides to take advantage of the servants help and walk back to the gate. After a short greeting he addresses Ebrylis. “May I ask for your assistant? I have a personal affair to attend at the Pediment Building in the Capital District. Could you deliver this letter please? I also expect you to be as discreet as possible”. With that he returns to the Bakrakhan house.
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"Pardon, Master Ebrylis, if I might walk with you a moment." Hurrying to match the taller man's speed, "I had asked Venture-Captain Heidmarch if there was an infirmary, or estate chiurgeon." Angruf fumbles through pockets for a charcoal stick and piece of paper. He happens to surface the letter he's just received. He hastily sketches a Shadow Lodge symbol and draws Ebrylis's attention to it.
"Perhaps you can direct me from the gate?" and Angruf's broad thumb smudges out the symbol.
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@ Barrin "Certainly. It will be my pleasure, young master."
some time later. . .
@ Angruf With a knowing eye he motions you to walk with him "Within the city are many a temple, so we really only keep minimal supplies on hand. Let me show you, if you have a moment. I'm sure there is something there you might find useful."
@ Everyone else. You are taken to Bakrakhan House, one of a handful of houses on the gounds which you will share. Within is a common room, a small library, and individual rooms that have common and practicle items that a guest might enjoy, ( a desk, a chest with the key still inside, a large dresser, a very comfortable bed, a mirror, etc. . .). Each room has a single larger window, that opens to the rising sun, and gives a great view of the lands on the manor. Most notably, is the garden labrynth. It is approx 5pm, so dinner is about an hour or two away, if there is anything you wish to do.
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As Angruf and Ebrylis walk towards the Gate, Angruf asks for details of the local temples - particularly those offering healing. He takes extensive notes on the scrap of paper using the charcoal stick.
After their business is concluded, Angruf joins everyone else at Bakrakhan House. "Is there a bunk still available? I don't need much of one."
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After unpacking Moulini decides to walk to the gate and talk Ebrylis. “May I ask for some help? I have some business to attend at the Pediment Building in the Capital District. Could I Get you deliver this Message? I wouldn't mind you to be as discreet” With that she slowly wonders the grounds before retuning to the Bakrakhan house.
The letter contains a request for an appointment with the lord-mayor’s secretary, Valanni Krinst Garak use the title “Major Colson Maldris representative” on it.
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Garak’s wondering take “him” to the library at the time Barrin is walking out carrying a book. He notices the letter with the andoran symbol and ask: “Excuse me Garak, are you loyal to Major Colson’s cause? If you are we have some business to discuss".
While he speaks he remember the Venture-Captain calling him a lady by mistake and years of studying alter-self spells makes him notice something weird about Garak’s look.
Sense motive (to check if she is hiding something):
Know Nature (to realize she is not a male):
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“I think you will be more properly accommodated if you explain it to the captain. But you should have your reasons so I will honor your request. However may I suggest that next time you should use a manlier looking boots?”
After that I start explaining my idea to her. At the end we return to our respective rooms.
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Leonel's sharp ears catch a word on the air, and he begins to walk very deliberately towards Val.
"Excuse me, sir... I didn't quite catch that. Would you mind repeating it?" He says softly, but with a stern and confident tone. He straightens his leather bracers, and offers a half smile and a wink to Val.
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@ Barrin and Garak. Understood, and I'm happy that you are forming such a plan to accomplish this. :) I'll grant you a bonus later on for doing that.
@ Val (and Davian?) Yes, you should have time to do what you need to do, as long as you do not waste it on other things. Please give me a few Diplomacy <Gather Information> OR Know Local checks. Lets say 3 for now.
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"Hrumph. Busy bunch of little bees." grumbles Angruf as he rustles together something for an evening meal. "Anyone else for a quiet evening? I'm for a bit of a fry up and a bit of study. Anyone else want some," rifling the pantry, "hrmm... ham, eggs, and some potatoes?"
And as good as his word, Angruf will proceed to assemble a basic dinner for anyone that wants to stay in.
After dinner, Angruf will sit in a common room, for about an hour updating his (Pathfinder) journal, reading back a day or three, and considering. Then he'll spend a couple of hours noodling on his balliset and scribbling what is apparently a few variant versions of opening verses featuring Venture-Captain Heidmarch - an apparently difficult task, because it seems that Heidmarch doesn't rhyme with much in any of several languages, and only appears to scan even marginally in Dwarfish.
If anyone else stays around, and potentially approaches Angruf while he's about any of these 'maintenance' tasks, he will happily set aside whatever he's currently about, and chat personably.
Later in the evening, Angruf will retire quietly, and attemptto get a good night's rest, taking to heart the implicit warning that the next day might be strenuous.
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Val's eyes relax and he smiles at Leonel, "Always up for adventure eh, I like that. And someone willing to have your back, I like that even more. Be glad to have you with us."
He looks as Davian and suggests, [b]"Shall we? Sounds like we should just have enough time."/b] and makes a motion for the door.
If all are in agreement he is ready to head out.