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Yeah, yeah, really funny guys, Zoltan shouted back at the party sarcastically as he continued lowering himself down the well. "Throw yourself down the well, Zoltan"..."it'll be fun, Zoltan". Phhhaa...nice try whoever said that up there. With a final dismissive shake of his head, the gladiator refocused on the task at hand. As he reaches the skeletons, he'll check the bodies for valuables and will also look around the bottom of the well for any other items or hidden compartments.
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You make your way into the next room through the corridor in the SW three rounded alcoves in this chamber contain the rotting remains of scroll shelves, honeycombing from floor to ceiling. Scattered amid the compromised shelving are damaged scrolls, and a number of still-sealed scroll tubes. A glimmering trickle of water seeps down from the ceiling in the northwest corner of the room.
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No magic radianting from the room
are a number of moldering trade agreements. A dozen of
them are of the type the PCs are searching for. All are
written in Kelish, and detail pacts that Satrap Taliq Asad
made with pirates, mercenary groups (for the protection
of caravans), petty lords, and even a few nations scattered
about the Inner Sea region. One agreement contains a
personal note addressed to the Satrap, congratulating
him on gaining the Li family’s jade katana and the
promise it contains.
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The priest agrees that it is time to return but states, It seems to me that we promised on Venture-Captain the Katana and another whatever trade agreements we found. Keeping it seems less of an option than giving it to either of the two we agreed to aid on this mission. The new agreement we found seems to recognize the general knowledge that the Katana held the document and I doubt the Venture-Captains would look kindly on pathfinders who broke faith with them."
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Amara Li is taking her afternoon tea when you arrive to present the jade katana. When handed the katana she immediately opens the secret compartment to find the trade agreement with the Way of the Kirin, after showering you with praise she states that she will always be in your debt, and you are always welcome within the Lantern Lodge.
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PART III: A VISION OF BETRAYAL
In the heart of the Pathfinder Society’s headquarters at Skyreach, Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes, sits on a very large plush bench next to a finely dressed, full-figured woman who looks as though this entire meeting isn't worth her time. Dreng warmly greets you and introduces the woman as Lady Gloriana Morilla, the Taldan woman tilts her head slightly in acknowledgement of the introduction, but otherwise makes no move to greet anyone. Oblivious to any social slight on the lady's part, Dreng goes on "Recently, a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a unique relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we have a unique opportunity to add to our collection for study. In return, however, we must deliver one of our catalogued items to Escadar in exchange. The Low Azlanti drive a hard bargain, so we need you to escort a relics broker to Escadar so he can authenticate the Azlanti item and mediate a fair deal
on the Ten’s behalf.
He continues, "We pathfinders are not the only group after this relic, recently it seems as though the Aspis Consortium has tendered an offer, and if the gillmen have decided to accept the Consortium's deal if the Society cannot finalize the agreement within 30 days. A Aspis-funded warship already patrols the waters just beyond the harbor, which prevents our agents from sailing to Escadar unmolested, Luckily I, er ..um... we have come up with a solution."
Lady Morilla stirs from her silence and speaks in a strong, demanding voice. “I have used some ofthe Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives to plant a false crew manifest and course plans with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis Consortium spies who certainly keep an eye on such matters believe we are moving our relic to Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty of time to make the final agreement with the gillmen before the Society’s window of opportunity runs out.”
Dreng laughs to himself absently, then instructs you to go to the Siphons in the Puddles and meet with the Society's Ally, an information broker, Grandmaster Torch. He'll give you a map for a smuggler's tral through the isle's center that should allow for relatively easy and secreat travel overland to Escadar. The Society has hired an appraiser and relics broker named Nester Rees to verify the authenticity of the gillmen's relic. Rees will meet up with PC's after their meeting with Grandmaster Torch.
Dreng also informs you that he has arranged lodgings in Escadar at a tavern called the Grindylow's Goblet, where the gillmen have agreed to meet with you. One you arrive, you only need to send word to the Low Azlanti embassy, then have Master Rees conduct the negoriations at the tavern on the Society's behalf. Dreng emphasizes that you are responsible for Rees' safety and for the success of his negotiations.
Before leaving Skyreach or Dreng's presence, you may feel free to ask questions.
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Hey, damn fine to meet ya both! Name's Zoltan, and we've got ya covered on this. No problem at all! The gladiator seems unfazed by the utter lack of interest in his introduction or enthusiasm. So, yeah! We're goin' to meet this Torch guy, get a map, follow it to Escadar, go to a bar and meet people. Great! Let's go!
Zoltan turns to head directly out to Siphons.