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Tired of all of this negotiations, Telurion catches the Captain square in the face with his shield breaking his nose. While he had the Captain off of his balance, Tel's sword slips through his armor causing serious injury. The Captain stays on his feet, but now his chest and nose are bleeding rapidly!
He turns only to see his death coming at him at a rapid rate... that of a bullet! The shot strikes him clearly in the chest and slides down the door he was guarding, leaving a blood stain where his body once was.
The female Blackraven screams in terror after seeing her Captain collapse on the floor. Her mood changes instantly to sorrow and sadness, she takes a defense (not a vengeful) stance.
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Seeing the captain go down and the woman make no move to attack Zondras runs to the door and tries to force it open.
Unable to open it he yells through the door "Your captain is unconscious and dying open the door now and you can still save him, otherwise we will kill him and knock this door down and kill you as well. This is your only chance to save him. Leave the goblins be and open the door!"
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"Might I suggest a more coordinated effort? It is unlikely any of us alone can force the barred door, but as a group..." Turning to the woman weeping over her dying companion, Jezebel finishes, "Dear woman, I think this is enough for today don't you think? Perhaps you could order your assassins to stand down, and we, in return, could let you all leave. More bloodshed is bad for all involved."
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Jezebel is RiGHT!! Comes the roar from Telurion, standing over the captain's unconscious form - Nius, could you make sure that this one here does not die on us? I would like to take him back to justice, and maybe even have a word with him before that...
Jezebel, you got that witch under control?
Turning to Zondras and Mifune he adds - On me boys! as he attempts to force the door down.
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Zondras can't get the door to budge, his words were heard by the men inside. All he gets in response is, Piss off old man, we are nearly done here!
But then... Telurion and Mifune both hit the door like a possessed wyvren. The door's oaken frame shatters into countless pieces. Inside the storage room, two Blackraven warriors are having a difficult time with the goblins. One is down, and dying. The rest having only minor cuts and scratches.
The warriors look at Mifune and Telurion, Is it true what the ole' pisser said? Is the Captain really down? If so, that changes things a bit. . Both warriors hold their battle axes, ready to continue their fight against the goblins. But you can tell they are considering things...
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Pointing his sword towards the Blackraven warriors, Telurion speaks calm but surely - Look around you boys... You are done for, just like your Captain. And if you think this through for a split second, you'll realize you have basically two options - surrender and live, fight us and die. What will it be?
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The Blackraven Warriors, stare at the warrior for a moment and through their axes to the ground and raise their hands in surrender.
It doesn't take long to get the story (some of which you already heard). Captain Enrik's family was killed by goblins and he was acting against orders to try to kill these goblins. The female (a cleric) and the two warriors were new to the order and wanted desperately to impress their superior. They go calmly into your service.
The captain and the one goblin are merely unconscious and can be stabilized easily. If you want they can be healed to at least conscious levels.
It doesn't take you long to leave the station and spend the rest of the day to get to the drop point outside of Trollheim. The extraction team meets you there without any problems or issues. They take your Blackraven prisoners with a sigh- It is a shame that such good men must face penalty for such political maneuvering.
The goblins are escorted away, giving you one last frightful look.
The sentries suggest that you not enter the city due to the political unrest that is likely to raise with the goblins entering the city. In fact, the Society has prepared a ship in the bay that can quickly get you on your way.
Mifune asks to speak with the Freyr, and is actually granted an audience. After a brief conversation with the leader of these people, Mifune returns to the ship an the Pathfinders set sail.
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Old pisser, aye... i'll show them who will piss themselves
"I would listen to the man, my young pups. Surrender and live....but between you and this old pisser..." Zondras performs a flourish with his longsword while calling on the arcane powers of his to make his left hand pulse with energy "...I hope you decide to fight, so I can kill you for being stupid, as well as the insult."
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Yoren watches the swirl of activity around him as the Captain's plan falls apart. He absently puts his sword away.
"Err, I guess I helped somehow." He shrugs.
Later he gladly watches the goblins be escorted away.
"I suppose that's it then. I'll admit I have no wish to linger."
Yoren heads for the ship, not feeling much wiser for his time in the north.
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Seeing the others turning to leave for the ship, Telurion rushes in front of them - My friends! He hugs each one at a time, actually easily picking up Jezebel up to give her a bearhug - It has been a pleasure travelling with you - if you are all going to the ship, I am hoping we can share the travel back together.... BUT!! Before we go, you MUST join me in a toast - let us find a nice place, sit down for a second and relax while each of us sip from our favourite beverage, and then we can be off - ALE for me!! After all, we DO deserve a moments' respite to congratulate ourselves do we not?
This way! - He storms off, pausing to look back only enough to make sure the others are following him, a huge smile playing on his face.
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The frigid salty air actually comes as a relief after your few days with the goblins in the wilderness. The journey south is free of incident. After a week or so, you stop in the magnificent city of Magnimar to reprevision. Before the captain can even finish tying off at the dock and checking in with the quartermaster, a tall half-elven guardsman wearing a pin of the Pathfinders approaches the boat. Welcome to Magnimar. I am afraid that your shore leave will have to wait. There is some business that is urgent and you are needed. The Venture-Captain, Madaam Heidmarch, is waiting for you.
The half-elf bows and gives you a moment to gather what you need. He politely tells you that any gear that isn't essential will be handled by the porters and taken to the Hiedmarch Manor.
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You are lead through the magnificent city of Magnimar, its winding streets, colorful vendors, and eventually to a large manor in the cities Naos district. You are lead through the Heidmarch Manor and into the welcome chamber. You are greeting by a magnificant lady, Venture-Captain Heidmarch.
“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, 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.
Ebrylis, if you could show them the way, please.
This way, please, Ebrylis, your half-even currier, 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. A driver can take you into the city's many shopping districts if you need. Look for me at the gate if you need anything else.
Ebrylis strolls back down the path toward the manor gate.
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Bowing low to the Venture-Captain, Mifune remained silent through her introduction. It didn't quite sit well with him that they were essentially on call for Lady Heidmarch, but orders were orders, and the half-elf hid his discontent well.
"This one thanks you for your hospitality, Lady Heidmarch. If you would be so kind as to excuse me..."
Taking his leave, Mifune noticed the half-elf named Ebrylis, turning to the man he bowed and addressed him.
"If it is not overstepping the boundaries of friendly conversation, what type of a person is the Lady Heidmarch?"
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"Wow, you're pretty!" the halfling blurts out. As the red in her cheeks and neck consume her face, the tiny woman does her best to remain unobserved for the remainder of the meeting.
Once out of the house, and away from the some of the others, Jezebel quickly jots down "I am sorry, please don't think any less of me or my companions based on the outburst." on a sheet of paper from her journal, and tears the paper loose. Handing the carefully folded note to Ebrylis, Jezebel politely asks him to return the note to his master, if possible.
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Nius bows to Venture-Captain Heidmarch without saying much, and then follows Ebrylis to Bakrakhan House.
On the way to Bakrakhan House he mention to his companions:
"Seems like faith have it so we working together again, even sooner than i thought we would. I have never been on this area before. Wonder if we will get to see any creature we haven't seen before."
Nius will walk contemplating the view the rest of the way.
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Ebrylis responds to Mifune's question, She is an excellent master of this estate. As a former adventurer she earned my respect with her deeds. Now she rules the manor justly and evenly. I think you will enjoy your time here The half-elf only smiles a Jezebel, Think nothing of it child. I'm sure you'll have a chance to prove yourself soon
After getting a moment to settle in your villa, you are offered a chance to ride in a covered wagon to the market area of the city. There you can buy any equipment you may need, eat the finest food you can imagine, and take in the sights of a city full of splendor. Those who go are also contacted by their faction representative!
While looking over some fine weapons at the smithy, you are approached by a mercenary who hands you this note.
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
Before you leave the manor, one of the aides has a letter for Jostrum. It is from no other than Venture Captain Valsin himself. The first part of the letter congratulates Jostrum on his successful mission to the north. The second part is below. Valsin also commands Jostrum to share it with Dorgrin.
Salutations Pathfinder,
Your assignment to the Society’s newly established lodge in Magnimar is indeed a choice posting. Unfortunately, our long-time rivals, the Aspis Consortium, are already well established in Varisia. Eventually we intend to publicly drive this scum out of the country. Until that time, however, I ask that you attempt a preliminary and discreet reconnaissance of their main base of operations, the Bronze House in the district of Dockway. Under no circumstances attempt entry into the building, but I require an accurate diagram of the exterior of the building with all visible points of entry marked, as well as notes on where concealed entrances might exist.
For the Society,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
While watching street performers and listing to debaters in the central square someone slips a note into your pocket. It reads:
Sacred Crusader,
Be vigilant during your time in Varisia—it is a land with a long history and many ancient evils still
slumber there. That said, many of the folk in Magnimar are decent people devoted to Desna or who follow the ways of the angelic spirits. There are other beings, however, who have lost, or never found, the right spiritual path. Be an example of wholehearted goodness to all those you come across. Strive to show charity, kindness, and mercy. Sometimes all it takes is a feather’s touch of compassion to set a living being on the path to redemption and virtue.
Blessings of the light upon you, Ollysta Zadrian
As the porter brings your bag in from the ship, you see that it has been altered in some way. Looking closer at the bag, you see a small note has been slipped inside. It reads:
I bring greetings to you,
While our lodge has only recently expanded our role into the lands of the Inner Sea, over the years many Tians
have made the arduous trek across the arctic wilderness of the Crown of the World. We can learn much from these folk. One such family settled in Magnimar and is of particular interest to us. The Kaijitsu family was once part of Magnimar’s aristocracy but appear to have abandoned their holdings there. Please ask around and find out what became of them, and make an assessment of the Kaijitsu Villa in Naos to determine the cost of repairs were we to purchase the property.
May your ancestors’ spirits watch over you, Venture-Captain Amara Li
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Yoren happily hitches a ride on the wagon into the city. After much fussing around, testing of merchandise and poor attempts at haggling he purchases a breastplate for no less money than if he had bought one outright. He takes in the sights, sounds and food Magnimar has to offer with relish.
"I've got to say, this compares very favorably to our last assignment so far."
When he reads the note in his pocket he shrugs. "Good advice at any time."
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You are lead through the magnificent city of Magnimar, its winding streets, colorful vendors, and eventually to a large manor in the cities Naos district. You are lead through the Heidmarch Manor and into the welcome chamber. You are greeting by a magnificant lady, Venture-Captain Heidmarch.
“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, 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.
Ebrylis, if you could show them the way, please.This way, please, Ebrylis, your half-even currier, 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. A driver can take you into the city's many shopping districts if you need. Look for me at the gate if you need anything else.
Ebrylis strolls back down the path toward the manor gate.
Telurion is clearly afected by Lady Heidmarch's presence - he shuffles his feet constantly, seemingly uncomfortable, but by the end of the meeting his reasons are quite clear, as he bows down to the Venture Captain - "It is an honor for me to meet such a distinguished member of the Pathfinder Society milady - I can only thank you for your hospitality, and hope one day to be able to prove myself half as worthy as yourself. An honor, truly an honor..."
Outside he shares his enthusiasm with the others - "Boys and girls, we have just met a legend of the Society! Wow! Lady Heidmarch..."
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Ebrylis responds to Mifune's question, She is an excellent master of this estate. As a former adventurer she earned my respect with her deeds. Now she rules the manor justly and evenly. I think you will enjoy your time here The half-elf only smiles a Jezebel, Think nothing of it child. I'm sure you'll have a chance to prove yourself soon
After getting a moment to settle in your villa, you are offered a chance to ride in a covered wagon to the market area of the city. There you can buy any equipment you may need, eat the finest food you can imagine, and take in the sights of a city full of splendor. Those who go are also contacted by their faction representative!
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
The huge warrior is like a big children with his eyes wide open at all the wonders of the big city - buying, selling and trading gear and weapons without even considering the option of haggling, so mesmerized by the variety and amount of shops, stalls, vendors and curiosities.
When he realizes he has been contacted by the Crusade, he whispers to himself - "Lady Ollysta..." with a curious smile playing on his lips.
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Taking on the offer to ride a wagon to the market area, Nius arrives to the bustling market. He will take his time walking around, exploring the city, looking for any store that might catch his attention.
Thanks
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Telurion's response isn't missed by the Venture-Captain. It is my pleasure to have such fine warriors as your self here Mister Andoren. Perhaps with time, your name will become even greater thine own.
Telurion can help MIfune, but he learns nothing more of note about the family. Looking at the lot, it looks like the family had to leave quickly and probably with much disgrace.
Anyway, you can find the Bronze house easily. You however need a Knowledge (Engineering) or Perception check to complete the mission by drawing a complete map of the house
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Hearing the response Zondras' expression grows grim.
The expansion of the embassy’s grounds in Magnimar is of great concern and pride, as you can imagine. These bureaucratic and legal technicalities are delaying the expansion. Major Colson Maldris grows impatient, as do I. Leaning close, almost touching noses, Zondras spits out with venom as he thumbs his sword slightly out of its scabbard "You don't want to contend with my ire, do you? Then see to it the paperwork is given priority."
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+1 Prestige Point!