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Griff turns to Vermin, smiling ever so slightly. So do I. I am sure we will get along just fine.
Now looking at Harper. I have come across a...Sarenrite, is it?... once before, and I do know that her scimitar did indeed deliver many swift justices. I look forward to working with another devoted follower.
Now Fung Xi. Hello, friend. I know very little about this festival. Griff looks towards the ground. It would be a very large festival, wouldn't it?
And to Xavier. ....y..yes, we shall. Griff says, a little speechless and timid, but agreeing.
After your introductions and purchases, your group is off.
Only the luckiest or most influential Pathfinders receive invitations to Amara Li’s annual Snapdragon Festival celebration, and wise recipients take advantage of them. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention to those with whom they converse, though the plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge’s grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi pond.
A few of the attendees come and salute Luccinus, and smile warmly towards Xavier. Most of the other guests see Vermin as quite imposing, and mention how impressed and honored they are with his taste for Golkan fashion. Harper receives many similar comments as well. Fung and Griff walk behind their compatriots, but the other party guests barely speak to them. Griff actually doesn't seem that bothered by that fact.
After 30 minutes or so of mingling, a small man approaches you, bows, and says that Amara Li is ready for you. He takes you to a large ornate door with the symbol of a paper lantern, which you all recognize as the Lantern Lodge's sigil. When you enter you see a very poised Tien woman, sitting behind a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set.
"Hello Pathfinders, and welcome to the Snapdragon Festival. Please, come in and take a seat with me.", she says, without the slightest hint of a Tian accent.
She continues, "Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake a dangerous mission on my behalf."
"Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince, a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give—a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom was lost with it."
"A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me, and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honor within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my favor as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society."
"Be assured that although your mission into the ruins would be as Pathfinders, the retrieval of the katana would be a PERSONAL favor to me."
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Griff indeed does not seem bothered that the crowds have not responded to him. Regardless, he does seem to enjoy himself slightly with the wonderment of the festival.
Griff will take a seat on a far side of the table, keeping quiet and constantly looking around the room as if he's never seen something quite like this before.
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Knowledge Local to check what I may have heard about the castle/ruins:
It would be an honor to represent the Pathfinders in these ruins. As for doing this deed for you, you must only ask you humble servant and it shall be done.[/]
*Obviously smitten by the Lady (Amara Li)*
[B]Can you tell us anything more about the ruins or any other information the Pathfinders were able to give you?
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After 30 minutes or so of mingling, a small man approaches you, bows, and says that Amara Li is ready for you. He takes you to a large ornate door with the symbol of a paper lantern, which you all recognize as the Lantern Lodge's sigil. When you enter you see a very poised Tien woman, sitting behind a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set.
"Hello Pathfinders, and welcome to the Snapdragon Festival. Please, come in and take a seat with me.", she says, without the slightest hint of a Tian accent.
Vermin has enjoyed the festival. He likes the smoke and noise of the fireworks and has done his best to meet and greet other guests. Perhaps he has had 1 or 2 more cups of wine than would have been in keeping with etiquette but the cups are sooo tiny. When the small man approaches the half orc, Vermin is standing on a brightly lacquered bridge over the kio pond watching the fish intently. That one with the white coloring on its back would be most tasty. he is thinking. When spoken to Vermin bows back to the man and follows.
Ducking his head to enter Vermin takes a seat to the side and near the front, trying to be out of the way of his companions. Once seated he responds to Amara Li. Greetings Lady Li. The festival is most enjoyable. And to my surprise, I find I quite enjoy your plum wine. Thank you for inviting us.
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Lucinnus raises his cup, toasting the words of Vermin, then bows as gracefully as armour will allow to their host.
Indeed, it is an honour for ones so new to the society be invited to so august a gathering...
He watches his new compatriots carefully as he sips his wine and listens carefully to their questions.
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Vermin listens to Amari Li attentively and when invited to ask questins asks Please forgive my ignorance of the history of this city and its wars. I must sound like a dolt, but I was not raised on this island or by a people who valued its history. Who was this bold prince who laid siege to Absalom, and how long ago was this siege?
After hearing this answer he continues. Why do you believe this mission to be dangerous?
To Vermin, she responds: "Asad was a would-be conqueror that like many others in the past thought he was strong enough to take down the walls of Absalom, and like every other before him, died in the process. He built a castle, Asad's Keep, as a siege fortress during the invasion. This was over four centuries ago. The same day his forces were defeated on the battlefield, a great earthquake shook the land, with the epicenter under his keep. It has since to this day lain in ruins. Afterwards, Asad as his keep were forgotten amid the numerous other assailants to the city."
"The reason this may be a dangerous mission is that the ruins are in what we now call the Cairnlands, a barren wasteland of ruined siege towers, keeps and fortresses surrounding the metropolis. These lands can be quite salvage, as they have been taken over by either wild animals, odd creatures, or undead foes risen from the remnants of magic used in the sieges or the horrifying history of the area."
"Note, I have no evidence that this is true of Asad's keep. The Pathfinders who discovered what seems to be the correct location are all back safe and sound, and encountered no trouble."
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Fung listens quietly, to Amara Li's request, nodding occasionally as he makes mental notes of important facts. He accepts the plum wine when offered, and smiles at the company he now finds himself in.
Occasionally, when he hears a familiar song being played, he sings softly along... but not so loud as to interrupt the Venture-Captain of the Lantern Lodge.
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"We are honored by this request," Xavier says, nodding slightly. "But I must ask, does the Society know of the existence of this katana and its connection to your family? As you know, we are new to the Society and having powerful friends such as yourself, while invaluable, cannot be at the expense of the Society at large. I would like to have an answer prepared, should we be asked to defend our decision to give such a valuable artifact directly to you - which, I for one, fully intend to do."
To Xavier "I am a prominent Venture-Captain of the society, so in that regard 'the society' supports my claim. If by 'the society' you mean the Decemvirate, then I have no insight on that. I did not 'go out and asked permission' if that is what you mean, and that is not how the society operates. The Decemvirate rarely meddles in tasks of these nature."
"The katana is most absolutely my family's heirloom. We Tian of Golka hold our word as the most highest of honors. I am sure that you will honor my word. This katana belongs to me by right, as it was given away by my ancestor without claim. There is enough proof of his ownership in many Tien texts. I assume my ancestry is not under question?"
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*Appears to be really enjoying the plum wine and is very surprised at how large the glasses are. Starts to giggle for no apparent reason*
Other parties better beware if they attempt to take away the Lady's prize
*said matter-of-factly*
*Hiccups and winks at Lady Li with a kind smile*
*Turns to Vermin and lifts his glass*
Cheers my big green friend!!
*Hiccups again and knocks over Xavier's wine. Points to Fung*
It was him
Bluff Check:
Well and good., Lucinnus says conceeding the point. Would their be other parties who are interested in preventing us from finding or seek to take away your prize?
"I would hope not, my friend. The pathfinders who discovered these ruins report directly to me and it was only a few days ago. I have only told my most trusted advisers, and close friends within the upper echelons of the society. I hope that your visit is quick, and uneventful. I am very eager to restore my family's honor through the return of my katana."
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Vermin laughs at the antics of the small halfling. Pardon our small friend my Lady Li. I fear he has had as many cups of wine as I. And who can blame him when it is such a delightful vintage. But his body is so small; he must be mostly wine at the moment.
Vermin reaches out and takes Harper's glass when it is offered in a cheer, lifting it, and maybe a clinging halfling high into the air, before repeating the cheer and downing the wine.
I do not dispute your claim to this jade weapon and will gladly return it to its rightful owner if I am able to find it, Lady. Can you provide us a map to this ruin? With that he sets the empty cup down near the other empties and sits back indicating that he has accepted the mission, heard the answers to his questions, and is ready to begin this quest.
I do not dispute your claim to this jade weapon and will gladly return it to its rightful owner if I am able to find it, Lady. Can you provide us a map to this ruin? With that he sets the empty cup down near the other empties and sits back indicating that he has accepted the mission, heard the answers to his questions, and is ready to begin this quest.
"Abolutely. My servant has a list of directions to follow to reach the ruins, you may pick it up on the way out. If those are all your questions, please do enjoy the rest of the festivities at my humble abode gentlemen. You are not expected to leave for the Cairnlands through the night, so might as well enjoy the Snapdragon Festival this evening, partake in the excellent food and drink that has been prepared (although I would suggest keeping an eye on your halfling friend's consumption), and participate in the firework displays that will take place well into the morning."
Venture-captain Amara Li looks up at you as if checking to see if there are any last questions. By the door to her study a servant has a roll of parchment ready for your retrieval.
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"We shall return as soon as the deed is done, my lady," Xavier says, standing and bowing deeply. "I hope that I did not insult you - I merely wish to protect our interests as new Society members. I am sure you remember what it was like. Thank you for your hospitality and for entrusting this task to us. We will not fail."
With that he turns to the door and takes the parchment from the servant. When the group is out of the room, he says, "I'm sorry I almost got us into a bit of trouble, but I feared there may have been something she wasn't telling us. I certainly believe she was telling the truth in the end, though."
A little later in the evening, while you mingle and enjoy the celebration at Amara Li’s Lantern Lodge and keep Harper out of trouble, you are approached by a man decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. The handsome man is a charmer who clearly thinks very highly of himself.
He speaks loudly and confidently, "Greetings, Pathfinders! My most cherished friend Amara Li mentioned to me you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder."
"A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy. So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell."
"If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors."
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Vermin listens to the Andoran without interruption then adds. Interesting that the Lady did not mention you good sir. But I too find the undead an abomination, thought I suspect for slightly different reasons. But I do agree with you good sir. Undead are not natural and should be put down. I for one will heed your sound advise and do so at every opportunity.
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Xavier, no need to apologize, you were looking out for us, but I do not believe that the Venture Captains would abuse us so, do you? Granted I may still be naive about the ways of the Pathfinder Society, but I would think they would take care of us rookies.
After listening to the Venture-Captain from Andoran, Fung Xi responds, Many thanks to you. It would have been a great and deadly surprise indeed were it not for your warning.
A member of the serving staff, decked out in a finely crafted silken robe, approaches the major and interrupts him, whispering something in his ear.
"Please excuse me gentlemen I must leave your company. Urgent Eagle Knight business, I'm sure you understand. Good fortune on your quest!" he heads towards the door leaving the lodge.
As the party winds down, a well-dressed Keleshite man motions you over.
"Well met friends, my name is Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam." The man is soft- spoken and subtle, quite the contrast to Major Maldris’s ostentatious pomposity. He draws you to the side, away from any crowds or activity, and addresses you in a slow, level voice with a strong Kelish accent. "Like a fast-spoken djinn, I’ll get to the quick. I know where you are going. House Damaq of Qadira claim the ruin, but we are willing to allow you access for the price of a small deed easily accomplished during your adventure. You will be well-compensated, I assure you, for profits are most rewarding when shared. I assume treasure-seekers like yourselves are interested in such a proposition?"
Without waiting for an answer, he continues, his eyes intent and his posture rigid. "The ruin is Qadiran, which is why we claim it, and we are willing to defend it, but there are really only certain things left in Asad’s Keep we are interested in: trade agreements, of which we believe there to be many within the ruins. All we ask that you do is to turn over all trade agreements you find to us as soon as you return to Absalom, as we will be able to hold the signers to them even centuries after their signing."
"The satrap of Qadira—nay, the entire Padishah Empire of Kelesh—has much to offer the Pathfinder Society, and I personally have no qualms about sharing those resources with you, specifically. Shall we shake on this agreement?” the prince's hand is already out awaiting a shake by the time he stops speaking.
"I'm not exactly sure what you mean little halfling, but I assure you the keep is Qadira's claim. As far as it contents, well, as much as I would like to say they are ours as well, I do not know of old Asad's dealings four centuries ago. We Kelish like to think about the present more than the past. We leave living in the past to the Osiriani." he retracts his hand. "From the sounds of it, we are at least in some agreement. Please do travel well, and return to me any agreements. The favors of the Empire are ALWAYS profitable. Have luck on your journey and may you find passage safely."
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Sense Motive
Trade agreements? I suppose, if they are found, and truly yours, they should be returned to you, shouldn't they? I would guess that is only the right thing to do...
Fung Xi, finds a little distaste growing as he meets more and more people of such an air of arrogance... but he tells himself that they must have done some great things in their life to develop such a sense of self...
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Vermin thinks to himself If these trade agreements are still valuable then someone would pay for them, and not offer only future favors. We shall see if the Trade Prince is the only interested party...
In the morning Vermin meditates in the garden, choosing spells for the day and then gathers is meager belongings before joining his team at Pathfinder HQ. He stands leaning on a stout quarterstaff, a shield on his back and a club swung like a sword at his side.
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