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You find yourselfs in the city of Korvosa in south-eastern Varisia, a land just north of Nidal. There, you meet Venture-Captain Sir Canayven Heidmarch in a run-down shop in Thief Camp, an informal district just outside the city itself.
“The Blakroses are among the oldest and most influential families in Absalom,” Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch begins, wasting no time. “We’ve built a good relationship with them, but in doing so we’ve inherited a few of their enemies, namely a shadowy group of power-mongers who call themselves the Onyx Alliance. The Blakroses recently contacted the Society with intelligence about the Onyx Alliance’s movements, and it seems they’re set on breaking into a particularly ancient barrow mound in northern Nidal. Normally, we wouldn’t worry too much about amateur tomb robbers in such a dangerous area, but apparently they’re prepared to recover a potent relic from inside. They’ve some plot to use whatever this ancient talisman is against that Blakros family—and probably against us as well.
“It’s rare that we get a promising lead in Nidal, and the prospect of earning more good will with the Blakroses is even better. The barrows are thought to contain graves dating all the way back to the Age of Darkness, and the Society has very little information about the mysterious ‘horselord’ ancestors of the modern Nidalese people.
“Luckily we have contacts within the Whispered Song, a group of Desna worshipers who work against the local government in Nidal. Agents of the Whispered Song have been tracking the Onyx Alliance, and believe these grave robbers are close to discovering the entrance of a tomb they call the Cairn of Shadows. If we move quickly, we should be able to get you into Nidal and in touch with the Whispered Song in time to catch up with the Onyx Alliance and prevent them from acquiring this relic. And if you can learn something about the ancient tribal people of Nidal in the process, so much the better.”
Canayven leans in, his expression becoming even more serious. “Nidal is a perilous destination and one where we’re not welcome. I don’t mind some subtle heroics, but I’d refrain from any particularly overt displays of gallantry if you want to come back alive. If you attract too much attention in Nidal, there’s no chance we’ll be able to help if you’re captured, or worse.
“I know a member of the Whispered Song who frequents the Broken Cup, a rather morose tavern in Nisroch. He should know how to lead you to where in the Onyx Alliance is searching for the Cairn of Shadows. He’s also prepared to help you avoid tangling with the local authorities. I can get you on a ship there in an hour, after which I leave you to meet with him with all haste. From there, I’m trusting your resourcefulness. Explore, report, cooperate, and secure whatever treasure the Onyx Alliance is after. The risk is significant, but so is the danger if the Onyx Alliance acquires what they’re looking for.”
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"It will be taken care of", growls a fearsome varisian whose appearance makes it clear he's no stranger to violence. "Markus", he adds with a nod to his companions.
Markus is a tall thickly muscled varisian man with a rugged swarthy complexion. His aquiline nose is slightly crooked from being badly broken and a long cruel scar runs from his lip down his chin. He often wears an open vest revealing his heavily muscled torso which is covered in various scars (scars matching those on his forearms). He's otherwise clad in piecemeal armor and around his waist is a patchwork sash constructed from a multitude of bright colors holding several sharp curved daggers close at hand.
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Varian looks over at Markus and lofts a brow, then nods sagely... "Aye, as the big man says... we'll do our best at least."
Varian is medium height at 5'11" and of medium build. His skin is a dark bronze color, offset by long fair hair. His eyes are a deep golden brown that spark with a fiery brilliance when he's aroused to ire or passion. He wears a chain shirt that he keeps very clean, and is only armed with a dagger and a crossbow. He has six fingers on each hand and when the light catches him just right, his shadow sometimes has the image of a winged humanoid, though varian himself doesn't have wings. He wears many trinkets from several different cultural sources.... no doubt prizes from his varied adventures on behalf of the society.
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He is a moderate sized elf with a personality and boisterous voice that do not fit with his frame. He dresses like a wildman dragged into polite civilization; All his clothing is of the finest cut, but his boots, belt, gloves, and traveling gear have all seen considerable wear. And the large great sword on his back is an odd accessory to the green and brown shades of accented silk. His hair is pulled back into a ponytail that makes it obvious he has tribal markings of one of the wilder elven communities across his face. Ultimately this is all the gradual work of his Blakros wife in her efforts to make him more presentable to high society.
More over, Venture Captain Heidmarch might be dismayed to realize that subtlety is not this man's forte. As one could gather from the large treant that has followed him to this meeting and is currently waiting outside where it can soak up the sun.
With a broad spread of his arms he addresses the group. "I am Brock Blakros, friends! My family has sent me to assist the Society in achieving a mutual goal. They chose me because they said I was expendable!" He doesn't seem in the least bit offended by this fact, and gives them all a huge smile. He then turns to Venture Captain Heidmarch. "I have heard of these Onyx Alliance people, they attacked our last family wedding. But I do not know much, can you give us any information on them and how they work?"
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A half-elven man with a pistol in is hand is standing in the room. He wears mithral breastplate that barely glimmers with a dull shine, seemingly not polished recently but at least cleaned. He carries a spell component pouch and terbutje by his side. The blackish bags under his eyes show a tale of a weary soul who has seen it all.
As the venture captain divulges the information, the half-elven spits on his gun and shines it with his sleeve, and he also twirls around a toothpick in his mouth. In a low, raspy voice, he mutters, "Name's Ralph here, and this here is Angel." He pets the tiger by his side. "If you need to know more than that we can small talk later."
Being pet by Ralph is a large tiger, colored white with black stripes. She purrs in a low growl as she is pet by her master, clearly enjoying the experience.
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"Blakros, huh? All I know is they tend to get into more trouble than they bargained for, and the &$^# hits the fan fast, ain't that the truth? It's all hearsay though to me as I haven't experienced it firsthand." He turns to Brock. "Since we got a representative, perhaps that could help us in some way."
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You see a tough guy walk into the bar, looks around curiously and has a seat to listen to the man.
After hearing the speech. I'm up for protecting the relic, but why do they want it so? I mean what can this relic do that makes it so dangerous? And what should we know about this tomb? I would like to understand the task at hand if I'm going to do this.
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Blended into the background, and shadows, a tall, elven woman.
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"I have heard of these Onyx Alliance people, they attacked our last family wedding. But I do not know much, can you give us any information on them and how they work?"
Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch replies, "The Blakros family used to have an alliance with the Onyx Alliance, which was terminated under circumstances not favorable to the Alliance. The Pathfinder Society assisted the Blakros family in that matter, earning the Onyx Alliance’s enmity. That much is our history with them, what they believe in or stand for, we don't know much. We know they mostly consist of natives of the Plane of Shadows. If that helps in any way."
I'm up for protecting the relic, but why do they want it so? I mean what can this relic do that makes it so dangerous? And what should we know about this tomb? I would like to understand the task at hand if I'm going to do this.
"I'm afraid I'm not much help there, I'm only told a very reliable source has gone through lots of troubles to obtain this information for us. And that the society could really use the help of reliable agents to handle this threat. You'll probably know more from our contact at the Whispered Song. His name is Golbrier Frosh. A skittish sort of man, but given that he works for Desna in the joy-hating nation of Nidal, his bravery cannot be questioned.”
You are able to secure a reliable vessel with the help of the venture captain, heading to the nation of Nidal. During your voyage, you chat with the crew, and try to search your notes/archives to remember what you know about the ancient histories of Barrowmoor and the Cairn of Shadows. As well as what other information you know regarding the Onyx Alliance and Blakros.
The Onyx Alliance retaliated during the Grand Convocation of the Pathfinder Society in 4712, but the Pathfinders were able to defeat the fetchlingled invasion. Ever since, the Onyx Alliance has licked its wounds, rebuilt its holdings, and sought a new advantage.
[spoiler=Kn. Local or Nobility DC20] The Blakros family has maintained spies in the Onyx Alliance in the interest of self-defense. These spies recently reported that the organization is on the verge of uncovering a powerful magic item in Barrowmoor, a huge stretch of burial mounds in northeastern Nidal. Concerned that the Onyx Alliance may turn this minor artifact on the Blakros family and its allies Hamaria, the matriarch of the family, has shared the discovery with the Pathfinder Society. Society leadership has agreed to send a team of Pathfinders to intercept the Alliance agents, hoping both to keep the discovery out of Onyx Alliance hands as well as to document the mysterious Barrowmoor cairns.
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"I've heard of these Blakroses... but very little, I think... I know what most folks know - they made their fortune as smugglers and information brokers between Qadira and Taldor for a very long time and selling their daughters into arranged marriages in return for the power those unions would garner the family. I'm sure you folks already know these things of course, they are rather common knowledge... Perhaps you know more though."
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A tall, lean, blonde, elf woman dressed in rich brown, and gold hunter's leathers over elven chain is standing in the parties midst. There's a longsword in a sheath at her side, a longbow on her back, and a broad-bladed spear in her hand. She addresses Heidmarch in accented Common.
"Shadowfriends, Nidal is full of them now since the Migration. You speak of reliability, but one never truly works for Lady Luck," She turns toward Brock. "Nor separate wholly from their family's past."
She introduces herself with a slight bow, and hand raised to her chest. "Shonne."
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Your voyage to isroch proves fortuitously uneventful, and the ship docks in the evening at the Portside district after the captain pays a considerable harbor fee. The city is a dreary place constructed of wood and slate, and one of the region’s common downpours makes it feel even more oppressiv
There is nothing bright or cheerful about the Broken Cup. The walls are worn gray and the furniture drab brown. There are few lights, the brightest sitting by the stairs that presumable lead to rooms upstairs. There is no singing, no laughter, and no real sign that the tavern even welcomes new customers. Those who linger here mostly mind their food and themselves, going out of their ways not to make eye contact.
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Varian walks in with a smile on his face, hoping to find a friendly crowd, but he is soon disappointed... "Well this place surely lacks some atmosphere." he says mostly to himself... then louder, he says, still smiling, "Come on, folks, let's see a little life in here! Smile, say hi to your neighbor, meet new people!" He goes from table to table, saying "Hi!" to everyone and introducing himself to each person with a warm smile and a friendly greeting... Expecting that his overtures will be unwelcome, he doesn't linger long at any table, leaving folks to their own unhappy drinking as soon as he moves on...
When he gets to the table with the celebrating woman he does the same, and then asks, "What is the celebration? Are congratulations in order? or birthday wishes perhaps?"
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As the few of you gather over at the celebration table, you are offered free drinks. A woman named Alya boasts on and on, "You see here! I caught myself a big fish earlier today, right in this here tavern! Going to get some good rewards."
It doesn't take long for you to realise that the fish she describes is none other than your contact, Golbier.
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Oh, we got the weirdos coming out again.
Ralph seems a little uneasy as Shonne appears, but not shocked. Again, in his slow accent, "Hiding that whole time, honey? You aren't Aspis, are you?"
Shonne looks at the half-human suspiciously, brightens, and then reiterates what she just said, but much, much slower. "Show-NEE."
Markus tucks his wayfinder into his vest and gives the newcomers a nod of acknowledgement.
Shonne nods back.
"We will need powerful magical light, if we wish to walk into Nidal."
As the few of you gather over at the celebration table, you are offered free drinks.
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Brock has been mostly quietly since leaving the boat. Before departing he made it a point to cast Greater Magic fang on his treant, Misha. As well as placing Longstrider on her and himself. But since then he's made an effort of being covert that amounted to nothing considering his appearance and companion.
When they reach the Broken Cup he makes note of the boisterous woman and follows Varian over. He's a gregarious elf and bellows out various greetings to the patrons before stopping at the woman's table. "Congratulations my friend! What counts as a big reward in these parts? We're relatively new to the area and aren't aware of who's wanted for what these days! Why, spin us a tail and drinks for the table are on me!"
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When they reach the Broken Cup he makes note of the boisterous woman and follows Varian over. He's a gregarious elf and bellows out various greetings to the patrons before stopping at the woman's table. "Congratulations my friend! What counts as a big reward in these parts? We're relatively new to the area and aren't aware of who's wanted for what these days! Why, spin us a tail and drinks for the table are on me!"
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"Caught a big fish, eh? Congrats! What did you do with this big fish? where is he now? Secure, I hope." Varian asks in a nonchalant fashion as if he's not terribly interested in the answers, just making conversation.
She looks nervously at Varian, "Wouldn't you like to know, not trying to steal my fish I hope."
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"Me? I'm no thief! besides I don't even like seafood... " he gives her a little wink. "Just a curious soul, I guess. Has he been sold at the 'fishmarket' yet? or are you looking for a good broker? I could be your dream come true if you are... for I am an expert negotiator, and my fees are quite reasonable... you are sure to increase your profits with me at your side."
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Ralph again talks in his slow accent. "Listen here, ma'am. We have an agenda to fill, and deadlines to meet. We are super busy, and we don't want to get down and dirty with anyone, ya understand now? But if you don't cooperate, something may need to happen, ya see? We need the information you have, and we aim to get it."
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Varian shrugs and sighs, "Fair enough, if you're not interested, you're not interested..." He takes the proffered drink and with it, offers the lady a toast... "To you and your bounty... good fortune to you in all things." He drinks deeply after the toast, then tilts his head to one side as if suddenly thinking of something.
He leans close to the lady and whispers to her quietly... "This bounty of yours, you know I think I can get more for him... I'm very good at what I do, and I'm willing to gamble on myself... what if i paid that bounty to you and you turn him over to me so that I may take my chances on turning my own profit on the investment? How does that sound? You get your bounty and I get to profit by it as well.. we both win!"
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Alya also finds the Aasimir amusing, "Well, I'd not require your services thank you, the bounty on his head is a fair sum. That poor fool is in my room upstairs. He didn't even see it coming! Another round of drinks, on me!"
Sigh.
"Who is she?" Shonne asks idly to anyone nearby.
Shonne wanders past the sign-in book (if there is one) to find the room number. Then she finds a quiet spot somewhere nearby to cast blend on herself from a scroll. Then she goes upstairs.
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"Who is she?" Shonne asks idly to anyone nearby.
A stranger replies "Apparently she is some big time bounty hunter, never seen er in dis parts though."
After a while, one by one, the pathfinders casually make themselves towards the guest rooms, managing to avoid drawing attention from anyone. The hallway to the rooms are about 10ft wide, with little to be impressed about, a few dim lights, and a single vase decorates this gloomy hallway. The flower is dying as well. There are 8 rooms, 4 on either side of the hall.
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Varian seems a bit miffed that she ignored his final attempt to parlay with her... "No answer for me then? Ah well... I had hoped... Have a good night then, miss." He goes upstairs with the others.
Eh? what's that? could be our contact... He goes over to the third on the left, the where the noise seems to be coming from.
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Brock eventually breaks from the group downstairs, having been as socially skilled as a slug, and wanders upstairs with the others in his best effort at discrete.
His sharp ears catch the sounds of a muffled voice and he wanders over to the third door on the right, placing his ear against it and knocking lightly . Whatever the response, he will try the door and peer back to the other, more social lot and whisper. "I believe we may have found our man, but the door is locked..." There is a long pause before he grins in a rather concerning manner. "My dear Misha could 'pick' the lock by breaking the outside window rather easily... but we'd have to leave in a very big hurry. She is quite good at it... but is anyone else better at quietly opening things?"
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The door's lock does not budge as Varian attempts to lock it, and as he does so attempt to unlock it, the noises made seem to attract some attention. For a brief moment, a few guest look out their doors to see the commotion, and a few Patrons come up stairs, including Alya.
Within the confusion, everyone seems to look like everything is alright, but Alya in particular pays a close attention to the pathfinders, and everyone else upstairs before she makes her way down to continue the festivities. The innkeeper comes up as well and enquires if the Silent Enforcers are required, but with no wrong doing found, everything settles after a while as before.