A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 5th to 9th level characters (Tiers: 5–6 and 8–9).
Life in Taldor is fraught with peril, especially for the crumbling noble houses of the Taldan countryside. One such house, the Bourtze Family, has fallen on hard times and they've informed the Pathfinder Society that, in exchange for a small sum of money, they'd be willing to part with a treasure trove of lore about Qadira's Grand Campaign, the 300-year invasion of Taldor. On your arrival, things quickly turn for the worse and instead of evaluating the worth of a few scraps of historical paper, you must instead retrieve one of the most dangerous artifacts in the empire.
Written by James F. MacKenzie
More Taldor! All the Taldor! (Somehow, everyone keeps requesting scenarios in the region. Last one was 00-23.)
Starting Region is Absalom. Calling VC is the ever-cuddly Aram Zey.
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“Of course I’m proficient with daggers! By the Lawgiver’s Great Golden Hammer, I’m a fighter aren’t I?”
Luisila waves her new Smine under her room-mate’s nose and then holds the blade high in her right hand as she takes a victory lap around the dorm room the odd-couple share on the grounds of the Grand Lodge. The priestess waves her left hand as if extolling a crowd to applause.
“I don’t care how exclusive you think your new knife is, Luisila – I’m NOT making your bed for you.”
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Before joining the festivities and greetings, the slim Qadiran man asks for a quick word with Baz outside.
"I applaud you in wearing your demonic heritage so openly and unashamedly. I, however, am a businessman and my true nature as a spawn of vampires must not be known. Furthermore-and it shames me to say it to you-I am deeply, deeply ashamed of my heritage. It is through the Dawnflower that I hope to redeem the evil past of my ancestors."
"Of course, this means that the positive healing of Sarenrae is denied to me. Please ensure that no one uses such healing if I am injured or unconscious. I retain potions and a wand of magic that generally inflicts wounds upon others but which will heal me. Please ensure that only these are used to heal me. I will try to take care of myself."
"Thank you so much for understanding my plight, brother. Peace of the Dawnflower be upon you always. We should get back inside where I must be less upfront with my problem."
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Stepping back into the room with Baz in tow is a tall Qadiran man wearing black robes and a black headress that covers everything except for his piercing dark eyes. A scimitar hangs from his hips and a golden circlet proudly displays the holy symbol of Sarenrae.
"As-salaamu alaikum, Pathfinders. My name is Yushua ibn Ayorik, a merchant from the glorious lands of Qadira and a devotee of the goddess Sarenrae. I don't believe I have met any of you before. As such, I have some business to attend to before we begin."
Yushua reaches into his pack and removes a very official folder and passes out a paper to everyone except Baz.
"You must understand that I mean no offense in asking you to consider this proposal. I am deeply devout in my faith to the Dawnflower and as such I have taken a religious oath to accept healing only from the Dawnflower and from no other sources. I have explained this pledge to Bazresh and he understands the severity of breaking this promise."
"I therefore must ask you to take this contract very seriously. You will see that I have several potions and a wand on my belt. An astute observer may also note that they are inscribed with prayers to the Dawnflower. They have been made by a priest of Sarenrae and I ask that if I am hurt you use these-and only these-to help me. Please do not use your own healing powers, potions, scrolls, wands, items, or other sources."
"This way detailed into a contract by an Abadaran cleric friend of mine:"
______________, whom shall henceforth also be referred to as the undersigned, has hereby agreed to the partial exemption from Abadar-Pathfinder Society Contract 22357, which will be listed in Subsection 1 of this document. Upon signing of this document, any agent held under contract by Abadar-Pathfinder Society Contract 22357 agrees to actively not provide any requested service(s) listed in Subsection 1, which shall henceforth be referred to as a prohibited service. Initial: ___The undersigned acknowledges that all prohibited services will not be produced by any agents on Abadar-Pathfinder Society Contract 22357 under any conditions until the undersigned completes a Retraction of Voluntary Partial Exemption from Abadar-Pathfinder Society Account Contract 22357 form. This agreement is to be considered valid proof of denial of a prohibited service though any Reincarnation, identity theft, death, or other factor by which any agent held under contract by Abadar-Pathfinder Society Contract 22357 deems sufficient to declare the target of a prohibited service is the undersigned. Initial: ___
The undersigned agrees to make no civil claims against any agent under the service of Abadar-Pathfinder Society Contract 22357, and any related civil claims of injury or discontent from a result of failure to deliver a prohibited service will be immediately deemed a case of contractual fraud in any court of law. The undersigned agrees that failure to adhere to this agreement will result with the undersigned being punished to the fullest extent of the Abadaran law for the aforementioned crime, with no further warning. Should the undersigned be located in an area where a branch of the law is incapable of operating, the claim of contractual fraud is not subject to any time-oriented factor which could deem it invalid. Initial: ___
Should the undersigned desire a prohibited services from an agent, the undersigned has been made aware that the can request a Retraction of Voluntary Partial Exemption from Abadar-Pathfinder Society Account Contract 22357 form and will receive such a document within one-to-three business days. Initial: ___
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We have read the above document and understand its terms.Initial: YA
Initial: AA
Initial: TI
Initial:
Initial:-----------------------------------
Subsection 1:No healing shall be provided to the Pathfinder agent Yushua ibn Ayorik. This includes but is not limited to energy channeled from any source, magical healing from wands, magical healing from potions, magical healing from scrolls, magical healing from items, and magical healing from spells. Mundane treatment of wounds is permitted. Magical sources of healing provided by Mr. Ayorik are permitted.
In the case of the death of Mr. Ayorik, spells may be cast to preserve the body but the body should only be raised, resurrected, or brought back to life in any way by a certified priest of Sarenrae.
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We, the signed below, understand and accept the conditions above as prohibited services and agree to cease deliver of the requested services until further notice.
Abadaran Agent:
Print: Amira El-Amin
Signature: *Signature in Taldane*Print: Toshi Ibi
Signature: トシPrint: _____________
Signature: _______________Print: _____________
Signature: _______________Print: _____________
Signature: _______________Print: _____________
Signature: _______________Print: _____________
Signature: _______________-----------------------------
I hereby agree that I will not receive any of the services listed in Subsection 1 until a proper Retraction of Voluntary Partial Exemption form is completed and processed.
Print: Yushua ibn Ayorik
Signature: يشوع بن يورك-----------------------------
I hereby agree to deny providing all prohibited services listed in Subsection 1 by all means possible until a proper Retraction of Voluntary Partial Exemption form is completed and processed.
Print:
___________________________
Signature:
___________________________
Once the paperwork is finished, Yushua gathers the forms and hands them to an agent of Tian descent waiting by the door. "Please take these to Amira for processing. Thank you very much, Toshi. As-salaamu alaikum"
Turning back to the group, Yushua thanks everyone and takes a seat. "I promise I will not be so demanding in the future. I look forward to our mission together."
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Omrax takes the papers and looks at the newcomer and back to Baz and Luisila with a puzzled look. However, being very lawful, he has no problem making the oath.
With a formal bow...
"If Baz likewise agrees then I give my oath as a Pathfinder and as a sword arm of the Inheritor, it shall be so. I trust his judgement and the cause of Sarenrae implicitly. And you should know I have my own tenets I will follow. As long as neither conflict we shall be successful. Omrax of Iomedae at your service."
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Following Yushua back into the room. Baz nods at Omrax. "It is indeed a worthy request and I believe Yushua is a favored of the Dawnflower. We need not worry."
Baz stands waiting for the mission assignment, his hand absently caressing his new scimitar.
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Desmond announces himself with an unorthodox call of praise for the fine ale of the local watering hole. He gives Omrax and Baz each a slap on the back. "Well met! Man...that Smine forges a quality blade, doesn't he?"
Trotting in behind him, no worse for wear from the events in the River Kingdom, is Sahrek. The wolf keeps close to his master, but keeps a lazy look around at the other Pathfinders.
He takes the contract from Yushua. "Hmm...do I need to have a lawyer take a look at this?" he jests. "Alright, I think I can follow this. I'll try to be on my best behavior." He signs and initials the contract as needed.
"Lady Luisila, so good to see you again." Desmond gives the cleric a warm embrace. "What're we going after this time?"
Suddenly, the ranger slaps his forehead. "Oh man, I totally forgot...Hey, I'll be right back guys. Gotta settle some debts." The ranger and his wolf step out onto the street.
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"Lady Luisila, so good to see you again." Desmond gives the cleric a warm embrace.
“And you, Ser Desmond.” Luisila returns Des’ embrace with a long, swaying hug.
The priestess then kneels down to give Sahrek a scratch under the chin.
“Hello, shaggy dog. Elysium can wait, huh?”
Luisila smiles in greeting to a second holy enforcer of the Everlight. “Ahlan wa sahlan, Yushua.”
When presented with the contract, the smile becomes strained. “No problem. If this is a legally binding document, I’ll need to sign my full and correct elven name. Oh, and elves don’t do initials you know. Hope you’ve got plenty of ink, this might take a while.”
“I understand in many parts of Tian Xia, a contract is only as valuable as the relationship that underpins it. The Prince of Lies is not very popular there. How can that be a good thing, huh?”
She hands the document back with a note of finality and looks the Dhampir man straight in the eye. “No healing. Gotcha.”
A Kelish woman yells in the distance as she moves up to speak with the Tien. "These contracts are worthless! First, They continually reference our Society contract, when they're intended to be handed out to other individuals! Didn't you read errata notes 2 through 35 I had sent to you?" Amira shakes her head. "Secondly, the editing was atrocious. You allowed both Mr. Ayorik to only vaguely identify himself and didn't bind the terms to the 'holder of the contract." Amira continues. "Thirdly, you allowed him to list clearly allowed services into the Subsection 1. That is a severe loophole that could be deviled as non-permissible." Amira looks grim and angry at the next line. "Worst of all, even if this were a mildly valid document, you left our names and signatures on all the copies."
The woman adjusts her glasses. "I understand it was a very rough copy from that Mwangi incident you had to work with, but you have to double check these things. Thusly, you will only be demoted two tiers for this. This means will have you return your chair and return to your messenger post."
She makes her way over to the heavily-garbed man. "These are a third draft. If you want, please review them and let me know if there's any missing parts. I cleaned up a lot of the excess and organized it better. You know, since we're not in that jungle anymore."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Indeed, that is why it is only 2 tiers. I noticed on my way here that I referenced 'The undersigned' before it was defined, but it is too late for these copies. They'll still be valid, mind you, but you may have to explain that errata is on the way later and the intent."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The ranger returns. "Just had to settle up on Sahrek's vet bills. Dumb animal." Desmond's smile, and the gentle scratch that he gives the wolf behind the ears betrays his complaint.
"Well, we've both crossed over to the other side of the veil - so we've shown the Society they can't get rid of us so simply - still have time to annoy VC Zey."
Desmond leans his back to a wall and gives furtive glances to his companions. "So...Torch hasn't been idle since the Shadow Lodge dissolved, has he? I just hope Guaril got my message about the... developments."
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Desmond starts and looks up at the thin woman with the red lips. "Uh...yeah. Well, Grandmaster Torch, as he liked to be called. Big guy, pretty looking burn scars all over? Anyhow, seems like he's aiming to take out Guaril Karela." The ranger shakes his head as he considers the situation.
"I mean...I heard that Torch was dead, hung himself 'cause the Decemvirate caught him with his hand in the till. But, others say that he tried to get too 'familiar' with the Chelaxian VC - what's her name...Draxeen or somethin'."
A familiar Keleshite wizard magics his way into the courtyard by way of a certain 4th-level spell. "Torch is, for all intents and purposes a dead man, and everyone with at least half their parts working has a good chance of getting 'familiar' with the Paracountess." He immediately begins to brusquely walk in the general direction of his office. "Enough about those that are better than you for now." He claps his hands twice, "Pathfinders, come," he commands, akin to how one commands an animal.
Aram Zey strides into the cramped chamber, his withering glare boring into anyone who dares to meet his gaze. One of the smaller rooms in the Grand Lodge’s Skyreach tower, the room is nearly filled by a large table on which lie tarnished funerary brasses and heaped parchments, leaving scant room for occupants. “I’m pleased to see you all here,” says the Society’s cantankerous Master of Spells, his chilly expression contradicting his words. "The Society needs its most capable members on this task."
He takes a large map labeled "Taldor" off a shelf and unrolls it onto the table. "A rare opportunity stands before us. A Taldan noble named Makarius Bourtze has sent inquiries to Oppara and Cassomir, seeking buyers for a trove of lore about Qadira’s Grand Campaign against Taldor. Bourtze is the Tribune of Evondemor, a small town some six days’ journey from Oppara." Tracing along the chart, his finger points out an isolated village on the Tandak Plains.
"Your mission is to visit this backwater, review the offered items, and acquire them if a reasonable price can be arranged. While we can offer gold, I’d like to instead suggest several fine sculptures in trade. They depict well-known Taldan heroes, including several of Bourtze’s ancestors. Since his line was once quite distinguished, I’m optimistic that they’ll interest him." Aram hands over a bundle of carefully drawn sketches depicting the statues.
"Frankly, we considered sending a even less experienced team, but Bourtze’s motives make me uneasy. The man’s wife was a scholar of ancient magics who recently died in some sort of magical accident. If something in the collection caused the mishap, we fear the Tribune might try to unload it on an unsuspecting stranger!"
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Show-off. Poofing in and out as he pleases.He could use some time with the Dralneen, or any woman of the street for that matter.
Desmond listens carefully to Aram Zey's instructions. He knows better than to question why the Society needs yet another ancient relic to throw in the coffers.
The ranger picks up the the bundle of illustrations. "At least you're wise enough not to send us tromping around with the real things." He pages through the pictures, not really looking at them at all.
"I'll stow these away, unless someone else wants to carry 'em."
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"So we are to negotiate with this man to trade these statues for his collection, making sure that the collection does not contain something dangerous such as the item that caused his wife's demise. And why are you only giving us sketches of the statues then? Are we supposed to collect them ourselves first, is that the deal?"
"Oh, I'm sure the void that is your adherence to proper education, you've built up more than enough bulk to carry them into battle up in the Worldwound." He snaps back before letting the totally-a-human chime in.
He places the upper bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. "Ugh, no. The statues are full-size statues of these men and women of Taldor's history. Even if Agent Aesculus is one of the dozens of brains-over-thought Kurgess wannabes, carrying over a dozen statues would, to say the least, slow you down in travel. These are merely to display our offer to the nobleman." He releases his nose, "But your assertion of our goal is closer. We want their collection, to see if there's any hidden treasures."
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"Are we to appraise the items ourselves, or is the something we should be looking for?"
Baz then walks up behind Chelsea and taps her lightly on the elbow. "We meet again Madam Flamebrand. I sense you do not remember me, but we were on a mission together in the Verduran Forest. We recovered a lorestone, discovered by one Hemsel, from some fey. Perhaps you remember....?
"Are we to appraise the items ourselves, or is the something we should be looking for?"
"Just bring as much of the collection as you can muster, and I'll handle all the actual work. The more fantastical the horror stories behind it, the better, I would presume."
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”Pathfinders, come …”
Luisila exchanges glances with Sahrek. Woof?!?
Insulting stuff …
Oh, I so much want to party with this guy …
But she keeps her expression neutral and professional. “Is there any intelligence regarding Lord Boutze’s wife? The type of magic she practised or the event that led to her demise?”
“What was the relationship like between husband and wife? Did he have anything to benefit by her early departure to the Boneyard? Do the Bourtze’s have any known enemies?”
Is Varg joining us, GM Burglar?
"Honestly, with the speed that Taldan politics moves, I would only have outdated information for you even if I had heard it directly from Prince Stavian's mouth during his most recent 'foreign brothel run' in Abasalom. You'll be best served to learn what you can there. Peasants, especially Taldan ones, have little else to talk about."
"Fortunately... Dreng... is not on the foresight aspect of this mission. We have much better than one individual's word that these are of importance. We have historical evidence. Simply have the noble agree to the trade for his collection, and return what you can. Should this prove to be a disaster that is not on your design later down the line, the big kids will handle it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"... even if I had heard it directly from Prince Stavian's mouth during his most recent 'foreign brothel run' in Abasalom."
**In Perfect Innocence** “Oh, which brothel do you and Prince Stavian frequent when he’s in town, Master of Spells?”
“I don’t believe I’ve seen either of you at the Pleasure Salon of our Lady.”
"I'm certain that every time he visits a Shelynite temple, the priestesses have to cover up to avoid being used like the Wasp Queen's plebes." sarcasm continues to drip from his words as he continues, putting a hand up in protest, "But, me? Oh, I'd never debase myself as such; I'm utterly faithful to-- never mind. I'm done here."
He lowers his hand, yet continues with the endless sarcasm, "I believe there might be one more of you on this trip, though I'd be lying if I said I've ever trusted anyone who names themselves after a sharpened piece of metal to actually listen." He waves the party off, pushing a number of boat passes with morning-leave-time-listings across the table, "You're dismissed. If you find yourself a seventh, I'm sure between the six of you, you can muster the brainpower to figure out what you're supposed to do. Best of luck in that backwater, crumbling nation of blind politicians that are eager to string up anyone with a scimitar over any of the numerous nearby fallen castle!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Varg, The Cleaver, walks into the room while downing a full mug of Ale.
Des, where'd ya get off too. I thought we were still tyin' one on!
He sits and stretches his long legs as he listens to the wizard. The paintings that Des pockets away noticeably attracted his attention.
Well now, this should be an interestin' one. See, Taldor is sort of my adopted home. I spent many o'years in the employ of the Prince himself. But, this Boutze does not ring a bell. I do know where Evondamore is, but I spent most of my years at Court in Oparra.
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"Hail again gentlemen, Iomedae blesses this mission by reuniting us again. However, those drinking games have become a vice that could one day cause you to miss the briefing. Fortunately today we are all together and ready to depart. Sir Varg it is good that you are familiar with the areas around Taldor. Our two devotees of Sarenrae may not find a warm welcome."
36/7=5.142857142857143.
For scenarios written in Seasons 0 to 3, when the APL is in between subtiers, a party of six or seven characters must play the higher subtier. Parties with four or five characters must play the lower subtier. In the fringe case where there are no players that are high enough to have reached the subtier level (such as a party of six 3rd level characters), the group may decide to play down to the lower subtier.
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The night passes largely however the individual in question expected it to, barring a few, perhaps forgotten, classical bits of a typical Pathfinder's existence.
Friend of Liberty,
Your mission brings you to northern Taldor, lawless lands where enemies of our cause have found safe harbor. One particular enemy of freedom is the notorious brigand and slaver Gaunt Blackfist, reputed to be near Evondemor. He is infamous for his torture and murder of four Eagle Knights; your mission is to see that he is slain or brought to justice.With Warmest Regards,
Captain Colson Maldris
Servant of the Satrap,
During Qadira’s Grand Campaign, Taldan raiders struck deep into Qadira, assaulting a stronghold of heretical sorcery known as the Resolute Citadel. After slaughtering every living creature in that forlorn place, the raiders stole a cache of ancient treasures. For centuries, the fate of these items remained a mystery. Only recently have scholars discovered the ill-gotten cache within House Bourtze’s keep. One of these stolen texts must be returned to Qadira—The Blood Feast of Al-Yazr. Its secrets are far too perilous to remain among outlanders.Be advised: you are not the first to attempt this endeavor. Some months ago, a distant relation of the Satrap sought to recover the text. Known by the codename “Silken Whisper,” she disappeared soon after her arrival there. Subtly investigate this matter, as His Exalted Eminence desires to know what fate befell his cousin.
Sincerely,
Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam
Depending on where you are, wherever it is you're doing whatever it is at night, he may or may not be really eager to leave, wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more. I.e. If you're at the Salon, he's sticking around on his own time and pay to tithe properly to the Savored Sting.
True Pathfinder,
Your journey into Taldor may prove to be of even more assistance to those who can further the aims of the Devemvirate. I have recieved word that an aged historian named Khenankantra lives in the area. A devotee of Sarenrae, this pious scholar was traveling in the hope of aiding others of his sect, which is forbidden in those lands. Last I heard of him, the sage indicated that he had settled near Evondemor.I've been studying his religion, but would like to speak with him personally. By his strange customs, one must offer an unusual pet to be brought to him before we are to make more meaningful contact. Enclosed with this message is a basket—inside is the poisonous Ashenscale asp. Please deliver it to the sage at once.
As embarassing and random as it is, I would also ask that you bring back a sampling of the unusual polychrome lilies known to grow in Taldor’s wetlands. Venture-Captain Kreighton Shaine has been shopping around for them for some time now, but has had no luck. While this seems like a random task, keeping one's general opinion up is an important factor in an organization like the Society.
Best of luck,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
*After a bit of deciphering*Greetings, friend! I hope my niece gave you the proper respect you deserve, as I trust you did the same.
Anyways, I hear you're headed to scenic Taldor! How fun! Lucky for me, I have a hot tips from a friend in the area about a few opportunities I'm sure you're up to!
First, the Bourtze's. This poor bastard, Makarius, never got around to his wife enough before she passed, if you catch my meaning, and never got to making any proper heirs. He's got some literal bastards running around somewhere. You don't just pent all that up for as long as he did. A mutual friend would like to know who they are, for future reference.
Second. Whatever the society's got going on here with these magic items, I want to help. And by "I", I mean you. You want to help me help him, right? I mean, his wife's dead. If he's got something he wants back, go get it. I mean, you're good at finding and acquisitions, right? I'm pretty sure that's why I'm paying you.
May all the doors before you be open,
Guaril KarelaPS: Seriously, though; if I hear you laid one finger on my niece, you're gonna wake up missing things you didn't know I could take.
Tender Flesh Morsel,
Under our land’s firm guidance, rustic Evondemor could see order brought from chaos. Unfortunately, the Bourtze family spurned our agents’ offers, an error which has cost them dearly. Despite this misfortune, Cheliax may yet benefit from Lady Bourtze’s research into the urn; her notes should contain information that suggests the true identity of her slayer—recover them for me.
Tribune Bourtze also refused our offers, but rumor suggests his health is failing. Determine who is likely to succeed him and deliver Cheliax’s offer of assistance. House Bourtze thirsts for allies, and the might of Cheliax can certainly aid them more than Taldor’s decadent emperor would.
Fail not in this charge, lest I withhold the incomparable pleasures that are mine to dispense.
For Cheliax,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Friend of Justice,
Your mission brings you to northern Taldor, lands where they oppress those of our faith. One particular enemy of justice is a notorious brigand and slaver named Gaunt Blackfist, reputed to be near the area called Evondemor. Major Colson has sent me numerous reports of his pleasure taken during the torture and murder of four of his Eagle Knights; your mission is to see that he is brought to justice, albeit a justice that would persecute us for our beliefs in the powers of good. I believe you will be the better man as you walk under the shade of the oppressive Crown.
May the Sun follow you in this dark place,
Ollysta Zadrian
Additionally, a second letter arrives later, from an Andoran soldier.
A request from Major Colson, Eagle Knight
I understand you work under Miss Ollysta. I also understand that she cannot order you to do many things, largely those of stealth or subterfuge. It is an unfortunate truth, however, that these things must be done to keep the world safe for the common man's future. One such foe lies in the area you and Sir Omrax are headed. A devil-blooded Chelaxian named Pauva infiltrated a band of Andoren arms smugglers some years ago, betraying them to Chelish authorities.
I cannot ask this task of Sir Omrax, nor should he learn of it. His code restricts his actions and would endanger this mission, but these restrictions do less good for the world, and I fear that ignorance or forceful measures may put innocent people in danger. For the sake of freedom and the people of our nation of Andoran, please discreetly investigate any secret plans this spy is hatching. If not for me, for the common man. I trust you'll do the right thing.
Glorious Agent of the Empire,
Your mission to Evondemor may prove to be of critical importance to the Empire, perhaps the most important mission a possible Ulfen Guard candiate . Centuries ago, the Tribunes of Evondemor were given responsibility to safeguard a cache of cursed magic, items of potential use to the Empire, but too dangerous to be allowed near the seat of power.
House Bourtze has fallen far since that time. Rumors reaching Cassomir indicate that Tribune Makarius Bourtze has neglected his house’s defenses, compromising the security of their grim hoard.
Your mission is twofold. First, ensure that the Bourtze’s accursed trove—especially this fiendish urn—is properly secured. The perilous relics entrusted to their house must be kept far from our land’s cities, safe from those who would wield them against the empire. Second, ensure House Bourtze’s continued loyalty to the empire by identifying the heir to their House. Bourtze currently has no children that we know of, and it’s important to the scholars at the Primogeniture Library that you discover whether or not he’s left a few bastard heirs laying about.
For Taldor!
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
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In the morning, a Grand Lodge messenger (bearing a armband with the Glyph of the Open Road) delivers Yusha a bank notice, authorizing the bearer to withdraw 5,000 gp in Society funds from an Abadaran bank in Oppara (intended for possible trade with the nobleman.)
The boat trip with take two days. Over that time, anyone who looks over the pictures can make a knowledge (Nobility) or (History), as well as make any purchases in Absalom before you leave, given your new letters.
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When Luisila was a novice, Lady Dyrianna of House Avenstar, Vicar of Menotherian, Supreme Vigilante of the Faith and Dominant of the Submissives of Calistria, strongly encouraged her to join the Pathfinder Society.
Luisila always suspected it was to get rid of a half-breed misfit who constantly questioned and challenged her superiors.
However, as time passed and Luisila rose from acolyte to vicar to dean, the half-elf wonders whether that scheming b!tch actually had the vision to find a path for her ‘problem child’ that better suited Luisila's talents, while continuing to further the interests of the Unquenchable Fire.
The Archbishop of Absalom has a special assignment for the Dean of the Puddles tonight. “Luisila, a particularly promising novice has recently found her way to us after a failed relationship.”
“While this in itself is not unusual, her ex-lover is an exceptionally violent and cunning graduate of the Guild of Wonders, an assassin’s guild based in Westgate. This individual has let it be known he plans to 'reclaim his property.' Disguise and poison are his hallmarks."
"I want you to look out for this man in case he visits the Pleasure Salon tonight. If you spot him, re-direct him to the Velvet Room and have me paged. I will deal with him personally.”
"Is the snake venomous?"
Once the man’s paid his dues. “Won’t you please step this way? I can promise that you’ll never forget this night for as long as you live.”
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Desmond's night of sobriety ends with a bit of frustration as Guaril Karela's niece leaves.
I'll just sit here a while. Yep, just sit right here for a little bit...
"If Omrax got upset with some drinking, then if my 'thought-dreams could be seen, he'd probably stick my head in a guillotine,' as the poet says."
He gives Sahrek a nudge with his toe. "C'mon boy, I need to induldge in at least one of my appetites..."
The 400-mile boat trip goes by uneventfully, though it's 2 more days of overland travel before Evondemor looms through the evening mists. Arriving shortly before nightfall, the party is forced to travel through a ghostly realm of fog. A muddy ditch and lichen-encrusted palisade guards the village perimeter. Two aged veterans occupy its gatehouse, one of whom calls out to the more metal-clad and unsneakylike portions of the group,, visible through the mist. "I hear you out there! No armed bands allowed in town without the Tribune's say-so! Come closer!"
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Before the ship leaves for Taldor, Luisila buys some meat scraps (to feed the asp), a waterproof bag and a broad leather belt to secure the wicker basket. She plans on watering the asp with droplets of Create Water dripping from the top of the basket and supplementing its diet with ship's rats.
Luisila has taken to wearing her red scarf over her hair like a hood. She has also added a new item to her luggage – a wicker basket which is secured by a broad leather strap.
If she catches, Sahrek say, sniffing about the basket, she will wave her arms about like a windmill going ABSOLUTELY ballistic at the wolf, before chastising Desmond in an icy voice. “I’ll thank you to keep him away from my things, Desmond.”
On the sea journey Luisila spends a lot of her spare time hunting, skinning and drying rats. She will not explicitly ask anyone for help with this, but she will happily accept any assistance that is offered.
“I can’t hand, reef and steer like Omrax can. But by reducing the ship’s rat population at least I’m contributing.”
"Hail and well met. I am here on official business. Please direct me to the appropriate office to receive the leave of the Tribune as you describe."
With her crimson scarf drawn tightly over her hair, Luisila drops her backpack and the wicker basket she is seemingly obsessed with. Her empty bow is held down by her side.
While Omrax parleys she says a silent prayer to Calistria, while making a slow 360 degree scan of the party’s surroundings. “Baz, I think either you and/or I should stay pretty close to Chelsea in case there’s trouble.”
As she moves closer to the sizzling sorceress, “You OK with that, Chelsea?”