Fresh from your induction into the Society and the completion of your basic training within the organization, you find yourselves in the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets you curtly and motions for you to sit before jumping straight into your assignment.
“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end."
“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies."
“Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location.”
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Olik stands at loose attention before the venture-captain listening to the groups assignment. As he opens the envelope he takes a moment to look about at the other Pathfinders in the room and then reads through the various tasks.
Addressing the venture-captain he replies "These seem straight forward enough. What is the item the Paracountess has that we need to retrieve?"
The venture captain huffs "It was a box on loan from the Vaults. See the Paracountess for more information and remember these contacts are to be treated as authority figures and be both respected and obeyed."
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The elf stands in silence at the Venture Captain's orders. It was finally time for her to get to do something to help the Society. Those watching could tell she was deep in thought, but e one thing that would easily be noticed was the tiny monkey that was darting around her shoulders, ducking into and out of the fabric of her cloak.
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Salador had been standing quietly paying attention but looking quite bored with the whole errand running tasks he had looked over on the list. But when the venture captain mentioned an artifact from the vaults his ears and interest perked up quickly.
If I may suggest we get this box back first it seems that this would be the most importatnt task on the list
and besides I would like to get a look at this box from the vaults
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Olik nods his understanding to the Venture-captain.
Turing to his compatriots he is momentarily distracted by scampering monkey. Regaining his thoughts he says :
If it's all the same to the rest of you it seems to me that the request from the Temple is the only one that might depend on timeliness so I would suggest we head there first.
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looking at the elf Salador chuckles a little at the site of a monkey crawling around her.
must be some wizard
well a plan really isn't in need. We go to each of these people do the simpleton task and return. what type of planning is needed? But by all means m'lady let us know of your plan
Salador will give a bow and sit down.
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"Well, there are several options. Seems the easiest way, which would require less backtracking would be to simply accomplish the tasks in order of closest to here, branching out to the next closest, and so on. That way, we aren't struggling with running all around the city. Nice, orderly and simple. Less time going back and forth means less time wasted."
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Turning toward Tessara :
I agree we should certainly order them so we aren't running back and forth around the city anymore than we must.
Olik pauses to consider for a moment and then continues
We should probably try and get to the docks during the day rather then once the sun sets, no sense having cutpurses and bar side brawls to muddy the task. A shadow of a smile when mentioning bar brawls seems to imply Olik may not be adverse to them as his statement would make it seem. Also the business with the temple and books sound like there may be further steps to be taken and so they might be longer tasks.
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Wow, look at all these people. I wonder who is the strongest? Maybe that one? No, looks can be deceiving, they said.
"Greetings, fellow pathfinders. I agree with both Olik and Tessara that it would be wise to minimize both the walking distance and the chance of a mugging. Why don't we head out into the docks then, and see what our first mighty quest will take us."
Tamarie will faster her belts and check her weapons, indicating she is ready to leave.
"Let me introduce myself, my name is Tamarie Yangrit, and this is my aunt Tessara Omelion. We hope to be of service to the Pathfinder Society, as I am sure you all are aswel. From where do you all hail?"
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Tamarie will hold out a little nut to give to the monkey, and pets it behind the ears when it comes for it.
While walking:
"Before we get to our first destination, it might be a good idea to see where everyone's strengths lie, in case we run into trouble."
She points to the nicely carved out Elven bow on her back.
"I think mine is pretty obvious, I prefer to keep my distance in a fight and use the strength of the bowstring to my advantage. I'm also quite adept at hunting down animals."
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Olik shrugs a bit at Saladors somewhat abrupt departure.
"To the docks then." he agrees and falls in walking along side Tamarie.
"It's good to meet you and your aunt, as well as the rest of you" he nods towards the cleric and warrior "I am Olik Vogenson and I was born in the Land of the Linnorm Kings. There I am known as a skald....I believe the closest translation would be bard. Skalds keep our history, teach our people and act as ambassadors. In battle we stand with our warriors bolstering their courage and strength with our songs as we strike down foes with our blades."
Resting his hand casually on the hilt of his longsword Olik continues.
"I have some skill with my bow but I doubt I could match your skill with that beautiful weapon. If it comes to combat I'll stand to the front and give you room to ply your hunters trade, though from this list of tasks it seems we'll be more errand boys than warriors today." He finishes with a slight smirk
"Our task need not be dull though. I know little of elves and their stories and songs. Perhaps we could pass the time exchanging such tales? Also I have never seen such a creature before, a monkey is it not?"
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Once given permission to open the envelopes, Jirani pulls out the two pages, looks at each, and then holds them both side-by-side. His ears perk up when the elf mentions a plan. "Yeah, I was just thinking that." As the docks is suggested first, "Sounds good. So it's Docks, then through the Coins to the Ascendant Court, then to the Wise Quarter, and then through the Ivy... District, and then back here." He folds both pages and tucks them under his shirt.
"Of course. My name is Jirani Kafr Abdu. I'm here from Osirion. It'll be good to work with you all." He gives a sidelong glance at Salador as he dismissively heads toward the door. He smiles warmly at the others, and gestures to allow them to go first.
On the streets, Jirani pulls out the map, and spends most of the time verifying their location as they walk, familiarizing himself with the city. "Yes, I, too, am better with a blade. But it does look like talent with a map would be in greater demand today." He smiles.
The Pickled Imp is well known in the Docks District and easily found.
This creepy shop contains myriad odds and ends, most bereft of any discernible use. A number of malformed creatures and creature parts bob in jars on a long, prominent shelf, a tiny fetal devil centered in this macabre lineup. The shopkeeper, a greasy-haired Varisian with a thin mustache, shouts from behind the cluttered counter:
“Ah yes, I see the Pathfinders have arrived. I’m glad Ambrus was able to lend a few of his new recruits to help me. Please come in and let me tell you what I need.”
Looking around as if to be absolutely certain no customers are browsing the aisles of knock-off Thuvian burial urns or supposed Azlanti porcelain, he begins again.
“Well met. I am Guaril Karela. A friend of mine has a warehouse near here and he received a parcel on behalf of me and some of my associates, but there’s a problem. See, Master Gelbane had to leave town in a hurry and our shipment is still waiting at his warehouse. Rumor is he ended up in trouble with the law and the place was seized. I heard tell from someone down at the docks that some creep was snooping around his warehouse just the other night, so I want to make sure nothing of mine was taken. He keeps all kinds of things, from beer to nails, in that old pelican, but every now and then he stores something really special. This is one of those cases."
“There’s a big crate marked with three crows arranged in a triangle. Inside that crate is a smaller container with a few books and papers in it. That’s the only parcel I’m interested in, and as far as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too. I’m sure the once things get sorted out, the city will seize most everything else anyway."
“My associates and I often work with the Pathfinders when it comes to special relics and documents, getting them in and out of ports and across borders where the authorities ask too many questions. Most people don’t realize what they have and frankly many don’t deserve to have it, so sometimes we help take the goods off their hands. If things work out well and you get this done, I’d be glad to talk with you more and help you out with any future endeavors, as long as you help me out too. I’m good at returning favors, trust me.”
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"Good to meet you Jirani, I would be honored to learn more of your homeland as well. From the little I know it is a far cry from my own frozen land. Do you truly have seas of sand?"
Once away from the venture-captains hearing Olik will quietly confide in those near him, We should be wary around all those we are sent to meet today. From what I know they are all leaders among their various factions and highly placed among the Pathfinders. This first for instance, Guaril Karela, is believe to head the Sczani crime syndicate."
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Jirani lights up when Olik asks about Osirion, "That is true! Yes, I suppose it would be quite spectacular to someone new to it... and I suppose a frozen land would be something to see, as well. I hadn't really thought much of how many new places we'd get to see in this new venture."
Hmmm... the Pathfinders include a 'crime syndicate'. I wonder if they also have debts to pay?
"...as I’m concerned, you can help yourself to the rest of the crate. Honestly, anything else you want in the place too..."
Jirani smiles at the offer from the shopkeeper. He turns to Olik, "Well, I don't suppose these treasures will be as ancient as the ones back home, but I have to say, this task has a familiar feel to it."
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Jirani tries to look around casually, pointing at his map as he does, to credit his bluff. He sees no woman, however.
"Perhaps she's an agent of the Pathfinders, watching our progress for Captain Valsin. Though I suppose our results should be all the evidence he'd need. Perhaps you are right to be wary..."
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"I noticed that as well Tessara. Perhaps a lookout for Guaril or someone interested in what he wants."
Once inside and upon being greeted by Guaril Olik will respond with an appropriate greeting in Varisian.
So it would seem we are to start our pathfinder careers as thieves. So be it.
To Guaril "I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Do you know if the city authorities have placed a guard on the building? Are there perhaps alternate entrances we might take?"
Guaril promptly responds to Olik "Much thanks, I'm sure my friend will wriggle his way out of things. The warehouse is rather run down, and as far as I know unguarded. It's located at the end of a long pier so there aren't a lot of options to approaching from somewhere else. You're Pathfinders, I'm sure you'll figure something out." He twirls his mustache with a grin.
Guaril shrugs lightly "Here is fine, just don't make a big show of it or anything. In any case, I don't need the whole crate, only the small container with the books and papers."
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Volker has kept to himself while following the group. Once hearing that Tessara saw the same woman he did Volker decides to keep this information to him self, so as not to let the group in on how closely he is paying attention. He does still think to him self do I know anything more about that red head. Who is this guy Guaril, and are his intentions inline with his actions?
I must say we're moving awfully quick guys. It may be worth our while to take a few minutes to prepare, and or get to know each other, before we run into trouble and regret not doing this later.
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When we have some time alone, probably on our way to the warehouse.
"I'll keep my eye out for that redhead. If anyone notices her again, touch my left hand. I'll try to follow her, and see where she leads us. I'm dieing to know why she is following me... I mean us!"
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"Volker, what's the worst that could happen. Here we are, 6 Pathfinders, armed to the teeth. It would be a genuine fool that attacks us, especially in broad daylight in the middle of the city?."
She smiles very friendly, with a playful grin around the corners of ther eyes.
"Don't worry, I won't let anyone touch you.. Unless you are into that. hahaha"
Next time I see her I will tyr to blend into the crowd, and try to follow her. Want me to roll now, or roll late?
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Once we get directions and step away from Guaril a bit Olik will say to the party :
"I would agree with Jirani. Let's make our way to this pier and get a good look at the area. While we're there we can get better acquainted and decide how to approach this. In the mean time we should keep an eye out to see if the red heads interest in us continues."
Olik will continue to take 10 on perception (15) on the way to the dock once we're ready to go.
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The elf sidles up to her niece, and whispers out of the earshot of the others.
Tamarie
The encounter with the red-head was so brief there was little you could discern aside from that she was intentionally watching your group.
Guaril intentions seem true to what he has requested.
Guaril turns to Salador and gives details on finding the dock. It is on a lone pier and one of the few pelican warehouses still standing. It should be simple enough to locate with the directions provided.
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I'm gonna head towards the pier with Jirani and Olik. Once we've all decided we're ready to go.
Volker will follow about 20ft behind Jirani and Olik once we begin to move towards the pier. I'll T10+3=13 for perception on the way to the pier.
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Once the group arrives at the pier Olik will look about a bit to get a feel for how much foot traffic is going by, how clear a view to the building the shore has, see if the warehouse could be approached from any other direction and look for possible entrances to the building (as far as can be seen from the shore anyway).
Following the Varisian's instructions, you have no difficulty locating the warehouse.
Called a pelican warehouse, these buildings perch at the end of piers, allowing a ship to load and unload farther out from the busier docks. Many of them either accommodate smaller vessels that are in a hurry or larger ships unable to find an open dock. Rare these days, most pelican warehouses lie in disrepair, withered from storms and salt, and every year it seems another one falls into the harbor. An increased tax on this type of property keeps many of the owners from rebuilding and some have even relinquished the titles to their small warehouses, allowing them to fall into the hands of squatters and smugglers—or into the bay itself.
The pier this particular pelican warehouse sits on stretches 100 feet from the boardwalk and the docks proper, and stands 15 feet above the water. The planks on the pier are sturdy but weathered. A few local fishermen and some kids sit scattered along the pier casting nets or bobbing lines into the waters below. The building looks abandoned and in disrepair. The windows are dark and dirty and provide no view into the structure’s interior. A small boat bobs in the water below, tethered to the pier by a stout, salt-crusted rope. The warehouse’s heavy wooden front door is locked.
A small, five foot wide, ledge runs along the outer wall of the warehouse.
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Tamarie will be baffled, and have difficulty keeping a straight face after hearing Volker say that.
When she finds her wits (shouldn't take too long) she'll reply in a harsh tone that you can best compare to a mother explaining a child why something is bad.
"Volker, I'm not angry about what you said, but I should point out that it is considered extremely inappropriate to be this... direct... to a woman. Especially when her favourite auntie is in their presence. Elven courtship is long and complicated, so this will be weird for her. I'd think it best you inform her later on you have no intention of marrying me, lest you find your destiny's path less free than you'd imagined."
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Jirani walks next to Olik on the way to the dock. At the sound of the Elven and laughter, he turns back to give the rest of the party a glance.
Turning back to Olik, he comments, "Elvish, maybe? Do you speak it? I'd like to learn more, myself. I do speak gnoll. We have some civilized ones in some of the larger cities. More or less civilized... they're usually slavers, truth be told. Doesn't hurt to be on their good side." He smiles, giving another look back at the rest of the party, but also looking beyond them for any sign of the redhead.
At the warehouse, Jirani looks at the ledge. He steps gingerly onto the ledge, checking the traction.
The ledge appears to be sturdy enough to walk on without much difficulty. Traversing the ledge you don't find any windows that are easier to view into, however you do find another set of doors, big enough that they appear to be loading doors. However, they appear to be barred from the inside.
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As he passes them Olik will pick out a kid who seems like he's been there awhile and ask if he's seen anyone come down the pier today who wasn't there to fish.
Diplomacy
If that goes we'll he'll continue :
"Hi there son what's your name? " "Good to meet you, I'm Olik. I was wondering if you could do me a favor. If you happen to notice anyone who's not a regular coming down this pier in the next twenty minutes or so do me a favor and make a bit of noise ok? Maybe knock your bucket of fish over or something like that."
Assuming he agrees I'll give him a silver.
The kid seems more than happy to help and is especially excited once you hand him a silver piece. He doesn't seem to recall seeing anyone out of the ordinary at the pier, except for your group.