Jirani takes the agreements to the Osirians, they review them and while interesting decide they have no useful or harmful information and so return them to Jirani.
Taking Maurit's body back to the Pathfinders Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin is very thankful for your extended effort in bringing back the body. Sometime after Major Maldris hears of your actions and seeks you out to congratulate you for their good deed. “I know it was difficult,” he says. “The undead sometimes cling to life, but they always turn to evil. This was a hard lesson that I felt you had to learn, to better serve the common good. As Pathfinders, we should always serve the common good and always fight for freedom.”
Returning any incriminating documents and the Jade Katana Amara Li is also extreamely thankful, gracing you with many low bows. She opens the hilt of the katana where a small piece of paper resides. Looking it over she smiles and continues to thank you for all your efforts and hard work and promises to put in a good word with you as well as offering you to stay at her Lantern Lodge whenever you see fit.
Taking the trade agreements back to al'Hakam he looks them over and nods a thanks, then asks about the katana. Noting that you already gave it to Amara Li he nods and walks off with only his thanks for the trade agreements retrieval.
Finishing up your duties and after a long and exhausting day you take some time to yourselves as you wait for word on your next mission.
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Olik travels with the group making their various deliveries and accepting the offers of thanks. To Valsin he says, "She held to her humanity until the end, far longer than most would have been capable of. I did not know her in life but I don't doubt that she was a fine Pathfinder."
Their tasks done Olik heads down to The Roads End, a nearby tavern frequented by Pathfinders, along with any of the group who would care to join him. The mood there is more somber than usual as word of the fallen Pathfinder has proceeded them.
Taking a host like role Olik buys a few rounds in Maurits honor relating the tale as far as he knew it and asking those who knew her to share their own stories. As this goes on the mood slowly changes from sadness for the lost into a more festive celebration of life. As the night draws on the Road becomes its usual noisy self and Olik takes the opportunity to swap stories, meet new Pathfinders and partake in contests of skill or luck.
At the end of the evening he speaks with the Varisian tavern owner Andrezi and his wife Anka in their native language. He thanks them for their hospitality and pays five gold to cover the evenings costs that weren't paid for individually. After spending some time catching up on the local color he heads back to the Lodge for the night.
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Malik joins Olik at the tavern, and with a little embellishment, tells all at the bar the tale of their journey to the Keep. His storytelling technique is not practiced, but his natural charm and flamboyance makes up for much of that. He toasts the fallen, and is liberal with paying for rounds of drinks, and by the end of the evening is quite tipsy. He also receives a slap to the face or two and nearly causes a fight by flirting openly with most of the women, and some of the men, present. But his efforts are not fruitless, and he is seen leaving with someone down the street, the pair of them weaving from the effects of their celebrations.
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When Amara Li reveals the hidden page in the katana's hilt, Jirani lets out a disappointed sigh. "Ahhh... that must be the contract the Trade Prince was looking for. I'm sorry, Ms. Li," Jirani gives a respectful bow. "He gave us an uneasy feeling, so we never would have traded him your history. I'm just disappointed that we didn't discover it ourselves. Even if a treasure isn't your own to cherish, the discovery is a reward no one else can claim."
Jirani remains quiet the rest of the evening. He joins the others at the tavern, and discreetly buys a round, but says little. "I think we did do the right thing, but only by accident. And it would have been interesting to see what the Venture Captains were fighting over. It was a lot to go through for a decorative sword and some worthless contracts. Yes, we saved Maurit from a fate she never would have wanted... I guess that's something." He manages a half-hearted grin as he says good night and returns to the lodge early in the night.
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Ah don't let it get you down brother. Granted we missed that bit with the sword" he says with a shake of his head, "but we'll know better next time. Just think about what we did do though. We slew a kobold cult to some foul demon or another, explored the ruins of an ancient fortress, brought back a long lost family heirloom and, as you say, most important of all got the chance to lay one of our sisters to rest. Not a bad days work! Oh and we even brought back enough loot to fund quite a few nights rowdy fun! Not a bad bit of Pathfinding if I do say so myself."
Olik wakes in the late morning to the bright light of the sun on his face. Blinking somewhat painfully he does his best to ignore the war drums pounding in his head and rises to prepare for the day. Despite its lasting effects he thinks back fondly on the nights activities as he cleans up and gets dressed.
Heading out he enjoys the feel of the warm Absalom sun and sea breeze which both help to speed his recovery. After a short walk he reaches The Overladen Henchman" his favorite outfitter in the area. Pushing open the door, the alarm spell on which lets out a warbling noise, he boisterously announces his entrance saying, "Fergus my friend it seems I've returned alive again, no doubt thanks to your fine sundries!".
The shopkeeper Fergus is a bit startled at the sudden appearance but begrudgingly smiles at the outgoing Ulfen. Olik crosses the store to the counter and continues, "Ah but look at my poor buckler. Some kind of acid blob tried to make a meal of me. A blob! Can you believe it? Ha!...." The bard continues on filling in the shopkeeper with the various trials and successes of the prior days adventure.
After a time he stops and says, "Ah that reminds me." Excitedly stepping away from the counter he walks over to the weapon area. Passing by the weapon racks he moves to the back wall where items of special value are placed. There neatly mounted just above head height is an exquisite looking longsword the hilt of which has been shaped to resemble a kraken. The roughly diamond shaped pommel sits beneath a grip wrapped in ruddy shark skin which in turn is wrapped in an intricate pattern of wire to help secure it. The cross guard is formed by numerous braided tentacles and the base of the blade is held in place by a motif of the creatures head and beak. A few more tentacles complete the image twisting their way down its length. The long blade gleams in the sunlight from a nearby windows, it's coloration, darker than standard steel, giving away it's cold iron nature.
Lifting the blade from it's perch almost reverently Olik steps back and swings the perfectly balanced sword a few times before returning to to the shopkeeper. When he gently places the sword on the counter Fergus says, "A fine choice. So what are you going to name it?"
After a moments thought he lifts the blade again, looks at it and says, "Sea Reaver".
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Upon Olik's leaving, Tamarie sneaks into the same shop, not wanting anyone to see where she gets her supplies. She nods at the shopkeeper, and is greeted with a nod in return. The man puts a little package on the counter, and as Tamarie checks the wares, the man checks the money. Their transaction is over in a few minutes, both satisfied when the door closes behind Tamarie.
The only word that was said by Tamarie was a very low and soft whisper. "Ver'ren..."
She smilingly let the Elvish word leave her lips, a promise to her future foes. Her eyes sharpened as her fingers are feeling the special kind of wood, walkin back to the lodge before going to the tavern Olik spoke of.
After a few days rest and time to yourselves you each receive a message from Ambrus Valin to report to Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng for a new mission.
In the heart of the Pathfinder Society’s headquarters at Skyreach, Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes, sits on a large plush bench next to a finely dressed, full-figured woman who looks as though this entire meeting isn’t worth her time. Dreng warmly greets you and introduces you to the woman, Lady Gloriana Morilla; the Taldan woman tilts her head slightly in acknowledgement of the introduction, but otherwise makes no move to greet anyone. Oblivious to any social slight on the lady’s part, Dreng goes on to explain the mission.
“Recently, a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a unique relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we have a unique opportunity to add to our collection for study. In return, however, we must deliver one of our cataloged items to Escadar in exchange. The Low Azlanti drive a hard bargain, so we need you to escort a relics broker to Escadar so he can authenticate the Azlanti item and mediate a fair deal on the Ten’s behalf."
Dreng warns "The Pathfinders are not the only group that looks to acquire this relic. It seems the Aspis Consortium has also tendered an offer, and the gillmen have decided to accept the Consortium’s deal if the Society cannot finalize its agreement within 30 days. An Aspis-funded warship patrols the waters just beyond Absalom’s harbor, preventing Pathfinder agents from sailing to Escadar unmolested. Luckily we have a plan."
Lady Morilla stirs from her silence and speaks in a strong, demanding voice. “I have used some of the Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives to plant a false crew manifest and course plans with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis Consortium spies who certainly keep an eye on such matters believe we are moving our relic to Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty of time to make the final agreement with the gillmen before the Society’s window of opportunity runs out.”
Dreng laughs to himself absently, then instructs you "Go to the Siphons in the Puddles and meet with the Pathfinder Society’s ally, information broker Grandmaster Torch. He’ll give you a map for a smugglers’ trail through the isle’s center that should allow for relatively easy and secret travel overland to Escadar. The relics broker name is Nester Rees; Rees will meet up with you after your meeting with Grandmaster Torch. I've arranged lodgings for you at an Escadar tavern called the Grindylow’s Goblet, where the gillmen have agreed to meet with you. Once you arrive, you only need to send word to the Low Azlanti embassy, then have Master Rees conduct the negotiations at the tavern on the Society’s behalf." Dreng emphasizes "You are responsible for Rees’ safety and for the success of his negotiations."
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Malik enters the meeting dressed in his finer clothes, looking quite pleased with his life. He smiles broadly at the others, and seems happy to see everyone again.
"I've heard of these Aspis Consortium fellows. Quite a bad reputation they have." he says. "Who is this Nester Rees fellow? Anything we need to know about him?" he asks.
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Olik arrives with the rest wearing his armor and sword though he has left most of his gear back at his room. As is often the case he is in good spirits and chatters on with those he considers more family than associates.
Once in the room he quiets and listens as the mission before them is explained.
"Bit of body guarding then eh? Well it will be good to see more of the island and as Tess said it will be interesting to meet some gillmen."
He considers for a moment.
"Isn't Escadar on the Isle of Erran? Will the gillmen provide a way across the channel?"
Dreng nods "Body guarding and relic securing. I don't know Torch's complete plans, but I would assume he has a boat chartered to get you to Erran."
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Seeing a new ally inside answering the same summons, Jirani gives the man a smile and respectful nod, and then turns his attention to the Venture Captain as he begins explaining their mission.
"I'm not so familiar with this Aspis Consortium. It sounds as though they have means, however? Perhaps they know the same smuggler's trails that Mr. Torch intends we use. I wonder if we should disguise ourselves and Mr. Rees, in case the path is watched. We can discuss our plans after we consult with Mr. Torch."
"So that I understand, will Mr. Rees be bringing our relic with us? Or simply authenticating their relic, and negotiating which of our relics will be bartered for an exchange in the future?"
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Olik turns to note the new arrival and then leans over and whispers to Tamarie, "Shame Saladar got sent off with that other group. Though rumor has it they needed his special talents to convince a landslide to stop covering up an old mine so I'm sure he'll have fun.". Thinking about the alchemist blowing up the side of a mountain brings a grin to Oliks face.
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Tamarie lets out an accidental chuckle which she tries to cover up by coughing slightly.
"What's up with the new kid? He seems a bit... Peculiar... Definitely not human. You know anything about... Well, don't mean to be rude, but his 'kind'?"
She nods and smiles if she is greeted by Johendar, and listens attentively.
Dreng addresses the questions in turn "The Aspis Consortium definitely has resources but from my understanding with the secrecy Grandmaster Torch has put around this route they likely wouldn't know about it. Plus with our plan to fake them out with the false documents it shouldn't be an issue. As for the relic Mr. Ress will bring our goods to the gillmen and bring the new relic back. Just ensure he gets their safely."
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"Aasimar I think....they have celestial blood running through them. Hopefully he's good in a fight. Either way I'm sure there's a tale to be heard there."
Turning back to Dreng, "Have no worries Venture-Captain we'll not let the man come to harm."
Looking around the room he says, "Well sounds like we have a trip to make. Shall we get our gear and be off?"
As you get ready to leave Lady Morilla tries to stand from her seat, but she has some difficulty almost seeming stuck in the chair which may be a little too small for her figure. Dreng chuckles a bit but doesn't move to assist her. She reaches out a hand for assistance.
She takes Jirani's hand and quietly says, "Thank you." She flattens her dress and departs the room, giving Dreng a stern look.
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"To the Puddles then?"
Once they leave the room he'll turn to Johendar as they walk. Offering his hand he says, "Well met, I'm Olik Vogenson. Welcome to our little band. Sounds like we'll have some time to get to know each other but why not trade a few tales on our way to the Grandmaster." With that he begins introducing the rest of the group.
This is Tamarie, our huntress extraordinaire. She'll of put three arrows into anything coming to eat us before ya even get a chance to draw your sword. The lovely elf here is Tessara Tams aunt, so mind your manners lad, her spells have gotten us out of more than one tricky spot. Jirani's a fine warrior..though a bit fascinated with dungeon architecture if you ask me," he says with a mischievous wink. "but no one more reliable when steel's been drawn. Malik here was our newest member, until you took that role. A cleric of the Eternal Rose he's already shown his worth many times over though don't ask him to sing.
"So how long have you been with the Lodge?"
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Very nice to meet you all and I hope our mission is successful. The wizard thinks quietly for a moment before continuing, Not long, I haven't been with the Society very long at all. I've only had to opportunity to partake in some minor missions here in Absalom and the surrounding environs. Mostly going and fetching thing for the Venture Officers, you know what I mean? Johender finishes with a slight smile.
He nods at Malik. Aye, I am sure we will. We probably have more in common than would first be thought. It seems we both have heritages of the planes, no?
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"Ha" the big Ulfen laughs. "Aye it seems we've been as much errand runners as adventurers though our last mission was a bit more interesting. Had the chance to delve into a nearby fortress. Back to babysitting though for this one. At least we get to stretch our legs a bit and perhaps this Consortium will give our sword arms a bit of loosening as well."
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Jirani extends his hand to the newcomer with a genuine smile. "I should warn you, I'm also a trader and an Osirian. However, my priority is always this small group to whom I've grown so close."
He looks to his more familiar allies to include them with his next words: "This extra errand that I've just received, I think is not meant exclusively for me. I don't know why the Lady felt this required discretion, it seems reasonable enough, but she slipped me this note as Tess and I helped her from her seat." He passes the note off to Olik first, for him to read and pass on.
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"Interesting group, interesting trek, interesting letter, interesting mission. I like where this is going," Tamarie says. She has been eyeing the new-comer until he made the joke about the errand boys.
"Olik, you walking almanac you, I am wondering about the terrain we will be going through. YOu know anything about it?"
She also "subtlely" draws your attention to her new bow. As any girl, she wants you to give her a compliment about her newest purchase.
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Reading the Taldorans note Olik comments, "Ah there's the errand...wouldn't be a a true Pathfinder mission if we weren't carrying a note for someone eh? he says with a laugh.
"Humm...well the center of the island is all mountain so if we cut straight across it will be a rough trek. Skirting the mountains the northeastern foothills are arid while the southwestern see a lot more rainfall. Any way we go though will be rough terrain. As for creatures, the cairn lands around Absalom hold the dead of many invasions...some not so restful. I've heard word that minotaurs, harpies and centaurs fight within the central mountains. I don't doubt this will be an interesting trip" he finished with a smile.
As they talk Oliks eye catches on the beautiful new darkwood bow resting on Tamaries back. "Ho there little sister, you've been holding out on me. May I?" he says indicating the bow.
When Tamarie hands him the bow he takes a moment to run his fingers along the length of it noting the smooth finish. The wood grain, a deep earthy color that brings to mind the ancient heart of a grand forest, has been brought out through what must have been hours of staining and sanding work. Here and there along its length small embellishments have been carved that flow from the woods swirls as if they had grown there. Spinning the weapon about to test its draw the handle feels a bit small in his hand but no doubt fits the smaller half elf perfectly. The silent pull is so smooth that not a bit of energy is wasted and when fully drawn it seems to hum as if impatient to loose an arrow.
Olik returns the weapon with a low whistle. "As if you weren't deadly enough! That is a fine weapon indeed I hope you've given her a fitting name. Ah but I've done my best not to fall behind." Drawing the new longsword at his side he offers it hilt first to Tamarie to take a look. "I call her the Sea Reaver."
You make your way to meet with Grandmaster Torch in a network of subterranean tunnels beneath the water-logged Absalom district of the Puddles. Finding the Siphons requires no special skill but does take you though the Puddles’ rough-and-tumble, flooded streets and into the sewers below.
A gruff half-orc guard grants you entry into Torch’s audience chamber in the Siphons, a large stone room that has aparently been magically rid of all standing water or even airborne moisture. Torch, a dark-haired, burn-covered man in his late-middle years sits in a large bathtub, and two attendants continually pour cool water over his cursed, festering wounds. His half-orc bodyguards eye you warily as the Grandmaster rises to greet you and speaks.
“Well met, Pathfinders. I see you have survived as the Decemvirate’s pawns thus far, and for that I commend you. This next task they have for you is more dangerous than the venture-captain may have told you, so let me give you a word of warning. I have made it my life’s work to ensure Pathfinder agents are given all the tools they need to return home from their myriad adventures, and this map is the tool I give you. Follow the directions on my map as strictly as you can. Deviate from this path and you may encounter challenges far beyond your abilities. Many would paint me and those who believe like I do as betrayers of the Society, but it is the corps of the organization that I am completely loyal to. Each and every one of you.
If you believe you have been mistreated by the Ten or their representatives, don’t hesitate to let me know upon your return from Escadar. My network of agents and spies if vast, and I am a powerful ally to have on your side.
Now be off. You have a long journey ahead of you. And remember, don’t deviate from this map—it’s designed to get you there and back safely!”
One of the guards brings over a map and hands it to whomever will take it. Map
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"You can bet Olik. This map is very nice, and together with my compass we should have no trouble getting lost. Besides, you are intelligent enough to learn the lay of the land, no? I'll teach you along the way, as we have been teaching you Elvish. How is that going? Learned the difference between cat and cut yet?"
Tamarie giggles and her eyes sparkle, before she turns to her aunt and straightens her face.
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Malik, despite his fine clothes and jewelry, does not shy away from entering the tunnels, and seems quite chipper despite the surroundings. He listens with obvious enthusiasm to Grandmaster Torch's speech. "Very pleased that you're looking out for us." he says.
When looking over the map, he looks up at Olik and Tamarie. "Now by this map can you tell what hazards we might encounter?" he asks.
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"Don't worry on that front. The Linnorm Kingdoms aren't friendly to those who can't find their way between on mountain and the next. As for the Elvish...it's improving thanks to you and your aunt though I suspect Tess is just too kind to tell me that my accent sounds like a drunken satyr."
"Aye that I have. I've had my eye on this blade since I first walked into Ferguses shop. That last little adventure of ours finally gave me enough to take her off the wall and take her into battle where such a fine blade belongs." As they walk he takes the buckler hanging from his pack off and displays it. The leather covering has clearly seen significant damage and later been patched up. "As for this fine little buckler, no it will have to serve a bit longer. I managed to patch it up a bit so it should hold well enough. Perhaps not as pretty as it once was but it's certainly saved my skin enough times to have earned it's scars." he says before hanging it again from his pack.
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Tess shook her head at the young ones and their youthful enthusiasm. She tried to keep from criticizing them too much since their last adventure. Tam and the others had proven themselves to be very resourceful. Tess was going to turn over a new leaf, and try to stress less and enjoy the trip more. She smiled at Olik, not wanting to brag on him too much and tell him how improved his accent had gotten. No reason to blow his head up...
He looks to Johendar "I got it trough some trusted contacts that say this is the safest route you can take. Of course, things can happen along the way, but you lot are Pathfinders so I assume you can handle yourselves. In any case, I've not traveled the route myself so I can't speak to what you might find exactly. It's safe to say though that deviating from the route will likely find yourselves in much worse circumstances then sticking to the plan."
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"For the most part the dangers are as I had mentioned. According to the map we'll be going right through the mountains which can get cold, especially at night. On the other side of the mountains we'll most likely also run afoul of a swamp."
Considering Jiranis mention of horses he adds, "I've not been this way before but the mountains and bogs might prove horses more a hindrance than a help. Perhaps mules if anything though our own feet may serve us best."
Torch nods at Olik "You've got the gist of it, from what I've been told the path is hard and horses likely wouldn't get you far. The trek is several days long."
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"Well, we are in a grand city. If he truly wishes to ride something...
I'm sure we can convince someone to rent us out a who..."
Tamarie gives a pause that is -a bit too long- before continueing.
"...horse!"
She chuckles, and her eyes sparkle maliciously while slapping Olik and Jirani on their shoulders.
"Onward! I'm dieing to get some dirt on these new shoes and some distance between us and the city!"