|
The huge former cathedral to Aroden lies up the steep path before you. Excepting the Grand Lodge itself in Absalom, this is perhaps the most resplendent Pathfinder lodge in all of the Inner Sea.
As the blunt sea air of the port of Almas slowly fades in the distance, you can see other pathfinders on the same journey as your own.
It seems like a good time to introduce yourselves to your fellow Open Road companions.
|
Zarina hears Nerisiel singing, and jumps in with some harmony. Lovely! We can be a troupe!
Zarina has olive skin and very colorful silks, with many bracelets and large hoop earrings, looking much like a miniature gypsy.
"I am ready for a mission! My first seemed so lame, but in the end, it was very exciting! I, somehow, became the saving hero of the day! We were all quite surprised, but it happened just the same."
|
Miriel smiles at the enthusiastic halfling. "I would be delighted to hear more of your singing, Maybe I could accompany you with my flute?" she says, drawing a wooden flute from her belt.
Miriel would go for a half-elf for her build, if not for her clearly elven almond eyes. Her white clothes and dark hair are like a canvas for all the colourful details she has meticulously added, looking together as a praise to the colors of the rainbow. Even her shield and assortment of weapons on her back blend seamlessly into the whole.
"Art will stay, when we have passed. All know it is that way for us mortals, but for gods it may well be the same. Will more follow him and disappear?" Miriel wonders, pointing at the former cathedral with her flute.
|
Aloof and still as stone, allowing the sea air to ruffle his long hair, Maranax says little to the passengers and crew, becoming animated only when he notices Nerisiel and Miriel. To these he offers a formal bow, exactly proper in the fashion of the elves of Kyonin.
"The stars look with favor on the hour of our meeting," he says in elvish. "I am Maranax, your obedient servant. Please do not hesitate to call upon me for any assistance you require."
Following Miriel's gaze and thought, he switches back to Taldan. "A human god. Fleeting and ephemeral, like all things human. The elvish gods are eternal. Our ancestors strode the starlit forests of Golarion when his were yet undreamed of."
|
Nerisiel berates Maranax in
She looks towards the halfling "I look forward to performing with such a hero. My name is Nerisiel If you could tell me the details of your tale perhaps we could create a song to tell of your brave deeds"
|
|
A tall, thin, half-elven male frowns as he listens the the banter between the Elves. Frowning he interjects:
"Nothing is truly eternal apart from entropy and chaos, for in the end, even death may die. Aroden may be long gone, but ultimately, all will follow in his wake, from the humblest peasant, to the mightiest deity - the difference is solely the time course involved."
He then bows to the rest of the party.
"You can call me Stephen. I specialise in matters of the arcane, and occult."
|
|
"...i know you don't like being in that cage thing but you're just going to have to stay there below decks until we get where we're going..." shouts Volar as he steps backwards from below deck and almost bumps in to half the group. He's an older human gentleman with whitening hair and a well trimmed beard. He has the weathered look of a man who has spent plenty of time away from the comforts of more civilized places to live.
"Oh i'm sorry everyone, i really must watch where i'm going. I was distracted having to deal with my companion, Smiler. He can get a tad agitated when he isn't able to roam about. But we can't very well have an ape wandering around the ship getting in the way of the crew now can we!"
|
|
"I think Stephen has it right. We are all bound by the same fate, but we should make that fickle moment beautiful."
"An ape? I have never had the chance to see one, much less befriend. I am delighted of the chance to get to know the formidable beasts better. Please, could you introduce me to your friend?"
|
|
Making your way through the wide streets of the Andoran capital, you reach the top of the large hill that holds the Pathfinder lodge. Several junior agents spot your approach. After a cursory vetting, the massive doors of the cathedral swing open for you.
Venture-Captain Brackett sits at a narrow table in the grand entryway. This resplendent marble chamber, once the vestibule of a cathedral of Aroden, is now a well-stocked library. Carvings on the walls depict Pathfinder agents exploring forgotten ruins and facing fearsome beasts. Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, seated opposite the venture-captain, reviews a stack of papers.
The trade prince speaks first. “Welcome, Pathfinders. Take a seat.” He turns toward several vacant chairs. “You will be departing for Druma tomorrow morning. I’ve arranged for all of your travel expenses. The journey will take you from Almas up through the foothills of southeastern Isger, and then from the settlement of Dustspawn into the borders of Druma.” He glances at the stack of papers in his hands. “These documents will handle any issues with your lodgings or questions from local government officials.”
Venture-Captain Brackett nods to the Trade Prince before standing and moving to a map on the far end of the table, interjecting. “Yes, the trade prince has seen to your travel, and for that the Society is appreciative. Your mission involves entering the nation of Druma, specifically its capital city of Kerse. There, you’ll meet up with an acquaintance of the Society who has offered to assist us in executing this unique mission. As you may be aware, terrorists from the Aspis Consortium attacked the Society’s annual Convocation. An anonymous but reliable informant within the Consortium that we’ve taken to calling Three Rings has pointed us in the direction of the financier for this dastardly attack—a Consortium silver agent named Myrosype.”
“The city of Alabastrine is the epitome of Drumish wealth. It was built to accommodate an influx of refugees that never came to Druma in the wake of Aroden’s death. The resident Kalistocrats maintain the city in perfect condition, even its empty properties. Even Alabastrine’s method of selecting leaders revolves around wealth. Every five years, Druma sets up an auction for control of each of the city’s five districts. The latest cycle of bidding is about to commence, and Myrosype has positioned herself to claim a majority of Alabastrine’s districts. She may very well have the resources to claim the entire city for herself.”
The trade prince adds, “We want you to attend the auction, which has been arranged by the best contact we could find for the job. Some of you may know him. His name is Temel Passad, and he can provide you with more information when you arrive in Kerse. Once there, do your best to convince the participants in the auction to overtake Myrosype’s bids. Your actions in this event may not be a direct recompense for her participation in the attack against the Society, but trust me when I say that striking her in the wallet will be a precise and worthwhile blow.”
"So, I imagine you have some questions for us now." The Venture-Captain says as he returns to his seat.
|
|
On the trade prince's suggestion, Miriel takes a seat, straightening few crumples on her clothes after sitting down. She listens calmly as the trade prince and venture captain speak, until the mention of the attack at the convocation. A brief expression of concern passes on her face, and she momentarily touches the hilt of her sword. She calms down as soon as the topic switches again.
"The convocation, yes, I was there. It was, no, nevermind", she starts but then shakes her head and changes the subject. "We are to concentrate on the task at hand. Even if I wish it would be better for her to be judged for her crimes, a punishment by attacking what she values most is better than nothing. We have our contact, but how are we to act in Druma? Should we hide our affiliation, or can we present ourselves as Pathfinders, both to the bidders and to Myrosype? I presume all the bidders we are to persuade are respectable citizens or at least potential friends for the society? It wouldn't be pleasant to convince them with lowly thuggery."
|
|
"I take it we have a small number of people with whom we can do business with in Kerse? I sense you would rather not deal with Temel Passad is he the one who provided the transport in the glass river incident? Did he not fall out with one of our dwarf envoys to the worldwound crusade"
"Ah yes I remember now Kalistocrats believe a certain abstinence and dressing in white with minimal physical contact leads to great progits coming their way"
|
|
----
“Well, Miriel. the Venture Captain answers "As you may know, the Society rarely ventures into Druma. The resident ruling caste—followers of a philosophy known as the Prophecies of Kalistrade—has shown little interest in engaging with the Society. Druma is perhaps the richest nation in Golarion and their military, the Mercenary League, is one of the best trained forces in the world. We’ve had few interactions with Druma, and we’d prefer not to earn their ire, so be on your best behavior, perhaps we can even make some new friends for the Society. Besides, if we wanted to send in the thug squad, Abadar only knows there are countless other Pathfinders we would send in your lot's stead.”
After the nervous laughter dies, he continues with more gravitas. “Unfortunately for us, Myrosype’s deployment in Druma puts her under the protection of the governing Kalistocracy. Druma has one of the strongest security forces in the Inner Sea, and Kerse itself is constantly monitored with scrying sensors to ensure civil obedience. Even if you were able to escape an attempt with your lives, your actions would be traced back to the Society, which would put us at odds with the Kalistocracy—a battle that we simply don’t have the resources to win.”
-----
The Trade Prince is slightly startled by Nerisiel's deduction. “Temel is but a Druman merchant who has agreed to assist us.”
Sensing his hesitation to speak further, Venture-Captain Brackett finishes, “Well, Temel is a merchant whose influence among the Prophets of Kalistrade is growing. As you said Nerisiel, Temel has been involved in several past Society operations, and while our agents have scorned him in the past, he’s willing to give us a chance by assuring your invitation to the bidding process. Since Passad is also one of the bidders, his motives are certainly not purely altruistic. Nonetheless, we can’t risk passing up the opportunity to strike at Myrosype.”
"I wish I could be more forthcoming about the other bidders, but we simply don't know much about them. I suggest you discuss as much as you can with Temel when you arrive in Kerse."
"Are there any other questions? The Trade Prince and I have other business to attend to. Your ferry to Isger awaits you at the dock, fully stocked with Qadiran delicacies."
|
|
Miriel nods to the trade prince and venture captain. "I suppose we can work with this. Druma sounds like a very orderly nation, so we as law-abiding citizens should have no problems there as we are not engaged in any questionable activity. I take it is acceptable and even common to offer the bidders some perspectives before the actual event."
"As the nation and bidders are rich, I think it would be better for me to choose a more sophisticated dress when addressing them. I'll pick something up with the help of my local sisters in faith", Miriel says to her companions.
|
|
The Venture Captain shrugs at Miriel. "I'm not sure what the formal bidding policies are, but I'm sure they are strict. It would be better to ask that of Temel when you meet with him prior."
The Trade Prince, sensing that the questions are nearly complete makes eye contact with a few of you.
"Nerisiel and Volar, if you wouldn't mind joing me in the choir loft, I would like to ask your opinion on some matters of trade."
"However, when we formed an agreement with a diplomat from the Five Kings Mountains, Passad was unable to put his own personal dislike of the emissary aside for the sake of business."
"He has borne a grudge against the Exchange ever since. Now, he obstructs our attempts to develop connections within Druma. His decision to invite a junior agent to the auction instead of inviting me personally is but the latest in a string of slights."
"While I cannot attend the festivities myself, I trust that you can pursue our mutual interests in my place. While you are certainly welcome to express your displeasure to Passad, I have no interest in engaging the merchant in a war of petty vengeance."
"The auction provides you with a rare opportunity to speak to members of Druman society with higher social station than Passad himself. If you convince one of these people to work with the Exchange, you will set the groundwork for brushing aside Passad’s further attempts to stand in our way."
"Passad may not believe that you are capable of making such inroads, but I do. Since your own personal clout is not yet significant, I expect that you will need to prove yourself first by making a positive impression. Do not rush to create a trade deal before you know what your potential partner seeks."
"Finally, remember, a honeyed tongue is like gold: it can reliably earn you favor, but it is rarely the most valuable commodity. The surest route to success is to engage with a person’s interests and desires.”
As you are about to rejoin your companions, he adds...
“Do not spend so much effort seeking a new ally that you neglect your mission to hamper Myrosype’s rise. If Myrosype becomes a rising star in Druman politics, her interference promises to outweigh any benefit we could gain from a new alliance.”
|
|
Zarina notes with mild interest the fact that some of their numbers are taken aside, but then pays it little mind after that.
"Fine clothing... yes, that might be useful! My costumes may look the part for a performance, but anyone with a taste of the finer things in life would see through them in a moment!"
Zarina will join Miriel, likewise spending 30gp on a courtier outfit and another 50 gold on various accessories.
"Ooook!"
Smiler gives his signature grin as it's clear he's happy to wear something fancy again.
|
|
After making any needed purchases, the group begins the long journey to Kerse.
As promised, the ferry at the dock in Almas is a rather elaborate affair, at least by Pathfinder standards. Each of you has a private cabin (somewhat cramped) below deck and the food is actually served in an on-deck dining room sheltered from the sun by a clean white canvas.
You travel by this river ferry up the Andoshen River and then take the western break up the River Foam. From there, you disembark and travel through the southern foothills of Isger, eventually reaching the settlement of Dustspawn, the final stop on your journey before entering Druma.
The mountain path that connects Isger and Druma is well maintained. Even though the territory belongs to Isger, Druma foots the bill for repairs and embellishments to keep the path clear and easy to travel.
It is here that you have your first strange encounter. As you climb toward a steep mountain pass and clear a switchback from a highly wooded area, you spot a curious sight.
A fifteen-foot-wide path curves along the side of a towering mountain peak. Wind howls through the pass, knocking up occasional piles of gravel and tossing it off the cliff’s hazardous edge. A solid stone bridge connects the mountainous path with a similar pass to a peak further north.
The stern visage of a dwarven monarch looks north, matching the gaze of another stone carving on the opposite mountaintop. The human-sized eyes of the statue’s face are black pits, carved so deep that they admit no light into their hollow depths. From under the gigantic face, the bridge was made to look like the outstretched arm of the stone dwarf, reaching out with a stone hammer in direct imitation of the opposite stone figure.
The outstretched arms of two stone carved dwarves each hold similarly crafted hammers. The heads of these hammers touch, forming a bridge between two mountainous trails, one to the north and south. The center point of the bridge, where the hammers meet, is covered in wooden debris and numerous broken objects. A short figure stands in the middle of the debris, obscured by a thick cloak, pulled around like a blanket. Through the pulses of the wind, you can hear her sobbing and she turns to look at you, arms outstretched.
"Please, help me."
|
|
"I can heal your wounds, if my humble power is enough. If the wand is for more unusual wounds, I am not that certain. My companions here warned of avalanches, so let us take it with caution", Miriel answers the woman, keeping her voice calm and soft. She advances carefully toward the woman, to avoid any possible danger.
|
|
She staggers forward, towards Nerisiel.
------------------
"You, you channel the power of your god to heal me? I am truly blessed."
With a turn of her face, the dwarf woman lunges forward drawing a knife as she charges Nerisiel. She screams "Now, you fools!"
Initiative Order
Zarina
Dwarf
Human NE
Volar
Nerisiel - 6 damage
Stephen
Miriel
Smiler
Human NW
Human N
Human S
Maranax
Serves her right for tricking you...
At nearly the same time, a bolt flies from what appears to be the eye socket of the dwarven sculpture to the north and sticks in Nerisiel's chest.