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"Oh my, did I sound too preachy there? Miriel, get a grip!" Miriel mutters as she leaves her presentation. She walks around the party, admiring the dresses, but most of the time not even knowing who she is talking to, behind the mask. Finally, she looks for the one she recognizes, Temel, and chats with him about the bidding.
Most unfortunate for us all that currently it seems the whole fabled city would be controlled by one person. Not having a friendly contact in the city would hurt our trade business dearly, so it would seem there is an opportunity to monopolize our trade, just by getting a single section. I am certain Myrosype has stepped on more toes on her way up than just ours. Imagine the prestige of once owning a part of this famous city! The contacts gained during the five years wouldn't just fade away, they would be for life.
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"Phoenix Tail. Well isn't that a unique choice. And who doesn't love the arts." He seems suitably impressed by your in-depth knowledge of the goddess.
When Volar puts on his show, Vayde claps along, perhaps enjoying the bravery of the spectacle more than anything.
And at last, a Bralani. Yes, a fine choice for the Sylvan among us." All three of you seem to have impressed him somewhat.
As he recounts many of his past deeds and accomplishments, you notice a common theme, he is frequently surprised by subterfuge in his ranks. Perhaps if you could learn something about him, some secret, you could use it against him.
As the night wears on, it is evident that educated discussions of philosophy and religion seem to intrigue Vayde. You also note that his mood fluctuates throughout the party, alternating between boredom and despair, to excited ramblings on esoteric philosophies.
"My dear, I am humbled by the extravagant displays of wealth from the likes of Cyran and Myrosype. But you certainly make a point, if no one steps up, who knows what will happen. Not just to me, but to Druma as well."
After further discussions with him, prodding him on to securing just that one district, he suddenly develops a huge smile.
"Yes, I can make strong gains for myself and country by renting the labyrinthine apartments to militaries across the Inner Sea region that wish to train in urban combat. I'll start with Cheliax."
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Iritih is very aware of the previous round of bidding, and Volar is careful to remind her of all the trading possibilities that winning again would provide.
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The gala winds down in unison with its host. By the end of the evening, many of the attendees have removed key portions of their costumes and many carry their masks in their hands.
Everyone gathers as Hegio once again commands the floor.
"On behalf of the Resplendent Bureaucracy, I have the official results for the second round of bidding on the districts of Alabastrine. We have some changes to announce"
The whispers peak once more, but quickly die down.
"The highest bid for the Courts of Abstinence - Temel Passad."
"The highest bid for the Luminous Wharf - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Prophet’s Burg - Irith Nomzamo."
"The highest bid for the Scriptum - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Working End - Myrosype."
"Thank you all again for coming, we will see you tomorrow for the next round of bidding. Have a pleasant night's sleep"
Temel stands in the corner, a broad grin on his face as he winks to your group. The crowd files into their shuttles, Myrosype among them, a tense look upon her face. She catches your eye and smiles defiantly.
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In the late afternoon of the next day, you arrive by carriage to a magnificent estate in the southwestern portion of town that overlooks a training ground for the town's mercenary forces.
You are escorted into a gilded banquet chamber and seated at several large mahogany tables. Once everyone is seated, Irith speaks.
"I welcome all of you to my home. I have designed and prepared the utmost gastronomical tour of Avistan with this banquet tonight. I do hope you enjoy."
Throughout the banquet, Irith hosts an extravagant feast, serving sixteen courses of ever-rarer and expensive delicacies from around the Inner Sea. Between each course, she leaves time for the guests to mingle and talk amongst themselves. However, the frequent arrival of new courses interrupts conversations and makes some methods of influencing bidders more difficult.
One of Irith’s most unusual offerings is a plate of poached chuul tentacles. Irith breaks her silence with their arrival.
"Chuul tentacles, my friends. Even after cooking, these tentacles contain a minor amount of paralytic venom. If eaten correctly, the poison is only enough to provide strange sensations on the inside of the mouth as a part of the dining experience. However, one who does not eat the tentacles correctly risks losing the ability to talk without slurring her words for several minutes in an unseemly display of inexperience."
You notice Irith takes great pleasure in watching your reactions and endeavors as the course arrives.
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"Chuul Tentacles One of my favourites. You are really spoiling us. I look forward to discussing some possibilities in your offices in Albastrine after this is over. One of trade prince Al Hakims many trade licences is supply equipment to the authentic antiquities expeditions in Osirion. Where a means to deal with undead guardians is always useful
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Zarina looks at the tentacles and decides it just isn't worth the risk. Instead, she takes the opportunity to get close to Vayde Petronax.
[b]"I am fascinated by religion and religious ceremonies. Can you tell me a bit about your tenets, and how they would apply to a situation like this? And really, what sort of interests in trade would someone like you be interested in?
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Miriel first avoids the challenging food, but a bit later when the lively discussions distract her mind, she takes a bite from a tentacle without even looking.
"Oh this is spicy! What was it? Oh no, was it the tentacle? Nnngh."
She grabs a full glass of wine, and starts to soothe the feeling in her mouth with constant sipping. Slowly, she begins to blush in embarrassment from her incorrect dining habits.
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Later in the evening, she engages in conversation with Vayde Petronax.
"It might be that you are not aware of our encounter on the way to Alabastrine. We were unfortunately attacked by less successful members of the society, and although dangerous physically, the aftermath raised also a philosophical question. If one follows the teachings of a merciful god, what should be done to criminals met far from jurisdiction? They should be given a chance to redeem themselves, but if let free they may well continue their unlawful ways, and hurt innocent travelers in the future. This time, it was feasible to transport them to authorities, but what if it wasn't? Should they be killed to protect their possible future targets or let go for the chance of redemption?"
During their conversation, Miriel's mood follows Petronax, from despair to excitement.
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Stephen happily chows down on the Chuul tentacles, managing to acquit himself fairly well in the handling of the dish.
He then focuses his attention on influencing Cyran, discussing possible extraplanar sources for skymetal, and mentioning in passing that the Society recently helped reclaim Jormudan, and that undoubtedly, the dwarves there would be very eager to link in with the trans-planar markets, when it came to finding buyers for their skymetal.
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Volar decides to turn his attention on Cyran this time and again uses his meagre skills and knowledge of trade to try to influence the elf to make a bid.
"Good evening Cyran. My associates have told me good things about you and your admiration for the planes. This kind of trade could easily be based out of the warehouses of Working End, could it not? This could be a great place to set up a planar trading hub!"
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With the gamut of reactions to the tentacles, Irith is delighted that many of you have partaken in a delicate ritual of social endurance. She is particularly enamored with Nerisiel, Miriel, and Volar and makes mention of your bravery during the event.
Myrosope speaks first. “The Pathfinder Society may produce capable agents, but they are best suited for delving into muddy ruins rather than playing at understanding matters of business and profit. I mean did you see that elven fool who could not even choke down a single bite of tentacle?”
They both laugh and Myrosype continues.
"With my help, you could retain your present position and reap the benefits as my personal agent in Alabastrine. With the Consortium's vast resources at my disposal, the city would stay in our hands for the rest of our lives. Do you really wish to eek out a destiny on five year intervals? Cede me your district and I and the Aspis Consortium will reward your faithful service with a lion's share of several valuable buildings within the district."
Irith returns a simple response. "As with all proposed ventures, I will consider it."
As Irith's servants clear the last dessert plates from the table and pour strong Mwangi coffee for your departure, Hegio pushes his chair back and clears his throat loudly.
"On behalf of the Resplendent Bureaucracy, I have the official results for the third round of bidding on the districts of Alabastrine. Quite a bit of activity this time"
"The highest bid for the Courts of Abstinence - Temel Passad."
"The highest bid for the Luminous Wharf - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Prophet’s Burg - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Scriptum - Vayde Petronax."
"The highest bid for the Working End - Cyran Androtus."
"Thank you all again for coming, we will see you in a few short hours for the next round of bidding."
You realize that Temel Passad has been noticeably absent from conversations for most of the party. He approaches your group with his entourage. "I just want you know that I have secured sufficient capital to sustain my bid for the Courts for the remainder of the auction. At least I hope I can, it took me mortgaging off two of my summer villas on the Inner Sea."
Myrosype simply ignores you Pathfinders this time and hurriedly moves to her private carriage.
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"I can agree with Zarina. We should concentrate our attempts of persuasion on Cyran and Irith during the next social occasion. Unfortunately, my level of academical sophistication is not enough to impress Cyran. I could provide something to help draw his attention, though. If he is interested in starmetals, presenting my adamantine blade could be used as a conversation starter, if weapons are possible to be taken to the premises. Myself, I am concentrating on Irith in the future.
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You are still feeling quite full as the carriages pull you deep into the heart of Kerse's small industrial section that night for Cyran's event. Suddenly, the carriages pull to a stop and after a moment the doors are opened for you. When you step out, there is no grand mansion before you, only a simple warehouse, albeit with clean lines and a dust-free exterior. One of Cyran's aides pulls open the wide bay door and bows to allow you entrance. Irith and Temel scoff at the musty interior of the warehouse’s gutted interior. Cyran smiles at the first arrivals.
"Welcome to my distribution center. The most efficient in all of Druma." he boasts.
Once all of the guests have arrived, Cyran and his aides usher you to the center of the warehouse. Abruptly, a vibrantly colored storm of magical energy coalesces around a simple circular metal framework.
"Do not be afraid. We will simply need more than horse drawn carriages to reach my gala." he laughs.
Moments after the guests assemble in the center of the circle, the warehouse disappears. Your bodies and minds twist and turn for a few moments as you span across the planes. It is quite a unique feeling if you have never experienced it before.
You find yourselves transported to a vast room located in a tall spire overlooking an ordered city of immense size. Here, golden walls hold windows that gaze down at the planar metropolis below. Inevitable servitors act as security and guests to the extravagant planar vista, which is stocked with a sampling of small foods and drinks from across the multiverse. This large chamber has no visible exits.
This planar escape puts all of the guests slightly on edge. Several of you feel slightly foggy, finding it difficult to concentrate. At the same time, however, the eagle’s view of the well-organized nature of the city makes guests more susceptible to talks of efficiency and finance.
There are several small tables for you to stand next to. Cyran commands one closest to the great window overlooking the city. At some point early in the evening, he calls you over.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, but may I ask for your help. I am absolutely swamped with reviewing contracts for a less than thorough accomplice of mine. Would you mind taking one and having a look at it. Let me know if you can spot any errors within. Then we can talk about more enjoyable matters, such as this auction."
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Stephen happily goes through one of the contracts, easily pointing out numerous errors.
He then moves on to discussing other matters.
"If you corner the market on 'The Working End', as it were, it will allow better stock-piling of resources from around the Inner Sea, making it easier to get the bigger inter-planar contracts."
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Nerisiel trys to apply the various discussions she has heard to apply some sense to the contracts
She will then attempt to assist Stephen
"Yes I hear pathfinders will soon be making lots of trips to the city of brass and other elemental planar places perhaps we can be of mutual assistance with all these interlinked warehouses"
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Stephen, Maranax, and Nerisiel are sharp enough to note several discrepancies in the documents that Cyran presents. He casually thanks you for your "help" in what was clearly a test. He then spends the rest of the night discussing his export interests and suggesting your input on ways he can expand his interplanar endeavors.
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With Cyran being quite occupied with the three pathfinders, Miriel spends the night discussing with Irith.
"I was under the impression that you had an interest on weapons against the unholy. I am no merchant, but I can possibly still offer a weapon: Me. The blessing of my goddess gives great power against the undead. With good relations with us, you would always have help whenever there is a threat from those abominations."
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Hegio takes center stage in the room and stomps his foot assuredly on the immaculately tiled floor.
"On behalf of the Resplendent Bureaucracy, I have the official results for the fourth round of bidding on the districts of Alabastrine. I'm sure you are all getting tired, so I will hasten this."
"The highest bid for the Courts of Abstinence - Temel Passad."
"The highest bid for the Luminous Wharf - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Prophet’s Burg - Irith Nomzamo."
"The highest bid for the Scriptum - Myrosype."
"The highest bid for the Working End - Cyran Androtus."
"Thank you all again for coming, enjoy your trip back to Golarion and we will see you tomorrow for the final round of bidding."
Although Myrosype's hold seems tenuous, you get the sense from examining the other bidders as they flash back to the material plane that (except for Temel Passad) none of them are fully confident they will be able to hold their respective districts from her tomorrow.
Myrosype takes a careful look at you all before she disappears back to the warehouse in Kerse. It is certainly a look of calculation, but perhaps something else as well.
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On the afternoon of the third day, guests are invited to Myrosype’s small estate at the edge of Kerse.
Although not as grand as Irith or Temel's estates, it is nonetheless impressive. Strange statuary and landscape tiles surround the manse, and Myrosype herself stands in full glory upon a second-floor balcony as you arrive. "Please, enter the last event of this marvelous auction. I have something special waiting for you inside. I hope you like combat."
Several of her agents stand at the front doors at attention and turn sharply on their boots as you pass by. They escort you down a flight of stairs in the center atrium of the mansion. You can hear the sounds of metal striking metal from below echoing through the halls. Cautiously you proceed.
To the surprise of you and the other bidders, you are led to a small underground stadium in the depths of her estate. Here, she treats you to a variety of athletic and gladiatorial displays performed by experts from distant Iblydos, Myrosype’s homeland. Myrosype sits across from you all in her own private viewing box. Keeping your attention split between the spectacle before you and Myrosype herself, you hardly notice when one of her aides approaches your group.
"Mistress Myrosype of Iblydos wishes to speak with the six of you privately in her office upstairs." He whispers, then patiently waits for your answer, his eyes transfixed on the gladiators in front of you all, in a show of deference.
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When you agree to meet, the aide gives a quick nod across the arena, Myrosype nods and stands up. She gathers her dress and disappears into the stairway on that side.
"Follow me, if you please." The aide beckons, and leads you up to the main level again and then up a grand staircase to the second floor. He opens up two thick, oak doors and you see Myrosype sitting behind a large desk. There are six upholstered seats placed in front of the desk.
"Please take a seat. We should talk." She says plainly.
The aide waits for you to enter, then closes the door behind you. Myrosype clicks her fingernails against her desk.
"When I first received word that members of the Pathfinders Society were invited to participate in the Auction for Alabastrine, I cannot say that I was surprised. You have been unduly fascinated with Consortium dealings after our regretfully required strike on your Grand Lodge."
"Now, unlike that day, violence is neither necessary, nor prudent, given our location in arguably the most heavily protected city in the world. Yet, here we are, just as in previous years. What has changed? The Consortium again trying to conduct legitimate ventures, and the Society stepping in to meddle and disrupt."
She pauses to stare at each of you for an uncomfortable amount of time.
"Since violence would end poorly for both of us, let me make you a two-fold offer. If you tell me who exactly you’ve worked to influence and who you’ve convinced to champion the Luminous Wharf, I promise to give you a generous supply of gold in untraceable installments over the next several months, so that your Pathfinder Society will never know that it came from me or the Consortium. In addition, I vow to personally assist you if you ever run into significant trouble with the Consortium in the future, which given your collective track record and the personalities of the Decemvirate, you surely will."
"The auction is nearly at an end, and I know that I will be bidding today from a position of strength. I fear that your petty attempts to influence the other bidders will send you back to Absalom with just the memories of five luxurious parties. Unless you take my deal that is."
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"Well, the parties have been lovely. And I concur, there is no need to resort to violence here. The problem here, you see, is that I simply do not trust you to pay the gold you claim. No, maybe if you were willing to pay some up front, I could tell you about Passad's plan to take the wharf, but until you do, I am not saying anything!"
Zarina grins as she looks to the others for nods of approval.
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Volar keeps quiet as the others say exactly what he was thinking.
Volar's greed pulls him one was as his morals pull him the other. In the end he decides to let his allies decide and go with the majority.
"I feel it would be unprofessional to talk about my business dealings, but if my allies wish to share than that is up to them."
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Myrosype cannot hide a smile at Zarina's assertion. She pauses to consider her words.
"My dear, I understand why trust may be an issue. I understand that as new agents in the Pathfinder Society, you are inclined to believe your superiors over someone you have been told is an enemy. But I assure you, my reputation as a reliable negotiator is worth far more than the value I could ever gain from betraying a partner, any partner, in trade."
"This auction has been a bit of a black pit as you can see, it will take some time for me to clear money from any entanglements, the longer you give me, the more I can provide. But, if you absolutely need the money right now, I could gather 150 gp for you my dear half-ling, for the truth that is."
She nods to Volar, then turns to Stephen.
"That's the beauty of it, no one will ever know but us."
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"Ah but my dear Myrosope we would both know that we" Nerisiel gestures to herself and the other pathfinders "Are a group that can easily be bought. Would you really trust such partners? No me and my colleagues are not a troupe who changes their song halfway through a performance. We decline your kind offer and will finish our song. I hope perhaps some other time we can do business together" she smiles as she finishes
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"Scorn and enmity are all you shall have of me, Madame." says Maranax. "I do believe you would live up to your filthy bargain, but I also know you would not make it if you were not frightened of our success."
"You killed friends of ours in Absalom and the Pathfinder Society does not forget. You are safe here for the moment, but you will leave one day, and we will be there, waiting."
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Miriel listens to the conversation, silent, her head bowed. When the other pathfinders have answered, she finally raises her head.
"I was there, Myrosype. How can you claim that such an immoral attack was necessary? Many of those killed were young, maybe not even completed their training, eager to just explore the world and it's wonders. I cannot find any reason why their deaths were necessary. I know that the society is not perfect, and there are many whose acts are questionable at best, but as a whole, we at least try to act honorably and better the lives of people."
She stares at Myrosype sternly, her mouth pressed into a tight line. Then, after a brief moment, she softens, sighs and continues.
"Still, I will forgive and offer you a chance. There is much good I could do with your gold. I will not, cannot, keep any trades secret. I would inform the whole society of our agreements, and most probably the consortium would hear about them. Also, I am not in a position to negotiate the exact terms with which our relationship to you could be restored to a less conflicting level. If you are willing, we would agree a meeting, so that a mutually beneficial partnership could be formed between you and the society. So, no, I will not agree to your suggestion but you are welcome to the Grand Lodge if you want to gain wealth by working with us instead of against us."
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She is somewhat taken aback by the final two speeches. After a long pause, she speaks.
“While this is not the first time I’ve heard accusations of nefarious intent from members of the Pathfinder Society, I have to say, this is by far the most egregious accusation I have heard yet. Yet, I do not blame you, or shall I say your inexperience, for being fooled. The world is a much more complicated place than you realize.”
Her head turns and she smiles warmly.
"More than that, I guess I should thank you for bringing the slander against my name to my attention, as it could damage my business if it were not properly handled."
"But enough of this idle chatter. I have presented a fair deal to you all. It seems that several of you have made up your mind and you do not wish to consider it. To your folly."
She stands up, straightens her dress, and begins to exit to the doorway behind her desk.
"Please do not let this conversation taint your enjoyment of the rest of the party. Nerisiel, I shall consider your offer. Unlike some of your associates, I never reject a potential deal out of hand."
She stops once she opens the door and nods to you all.
"Oh, and I shall enjoy watching your reactions to the final bidding today."
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As the door close in the back of the room, the door at the front of the room opens. The aide stands there again and silently waits for you to follow him back to the arena.
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The arena is still flush with activity and it is unclear whether any of the guests noticed you missing. For the rest of the event, hors d'oeuvres are served as everyone mingles and works with their entourages to secure last minute financing and set themselves up for the final bid.
Myrosype has returned to her box seat and is surrounded by aides, who all look remarkably calm and relaxed given the nature of the day.
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Yes, they do. Reasoning ...
and
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"Here I am again Vayde. Talking to you not Irith. It was a strange spectacle Myrosype treated us to. Almost as if she were trying to say I have a small army of mercenaries at her disposal. Perhaps she fears what is to be found in the scriptorium. Perhaps there is unique insights into the prophet or perhaps even some tidit of Desna's early wonderings."