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Each of you received a missive to report to The Laughing Lizard, a bar run by a pathfinder named Kel Na'Yaa. As soon as you arrive, his assistant, a Halfling woman by the name of Meralda takes you into a room in the back, and servers take your orders while she gives you a small smile.
Kel will be here soon to brief you, he just arrived from an assignment and is getting some affairs in order. Please, order whatever you like, it's all on the house.
As she leaves, you can hear an accented voice in another room [/ooc]Very similar to Captain Hook from the tv show Once Upon a Time[/ooc] shouting.
Oy Meralda! Where in the Nine Hells is my good shirt? I've only been gone six weeks and my entire office has been ransacked!
Meralda grins as she makes her exit, and laughs under her breath.
"Ransacked" my ass! I just finally was able to get in there and clean it!
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Heavy footsteps come to a halt as a well armed woman, with flowing long blond hair, stands quietly at the entrance of the back room. Resting loosely on her left arm is a heavy steal shield with a powerful five winged angel emblazoned in the center of the barricade. A mural depicting the struggle between heaven and hell has been intricately worked into her ornately crafted breastplate, which leads most people to reflect on the ongoing crises in the World Wound. A small leather thong lies limply around her neck and holds a tiny figure of the same five winged angel that is showcased on her shield.
Among the weapons that the woman carries is a masterly crafted cold-iron bastard-sword, which rests in a scabbard and hangs comfortable on her left hip.
“Well met everyone, I am Sophera Moonglade. It looks like we will be spending a little time together. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone after the briefing.” The young woman moves into the room and takes a chair with as much elegance as her armament will allow.
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An tall and very skinny elf sidles into the room. Laying her bow down she whistles. A large wolf slinks through the door and sits and her feet while she assesses the state of this particular dive.
Eventually, her eyes adjusted to the room she glides over towards Saphera.
"You here for the mission too?"
Bluntly spoken, and wearing well worn travel gear, the elf-maid would appear to not really be a people-person.
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Turzyk stands up and bows to the ladies. "Well met. I am Turzyk Sunwarden, from the lands of Tien. I was also instructed to show here for a briefing of importance." and then he offers the others a seat at his table while he finishes his meal. One can see that he is divinely inspired and worships Shiruzu. He has polished armor and a strong looking eastern sword and wooden sword on his belt. He gives a courteous nod to Saphera as another angelkin.
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Sitting in the room with not one, not two, but no less than three beautiful angelic beings starts to make Oleander feel... a little bit out of place.
"Maybe I'm not the best person for this...." she murmurs, somewhat in awe of the beings around her.
"Woof" says the large wolf, who gives her a reassuring lick. My what big teeth he has.
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The door of The Laughing Lizard opens and a lovely young woman breezes through it, accompanied by the cheery sound of tiny bells, jingling softly with her every step. She was of average height and slender build and she moved with the poise of an accomplished dancer. Her dress was a rainbow of pastels made in the Varisian style of a light filmy fabric that fluttered showily on the air as she moved. Most odd about her appearance was her hair, which was a bright blue that appeared completely natural, her eyebrows and lashes the same color as well, but a deeper shade.
She smiles as Meralda greets her and surprises the halfling woman by speaking to her in the native tongue of her kind. They chatter for a brief time and soon they are both laughing and clasping hands together as if they were old friends. Meralda points her to your table and she steps lightly to join your company, moving with exceptional rhythm and grace.
She stops short as she notices those who have preceded her to the table, blinking large sapphire-colored eyes in apparent surprise. "Oh! Hello there." She tilts her head curiously and looks between Saphera and Turzyk. "Forgive me, but are you both Aasimar? I have never seen so many gathered before... Do you think that is intentional?" She bows to the Pathfinders and introduces herself. "I am Azura and I am a performer as well as a Pathfinder agent. My stage name is 'the bluedove'."
As she takes her seat and settles into stillness, her diaphanous, sky-colored tresses continue to swim around her shoulders as if stirred by some phantom breeze. Her eyes shone with excitement and seemed to have shifted to a brighter shade of blue than before. A short time later Meralda returns with a veritable feast of halfling cuisine and she beams at the little woman. "It looks divine, thank you so much!" She begins eating and drinking with gusto, stopping only long enough to invite you to join. "Please, help yourself if you want something. You've never truly eaten until you've tasted the creations of a talented halfling cook."
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"Well met indeed Turzyk. You have come a long way to serve the society if you are from Tien. I recently had the pleasure of traveling those lands, on the societies coin of course. It is a very interesting culture to say the least."
After returning Tuzyk's greeting, Saphera turns her attention back to Oleander. "What makes you think you are not a good fit for this up coming mission? Do you know what the society has in store for us?"
Glancing down at the wolf, Saphera smiles then holds out a hand to test the canine's temperament.
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A man with little more than 5' tall enters in The Laughing Lizard. His noble traces are clear for any common observant, specially by his well care beard, a symbol of nobility in his country, Taldor.
When meet the other agents, Andruss was very polite and serious, maintaining an intellectual posture.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my friends. I'm Andruss Delsine at your service", he bows to them.
"And yes, I'm here for the mission too. I hope we have a good time together."
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Mist rolls in, and a man walks in, a heavy trench coat covers what looks like leather armor worn by elves who live deep in thier forrested realms and never see the sun because of the thick canopy. His face is hidden, you can't tell whom this is, though by looking at the Mithal scarf that helps to obscure his features futher he is obviously rich. The hat he wears, is strange and seems to be made of some material you havn't seen before.
Walking into the room, he moves over to a chair, and lounges in it as if nothing is off, or strange about his appearnce. I am the Silver Shroud, I was summoned here, for what I would like to find out.
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The elf looks releived to see some more ... normal.. people arrive.
"I thought maybe this was a mission for the angle blooded.." she admits.
"Which would be pleasant enough company. But.. unusual."
She looks around the room again.
"It would appear to be a varied set of talents this one will require. I wonder what they have in store for us."
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In response to Oleander's explanation, Saphera nods.
"At first, I was wondering the same thing. That is, I was wondering if the mission might have a demonic overtone. Now i'm not so sure. It might just be a coincidence, an unusual one for sure, but coincidence just the same. Either way, you will be welcome and appreciated in our newly formed group. Besides the elves of Golarion stand next to none other when it comes to majesty."
Sophera smiles with the hope that her complement put Oleander's concerns to rest.
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"Personally I prefer standing next to trees.." Oleander starts to explain.
"I don't really get along with people very well.." she sighs.
"Humans in particular. They infest the world like lice..."
She nods an apology to Andruss. "Sorry.. blunt speaking is one of the things I'm told I need to work on. I'm sure some of you are nice. I just havn't met many yet."
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The Silver Shoud smiles, "Death comes for evil doers, and I...AM ITS SHROUD!"
With that, his hands arc with lighting and a lighting sword appears in both hands with a quick spin it arcs and hits the air in front of him as if thrown.
Look to me oh warrior of the Light when the nights grow cold and evil lurks behind every door. There I will be, to kill all that would be evil in the world
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The Silver Shroud's monologue is punctuated by the door flying open. Meralda rolls her eyes, and mutters through a leg of mutton to Bluedove.
Here we go... All dramatic like. It's almost like he can't help himself..
The figure standing in the doorway is at least somewhat impressive. A human man of about six feet, clad in black dragon-skin leather pants, a matching long coat full of pockets, and a crimson noble's shirt looks at you all, his hand resting on the hilt of a very well made, and highly magical, rapier on his waist. His belt is adorned with multiple pouches, and two bandoliers cross his chest, full of flasks, wands, and other types of alchemical tools. He eyes you all, and then smiles.
Oy there! I'm Kel, owner of this fine establishment, and the pathfinder in charge of making sure you get to this mission in one piece. I see Meralda has already gotten your food ready. That's good, we have a lot to discuss.
The man takes a seat at the front of the room, puts his feet up on a table, and takes a massive leg of ham from a plate.
You've been summoned here because one of our agents, a friend of mine named Nieford Sharrowsmith, has gone missing. About fifteen years ago, he began a dedicated study of the Mwangi Expanse, and within a few years his regional knowledge made him one of the Society’s foremost scholars in the region. In partnership with local merchant Aya Allahe, he founded Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a trade company in Nantambu that serves as a front for the Pathfinder lodge within. Over time, his role in the business combined with a promotion to venture-captain meant he spent more time administrating and less time actually exploring—much to his irritation and dismay—so when he came across a scrap of dwarven text referencing ruins in the Bandu Hills, Sharrowsmith made its exploration his pet project. But every time he tried to set aside time for an expedition, some other emergency or opportunity would demand his attention. Confident that Allahe and a handful of resident agents could keep the business running smoothly, he quietly slipped away for one last adventure. That was the last I heard from him. I finally convinced the master of scrolls to let me send an expedition looking for him, and that's you lot. I looked your credentials over before I got sent to a... function six weeks ago, and I believe you all will be able to find out what happened. I've already arranged your travel to the Expanse, so go ahead and buy whatever you need here before setting off. You'll have free room and food here for the remainder of today and tonight, and you'll be off tomorrow morning. Once there, you'll meet up with the merchant Aya Allahe who'll brief you more, and relay anything else she's found since I talked to her last. For now, enjoy the meal, buy what you need, and rest up. I'll be unavailable, as while I was gone someone ransacked my office and now I can't find some of my things.
He gives Meralda a pouty look with the last bit, and gets up while munching on his ham leg.
Meralda laughs after Kel leaves, and addresses you all.
His bark is much worse than his bite, I assure you. I'll arrange for you to have a ride around the city in the Lizard's wagon, if you need to travel to purchase anything.
Your journey to the Expanse is relatively smooth, with you having plenty of time to get to know one another. Once you arrive, a local meets you at the dock your boat is docked at and leads you into the main city. He drops you off at an office building and motions for you to enter. There, you meet Aya, who gets right into business.
The reputable merchant and ally of the Society Aya Allahe paces one of the back rooms of Sharrowsmith’s Exports, a walled trade compound on the northern edge of Nantambu in the Mwangi Expanse.
I wish I had more to offer, Allahe apologizes before even presenting what information she has. Nieford Sharrowsmith never truly retired from being a Pathfinder, even after he started this business. I think, in his mind, he was still the young adventurer that hiked through jungles and fought off troglodyte tribes. Sharrowsmith’s attitude changed over the last few months—I think he was concerned for his legacy and how history would remember him. Would it be for his discoveries or for the export business that dominated his later years? The answer, I fear, was unpalatable.
“It was no surprise when he packed up and left on an expedition. But that was months ago, and neither the Society nor I have heard from him since. Sharrowsmith has never left for this long without leaving some word as to his status or sending rather demanding missives about business decisions while he was waist-deep in some jungle bog. When my own contacts failed to turn up any useful information, I had no recourse but to go through his private notes.
Allahe motions to the mess of documents scattered about the office.
What caught my eye was this translated rubbing. It appears to be the most recent piece of a very large puzzle Sharrowsmith was researching and indicated that he may be somewhere in the Bandu Hills. Traders from Fort Bandu have confirmed that he paid the garrison a visit, but that’s where my trail ran cold. Something happened out there, and Praetor Sylien—Fort Bandu’s commander—refuses to correspond with me on the matter despite knowing how close Nieford and I are. All I received in response was that Nieford had ‘done enough damage for one lifetime,’ and that if I wanted to discuss the matter further I would need to go to Fort Bandu in person.
Exasperatedly, Allahe runs a hand across her forehead and turns her distant stare out the window.
I cannot shutter the business and travel hundreds of miles on the off chance that the praetor can help; the company would fall apart. I’m hoping that you will be able to go in my stead, speak with the praetor personally to learn what has befallen Sharrowsmith and help him return.
She hands you the rubbing, an incomplete dwarven piece of parchment.
…and with this engraving, we commit to the histories the founding of Ashkurhall. Here we will strike the stone in memory of our ancestors and the promise of the sky that was taken from us. So far we have traveled and so long we have sought stone to call our home . In the shadow of the mountain the humans call Nakyuk, we will build a new future for...
She waits patiently for the inevitable questions from you all...
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"Personally I prefer standing next to trees.." Oleander starts to explain.
"I don't really get along with people very well.." she sighs.
"Humans in particular. They infest the world like lice..."
She nods an apology to Andruss. "Sorry.. blunt speaking is one of the things I'm told I need to work on. I'm sure some of you are nice. I just havn't met many yet."
Azura blinks her wide blue eyes which have heightened to an icy shade. "Oh... That's a shame. Humans are like most species. Some are good, some are evil, most are somewhere in between. There's a saying about the good ones dying young though, maybe that's why you rarely meet them." She shrugs amicably, hoping to set the elf at ease. Azura had not known her own mother, but she was certain she was one of the good ones... and it had definitely contributed to her dying young.
She shares a smile with at Meralda at Kel's antics. It seems she was being upstaged in the drama department on at least two counts, remembering The Silver Shroud's electric display. But she listens seriously and says, "Thank you for your hospitality, we will do our utmost to find the wayward Venture-Captain and bring him home."
Azura goes shopping for 1 bedroll, 1 hot weather outfit, 5 trail rations, 1 waterskin, 2 scrolls of comprehend languages, 1 acid flask, 1 alchemist fire, 2 alkali flasks, 2 holy water, 1 smokestick, and 1 tindertwig. She will also touch base with faction contacts and call in a favor for a wand of shield.
Possibly a climber's kit as well depending on the answer below...
That evening the bluedove performed for The Laughing Lizard's patrons to pay their hosts back for the free room and board. She danced and sang a melodious story of a dashing young swashbuckler and his epic journey through the desert sands on the trail of a nefarious jewel thief.
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Azura considers Allahe's words, "Enough damage for a lifetime... You do not think the Praetor is holding VC Sharrowsmith prisoner for some perceived crime, do you? That would make freeing him complex indeed. Is the Praetor dwarven? If so we might do better with a cask of ale than wine. This text makes mention of a mountain, do you expect we may be mountain climbing or spelunking, perhaps?"
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The Silver Shroud pipped up as well, "Is this going to be another instance of being dropped off in the middle of nowhere with no knowledge and, or the wrong knowledge. If so will be allowed to buy maps, hire guides, and do the nessacary things that a Venture Captain should do? My own, Venture Captain Baron Dark Mask says that a good many of the older captains drop you off into rough things without a second though.
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"Let me see if i got this right... You want us to travel to Fort Bandu, 'convince' Praetor Sylien—Fort Bandu’s commander, of helping us and being more communicative with the society and also find out what transpired to Nieford Sharrowsmith...? Seems odd that if Nieford had been studying the Expanse for 15 years he suddenly became disruptive and caused damage. As far as the Expanse goes, I have no knowledge of the area so all of this will be knew to me."
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There's a saying about the good ones dying young though, maybe that's why you rarely meet them."
"I thought all humans died young.." comments Oleander. "I've never heard of one even getting to one hundred."
Before leaving she does some shopping. She visits an enchanter to work on her bow, and then a smithy where she picks up a rather sweet looking morning star. She then refills her quivers.
"As for talking with Praetor Sylien.. I'll help the team get there, but the rest of the team may be better dealing with him...I tend to find authority figures just annoy me."
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While sitting patiently at her table, Saphera looks over to Turzyk.
"Everything you mentioned sounds good Turzyk, but I believe we are going over our collective knowledge of the region and the quest at hand. In addition to that, we are still asking questions that could influence what gear we take. I for one, am curious what to expect of the area. Things like weather and what not. I am also interested if there is more to know about this rubbing. I think it might be related to why Mr. Sparrowsmith dove back into exploring vs. running his business."
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"I am both knowledgable in the occult and many other facets of learning. I have also the power to cast spells,and create potions that others may use if needs be. My fighting style relies on flanking and attacking with either my scimitar or lighting. My combat potiental is not as high as my skill sets"
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"Humans in particular. They infest the world like lice..."
She nods an apology to Andruss. "Sorry.. blunt speaking is one of the things I'm told I need to work on. I'm sure some of you are nice. I just havn't met many yet."
"Don't worry, my friend. I have to agree with you in this point. This could be a better place to live if more angels-like as our friends and sincere women like you rule these lands", Andruss nods to Oleander.
"Or maybe you can get back to Kyonin and live there the rest of your life", the witch thought as he smiles to the elf.
"Looks like Saphera and myself are the front line troops whilst Oleander shoots her bow and Azura and Andruss act as buffers and de-buffers. I am not sure what you can do Silver Shroud. I guess just figure out where you fit in. Everyone set?"
"Absolutely. He is the showman... No?"
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Not much. Sharrowsmith’s notes say the rubbing was made by miners in the Bandu Hills over sixty years ago, and the rubbing found its way to him through auctions he frequented. Whatever he read there, it lit a fire under him.
I know him only by reputation. The grandson of an old elven explorer, he’s served the garrison for decades, though I hear he’s mostly retired now. My business associates say he is a fair and very pragmatic man, one who respects hard facts and truth. His being dismissive of my request sounds uncharacteristic.
Of course, I imagine every Pathfinder does, though, he has rarely discussed them openly with me. Sharrowsmith never seemed paranoid or overly concerned about vendettas in his business dealings and never double-crossed anyone to my knowledge. I might wonder: how many enemies does your Society have?
Most importantly, it’s a dangerous place. This is true of much of the Expanse, but the Bandu Hills have a dozen ways to kill before accounting for living creatures: heat, dehydration, landslides, poisonous plants, carnivorous plants, and so on. Unfortunately, the place is sick with riches like diamonds, gold, and silver—an embarrassment of wealth that only attracts more dangerous occupants. I am surprised that Sharrowsmith didn’t settle down there, to be honest.
In his youth, he did. With his bad back, he needs teamsters to carry equipment and scribes to help with field research. But it’s quite out of character for Sharrowsmith to embark without staff. I think he felt like he had something to prove.
Thanks to the rocky terrain and bright sun, the daytime temperature of the Bandu Hills can sometimes reaches lethal extremes. Fort Bandu is the only major settlement for miles, and serves to protect the prospectors in the region.
Regional threats include the often-hostile Bandu tribes, ghouls and groups of kobolds, goblins, and hobgoblins. The one of the highest points in the Bandu Hills is Mount Nakyuk, famed for the veins of gold under it several centuries ago.
(Merchant or Miner DC 10:
(Merchant or Miner DC 15:
(Merchant or Miner DC 20:
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[Dice=Knowledges] 1d20+1d6+12
The Silver Shroud pipped up as well, "Is this going to be another instance of being dropped off in the middle of nowhere with no knowledge and, or the wrong knowledge. If so will be allowed to buy maps, hire guides, and do the nessacary things that a Venture Captain should do? My own, Venture Captain Baron Dark Mask says that a good many of the older captains drop you off into rough things without a second though.
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After making your purchases, you begin your journey south. The trip is uneventful, and other than bonding with one another, and your guide, nothing much happens.
The route involves traveling by boat down the Vanji River, then switching to canoes to paddle up the Little Vanji and Dzimmi Rivers. Finally, you wind through several of the lower Bandu Hills through a pass to Fort Bandu. The fort is a small frontier settlement surrounded by high stone walls located on the northern edge of Sargava. Within the fort’s walls, dozens of mining companies maintain outposts out of pavilion tents, hiring laborers and purchasing necessary supplies brought in by merchants from the north, south, and west. The fort holds a garrison of what you estimate to be 150 soldiers. When you arrive in Fort Bandu the atmosphere is noticeably tense.
Cold stares and accusing looks greet anyone openly identifiable as a Pathfinder. Merchants refuse to open their stalls to such visitors and lay blame on the Pathfinder Society for the “troubles of late,” though these traders are fairly tight-lipped in sharing details. Asking too many questions only gets a door slammed in your face or you being forcibly shoo'd from the stall.
Getting an audience with Praetor Sylien is a simple matter. When you arrive at the garrison and explain your situation and mention Aya Allahe’s name, a member of the garrison escorts you to the praetor’s office, a modest and utilitarian space comprised of several tables and a handful of half-stocked bookshelves. A war table featuring a map of the Bandu Hills region sits prominently in the center of the room, and three tall windows nearby let in a great deal of natural light.
The Praetor stands to greet you, and it's obvious he was in the middle of a conversation with the other man in the room. He smiles wearily as he greets you all.
Hello, Pathfinders. Allahe said you'd be here soon. I trust you found the trip enjoyable?
The gray in his once coal black hair belies the passing of his youth and the creases in his sun-beaten face tell a story of a lifetime of hard work and little rest. He carries himself with the pride and stature of a man half his age with seemingly infinite patience.
The other man stands as well, but doesn't display near as much patience or grace. He uses an ebony cane topped with a black, serpentine dragon coiled into a figure eight to stand, and sneers at you. His dark skin is marred by a scar on his left cheek, that runs from brow to chin.
Pathfinders. I shouldn’t be surprised. Only your organization would have the gall to so brazenly show its face when you’ve already caused so much damage.
Pathfinders, the praetor’s voice lacks the contempt of his guest, as if trying to subtly apologize for his tone. This is Amersanus Valacosti of the Aspis Consortium. We’ve been discussing the troubles Fort Bandu has faced of late—troubles caused by your organization. I was unwilling to disclose the details to Mistress Allahe by courier, but now that you have arrived, I feel it pertinent to explain the nature of Fort Bandu’s… misgivings. Venture-Captain Sharrowsmith came through here some months ago, gathering supplies and information before setting off on an expedition into the hills. There, he roused the local kobold tribes and angered them enough that they now actively raid our settlements and mining operations.
He sighs and gestures to Amersanus.
Amersanus and I were discussing how the Aspis Consortium may be able to help repair the damage your Society has inflicted on the people of Fort Bandu. Now that you’ve arrived, perhaps we can have a more balanced mediation. Your Pathfinder Society has a damaged reputation in the Bandu Hills, so I ask you state your business and why you think I should allow you to even so much as stay within the fort’s walls. What knowledge do you have of this land and its people that could prevent this situation from deteriorating further? I will only entertain questions regarding Sharrowsmith once I’m assured that providing you information will not further endanger my charges.
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"Greetings to you Sir and apologies if you feel the Pathfinders have wronged you in the past Amersanus was it? We are indeed seeking information regarding VC Sharrowsmith. I understand the social balance is delicate here and we will do what we need to do to not upset it any further and enhance the cooperation between all factions." Turzyk tells the two men using his friendliest tone.
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"I am somewhat at a loss when it comes to the damage that the society has allegedly created. We were sent here by the society to locate and return Sharrowsmith. If there has been any problems that have been created in the Venture-Captions wake, we would like to be apprised of it and awarded the opportunity to correct the problem. That’s assuming it can be corrected. As for business with the Aspis Consortium goes, I have firsthand witnessed their organizations underhanded dealings and the damage left in their wake. If skullduggery is what you seek, then they are a prime choice. For the society, as you probably already know, we represent the preservation and discovery of historical relics and knowledge. It is surprising to hear of a member of our organization creating problems within the community, especially a Venture-Captain. That being said, this wouldn’t be the first time someone has tried to discredit the society by creating a false dilemma and attempt to pin it on the society."
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"I" says Oleander, "And very familiar with the wilderness. Personally I find it surprising that such an experienced man as Sharrowsmith caused a problem. It seems to me suspicious that the Aspis consortium turns up at just such an opportune time."
She stares hard at the man.
"Anyway, as I mentioned I am experienced in the wildernes.s.."
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Valacosti grows increasingly incensed as you explain your case.
Sharrowsmith professed an intimate understanding of the region and its delicate balance of power as well, and behold the results: dozens dead, dozens more missing, kobolds attacking our mining operations, and people living in fear of the next raid. Praetor, with all due respect, you cannot allow these Pathfinders to exacerbate an already delicate situation.
The praetor remains patient.
Amersanus makes a good point. Sharrowsmith was a well-read and knowledgeable man, yet he disappeared in these jungles and caused damage we’re only beginning to feel the impact of thanks to the local kobold tribes. How is your expedition different? Do you have the necessary strength to survive in this environment where so many others cannot? Show me that those weapons and spellbooks you carry are not just for show.