Luthor attempts to touch the halfling, but Ledford makes a quick step out of his reach.
Tori misses her attack against Deandre.
Kurth slays Deandre, a string of curses emerging from her mouth until she falls to the ground lifeless. Ledford looks over and sees her fall. A wave of exhaustion passes over him and he hefts his axe over his shoulder.
"I'm too tired for anymore of this. We'll call this a draw."
He cautiously retreats down the side alley and out of sight. Mere moments later, a few guards appear and survey the scene. With a few grunts, two guards shuffle you away while they clean up the mess, a third will pursue the fleeing Ledford after you recount the events and three will take the wounded back to their respective homes.
As you make your way back inside the Grand Lodge, Ambrus Valsin will nod curtly in your direction and inform you that another venture-captain would like to meet with you soon. He casually mentions that not all tasks will involve you running around Absalom doing errands, but he keeps it as polite as possible, seeing the trouble you've run into.
The day behind you, you all rest and prepare yourselves for the next mission.
A week has passed since your first assignment. The sun shines in through the windows of the Grand Lodge and you have heard whispers of a celebration. To confirm these rumors, you all have received an invitation sealed with the Lantern Lodge's insignia. Upon opening the invitation, you find a small slip of paper:
You are cordially invited to the annual Snapdragon Festival, a traditional Gokan holiday. Formal attire is encouraged. Please seek out the hostess, Amara Li, upon your arrival.
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After completing his meditation for the day Illias opens the note and reviews the invitation
Not wanting to look too shabby he dons his Leather armor. "This will have to do in a pinch..
Using his quarterstaff as a walking stick he sets out to find Amara Li.
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Kurth shows up late wearing a Courtier's Outfit and the matching jewelry , all in Gokan style - appropriate for the occasion.
He is wearing his Greatsword openly and proudly (he is convinced that it doesn't look out of place with the rest of his outfit at all), but he left the rest of his equipment at home.
Since he is late already, he asks for Amara Li right away.
He is positively surprised to meet the rest of the group at the party
"Hello, friends. Nice to meet all of you here! Sorry for being late. Did I miss anything?"
When asked about his outfit he will explain that being stingy is just another symtom of the uncivilized barbarism of our times. And that you have to spend your money, in order to get the economy going, and that that is the first step to rebuild civilization. He will then start a lengthy monologue on the topic of civilization.
As you arrive at the party, you are bombarded by plentiful sounds and smells. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention to those with whom they converse, though the plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge’s grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi pond.
Several party goers approach Kurth and Illias and make friendly banter, congratulating them on dressing up for the occasion. You peruse the party for a few moments before being approached by a servant. He bows respectfully and informs you that Amara Li would like to see you now. He leads you to her private study, pushing aside a rice paper door. Amara Li sits on a reed mat in front of a low table with an exquisite porcelain tea set. She motions for you to sit and the servant closes the door behind you.
"Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake a dangerous mission on my behalf.
"Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince, a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give—a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom was lost with it.
"A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me, and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honor within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my favor as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society."
Tori=
Illias=
Kurth=
Luthor=
Dunn=
"It surely must still be within the fortress' walls."
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A compelling story, and I must admit a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn. But I can't help but wonder if there is more to this tale. Can you tell us anything else? Dunn pulls a worn leather journal and ink pen from his belt pouch and begins to scribble furiously taking down Amara Li's words.
Dunn clings to every word as if it were the absolute truth.
"The ruins of Asad's Keep have been buried for hundreds of years. Many of the siege fortresses have been. There are strange circumstances regarding this particular one, though. Pathfinders regularly check the Cairnlands to search for treasures and other things of note, so an opening to Asad's Keep was found fairly recently."
Addressing Luthor, she goes on. "You will know the jade katana when you see it. It's rather unique."
Li then turns to Kurth, her tone remaining polite. "As with most things, once it is buried and its owner dead and gone, whomever finds it can claim it. But I ask that you find this for me as a personal favor."
"I'm sorry that I cannot tell you much more. I would go myself but Venture-Captain Valsin forbids it. But, please, enjoy the party for the rest of the night. You will set out for the Cairnlands tomorrow."
Li makes a humble bow and excuses herself to rejoin the party.
Shortly after you rejoin the party, you approached by a man decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. He introduces himself as Major Colson Maldris of Andoran.
"Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder.
"A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy. So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their earthly shell.
"If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors."
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"Greetings. My name is Kurth. What is your name? Thank you for your advice - we will certainly follow it. But - I hope you don't mind a philosophical discussion - how do you expect to build a civilization without servitude? Who is going to build your monuments for you?"
Kurth is eating an appetizer while waiting for the Andoran to reply.
Maldris addresses Kurth. "As I said, I am Major Colson Maldris. There is a difference between servitude and slavery. To do things for your country by choice is a much better alternative than to do them by compulsion. A civilization where all people are free can and does exist."
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Tori's eyes twich at Kurth's comment about controlling wizards. She bites her lower lip, and then in a calm manner speaks
Most Honorable Kurth, I believe what the Good Major is getting at is that control isn't as important as allowing individuals to make choices and be responsible with those choices. If you take away the option of choice you merely have the facade of a mature society.
Maldris nods slightly at Tori. A servant approaches the major and whispers in his ear.
"I'm sorry but I have some urgent business to attend to. Good fortune on your quest."
He quickly makes his way out the door and you are left to your own devices again. You spend a little more time at the party before deciding that it would be a good idea to get some rest before your journey tomorrow. As you make for the exit, you are stopped by a well-dressed Keleshite man.
"May I have a quick word with you in private?" the man asks.
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Kurth picks up the whole tray of appetizers and eats another one.
When he realizes that Tori might be insulted because she is a wizard herself, he adds:
"Of course I don't think you are evil, Tori. But if you meddle with arcane powers for long enough, they will eventually corrupt you. Do you want one?"
He offers her the appetizer tray.