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Eolowyn is waiting outside Ambrus Valsin's offices, waiting to be called in.
She is a slender elven woman wearing a studded leather outfit, with a bandolier with several flasks and a wand strapped over the outfit. At her feet she has a bulging backpack. On her waist you can see a longsword and several quivers of arrows. She is holding a longbow, weirdly leaves seem to be still growing out of the wood, although it does not seem to impact the usability of the bow.
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You find yourselves in the offices of Ambrus Valsin, the Venture-Captain in charge of all daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The VC enters the room, nods curtly to all of you, and says, "As some of you may already know, I am Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. I have much to do, so I suppose we better get the introductions over with." he sits and awaits all of you to make your introductions.
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Marcus is an average size human, wearing studded leather armor that has been darkened. Their is a longbow over one shoulder, and a falchion strapped across his back.
"Greetings Venture-Captain Ambrus, and my fellow travelers. I am Marcus, hunter, tracker and killer of goblins. I understand that you have a mission for us?" With that said, he waits for the others to introduce themselves, before engaging in conversation with them.
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Derik is a well built human, of above average height. He is clean and well kept even in his simple scale mail. He has his pack and trusty Greatsword on his back and Morningstar at his waist.
*Derik pats Boff the back* "A barbarian with a taste for gold and by the looks of you big fella, the strength to carry plenty of it. Well met Boff, a pleasure to make your acquaintance Marcus, (in Elven) "and yours Ranger Eolowyn".
*Politely bows in the direction of the Venture Captain* I am Derik, humble Paladin of Iomedae at your service."
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Derik is unsure why he has been guided here by Iomadae, but his curiosity and hunger for adventure push those thoughts aside. He knows that the Gods reveal their purpose in their own time. He remembers his training and steadies himself.
It seems that Marcus and Eolowyn have some experience with this sort of thing. I'll follow their lead," he tells himself, eager to get going.
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"No time to waste, eh elven lass?" - green eyed priest, betrayed by his obvious holy symbol, entered the room. A hint of a smile danced at the edge of his lips. He proffered his hand first to Eolowyn, and then to Derik and Marcus, and lightly patted half-orc on the right shoulder.
"Rutilus Pont, in the service of our Lady of Graves" - the tall, blue clad man stated matter of factly. Outside of that, he did not speak much. He simply stood near the doorway, half-slumped, his gaze wandering slowly around the room. He studied his room-mates with interest, all the while managing to look somehow disconnected, like he was not really there. He was a tall man, good looking, with dark hair and piercing green eyes and yet he looked distant in a way, reserved, although it seemed that it was not his first time here.
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"Yes, yes, nice to meet you all, I'm sure." Ambrus waves his hand dimissively. “All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end.
“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are
good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies. “Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location.” He hands you a list of the tasks he needs you to complete. "Any questions?"
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Thank you Venture Captain. We shall not fail you."
Derik looks over the list in the envelope and nods in agreement with Marcus.
"I concur with Marcus's assessment. The needs of those who cannot help themselves comes first."
Derik turns to Boff, come now mighty Boff, such a noble deed, how can we delay. Besides, there are many who would see little children suffer, you might enjoy teaching them a lesson. The Gods reward those who help the needy and aid their loyal servants, sometimes even with gold," and gives the mighty barbarian a little wink.
Turns to the group and reads the list aloud and says, I would hear your thoughts my companions, if we are in agreement, I am ready to get started.
Derik smiles, "well met Rutilus, it is good to have one of faith with us, may the Gods watch over us."
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As you walk into the Temple of the Shining Star, you are immediately directed to Ollysta Zadrian. She is obviously a paladin of Seranrae, and though young in years carried herself with the poise of both a queen and a warrior simultaneously. Once she notices you, she strides forward and addresses you all in a strong voice. "Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.
"Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society's resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light' and I've made it my life's work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin's Home for Recovery in the
Eastgate district?"
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Derik steps forward and politely addresses Ollysta Zadrian, I cannot speak for my companions, but I have heard the name mentioned, however I do not know much else of the Silver Crusade. I would hear more of it, if it pleases you.
As for the medicines, we shall carry them to the orphanage and investigate the Head Mistress. What can you tell us of the Head Mistress? Do you have particular reason to doubt the Head Mistress or is it just general suspicion?
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No, don't have her speak more of the Crusade. She will bore us to death, and I do not see any brandy within reach - trying to rectify the situation, Rutilus is quick to jump in:
"As the honorable Ser Derik properly noticed, is there a specific subject or avenue of investigation you would like us to proceed? Some hints, or something more than hints maybe?" - taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Rutilus tries to determine if there is something more, something behind this unusual request coming from Ollysta.
After all, if they needed to simply deliver medicines, they could have used one of many errand boys. There must be something more than this...
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"Well, let me tell you, the Silver Crusade is a wonderful-" she pauses, politely but impatiently, as she is interrupted by Rutilus. "I just don't know whether or not Aunty Baltwin is trustworthy, and I am hoping that a retinue of Pathfinders will be able to determine whether or not she is deserving of further charities from us." She turns back to Derik. "As I was saying--"
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Eolowyn interrupts Ollysta just after she started her story about the Silver Crusade.
Shall we bring the medicines to the orphanage while you brief Derik? I am sure this team of Pathfinders will be able to find out about Aunty's trustworthiness without Derik. We will report back as soon as possible.
Derik if you want you can join us then, or you might consider staying here. It's all equal to me.
Eolowyn reaches for the package with medicines and walks to the exit.
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Ollysta looks exasperated as she is interrupted yet again. "Very well, Pathfinders! I will not waste any more of your time!" she reaches over to a nearby table and picks up a pamphlet, that she hands to Derik. "This should answer all of your questions." With that, she turns from the group and storms off.
As you travel through the city from the Temple to the orphanage, you feel the hair stand up on the back of your neck, as if you are being watched. Eolowyn turns and thinks she sees a halfling in the crowd, but she blinks and he is gone.
And then you approach the orphanage... Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boysshoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children's dormitories upstairs.
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Derik follows the rest out. And I thought the elder races found us humans to be impatient. At least this lot has spirit, this should prove interesting if nothing else.
He asks around to see what he can learn from those who know of Gilga Baltwin and returns to the group with what he has learned.
I have heard the same as Eolowyn. Perhaps we shall learn some more when deliver the medicines and have a chance to speak with Lady Baltwin.
Derik turns to the boys playing marbles, "Do you boys know if the Head Mistress is in? We need to give her these medicines for the sick children."
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"I think you intended to say that the poachers that got caught in the Duke's preserve were drunks. Drinking is disastrous for your perception and agility, that would explain why they were caught."
"I would like to learn more of this preserve, but that can wait until after this assignment. Lead the way, sir Henderthane"
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Well, that went well...no Crusade for us today hehehe
Moving around with the rest of the group, Rutilus considers what was learned and shared by both Derik and Eolowyn. Well, if she buys a lots of whiskey that would make her more than OK in my book. Based on that fact alone, I'd be more than willing to testify on her behalf
"Now really guys, I am telling you again - it would help much more if you were to allow me to personally follow the trail of that whiskey. I mean, I agree that it would be really tough to have to visit several bars and taverns at this time, especially with such an important task at hand, but who know, I might learn something really important. I really can not retrieve any valuable information by asking random passerby's and halflings."
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It seems the children are more interested in playing, may as well let them be, no sense in spoiling their fun.
Turns to Rutilus, That's not a bad idea at all... though that might work out expensive. On the other hand, if what we've heard is true and the Lady has such a taste for wiskey, there is a good chance she will have her own stash inside. By the Gods an orphanage is no place for barrels of wiskey, it would have to be confiscated.....
Besides, by the sound of the children upstairs, some of them might be able to use the healing of a cleric in addition to these medicines. Lets go in and have a look."
I don't suppose you rangers could track down that wiskey for us if there's some inside, could you?" jokes Derik as he walks through the door and calls out to the Head Mistress, "Lady Baltwin are you in, we've been sent by Lady Ollysta Zadrian and we come bearing medicines.
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I don't suppose you rangers could track down that wiskey for us if there's some inside, could you?" jokes Derik as he walks through the door and calls out to the Head Mistress, "Lady Baltwin are you in, we've been sent by Lady Ollysta Zadrian and we come bearing medicines.
Prior to entering, Rutilus is quick to add: "No idea if they could track it, but my bet is that Boff could find it on scent alone, right big guy?"
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Derik wonders where the Headmistress might be.
He looks around, examining the room to see if he can find any sign of her.
On not receiving a response, Derik calls out once again, much louder this time, Lady Baltwin, we have come to deliver medicines sent by Lady Ollysta Zadrian and to check on the sick children.
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Lady Baltwin stands in the entry way after you knock on the door. She looks at each of you in turn. She turns her nose up a bit at Eolowyn, looks suspiciously at Boff (making sure to only take her eyes off him for no more than a few seconds), and politely smiling at Marcus and Rutilus. To Derik however...
"Oh, my my, why aren't you just adorable in your little armor! Now, what can I do for you... people?" she asks, keeping an eye on Boff. You can see an empty bottle of whiskey on her sitting room table from where you are standing.
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Derik is a little surprised by Lady Baltwin's statement. I've been called many things in my life but... adorable?
Umm.. thank you, I think,we have been sent by by Lady Ollysta Zadrian. She has asked us to deliver these medicines for the children. She is quite concerned. How many are ill and how are they keeping?
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Upon hearing Lady Baltwins comment concerning Derik, Marcus is not able to keep the laughter inside as he snorts in glee. However, he lets the man talk with her as she seems to be taken by his armor and appearance.
Marcus tries to catch Eolowyn's eye and nod towards the bottle at the bottle on the sitting table and back to Lady Baltwin.