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Brayden spends his time desperately trying to shake off the anxious feeling that had beset him at around the same time the ghoul bit him. He isn't very successful, nor is he successful at finding those guards at the Wicked Fork. It's too bad, too. He really did want to play that card game!
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"Saeren, my friend, it was good to travel with you," Brayden smiles. "Don't be a stranger."
He turns then to the Ulfen man, scanning him from head to toe. "And where one companion leaves, another arrives. Greetings, Mister Erikkson, and welcome to Corentyn. I hope you will enjoy your stay here. It can be a little oppressive and dangerous, but I hear the guards are very dutiful. They would not even pause their watch for a short, free massage. They are as Hellknights, though a lot less serious." He winks.
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Dalen spends most of the time in her room, not trusting herself to go out into the city. Her temper's leash gets more frayed as anger, fear, and more than a little revulsion churn in her heart and mind. The worst of it was the encounter with the ghoul, everyone wanting to talk to it instead of sending back to the boneyard as it deserved.
By the time they were called back to the museum, her mood had darkened enough to match the black of the guards' colors and she was hardly speaking at all. She nods in farewell to Saeren before turning her attention to Jan. She rolls her eyes at Frankie's questions. The way Meredith coddled him had begun to grate on her nerves back in the ruins of Angelmire, and her patience with the young boy had grown thinner since. Still, she manages to keep her temper in check and doesn't lash him with her anger sharpened tongue.
"Dalen Stonestep," she mutters when her time comes. She holds out her hand in greeting, deciding that she could at least try to be civil.
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"Hello, it is good to meet all of you."
(Taking a long look and the group before continuing),"I have been told by the Venture Captain that I should introduce myself... I am Jan Eriksson, the son of Erik Bloodaxe. In my village of Hellirinn, every man, woman and child learns three important truths..."
"The first is that the gods reward the brave and pious and curse the fools and cowards."
"The second is that NO ONE can escape their FATE."
(Overly dramatic pause), "And the third... We will all be doomed unless the Damned Baba Yaga and her minions are driven from Irrisen forever!"
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Frankie looks back and forth between Jan and Lazarus a few times, definitely confused and severely disappointed. "You aren't the escaped slave? Oh man!" He stomps his foot on the wood floor, a bit peeved.
"Well, nice to meet you, I'm Frankie. But now we gotta keep on the look out for that slave still. And I was hoping he was safe and sound, eating all the candy I left him." Frankie takes a seat on the couch, crossing his arms and letting out an exaggerated sigh while the others do the boring stuff before his next adventure.
"Ah...right, right," Zefiro remarks, looking a little nonplussed at Jan's 'truths'. "I'm afraid that Cheliax has its' own problems at the moment, but...er, well, never mind that. A conversation for another time and place."
Sitting atop Zefiro's desk is a small package, which he picks up and offers to one of you. "The ruin you’re about to investigate is certainly a major discovery, and it’s sure to earn great prestige for my colleagues at Egorian’s Athenaeum. A lost colony of ancient Taldor right within the Kharijite province would certainly give our beloved empire a strong claim to the region.
Zefiro steps a little closer and lowers his voice. "I would be very interested to discuss your findings when you return. Come see me here in the evening and we can have a talk here in my office." Zefiro takes a step back as one of you accepts the offered package. "I apologize for being brief, but I'm afraid that I must get back to my duties, if there's nothing else."
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Meredith takes a step back as the Ulfen makes a fool of himself. He wasn't the first overly dramatic Pathfinder she met and he won't be the last.
Denair is practically dancing with him, though. Meredith gives her eidolon a look. "I bet you don't even know what Baba Yaga is...what is Baba Yaga, anyway?"
Once the small talk is over, Meredith accepts the package. "Another set of ruins to explore. Great."
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Jan's proclamations excite Denair. This man clearly has a sense of rhythm. She shakes his hand vigorously.
She gauges everyone's mood, before noting the withdrawn Dalen. With a little prestidigitation, she produces a crude wooden rose sculpture and hands it to her. "Whenever I get lonely, I think about my old home. Maybe this will help ease your mind."
Without waiting for a response, she turns to Meredith, who grumbles about another ruin they have to explore.
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Who is Baba Yaga?...ignorant south-landers.
(Looking towards Meredith and her Eidolon), "Baba Yaga is the Evil Crone Witch of Irrisen. Centuries ago she came to the Eastern land of the Linnorm Kings, where she hid in the deep, dark forests- spreading her evil like a plague across the lands. NO ONE was safe, in time she had corrupted all manner of creatures, such as trolls, dragons and even Demon Lords, bending them to her will...EVEN THE FEY."
"Many, far too many, Ulfen tribes-people were conquered and now live as slaves in our one sacred lands."
These... adventurers are definitely not WARRIORS... they have no heart. Do they have any honor?
(Shacking his head and muttering to himself),"Fates and runes... Gozreh's Divine Will?"
This FEY, perhaps she could prove to be a valuable ally in the future.
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Lazarus Logos listens with rapt attention. The northerner's tale of the mysterious Baba Yaga fascinated the samsaran.
"Irrisen must be a fascinating place of dark and powerful magic. I would travel there one day and learn more of the arcane arts practiced there. Perhaps, we could journey there together, Jan Erikkson. An Ulfen warrior would be a welcome companion on such a journey."
Lazarus turns to the historian Zefiro. "What more can you tell us about the ruins of this lost colony of ancient Taldor? What do you know about the Kharijite province? What is the Egorian Athenaeum, a collective of scholars?"
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Dalen accepts the wooden rose with a quiet word of thanks. She gives Denair a slight smile, though it does little to lift her dark mood. Jan's dramatics only grate on her nerves, and the last thing she wants is to hear more doom and gloom from him, and is thankful that Lazarus steers them back on topic.
She just hoped the answers to his questions would be short. She wanted to leave as soon as she was able.
It's important she knows we not only teammates, we can be friends. Even if she isn't in the mood. I bet she can't wait to get out of here!
Denair grins at Dalen before turning back to Meredith and Jan. "Fey enslavement? That's terrible!"
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"At first, I thought we'd be treasure hunting," Brayden mumbles, his finger moving along the page. "But it appears this identifies the colony itself. Interesting. However, my brother has asked most of the important questions, so I'll stand here with the gloomy lady and await our departure."
"No offense, of course," he remarks, glancing sidelong at Dalen. "Feel no pressure to speak as loudly as a dwarf. There is something to be said for persistent introspection."
Yeah. You should know.
In spite of his earlier insistence that he had work to do, Zefiro can't help but watch and listen, fascinated by the group's dynamics. "Hmm...I suppose it really does take all kinds, doesn't it?" he chuckles slightly before his expression grows serious once more.
"The lost colony lies under a ruined Rahadoumi village that was known as Ibhir," he explains. "It's located a few days' ride southwest from the city of Khari. You see, a collapse uncovered the site as a fierce battle was fought in Ibhir during the Everwar. Apparently a forgotten war diary led Athenaeum archaeologists to rediscover the colony centuries later."
Here, Zefiro pauses. "The Athenaeum is another descriptor for the Egorian Academy of the Magical Arts, which is located in Egorian as I'm sure you surmised. Their expertise is often called upon during excavations, to aid in the discovery and identification of any magical artifacts that may be present."
"At any rate, according to their archaeologists Taldan colonists established the settlement as part of the Third Army of Exploration, sometime after the founding of Corentyn in 1520 AR," he concludes. "Beyond that, well...I know as much as you do about the site, which is to say - nothing. As I said, I'd very much like to discuss your findings privately once you return."
Gesturing to the package that Meredith accepted, Zefiro launches into the nitty gritty of your travel arrangements. "Within that packet contains an official authorization for you to inspect the site, a map of the Kharijite province with a route to Ibhir marked, and a report on the discoveries initially made at the site. I have been in contact with Ianareth Alazario," here Zefiro grimaces slightly, "and she has arranged passage for you to Khari. You'll be boarding one of the navy ships used to patrol the Hespereth Strait."
Kharijite is the southernmost region of Cheliax and the only part not located in Avistan, but in Garund. It originally was part of Rahadoum but was wrested from their control in the mid-42nd century AR and has remained under Chelish control ever since. It's main settlement is the city of Khari.
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Frankie looks back and forth while the adults talk about the serious things and the discussion turns a bit dour. Frankie quickly loses interest and begins poking and prodding Denair, his partner in crime.
As Zefiro starts talking more in-depth about the adventure Frankie regains some interest "Sounds like we're going on a great adventure! We get to sail on a big war ship and everything! I can't wait!" I wonder what we're actually supposed to do? Eh, the adults will figure that out.
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Lazarus Logos takes three quick breaths, finds an interior focal point, and enters his memory palace, searching the vast library of his countless past lives. In between a tome marked "Khar," Kelish for donkey, and another marked "Kittens," he finds what he's looking for.
"Kharijite is the southernmost region of Cheliax and the only part not located in Avistan, but in Garund. It originally was part of Rahadoum but was wrested from their control in the mid-42nd century AR and has remained under Chelish control ever since. It's main settlement is the city of Khari."
The samsaran's voice is calm, an inverse expression of his excitement at the prospect of venturing to a new and exotic destination and uncovering ancient, forgotten knowledge.
The wizard-priest reminds his companions, "I've a wand of monkey fish and endure elements, if they become necessary on our journey by sea and overland in Garund."
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(Looking at Lazarus),Interesting...
"I have some experience with boats, but nothing as large and complicated as a Chelaxian warship."
"Since Lazarus has offered some of his resources and abilities, I would just like to let you all know I am skilled in several weapons, but by far I am the most skilled in AXE and SHIELD. I have no fear of going toe to toe with any foes we might encounter..."
"I am sure the rest of you possess some martial or magical talents, yes?"
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Frankie's eyes light up as Lazarus mentions his wands "OOOO magic wands! Can I play with them sometime? They sound like so much fun!" He gives the eyeball to Laz, hoping to spot where they are located.
In regards to Jan, Frankie nods excitedly "Heck ya I am! Check this out." He reaches into his pack and pulls out a small, crude wooden axe and starts waving it around, mostly at Denair. "On guard you foul tree/fox beast! Have at you!" He adopts the stance of a fencer and waggles the axe threateningly.
"See that? I've been practicing." He stands proudly.
How did that stay intact for so long? Normally this kind of craft crumbles after an hour.
"No more maple syrup for you. In fact, no more maple syrup for anyone! Catch me if you can!" Denair runs out of the office, baiting Frankie outside of the museum and out into the open air.
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Lazarus recalls something the museum curator said. "Zefiro Balinger, what did you mean when you said 'Cheliax has its own problems at the moment'? We appreciate that the Society has implored us comport ourselves with diplomacy and to do nothing to undermine its tenuous status in Cheliax. Are these 'problems' something to consider during our mission?"
After perusing the documents, the samsaran wonders aloud, "This list of the Athenaeum's excavated artifacts. Do you expect us to limit our activities to research or do you wish us to retrieve these and other items and return them here to you?"
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"Ah, those two..." Brayden smiles as Frankie and Denair keep things playful. "And to think he joined the Pathfinder Society at such a young age! Why, when I was his age, I was still picking my nose and rating its treasures on flavor and size." The samsaran chortles.
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"We've encountered undead already. These ancient ruins in Khari might contain more such. The artifacts recovered so far have included statuary. That calls to mind the possibility of construct guardians. Beyond that? Basic healing, either a wand or potions, is always a wise precaution."
Lazarus notes the ranger's skeptical expression, observing Lil Frankie. "Don't mind the 'child.' He's off his meds, and sugar adds to his agitated state."
"Oh...no more than the usual," Zefiro remarks with a rueful smile. "For example, your new liaison...I've only met her in passing, but from what little I gleaned during that meeting and what I've heard elsewhere, she's a shining embodiment of Cheliax's values." Based on the curator's expression, this statement is clearly not meant as a compliment.
"Regarding the ruins and the items within them, my main interest is in having you verify and confirm their authenticity," Zefiro adds. "If you find anything of note, including additional artifacts, by all means bring them to me if you are able."
As the talk among the adults of the group turns to supplies, Zefiro also notes that some basic provisions and tools have been provided. "Picks, shovels, brushes, parchment tags, and the like. Of course it isn't a bad idea to prepare for the journey in other ways, as you've been discussing. It might not be a bad idea to purchase any last-minute supplies you might need once you reach Khari and to ask around the city to learn more of the area," he suggests.
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Frankie makes his way back inside, looking a bit down "Denair is such a cheat, climbing up the walls like that!" He sits down in a huff, dropping his axe to the floor. "Anyone want some cocoa? Maybe we should have a bit before we head off on our next great adventure!" He quickly hops back up and starts to look around for the kitchen, his backpack straps halfway off his shoulders.
"Don't worry Zeffy, I'll find it myself no problem!" As he disappears into another room, then another...
Ah, he was outside for a moment, then it was back inside. Oh well. More sunlight for me!
Denair climbs up a wall in a nearby alleyway, bathing in the sunlight.
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Once assured that you've gathered as much information from Zefiro as you're able, you all depart the museum and head out to see to any last-minute shopping and other arrangements before making your way back down to the docks. Saeran accompanies you as far as that, before bidding the group a final farewell and heading off to board the ship that will return him to Absalom.
The ship that you board for your (much shorter) journey is quite different from the other ships that you've sailed on; being a military vessel the crew are not particularly pleased to have civilians aboard and largely leave you to your own devices save the occasional glare or muttered words as they pass by. On the bright side, the trip is blessedly uneventful and you soon arrive at your destination. The Chelish frigate cuts through the waves by the Arch of Aroden as sunrise paints the harbor of Khari red. Vessels from all around the Inner Sea are moored at the docks, waiting for their cargo to be unloaded or for new goods to be brought aboard. The city spreads around the bay, with sandstone buildings and twisting minarets marking its Rahadoumi origin now emblazoned with red-and-white banners of Cheliax. Most of the inhabitants dress in a Garundi fashion of colorful robes and billowing blouses, but occasionally a regiment of Chelish soldiers or a Hellknight parts the crowd. Several open-air markets fill the city with clamor as merchants and patrons haggle loudly under many-colored stalls.
At one of the stalls, an exasperated man with an Osirian accent complains loudly, "It would be bad enough if it was just the damned dockworkers who take their time unloading my goods, but now I have to wait for those infernal bureaucrats to grant me a travel permit to even leave the city. I swear I’m about to lose my mind with the incompetence of these people!"
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Now that you've arrived in Khari, you've got some time to chat up the locals and learn the lay of the land, so to speak, before you turn your attention to heading out to Ibhir. Of course it sounds like leaving the city may turn out to be more complicated than you'd first expected...
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A gruff barkeep informs the PCs of the tight grip Cheliax keeps on the city. "Recently they’ve been cracking down on any shady business, so everyone needs a travel permit to leave the city. I hear the inspections of coming and going cargo are pretty thorough as well. Good luck at the magistrate’s office — the lines are bound to be as long as the Arch."
A bored caravan guard provides information about the archaeological expedition. "They had plenty of scholars and soldiers as well. The number of tools and supplies they were willing to lug across the desert surprised me. Our caravan shared the road with them for a while, but they kept mostly to themselves."
An unscrupulous merchant reveals information about the Aspis Consortium caravan that went to the expedition site. "The Aspis Consortium transported a caravan full of supplies to the ruins. I’m not sure what they were carrying in those crates, but I hear they looked heavy — not that they were advertising this on the streets or anything, but I have my sources. It didn’t take long for them to receive appropriate permits either. I guess it helps to have friends in the right places."
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The people of Khari see themselves more as Chelish citizens than as Rahadoumi despite their ancestry. Lord-Mayor Marsiol Giovenci, a steadfast ally of the Thrune regime, rules Khari. Giovenci takes a harsh stance against anyone who would engage in smuggling and black-market deals.
This time of the year, fierce sandstorms tend to plague the area around Ibhir, and it’s bound to get even worse in the following weeks before the storms subside. It’s a good idea to make the journey there and back as soon as possible.
The settlement of Ibhir has remained abandoned for centuries since the Everwar. At campfires, the local people whisper ghost stories that revolved around foolish travelers who took shelter in the ruins during a sandstorm and never returned.
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Cheliax forcibly annexed the Kharijite province from Rahadoum during the Everwar, and Rahadoumi diplomats have been demanding that Cheliax return the region to its rightful owner ever since.
The Everwar, also known as the Wars of Expansion, was a century-long war of conquest launched by King Haliad III in 4305 AR that — among other territories — expanded Chelish control into northern Garund, allowing them to control both ends of the Arch of Aroden. The Everwar lasted through the reigns of five Chelish monarchs and finally ended in 4410 AR.
There are several ruins in northern Garund left behind by long-lost human civilizations, most famously the Jistka Imperium. The Jistkans were famous for building golems and other mighty constructs.
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Frankie hops out of his bunk as he hears they're pulling into port "Sure is early... time to get some cocoa before we get off the ship!" He heads off to the galley where he'd spent a fair bit of time buttering up the ship's cooks (and pilfering some sweets while he was at it). "Morning Marge! What's for breakfast? Oh, ya, no thanks, oatmeal and me aren't on speaking terms. Maybe just some cocoa? Oh I can make it, just need some hot water! Oooff that kettle is HEAVY!" He heads back to the others with a steaming mug of goodness and a couple of last night's biscuits that looked lost and lonely. Mmmm biscuits and maple syrup.. yum.
With his belly full and his fingers sticky(er) than usual, Frankie heads top deck with the others, ready to start the day "Wow, looks like the sky is burning! What's that mean?" He heads down the gangplank waving happily to the sailors on the ship "Bye guys! Hope you have better luck at cards next time!" Those guys are nice, but not very good at cards! Or dice! He tightens the straps on his backpack and grabs the first adult hand he sees to race off towards the city: Dalen's. "Where should we go first? We need to meet the locals, they know the best places to eat and visit!" He does his best to drag her off into the market with him.
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The sailors don't want to talk to Meredith, and she doesn't want to talk to them.
Perfect.
Besides, she has to corral Denair and Frankie as they sail.
Once on land, Meredith just grumbles to herself when she hears about the checkpoints. "Great, another fee to deal with." She rolls her eyes.
When Frankie mentions the Aspis Consortium, she falls into silence. "Aspis. The only good part of this is how much I get to-" she looks at Frankie again and exhales, calming herself down. "Shutting down Aspis is worth it, at least."
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Denair wants to climb to the top of the crow's nest, but there is always one soldier telling her to get down, or they scold Meredith, or they demand to see Meredith's spellcasting license to justify her summoned creature.
At least the fish are cute.
She's glad they docked in Khari, because that means a new climate... very arid. Almost no trees. Extreme temperature variance. But new animals!
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A samsaran and a 'child' walk into a bar. The gruff barkeep tells them about the tight grip Cheliax keeps on the city. "Recently they’ve been cracking down on any shady business, so everyone needs a travel permit to leave the city. I hear the inspections of coming and going cargo are pretty thorough as well. Good luck at the magistrate’s office — the lines are bound to be as long as the Arch."
Lazarus buys Lil Frankie a glass of chocolate milk, and the wizard-priest listens to what the 'child' learned from other locals.
A bored caravan guard provided information about the archaeological expedition. They had plenty of scholars and soldiers as well. The number of tools and supplies they were willing to lug across the desert surprised the guard. His caravan shared the road with them for a while, but they kept mostly to themselves.
An unscrupulous merchant revealed information about the Aspis Consortium caravan full of supplies that went to the expedition site at the ruins.He wasn't sure what they were carrying in the crates, but he heard from his sources that they looked heavy. It didn’t take long for them to receive appropriate permits either. He guessed the Aspis Consortium might have friends in the 'right' places.
Lazarus knows only a little about the history of the Kharijite region. "Cheliax forcibly annexed the Kharijite province from Rahadoum during the Everwar, and Rahadoumi diplomats have been demanding that Cheliax return the region to its rightful owner ever since."
He looks around at his companions, "What do you know about the geography and history of the Kharijite region?"
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Passing by one of the stalls in the market, Lazarus hears an exasperated man with an Osirian accent complaining loudly about the local bureaucrats requirement that one possess a official travel permit to leave the city.
"Excuse me, good sir, but we are strangers here. We share your frustration with bureaucratic inefficiency. Can you tell us more about the permit process in Khari?" Lazarus speaks Ancient Osiriani, hoping to appeal to the man's pride, if the merchant can understand him.
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Brayden stands at the helm of the ship as makes the short trek to Khari, admiring the glistening sunlight on the blue waters and strange, unfamiliar landscape. He looks upon The Arch of Aroden in deep thought.
The last of the first humans. Said to have slayed a demon lord. I guess that's what it takes for a bridge to be constructed in your name.
"What do you think of this landmark, friend?" Brayden asks one of the crewmembers as the ship passes through. There's no answer. "I agree," the samsaran smiles.
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"Well, at least we can keep our weapons this time around," Brayden remarks as he steps off the ship, stretching his arms out. "I'm afraid I know little about this region, Lazarus. But hearing what Frankie here has learned, what could the Aspis Consortium want at the site? I don't suppose there was lucrative trade there? Or perhaps they meant to glean it of anything valuable for later sale. I suppose there's only one way to find out."
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Jan will chat with anyone who will share a tankard of ale with him. It looks like Jan will be drinking alone and trying not to get into a mead-fueled brawl.
Relying on his previous experience, Jan remembers and offers the following information:
"It is my understanding that even those the people of Rahadoumi ancestry, they are fiercely loyal to the cursed throne of Cheliax. The local Lord of the city is a Chelaxian bootlicker named Marsiol Giovenci. It is my understanding that he frowns heavily upon those who try and make deals on the Black Market. It is likely this boat will be thoroughly inspected upon its arrival."
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Completely unprepared for Frankie's sticky fingers, Dalen's nearly pulled off her feet and has to scramble to keep up with the young lad. As she listens to the information that he's able to glean, she becomes more dismayed.
"Great, all we need is someone tryin' t' get me an' Meredith t' dance in them wispy outfits an' this trip will be just perfect!" she grouses under her breath. The heat and lack of trees doing much to keep her temper frayed just a bit.
"پیفہ! عمل، یہ ایک خواب ہے!" the man at the stall exclaims to Lazarus, switching to Ancient Osiriani in order to answer him. "ہر کوئی جو شہر سے نکلنا چاہتی ہے، وہ میئر گیووسیسی سے اجازت نامہ محفوظ کرے."
Here, the merchant scowls and shakes his head. "اور اس کے دفتر میں اس کے دفتر میں ہر ایک درخواست دہندگان کو اپنے کاروبار اور زندگی کی کہانی سے پوچھنا پڑتا ہے ... ٹھیک ہے، میں یہ کہہ سکتا ہوں کہ مجھے امید ہے کہ آپ کو اجنبی میں کھڑے ہونے کا لطف اٹھائیں."
"Pffah! The process, it is a nightmare!"
"Everyone who wishes to leave the city must secure a permit from the office of Mayor Giovenci."
"And with the clerks in his office having to ask every single applicant their business and life story...well, all I can say is that I hope you enjoy standing in line, stranger."
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After spending some time exploring the city and keeping your ears to the ground, you all reconvene at the Desert's Jewel, a bustling tavern located a few streets away from the city's docks. Sharing what each of you have managed to learn up to this point, it sounds as if you'll likely need to visit the Mayor's office and secure a permit in order to be able to leave Khari.
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Frankie loudly sucks up the last of his choco milk through the straw, feet dangling and swinging in the air from his chair "Sure is hot down here. And dry! Do they have camels? I've heard of camels, they look cool. I hope we get to ride camels!" His eyes wander around the room for anyone that looks like they know about camels...
He slides the empty glass away and hops down to ask about camels "Hey there Mr! I'm Frankie. Do you guys have camels here? Can people borrow them for trips? Or buy them or something?" He smiles his winning smile.
A group of what look to be local sailors look up with surprise as Frankie approaches their table, asking about camels. They look at each other and laugh, clearly bemused.
"'Do you guys have camels here?'" one of them repeats, eyebrow raised. "Of course we do, little one! Why, Khari camels are known throughout the entire Inner Sea for their hardiness," he laughs. "You will find none finer, not even in Qadira or Osirion! Much better for desert travel than horses."
The gentleman *might* be exaggerating just how wonderful Khari's camels are...but you still get the impression that they are a quality choice for desert travel.
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(With a somewhat subdued tone for an Ulfen), "While I agree that most men can be bought for the right price, let's not just assume that this is the case with Giovenci. It might worth our time to look into a couple of options of how else to get what we need and out of town in addition to bribery."
(Breaking a smile and chuckling), "Who knows, this may be the first and only Chelaxian you will ever meet with both honor and integrity."