Upon reaching Sothis in the early morning hours, there is a slight haze created by the quickly increasing temperatures hitting the river waters. The sun is only just starting to peak over the horizon, but the city, especially the docks, is already buzzing with life. There are a few tall spires that can be seen thru the haze, as well as a large black dome shape about center-city.
You easily spot a young boy, about 12 years old, standing on the docks checking a note in his hands. When he sees you, he smiles brightly and begins waiving his hand. "Misters, misters," The boy says in heavily accented common, "This way friends, I am Jafar, I take you to Sandswept Hall. Come come."
Sandswept Hall, you had been told before boarding the boat, is the local pathfinder lodge. This is where you are to meet Venture-Captain Jalden Krenshar.
"You have picked good time to visit Sothis. Khamsin changed much. Lost of visitors, lots of gold for Jafar."The boy grins up at you.
A bit greener than he started, Valum hops off the ship as soon as he is able too.
After shuffling around a bit, Valum seems to regain his color and land-legs quickly.
Watching the child walk up, Volum thinks, That child seems happier than a goblin in the hen house.
Giving Jafar a questioning look, Volum coldly states, "Aye lad. Yafar it is? Ye know why we're here and who we be?"
Volum pauses a moment thinking there is not to fear much in this child. Then continues trying to bait him into the information and a good place to drink, "Aye some gold be in ye future if ye can direct me to a tavern first... Then we can head to thee hall."
Thorek follows next off the ship. Less sea sick than Volum, but still slightly uneasy, he looks around with a critical eye mixed with wonder. Given the southern heat, he thought it a small 'blessing' that he only wore a breastplate. But even with that, he decided that he'd need to buy a more weather appropriate outfit before venturing out into the wild.
"Glad to be off the water! Nay meant for Torag's Children." Turning back to the ship he calls out "Come on lads! Time to trade the sea for the sand."
Orlog step forward, climbing down the gangway carefully. This is not the moment to fall in the water while in full armor! He then gets closer to the other two dwarves. "Uill an uair sin mo charaidean, coltach rinn sinn e gus am port sàbhailte. 'S urrainn dhomh innse mar-thà gum bi seo a sweltering latha. Bithidh sinn a 'lorg àite-fuirich agus fuar a-mach bàthadh ar tart? As he says the last comment, he slap the shoulder of his traveling companions, but then stop short when he noticed that they are not alone. He turns to Valum and point at the boy with his thumb. "Cò an leth-pinnt?"
The elf, adjusting the straps on his gear, steps off the deck of the ship onto the gangway with fine balance. He stands head and shoulders above the dwarves, in fact, everyone assembled at this particular section of the docks.
When Orlog starts talking, Valzoa sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, adjusting the glasses on his face when he's done. "I would apologize for his rudeness." Valzoa says to Jafar. "But I know not who he is. Greetings, Jafar. I was directed to speak to Venture-Captain Krenshar?"
Valum relaxes his guard a bit nods at Orlog and Thorek. To Orlog he gladly says, "Tha like da sirk othok're thinkuroz. Discussion gathers lare gems, so lets Mer on our sirk." Valum pauses for a moment and looks at the boy and says,"Tha'm hopuroz Ka is our Akhoral oz da tavern. Maybe thamar can get some information out eron Kaad?"
(PAUSE) "I'm hoping he is our guide to the tavern. Maybe we can get some information out of him?"
Valum turns and looks up at Valzoa in a irritated manner, "Me name is Valum. Aye lets get movin before the air gets too thin up there, enh elf? Maybe ye like to grab an ale and let us in on what this is? I ain't for travelin these distances with one of those in tow and with ye seeming to know more than ye let on." Valum motions back to the ship, where he assumes the last party member is.
Then back at Jafar, in the nicest tone he could muster, " Yafar..Yefar..Jefar...slag it. Lad, I aint try'n to be rude. Ye know more about us than we do ye, that'll make anyone a bit suspicious." Valum tosses Jafar a gold peice from his pouch, "Dwarves know gold, a lot better than an elves. Tavern is a good place to make friends. Also, we can get you a drink so ye can grow a proper beard!"
Thorek opened his mouth to interject, but ended up sighing instead. Despite how he might have felt about where to go, he was not willing to stand against one of his own. Rather, he kept his peace and eyed Valzoa warily, waiting to see how would react.
The elf spreads his hands, palms up as he shrugs. "It can't be helped. Jafar, could you direct them to a nearby tavern? Dwarves are less... Surly once they've been properly fed and watered."
Valzoa gives them a sypathetic look. "I understand the boat ride might have you a little cranky. I've been told that dwarven sailors are few and far between. I would be just as out of sorts after weeks in a mine or one of your deep cities. Shall we move on? I'll even purchase the first round."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jafar looks on wide eyes during the discussion, apparently he wasn't expecting those he was sent to fetch to resist. It takes him a beat or two to realize the tall elf is speaking to him and not one of the dwarves.
"Tavern? Oh..." He looks down at the paper in his hand. "I was only supposed to fetch you to Sandswept Hall." He pauses a moment clearly thinking. "Yes, Izu's tavern it is on way." He points and his hand makes a small bouncing motion between you, counting. "One short?"
Orlog looks at Valzoa. Rude??? Surly??? Why that pointy eared...
He then takes a long breath in and out, trying to calm himself. "Look, we just got here and I thought we cou' at least eat, drinks and freshen up before headin' out ta see out new employer. This trip wasn't tha most comfortable." When Jafar mentions that they are one short, Orlog turns around and wave at anyone on the ship.
"Hey, did ye see our last travelin' companion? He's about this high and green. If ye cou' fetch him that wou' be very nice of ye."
The dwarves' reactions set off a small tingle of satisfaction in Valzoa's heart. Ah, self-control... they might be worth working with after all.
Valzoa will give the kid a smile. "Excellent. I'm sure we can take the short detour on our way to the lodge? I'll admit the boat ride wasn't the most pleasant... and some local fare would be a relief."
He turns to look around the docks. "Speaking of pleasant, we seem to be missing our gobliny friend. It would be a shame to leave him behind... a disastrous shame for sure."
Zeebu comes running, late as always. He's still chewing something - and judging by the feathers popping out of his mouth, probably some sort of bird. His equipment is pending off his back, where an oversized backpack can be found.
Zeebu here! Zeebu explorer!
Valum cringes a bit when Zeebu wonders in. He was hoping the goblin fell off the boat in the middle of the night. Valum frowns thinking this one is going to be trouble, then turns back to speak with Jafar and to the other dwarves.
Valum bites his tongue for a moment and speaks to Jafar, "Aye, that be thee other one ye looking for Lad?" Volum says, hoping its not. Then he continues,"Lad, it be yer choice. If ye job is to take us to Sandswept Hall, then do ye job. Ye can guide us to the tavern, after we figure out what's going on."
To Orlog and Thorek, "Umros tend oz blame da Ord than da tira they Kav.... Da lad knows yir is gouroz on Nar Tha don't keovid Kaad blamed Yoth our choice."
Valum spins to Valzoa, after listening to his and Orlog conversation, and says with a little mirth, "Aye, ye can buy the first round elf. Maybe we can find ye a nice lady with a beard. A dwarven woman would knock ye into shape or at least knock some sense into ye."
"I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to handle a proper dwarven woman." Valzoa replies with a smirk. "I wouldn't have the stamina... after all, the air's awfully thin up here."
"Ok, so let's go see our employer at tha Sandswept Hall then." Orlog then look at Jafar. "Then after that meetin', we cou' use yer services ta find us a good place ta rest from this trip. So dinna go too far." Orlog then ready all of his gear and nods to the boy to lead them.
Thorek breathed a small sigh of relief. The only thing that mixed with dwarves as poorly as elves was goblins. Nobody was screaming, crying or bleeding. It was a good start.
"Lads, remember before we get there. This be a test. We 'ain't pathfinders yet. And they made this 'ere team with three mountain born, an elfling and a gobbo. They be expectin' us to be at each other's throats. So fook 'em, aye? At least when we're in front o' them, nay insults, jokes, complaints or whatnot."
Jafar seems relieved when you decide to skip the tavern for later and accompany him straight to Sandswept Hall. He leads you through the streets of the awakening city for about 15 minutes, occasionally leading you down an alleyway whenever carts or horses block the way.
The main entrance to the Sothis lodge passes through the double doors of an immense archway towering over the 12-foot-high exterior walls surrounding the grounds. The doors stand slightly ajar and unbarred, despite the early hour. Beyond the archway, torchlight still illuminates the approach toward a natural garden of shade trees and undergrowth occupying much of the inner courtyard and blocking view of the lodge itself on the far side.
A large garden of sycamore trees dominates the central courtyard. Strung between them, a wooden framework supports a variety of grapevines and hanging plants, obscuring much of the view ahead. Beneath their shade, dark paths wind through the lush undergrowth. To the right and left you can hear the gentle splash of water.
You traverse the garden until you see two statues of lions with human heads and large wings flank the approach to the main portico of Sandswept Hall. The windowless, white limestone structure rises two-stories, surrounded on all sides by date palm trees, which stir softly in the faint morning breeze. Three copper-bound doors gleam in the dawning sunlight.
Inside the entry way, small braziers light the windowless room. The interior doors are also copper-bound, each etched with pictures or runes. Three men fill the lobby area. One is dressed like town guard, one wearing a leather coat and heavily armed, the third bound in chains and sporting a bandaged leg and bruised eye. The guard and the armed man seem to be arguing about the third, even though you cannot understand the words themselves.
"Wait here," says Jafar, "I get Captain Krenshar." Jafar runs off through double doors on the western wall.
The statues outside the entrance are sphinxes. Representations of the typical guardians of monuments, temples, and tombs.
Sandswept Hall is a converted jail and the local Pathfinder Society rents cells out to hold city prisoners, and it is also available for private customers and they have a side-line in bounty hunting.
The symbols on the doors are Ancient Osirion Heiroglyphs.
While the guard and armed man are busy arguing, the bound man is attempting to pick the locks of his chains.
Orlog follow Jafar through the streets and alleyway. He grumble a bit everytime the path is blockes by carts or horses. Since he doesn't know the city nor Jafar, the soldier in him keeps an eye out to possible ambushes and tries to remember the way back.
Once they arrived at the destination, he tries to reajust himself and his gear to be somewhat presentable and make a good first impression. He ignores the humans in the room, not wanting to get involve in something that doesn't concern him.
Zeebu was as clueless as someone can be - especially as clueless as a Goblin can be. He looked distracted at a couple of mating ladybugs, while waiting for the Captain to be brought to their presence.
Valum follows behind the group and watches Zeebu closely. Trying to make sure the goblin stays out of trouble.
Your are greeted by VC Kaldren and taken back thru the double doors, past the common room and into her office.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Welcome, welcome everyone to beautiful Sothis. I know you are all eager to refresh from the trip so I will be as quick as possible, then young Jafar can show you to the tavern. You all have free board upstairs in the lodge while in town.
Osirion gets seasonal storms called khamsins. It is the elementals of the desert doing what they do best. Every season, roads change, some places become buried, others become unburied. This year, we have much change, biggest in centuries. Several previously unknown pyramids have been discovered. Treasure hunters from all over have come to Sothis. But if rumors are true, one is even more astonishing than any other: The legendary pyramid of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension.
The pyramid of the Four Pharaohs of Ascension was last unearthed over 50 years ago, and the expedition was a failure. Only one man came out of the desert alive, they never made it inside, or so the story goes. This is not entirely accurate. They did make it inside, but only briefly. A man named Raegos is the survivor. Raegos however was not unscathed by whatever happened. And he refuses to speak of the matter. He became a recluse, and an eccentric one at that.
An agent of mine has spent the better part of a year assisting Raegos and getting him to trust her. He has finally agreed to meet with a representative of the Pathfinders, and his timing could not be any better, if the rumors are true of the pyramid resurfacing.
You will be meeting up with my agent this afternoon. From there she will get you in touch with Raegos. Your job is simple. Find out any information you can on the pyramid, then beat anyone else there. The Society has officially sponsored you as an expedition for the same conditions as our official teams. If you recover a map or a journal, or some other appropriate item, that is worthy of the Pathfinder tradition and pass it along, with a modest 10% of the value of any antiquities you find, and the rest is yours to do with as you wish.
I am sure there are others who will also be looking forward to exploring the pyramid, so do not dally too long. Any basic supplies you need we can provide, there is a storeroom downstairs. If you require anything additional, Jafar can assist you in showing you to the shops.
You will be meeting with my agent this afternoon at the Malhitu Bazaar. Her name is Mithril Scarab, an alias you can correctly assume. She will find you. Several lesser pyramids recently looted. A discreet auction of some of pieces is said to be taking place today in the bazaar and is rumored to have items regarding the Four Pharaohs of Ascension. I have arranged for a small stipend as part of your expedition funds if you find anything that looks like it may be useful in your search.
Valzoa will get a coil of silk rope (if possible) and a grappling hook, slipping them into his haversack. He will also find a bag he can fill with a pound of sand, a bag of marbles, and a ball of twine.
Valzoa will look down at the dwarves. "Well, I did promise to buy your first round. Shall we be off?"
Thorek will get hot weather clothing, as well as chalk, paper and pen, and traveling supplies. If possible could he get some reference books to bring with him? (a masterwork tool for knowledge history and engineering checks when in the pyramid)
"Aye lad. Let's see what books we can find first. Then we can get a wee nip and a wee kip while we check for rumors in the tavern."
Zeebu tries to help gathering some information, but - as every other Goblin - hates books and the written word (they're trying to steal our souls!), so he doesn't adventure on studying history at all.
He tries his best to keep up with the others, however, and when Valzoa meets Thorek - there the Goblin is, right behind the elf, showing the best of his smiles... Yet full of little insect legs, probably from some sort of crawler he found while "gathering information".
Orlog listen to the captain while he explain the mission. Then when Thorek suggest they look at the books, he follows the other dwarf.
"Since we be here, might as well do tha research, then we ken head out and have our drinks and a nice meal."
After some research, he heads for the store to see what supplies he can find. He grabs some rope, silken if possible, some iron spikes (five) and some flasks of oil (five). He then follows the rest of the group to the tavern.
Valum will head to storeroom while others study and grab the following items: chalk, rope(silk or normal), 10x iron spikes, 5x flask of oil, two candles, 1xchain and a small hammer. ( If available as well, few empty vials and a vial of acid) He looks like he's preparing for a two year long trip.
"Aye elf! Ye be buyn the first round!! Who need those durn books? Lets get a drink, check out an auction and do our work."
Valzoa will go to the bar and order a round of something 'dwarven' for the group, and a glass of wine for himself.
Zeebu smiles while waiting for a drink too. He was much more used to split water with the horses and couldn't deny being excited with the prospect of drinking some strong Dwarven alcoholic beer or something else on these lines. He barely had height enough to see over the counter, though, so he'd jump every now and then.
Thorek politely accepted the first round, but uncharicteristically for a dwarf he merely sipped at it. Deciding to allow his comrades to enjoy themselves, he kept a wary eye on the rest of the tavern patrons. Even brining a goblin inside was enough to invite trouble. But having such a mixed group just made them stand out all just screamed 'foreigners.' And given how the locals must have been aware that foreign treasure hunters were descending on their lands, he expected trouble.
All items mentioned were easily found in the storerooms.
The Four Pharaohs of Ascension
- During the third age of the black sphinx, Ancient Osirion was, for a time, ruled by a union of four feuding pharaohs known as the Four Pharaohs of Ascension.
- The Four Pharaohs of Ascension were Anok Fero, the Cerulean Pharaoh; Hetshepsu, the Fiend Pharaoh; Ankana, the Radiant Pharaoh; and the Pharaoh of Numbers, who’s true name is lost to time. Although each brought different strengths to the union, all were equal.
- Legends say the Four Pharaohs of Ascension were bound by a magical pact that intertwined their fates: they
lived together, ruled together, and were fated to die together.
- The Four Pharaohs of Ascension are a popular subject of study by Osirionologists from the devil-influenced
nation of Cheliax. The tyranny of the Four Pharaohs is something of an inspiration to Chelish loyalists.
- The Pharaoh of Numbers was both an astronomer and an architect. His passion was his study of the distant
planet Aucturn, and some legends claim Aucturn inspired the magic that fueled the pharaohs’ binding pact and its influence infused the design of the pyramid that now entombs the bodies of the four pharaohs.
After a few hours, everyone is getting restless. Between the time cooped up on the boat, and now squinting over books by firelight, you are all ready for a good drink and meal. It’s also about this time you realize you haven’t seen Zeebu since you began researching.
The tavern Jafar take you all to is frequented by travelers. So even though you expected to stand out, you find yourself surrounded by people from all points of Golarion. Although Zeebu is still the only goblin, other than a few curious glances, he doesn’t draw much attention. Given the varied clientele you can easily find most commons drinks for any tastes.
- “Grey”-Market Auctions take place at random intervals and always in varied tents and locations in the heavy crowds of the Bazaar. While technically illegal, the authorities turn a blind eye as long as things remain civil, peace is not disturbed and the auctioneers pay a heavy tax to the government.
- Today’s auction is courtesy of Kemesarian, a well known antiquities fence with a reputation for quality genuine artifacts.
- Rumors of a Chelish Paracount, a Taldor Dutchess, and Linnorm Karl are all in town looking for the Pyramid of the Four Pharaohs.
You all have about five hours after finishing research to spend at the tavern, resting back at the lodge, or exploring before the auction. Jafar's services can be retained for the right price, if you so choose.
Looking at Valzoa, Valum gives a nod of thanks"Elf, ye are okay... even if the air seems to get pretty thin around ye."
Valum pauses for a moment, turning towards the group "Lads, Aye think we need to have Jafar here earn some more gold....this land isn't known to us and a guide might be good for our trip to the market. Things move around here quicker than a shifting stones. I trust this one can get us where we need to be." Turning back to Jafar, "Ye up for guiding us lad and earning some more gold?"
"Jafar could be an effective guide in the city, true. I think he can earn some more of our money." Valzoa agrees. "Keep an eye out, I am looking forward to getting a look at our competition. Groups of Chelish, Taldan, and Linnorm delvers should stand out fairly well when they're assembled."
Orlog drink and eat his plenty, but make sure to not over do it so that he doesn't dull his senses.
"Aye, that's a good idea. We cou' use all tha info we ken git out of tha competition. If we ken git an edge over them, that wou' make a big difference out thar."
"Well lads. Jus' throw in' this idea out here. From what I've heard, the Chelish make great use o' slaves. An' slaves have eyes an' ears which nay be loyal to their masters. Given that slavery seems to be legal here, I'd bet an ale that this Chelsih expedition has brought slaves for their manual labor. I be thinkin' that if we can track 'em down and free a slave or two...well, it'd slow down one o' our rivals and potentially bet us some useful information."
He paused to take a sip of his ale before looking pointedly at Zeebu. "Now I'm nay one for sneakin.' But I think that this 'ere gobbo might well be. An' I be thinkin' that he be useful for somethin' besides eatin' bugs. What think ye all?"
"Slaves doing their digging?" Valzoa mutters, making a disgusted face. "How distasteful."
Orlog listens to Thorek's plan. "That's a good idea. And tha more slaves, we free, tha better ta slow them down. Plus, they will have ta use their resources ta reacquire a work force. So that means less gold ta spend at tha auction." Orlog seem to think for a second, then add. "Do ye think we ken do all that before tha auction though. How much time do we have?"
"I'd say nay much time. What we could do is sell the gobbo to them. Make sure he's got some good tools on him for breakin' out. Our elfling friend here could do the sale. Have Valum go with him I suppose, pose as a body guard. Then ye and meself get started on tge auction. Make sure our group is there for it. So e'en if them two don't make it, they've at least stalled the Chelaxians while we be present. But best case scenario, they get the slavers to buy the gobbo and he makes a right mess under their noses."
"So... hoist Zeebu off on our enemies?" Valzoa sums up with a smirk.
"Oh, nothing of the sort Thorek smirked back. "We give Zeebu the chance to prove his worth. He's already proven that he can eat bugs with the best of them. I say let him show us that a gobbo belongs in the pathfinders by bein' the most important member o' our group." He turned to Zeebu and smiled. "What'dya say, ye up to the task? Wouldn't dream o' askin' ye to do anythin' ye aren't up for."
With a bit of haggling, you come to realize Osirion's love a good haggle even the young ones, you manage to secure Jafar's services for the rest of the day for 1 gold. You also have first rights for tomorrow if you should need him again.
-
Jafar sits quietly listening to your conversation, before getting a puzzled look on his face. "Pardon intrusion, but do you mean to free the market slaves or just the ones of this Chelish-man? Because you have paid me to guide you in Sothis, and I would be bad guide if I let you be arrested for disturbing the market."
Thorek patted the boy on the head. "Jus' the Chelish ones. They're our rivals boy. We aren't here to make trouble with yer laws."
Jafar grins widely, happy that he will not see you arrested.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Zeebu smiles to Thorek. He doesn't have a clue about the danger he's getting into, but he's way too interested on the word "bug" he heard and got distracted mid-speech.
Zeebu very useful, and great candidate for being a pathfinder!
He then circles his eyes around, a little scared - but still quite clueless overall.
Zeebu can help with plan! Zeebu sneaky.
"It's settled then! Seems like we should track these Chelish down to make the sale to them directly. If we wait till the auction someone might out bid them."
"Well, since our green friend here be ok with tha plan, let's git this show on tha road." Orlog stand in one swift motion and gather his stuff.