At some point this morning, each of you receive a summons to the Lodge to see Ambrus Valsin. The message states that it was urgent and to arrive promptly at noon. Once in the Lodge you are escorted back to a meeting room with a large rectangular oak table that seats about a dozen. Other than the table and chairs the room is currently empty.
One by one each of you arrive on time and are taken to the room until all five of you have arrived. When the fifth of you arrives the escort notes, "Please have a seat. Once the last member has arrived Venture-Captain Valsin will join you."
The escort disappears down a corridor, shutting the door behind them.
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Lukaas enters the room, streches his arms, and sits confortably on a chair, putting his hat in front of him on the table. He's a big man, but his face is youthful, with a bushy beard
Stroking his beard for a few seconds, he rises from his seat to take a bottle, sniffs its contents, and with an happy sigh gets a glass.
Smiling, he looks at the other people in the room.
Please, do sit. And drink. You must be thirsty. I surely am. My name is Lukaas Penn, and I am an entertainer, a scholar, a musician, and a member of the Society, of course.
He seems thoughful for a few moments, looking into his now empty glass
The glass doesn't stay empty for long.
While I am at it, shall I fill your glasses too?
Venture-captain Ambrus Valsin runs the daily operations of the Grand Lodge at the Decemvirate's command. Meticulous with details and annoyed by inefficiency, Ambrus makes a point to supervise all important duties within the Grand Lodge, and keeps a long list of relatively safe but time-consuming jobs on file, ready to hand out to rookie Pathfinders to keep them busy and out of the way of more experienced agents.
Tall and meticulously groomed, Ambrus doesn't appreciate backtalk and is well known for reserving particularly strenuous assignments for those who annoy him.
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A pretty half-elf sits in at the far end of the table...she sips from her tea-cup...which looks like it came from a child's tea set. Her musket is on her back, along with a rapier at her side. She opens a sack on her belt...and pulls a clear container full of a white powder, and pours it in her drink. She has a horse doll sewn onto her belt.
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Lukaas enters the room, streches his arms, and sits confortably on a chair, putting his hat in front of him on the table. He's a big man, but his face is youthful, with a bushy beard
Stroking his beard for a few seconds, he rises from his seat to take a bottle, sniffs its contents, and with an happy sigh gets a glass.
Smiling, he looks at the other people in the room.
Please, do sit. And drink. You must be thirsty. I surely am. My name is Lukaas Penn, and I am an entertainer, a scholar, a musician, and a member of the Society, of course.
He seems thoughful for a few moments, looking into his now empty glass
[Dice=Knowledge-Local? to remember anything about Captain Valsin]1d20+5
The glass doesn't stay empty for long.
While I am at it, shall I fill your glasses too?
"I see...well, th' name's Pollet. Pollet Puck."
She tips her hat.
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arriving next, White Eagle, he is a human apparently of some sort of Shoanti heritage but which tribe isn't quite evident.
dressed in a more hand woven leathers. He uses a short spear adorned with several feathers as a walking staff.
Kaiziyeuyeu, greetings. I am called White Eagle, Shaman of the Earth spirit
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"Ah! Lukaas! Good to see you again. As you are here and up to your typical "womanizing", I trust you have had success since we last ventured together?"
Zhoron turns and bows to each of the other members, "Greetings fellow pathfinders. My name is Zhoron Moonmist. I excel in use of the bow, but I also have experience in various militia, providing me with experience in melee combat and insight into tactical advice. Although I despise bodily fluids, expecially on my sword, and would prefer to avoid the need to clean and polish it, if at all possible."
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It is at this point that a large half Orc enters. He wears dark scale mail complete with intimidating mask and a large ax peeks over his shoulder. He takes his drink and downs it like water before introducing himself.
My name is Gaeldrung. I am a representative of The Lord in Iron and executor of his will. Whom among you will fight?
His presence is imposing, his golden eyes are piercing, and his bearing is authoritative.
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Lukaas seems genuinely interested when he spots Pollett's weapon
So that's a firearm? I've never seen one before...What is it called? Isn't it too dangerous? It seems dangerous enough for you to drink tea and nothing stronger, i've noticed... You are a woman full of surprise, miss Puck-Or shall I call you Pollett?Pretty with an hint of danger, just the kind I like...Oh, poor me....
Even if Lukaas was charming when Pollett sat and introduced herself, the bard's face really warms up when he sees Zhoron, and he walks to him to deliver a big friendly hug
My friend, what an happy surprise!This will be another glorious adventure, and another success! But surely you are misinformed: me, a "typical" womanizer?? Nay! I just enjoy beauty everytime and everywhere I find it. And it just so happen that women are the greatest purveyors of beauty on Golarion. I have to adapt to the circumstances, to tell the truth. And please, don't be rude :nothing is "typical" in me, I do my best to surprise, entertain, excel in every known art- and love is an art, at least when you're doing it right, like me.
He winks at his friend after this over the top declaration and fills two glasses,offering one to Zhoron
We should drink to that reunion. Or for any other reason.
Suddenly, he whispers something in Zhoron's ear
Turning to the big half orc with a half smile
Fight? Why? There's still enough alcohol for everyone, Gaeldrung.And besides, Captain Valsin expect us to cooperate, whatever the mission will be.These missions are quite never peaceful, rest assured.
Finally, Lukaas looks at the shaman
A Shoanti, huh? Let see if I can manage to guess your tribe...Don't tell me!
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"Sir Gaeldrung, when you aski whom among us will fight... did you mean along side of you or were you issuing a martial challenge to us?"
He almost lashes out at the Elf, but quickly reigns in his temper and explains. These were not followers of The Lord in Iron. They did not know. He would teach.
I asked what I meant. Who among you will fight. It could be me, a lord, a law, a beggar-theif. I need to know who will stand against any challenge and prove their worth in the effort. Any others are worthy only of scorn and death, and I intend to treat them that way.
A tall and meticulously groomed man enters the room, shutting the door behind him. He walks around the table and takes a spot in the center. Amidst your talking he clears his throat, waiting for silence. After you all have quieted down he begins to address the group.
"Pathfinders," Valsin booms, "Zarta Dralneen no longer exists. She never existed. She’s never worked for the Chelish embassy here in Absalom, and she’s never been in charge of the Chelish Pathfinders. At least that’s what I was told, repeatedly, to my face, through three layers of Chelish bureaucrats." he says with a sneer.
"I know those people, and they all knew Zarta. They didn’t just forget about her. She’s been ‘disappeared.’ I don’t know where she went and I don’t know who took her. What I need you to do for me is to go into the Chelish embassy and find out as much as you can by snooping around for a bit. I want to know where Zarta is, I want to know who took her, and I want to know why she was taken. We can’t afford to offend Cheliax, so you’ll have to infiltrate their embassy quietly."
He begins rummaging in his desk drawers, removing items and setting them on his desk. "I’ve devised a cover story that should get you in the side door with orders to see the new Chelish ambassador. An ongoing diplomatic gala scheduled for the same time and a clever ruse by Venture-Captain Amara Li— who is also attending the gala—will keep the ambassador busy, but you’ll have to act quickly if you want to secure the information we need before he arrives to meet you. You must get into the embassy, get what we need, and get back out of the embassy without the Chelaxians ever catching on that we’ve been rooting around."
He holds up a bundle of papers “Here is a packet of information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava. It’s legitimate intelligence that we probably would have passed on to Zarta eventually anyway and that we’re willing to give up for free as our ticket into the building."
Turning to face each of you he continues with, "You’ll enter the embassy through the north entrance of the residential wing, where Chelish imperial security receives all of their informants. Even if you have a good cover story, you might have difficulty getting past the guards there—if necessary, you’ll have to resort to bribing your way through." He pauses, taking a breath and rubbing his eyes. "Once you’re in, the guards will likely make you wait for the ambassador when you tell them you have important information for him. Don’t give it to anyone, since once they have the information there will be no reason for them not to show you the door."
"Amara Li will keep the ambassador pinned down at the gala while you break out of the waiting room and snoop around. She will also meet you just before you enter the gala to cast a message spell on you, just in case you need to keep in touch during your mission. You just need to make your way to Zarta’s chambers—they’re in the southwest corner of the residential wing, but you’ll have to find a route that doesn’t intersect with the gala’s attendees or residents of the embassy. Try to get in and out in less than an hour. That’s my best estimate at how long the gala and Li can keep the ambassador preoccupied. Once you’ve got the information and made it back to the waiting area, you just have to wait for the ambassador to find time to see you."
Valsin holds up a small piece of parchment folded into a square. "My informants tell me that Ailenia Hospar, one of the clerks you’ll likely run into at the embassy, is addicted to shiver. I’ve procured some of the drug for you to slip her if she initially proves less than accommodating. You may also have to deal with Anstrella Trelax, the pompous night-duty officer. Beyond that, what you’ll face is beyond my knowledge. I’ve ordered for you to receive several tools that might help you in your mission. Good luck, Pathfinders."
He tosses a small bag on the desk. "Take this, it might prove useful. Now hurry, you have a short time before the gala starts."
Valsin concludes the meeting and heads for the door. As he opens it he pauses, remembering that he is dealing with some newer Pathfinders. He turns back to the group and asks, "Are there any questions?"
Valsin turns to face Gaeldrung, pursing his lips and pausing a moment to make sure he words his reply carefully.
"If you are threatened by all means defend yourselves. Keep in mind however that you are not to draw attention to yourselves. Get in, secure the information we need, complete your cover with the delivery to the ambassador and get out with them none the wiser of your true objective. I am not sending you into a situation where I expect you to be engaging with the embassy security forces in full out battle. All embassies will have a substantial security force of course. You will be best off not attracting attention from them."
He issue a stern look to Gaeldrung, "You look more than capable of spilling blood Pathfinder, but I do not want to receive word in the middle of the night from the ambassador that a group of Pathfinder have caused a major security incident that disrupted the gala. You will all need to utilize more than brawn this night."
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I do have a few questions, Captain, I'm sorry. How will we recognise Lady Amara, when we meet her before entering the embassy? Or that Chelish clerk addicted to shiver you spoke of, Ailenia Hospar? Do you suspect Zarta is hold prisoner somewhere..or worse? What if she is locked into the embassy itself? Should we try to rescue her?
"Captain Amara will meet you in the alley on the backside of the embassy at precisely six bells. My information on Ailenia Hospar states that once you make your way past the guard at the initial entrance, she will be on the other side to receive you."
Valsin ponders the rescue question for a moment before responding, "The purpose of this mission is to secure information on Zarta's whereabouts. We are fairly certain that with the gravity of this situation that would not keep her locked inside of the embassy, but we may be wrong. If your information leads you to believe she is indeed inside of the embassy, you should bring that information back to us so we can plan a proper extraction. The gala will provide sufficient cover for your current mission, but I do not believe it is ideal for extraction."
Valsin nods and looks around the room briefly, "Now then I must be off, if there are no more questions you are free to leave to prepare yourselves."
Through the open door you can see a messenger approach Valsin and hand him six sealed letters. Valsin takes the letters in hand and nods thanks to the messenger who heads off. He hands the letter to each of you and states, "Each of your captains are aware of your mission this evening and have dispatched these missives for each of you."
He hands you each a letter, bids you good luck and departs on his way. Each letter has a wax seal from your respective faction with your name written across front.
Your next mission takes you into the Chelish embassy, a fantastic opportunity if ever there was one. Of course, you’ll be busy on Pathfinder work and you’ll be dogged every moment by your nosy compatriots. How much better would it be if we could mount our own infiltration? With that dream in mind, why don’t you see if you can get hold of any keys to the embassy, whether external or internal. We’ll keep them safe until such a time as they become useful.
To a brighter future for Taldor,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
Your next mission takes you into the Chelish embassy, a fantastic opportunity if ever there was one. Of course, you’ll be busy on Pathfinder work and you’ll be dogged every moment by your nosy compatriots. How much better would it be if we could mount our own infiltration? With that dream in mind, why don’t you see if you can get hold of any keys to the embassy, whether external or internal. We’ll keep them safe until such a time as they become useful.
To a brighter future for Taldor,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
Our Champion,
We all know of Zarta Dralneen’s profane tastes. In many ways, her cursed religion necessitates darkness and evil. But Zarta takes it to depths of depravity that many never achieve. Several of our operatives have been tracking down a sacrilegious painting of Sarenrae so that we may see it destroyed. Imagine my surprise when we discovered that the latest purchaser of the abomination was none other than our colleague Zarta. As you explore the embassy, keep an eye out for the painting. You’ll know it when you see it—I don’t wish to sully this paper with a description. Destroy it yourself—we don’t want such filth spread across any more eyes than it has to be.
Walk in the light,
Ollysta Zadrian
Loyal Servant of the Ruby Prince,
Our search for a cure for our Prince’s ailment continues. We have spread our nets widely looking for ancient secrets and reagents that will allow us to combat the baffling curse. Word of the curse has spread somewhat, and it appears we’re not the only ones looking for a cure. Zarta Dralneen has dropped hints that she has obtained a handful of Thassilonian artifacts that might be crucial in our researches. So far she hasn’t been willing to give them up, instead using them as leverage in her profane power plays. Now, however, the shoe is on the other foot. The artifacts in question are several small, carved figurines in the Thassilonian style. There should be three, each cut in the shape of a tower. Bring them out and you may help the Ruby Prince in his time of greatest need.
In shared service,
Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage
My Friend,
Muno Dans, a low-ranking but nonetheless important Aspis Consortium agent, will be at the gala tonight
at the Chelish embassy, the site of your forthcoming mission. You’ll recognize him by his distinctive hairstyle:
he wears it in Garundi crop-rows, which is highly unusual for a Chelaxian. He also dresses quite distinctively,
and frequently flaunts his bright red cloak with the triple-asp on the back. We’ve been trying to get some sort
of surveillance to stick to him for some time, but he’s quite careful. We’re giving you a small tracking bead that
we’ve prepared. If you can stick it discreetly into a pocket of his clothing, we’ll be able to track his movements
long enough to come up with a more permanent solution.
Good luck!
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
My Friend,
Muno Dans, a low-ranking but nonetheless important Aspis Consortium agent, will be at the gala tonight
at the Chelish embassy, the site of your forthcoming mission. You’ll recognize him by his distinctive hairstyle:
he wears it in Garundi crop-rows, which is highly unusual for a Chelaxian. He also dresses quite distinctively,
and frequently flaunts his bright red cloak with the triple-asp on the back. We’ve been trying to get some sort
of surveillance to stick to him for some time, but he’s quite careful. We’re giving you a small tracking bead that
we’ve prepared. If you can stick it discreetly into a pocket of his clothing, we’ll be able to track his movements
long enough to come up with a more permanent solution.
Good luck!
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
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Gaeldrung pops the seal immidiately, reads the note, scoffs, then crumples it in his hand. He'll toss it in the first contained fire they come across.
He scans this group of Parhfinders. Of all of them, only Zonron looked like he could take a hit. He was going to be far out of his element tonight, and that made him nervous.
But he would still fight. Any challenge must be met, physical or otherwise. Therefore... A test then. My lord tests my perception and willingness to hunt those who answer No. I will go into the loins's den, into this house of cowards and weaklings, and I will hunt.
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After reading his letter, Lukaas asks to his companions
Any of you from Cheliax? I don't want to get rude... For all I've heard, they are in league with devils-not all of them, of course, but the higher you go on the social ladder, the higher the chance a fiend is by your side. And an embassy is the right place to find upper class people. So be prepared. If you have some magical weapon, or some holy water, that could prove useful, I guess. I'm not that familiar with beasts from other planes myself.
And as for Lady Zarta, she is equally known for her majesteous beauty and her...wild and sinful hedonistics ways. Not that i've been private to her, I'm not famous enough-not yet, at least- but you know... some people talk. And some hear.
He smiles a warm smile to Pollet, curtsying her
Of course, I do prefer women whose heart and mind are as beautiful as their bodies. Lady Zarta is a tad too dark for my own tastes.
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For what I know, Devils of all kind are immune to fire and their metabolism is too strange for our common, human poisons. They don't suffer as much as us from cold either, and acid is of limited use agaisnt them. They see in the dark, as most things evil, and can contact people's mind. Whether or not they are able to influence said minds is beyond my limited field of expertise. Strangely, devils can summon more of their kind in our Plane, but, as far as I know, they are the only thing they can summon.
Stroking his beard, the bard looks at you
Of course, if you have more informations on the topic, please share it with us. I'm always glad to learn too.
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Prior to the arrival of the others at the lodge, Eldak showed up so he could find a seat in the shadows to observe. Having apprenticed under a well-known Evocation wizard within his community, Eldak learned of the importance of observation. His desire to observe people and understand the world around him led him to forego the path of his teacher and delve into the arts of divination.
Eldak observed the others as they all arrived. Lukaas is very confident and boisterous, Gaeldrung desires combat it appears at any chance. For differing reasons both of these individuals could be problematic for the party, Eldak thought to himself. Pollett appears uncomfortable in these situations and may be inexperienced. This shall be an interesting group to be a part of, Eldak thought to himself as he continued to observe the members of the party. Finally having observed for long enough, he stepped from the shadows.
"I'm Eldak Moonshadow, and I will be joining you on this adventure. It sounds as though my abilities for divination will be perfect for this quest. The ability to see the future is one of obvious benefit and something that should never be underestimated." Eldak looks very much alike the atypical look for an elf with long hair, in this case white hair, forest green eyes and a slender build. He's wearing robes of a deep blue color with a staff in his left hand.
Eldak approaches the messenger and retrieves the envelope addressed to him before reading it in silence. He then slides the envelope into his backpack before slinging it over his shoulder. "Lukaas I trust when you decide to retell this story you will honor us all appropriately, he says before turning to look at Gaeldrung. "I'm sure you will have your chance to fight my friend, but let's not be so quick to anger, you never know what perils await you that shall prove to strong for you to withstand on your own."
After shopping the group reconvenes near the embassy. The Chelish Embassy is in the Ascendant Court and once housed a large cathedral to Aroden. The religious statues and icons one would expect from an old cathedral are missing, replaced by statues of Asmodeus and other Imperial symbols. White Eagle reports on his scouting findings stating that there appears to be a continuous stream of rather well dressed attendees who have been making their way into the embassy. All of the entrances appear to be guarded by between one and four guards and Elangomat has even seen guards posted on the upper levels as well.
Following directions, you arrive in a dark alley in sight of a nondescript side entrance to the Chelish Embassy - used by informants you have been told. The only thing that distinguishes this door from all the others along the alley is the presence of a single guard dressed in Chelish imperial livery.
A brief flash of light like a reflection on a mirror catches your attention off in the distance. As you all turn to look for the source you notice on the main street some distance away a Tian woman dressed in a beautiful, but rather stern, gown accompanied by several servants. She does not look your way, but her fingers flicker discretely in your direction and you each hear a whisper in your ear,
"This is Venture Captain Amara Li. Know that I have my own ends here this night, I am not here for you. I will keep the Ambassador distracted for an hour, so you need to convince them your information is for his eyes only and make use of your waiting time. This is a message spell, do not contact me unless it is extremely urgent."
With that she moves off towards the embassy with her servants, disappearing out of sight.
The guard clears his throat loudly.
*ehem*.
A guard in Chelish livery, a severe uniform of black and red, trimmed with gold stands rigidly at the door. "Step forward and state your names and business with the Embassy.", in a no-nonsense tone of voice as his eyes linger over each of you in turn.
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"I am Eldak Moonshadow and I have information from my faction that is of importance to the ambassador and information that only he is meant to see," Eldak states as he approaches the guard and greets him.
"My party and I would appreciate if you would allow us to pass our information to the ambassador inside the embassy where we know the information can be safe from unwanted ears."
The guard raises an eyebrow to Eldak, unimpressed. "Oh really? If it's so important how come no one told me you were coming?"
The guard cocks his head to the side and looks at Eldak questioningly. Changing the subject completely he reaches his hand down to his waist, where ones coin purse may occasionally be. "Do you know what I would appreciate? Higher pay. Did you know that my sons birthday is nearing and he is expressing interest in this new blade that smith Kratzen has forged? It's truly a beautiful piece of craftsmanship! Shame it's so ungodly expensive though. Good blades tend to be you know."
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You know what else is expensive? Gaeldrung says as he steps from the shdows of the ally, Replacement guards. Stop playing games. It's dangerous for us to be seen here. For you...
His crowned helm makes him look six inches taller than he actually is and the cruel looking greatax head peeking from behind his scaled armor is hard to miss. Gaeldrung is utterly confident that he wouldn't need the weapon, however. He would just burst his spleen. That should leave him fit to stand here until they were through with their business and still ensure a painful death.
The guard reads the obvious efforts from the half-orc as a threat and takes a step backwards towards the door, arching is back slightly so he can look up at Gaeldrung. As he does so he blows out his breath in feigned exasperation. Sticking to his original line of inquiry he shrugs and says in an exaggerated tone, "PHhhewwww! Wow, that sounds a little dangerous for me to be out here. I should probably duck inside and get some reinforcements for this obvious threat to my life?"
He turns and places a hand on the door, but looks back over his shoulder at you as if waiting for something still.
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Fool. I offered a challenge and he runs like the puppy he is. I would have payed him willingly too, had he just had the courage to stand.
Gaeldrung scowls and tosses a few coins at the guard's feet. Their mission, their rules. Otherwise this man's life blood would be running between the stones at this very moment. In the church's eyes, this man was barely worth a decent beheading. Let him take the coin. The sooner this mission was over the better.
The guard removes his hand from the door and looks down at the shimmer treasure on the ground. Silently he quickly bends down and begins to pickup the scattered coins.
The guard finishes picking up the coins and jingles them in his hand, making a gesture with his hand that causes it to rise abnormally high in the air. It almost looks like he was trying to weigh the coins as if they are on a scale and they were coming up lighter than expected. He looks down at the coins and says, "Mmm mmm mmm. I'm sure someone who appreciates fine weaponry like yourself knows that the price of masterwork weaponry, yes? Five gold just doesn't go as far as it used to in Absalom."
He looks down into his hand, back up at Gaeldrung and then back to his hand again.
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Pollet loads her musket and heads out the door. She grunts and props the gun on her shoulder. "Well, I'm gonna go get some cold iron bullets. Beauties 'll looks nice with blood of devils." She looks at Gaeldrung. "You thinkin' 'bout gettin' yerself a nice cold iron axe or what?"
She smiles at Gaeldrung.