Please introduce yourselves in-character before we get started. You're all gathered at the lodge in Absalom, waiting for Venture-Captains Ambrose Valsin and Guaril Karela.
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Its good to be back. A human, Varisian by the looks of him, enters the room and takes a look around. Things change but they really stay the same, don't they? Wearing a mithral chain shirt underneath a top-layer of older but fashionable traveler's clothing, he seems to notice but not pay attention at the same time.
Jerrik will partake of any refreshments that might be available and then takes a seat, waiting for others to arrive.
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Two thuds in quick succession on the wooden lodge floor are heard as Dalgron pirouettes and gracefully backflips through the doors, walking towards a table. "So this is it, eh... The Pathfinder Society..." He holds his hand to his chin as he surveys the room. His blue robe is simple, light and hangs loosely over his body. His feet are bare, and a metallic chain hangs from his neck with a wooden carving of a lion tied to the end.
Dalgron takes a seat next to Jerrik, pretending that they'd already met. "And good day to you, my friend. Dalgron's the name, here to serve the Society just as you are, I presume?" He offers a smile as he punches his fist into his palm.
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The door opens again and a tall, slightly build Garundi man, wearing the austere robes of a monk, enters. He makes a small, uncertain bow to the current occupants, and sits himself neatly on a chair, clutching a leather satchel on his knees.
"This one is Tekkannan" he begins, his accent thick. "I have not served the Society before, but it has long been my goal. I am skilled with blade and spell, and know much of buildings, underground places and tombs."
He stops, obviously unsure how to continue. "Perhaps...perhaps after instructions have been given, we should all drink wine together. That is the local custom, yes?"
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Turning to face Dalgron as the monk asks his question, Jerrik then produces a genuine smile. Indeed I am, yes. I'm Payne, Jerrik Payne. I believe you'll enjoy the Society.
Facing Tekkannan after the human sits down Jerrik smiles at him broadly. Well, it might be a touch early in the day for wine, but I'd gladly share some tea with you. With both of you.
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One exceptionally beautiful blonde woman makes her way inside the room.
"Well met" she says noncommittally as she finds a seat for herself.
"My name is Zhatara. As for beverage" she says making it clear she heard the previous conversation "I'll gladly have some tea, preferably black. Considering how these briefings usually are, I believe we'll need something packing a bit of a punch"
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"Hmm, tea? I've not tried much of the liquid back in the 'Mountains, but now's a good as time as any!" Dalgron lifts the kettle off a nearby table and pours a cup for the others, and then for himself.
Taking a gulp from the cup, and then making a face as if he had smelled something awful, he quickly sets the cup down. Dalgron turns to the attractive human who now sits before him, "As for packing a punch..." He puts his hands on his lap, makes two fists, and quickly punches into the air in front of him in a blur. "I think I just might have that covered." A confident grin forms on his face.
Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin and Szcarni leader Guaril Karela enter the room.
"Okay, listen up," says Valsin, eyeing you critically.
“Pathfinders, I’m sure you know our associate, Guaril Karela, if not personally then by reputation,” says Ambrus Valsin while gesturing to the Varisian man seated across from him. “We’ve had reports from a confidential informant in the Aspis Consortium that trouble is brewing in Tamran. Probably not coincidentally, several of Karela’s shipments bound for Tamran have gone missing.”
Guaril adds, “You see, the Molthuni navy maintains a rather tyrannical blockade around the city — a blockade past which my associates and I have helped Ambrus move items numerous items. It’s not so difficult; the Molthuni are not the brightest stars in the sky. Or at least it wasn’t difficult until recently. An unknown party has intercepted my last dozen shipments, and I doubt Molthune is responsible. When I lose shipments—”
“—Our lodge in Tamran loses much needed supplies,” finishes Ambrus. "Not to mention the fact that Guaril provides many important goods to the people of Tamran, such as food and medicine. Your mission is to accompany Guaril to Tamran and investigate the disappearances and thefts. Hopefully Oraiah Tolal, our venture-captain in Tamran, will have more leads."
“You depart with Karela in two hours. If you have any questions, or any supplies to purchase, I advise you do so now.”
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Dalgron sits, listening intently to Venture Captain Valsin. When he's finished, Dalgron stands up, addressing Karela. "What can you tell us about the trip from here to Tamran and the blockade?" He pauses for a moment, his hand on his chin, considering the possibility of threats. "Should we expect any... Trouble?" A half grin forms on his face.
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Tekkannan pulls a thick tome out of his satchel, and frantically flips back and forth, consulting notes.
"Tamran...a city on Lake Encarthian...capital of Nirmathas, formerly a province of... ah, Molthune..."
he stands and bows to Guaril. "We will be travelling over water, as you are a smug....ahem... facilitator of shipments on the lake, I gather. This one is ready to serve the Society, once he has purchased some sooth syrup. I do not travel well on ships."
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After the bow-woman enters and introduces herself Jerrik again gives a warm smile. Violet Red? A colorful name, naturally. I must admit that Red Violet would roll off the tongue a little better. Jerrik's voice relays the impression that he is simply making a light-hearted joke. He'll then offer the lady some tea.
Upon hearing the mission Jerrik continues to smile and speak in a warm tone. Is the fishing good on this trip? Jerrik waves the question off almost immediately. Are your shipments the only ones being targeted or have others been targeted as well?
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"So you called us here to retrieve contraband items... How very heroic!" Zhatara grins, adding:"But that's besides the point I guess. You" - Zhatara points at Guaril Karela - "said you don't expect the molthuni to be the ones intercepting your shipments... if so, who do you really think is hijacking your cargoes? Who are we really up against?"
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A slight-figured woman with wild, bright red hair and odd, purple eyes, dressed in nondescript travelling clothes, speaks up.
"Exactly how trustworthy is this contact? The Aspis are... Well, they're crawlers. How sure are we they're not trying to set us up with the Molthuni while opening up the market for those goods now provided by the lodge in Tamran, with the monopoly going to them?"
If people look at her too intensely, the young woman blushes furiously, but her eyes flash defiance. "It's a legitimate concern!"
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Dalgron shrugs at Ashwait's paranoia as he walks over and places his hand on her shoulder, again assuming rapport. "Come now, there's nothing to worry about. Do you really think so low of the Society that they would not have vetted their contact?" He does his best to assure her and the others, hiding his concern. She does have a point. The Szcarni just has this... shady look about him.
"It's not just contraband," says VC Valsin. "It's critical to the Pathfinder lodge and the people of Tamran. We're talking food and medicine here, people. And our informant has been reliable for some time now."
"As for who is behind it, if it’s not the snakes, then it could be the Church of Razmir. We’ve had unpleasant dealings with them in Tamran in the past, and I wouldn’t put it past the Razmiri to hold a grudge. We also can’t rule out any of Guaril’s enemies or rivals, of which I’m certain he has many.” Guaril does not comment, merely offering an innocently apologetic smile and shrug.
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"The Church of Razmir..." Dalgron stares intensely at the Venture-Captain. He smacks his fist into his palm again. "So we may be going up against a cult. Perhaps our fellow archaeologist may know a little more of their history." He glances at Tekkannan for a moment before continuing. "Either way, I stand ready to serve the Society when everyone else is."
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"Sure captain. I have no doubt we are doing all this for the good of the people of Tamaran" Zhatara mamages to talk keeping a straight face but it's not clear if she means what she says or she doesn't believe a word.
" Anyway... The Razmiri are boors. Weak willed boors, I might add. If it's them behind all this...then it won't be so much of a challange. The serpents are a bit more challenging, but all in all they can be dealt with... if you know how to pull their fangs out of their mouths before they can bite you" finishes Zhatara, smiling sweetly.
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Tekkannan is consulting his notes. "Razmir...mortal who rose to divinity through the test of the Starstone... founder of Razmiran, about 50 years ago...absorbed several lesser kingdoms...faith outlawed in several states."
He shrugs. "This one's notes are incomplete." He stands. "Anyway, this one must visit the apothecary. Where and when shall we meet the Honorable Guaril, Captain?"
"Two hours. At the docks."
Okay gang, let me know what preparations you make or shopping you do, then let me know you're ready to sail. We sail tomorrow (Sunday) ready or not.
Leaving Absalom and the Isle of Kortos behind, the Pathfinders set sail on their long journey. First across the Inner Sea to Cassomir, then up the Sellen river through Taldor, Galt, Andoran and the River Kingdoms, finally turning up the Glass river and skirting the border of Kyonin until they reached Lake Encarthan. Then, steering between the Isle of Terror and the Molthuni shore, they came at last within sight of Nirmathas. Guaril Karela was good to his word and guided the ship in past the Molthuni blockade, arriving at long last in the port of Tamran.
At the docks, the ship is met by a local Pathfinder agent named Reginar Lacklan. "I can take you to the Ashfall Lodge," he says quietly.
"Good, good," agrees Guaril Karela, turning to you agents. "I have enquries of my own to attend to. I'll meet you at the Ashfall Lodge in three days. We can share what we've learned then."
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"Thank you," Ashwait says, with a brief but genuine smile for Zhatara. "I shall endeavour to repay you."
You may all find Ashwait a taciturn, but not unkindly traveling companion. By the time the ship reaches its goal, you may have become quite used to seeing her amble about barefoot or sitting and staring at the horizon somewhere on deck, red hair hanging loose and tangled about her shoulders, her eyes half-closed all the time as though she were half-lost in dreams.
Tension reenters her slender frame as the ship passes the Molthuni blockade, however. As the ship docks, Ashwait's purple eyes are flicking left and right, never resting for more than a moment.
They do pause to observe Reginar before moving on again.
"Thank you," she tells the man in a soft voice, "for taking the time out to come to meet us and helping us. Things can't be easy here right now."
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Sailing wasn't something Dalgron had ever been used to. Having lived in a subterranean city for most of his life, his travels very seldomly crossed seas, save for his long trip to Absalom.
On his way to Tamran, he climbed up to a spot in the ship's rigging, taking in the view of Golarion's beautiful waters as they splashed about the ship's bow. A wide smile, the likes of a child who had seen the sea for the first time, covered his face.
It wasn't long before a deep rumble emerged in his stomach, and he quickly retreated to the ship's interior to rest, clutching his abdomen.
Arriving at the port, he emerged and slowly walked off the ship. "Whew..." Dalgron shakes off his nausea. "I think I'm more fit for land travel..." He mumbles quietly.
Now addressing the agent, Dalgron offers a warm smile. "Yes, as the lady says, we are indeed eager to investigate what may be going on here. It must be hard with so few supplies."
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Violet was probably the most uncomfortable being on the ship, being her first experience. She much preferred land. Being able to do the things that she does so well.
She happened to overhear some of the crew talking about mice and rats (not the R.O.U.S kind) in with the supplies so she went down and took care of the problem. At least it made her forget, even if for a little while, about being stuck on the boat.
She was briefly relived when they arrived to their destination and met with their contact as Guaril wandered off.
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Be safe, Guaril. I'd hate to have to come rescue you from something, somewhere!
Reginar Lacklan is it? Jerrik Payne. These are my fellow Pathfinders. Jerrik will take a moment to introduce them all if they haven't already done so themselves. So, how far is it to the Lodge? I don't mind the walk, after being on that boat we can all use the time to stretch our legs.
Reginar seems to be trying to help, but he is clearly nervous and watchful. Tamran is a city under interdict and there are many competing factions.
"It's not far. Just up that hill," says Reginar, his eyes scanning passersby rather than looking at you.
Like much of the city, Ashfall Lodge rises above the marshy ground; however, whereas most other buildings stand atop piers and pilings, the Pathfinder lodge straddles three broad cypress trees. Rope bridges and wooden slat ladders wind across its outer branches, leading to a handful of tiny cabins for storage and visiting agents. Two bell pulls hang from the southern tree—one weighted by a medallion depicting the Glyph of the Open Road and the other weighted by a bronze symbol of two faces in profile.
Reginar takes hold of the Open Road rope and gives it a sharp pull, sounding a high-pitched bell in the lodge above. From above, a gray-haired halfling woman examines the visitors, smiles, and drops a rope ladder. She nimbly clambers down and gestures grandly to the elevated structure. “Welcome, Pathfinders. May Ashfall Lodge be your home away from home and your welcome to a new land. If you’ll accompany me, I can answer any questions you might have.”
Once you have each ascended into the small structure at the top of the ladder, the halfling smiles up at you.
"I'm Oraiah Tolal. Priestess of Alseta and Venture-Captain of Tamran. Thank you for agreeing to come and lend us a hand."
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"Doors and Portals..." Not so familiar with deities other than his own, Dalgron shrugs at Ashwait's words, a confused look on his face.
He then greets the halfling, offering a handshake and an all too friendly pat on the shoulder at the same time. "Well met, Priestess! We've come to help as best we can. And surely that means we'll figure out just what's going on here, no doubt about it." He smiles and pauses for a moment, his hands behind his bald head. "Now, what can you tell us so far? Any leads, perhaps?"
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Tekkannan takes copious notes as the group walks, scribbling in his book, and flipping back and forward to consult the spidery notes which fill almost every page in every direction.
Upon entering the lodge, he carefully wipes his feet, before bowing low to Oraiah. "This one will surely help in any way he can. Please explain the situation."
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Zhatara bows respectfully at the halfling woman:"Well met Venture Captain Tolal. My name is Zhatara Smirsset, like my companions I was sent here to solve a little case of disappearing goods... Speaking of which, what are we exactly searching for? Back in the Grand Lodge Venture Captain Valsin spoke about food and medicine... Is that all we are trying to track down? Excuse my brashfulness but somehow I suspect the stolen goods to be more precious than moldy bread and remedies against syphilis. If that were indeed the case knowing the real objective of our search could help us narrow down our leads"
"You're quite safe here," Oraiah says, patting Jerrik's arm. "The food and medicine are important, of course. But you're right. The larger issue for the Society is our reputation. We're the victims of some repeated thefts as well as some very nasty rumormongering that may make it impossible to accomplish our missions here in Nirmathas."
"My own attempts to investigate the thefts were stymied by a pernicious rumor spreading through Tamran slandering the Pathfinder Society in general—and more specifically myself and Reginar—as Molthuni sympathizers. I suspect that the rumor campaign may be linked to the disappearance of Guaril Karela’s shipments, but I have no proof.".
"I think you might be able to learn more, given that you are relative newcomers to the area. After all, whoever is spreading the rumors hasn’t had the chance to fully turn the city against you. I can recommend several
sites that might be worth investigating in the city."
The Docks: “Karela’s shipments across the lake haven’t been getting through, which means the bandits must have a ship. If they have a ship, they’ve probably visited Tamran’s docks.”
The Gar’s Last Meal: “Many consider it the only inn in town worth staying at—a harsh verdict but a great place to dig up rumors.”
The Forest Bounty: “That’s the town’s most popular feast hall. These days it’s seen a lot of traffic from members of the city’s various militias. You probably won’t get a very friendly reception, what with the rumors around town, but talking to the militia patrols is your best bet at learning what’s going on outside the city.”
The Market District: “We haven’t been getting our supplies, but several of the more… illicit… items Karela used to bring into the city are still appearing in the market. That suggests someone in town is fencing goods for the thieves.”
"In exchange for your help, I can offer you a place to stay at the lodge. Further, I can cast a number of useful spells free
of charge for the duration whenever you visit the lodge: cure light wounds, cure moderate wounds, cure serious wounds, magic vestment, remove blindness/deafness, remove curse, and remove disease."
[GM's Note: She can cast these spells in any combination, but she can cast no more than six spell levels per day.]