You've all been summoned to Katheer, to the Pathfinder lodge operated by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi, who is abroad but has left written instructions for you.
Pathfinders,
As the seasons change and the fickle winds alter their course to bring rain to a parched land, so too do the Ten once again turn their eyes toward Qadira and its riches. Sadly, the circumstances are tragic, not celebratory. Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari, mentor and aunt-by-marriage to the esteemed Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, passed away recently, and the family is holding a wake for her at their estate in Katheer. The trade prince has asked a handful of agents to join him for this event, and I request that you do just that both as a show of solidarity for an important ally of the Society. I understand he also has other work for you that might prove quite lucrative, so as long he does not ask for anything too bizarre, I trust you will honor his requests as you would my own.
I am away on business, but I had another agent retrieve several worthy items from my personal vault. Please take one to offer to the family in the name of the Society and me during the wake.Be civil,
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi
Looking down at the desk, you see a scimitar, a shield, and a gold ring.
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Rani seems quite happy to be in dry, arid Qadira, so much like the climate in his native Rahadoum.
After carefully reading the letter, Rani takes a look at the items before them on the table. "I wonder if these are magical? I could study a spell that could help identify them, but perhaps one of you has something already prepared?"
The newcomer enters the room, reads the letter, then peers at the items. Kelevan can tell the items are finely made, if not magical even. Luckily for the party, the sharp-eyed elf notices convenient little tags labeling the items.....
The silver-chaised blade is a +1 scimitar, the gold ring bearing three sapphires is a ring of protection +1, while the steel shield bearing an image of Sarenrae painted in gold and studded with garnets is a +1 light fortification light steel shield.
After the party decides which item to bring as a gift, the servants come in and show you to a study where, dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam stands behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief. “You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari—a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests." He sigh with fatigue and says.
“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina’s family to conduct business at her wake."
“Though I have inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes with throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations."
He fixes your party with a determined look. “For that reason, I requested the Society’s aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?”
with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing. During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away.
al'Hakam nods at Kelevan's question. "Very astute! I or one of my assistants shall point them out as they arrive. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential.”
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"As the resident expert, what do you suggest we use in our attempts to bring about the alliance? Some might respond to power or money or something they desire? You know these people better than we, if we had your gameplan, we could execute it for you, which seems like our reason for being here, to proxy you. Or have I missed the point?" Peperic says as his temple furrows.
In addition to its honoring the deceased, Zarmina’s wake is an occasion for extended family and friends to reunite, reminisce, and renew their bonds. Several of these guests are only now arriving from abroad, though the Bahjari family has provided rooms for many out-of-town visitors who are already mingling in the manor’s entry hall. Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies the party for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters. He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later. Once he is sure
the party is at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.
As the mingling begins and the guests mill about, The Trade Prince's aide points out and informs you about the five most important guests.
In walks a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems. In following the tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade, he avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of the refreshments available.
“Temel Passad is a prophet of Kalistrade, an adherent to a strict set of personal codes that supposedly aid in one’s earning wealth. He is a clever man that the Society has dealt with before—typically under pleasant circumstances. His business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, which has led to a rivalry with Metella Rauger.”
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Next is an attractive Taldan woman in her 30s with long brown hair. She is dressed finely but moves with none of the grace and bearing that might suggest a noble upbringing.
“Doritannia Raffella buys and sells alcohol and spirits. She comes from a common household yet elevated her status through her own acumen and hard work, though she recently fell on hard times. No doubt her experience would be a valuable asset to any business venture.”
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Then follows a redheaded dwarf who wears a tabard emblazoned with the Five Kings Mountains heraldry. She’s unarmed for this event, though she often touches her belt with her right hand as a habit. When dealing with strangers, she faces the person squarely while watching for signs of trickery. She relaxes visibly around those she knows.
”Metella Rauger represents several trading houses from the Five Kings Mountains, and she
has worked with the Society and its allies before. She’s stubborn but fair. No doubt she will be on edge here thanks to Temel Passad’s having decided to attend and honor Zarmina’s memory.”
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Next is a clean-shaven man of average height with sandy-brown hair. He is quick to laugh and makes a point of being especially friendly in the hope of winning key allies, though he begins to lose interest in a conversation if he senses someone is neither influential nor have the ear of someone who might help him get ahead. It is possible to regain his attention with the promise of business leads or professional tips. For all his ambition, he is well mannered and tries to behave with the best of intentions.
“Pellius Melkior is from Andoran and has established himself as a reliable trader of durable goods in his country. Rumor has it that he has also looked into expanding his business into the River Kingdoms and Taldor.”
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Lastly is large and somewhat physically imposing figure. He prefers to encourage others to speak their minds, patiently listening with a polite smile and an intense stare as he listens for admissions of past indiscretions. His holy symbol rests in a fold of his cloth belt, and prefers to keep his affiliation quiet. Nonetheless, he finds religious discourse fascinating and cannot help but inquire about obviously religious individuals’ beliefs—especially if those people adhere to a schism’s or cult’s variation on a common faith. He keeps his distance from the cleric Umut, whom he respectfully leaves to perform her duties without distractions. He is accompanied by two bodyguards, Hakim and Amalia.
“Jakti al’Awar has spent much time abroad and only recently returned to Qadira. He maintains a small business in magic items, and some speculate that his travels and business are primarily for scholarly purposes. What is known is mostly speculation; he is something of an unknown here.”
As the last guest files in, the aide turns to you and smiles. "Well, I'll leave you to it!"
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Rani is dressed in his best robes for such a solemn occasion. He makes his way over to Jakti al’Awar, and bows deeply. "Greetings, my name is Rani of the Rahadoumi city of Botosani. I am here as a guest of the right honorable Trade Prince Aaqir and am rather new to the Pathfinder Society. If I may be so bold, I notice that you wear the symbol of your god openly. In my native land, that would precipitate a visit from the Pure Legion, of which I was a member in my foolish youth."
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Peperic walks up to Temel and bows deeply
"My name is Peperic Timarson, newly recruited by the Pathfinder Society. I, like the others, am here as a guest of the Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam. It is good of you to come and pay your respects to the family. Is there anything I might provide for you, I know you follow strict codes. As a paladin of Iomedae, I have some experience with adhering to a code of conduct."
Kelevan decides to speak to Doritannia Raffella. "Well...well, I think the selection is traditional, if a little staid. I might have suggested some better quality drinks to imbibe, but perhaps I'm spoiled from my business." The woman says, seemingly a little intimidated by the foreign, smooth talking elf.
Next, Onix trudges over and strikes up a conversation with Metella Rauger. Performing his warm-up act of miming a rock trapped in a box, the dwarf is surprisingly, mildly impressed. "Not bad. I'm probably a little biased being a dwarf, and having an affinity for rocks. I could see you potentially taking your act on the road. You might try to add in some acts, maybe, granite tabletop, or...rolling boulder gathers no moss! Keep at it, and don't get discouraged if success doesn't come easily, is all I can recommend."
Rani ambles over to Jakti al’Awar and engages the man in conversation. At first, Jakti seems a little put off at the mention of his religious affiliations, and tucks his holy symbol deeper into the folds of his clothes, but soon enough, he can't help but be drawn into a theological dicussion. The two spend well over an hour debating the nature of man's relationship to the gods, the god's fickle natures, and the meaning of Aroden's death. "I will admit, I have not met many Rahadoumis, but you have impressed me Sir!"
Lastly, Peperic wanders over to Temel Passad and introduces himself. The man seems genuinely impressed by the young paladin, patting Pep on the back and shaking his hand. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, young master! It does my heart good to see that manners still exist among the younger generations!"
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Having acquired a useful ally, Rani next heads to the Andoran trader, Pellius Melkior, and introduces himself. "Good day, Master Trader. My name is Rani of the Pathfinder Society, and I am here as a special guest of the Trade Prince Aaqir. I am an alchemist by trade, and do a steady business in the trade of basic alchemical healing goods such as salves and balms. The Pathfinder Society has been expanding their influence into the River Kingdoms in the past year, trying to secure travel to the crusader nation of Mendev. I was wondering if you've had any luck dealing with the independent-minded powers there?"
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Peperic thinks for a few moments and then says, "I do not think it is a secret that the paladins have a...certain set of codes and when we violate them, we may lose favor with our god. I've studied a lot of writings and to be honest no one seems too talkative on the hows of avoiding the fall, as it were. I know your code requires perhaps an even stricter code. Do you have any words of wisdom for a young man just beginning his religious journey?"
Rani bids good day to Jakti and moves over to speak with Pellius. Discussing the potential for expansion of trade in the northeast regions, Pellius seems impressed with Rani. "Aye, the northeast in the next frontier, the area is ripe for expansion. Anyone getting in now, is bound to make money by the bucketfuls! A deal with the Trade Prince is all that is needed to make the venture's success a given!"
Onix keeps speaking with Metella and she seems more impressed as time goes on. "Well, you certainly are a man of many talents, I'll give you that. Perhaps there is an opportunity to make some lucrative trade arrangements. As you Onix wins over Metella, you notice Passad eyeing the two talking, and frowning. Seeing Passad and Pepric talking to him, Metella grumbles, then leans over and whispers to the oread. [b]"You know, that Passad is a real horse's arse. I'd love nothing better than to see him make a real bugbear if himself today." She pulls out a packet from her pouch and looks at it for a moment. "You know, this here is sneezing powder. Wouldn't it be a hoot if this "accidentally replace the snuff in ol' Passad's snuffbox...." She says, eying Onix cagily.
Pepric continues speaking with Passad, appealing to the man's more experienced status. Passad looks down with a patriarchal look, then glances at Metella speaking with Onix. "Son, codes are great to live by, but I've found over my lifetime that sometimes codes are too rigid for the matter at hand." Nodding toward Metella, he say. "Take the dwarf woman over there, she really has it in for me." He holds his hands up innocently. "And what did I ever do to her? Nothing! Sometimes a little tactical advantage is needed. Like, say..somehow Metella misplaced her written notes for the speech she's going to give. She'd have a hard time looking...professional, well-prepared, no?" He says, giving Pepric a meaninful look.
Kelevan keeps at the Taldan woman, though she starts to appear as if he is giving her the creeps. She glances over the crowd and appears to recognize someone. "Trade can be tough. Sometimes you become encumbered with debt when deals don't go right. Um, if you'll excuse me, I see someone I know. Good day."
As Jakti pass through the throngs of people, he see Rani and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Hello again! This sun is blistering, no? It has made me weary, but I've found the manor servant reluctant to unlock and open the windows. I fear the manor will be stuffy tonight." He says as he continues on his way through the crowd.
As the shadows lengthen, the cleric Umut emerges from the temple, calls for the guests’ attention, and requests they honor the deceased. With that, Aaqir al’Hakam and several other members of the Bahjari household carry a wooden bier bearing the shrouded body of Zarmina through the front door, up the stairs, and into the temple, where the guests file in afterward. Aaqir al’Hakam and the others lay the bier atop the altar of Sarenrae, and then join the other guests in the pews.
Umut opens the service by recognizing the Pharasma, to whom the temple is consecrated as a sign of respect before transitioning to an invocation to “our lady of eternity, who shepherds the deceased to an everlasting afterlife.” Most of her prayers are in her native Osirian language, though her bidding the soul safe voyage down the River of Souls is delivered in Common.
With that, she invites the guests to come forward, place any gift to be interred with Zarmina on the table near the altar, and address the guests and the deceased. The merchants who have come to honor Zarmina all give splendid gifts.
Doritannia Raffella speaks highly of Zarmina, and she further cites Temel Passad as a similarly upstanding member of the mercantile community who will certainly carry Zarmina’s torch of fair business practices into the future; Temel seems to expect this praise and nods in recognition of her kind words.
Pellius Melkior likens memories of Zarmina to finely crafted dwarven stone—enduring, beautiful, and formed gradually over many years of virtuous work. Metella Rauger is somewhat embarrassed by this reference, but by the end of the Andoren’s speech, she is smiling in appreciation.
Jakti al’Awar’s gift is a gold and jewel-embellished ledger, and his speech praises Zarmina for having lived a virtuous and charitable life yet suffering neither the kowtowing of sycophants nor the underhandedness of villains.
At last, it comes time for a representative of the Pathfinder Society to come forward with the chosen gift and make a speech. The attendees all turn to watch expectantly, especially Jakti, Metella, and Temel who all watch you closely.