The gala inside the Chelish embassy appears to be in full swing, and as the faint light from the building falls upon the alleyway outside, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin's mission briefing is hard to forget. “Pathfinders,” Valsin boomed but hours earlier in the briefing chamber within the Grand Lodge, “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. 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. 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.
“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.
“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. 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 else, 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.
“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.”
As you all leave Ambrus' office, one of his assistants hands you two scrolls of disguise self and two elixirs of hiding
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Tanna Giantsmite is a confusing conundrum of opposites. Her strikingly attractive Human appearance is starkly countered by her crass Dwarven dialect and mannerisms. Her long, silken blond hair is twisted and braided under her chin, roughly resembling the beards of the Dwarven ladyfolk. But most curious is the polished scale mail, Dwarven War Hammer and heavy crossbow that her diminutive frame carries with the ease of practiced martial disciple of the God, Torag. Her purpose in this life is to exact punishment on those poor souls who shirk their responsibilities or break sworn oaths and values honor, planning and well-made steel.
"Greetings fella travelers, oi luk forward ter de journey! Ah've never been much on politics, but 'ope ter correct an' wrongs dat 'av been done an' ensure any oaths pledged ter de society are kept!"
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At three and a half feet tall Suejo is hard to notice even standing in a brightly lit room. His muted gray skin color is set off by a a tattooed spiral pattern of white dots up and down his arms and on his face. Alert black eyes are set well behind a sharp prominent nose.
It's good to meet you. Politics are too often just another form of battle, and so sometimes we must be soldier's on a different kind of field. I think you'll find the kinds of tactics we employ might be just as disquieting as a knife fight or cavalry charge. Like the shiver at hand here. Unsavory... but if it's necessary to recover one of our own, do we have the right to refuse to resort to it?
He seems to ponder the question silently for a moment.
In any case I come from a people accustomed to acting in the shadows. I know that to do so does not mean one must be evil or dishonorable. But it could lead to hard choices about what one's values really are. If Zarta's fate depends on our assistance, to fail to render it would be a moral lapse.
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Cyrus is honest to a fault and is often dupped by people with a quick tongue. Knowing this he tries to keep his distance until he gets to know someone. He loves to dance and will get caught in a tune easily. When in combat he moves with a graceful, deadly, rhythmic motion.
A wiry, tall, sandy blond Half-Elf stands in a relaxed pose listing to Valsin. A scar on his face is hard to miss and his eyes are two different colors one blue the other green. He walks with an easy grace and has a piercing stare.
Cyrus stands rigid at the meeting with Valsin. Thinking to himself that galas, politics and smooth talking have alway seemed a waste of time to him. "I will do what is necessary. If I must go to the gala I am best on the dance floor." Giving a nod to the VC.
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A little late, or fashionably late, a tall, thin human man in a grotesque purple robe walks in. His bald head is accompanied by a long, black goatie and his gaze sternly scans the room.
Greetings. I am Captain Lee, former city watch captain, Occult mediator and recently, Archivist of dangerous artifacts. In my quest for higher states of mental conscience I have met the Prince of Pain, for he has truly blessed me with capacity for life. Life is pain, I intend to enjoy it to the fullest. If today's companions -you- are any bit as painful to my brain as the ones I usually -ahem- "Adventure" with, then I expect the same incompetence and we will get along just fine. For what does not kill you makes you stronger and so far the society has not disappointed me with her share of painful experiences. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
He continues in a sulky voice, a face as if thoroughly disgusted by some thought.
I've had... experiences with Chelaxian bureaucracy. Count on me to get us past certain.. obstacles. Also, I have a knack for mind reading, as I love to personally experience other's miserable lives firsthand, as to strengthen my mind. I am truly blessed.
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Suejo considers Captain Lee's words.
The difference between pain and pleasure is illusory, we are told. You are probably right to embrace pain as life. Wayang see everything as concentrations and diffusions of shadow. Everything is ultimately the same stuff, just thrown upon the wall in a way that appears different to our limited faculties. Shine a light in one place to banish darkness and you cast shadows elsewhere.
Here he gives a small smile.
And yet I defy the wisdom of my people really, I spend my life watching and searching. Seeking to know when there is nothing to know. Oh well. I am certain at least we can find our friend the opportunity to dance, and to the good Captain... no end of pain.
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A well-armed halfling comes in and walks straight to the cleric, Tanna, and beckons to whisper in her ear. She nods, and thanks the Halfling then addresses the group, "Unfortunately, I have been called away as my talents are needed by the Society elsewhere. May Torag's strength help to guide and protect you. Until our next adventure." With this the cleric departs with little fanfare.
The diminutive size of the Halfling cavalier is offset by his outwardly evident expansive courage and his dedication to the duties of his order. Wearing a set of subdued-toned scale mail, spiked cestus on each hand, and carrying a bardiche, Beau is a picture of a battle-hardened devotee to the Order of the Sword. But this warrior’s true brilliance is on display when he is astride his leather barded wolf-mount Cælin. As a team, this duo is a force to be reckoned with - displaying the ferocity of a dragon, the quickness of a snake, the cunning of a hawk and the spirit of a lion.
He addresses the crowd, "Greetings, I am Beauregard Bulltether Underbough, but please call me Beau. I am a caviler in service of the Order of the Sword, and I have dedicated my life to the code of chivalry, living a life of honor, valor, and fairness. I am here to replace Tanna... so I must ask, is anyone allergic to wolf dander?"
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Suejo steps forward to welcome the newcomer.
"It's good to meet you Beau. You have dedicated your life to many fine things, I'm sure they will serve you well. I wish I could make such bold declarations about myself, but I've mostly dedicated my life to accumulating a few tricks and reading occasional books. As for your companion I'm sure it will not be a prob..."
Abruptly Suejo let's out a small sneeze, embarrassingly high pitched. Followed by three others in rapid succession. He blinks his now watery eyes.
"Well, it's never come up, but perhaps I am allergic to wolf dander. I'm sure it will prove surmountable. I am eager to see what your friend can accomplish in regards to Chelish diplomacy. It can only be more interesting than the usual back and forth."
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I'm afraid my suffering is only minor. I do not know of any way to induce an allergy. Most efforts are directed towards alleviating them. I imagine that a curse or other maleficent form of magic could create such an effect, but that would be a weak use of a powerful spell.
If you wish to experience an effect like that of an allergy you could use a pinch of pepper. Get a little in your eyes and sniff a small portion of it. You miss out on one of the most important aspects of an allergy however, the unwanted intrusion on the course of one's daily affairs. To that end I could toss a handful of pepper in your face at some unspecified time in the future. To give you the full effect.
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"Fair greetings to you and all. I hope that I serve you and the Society well." With that Beau whistles and a larger grey wolf bounds into the room and wags his tail excitedly , whining at Beau. Reaching into his beltpouch, the halfling removes a treat and with a simple hand gesture, Caelin lies down and and waits patently.
"All this is Caelin, he is really a big puppy, unless we are working... and Suejo, if you please, I have some bitter blackroot tea. It is supposed to be good for allergies according to me Da, but only one small cup a day. Otherwise, you will be "up to swordfight all night long," also according to me Da. I never really did understand what he meant by that, as I have always been a fan of fighting with a polearm or a lance most my life." the diminuitive cavalier says.
With a glance and a nod of Beau's head, the Grey Wolf devours the treat and wags his tail approvingly.
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I shall remember this pepper trick, If we have the chance i'd like to take you up on that offer master Wayang. And master Half-elf, I was once like you. I did not understand the workings of pain and suffered greatly. But now I understand, for mental pain is both more efficient and more exquisite than physical torment could ever hope to achieve. As master Halfling here would most likely attest to, having to keep up with this dog every day and night. Once more, I am blessed. So... are you all ready for a Chelix party?
He concludes with a wink towards Cyrus, unclear as to wether what he just said was ment seriously or not.
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"Um... Caelin is a wolf, just to be factual." the halfling purposefully says looking up at the majestically clothed human. But the vacant eyes and stern look he is greeted with in return make Beau quickly turn and begin securing his saddle and gear on Caelin as they prepare to depart.
"Well he is a wolf..." he says under his breath.
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"You are very gracious to offer this remedy Beau. I don't share our friend's affinity for torment. Cheer up Cyrus! We may be disquieting folk and the task we undertake is maybe not a pleasant one but we are not all shadows and pain! Perhaps there will be dancing after all. Certainly Caelin here will not trouble you with dark words."
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A tall Talden man is loading his musket whilst the introduction was taking place. He has a look of a hardened soldier as he looks over the group when finished applying the blackpowder and bullet.
Once loaded he slings it over his shoulder and looks around at the group.
"I'm not one for talkin', but my gun is loaded. If we have trouble, it'll make a very loud bang." he states simply. "Don't look to me for doing the talking."
Arriving at the Chelish embassy, you head to the side door where Ambrus told you to go (a nondescript entrance in an alley that runs along the north side of the Chelish embassy). The only way to tell the difference between this door and all the other doors in the alley is the guard dressed in Chelish imperial livery. He asks "What do you want?"
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Suejo looks over at Captain Lee and gives a little sigh. Not sure if he can 'yes and' that particular gambit.
"Apologies, the habits of nobility are at best strange. I'm afraid the real business here is mine. You've opened this door before, yes? People come in and out of here quietly and their business is not discussed. All manner of folk probably at different times. Well dressed sometimes, nondescript at others. We are those sorts of folk. I apologize again that advance word has not reached you to be ready for us, but the flow of information through back channels is sometimes slow and our matter is time sensitive. We have something here of value, for your ambassador. Something valuable enough to have many shepherds, yes? And yet only to be seen by your ambassador. Do you understand? If you simply let us in you will soon see that your ambassador will have been glad to receive us."
+ inspiration = 19
Taking all of them into account, the guard ignores Lee and addresses Suejo "Very well. Go on in, go around the corner and enter the reception room." He opens the door for all of you to enter, giving a squint at Lee.
Entering the reception room, you see a lady behind a large and imposing desk. "Welcome to the Chelish embassy, my name is Ailena Hospar. I don't believe you have an appointment. What is your business here?"
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"You are correct we do not have an appointment and we do apologize for that. We are here on time sensitive business and were not able to properly arrange a meeting. We are here as representatives of well placed persons who's interests align closely that with that of Cheliax. Most particularly in the region of Sargava. There is little else we can say except that we have been entrusted to deliver a valuable package to the hands of the ambassador, and with my apologies, only the ambassador. It is imperative that this be done tonight and as quickly as can be arranged. Consider the timing of our arrival and the door through which we chose to enter as signs of the significant and sensitive nature of our business. We ask respectfully that we be allowed an immediate audience with the ambassador."
"I'll tell you what I can do for you. You can give me the package for the ambassador and I'll make sure that he gets it." she replies.
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"I greatly appreciate that offer, and if the matter were truly in my hands I would be glad to leave it at that. I am afraid that it is not in my hands however. The duty specifically entrusted to us is that we should turn this package over only to the ambassador. It is deemed critical that we should ensure beyond any suggestion of doubt that the ambassador look at our package this very night and that the ambassador alone should be charged with how to act upon it. Such is the significant and timely nature of the what lies therein. I understand we are not dealing with ideal circumstances, this is a matter of unfortunate necessity. It is your charge to exercise the judgement and discretion incumbent upon your position. I fervently hope you choose to assent in this matter.
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Seeing Cyrus leaning in a little, she says "I'm sorry sir, but no amount of flirting will convince me to let you in. But come back later and I'll see what I can do for you." and she gives him a wink. After listening to Suejo, she says "Well, I don't have the authority to allow you to see the ambassador, but I can get someone for you. Just a minute."
She goes to a door, opens it, goes inside for a few seconds, then comes back out followed by another woman. This lady is striking in a red and black imperial dress uniform. She glares at Ailena a few seconds then turns to look down her nose at you. "I am the duty officer, Anstrella Trellax and I hear that you have a package for the ambassador. I can take it and deliver it to him."
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Seeing Cyrus leaning in a little, she says "I'm sorry sir, but no amount of flirting will convince me to let you in. But come back later and I'll see what I can do for you." and she gives him a wink.
Jan laughs, but then starts to cough instead before going quiet once again and watching the events unfold.
You know that Anstrella cannot be bullied into letting you in and if you don't give her the respect she feels she deserves, it will be harder to get what you want from her.
You feel that she is slightly miffed that she is being bothered by someone who is not operating in the normal channels.
I think this sums it up.
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Time for more of my inexhaustible supply of rambling diplomatic patter.
"Thank goodness! It is good to be at last in the hands of somebody with authority to exercise. Please let me apologize for the abruptness of our arrival. It is always better when these things are done through the proper channels but alas it proved not to be possible here. The truth is that witch we bear for the ambassador is of a highly time sensitive nature and it is feared that if it is not placed before him tonight, as soon as can be arranged, that a valuable moment will pass. It is with this in mind that I have been charged with delivering this to the ambassador and none other, for it is thought that absolutely no detail be left to chance in the immediate delivery of my parcel.
You are one who takes their job seriously, who knows the proper way of discharging your duties and the importance of adherence to chain of command, such is you're reputation! Let me say now that I am most strictly adhering to my chain of command and that I urge you to believe me when I say that the best and most proper procedure in this instances is to rush us to the ambassador's side. Ultimately you must decide based on your own loyalty to your employer and your principles whether you will assent to our request, but I beg you to consider such assent to be in accordance with the highest values of loyalty to command and country."
"Oh yes, of course, of course. Currently though, the ambassador is busy but I will make sure that you are seen as soon as he is available." She walks over to her desk and rings a bell. A man walks up to her. She says "This functionary will escort you over to the reception area where you are to wait for the ambassador. Good day." The functionary leads you over to a room, lets you all in then closes and locks the door behind you. The room is sparsely furnished with only a few old chairs and a couch. Two doors—one to the east and another to the west—lead elsewhere within the embassy. You check the other door and you find that it is locked too. Shortly after that, there are sounds coming from the east door that make it sounds like it is being unlocked and then it opens a crack.
There is no one out in the hallway but there is a set of keys hanging from the keyhole. On the key ring are the key to this room (of course), another regular looking key, and one odd looking key that ends in the shape of an Asmodean cross.
This short hallway doesn’t appear to get much use. The only other door is locked, but the hall ends at a set of crimson draperies hanging from the ceiling to the south. Listening at the draperies allows you to hear servants bustling back and forth with dishes and other supplies.
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Just as the functionary leaves them alone Suejo makes a swift motion as if he might be tossing a pinch of pepper at Captain Lee's face, but he's actually not holding anything.
"The real pain is in not knowing when it may strike."
When Cyrus finds the key he quietly remarks. "Well... that's interesting. Who could have left that?"
He silently follows Cyrus into the hall and checks out the eastern door.
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Beau gracefully steps into Caelin's saddle as the wolf moves silently and much quicker than the halfling's legs can carry him. "Let us make haste and squander not a second."
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