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PLAYERS
All adventurers have signed in. Please make sure to click on the Table 1 Maps either in my character description or at the top of the page and make sure SLIDES 1 and 2 are filled out correctly, by you, the player. This insures me that:
1. You can aceess the Google Doc Spreadsheet
2. You can manipulate the Google Doc Spreadsheet
Please have this completed by 11/13.
Also, please note under the Campaign Information tab the dates of any holiday breaks, given that this is going to take several months to complete all three scenarios.
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SLIDE 4
The adventure begins at the Grand Lodge in Absalom, where the you all join a gathering of several hundred Pathfinders for an announcement by Ianareth Alazario, Cheliax’s newly appointed liaison to the Pathfinder Society. With her on the stage is Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus, and the former Chelish liaison Zarta Dralneen (now head of the Dark Archive) looks on from the front row of the auditorium.
A tall, heavy-set woman wearing a black-lacquered breastplate and a sweeping ruby cloak rests a hand on the gold pommel of the longsword at her hip as she readies to address the Pathfinders assembled at the Grand Lodge. She nods once to Marcos Farabellus before beginning. “I am Ianareth Alazario, and I come to you with words spoken by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. Pathfinders, your exile is at an end. Cheliax welcomes you once again.”
Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus vigorously leads a round of applause that echoes off the sturdy walls following the new declaration. Ianareth’s smile is as wide as her host’s, though it falters slightly when her gaze falls on her disgraced predecessor Zarta Dralneen. Ianareth continues, “With your help, I would mend the rifts between us and forge an enduring friendship. I have entrusted your Master of Swords with several promising leads found within our borders. To that I add only this: Pathfinders, the glory of Cheliax is placed in your care.” Ianareth bows deeply to Marcos and then to the crowd before taking her leave.
Marcos Farabellus steps behind the lectern and announces, “I’ve gathered a handful of teams to lead these initial expeditions, and I’ve posted those outside with times to meet me in my office for more details. There’s rewarding work ahead, so don’t be late!” With that, the auditorium begins to empty. Walking briskly with infinite poise and a clenched jaw, Zarta Dralneen is the first to disappear through the doors.
As promised, Marcos Farabellus has posted a list of half-a-dozen teams to lead these first sanctioned expeditions, and one of these teams includes each of your names. Checking the time for your meeting with Marcos Farabellus, you realize that you don't have long until the meeting. But, you realize that this would be the perfect time to get to know each other, as well as make any final purchases for the expedition. With all the shouting of names, you do manage to find everyone in your assigned team.
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Malora Nagovya had brown, short cropped hair, brown eyes and an easy smile. She wore practical clothes in shades of gold and brown, and well-maintained studded leather armour. Around her neck she wore a hand carved holy symbol of Abadar, a glorious key painted in shades of sparkling gold. She was Brevic by birth, a Rostlander to be precise, and proud of it. Her skin was pale, and her form hardened by a lifetime of labour. A heavy mace hung off her belt and a light crossbow was slung across her back.
Malora was a Lawmaster of the Church of Abadar, a ranking meant for the church's most martial and confrontational clergy. She had earned her place with years of hunting taxevaders, bandits and lawbreakers throughout Brevoy and the neighbouring River Kingdoms. She enjoyed it immensely, but felt something was missing. She kept peace, and allowed civilization to grow, but as she looked around at the bickering and back-biting politics of her home country, she realized they were no closer to reaching Abadar's Perfect Civilization. If anything, her people were regressing. Civil War threatened to erupt at any moment. The answer, she believed, lay in both Abadar's teachings, and in the past. And so, Lawmaster Malora had joined the Pathfinders, with the intent of discovering all she could of past civilizations, so that the lessons learned from their successes and their failures could be applied to modern-day cities.
She was newly graduated, and felt proud standing amidst the crowd of several hundred Pathfinders gathered for this special announcement. A smile rests upon her face as she surveys the audience. There were many people here, representing all walks of life, supporting all manner of lifestyles and chasing all manner of dreams. Seeing the sea of humanity gathered as one brought a lightness to her heart. Community, Togetherness, Accords--such were the backbone of civlization.
Thank you, Abadar, my Wealthy Father, Master of the First Vault and Architect of All. Without your shining example and guidance such a gathering would never be possible.
As the Chelaxian ambassador finished her announcement, Lawmaster Malora applauded loudly and smiled for all to see. This was good news, indeed! Such progress.
Lawmaster Malora joins the crowds surging forward to get a glance at the posted lists of sanctioned expeditions. Seeing the chaos, she pushes her way forward and does her best to organize the shoving masses into an organized queue. "One a time, now! You, over here! Yes, that's the way. Very nice! We'll all get out of here faster if we keep this orderly!" She also helps by announcing the names of the sheets to speed things along. As she helps with announcements she ends up calling out her own name. She scans the crowd, looking for the others who reacted to that announcement, then goes back to helping with the crowds.
Eventually, as the end of the queue finally has a chance to pass by, Lawmaster Malora cuts through the crowd to where the rest of her group has gathered.
She smiles widely and holds out a hand, offering a firm handshake to her new teammates.
"Greetings, I am Malora Nagovya, Lawmaster of Abadar, and may the blessings of the Master of the First Vault be upon you. It's pleasure to make your acquaintance and an honour to be joining you on this expedition."
"It seems to me we have a perfect opportunity to get to know one another," she says confidently. "So tell me, friends, who are you?"
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Sir Ischell de Ivocus works his way through the throng, looking for his future compatriots. He stands tall and conspicuous above the crowd. At just over 6'5", his youthful face is visible above the din of the crowd. His flowing blonde hair is held down with a simple headband and his stubble betrays the fact he doesn't have much need to shave. His broad shoulders display his trained strength while his gliding through the crowd demonstrates his natural grace. He uses his pole arm as a walking stick through the cobblestone parade ground. Ischell appears as quite the physical specimen.
It has been quite the whirlwind week since he was raised to being a pathfinder, but it has been exactly as he had hoped. New people. New adventures. This is the reason he had left his family's house and estates in Taldor- to seek his purpose in life. This will be a perfect opportunity to prove his value to Irori, the Perfect Man, that he might be granted enlightenment and rebirth and greater honors in future life.
A serene look comes across his face as he reads the posted paper. Those watching might mistake the features of his face as contemplative and deep- though, to anyone paying close attention, the slight movement of his mouth as he reads gives away the root cause of his elongated pace. After contenting himself that he was, in fact, actually chosen- Ischell makes his way towards a group of adventurers gathering off to the side of the large courtyard.
As he approaches, Ischell doesn't appear to notice the hand extended by Malora. Instead, he presses his hands together and provides a polite 3/4 bow to those gathered. He speaks in a very tempered and reverent tone of voice.
"I am Sir Ischell de Ivocus, of the great and noble house Ivocus in Taldor. I am pleased to join each of you on our shared path to enlightenment. May Irori grant each of us strength and understanding"
He bows again, but a more simple bow this time. As he rises, his somber attitude is replaced with a big, charismatic, smile.
"Dude! Who else is excited for this adventure?! I can't wait to try out these new and shiny things on real bad guys! I have been training for this moment for like, literally, months! "
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Vexin Clast was posted up in a remote corner away from the throngs of Pathfinders as the speech was delivered. He intently listens to each syllable of each word searching for intent and secrets behind the Chelish woman's speech.
Not many sane people would be so excited to return to Cheliax. Not if they had scars like mine.
As the speech concluded the halfling caught himself rubbing the pale bands on his wrists that break up the natural umber tone of his skin. Wanting to get ahead of the crowd he swept his greying hair back and raised the hood of his cloak.
As he wove his way through the crowds to the postings he heard his name called out and turned to see a woman reading off the list for his party. He watched her while awaiting for the others to answer her summons. After the second mountain of a human arrived he swept up behind to join them.
"Vexin Clast. No house nor church. Neither were allowed to a slip." the halfling almost whispers as he appears between the two. He removes his hood and nods to the both of them forcing a close-lipped smile onto his normally surly face.
He lets out a short laugh when Sir Ischell talked of bad guys as he thoughts something very similar. "To openly walk the streets of Cheliax under the immunity of the Society is indeed exciting."
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Lawmaster Malora smiles widely at Sir Ischells's enthusiasm, craning her neck up to meet his eye. "Hold fast to your spirit, Sir Ischell. It can change the world if applied right."
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"What you were allowed no longer has bearing on your life, Mr. Clast. Abadar's gifts are there to all who choose to accept them. You need not be without a church."
She nods at his comment about immunity. "It's progress, no matter how small. Let us pray it spreads."
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Nice to meet you all...I am Doran Therinor, of Taldor. I look forward to working with you this next little while. It seems we are a bit heavy on the martial front...but we can get the mission done. We will just have to work together and work smart. a tall broad shouldered man says. He has a few old scars on his face, mostly superficial, but one or two looked like they could have been serious. He stands roughly the same height as the paladin, and seems to be a bit on the rugged side. He has various weapons and equipment on him, ready for whatever job is needed. He claps the holy warrior on the shoulder.I think you and I will be the wall of this group. I see someone has a bow...good. Ah, another tracker...excellent. And you, madam...you are a holy warrior as well, yes? Good! Your skills are especially welcome on a mission. I have something that might benefit us all... the large man says as he fishes in his pouch and produces a wand.Use this....I was told by my uncle to have one of these at all times, due to never knowing who your colleagues will be. He hands the follower of Abadar the wand So, another from Taldor....my cousins and I all served in the military. They are practiced in the art of the falcata...I chose to be deadly with all weapons.
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That dude is huge too! Oh wait. He is still talking. I should probably be paying attention. But he is sooo big!
Ischell wrestles his attention to the new party member. He eyes him up to try and determine his preferred fighting style, as it appears the two of them will be taking on a bulk of the combat for the group.
After Doran stops talking, Ischell responds to Doran in a very formal, and over-rehearsed manner: "Doran. It is a pleasure to join you on your path towards enlightenment..." but his tone breaks off as his brain (slowly) comprehends what the slayer was saying.
Wait... you're from Taldor too? What a small world! That makes us, like, bothers MANNN . Ischell throws his arm around Doran's shoulders, jostling him around a bit, and keeps talking- completely unaware of any particular reaction from his new friend. "Don't let this pretty face fool you. EVERYONE loves me! We wont have any problems at all talking to those nasty Chealix types. Just you trust me about that!
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"Uhm, excuse me. Pardon me. Uh, did you say Mindartis kind madame?" An elf with long blonde hair approaches the group and greets everyone with a nod. He is donned in a lush, green tinted studded leather with a hawk surrounded by a crescent engraved on his shoulders. "I really apologize to have kept you waiting, but I did have important matters to relay to Paracountess Zarta."
Mindartis is a native of Kyonin, but wanderlust got the better of him as he set out to travel and explore the world. He decided to set his devotion to Ketephys, elven god of the hunt. After years of protecting ancient ruins, forests and even urban areas, Mindartis eventually joined the Society, helping the Dark Archives with their goals to expand their library of needed artifacts.
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Vexin nods at the observations of the second "giant" to join the party. Tired of looking up he counts his arrows while replying.
"Hello, Doran. The observation is keen and looks like my blade will get to rest for this adventure...hopefully." the halfling says while adjusting the longsword on his belt making it clear he can handle himself in either situation.
He takes another look at the roster and notes the names. "Not all present, yet. Let us sate our curiosities while we wait. What lead you to choose a mission in Cheliax?" he questions seeking the motives of his new companions.
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Mindartis takes the handshake and returns the smile at the lawmaster.
"Mindartis. Mindartis Nightbreeze. The pleasure is all mine, Lawmaster. I am indeed with the Dark Archives. Years of ranging the lands led me to commit myself to safeguarding and archiving artifacts reported by our fellow Pathfinders from all over Golarion."
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SLIDE 5
As you enter, Zarta Dralneen stands across the Master of Swords’ desk, her back turned to you. She momentarily acknowledges the newcomers before continuing to lecture Farabellus. “Beware the good intentions of a Chelish diplomat. Who controls whom behind closed doors in Cheliax, and who are we serving by heeding the call of Abrogail’s infernal masters?”
Marcos strokes his beard for a moment, buying time to phrase his reply. “Caution is warranted, but you shouldn’t let past follies color your opinion of this opportunity, Zarta. This is our chance to freely operate within Cheliax again. The doors of Delvehaven may still be closed, but we can start to mend soured relations.” Marcos turns to the recently arrived agents. “I expect everyone who takes an assignment to conduct themselves as diplomats as well as explorers. We don’t need a public debacle to ruin our welcome, again.”
Zarta straightens her back and glares imperiously down at her counterpart. “Folly? One day you will look between the sheets and see you’ve climbed into bed with a snake, Marcos. I sincerely hope none of your agents find themselves in desperate need of a retrieval team; I remind you that devils work quickly to strip hope from one’s senses.” She turns and strides out of the room.
The Master of Swords massages his forehead with one hand and motions to chairs with the other. “Lady Dralneen assumes that we take Cheliax entirely at its word. Ianareth Alazario provided me an incomplete history of a small keep in the Eismonts called Emberhold, once property of House Davian. The reason we don’t hear much of the Davians anymore is that they led the resistance against House Thrune during the Chelish civil war, and her infernal majestrix is not known for showing mercy. I’m sending you to explore the site, learn what you can about what happened there, and bring back any information about the Davians.
He leans forward and lowers his voice before adding, “You’ll be traveling through Corentyn, and I’d like you to pay a visit to the Museum of History there first. The curator, Zefiro Balinger, is an acquaintance of the Society and may have details not available in the official records. Get Balinger’s help, then visit Emberhold.” Marcos presents a small folded map. “You’ll leave Absalom aboard the Sea Sylph in two days—Society’s picking up the tab. It’s been years since we’ve had first-hand reports coming out of Cheliax, so be ready for anything.”
Until approximately three years ago, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen served as the Chelish liaison to the Pathfinder Society—the role that Ianareth Alazario now fills.
Zarta’s tenure ended abruptlyb after she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Society agents tracked her down and rescued her, after which she severed her ties to Cheliax and founded the Dark Archive.
Delvehaven, a prestigious Pathfinder Lodge in Westcrown, has been sealed since 4676 AR, when a terrible tragedy in its halls threatened the stability of the city.
Certain Chelish officials “disappeared” Zarta based on fictitious evidence submitted by one of Zarta’s political rivals. Despite the Pathfinder Society’s providing evidence to disprove these false accusations and exonerate her, Cheliax has provided neither any acknowledgement of or apology for imprisoning and punishing her for crimes she did not commit.
Only Thrune-sanctioned Pathfinders were allowed to operate in the region prior to Delvehaven’s closure. Reports from Delvehaven were heavily redacted, contained little information of value, and worse, artifacts began to disappear. Tensions between Cheliax and legitimate Pathfinders were ruinous for years even before Thrune closed Delvehaven; even with Zarta’s influence, the Society managed only a handful of expeditions in Cheliax over the past decade.
House Davian, led by Duchess Lannavia Davian, challenged Thrune for control of Cheliax at the Battle of a Hundred Kings, a struggle that devastated Corentyn near the end of the civil war. The house’s holdings included much of the nation’s west coast.
Thrune retaliated by utterly crushing the Davians. Numerous revisions of Cheliax’s official history have downplayed the Davians’ role during the civil war, such that many don’t even remember the Davian name, much less that the great house almost defeated Thrune.
Cheliax’s state religion reveres Asmodeus. Though other faiths are not forbidden, none may flout the nation’s laws, challenge the mandates of Asmodeus, or defy House Thrune. Those who revere chaotic deities in particular often find themselves under especially close scrutiny.
It’s an open secret that several clandestine and very illegal organizations operate throughout Cheliax. This includes the Bellflower Network, a halflingrun group that liberates the halfling slaves so common in the country. Even discussing the organization openly might be considered a criminal act, if done so under the wrong circumstances.
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Vexin takes a moment to gather his thoughts and memories of Cheliax before interjecting, "Lady Dralneen has the proper caution for these matters. She served as the the Chelish liason before they falsely accused and imprisoned her...and many others! Not a soul freely operates in Cheliax." he pauses ensuring to tow the line of respect before continuing, "The Societys' Lodge of Delvehaven still lies locked away from us. They are not allies."
The halfling is used to skulking in the shadows but this matter struck close to home. However knowing he stepped out of line how bows to Lady Zarta Dralneen and put his hood back up. He quietly shares the rest of his knowledge with the group.
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Elemenar stands near the back of the group, not really trying to make
himself noticed and he takes in the information.
He notices Vexin's comment about the lady and then steps up next to him. "What he says is correct. The Lady was falsely accused. I can understand that she is upset with these new arrangements."
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"We just need to be careful is all- nothing that we can't deal with. You have my word Master that we will be the very bestest diplomats that we can be. Even small steps towards reconciliation are still steps towards reconciliation!
Ischell doesn't seem phased by the circumstances. Rather, he seems full of youthful energy and optimism. Just as those watching grow concerned regarding Ischell's lack of awareness of the situation his tone shifts to a softer, more serious note.
"I know the history of Cheliax and I know the threat Davian posed to the damned crown. My loyalties are to the Society first, and to those that oppose the evil of house Thrune. I don't got no doubt that Lady Draleen was innocent the whole time. We aint about to let anything useful to Thrune come into their possession...
And with that his original, youthful tone comes back through.
.... But can you imagine the history and the relics we will find in the Davian keep?! This is going to be totally awesome!
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"Alliances are always tenuous, fragile things at first, but in time they can become bonds stronger than steel. We must treat this mission with the utmost care." Lawmaster Malora agrees.
To Farabellus, Malora says seriously, "We will. In the name of the Master of the First Vault, I will ensure it."
"I am not saying not to be cautious," she assures Vexin and Ischell. "Those that bend the law to their own whims and for their own greed are no better than bandits and thieves. I am saying, even in instances of misdeed and insult, we must deal with our hosts diplomatically. For both our Society, the spread of civilization and peace, and for our own safety. If they would 'disappear' one of their own they'll have no qualms about 'disappearing' one of us. We must tread lightly."
She smiles kindly at the enthusiastic Sir Ischell. "Yes, it will, Sir Ischell. 'Totally awesome,' indeed."
Turning her attention back to Farabellus, Malora asks, "The curator, Mr. Balinger, is he an open acquaintance of the Pathfinders, or secret? Will it be better for his reputation if we approach him as if he has not assisted out organization in the past?"
"How far from Corentyn is Emberhold?" Malora asks as she takes and examines the map.
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Elemenar looks up at the Master of Swords when Malora asks about the location of Emberhold. "Could I please see the map?" Elemenar asks her quietly. He examines it for a few moments. Before Master Farabellus answers Malora's question he adds to it. "So it looks like we'll be sailing across the length of the Inner Sea. Any idea how many days that will take?"
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After introductions and questions, you and your group head out to the city awaiting transport about the Sea Slyph. Arriving at the docks on the morning of the second day an aid to Marcos Farabellus is waiting there for you with a note. Player Handout #1, Slide 6
Upon arriving at the Sea Slyph Cassian Redwold is already there tending to the gear supplied by the Society, loading and readying it for the journey in the hold. When asked about the contents, they are mostly mundane archeological equipment and straw packed crates to store items in the return trip.
The journey from Absalom to Corentyn is uneventful, with favorable winds and only one stop at the port of Merab. Captain Zaerim of the Sea Sylph states that the short waylay is an excuse to hug the southern shores of the Inner Sea and avoid Chelish naval patrols. Your group catches your first glimpse of the red Chelish flag days later, and you arrive in Corentyn at dusk a few days after that.
Corentyn Docks - SLIDE 7
The last fiery golden rays of daylight silhouette the towering monument known as Aroden’s Arch, which reaches out from Corentyn’s southern wall to divide the Arcadian Ocean and the Inner Sea. Corentyn’s numerous fortifications rise behind mighty gray and brown limestone walls. Masts of ships both in port and at sea rise in the hundreds, like a legion pointing their spears toward the heavens.
As the Sea Sylph approaches port, Captain Zaerim orders his crew to ensure goods are neatly arranged and presentable. He’s collecting papers and seeing to the accuracy of his logs when he tells your party that you should do the same. He expects the harbormaster’s deputies to search the ship and ask questions of the crew. He also warns that Corentyn impounds undeclared goods and that contraband worth more than a gold piece can earn the offending captain 20 lashes.
The harbormaster and his deputies keep an attentive eye on their port and meet any incoming ships before those aboard have a chance to disembark. When the you all arrive, a small riot is threatening to spill over from the nearby Open Slave Market. City guards bide their time, waiting for reinforcements from the Hellknights. A few of the armor-clad enforcers are looking not at the crowd, but to the harbor waters.
The halfling customs agent Tamrin Credence and his four human deputies climb aboard the Sea Sylph within moments of docking.They immediately take the Sea Sylph’s manifest and begin a thorough search, making notations in their ledgers as they go.
You can tell that the search is somewhat frantic and that the Deputies are barely looking at actual crate contents.
Tamrin questions Captain Zaerim, who refers to your group only as “passengers from Absalom.” Tamrin then questions the you about their business in Corentyn..... "What are you doing here? Who are you? What is your business here?
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During the long days of travel, Ischell spends most of his time trying to coerce his new friends to toss dice or the like. He can often be found talking to one sailor or another about how they ended up on the Sea Sylph, and what they want to be when they grow up.
It's going to be really important for us to all be on the same page. One wrong word or story and it might get ugly
Over the course of the voyage, he engages each of the party members, including Cassian, in a similar dialogue.
"So, dudes- what's the plan? Are we Pathfinders for this trip, or should we only use that if confronted? Like, would the customs agents at the port even know that Pathfinders were allowed back in? Regardless, I think we need to make sure our story is all sorted out, ya know? I, uh, want to do everything I can to avoid an "extra scrutiny" from these demon worshipers...
Also... we might want to chill on the fact we have a couple of good hearted people on this trip. Honest and upright people like Lawmaster Malora and myself could totally find ourselves in trouble in a place like this.
Personally, I wouldn't mind not being identified as a Pathfinder right away. Never know who they might send to tail us about on our adventures
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As the ship sails into the harbor, Elemenar stands at the rail watching the activity on shore. Not being much of a sailor, he tried to spend most of the journey seated and out of the way. Off to his left he hears the ever chipper Ischell talking to the other passengers so he steps over to join in the conversation.
"Ah. You want to try to keep your identity hidden?" Elemenar smiles at the energetic paladin. "I think your personality might give you away. However, I do think it is a cautious approach."
Elemenar looks back towards the docks and notices the small scuffle brewing at the slave market. He points his well worn staff towards the dust-up. "Something interesting is going on there."
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Vexin keeps his eyes on the horizon and when the first red flag is in sight some can overhear him mutter some things better not repeated.
Home sweet home. It's as if hell itself has risen up. I just have to remember the life of a Pathfinder is different than my past.
He looks onward a few more moments and turns back to hear Ischell going on about stories.
"Best be an expert liar for that route. Keep explanation simple and brief." he interrupts flatly.
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As they draw into port Vexin quickly identifies the riot brewing and starts to rub his wrists nervously. He starts to pace but breaks away to return to the group once more to discuss the development.
He exhales deeply before speaking, "A riot. How dreadfully convenient. And the inspector a slip...want me to address him?"
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Lawmaster Malora looks at Sir Ischell, Elemenar and Vexin with disappointment. "You wish to lie?" she shakes her head. "A tongue tainted by deception can find it hard to come clean." She thinks for a moment, then points out, "We were invited by the Infernal Majestrix herself. We have no need to lie and, if we do, does that not show the Queen and her men that Pathfinders cannot be trusted?" Malora shakes her head again. "No. Lying will only harm the Pathfinder Society's reputation in Cheliax. Honesty is best."
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On the voyage, Doran lends a hand with some of the physical labour, mostly to not get stiff during the downtime. He also thriws dicecwith the crew and gets to know his fellow Pathfinders.
Upon seeing the brewing trouble on the docks, he turns to the others.
We must be wary...in case this gets out of hand. Doubtless the Hellknights will be called in...they will likely get this under control. And I have to agree with Malora here. We were invited, and if anyone questions us, just tell them they should talk to the Majestrix herself...that will cow most peòple here just by mentioning it. One of you should be our point on this. I.....sometimes make situations awkward, shall we say...
Upon meeting the halflong, Doran simply watches the group and notes their movements and actions.
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"We have an invitation and are expected. Do you really think our enemies spies won't find us? How well do you think our lies will go over then?" She shakes her head. "I promised I would see our diplomatic mission succeed. I'll not have it ruined before it starts over unnecessary lies and cover stories."
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Elemenar clears his throat. "I wasn't suggesting lying. In fact, we are in this town to visit the Museum of History. I am only suggesting that we might not need to explain our entire mission to the first person who approaches us." Years serving in various courts has led Elemenar to be wary of aristocratic politics and he has learned, sometimes the hard way, that giving away too much information can lead to unpleasant situations. "I agree Vexin. Lying is not the same as guarding information."
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Contraband that is being searched for:
∙ Holy symbols and holy texts dedicated to chaotic gods— visitors are free to worship whomever so long as this doesn’t challenge Thrune’s or Asmodeus’s authority, but a recent court decision has identified such holy symbols as a medium for proselytization.
∙ Scrolls and potions of spells with the chaotic descriptor
∙ Poisons whose combined cost exceeds 150 gp
∙ Drugs whose combined cost exceeds 50 gp
∙ Large weapons—an uncharacteristic string of attacks has resulted in a crackdown on citizen weaponry that most assume will end in the next month or two. Until this resolution ends, only light weapons are permitted in the city limits. You can declare and leave larger weapons on the ship at no cost and retrieve them when they depart for Emberhold.
NOTE: For the purposes of this check and interaction, I am going to assume that any two handed weapon counts as 'large'.
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Ischell looks over at his 8 ft pole arm...
"You don't suppose they consider this thing a large weapon, do ya?
And then glances at the heavy flail secured to his hip...
"Or this?
Ischell sets down his weapon and begins rifeling through the rest of his equipment. He laughs to himself I guess these will just have to be enough for now as he pulls out two dagger and slides them behind his belt.
Say, anyone got a short sword they want to loan me? he jokes, as he goes to the bow of the ship to meditate. He sits in quiet, watching the scene unfold
He finds his way to the front of the ship and settles in to his well practiced medication. I really need to ensure I am taking care of myself. I won't be able to protect my new friends, or reach my full potential, if I allow myself to fall out of this habit
It always seems to take a lot of effort for Ischell to settle into his meditations and centering when it has been a while. The serenity and internal peace of rigid discipline is something that doesn't necessarily come easy for him- although he certainly recognizes its benefit to him. Since being out in the world, its been much harder to maintain the disciples of self-enlightenment than it was back in the monastery of Irori back in Absalom. They were so against his former self, his unenlightened self. He couldn't let that person take hold over him again.
It is while Ischell is in this state that the Sea Sylph makes it entrance into the harbor. Engrossed in his meditations, he notices little of what is going on in the city. As the ship slides into place- he notices the halflings board the ship. He rises gracefully and makes his way across the deck to greet Tamrin. His tone and personality feel noticeably different- as someone trained from birth in the dance of nobility.
Greetings, my good Sir. I am Sir Ischell de Ivocus- of the great and Noble house Ivocus, Taldor. This here is Lawmaster Malora, an honored servant of Abadar. We, along with our compatriots, are here at the invitation of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. Our business is a matter between us and the crown- may she live forever
Noticing the minor scuffle on the docks, Ischell turns back to the halfling
It is my understanding that there was a short term embargo on some types of arms within the city. Has that, by chance, been lifted? If I am being completely honest, it is a little uncomfortable setting off into a foreign city without the ability to defend myself or my fellow companions. Especially with a feeling of minor unrest here at the dock