For the last two months, you have travelled across Golarion aboard a smuggler's ship, the Throaty Mermaid. An Elven diplomat named Sephriel has been the guest of honor aboard the ship, and you have helped ensure his safety.
Two weeks remain, and then you're off this boring job. It's not like anything exciting could happen here...
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The past few months have been nice. Without the constant need to look over her shoulder, Sahba has become a bit more talkative. She's still not comfortable around men, and especially the sailors, but the time with the men of the party has led her to trust them a bit more.
"I am in no hurry to finish. I have no home to return to anymore. It has been nice to have someone to call friend." ...and I'm not sure I wish to give that up.
Sahba idley dances a tiny flame from finger to finger as she looks out over the water, turning to keep the sailors from noticing the fire. The water still makes her uncomfortable, but the journey hasn't been too unbearable. Even sea rations have been better than what she had been eating. More blessedly, the meals had been consistent. It wasn't the rich fare of her childhood, but it wasn't the empty wanting from her time on the run either.
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Although his face looked old to you when you first met him, your time with Kelsier revealed that he is actually very young. No older than 21 at most, although you're unsure of the exact number. He seems to feel very at home aboard the ship, occasionally pitching in with this or that shipboard task. He seems to carry an inordinate quantity of various weapons and adventuring gear. Although he doesn't avoid other people (it's impossible to do on a ship anyway) he doesn't say much.
After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.
“I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire."
“Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future.” She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, shecontinues.
“Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you.”
"Are there any questions I can answer for you before you depart?"
The Mordant Spire holds the remains of the lost Azlant civilization (and its untouched treasures and wealth.) It is also guarded by a society of masked elves.
Every few generations, the Decemvirate envoy from the Mordant Spire travels to the Grand Lodge in Absalom to discuss a possible arrangement to allow them access to Azlant’s treasures.
The Throaty Mermaid is a smuggler's vessel of ill repute. Captain Veane is the captain.
The Throaty Mermaid's name comes from the ship's figurehead, a mermaid smoking an oversized tobacco pipe.
For those with faction cards, there are additional goals. You find a letter, based on your faction that describes an additional goal.
Defender of Freedom,
Though your current mission puts you at sea for months, you may still be of use to the Eagle Knights and the nation of Andoran. We have obtained a list of the Throaty Mermaid’s crew and believe several of them have information or skills we can use in our efforts to gain control of Absalom.
First, the ship’s navigator, Ulamon, has served on many ships, including the Polished Barnacle, which the Mordant Spire elves destroyed. The Polished Barnacle was among the fleet of Sargavan vessels that defeated Cheliax’s navy in 4643 ar. All of the Barnacle’s crew since received special rings from the Sargavan government that I believe may serve us well in our ongoing feud with the Chelish fleet. Do what you need to in order to gain this from Ulamon.
Additionally, a not-so-secret stowaway on the ship, a wererat named Snig Lacorse, could be used as an asset on another vessel were he spying on Andoran’s behalf. Convince him to disembark in Riddleport where we will place him aboard a more strategically beneficial ship.
For Democracy, Captain Colson Maldris
Loyal Lovely,
Though your journey at sea will take you through a number of Chelish ports between Absalom and the Mordant Spire, your mission involves tasks I need performed at sea.
Ithas come to my attention that among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a half-elven woman with a most curious background and certain exceptional “talents.” She is currently in the employ of the ship’s captain, but I would be ever so grateful if you could negotiate her employment on my behalf. Given her pedigree it would please me greatly to have such an asset among my court.
Additionally, I need you to hide the enclosed coin somewhere on Sephriel’s person. Cheliax has much to gain by learning the secrets of the Mordant Spire and the lost continent of Azlant. Her Majestrix’s best diviners are set to scry on the elven dignitary once he has returned to his island citadel. Do not disappoint me by failing in this.
May Cheliax be ever in your thoughts,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Keeper of Lore,
the waters of the open ocean are quite the contrast to the dry sands of the Osirian desert. Enjoy your time at sea, but serve the Ruby Prince during the voyage.
First, find enclosed a special cabochon from the Ruby Prince himself, which he wishes to be given to Sephriel’s bodyguard, an elf named Thanzeril. He is a vocal proponent for the opening of Azlant ’s ruined shores to the world. the Ruby Prince shares this view of our own desert ruins. Ensure Thanzeril knows he isn’t alone in his desire to see the secrets of the past open to modern man.
Additionally , I’d like you to retrieve the iconic pipe from the throaty Mermaid’s figurehead. With all the ancient relics smuggled by Captain Veane and his crew, having a scrying focus to further
monitor the vessel’s activit ies would be invaluable.
With dedication to knowledge,
Otoneraphim, Humble Scribe of the Ruby Prince
Servant of the Satrap,
Your upcoming assignment on a smugglers’ ship as notable as the Throaty Mermaid is quite a blessing for the mighty Kelesh Empire’s coffers. There are several contacts I wish you to make during your voyage to the Mordant Spire.
First, find a man named Killik, the ship’s medic. He once served aboard a very successful slaving vessel out of the Katapeshi port of Okeno and may have information to offer regarding smuggling in and out of this important city. See what you can glean from him and report it back to me.
It has come to my attention that there is an exotic animal smuggler on board as well, taking a pair of rust monsters to Riddleport. See if he might be open to working with us to bring magical beasts in and out of Katheer and establish a line of communication in the event we may use his services in the future.
In the spirit of profit,
Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri
Esteemed Agent of the Empire,
I am glad it’s you who will be spending so much time at sea and not me. The salty air is bad for my complexion. Also, while you’re there, you’ll be able to help the Empire maintain our power and glory.
Among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a skilled assassin from the Woodbane Hunters guild. I want to hire this woman, named Anera, to eliminate a particularly annoying elven problem I’ve been having. Enclosed is a sealed letter to Anera; ensure that she gets it. If she accepts the assignment, she’ll sign and return the letter to you. In this case, get it to me as soon as you reach land.
I’ve also received a tip that the ship’s cook owns a rare tome on disguising poisons in everyday foods. If you can, bring me her copy of Concocted Libations to Die For. I’ve an upcoming dinner party where it may be useful.
For the Grand Prince,
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
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"When do we plan on leaving port tomorrow?"
With her question as well as her companion's questions answered, Febida departs for the night, grateful to have her feet on solid ground once more. She partakes in local brew, as is custom for a dwarf, and finds the local blacksmith. There, she has a new suit of armor fitted for her.
After the fitting, she heads to the nearest Temple of Torag, and if that isn't available to her, she asks the blacksmith if she can pray near the forge.
The next morning, Febida returns to the ship with her new armor, a suit of banded mail topped with her tunic, symbolizing her devotion to Torag and her profession: War Priest.
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Rolando, though having no sailing experience to speak of, took to the sailor's life well enough. What he lacked in nautical, he made up for with enthusiasm and the ability to carry a tune. Though two months in, his repertoire of songs is nearly exhausted and, after a moment's rest on dry land, he longs for the end of his first-ever assignment.
In response to Venture Captian Heidmarch's question, the singer replies: Captain Veane's ship is disreputable to those who get hoodwinked by him, sure, but he's quite reputable if you need important cargo smuggled, which we do. Did you know that the ship's name comes from its figurehead? It's a mermaid smoking an oversized tobacco pipe. Had to get one of the riggers well drunk before I learned that tidbit...
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Happy to have something to add, Sahba speaks up. "So this elf we have been 'protecting' this envoy of the Mordant Spire, right? For all that we have done no more than get wet salt in our clothes and hair," Saba says, shuddering at the thought of being damp. "One of the sailors mentioned the Mordant Spire holds the remains of the lost Azlant civilization. He kept going on about its untouched treasures and wealth, and tried to frighten my with tales of its secret guardians: a society of masked elves."
Sahba looks around after eating a light meal, and notices Febida has already left. It's too bad. The woman was good company, and made her feel safe. Besides, it seems they shared a faction, and could, perhaps, cooperate, if only they had a chance to speak together.
This is the further West Sahba has ever been, and it's all a bit overwhelming. Far from home, the world seems awash with strange languages and peoples. The bazaars of Qadria were eclectic, to be sure, but these streets lack the familiarity of home. Home ... a place she can't return to.
Sahba spends the evening visiting merchants in their shops and stalls, but it isn't the same as home. It smells different here, and everything is so ... foreign. After purchasing a new set of clothes in a local (gleefully discarding the now very tattered—and very sheer—Qadiran cloth), an extra dagger (the shopkeeper seemed reluctant to sell a dagger to a girl so young and alone), and some adventuring gear with the little pouch of money she won gambling with the sailors , she spends the rest of her evening alone in her room. And feeling safe. This new life is quite different from her youth, but she is ready.
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Wilm is an out-going big talking halfling, wearing a jacket of vivid red and green over his armour he hefts an axe the same size as him, though not quite as big as his smile.
During the journey he full of his (and kelsiers) recent exploits where they saved an entire region from an evil curse. Some might be curious whether kelsier would tell it the same way (good luck trying!)
Wilm enjoys hanging out with Ronaldo, sharing songs and stories, although wilm seems pretty untrained and mainly relying on enthusiasm.
He tries to concentrate at the briefing but seems distracted by the mention of mysterious elves. A darker look coming across his eyes and he steals a glance at Kelsier. sounds a bit too similar to what happened last time...
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Kelsier keeps quiet through the briefing.
Whenever asked about his exploits with Wilm, he'd just shrug and make a sheepish grin that neither confirmed nor denied Wilm's claims.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I expect you leave port tomorrow afternoon. Be ready by then." Sheila nods at Febida.
“The Envoy, Sephriel, is a representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia.”
"Of course, to make this difficult he decided to forgo a millitary escort or even a reputable merchant vessel and choose a smuggler's vessel." She rolls her eyes in disbelief. "Make sure those thieves and vagabonds don't cause any trouble. The ship is about 10 days' travel from the Mordant Spire, so ensure his safety for that long."
Once you finish with questions, Sheila makes some small talk with the group, then eventually excuses herself and wishes you luck.
The next day, you all board The Throaty Mermaid and set sail. Captain Veane mentions he cleaned up the forward cabin , where you have called home for the last 2 months.
A week out from Magnimar in the middle of the Arcadian Ocean, the full moon is out and the deck is empty of crewmen.
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"Aye, the Mermaid's a fine ship, and the subterfuge may be more protection than a flashy escort could ever be."
Quillian seems a little less at ease on shore than he did during the entire voyage so far. I wonder if anyone suspects that I once worked on this ship before?
A big, brutish sort of deck hand, he easily could be one of the crew - and even spent many of his days critiquing the deck hands work and showing them other methods for tying down this sail, scrubbing this deck, and so on. A few times, he even reached for one of the whips at his side, but then would catch himself and shake his head. Not my job anymore.
While on board, Qillian spends his time trying to get to know the various members of the crew, both to form some camaraderie, but also as if he is trying to make contacts as well.
Many guests have taken voyage upon The Throaty Mermaid, most of them keeping to themselves and taking their leave in Magnimar. It's time to drop off the esteemed guest. The people on this ship are:
Sephriel is the elven Diplomat here on route to the Mordant Spire. He almost always wears an intricate mask. He's taken over Area 8, normally the First Mate's sleeping quarters as his own.
Thanzeril is an elven bodyguard from the Mordant Spire here to protect Sephirel.
Captain Veane's cabin is Area 4, full of maps, logbooks and rum. He keeps a tight schedule.
First Mate Marzack Mallick is a middle-aged human male who is loyal to his captain, always on the lookout for mutiny.
Azuretta is a charming half-elf dancer who usually hangs out in the Captain's Cabin in Area 4. She maintains morale among the crew members, although the Captain is her number priority.
Killik is the ship's medic dedicated to the Pirate Queen Besmara. His number one priority is gold. His number two priority is finding new contacts so he can make more gold. He usually stays in the Crew's Cabin (area 7) unless requested.
Ulamon is the ship's navigator. This human druid has the power to manipulate the weather and predict geological patterns.
Anera enjoys playing with knives and keeps to herself, staying far away from the elves. She's the scout of the crew, usually on the crow's nest with a osprey she calls Keeneye.
Occasionally you may have heard the crew speak of "Ol' Snig." The crew says he stays in the Forward Cargo Hold (area 10) and it's best to leave him alone. You haven't seen him yet in the past two months.
Velagon Dorhay keeps watch over the cargo in area 9. He's been especially careful after you departed from Magnimar.
Area 6 is the main hold and is the kitchen where Shira Acidaxe cooks for the crew. She doesn't like to talk to anyone, just shut up and enjoy the food.
Over the weeks, you've managed to make small talk with him about his travels around Golarion.
"Okeno? Lots of ships there. Travelled on a few, myself. Before I met Captain Veane, anyway. He knows how to speak to an entrepreneur like myself. Gold, gold and more gold." He laughs before coughing a bit. "Used to be a lot healthier before I met this paladin during one of my business trips." He shakes his head.
"Nothing out of the ordinary happened there, anyway." He shrugs, clearly uninterested in talking about Okeno's ports in detail.
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Hey! Ronaldo, love the flag! It's great... And some how i feel really confident as you get it out, how cool is that.
Wilm seems pretty blase about the whole ship business. He pokes and prods around, trying to get the sailors to teach him the ropes, which on balance he's pretty appalling at.
Wilm is happy enjoying the night breeze.
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It would be most comfortable for her to attempt a father–daughter type of relationship (she's only 16, after all): asking questions about his work, learning about his schedule, asking for advice on dealing with the more licentious sailors.
If that doesn't work, perhaps minor flirtation to get him interested and talking. She's young and pretty, after all, and as loathsome as the idea is, Sahba knows men will do things for a pretty face they might otherwise not. She has no interest in a physical relationship, but sometimes men are men, and there's no help for it.
Lastly, does the navigator, Ulamon have an animal companion? She doesn't know much of druids, but that sounds right.
The letter mentioned a ring. Does he wear it? Does he keep a set schedule?
Where does he sleep?
These questions weigh on her mind. Perhaps foolishly, she notes them in her journal (in native Kalesh), which she tries to keep private. The faction instructions don't sound easy, but her escape from slavery was aided by the faction, so Sahba feels obligated to return a favor.
Eventually, she'll muster up the courage to seek out Snig.
Ulamon is delighted to speak to someone about not only navigation, but also weather patterns and cloud formations. He gives a few basic tips about how to spot thunderstorms before they throw you off course.
You are finally able to get him to talk a bit about the ring he wears. "This? I was part of the Polished Barnacle, back when it was part of the Sargavan navy. We taught those Chileax bastards a lesson." He frowns. "The crew got this ring as a reward for our bravery. Didn't help us against those Mordant Spire..." He grumbles and trails off.
You aren't completely sure what to say to get him to open up more about it.
Perception
Init
The night is clear, and the seas are still. It seems like the perfect time to relax and enjoy the sea. Unfortunately no one notices the four aquatic elves climb up on the boat, tridents drawn. They point at the party and scream in elven before dipping applying some kind of liquid to their tridents.
"Kill them all! Protect the Spire's purity!"
Round 1
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Enemy
- Kelsier, Rolando
Those in bold may act!
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Hearing the commotion, Sahba puts down her pen and moves to the door, leaving her journal open on the table. She heedlessly swings the door wide and says "What's wrong? I thought I heard a yell?"
"Oh. Oh, dear." Sahba stand stunned with indecision. This wasn't supposed to happen! This voyage should be safe!
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During the voyage the others and the crew have a somewhat tricky time negotiating Wilm's 'friend' Max an adult wolf, weighing in at 400 lbs and standing shoulder high to a man, possibly even more concerning is the way the halfling treats it like a cross between a puppy and his best friend.
As the Elves board the boat Wilm spins from his wave watching.
Enemies, ahoy! More elves Oh well, c'mon Kelsier lets make short work of these like we did the last ones...
Wilm moves forward to the Bulwark (or whatever it's called) Readying his axe and waiting for them to come forward.
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Qillian moves closer, and throws a dagger at one of elves.
"Waste of a perfectly good dagger..."
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When the medic starts to blow him off, Quillian changes tactics. "Listen, we both know you know more about the ins and outs of that port. I am not looking to hurt you, but I need that information, and yer gonna give it to me!"
Killik grins as Qillian gets tough. "Hmm. That's the way to do it. Talk with the sword, not with honey. I was worried an entrepreneur of the sea like you had gotten soft." He nods and gets a sheet of paper.
"Now listen up. The Katapeshi port in Okeno is where you go to peddle servants and other profitable goods. I have a few 'rumors' about who to talk to there for some discounts. Now I of course don't know anything about these contacts, or their daily routines, or taverns they frequent, but I'm just repeating rumors here." He pauses, nods to make sure you understand, and then starts talking about the trade in Okeno.
Sahba, surprised by the shouts, gets out of her cot and opens the cabin door.
Qillian's dagger falls on the deck, nowhere close to the elven attackers.
The purple and red elves ready their tridents and charge. Febida's axe almost cuts Purple in a single blow. Wilm shows her how it's done, however and cuts down Red before he can react.
Green and Blue haven't lost their resolve and press the attack. Purple continues his assault against Febida.
Green misses, but Purple and Blue's tridents hit. The poisonous prongs sink in, and Febida and Wilm feel their blood burn.
Round 1
- Kelsier, Rolando
Round 2
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Purple Elf (14 damage), Green Elf, Blue Elf
Those in bold may act.
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Rolando moves towards the center of the ship, for a moment considering how quickly things erupted into violence.
They've all heard him sing before, but this time it's different. There is a resonance to the music, and the song causes the singer's allies' weapons to glow with arcane power.
Inspired by Rolando's words, Kelsier quickly runs in and clobbers one of the elves off the edge of the ship.
Round 2
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Purple Elf (14 damage), Green Elf
- Kelsier, Rolando
Those in bold may act.
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Febida feels the sting of the trident into her side, the poison they applied seeping into her blood.
When the second trident swings, it bounces off her shield. "That....hurt...." Saying a quick prayer to Torag, she readies herself for her next move.
Febida, in her bloodburning state, can only muster up one more swing, but she tries to make it count. She's had hangovers that hurt worse than this.
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As the situation sinks in, Sahba wonders briefly where the crew are. Isn't there usually someone on watch and someone steering?
She had planned to join the battle, but she's too far away to strike with her Elemental Blast this round. "The crew!" she yells. "Are they okay?"
Their primary mission is to protect Sephirel, what of him?
"And the elf! This is a distraction!" she screams, hoping her yell isn't lost in the noise of the battle and the wind.
Seeing her allies have this battle well in hand, Sahba leaves the fo'c's'le (Those silly sailors and their silly names for everything!) and races across the main deck.
Sands! she swears. The blasted stairs are on the other side of the ship!
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Wilm' triumphant axe blow see's his spirits sour, although he's soon brought down to earth with the searing pain of the elven venom.
post ninja'ing afoot. thanks renaldo...
thanks to renaldo's inspiring tune Wilm is able to shake of the venom.
Great song rolando, i feel better already! Seeing his new found companions embroiled he moves around the deck to line up a blow at the last elf.
Upon hearing Sahba's call. Good point, someone better go check that out!
Even as Febida's strength falters, she manages to finish off Purple.
Wilm gets a second wind and cuts into the green elf, not finishing him off.
A flash of brilliance streaks across Sahba as she runs towards the stairs.
Round 2
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Green Elf (13 damage)
- Kelsier, Rolando
Those in bold may act.
What was that?!
Qillian quickly disarms the elven attacker, throwing the trident aside.
The remaining elf grabs his trident and throws it at Qillian, shouting in elven.
"Get your dirty hands away from my trident, half-orc scum!"
The javelin sails off the ship into the sea.
Round 2
- Kelsier, Rolando
Round 3
- Sahba, Qillian, Wilm, Febida
- Green Elf (13 damage, unarmed)
Those in bold may act.