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Noting Thornberry's sudden withdrawl, Corona tries to cheer him up.
"Thornberry? Are you- afraid of small spaces? You and Sir Leshington seemed so excited to ride the winds. Perhaps a story will keep these walls off of your mind?"
"I used to be a coal miner, in one of the nations in Irrisen. Work was difficult, dangerous, and dark. But it gave me solitude, time to think. I enjoyed it until one of the kings saw me as a perfect vessel of sorts. He took me in to make me his queen. As part of a deal with an infernal creature, he bonded me with an otherworldly entity. This thing follows me inbetween reincarnations, seeing what I see and trying to interject when inappropriate."
<Awwww, thanks!>
"I wanted nothing to do with this king, and quickly sought the shelter of the grand library. He mostly left me alone, in there. I spent my time learning much of the arcane and divine arts, seeking another way to release myself from both of my imprisonments." She gazes out of the carriage window. "A rebellion ended the king's reign and I fell in love with the leader."
"He told me that you cannot seek all of the answers from within, that you must travel and seek your own answers. I've managed to free myself from one cage in a single lifetime, and my journeys with the Pathfinder Society will free me from the other. As long as you keep a positive outlook and keep looking for the horizon, you will never suffocate, Thornberry." She smiles.
"Take a look out the window; the view is quite lovely."
Once you are all settled, the carriage moves forward. Shortly after the conveyance leaves the ground, the world melts away.
An endless sea of sky glows in hues of stunning gold, vibrant rose, and smoky indigo. Distant orbs of light twinkle like stars, and floating islands crafted from crystal, silver, and ice gleam in the twilight. Djinn soar past winged gondolas and flying horses, easily navigating a labyrinth of majestic buildings and the many bridges that connect them. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and spices, and the echo of music and laughter drifts upon the wind.
The carriage glides past opulent structures crafted from marble and clouds, where curious young sylphs and mephits sit perched on windowsills, waving at you. The pegasi neigh and slow as a cluster of docks come into view. The port is crowded with throngs of airships and the merchants strolling among them.
As the carriages comes to a halt on an empty platform, a djinni dressed in resplendent clothing approaches with a smile. He offers a low bow and clasps his hands together. “Welcome! I am Jairo, and it is such a pleasure to be your host while you stay in my beautiful city. Allow me to escort you to your lodgings where you can rest.” The djinn pauses and looks around warily. When he speaks again, his voice lowers to a whisper. “And also where we can speak in a more private setting.”
He leads you to an immense flying carpet and bids you to board.
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"Incredible..." Corona mumbles as the carriage travels through endless sky. It is also awestruck, whispering a simple <ooo>, <aaah> and <wow!>
When Jairo introduces himself, Corona and <It> are in perfect agreement and head straight onto the carpet. "Oh, my apologies for not introducing myself. I am Corona. Where- where are we going?"
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Thornberry nods sagely in response to Cel's commentary. He knew she was just trying to make him feel better but it made him wonder more about Cel's past.
Fortunately, the ability to ride the wind does immediately cheer him up, using Leshingtons seed pods to fly and mimic the movements and flight.
Everything is so opulent here... why are you all so wealthy?
He looks around to see who the servants are for all this wealth.
"Why, to my humble home," Jairo answers Corona with pride. He steps onto the carpet once each of you is seated, and the carpet begins to move. You rise above the relatively mundane island of the Lower City, which resembles a Qadiran city built from marble of white and various shades of blue. You pass over a great expanse and then fly over the streets of the Silversky Markets. Here the sky is, indeed, silver and reflects the colorful kaleidoscope of the busy, alien market below. The types of items that you do not recognize far exceeds what you do, and that which you do is commonly in an exotic style that you've not seen before if you have not traveled Armun Kelisk in the past or in a previous life. Jairo his a talkative host, and he points out interesting sites as you pass them.
"Wealthy?" the genie chuckles. "Not in the manner of the mortal planes. We thrive by our merits and most is barter here: both things and ideas. You will find that many in Armun Kelisk have a great deal of value to offer."
Swathes of jewel-colored silks billow from the ceiling of the parlor with matching plush pillows scattered across the floor. Jairo settles atop a large amethyst cushion and gestures to an array of refreshments laid out on shining trays. The aroma of mint wafts up from a steaming silver teapot, while candied fruit and sugared confections sparkle atop tiered plates.
“Please sit and help yourself to whatever you like. Savories, sweets—there is a bit of everything to please, I imagine.” The djinni pours tea into polished cups and distributes them among his guests.
“Ah, but there is business to discuss, is there not? Norden told me you wish to learn more about a rival faction and also an artifact. I do not know about either, I’m afraid, but I have arranged for you to join me at the Grand Symposium Gala tomorrow in the Cirussean Ward. It is an event that local aristocrats are hosting to celebrate a newly renovated wing of the Azure Hall, our finest library here in Armun Kelisk. There will be numerous scholars and dignitaries present who may be able to aid you in your quest.”
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Corona's two minds are united as curiosity takes hold. Her motherly demeanor gives way as she looks at the various wares, and she asks all sorts of questions about the different goods and items. She writes down her discoveries in a book, making notes to study them later.
Jairo must have incredible cooks at hand, for Corona samples every type of food offered and seems satisfied with them all. "Wh-where are my manners? Jairo, thank you for your hospitality. You have been very kind."
"And a new wing of the library? Will it be open to the public? Asking for a friend." Corona thinks about diving right in. "I- I simply must prepare for the festivities tomorrow. If we can impress some of the aristocracy, maybe they will tell us more about their discoveries. Oh, and the Concordance of course."
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Thornberry considers Jairo's words and then starts to put together puzle pieces. Wait a minute....we are going to a library...in a city where their main currency is ideas!?!?! THATIISAMAZINGOHMYGODICANTBELIEVETHIS The excitable gnome seems to have shaken off his discomfort at being surrounded by all of this opulence. This was a rare opportunity. Think of all of the new experiences. All of the new thoughts and behaviours he might never otherwise have seen.
This....this could be very fun.
Ok, mister Jairo, who exactly are we gonna have to speak with at this library....These movers and shakers. How do you suggest we get them to speak with us.Any tips?
"What an adorably rustic and banal idea," Jairo responds to Brutus with a chuckle. "I'm sure there exist efreeti somewhere that would appreciate that level of humor."
He turns his attention to Corona and then to Thornberry. "It is, sadly, not yet open to the public. The gala will be held at one of the most beautiful open parks in a wealthy district of the city."
The genie considers the gnome's question for a moment. "I can recommend a few leads. Almoshtari, an invisible stalker historian, but do not call her an invisible stalker unless you want to offend her. She'll be dressed in colorful strings of beads and streamers. Impossible to miss. Fairuza Bereket, a djinn, is a librarian at the Azure Hall. Ghassan El-Amin, also a djinn working at the Azure Hall, is an archivist. Lineji Niarndu is a gnome with fiery orange hair and mismatched eyes. She works as a museum curator. Vivek Vallathol is an archaeologist. Quite the partier.
"Now, while ideas will get you far, power will get you further. Several nobles and power brokers will be in attendance. Galas such as these have ways of bringing those who would rather not be together into close proximity. Be careful with alliances, as alliance with one might make an enemy of another. Take note of Mithradatha, Wan Feng, and Zhalla bint Rathmozen. Wan Feng is an imperial sky dragon. He serves as an ambassador to Armun Kelisk. Zhalla helped to organize the gala. She is not on good terms with Mithradatha. He is a powerful djinni vizier and diplomat, but Zhalla's father tricked him into slavery years ago and there is still bad blood."
Jairo snaps his fingers and his mood lightens as unseen servants bring out rows upon rows of outfits. "Now! Let's see if we can't get you appropriately dressed for the occasion!"
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Thornberry considers his options for a monent before grabbing some garments. He has decided to go full local - putting on an outfit of deep silken glossy purple baggy pants accented by gold and wears a golden colored vest with plenty of chains and the like.
He dresses sir Leshington in Parade Armor as befits his station as the Guardian of zthornberrys grove in the Ivy District of Absalom and produces a lovely orange colored turban to temporarily replace his orange rind helmet.
Once you have selected an outfit, Jairo smiles and claps his hands. "You all look much more appropriate for attending the gala, now. Good. While mortals and their quaint tendency to walk around in animal hides or iron can be entertaining, I do have a reputation to uphold. That reminds me: try to not bring shame upon my name while you're at the party."
The genie snaps his fingers and three flying carpets glide into the room. Each is large enough to hold two of you comfortably. "After the party, feel free to use these at your leisure to travel about the city."
Once you have boarded your carpets, Jairo leads you through the city, past the Lower City and the Luminous Court to a beautiful, multi-level park.
Gossamer pavilions populate a chain of verdant floating islands. Finely dressed djinn hover among cascades of pale blossoms showering down from pearlescent trees. Sylphs stroll along the slender bridges connecting the many platforms. The steady hum of chatter fills the crisp air as Jairo docks his carpet by the outskirts of the park.
“Leave the carpets here; you don’t want to accidentally crash into the crowd and make a scene.” The djinni regards the throng of nobles and scholars with an apprising gaze. “I have some associates I must meet with, so please excuse me. Enjoy the party and feel free to mingle. I’m sure there are plenty of people here who can to offer you some useful leads for your research.”
Before Jairo departs, he points out the eight individuals he mentioned earlier.
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Thornberry looks....quite upset that he has to check the carpet with the valets. Like a leaf leshy on the wind that's how Thornberry wants to be...
But he hops off the carpet and gives a polite smile as he tries to find that curious creature, the invisible librarian. He found a book to show her...he really wants to see if the book is going to disappear but thought it might make a good conversation piece regardless.
He produces a book on the geography and local history of the Mana Wastes that Thornberry picked up on his journeys to that locale and walks over.
Well hello there, I hear you are the head librarian in this, the city that values ideas above all else. You must be an incredibly important person then! My name is Thornberry. I talk with animals. And plants. This is my body guard and the bestest warden of a druid grove you could ask for Sir Leshington! Leshington bows and kisses her ring like a proper knight
So tell me....do you know a woman by the name of Jamila al-Shafah who belongs to the Concordance of Elements.
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Corona stepped off the carpet and began to introduce herself to the various patrons. She thinks about meeting the invisible woman but Thornberry beats her to it- and seems to have the situation under control.
Corona asks Sarenrae for the Aspect of the Nightingale as she approaches Fairuza Bereket, the djinni librarian.
"Greetings, Fairuza Bereket. I am honored to be in your presence. I come from the Material Plane and have heard about the new wing at the Azure Library. It must be quite exciting to have access to such knowledge. Normally I would ask for an invite but I have my duties. I am seeking the Concordance, and one of their members, Jamila al-Shafah."
However, Corona comes off as a desperate wannabe scholar who just wants to sneak into the library, rather than genuinely interested.
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Brutus walks to the bar near Vivek, orders three of whatever he’s having, and immediately drinks two of them, nods, and claps Theophilis on the shoulder before walking off with the last drink.
After leaving the two to their conversation, Brutus scans the room, both for potential threats, and to see if any of his fellow Pathfinders might need a large half-orc fellow to add a little intimidation to their questioning.
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Enjoying the magic carpet ride, Keelee comments "I am going to have to get one of these someday!"
Approaching Wan Feng the imperial sky dragon ambassador, Keelee gives her best bow "Greetings ambassador, I am a representative from the prime material plane. It is a great honor to meet you in person, and see this librarian dedicated to learning."
Fairuza Bereket
The blue skinned djinn turns toward Corona as she smooths out the pleats on her own dress. "Oh, pardon me," she begins, "Were you addressing me? You are a... a samsaran. Am I correct?"
Fairuza laces her fingers together and begins to tap her index fingers against one another. "The what now? No, I am sure that I have never heard of those things. But the library! Yes, the Azure Hall is one of the best collections of knowledge on the plane. There are many, many libraries of interest though--the Cloister of the Hidden breeze, for example, contains a good collection of historical documents on the planes--and they are getting quite a bit of attention while the Azure Hall has been closed for renovations."
She looks past Corona's shoulder. "Oh, forgive me, I noticed someone that I must speak with," she says as she leaves into the crowd.
Wan Feng
"Hello, young creature," the white-haired Tian man says with a smile as Keelee greets him. "Who are you representing from the Material Plane? It is such an interesting place to vacation."
Almoshtari
The bipedal silhouette of colored ribbons and beads shifts and tinkles as Thornberry approaches. "Hello there to you, Thornberry," Almoshtari says in a way that makes you believe she is smiling, although there is no physical indication under the beaded headdress. "Talk to animals and plants? You must never feel lonely, then."
When Thornberry mentions the Concordance of Elements, the collection of ribbons moves lower and closer. In a conspiratorial whisper, Almoshtari speaks, “I’ve heard about the Concordance, but I don’t know much. It is supposedly a covert operation based on the elemental planes, though their agents travel to other planes as well. They claim to be protectors of the planes, but I can’t say what their true motives are. They very well might be the elemental lords’ spies in disguise, hiding behind an innocuous facade.”
Viveks Vallathol
"Ho! Wait, wait, wait! Where do you think you're going?" the lithe, androgynous veela says as Brutus turns away. "You can't just throw down a challenge like that and walk away!"
Viveks orders a round of drinks for Brutus, Theophilus, and himself. "Last one standing wins!" he shouts, gesturing at the tray of drinks. "It'll take us some time to catch up with our friend, eh?" he says in a mock whisper to Theophilus.
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”I’m sorry, friend, but I’m here on business and must keep my wits about me, but good luck to you both.”
Brutus begins to walk away, then turns around and orders 2 more drinks, downs the 3 he has (5 total), and turns to Viveks and Theophilus, ”Come find me when you catch up...
He then seeks out Lineji.
”Hello there, if I may beg a moment of your time...
I’ve heard you are the museum curator. I’ve been trained over the last several years to identify relics that may be precious to those wishing to collect knowledge of history beyond their value in coin on my plane. Since it looks like I’m going to be here for a bit, I’d be interested in learning what identifiers you look for here as valuable to learn about your past.
Lineji
The middle-aged gnome with bulging, mismatched colored eyes largely ignores Brutus in favor of staring at a kite stuck in a tree. She seems to be trying to figure out how to get it down.
"Oh, hello," Lineji says distractedly to Thornberry. "Why yes, I am a curator for an interplanar museum. There are quite the fascinating artifacts to discover across the elemental planes. You would be amazed at the cultural variety, even in a single plane."
After a while, she warms up to Thornberry and is willing to talk more conversationally. “Jamila? The name doesn’t sound familiar, but I recently saw a janni matching that description speaking with a dark-haired suli man in the Godsward district. They were near the Cloisters of the Hidden Breeze, a temple of Pulura.”
Wan Feng
"I've heard of the Pathfinders. I've heard that they cause quite the stir in their wake. You seem rather well spoken and polite compared to the rumors.
"When I last traveled through Absalom, they were finishing construction on a temple around a large chunk of Starstone."
Viveks
"Well, I'll be! How rude of that fellow," Viveks says. "Is he a friend of yours or a rival?"
The veela seems quite happy to drink with Theophilus, though. Initially, all he talks about are his adventures across the planes. He is either quite the dashing hero or very good at embellishing his stories. As you talk, you bring up the Concordance, and he says that they have agents everywhere in all strata of the planes, but he seems to have little insight beyond that.
"Well, we've beaten your colleague's score. Shall we go rub it in his face?"
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"Greetings, Mithradatha. My name is Corona and hail from the Material Plane."
Corona does a curtsy.
"I have heard good things about the new annex of the library- too bad it's not open to the public."
"The Pathfinder Society sent me here to look for Jamila al-Shafah and the Concordance of Elements, but getting a chance at this library is too good to pass up!"
<Ask him about his life in slavery! Ask him how he feels about Zhalla's father! C'mon, cause a SCENE!>
Corona keeps smiling despite the chaotic voice rumbling in her mind.
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Continuing to talk to Wan Feng, "Pathfinders are probably a young group to you, while they can be rough around the edges. I'm sure the rumors of them being murdering hobos is just rumors spread by opposing organizations, we try very hard to conduct business peacefully. Such as looking for information about the Concordance of Elements in hopes of forming an alliance assuming our principles are compatible."
Vivek
Vivek laughs companionably at Theophilus' jest at Brutus' expense and downs another glass of swirling green and blue--and quite strong--liquor without batting an eye.
"Did I tell you the tale of when I was plumbing the depths of an ancient temple on the Plane of Fire and this bronze-skinned--literally--well muscled ifrit tried to steal my find..?"
Mithradatha
The djinni looks down his nose at Corona and nods slowly as she introduces herself.
"The library, yes," he responds distractedly. "Very important to collect and maintain knowledge. Then overreaching wizards can find ways to trick fine, upstanding citizens of the planes into degrading service."
When asked about the Concordance, he shakes his head. "I know nothing about that."
Lineji
"Ah, thank you, sir," the gnome says as Brutus retrieves the kite from the tree. "I suppose you're not just a large sack of muscle. Well, maybe you are, but at least you're a helpful sack of muscle."
He seems more willing to converse with Brutus now.
Wan Feng
"Hobos? I am not familiar with the colloquialism, but I gather your meaning," the elderly Tian man says. "I'm afraid that I really do not know much of anything about an organization called the Concordance of Elements. However, do tell me more about your organization's peaceful endeavors."
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Brutus chuckles at the gnome, I’ll be the first to admit I find these social situations difficult at times, but always willing to help where I think I can.
As I was saying, though, I work for a particular group within the Pathfinders dedicated to discovering and preserving ancient history, and was wondering what you may tell me about the items in your museum?
We’ve run into some resistance from this Concordance of Elements faction, and I believe some relic known as the Untouchable Opal may be involved. Is there anything you can tell me about that?
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Well, at least I have his attention.
<Hey, did you notice how he twerked his nose when you mentioned the Concordance?>
Shh, I'm trying to listen- actually... he is glaring at Zhalla bint Rathmozen.. let me try a different tactic.
"Zhalla bint Rathmozen. She organized this event, yes? She has much to make up for her father's mistakes. I have heard he was quite into slavery- terrible prospect, as I was a slave myself."
"The Pathfinder Society helped me secure my freedom and brought me here. Especially the faction known as the Sovereign Court. They advocate those in power to make the right decisions to help everyone of all statuses, and remove barbaric practices like slavery from the world. I could tell you more, if you are interested..."
<YES! Mention the slavery and start a fight- you're recruiting him? Oh come on!>
Wan Fang
Keelee's conversation with the imperial sky dragon comes to a natural end and they part ways to mingle with other guests.
Mithradatha
"I see," says the powerful djinni. As the samsaran continues to describe the Pathfinder Society's attitudes, he gradually pays her more attention and the daughter of his nemesis less attention.
"Well, you have piqued my curiosity. Let us take a moment to see if we cannot come to a mutually beneficial arrangement between your society and myself." He gestures to a relatively private corner of the park.
Lineji
"Thank you again," she says as she takes the kite and begins to patch the scratches on it from the tree branches. "I've never come across mention of any untouchable opals, but have you heard of the Cloisters of the Hidden Breeze? Many prefer to study at the Azure Hall, but with most of it closed to the public until the grand re-opening, you might want to look into other options. The Cloisters are dedicated to Pulura and while it isn’t the most prestigious of the temples in the Godsward, it boasts an impressive collection of historical documents about the planes. That is, if you're really interested in learning.”
Vivek
Theophilus should feel fortunate that he has managed to slip some of his drinks away because even though Vivek's lips are getting looser, he continues to down them without any apparent fear of the repercussions.
He leans in conspiratorially and whispers loudly, “The Untouchable Opal is the prison of Ranginori, the Duke of Thunder and the benevolent counterpart of Hshurha, the Duchess of All Winds. Millennia ago, the evil lord of water, Kelizandri, conspired with the other nefarious lords to trap their good counterparts into four gems. The artifacts were scattered across the multiverse and no one knows where they are now. There are, however, many academic arguments about how to unlock them should they be found. But such discussions are treasonous to Hshurha, so any documentation about the subject would surely be carefully guarded and discreetly marked. Look for documents marked with a storm cloud inside an intricate wreath of lightning bolts, that is one of Ranginori’s sacred sigils.”
Fairuza
The djinni librarian smiles politely as the gnome approaches her and engages in light, insignificant conversation.
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"...thank you for your time, Mithradatha. With cooperation, we will forge even stronger bonds of freedom." Corona bows and takes her leave, seeking her other companions.
"Mithradatha still hasn't forgiven Zhalla's father- I hope he does not use the family as a proxy." Corona speaks to her companions. "He knows nothing of the Concordance, however."
"Fairuza Bereket did not know either, but she did mention another library - the
Cloister of the Hidden Breeze. It contains a good collection of historical documents on the planes and is quite popular. Maybe we'll be able to look there before the Azure Hall reopens. I can't wait."