As you walk through the cavernous halls of the Grand Lodge, dozens of Pathfinders around you are abuzz with excitement. The Master of Swords, Marcus Farabellus himself, is making an announcement of major import to the Society this morning, and you have been invited to attend in person.
Making your way towards the main hall, you wonder why you have been selected for something that sounds so important. The Pathfinder Society has been dedicated to the exploration of Golarion for over four hundred years, and you have but recently completed your training and been allowed to join their ranks. Some of you journeyed to Absalom, the City at the Center of the World, and studied for several years to reach this point; others proved themselves worthy explorers and were recruited or granted a field commission. It is always a mystery why agents are chosen for different missions, and this one is no different.
You make your way into the hall and find a seat along with hundreds of others. Marcus sits on the stage near the podium, chatting with a tall, heavy-set woman with a stern face. Her lacquered black breastplate and red cloak mark her as Chelaxian, and the buzz around you indicates that she is the new representative from that country to the Pathfinder Society.
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"Hello fellow adventurers"
The middle-aged tian male, extends an open hand to anyone who takes it
"I am Yen Jinsa Taishin, but you can call me JInsa, a pleasure to meet all of you."
He enthusiastically shakes any ones hand who accepts the offer. He is dressed in modest robes of bronze and white and has a scroll case shoved into his belt.
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"A-ah! Hello!"
An impressively tall young woman with raven black hair grips and shakes Jinsa's hand enthusiastically. Her voice caught a little bit when she spoke, making it rather obvious she was nervous.
"My name is Abelia, Abelia H-Havenstar," she stutters out, taking a pair of reading glasses out of her cargo jacket pocket and slipping them onto her face.
"It's a p-pleasure to meet you a-as well," she excitedly pushes up on the glasses and her eyes flit around the room nonstop as she bounces on the balls of her feet.
"C-can you believe that woman up there is really Chelaxian? O-oh, I've wanted to meet one in person for so l-long! I f-find the whole thing s-so f-fascinating, don't you?"
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"Hi folks"
A young girl, who seem almost a child, smiles while she aproaches you.
"I'm Sab'sera, but all my friends call me Sab. I think I have talked to a chelaxian nobleman, the Paracountess... " she touches her chin trying to remember ".. well, I don't remember her name right now. We meet on a nasty incident down the archives here in the Grand Lodge. Any Idea what Master Farebellus will anounce?"
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"The only c-contact I've had with them before has been when I discovered an inscribed t-t-totem that wasn't de-destroyed by the - the, the-the...you've heard of the Order of the Rack, correct? The Hellknight order? They, of course, demanded the artifact back so they could destroy it - the bastards - but at least I got the chance to study it for a few months first."
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A dark-haired elf looks from side to side.
"Seems the Scarabs are all sitting together. I wonder if all the factions are grouped as such for today's announcement." Seeing Jinsa's hand, he readily takes the greeting, pulling the Tian into a hug'"Ah..well met, Jinsa is it? I am Fethril. Ms. Havenstar, a pleasure to meet you. Perhaps some of the more practiced healers of my order can fix your speech impediment my dear." also giving her a hug. He moves down the line and is about to hug Sab'Sera, but halts and pats her on the head and kneels down next to her. "Well now Sab, how adorable you are," he says as he taps her nose. "Are your parents around? I don't think you are quite old enough to be unattended. Don't you worry though, we will find them, being Pathfinders and all that." He stands and starts looking around for Sab's parents.
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Abelia attempts to stifle laughter and pushes her glasses further up her nose, "Ah, y-you don't have to c-call me Ms. Havenstar. I'm not one for such f-fa-familiarities. Abelia is fine. And worry not a-about this damn stutter. I quite like it, actually."
She gives Fethril a toothy grin and again pushes up her glasses. It appears to be some sort of nervous habit as well. She casts a glance toward Sab as if anticipating some sort of reaction, having trouble seeing the young girl's face due to her own abnormally tall posture.
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"hey, pointy-ear! I'm old enough to be here by my own! I'm a real pathfinder!"
Sab searches something in her bag
"See? Only real Pathfinders can have one of this with her own name written" she puts a wayfinder a couple of inches in front of Fethril face.
"Also, I don't wanna talk about my parents. They are dead" some tears appears on her face.
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Honestly surprised,Eh hem..yes, well name calling and crying are sure ways to show you belong here." Fethril stands up and says a bit too loudly,"Nothing to see here. I am certain many of you have shed a tear yourselves. Be about your business." Turning slightly askance to Jinsa as he wipes tears away from Sab's cheek with a handkerchief, "Yes, we elves have only been about the surface of the world for many millennia, far longer than your short live species. Don't give up hope though, I an certain you will accomplish great things in the few decades you have remaining." as he provides a comforting shoulder pat to both Jinsa and Sab before wedging in between the two of them.
Marcos Farabellus walks to the podium, and the room instantly quiets. "Thank you all for attending this historic announcement," he begins. "May I introduce the new ambassador from Cheliax, Ianareth Alazario."
Polite applause fills the room as the woman in the black armor stands and takes center stage, her hand resting casually on the pommel of a golden longsword at her side. The woman scans the crowd intently, seeming to take in every face before speaking.
"Pathfinders! 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.”
The Master of Swords 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, sitting in the crowd.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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A towering, muscular figure clad in dark robes, sits near the others, thumbing the ivory handle of a short sword hanging by his side. Three words are tattooed into the deeply tanned sin atop his bald head.
He lifts his gaze from the table as the conversation swells around him. He turns toward the young girl with tears on her face, Do not cry, little one. The loss of one's parents is truly a tragedy, especially for one who seems so young as yourself. I have suffered such a loss myself. But let us talk of such things another time. For now, Fethril's observation seems worth further consideration. Perhaps there is some cause for the Society to gather those in pursuit of the secrets of the past.
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Off to the side, a human of Shoanti descent watched the gathering disperse and realized that he had better be careful of what he said as a follower of Desna while on this mission to Cheliax. In addition. a new pair of gloves might be in order to cover the strange birthmark on the back of his hand.
"Hello everyone, I guess lets head outside and see which team we will be in, shall we." he said with a wave of his hand and a slight bow.
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Abelia picks up her hat and places it delicately on her head, removing her glasses and slipping them back into the pocket of her jacket. She offers the two men now standing beside her polite smiles and a nod of her head.
The crowd was clogging the exits rather badly and she was forced to stop before reaching the doors. Bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement, she attempted to use her height to see over the mass of people.
"Oh, come on..." she said with a slight whine in her voice, the impatience and excitement getting the best of her. "This is getting slightly r-ridiculous, I mean, aren't we su-supposed to be 'agents who've proved themselves worthy' and whatnot? C-can't we even use doors p-pro-properly?"
She shakes her head and a strand of cropped hair falls into her face from the messy bun behind her head. She turns around to the robed figure and gestures out to both him and the man beside him, whose hands were clasped behind his back. "I don't believe we've m-met. My name is Abelia H-Havenstar, archaeologist and h-hi-historian. It's a pleasure to meet you."
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Thordir returns Abelia's greeting with a slight blush. Ah, my mistake. I forgot to introduce myself again. I always seem to be doing that. My name is Thordir, and I am glad to be at your service. So you are an archaeologist and a historian? You must have some fascinating tales to tell then. He goes on to recount the tale of his own recent expedition into an ancient dwarven site.
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She brightens at the mention of her work and listens in fascination at your latest tale, "O-oh, have I g-got s-s-some stories? D-do you even n-ne-need ask?" Her stutter seemed to worsen as she grew more excited, her smile reaching all the way across her face. "J-just wait until you hear ab-bout the S-stormspear expedition I led. Su-suicide, they to-told me." She flashes a huge, lopsided grin. "I l-love pro-proving those old g-geezers wrong."
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"Zartra Dralneen! That is the name of the woman I met" Sab'sera seems proud of herserf "I think she uses to be Cheliaxan Ambassador here."
Sab looks at the Shoanti "I'go with you to check that list. Sorry, I didn't catch your name." she looks at Fethril and adds "ALL WE are quite capable Pathfinders that deserves to be on that list"
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Looking at the tattooed half elf, Fethril laments softly,Well, if he really had the knowledge of power, I imagine he would have shown some control over his urge to get that tattoo all over his head. What was the poor boy thinking? I wonder if the poor lad was tricked by one of his human relatives? Oh this half blood will need some looking after." Fethril seems to take notice of the non-descript human male before adding, "Hey, was he supposed to be sitting in our section? He is clearly not one of the Scarab Sages, well, at least I don't remember him from any of the meetings. Wait..why are you all walking away? Oh I swear by the shades of gray, these people will be the end of me! Fethril follows the other Pathfinders to read the groupings.
You file out of the great hall and squeeze through the crowds to examine the list posted on the wall. It turns out that the six of you are all assigned to the first meeting, which occurs in a few minutes. You'll just have time to make it to Marcos' office in time.
As you arrive in the outer foyer of the Master of Swords' office, you just see the door closing behind Zarta Dralneen. As you arrive at the door, you hear Zarta's voice becoming louder and louder. Knocking and entering as per standard protocol, you see Marcos sitting at his immense desk, massaging his temples with both hands while he listens to Zarta's stern reproach.
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Marcos strokes his beard for a moment, buying time to phrase his reply. "Caution is warranted, Zarta, but don't let past... follies... color your opinion of this opportunity." He leans forward, and you see the glimmer of excitment in his eyes. "This is the Society's chance to freely operate within Cheliax again. The doors of Delvehaven may still be closed, but we can start to mend soured relations. Surely you see that?"
Marcos turns to face your group. "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."
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Zarta bristles at this comment and glares imperiously down at her counterpart. "Folly? One day, Marcos, you will look between the sheets and see you’ve climbed into bed with a snake." She turns at gestures to you. "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."
The Paracountess turns and strides out of the room, seething with anger.
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As the door closes, the Master of Swords sighs loudly.
"Lady Dralneen assumes that we take Cheliax entirely at its word. Please, have a seat," he gestures to the comfortable chairs facing the desk. "Here is your mission. Ianareth Alazario provided me an incomplete history of a small keep in Angelmire in the Eismont Mountains called Emberhold, once the 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 slides a small folded map across the table. "You’ll leave Absalom aboard the Sea Sylph in two days - the Society’s picking up the tab, of course. It’s been years since we’ve had first-hand reports coming out of Cheliax, so be ready for anything."
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.
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 halfling-run 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.
Cheliax is not a nice place if you don't worship Asmodeus.
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.
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 halfling-run 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.
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 abruptly 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.
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 halfling-run 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.
Until approximately three years ago, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen served as the Chelish liaison to the Pathfinder Society—the role that Ianareth Alazario now fills.
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Marcos replies to Jinsa's question bluntly. "Queen Abrogail of Cheliax tells us we are welcome in her country - so of course we expect something. However, I don't expect overt resistance. House Thrune is trying to use us, for something. They're not just giving us the keys to the country's history."
"Lady Zarta doesn't like her former homeland, Sab'Sera," Marcos answers. "When Aroden die... ah, disappeared, a century ago," he corrects himself while glancing at Abelia, "House Thrune seized power by allying with the devils of Hell. Ever since, they've been re-writing history and stamping out any information that they don't like. Sometimes that means people who know things get disappeared. Zarta spent months in a Hellknight prison before we could spring her."
He strokes his beard thoughtfully. "This recent turn-about, inviting the Society back... it doesn't make sense. Cheliax kicked us out 40 years ago because we were uncovering information that doesn't go along with their party line. I'm sure House Thrune is up to something. Find out what it is."
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Abelia raises an eyebrow at the comment about Aroden and then busies herself by playing with a loose thread from her jacket. She listens carefully, saving any important information for later, anything she could use to her advantage should the situation require it.
She knew about Zarta's imprisonment from her few dealings with the Cheliax in the past, but the details around it were as vague as she remembered.
"Sir, will there be any sort of protocol we should follow should we come across any information that the Cheliax would find...er...distasteful? I doubt you'd appreciate us making a ruckus about anything we may find, but do you want us to call any attention to it? I know that there must be some plot to this, but I don't necessarily want to destroy this new found...trust-building exercise, you could say."
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Two Blades listened to Master Farabellus as he discussed the mission.
"Let me make sure that I understand the mission correctly." he said, as he started ticking off the tasks on his hand.
1. Make contact with Zefiro Balinger, the curator at the Museum of History in Corentyn.
2. Try to find out any information concerning Emberhold and House Davian from him.
3. Travel to Angelmire in the Eismont Mountains and explore the small keep for any additional clues.
4. Stay out of trouble and do not offend the host by making any mention of the Paracountess, Bellflower Network, positive mention of any religion other than the State Religion or disparage House Thrune.
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Thordir enters Master Farabellus' office as quietly as possible for such a large person, and rests his glaive against the wall by the door. He gives the Paracountess a sidelong glance as she exits the room, unsure whether he trusted the woman's, though her warning of caution had wisdom to it.
He seats himself in front of the desk and listens intently, his face reflecting his growing dislike of House Thrune's policy toward matters of national history. As Two Blades provides his summary of the mission, he sneers openly and makes his own view of the matter apparent.
"Basically we're being sent to uncover the truth of a matter about which the local authorities might have strong objections, meaning we're being played. Thrune wants us to weed out any information they haven't found themselves, so they can stifle the truth and pervert history even further. Oh, and they'll probably end up hushing up that history by silencing the ones who uncovered it, meaning us. Sounds like a damned picnic." He folds his arms and sighs impetuously. "Might as well get on with it then, eh?"
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"Let me be clear - you're not working for Cheliax in this, you're working for the Pathfinder Society. I expect you to bring back what you find, *especially* any information that House Thrune would find distasteful. That's probably the only way that it will ever be known to future generations." He pauses thoughtfully. "Having said that... we don't want you to give them reason to exile us again. So, on the surface, it's probably best if anything... interesting... leaves the country quickly and quietly in your care."
Marcos turns his attention to the half-elf. "And yes... watch out for betrayal. It's something House Thrune is particularly good at."
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Fethril nods and asks, "So if some of these sad people want to convert, that is of course acceptable I assume." Then holding a hand up between his mouth and Two-Blade, he asks Farabellus, "Of course the Scarab Sages are the perfect group for this, but is it okay for the iberty'sLa edgela guy? He may try and free the whole damn country!" subtly pointing his thumb in the human's direction. "And don't you worry about the child and the half-bree..er the nearly elf. I will keep an eye on them."
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Marcos scowls at Fethril. "You should have spent a bit more attention in the monthly political briefing, " he rumbles. "Converting people away from the Prince of Lies is high treason in Cheliax. You'd be summarily executed by the first patrol of Hellknights to wander by."
He then turns to address the entire group. "Again... I expect you to be diplomats as well as explorers. Give Cheliax no reasons to kick you out of the country. If they try to interfere with or confiscate the information you uncover, get out and come home."
He stands, and you can hear the next group of agents assembling outside his doorway. "Any last questions? Then good luck."