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Sab'Sera goes to Abelia's quarters. She knocks on the door and enter to the room.
"Abelia, you look like a trustworthy woman. Can you take care of this during our mission? I think you will use it beter than that elf"
She lends Abelia her Wand of Cure Light Wounds, so the archaeologist can take care of the team's wounds
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Abelia smiles kindly at the young woman when she enters her room, and listens closely to her request.
"I would be honored to. And don't mind Fethril too much, he doesn't appear to mean any harm; and if anyone could prove to him that she's worthy of being a Pathfinder, I'd bet you could. There's no need to point fingers at and taunt him, he's just still learning what it's like to...communicate properly, I suppose."
The dark haired woman takes the wand delicately and slips it into a large pocket in her jacket with care.
The day you are due to leave, a note arrives by courier from the Master of Swords. It reads:
"Agents,
I recently learned that Zarta intends to send one of her own agents to
Corentyn with a mission she’s elected to keep secret. The agent's name is Cassian Redwold, and he will join you aboard the Sea Sylph when you ship out. I don’t think we should interfere, but I never like seeing agents go out alone. If you can, make sure Cassian is on the boat with you when you return to Absalom.
–Marcos"
You meet at the docks, to see several crates of archaeological gear being loading aboard under the watchful eye of Captain Zaerrim. As you board, he informs you that the gear is for your use, compliments of the Society. The supplies are mostly mundane archeological equipment including shovels, mattocks, brushes of different sizes, rope, sieves, and numerous crates and packing straw with which to safely store artifacts during the return trip. There’s also a small amount of gold for import and export fees, as well as to buy riding horses in Corentyn.
Also aboard is Cassian Redwold, who greets you politely but keeps to himself. He will stay in Corentyn on business of his own while you head north to explore the ruined keep of Emberhold.
The journey from Absalom to Corentyn is uneventful, with favorable winds and only one stop at the port of Merab, in Thuvia. Captain Zaerim states that the short waylay is an excuse to hug the southern shores of the Inner Sea and avoid Chelish naval patrols - even though you are legitimate travels, an inspection is costly in time and gold.
You arrive in Corentyn after a week of uneventful sailing. 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 is known as the City of Nine Forts, but that number is far too small. 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.
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The moment Abelia stepped on board, she spotted the archaeologist equipment and made a run for it. She immediately began taking an inventory and figuring out how to best split it up based on all of the adventurer's body types and what they looked like they could carry on their persons. She appeared very pleased with how well stocked the tools were as well as how well prepared they ship seemed for their return trip.
She offered Cassian a polite smile and a nod of her head but chose not to bother him, as he looked like he'd rather keep entirely to himself.
She busied herself throughout the duration of the trip getting to know her fellow adventurers and trading various incredible stories from their previous expeditions.
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Shuddering at the sight of the boat. Jinsa is hesitant to get on at first. But he follows Abeila on board. Jinsa spends most the time in his bunk, trying to think of land and mountains. But at the mention of them getting close to the dock, he slowly rises.
" I will be glad to get off this boat" Jinsa is looking a little pale at this point as he comes from the deck below.
"I believe we are supposed to meet with a curator here. I say we find him as soon as possible and get on with the mission. No time to delay."
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Two blades nodded in agreement. "I agree, however I think our first task is dealing with the harbormaster deputies, as they will be here to collect any weapons that they do not allow on the city streets." he said, pointing to the notice that was tacked up on the docks. "Seems to be due to an increase in crime and a Loyalty Day festival they will be having. Make sure to smile when you hand them over."
As the Sea Sylph approaches port, Captain Zaerim orders his crew to ensure goods are neatly arranged and presentable.
"I expect the Deputies will search the ship and ask a bunch o'questions," explains the Captain. "Best to tell them everything you've got - if it's legal, they'll tax it; if it's illegal, they'll store it for you until you leave. By the way, if they do find any undeclared items worth more than a gold crown, it'll earn your hard-serving captain 20 lashes..." He flashes a smile, showing a gold tooth and several missing ones. "So you'd best stay on my good side." He flips you a wink and then goes back to preparing for arrival.
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Patting Jinsa on back,"Good to see you getting some fresh air. My, my..between your hair and your complexion, one would think you are ready to convert to the All Seeing Eye. Thank you for your vote of confidence!" Fethril walks over to Thordir and states,"Although I should have every right to the traditional items of my...our people, I fear that they will be denied to us." Continuing in Elven, "Not to worry though lad, I have full confidence in you." He looks around,"Well, I better find Sab. The poor child is so jumpy. I had better stay close to her. Easier said than done though. That girl has a tendency to run off as soon as get near her. Like a high-strung doe that one is."
As the Sea Sylph approaches the dock, you can see some activity in the adjacent district, perhaps the beginnings of a riot. Dozens of guards in the red-and-black livery of Corentyn hold back the crowds, while several patrols of Hellknights move through the area, apparently searching for someone or something.
"Hmm, looks like trouble in the Slave Markets... again," the Captain observes. "When a slave escapes, they go berserk and hunt them down. We can expect to be boarded before the ship's tied up."
Sure enough, as soon as the ship touches the dock, five armed deputies stand impatiently waiting for the gangplank. The apparent leader is a halfling carrying a large ledger, accompanied by four humans also carrying writing materials and with swords and whips at their belts.
The halfling leads his group up the gangplank and on deck, flashing you a strained smile before speaking. "Welcome to Corentyn. I am Harbormaster's Deputy Credence. Please assemble your crew and passengers on deck, and present your manifest for inspection."
As the Captain follows orders, you can see that the guards keep glancing over their shoulders at the events on shore, while still trying to pay attention to all of you.
Tamrin questions the captain about his cargo, making notes in his ledger while one of the guards follows him doing the same. The Captain refers to your group only as, "six passengers from Absalom," and then lists his other cargo. The other guards begin examining the cargo on the deck, while two accompany the First Mate down into the hold.
Once he's done question the captain, the Deputy turns to each of you in turn and asks a series of questions.
"Name?"
"Occupation?"
"Business in Corentyn?"
"Anything to declare?"
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"Yen Jinsa Taishin....I am just a humble adventurer with the Scarab Sages, and this is just a stop along the way to the Eismont Mountains so we can explore old ruins"
Jinsa gestures towards the archeology equipment and his open bag.
"As you can see. Just tools of the trade and a couple items to keep myself safe along the way"
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Abelia helps a few of the questioning deputies and guards identify various archaeology tools and equipment before turning to the halfling at the front of the ship and looking at him with a serious but polite enough expression.
"Abelia Havenstar; archaeologist and historian, here to explore and document some abandoned ruins in the Eismont Mountains. Just taking a quick stop for some additional information to jumpstart my research, that way it goes faster and I take up less of your valuable time."
She allows them to search her, her daunting amount of pockets and bags from her large jacket and toolkits making it hard to tell what exactly she was carrying. They gave a quick glance at her shortbow and she shrugged, "I could declare that, but just know it's saved my life many a time." She shows the arrows with rudimentary rope tied to them, used for rappeling.
Jinsa: The halfling looks at you when you say you're a member of the Scarab Sages, and makes a notation in his book that takes nearly a minute. While he writes, he explains, "Adventurer, are you? You'll want to save your 'adventures' until after you leave town, then." He looks through the bag and finds your scrolls, and inquires politely, "These wouldn't be spells of chaos, would they?" Unless you answer, "yes", he collects a small amount of tax for the importation of your items and writes you a receipt. "Enjoy your stay in Corentyn." he states without emotion as he moves to the next in line.
"John Smithson": Deputy Credence looks you over, and then accepts the rapier which he hands to one of his men. "Are you also bound for the Eismont Mountains? We will have your item waiting for you at your point of departure when you leave town, and you may reclaim them then." He hands you a receipt for the rapier while his man affixes a label to it with string.
Abelia: Deputy Credence raises an eyebrow when you describe yourself as an archaeologist and explorer. "And are you also a Pathfinder like your Tien friend?" he inquires. You get the sense that he's not hostile about it, it seems more of a genuine interest on his part.
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Eager to show he has been paying attention to the cute little fellow, the elf rattles off in quick staccato, "Fethril Suppor" "of the Scarab Sages, also here to document the ruins of Elsmont. I declare these finely crafted heirlooms of my heritage. I understand that I will be able to retrieve them as I depart Corentyn", as he beams a big smile.
Abelia (continued): Deputy Credence smiles at your answer, and makes another long notation in his ledger. He requests that you deposit your short bow and arrows with him, and writes a receipt for it. "It will be waiting for you when you depart the city... on your Pathfinding," he assures you.
Fethril: The Deputy takes down your information without needing to speak. "That is correct," he nods, and provides a receipt for your long sword, longbow, and arrows.
"Once you know when you're leaving, you can contact the Harbormaster's office and let them know which port of exit you'll be using. They'll have the items brought to the appropriate gate. Usually takes a day's notice, though, so as soon as you know, contact us."
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Thordir answers the halfling's questions politely, but bears a somewhat anxious expression as he hands over his weapons. I am called Thordir. I also am of the Scarab Sages, joining in the research of the Eismont site. Stopping in Corentyn for additional information. I believe you may also require me to declare these. He hands over weapons and ammunition, and declares his wand, scroll, potions, and oils.
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"No, more likely that they can say that we had brought in something illegal if they want to since there was no full inventory or search of what we had on us. They did pay extra attention to those that said they were Pathfinders so I am surprised that they did not assign someone to watch over them for safety's sake" John said "However, I think that are more concerned with escaped slaves or people being smuggled in given the extra attention given to the larger containers aboard. We will need to be extra careful given that the guards and thieves are going to be better armed then we are."
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The dark haired explorer raises an eyebrow when the deputy makes such a lengthy notation but says nothing. When he holds his hand out for her weapons, she glances at them one last time before grimacing and handing them over. "B-be careful with those..." She said, her speech impediment poking out as her nervousness heightened now that she was missing her bow. "I've had them for a long time."
When he hands her the receipt, she offers a gentle smile and takes it, slipping it purposefully into the leather pouch at her waist.
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Sab'Sera opens her bagpack but don't show its contenrs yet.
"My name is Sab'sera. Im also a member of this expedition to the Eismond Mountains. I only carry some useful equipment for our expedition" she said while she shows a rope to the wards.
"I have some de potions of cure light wounds and oil of magic weapon. My sword and my hand crossbow are the only weapons I carry. Hope all is in order "
Deputy Credence looks over your items, and writes up a receipt for the import tax. He also gives you a claim receipt for your hand crossbow, which he passes to his assistant for labelling. His eyes pause on the wayfinder at your belt, and he makes another long entry into his ledger. "Enjoy your stay in Corentyn," he smiles, moving down the line.
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Thordir steps off the ship, still sulking after losing his weapons. He moves toward the others on the docks and agrees with Yen's suggestion. "Yes, I'm sure if we ask the locals, we'll find someone who could point us in the right direction. The sooner we get the information we need from Ballinger, the sooner we'll be able to collect our confiscated gear. Sab, I don't believe Captain Redwold will be joining us on our further investigation expedition. He mentioned that he is planning to stay in town on his own business." He then breaks off from the group to ask a few locals if they can point him to the Museum.
Seeing the look on Thordir's face, Credence smiles. "Don't worry, Master Thordir, the ban on weaponry is only temporary. It will likely be lifted in a week or so... not that that will help you right now. But here's my advice, if you get yourself into any trouble: lure your assailants to the Wicked Fork, an inn down in the West Drenches. If the proprietor's chatter doesn't do them in, the food surely will." He gives a jaunty wave as he and his men head down the gangplank.
Captain Zaerim heads over to you and wishes you well. He hands you your final instructions from Master Farabellus, including enough gold to cover room and board, and also to purchase riding horses to get you to Angelmire. Included is a ntoe indiciating that rooms have been bokoed for you at the Wicked Fork Inn, a "place of unsurpassing quality and decorum."
As you disembark and head down the dock, Deputy Credence catches Sab'Sera by the arm. "Be careful about telling folks you're Pathfinders, dear," he says, low enough for his guards not to hear. "Not everyone knows that you've been welcomed back yet... and not everyone agrees with that decision."
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After disembarking their home of the last week. "I feel we should stay long enough to ensure Cassian at the very least has the opportunity to leave the vessel. Unfortunately, I believe 'John' has the right of it. Despite his friendly demeanor, the harbormaster was certainly taking specific note of the wayfinder and our designation as Pathfinders. We should be well aware of trouble from the locals. By the way, am I wrong, or do most of those tiny people serve as slaves here? There must be something to that little man if that's the case. Oh dung, I should have asked him when I had the chance."
Cassian also disembarks after paying his fees, eager to deliver Zarta's message. He will also be staying at the Wicked Fork, so he will see you there later that evening if you haven't left town yet. His plan is to stay in Corentyn while you carry out your explorations, and then sail back to Absalom with you.
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Abelia catches up with the rest of the group after the guards finished fishing around in the gear aboard the ship and watched as Cassian walked away with a clear purpose, one that she hadn't yet deciphered. She joined Sab's side and sent a grateful glance towards Fethril for his staying by her side.
She directs her attention to Thordir who was currently meandering about the crowd looking for information and wonders if she should join him. He looked as if he was well enough off, but she decided to ask a few passing guards regardless.
You are easily able to find your way to the Museum of History, which is in the north end of the city. Avoiding the trouble around the Open Slave Market, you head into a residential area dominated by a tall stone building. As far as you can tell, no one is following you, but you do notice the large number of town constables on the streets. Broad marble steps, barely dulled with age and showing only the tiniest of cracks lead to the solid, reinforced double doors of Corentyn’s Museum of History. The building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding structures, most of which are small, cramped, and crumbling. Two city guards stand at the intersection nearby, watching the tradesfolk, fishermen, vintners, and others who make High Quarter their home.
Interestingly, the Museum is free to the public, but there is a staff member near the door to answer questions.
"Curator Balinger is in the Hall of Glory... straight through there, first gallery on your left."
Zefiro Ballinger is a tall Chelaxian with a thick moustache, clad in a formal scholar's outfit. "Welcome to the Museum of History, citizens! Here you can learn all about our glorious empire and of House Thrune, who rescued CHeliax when it was sliding into chaos." You can tell that his eyes don't reflect the fervor his words indicate.