Asking around, you find several people who have travelled to Corentyn recently. Everything will be inspected and taxed as you dock, but very few things are illegal. Banned items include holy symbols or texts of chaotic deities; scrolls or potions of spells with the chaotic descriptor; poisons with a combined value of more than 150gp; and drugs with a combined value of more than 50gp. Also, due to a spate of recent violent attacks, there is a temporary ban on all non-light weapons in the city. Banned items will be held by the Harbormaster and may be reclaimed upon leaving the city.
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Oggil doesn't much mind the lack of weapons. He is unarmed apart from a sling and pouch of stones. Someone checking closely might notice some shuriken as well, but they would need to check closely.
"As a bird flies south for the winter, it is guided by the sun. Will we be needing a different guide to get us to the estates of the fallen house?"
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No big weapons, huh? Well, at least I can keep two of my close-range weapons. I feel weird giving up my longsword with our identifying glyph on it, but I also don't want to break any laws that may jeopardize our presence.
On the journey, Chip mostly tends to Zipper and tries to chat up sailors to get more information about their destination.
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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"A turtle may try to hide itself, but once seen, it is most obviously a turtle."
He gestures to the crates.
"It is most obvious that we are explorers, but there are many such people. Perhaps if we claim to be a private expedition rather than mentioning the Society at all..."
He shakes his head
"I fear the sun will hide its face in the middle of the day before we can appear as honest merchants with all this gear."
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Nemrok tries to talk to Cassian, hoping to convince him to get back with them once their mission in Emberhold done.
He also propose his help if he has trouble while doing his errant for Lady Dralneen, as a proud member of the Dark Archive.
He says to his comrades Is not Corentyn one of the bases for the Aspis Consortium ? We could pass for agent of them ? Thus, our archeologicial equipment will not raise any suspicion. Unfortunately I'm not a good liar...
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Chip is conflicted. I'm not sure we should be dishonest with the guards here if they ask, as the Pathfinders are welcome here now. This is especially true with the amount of Pathfinders probably coming here anyway on their other missions. I am O.K. posing as merchants to the general populace, although I am far better suited to pose as hired guard for a band of merchants.
Nemork: Cassian is friendly enough, but refuses to discuss his errand, even with a fellow member of the Dark Archive. Reading between the lines, you can see that the man is hopelessly smitten with Zarta. While you explore Emberhold, he will complete his mission and await your return in Corentyn.
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"While I don't mind deception, out right lying to the guards could hurt our mission in the end. If they don't believe us or if they find the truth, our gear may be confiscated or worse, we may be thrown out. I'd say keep a low profile, and if asked by any authority, just claim to be explorers with the Society."
As the ship begins to approach the dock, Captain Zaerrim barks orders to his crew to ensure the cargo is neat and ready for inspection. "I imagine we'll be boarded within about 4 seconds of docking. Best to smile, pay your taxes, and don't cause trouble. Oh, and anyone caught smuggling anything worth more than a gold crown earns the Captain - me - 20 lashes. So, if you please..." he trails off, with a hopeful smile.
The ship docks , and as the Captain predicted, there is a party of deputies ready to board. Four men led by a halfling climb the gangplank carrying ledgers, although they keep looking back towards shore. Following their line of sight, you can see that there appears to be a disturbance in the market area, perhaps even a small riot. Dozens of guards watch he area, and a small group of heavily-armored Hellknights stands near.
The halfling steps forward. "Welcome to Corentyn," he half-sighs, as if he's said these words hundreds of times before. "I am Harbormaster's Deputy Credence. Captain, please present your manifest and open you holds for inspection."
The Captain immediately does so, and two of the guards go below with the First mate to inspect the cargo. The Captain lists you merely as, "passengers from Absalom", and pays the appropriate fees for his cargo. Then the halfling approaches each of you in turn.
"Name?"
"Occupation?"
"Business in Corentyn?"
"Anything to declare?"
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"I am Oggil of the Redhand" says Oggil.
"I am a bit of a historian, although my trade as such is as a woodcutter. I came to visit the wonderful museum here while passing through your exotic city."
"I am not sure what it is that would need declaring. I have no large weapons or drugs or poisons if that is what you mean."
Deputy Credence takes an inventory of Oggil's goods, and writes up an itemized receipt for the import fees . "Enjoy your stay in Corentyn," he mutters as he moves down the line.
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Lasaraleen agrees with the (retroactive) plan to be as honest as possible with the guards and not risk lashings for the captain.
Once out of earshot and safely into the city.
I was worried our mission would end before it fully started. Masterfully, done Oggil. Now let us get to work before our next inspection and hope all go as smoothly as this one.
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Nemrok Blacktusk is my name.
Seeker of knowledge and wizard are my occupation.
Visiting the city and hoping to have a glance of the Might of Cheliax and to know more about his Glorious History is my business in town, before continuing my journey in the backcountry.
I have nothing to declare, my axe will stay on the boat while I am in the city, and I have nothing unauthorized on me Officer.
Says Nemrok.
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Ledt looks visibly irritated as the halfling closes to him "I would thought one of my kind would have recognised me at first sight."
He simulates being terribly offended, which in part he is but for other reasons, before adding "I am Ledt of the Sylphs, infamous Absalom's writter, and I have taken profit of these explorer's and scholars visit to prepare for my new novel, which describes one of the Garundian sieges against the glorious fortresses of Corentyn. Documentation at site is invaluable for me and my plans, and so you will find plenty of writting stuff and paper in my equipment"
And looking at the commotion in the market he adds "And I see the advise to bring some weapons with me has been wise. What is going on there?" he signals with the head to the market.
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Chip sees what Nemrok did with his axe, and does the same with his longsword and longbow.
My name is Chip. I am a scribe, but also an explorer who knows how to defend himself in the wilds. I came to visit your wonderful Museum of History. I have left my heavier weapons, like my longsword, on the boat while here. I don't own any drugs or poisons.
Deputy Credence smiles at Nemrok. "Sorry, but all large weapons are to be placed in secure storage. When you leave town, you can claim them at the Harbormaster's, or at the city gate if you're leaving via land. Let us know which gate you'll be leaving from, and when, and we can have the items brought to you. Don't lose your receipt!" He passes your axe to his assistant and rites you a receipt, while the assistant ties a matching label to the haft of your weapon.
When Nemrok mentions he is a wizard, Credence's smile becomes strained. "Any arcane spells more powerful than cantrips may not be cast within 5 miles of the Esoterium by unregistered wizards," he states. "The penalty for violation is having your spellbook burned. You can purchase a temporary license from the Esoterium for 200gp, if you'd like."
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To Ledt: Credence doesn't seem to recognize you, or feel guilty for not doing so. When you ask about what is going on, he responds, "Escaped slave. A valuable Ulfen got away this afternoon and they're trying to round him up before he gets out onto one of the boats or out of the city. They'll get him - they always do - but it slows things to a crawl in town."
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Chip: Credence doesn't take issue with anything you are carrying, and writes out a receipt for your longsword and longbow, passing them to his assistant, who ties a label onto it.
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Lasalareen: The halfling deputy looks you over carefully, and finally asks, "I'm going to have to ask you to open your bags and turn out your pockets." Two of the human assistants come over, one of them casually resting his hand on the whip at his belt.
Credence watches while the two men go through your things. They find both your wayfinder and your holy symbol, displaying them to the Deputy with a smirk. One of the men loosens the whip on his belt and eyes the Captain, but Credence stops him. "We have more pressing things to deal with than administer corporal punishment. I'm sure the young lady merely forgot to declare these trinkets, isn't that right my dear?" He flips you a wink, then scowls at his men again. "Come on, let's finish up here."
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Drixel watches the scene unfold as the Deputy checks the group. She tries to look disinterested and bored until it is her turn. "I am Drix from Absalom. I am a historian of the arcane arts and collector of magical trinkets, but alas, I am no wizard and carry no spell book. I am here to visit your museum. All I have is in this pack." She says as she opens her haversack for them to inspect.
"Any arcane magic more powerful than cantrips are forbidden - if you happen to be a caster without a spellbook, the penalty alters, to having your hands broken." Deputy Credence smiles a terse smile.
After collecting the import fees for all of you, the Deputy and his men wish you a good day and exit the ship.
The Captain heaves a sign of relief when they're gone. "Well, you almost had be 20 lashes for that," he comments to Lasaraleen. He passes over an envelope. "Your accommodations are booked at the Wicked Fork. We'll be here until you're ready to head back, as long as you're not away for weeks."
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So, no spell for me here, unless I pay the fee at the Esoterium... What do you think ? Normally we will have no need for magic in this city.
After asking his comrades he says to the captain Thanks, we will go to the Wicked Fork, do you think we have time to go to the museum of History to see our contact here or it is better to go directly to the Inn ?
Zipper sees Chip's excitement and gets excited himself. *Happy Badger Noises*
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Ledt looks through the docks and at the boats I hope that Ulfen is ok, good for him if he escaped. Long life to those seeking freedom
The halfling avoid showing his real concerns though and just adds to the general intentions to move out to the museum "Let's go visit the museum then. I was looking for an interesting place to start my novel"
You have plenty of time to visit the Museum. Cassian heads off alone, stating he'll meet you at the Wicked Fork later.
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.
The Museum is in fact brightly lit and decorated in an elegant Chelaxian style. Red and black banners hang from every wall, along with portraits of various important Chelaxians throughout history (coincidentally, all of them are from House Thrune). There are a few people scattered throughout the various galleries, but one man in a scholar's outfit with a nametag catches your eye. He matches the description of Zafiro Balinger that Marcos provided you.
"Welcome, guests, to the Museum of History! Please, immerse yourselves in the glories of Cheliax!" You're not sure if it is just the fact that he has repeated these words likely thousands of times, but you get the sense that he's not overly enthusiastic about what he's just said.
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Thank you for your welcome Curator Balinger. I'm Nemrok blacktusk.
We are here on the recommandation of a common friend named Farrabellus.
He sends you his regards, and send us here to reitarate your bond.
We also hope to have your help about the trip we will make in the backcountry, to Emberhold to be exact.
Says Nemrok to the man.