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A new batch of Pathfinder agents has completed their training and now stand fresh and wide-eyed before the towering structure of Skyreach awaiting their first assignment for the Pathfinder Society.
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin has just the task for them, both to keep them relatively safe in the dangerous world beyond, and to familiarize them with Absalom, their new home, and some of the most influential allies of the Society in the City at the Center of the World.
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Having spent much of his time in Absalom's Grand Lodge since arriving in the city from Tymon, land of Gladiator's and combat sport. Having been roused from his cot early at the behest of Ambrus Valsin, Skilgannon hops out of bed and quickly dons his armour before grabbing his weapons and making his way to the grounds outside Skyreach.
Tall and well built, Skilgannon is braiding his long copper hair as he approaches the two fellow agents and nods to them both, evaluating them with a critical eye. A tall three-pronged spear is slung over his shoulder and a mask is affixed to his belt, displaying the Eye of GOrum.
"Well met, I am Skilgannon the Younger of Tymon. Blooded in the Valkyries Arena though not a full citizen as yet. You are both here for the Captain's Summons?"
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A half-elf woman with long red hair and cinnamon skin kneels on the cobblestones. She's bent over with a rag trying to get the mud off a strange reptilian creature with boney plates and a quartet of long spikes on its tail. The creature itself is merrily shimmying and playfully wagging its tail.
"Sorry, sorry, Thagomizer here found himself a puddle to play in, didn't he?" she holds Thagomizer's head in her hands, and boops him on the snout. "I'm Etixxi. Etixxi Wolfscar. I was asked for? Is this for a field assignment or is this about that legal matter with the Irriseni passports?"
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Skilgannon raises an eye brow at the Druid's display with their beast, not quite sure if he had witnessed it correctly or was going positively mad. Finishing his braid, the Galdiator shakes his head to settle it in the right place and responds to Etixxi.
"I hope it is for an assignment, especially considering I have no recollection of 'Irriseni Passports' and do not cherish the thought of being hung for another's misadventure."
His words are cultured and calm, quite in dispute with his appearance of a brutish warrior.
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"I take it then, that you're not part of the legal team, then?" she smiles at Skillgannon, "Don't mind Thag, he can be a handful. He's a rescue. Its helpful to have him go on these field assignments, burn off some eneergy."
"And don't worry, its not a capital case, just a matter of getting the paperwork resolved. No one's going to hang."
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Soryan looks more like a middle aged farmer than an adventurer at first glance, although he has many callouses that one might expect from somebody who just completed their Pathfinder training. Henervously looks around at the other Pathfinders before meekly asking Etixxi
"How did your previous mission go? This'll be my first real one. Oh ya, name's Soryan by the way."
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After weeks of traveling from Caliphas, capital of Ustalaf, Tatiana arrives in Absalom. She was quite impressed by the buzz of the port and its thousand of ships waiting or docking. It was quite busiest than the one of her hometown.
Reading again the letter she received several weeks ago from her venture captain she smiles. After weeks of training in the lodge she was sent to the Grand one ! In no less than Absalom the city in the center of the world.
As a first timer in Absalom she takes time to find the Grand Lodge. Not because it was difficult but because so many wonders were to see, touch and smell.
She finally arrived at the Gate only to know that Ambrus Valsin, the Venture Captain of the Lodge was waiting for her !
She runs to the room she was assigned and open the door !
So... sorry for my delay !
I... I am... I'm Tatiana from Ustalav, please to meet you all
You can see a young woman with raven hairs and pale skin, pinked from her run. She has an holy symbol of Pharasma around her neck.
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Skilgannon spins on his heel at the sound of running feet, his Gladiator's instincts taking over for a moment. Halting his action as he sees that it is a priestess of Pharasma he laughs lightly to cover his momentary embarrassment .
"Well met, I do hope you are sign of ill for our foes and not us my lady! I do not envisage my journey to the river will be coming so soon. You are here for Valsin's test too?"
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Jasper turns to Skilgannon and the others:
"Yes, I was also summoned by master Valsin. About a year ago I was sent out on an assignment more than a bit unpolished. Our negotiations failed, and I was the main diplomat among our party. After returning I got chewed out for my 'Taldan arrogance' or somesuch. So I'm hoping to get back in the better graces of our leaders."
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You are ushered into the office of Ambrus Valsin, the venture-captain in charge of daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The efficient and straightforward chamberlain greets the PCs curtly by name and motions for them to sit.
"Before I start on the assignment it self a small presentation is in order for Jasper Androlson. Kreighton Shaine our master of scrolls has asked that you recieve this for your splendid work on - Roses?" with a slightly puzzled look Ambrus passes Jasper a wooden wand carved into the shape of a budding rose stem. He scrunches up the ppiece of paper bearing Kreightons scrawl. "I am sure he meant to say something else. Our master of scrolls is easily distracted at times" He tosses the ball of paper into a bin and looks at you all.
“All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, butfirst we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won’t get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day’s end."
“Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It’s rough out there and I’m not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We’ve got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it’s difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies."
“Your mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I’ve prepared a list of things I want you to do. They’re not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location."
"There are also slightly more manageable copies of this map that I am sure you have all studied carefully" He adds indicating a large map of Absalom on wall of his office.
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"Well, then, that's simple enough," Etixxi says after reviewing the to-do list. "Personally, I think the matter with Master Salhar sounds the most interesting, but I think it would be most efficient to start with the Paracountess, since I believe that's the closest to use, and then go clock-wise around the city. But I'm open to suggestions."
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Skilgannon stands straight as Valsin gives his briefing, offering the venture-Captain his full attention as the task was out-lined to them. The Gladiator sagged a little, for this task was not the grand adventure he had hoped for and promised little in tales of valour, but all explorers must start somewhere and it would do well to keep Valsin happy.
Reading the note after Etixxi Skilgannon shrugs slightly.
"Your suggestion is as good as any, I have no preference to where we start, but it would be good to meet this influential people, I know few people here in Absalom."
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Thank you Captain for your confidence. I will not disappointed you
Says Tatiana after the Venture-Captain's briefing.
When Etixxi proposes to start by the Paracountess she says.
It's my first time in Absalom. I let you decide which mission is the closest to the Grand Lodge. Lady Dralneen seems someone of importance, let's go see her.
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The group set off and soon find themselves outside Zarta's Townhouse. Miraculously Thagomiser does not find another puddle though not for want of trying. You ring the bell and the monocled butler answers with the butler trademarked "Yees" before adding. "Paracountess Dralneen only invites entertainers of the highest quality to perform at her soirées." and begins to move back to close the door
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Jasper moves towards the door, trying to stop it from closing with his boot.
"Now just a moment, if you please! I happen to be a fine perfomrer, if I do say so myself. Jasper Androlson, teller of tales, maker of speeches, aspiring adventurer and quite possibly the most interesting person in Absalom!"
He says the last and gives a short bow with a flourish.
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Yes, Venture-Captain Valsin, from the Pathfinder Society, asks us to retrieve an item Lady Dralneen has borrowed from the Vault of the Grand Lodge.
Even if she's a busy person, I'm sure she will have time for Pathfinders agents and like Dúrland says, we will save her time to return the item to the Vault.
Adds Tatiana to the words of her comrades.
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Skilgannon keeps out of the way of the confrontation with the butler, believing that it mat well hinder their mission if he were to be launched across the hall so they could enter the address. As he leaves he lets out a deep breath that he hadn't realised he was holding.
"Well, he is surely an unpleasant creature, does anyone know what the Paracountess is like? Anything Like her snobbish butler and I am not sure I could cope."
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After what seems like an eternity The butler returns and with a "The paracountess will see you in her drawing room" Opens the door and escorts you down a wide hallway before entering the drawing room.
“Aldor, you are dismissed. Close the door behind you and attend to your other tasks.” Zarta ensures the butler does exactly then she then turns her attention to the group. “It’s always so incredibly adorable when I see a freshfaced batch of Pathfinders. I mean, look at you scrumptious little teacakes. You even brought me a Stegasaurus! I could eat each and every one of you up. Well, maybe not you.” Zarta points and smiles at Thagomiser. “I assume this isn’t a pleasure visit since most of you are terribly overdressed for that manner of occasion, so that must mean you are here for that trinket Valsin has been nagging me about. Seems I can’t get that man around these parts anymore,” she gestures,sliding her hand down her body and widening the gesture to sweep out and across the room as if her home were a secondary thought. “On the good side, he always sends me all the precious new recruits."
“Many think we in Cheliax serve and worship devils, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, we use the
creatures for their power. They serve us and we sculpt their power in our own interests. The world must come to terms with the order of things. People need to know their place and operate accordingly. It is the only way to make order from this world. Too many people stretch too far beyond their station, making waves and .” The slight raise in her voice may have something to do with the muffled thump from the room behind her
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Jasper is relieved when the door opens. It seems his usual charm is failing him again. He looks a bit ashamed for a moment. Once the party is ushered in and he meets the Paracountess he recovers a bit of his bluster.
"You are quite right, milady. Our current assignment does not allow time for pleasure. But one can hope the future holds a bit more excitement." He says, giving Zarta a quick wink.
As he hears the muffled thump, Jasper asks:
"Is everything quite alright, milady? We would be happy to render aid if you require it."
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Skilgannon's eyes dart around the room as he examines the rich decor and obvious display of wealth. He was used to such things in the homes of the successful and he appreciated the, even if they were over much.
Smiling dutifully at the Paracountess and giving her a bow as befitting her station, the Gladiator allows their expert 'negotiators' to solve the riddle of the thump in the chamber beyond.
"Mayhaps our lady has a 'guest' she was 'entertaining'" he whispers slyly to Soryan.
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She smiles at Durland "Are you a little dumbstruck by my beauty? She notices Thagomiser brush his head against Etixxi's leg as another thump comes from the room beyond. "I see your pet is much better behaved than mine." She nods appreciatively at Skilgannons bow "Ah I see one of you at least knows how to greet a noblewoman properly" and rolls her eyes at Jaspers wink.
"Ah assistance is most appreciated."She nods at Tatiana "A servant is greatly misbehaving. You’re going to have to deal with it in order to get the trinket.” She goes over to the desk in her study, opening a drawer and drawing out an exquisite silver letter opener shaped like a dagger(treat as a masterwork silver dagger). “You might need this to get it to submit, Come enter my boudoir and deal with the fiend” she offers the dagger to Jasper with a sly grin
Zarta’s bedroom is decorated in the colors of Cheliax—ebon black and crimson red. Silk, rare woods, and carefully carved marble compose every bit of furniture in the room. Goose down now litters the room, covering almost every surface and the silken shreds of the cushions that contained it lie about like flayed skin . A post on the massive screened bed is snapped in half, collapsed on the bed and drawing the screened curtains into a ripped slope of formerly fine cloth. Vials of perfume and crystal jars of other cosmetics sit smashed on the marble floor around the dresser. A prominent fixture in the room, a large “X” made of stout wood sits along the west wall, complete with leather shackles and chains. A table sits to its left strewn with various items intended for pleasure, but outwardly resembling implements of pain.
In the middle is an Imp trying to smash a box that fits the description of the box Valsin would have you retrieve. It spots you and then promptly clutches hold of the box and disappears
"You no take box" A voice Hisses from by the bed
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Dúrland steps in and casts Colour Spray .
In the direction of the bed, and voice.
Hoping to catch whatever is there with his spell.
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Skilgannon steps confidently into the room, unlatching the wicked pole-arm from his back as he does so. Standing in the centre of the room, the Gladiator plants both feet and looks around the room and straining his hearing for a sign of the Imps next Move. Gripping his Ranseur tightly, the Gladiator prepares to strike if the Imp shows it's twisted features.
for
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Durland lets forth a spray of colours
"Puny mortal magic not Kreuvus!hisses the same voice
Thagomiser moves up and sniffs the air and lets fly with his tail
"Missed me"
A beating of leathery wings follows and a perfume bottle vanishes from the dresser
Thagomiser moves up to swipe its tail in that area
"Still missing me I can play this game aalll day"