You wake up in your lodgings in Absalom to a knock on the door. A stranger hands you an embossed envelope. You open it, and inside is an invitation from Amara Li to attend the Snapdragon Festival at the Lantern Lodge estate. You remember that Amara Li is a Tian venture-captain and head of the Society's Lantern Lodge, making her a particularly prominent member of the Society.
The note states that you should seek out Amara Li upon your arrival at the estate, which is in Absalom's Petal District.
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Targost stands at the entry to the estate looking up and down the street to see who else might be joining him. A tall (6'2") and slim (175 lbs) 1/2 elf with sandy-blonde hair and brown eyes, Targost is armed with a yew longbow in his hand, with a heavy mace hanging off his belt. Dresses in rugged clothing, he wears no armour and looks a little like a forester. A backpack sits at his feet as he scans the approach to the estate.
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A man with unkempt brown hair and blue eyes approaches. He stands nearly 6 feet in height, and is slender, but not skinny, by any means. His skin is tanned, and he has the look of an explorer or adventurer. His eyes are vaguely almond-shaped and slightly larger than the typical human, and his facial features bear a hint of elvish ancestry.
Beneath a suit of leather armor, he wears a utilitarian outfit with many pockets, some of which bulge slightly, and a wide-brimmed hat that is pulled partly down over his eyes. A rapier rides at his left hip, while a coiled bullwhip is on his right wide. A battered leather backpack is slung on his back.
"Good day, my dear fellow," he says, approaching the half-elf. "I presume that you are here for the same reason as I. Shall we go in, or should we wait for any others to join us?"
He extends a hand in friendly greeting. "My name is Dracothis Antemar. I am a finder of lost antiquities, by trade."
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Mez reads the invitation, a grin slowly forming. Yes, another assignment! he says through smiling teeth, turning away from the courier and closing the door.
Once the door is closed, the pent up energy bursts forth, and the man nearly bounces around the room getting ready. Dressing in almost militaristic efficiency, he is done in but a few minutes. Composing himself before exiting his room, he takes a glance at himself in the mirror. he thinks, burnishing away a bit of dried ale on his otherwise gleaming scale mail. Licking his fingers, he slicks back the sides of his hair, trying his best to remove any remnants of bedhead, before buckling on his sword belt and rapier. Unconsciously touching the flattened silver mug hung round his neck, he mentally maps out how to get to his destination.
Stepping out into the brisk night air, he continually survey’s his surroundings, looking for any others heading in his direction. Should he see anyone still working at this hour, he takes a moment to offer Cayden’s guidance in their task.
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Arriving at the estate, he greets the two already waiting. Hello there! Names Mez Masterson, and may the Accidental Gods blessings be upon you all he says, his face beaming.
Looking the two over, he notices they both have full packs and seem ready to go straight off.
I thought I should find out with the mission is before prepping my pack. No use carrying around a tent or bedroll if we’re just going to be running errands for the Venture-Captain Pulling out a hip flask, he takes a quick swig before quickly stashing it away.
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Taking the hand, Mez gives it a firm shake. I suppose, but don't you have a residence or inn room you could stow some of the bulkier bits? I just can't fathom why we'd need a tent at the Venture Captain's estate. With a shrug, he lets go, seemingly putting the question out of his mind.
Do you think it will be just the 3 of us, or should we be on the look out for others?
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A tall dusky skinned , bald Shoanti approaches. He is wearing sleeveless leather armor with a Greatsword and an Earthbreaker crossed over his back. Around his muscular shoulders and arms are what appear to be black Celtic-knot type tattoos. As he draws near they clarify into tiny skulls in odd patterns forming together into ropes around his arms. Save for one large skull on his right shoulder.
As he arrives he drops a backpack to the ground and looks at the others for a second.
" Well met! I am Ebon Kai, and am supposed to meet Amara Li at this 'estate'. I assume you are also hopeful Pathfinder agents? I was sent here from Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar, and have been waiting for a week or so for word from the Society that I may join."
Looking at Mez, he asks." Aren't you one of us? You seem a little under equipped to be going on a mission for Captain LI."
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I most certainly am. I just did not feel it was necessary to bring my traveling pack with me to Captain Li's Estate. If we are placed on a mission that 10 minutes cannot be spared for me to retrieve the proper attire, then I will explain my failings to Major Madris personally. he replies, meeting Ebon's stare.
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Just a little on the late side, a hooded figure rushes through the Petal District, nervously looking between the mansions dotting the streets and a half-crumpled piece of paper in her hands. She dashes right past Amara Li's mansion, only to suddenly realise, try to reorient herself, and walk right into the back of another person who turns around and shouts at her for being clumsy. It is thus a very dispirited Calanthe that finally turns up outside the Lantern Lodge, sighing heavily as she removes her hood to look up at the building.
It's immediately obvious to anyone looking at her that Calanthe has inherited some serious otherworldly heritage. Her long, flowing hair is a shimmering silvery-white, and emerging from it are two jet-black, curling ram's horns. Her eyes are different colours--one blood red, the other pale gold--and her ears are long, pointed, and barbed on the ends. She wears simple clothing, but the hood she wears is probably two sizes too big, no doubt so she can hide herself completely within it. A light crossbow and a small backpack is slung over her back, and a simple dagger in its hilt is affixed to her belt. As the tiefling looks up at the Lodge, there is a sudden bird-cry as a brown-feathered whippoorwill swoops in and lands on the girl's shoulder.
Calanthe seems hesitant to enter the building, and flinches a little when she overhears a large Shoanti man mention the Pathfinder Society. She hurriedly puts her hood back on before slowly sidling up near Ebon Kai and Mez, her head lowered slightly.
"H-Hello... you are... Pathfinders too... right? I'm... I'm Calanthe Rossa..." she says shyly, not looking up. The whippoorwill whistles its call once again as if in a more proper greeting.
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"Well Hello Calanthe Rossa!" he replies with a bow, "I am Mez Masterson, this is Ebon Kai... and Dracothis Antemar... " motioning to the others. "And, well, I appear to be at a loss for words. I don't believe I know our other shy member's name yet. How rude of me."
Pulling out a waterskin, he takes a gulp, and offers it up for someone else to drink from, "The blessings of Cayden Cailean be upon all who drink!"
Only the luckiest or most influential Pathfinders receive invitations to Amara Li’s annual Snapdragon Festival celebration, and wise recipients take advantage of them. The aroma of blooming orchids and flowing wine mixes with the acrid tang of recently exploded fireworks, and the sound of strangely discordant music comes from a duo of Tian women playing an unusual stringed instrument and a reed flute. The crowd mingles calmly, most guests clearly hoping to be seen more than actually paying attention to those with whom they converse, though the plum wine seems to have affected many who now move about the lodge’s
grounds waving sparkling wands of fire and shooting whirring, whizzing fireworks into the sky above the koi pond.
A servant at the gate beckons towards you. After reviewing your invitations, he invites you inside the grounds of the Lantern Lodge.
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Calanthe seems a little taken aback by Mez's rather egregious nature, and she stares blankly at him offering the waterskin for the rest to partake of. Not wanting to appear rude, the tiefling accepts it with a mumbled word of thanks, hurriedly gulping down a mouthful of the apple vodka--only to start coughing and spluttering and very nearly spilling the rest of it as the alcohol burn hits her.
"H-H-How do you drink--*cough*--that stuff?!" she asks incredulously while hurriedly returning the waterskin to the follower of Cayden Cailean. "I thought it would be wine! That's like... like... like drinking liquid fire!"
Flushing in embarrassment at her outburst, Calanthe follows the others into the Lantern Lodge, her head bowed. However, the curious music and beautiful scents eventually drags Calanthe out of her shell of shame, and she cautiously looks up at all the Eastern wonders on display at the Snapdragon Festival. She gasps as a small firework explodes not too far from her, and a small smile unwittingly creeps onto her face.
There's plenty for her to watch as she waits for the rest of her fellow Pathfinders to elucidate where Ms. Li might be...
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“Nora, Nora, Nora – you’re late, late, late again!” exclaims a small figure. “I may always know which direction I’m going, but where I am going is a whole ‘nother matter!”
You see a small female gnome is scurrying towards you at an exceptional speed, looking more than a bit frazzled. “I almost missed my first mission. First time this time around, anyway. I’m Norine!”
Norine – or Nora? – scrambles closer, bowing, shaking hands and apologizing profusely.
Norine is a slight, female gnome, only 3' tall and about slightly built. Her skin is an earthy brown and her hair, elaborately arranged but mostly covered by a plain, gnomish hat, is a deep green with silvery-green undertones. Her eyes are yellow-green w/silver and gold flecks.
Her dress is a brown and green traveler's outfit, carrying both belt pouch and backpack and, slung over her shoulders, a buckler and a bulging sack. (Is that really a bedroll sticking out of her sack? You’re pretty she must be carrying everything she owns, and that it probably weighs more than she does.) She walks – or scurries - using a shillelagh. A wooden symbol of a bright blue butterfly hangs around her neck.
The servant replies "Good! You've all arrived. I've been instructed to direct you to Venture-Captain Li's study." He quickly tells you which way to go.
As you proceed through the festival, you notice many of the partygoers glancing your way, perhaps curious about the sight of several young Pathfinders at this exclusive event.
Upon arriving at the study, you are ushered inside where you find Amara Li seated on a reed mat before a low table set with an exquisite porcelain tea set. She motions for the Pathfinders to sit with her around the table, and once the door is closed behind them and they have taken their seats, begins talking in a low, hushed voice without even the hint of a Tian accent:
“Well met, Pathfinders, and welcome to the Lantern Lodge. I hope you find the Snapdragon Festival and my hospitality worthy of your time and energy. I have not brought you here for mere pleasantries, however, and wish to ask you to partake a dangerous mission on my behalf."
“Long ago, one of my most esteemed ancestors, who was rich in power but poor in sense, gave a gift to a foreign prince, a gift that prince did not deserve and my foolish ancestor had no right to give—a ceremonial jade katana. At the time the gift was sent, its recipient was invading this island. He laid siege to Absalom from his fortress in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts. Like those who came before him, the warlord failed to take Absalom and perished in the attempt. On the very day of his defeat, his castle crumbled to dust in a violent earthquake and has been lost to the centuries ever since. My family’s heirloom was lost with it."
“A recent report by a group of Pathfinders gives me hope that they have finally found the ruin, and I might finally recover my family’s treasure. I’m looking for an intrepid group to retrieve it for me, and I’m hoping that is you. The fame and wealth you will doubtlessly recover will bring you much honor within the Society, and if you deliver the katana to me, you will have my favor as you begin your careers as full agents of the Pathfinder Society.”
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"Yes, it would be an honor to assist you, however, I have a few questions I would like answered before we proceed." says Mez, his tone surprisingly serious for those that viewed his earlier antics.
"First, Do you have a map or guide to lead us to these ruins? Second, should we prepare for a lengthy campaign, or only a night or two, if even that? Third, do you know of any other parties that may be interested in this relic we should be aware of? I assume we should be prepared for anything, including anything that may have taken up living in the ruins, but forewarned is forearmed. And finally..." he says, a smile creeping back across his face, "Do you have any chilled wine? The Drunken God has both blessed me and cursed me with unquenchable thirst."
Amara Li glances at each Pathfinder in turn as she replies to Mez's question.
"Very good, thank you for your assistance in this matter. I am happy to provide you with directions to the ruins." she says as she hands Mez a sheet of paper with some simple directions written on it. "As to the length of your journey, you will need to hike for several hours to reach the site of the keep. I have not visited the site personally, and those who have did not make it far inside. As you seem aware young Pathfinder, there is always the possibility that monsters have taken up residence there. You may need to rest if your strength grows diminished. I am not sure who else would be interested in finding the katana, but I would consider it a great personal favor if you retrieve it for me."
"As for drink, please feel free to partake in the festivities! You will find the wine quite cool and delicious, and we have excellent food prepared as well."
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Calanthe remains quiet throughout Amara Li's briefing, listening closely but having nothing to add to the conversation. However, when the Tian woman begins to wrap up her speech, Calanthe takes a step forward and removes her hood. She stares at Amara for a few moments, almost unnervingly; her single golden eye seems to glow unnaturally bright as she does so.
"... My apologies if this seems rude," she says after some time, "but Ms. Li... your aura, it quivers a little... it has a hint of pale sky blue about it... is there perhaps something more to this quest, or this sword... that you have not mentioned?"
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Noreen was blissfully unaware of any unusual motives and, instead, was trying to take in every strange new sight, sound, smell, and taste. "Chilled wine?" though? What is stranger than a cold thing to drink on a warm day? One of her favorite jokes was always to use her skills at prestidigitation to chill someone's mug of ale... This is certainly a different crowd than she knows.
OK, there is a lot of talking going on - Pay attention, Noreen! And get a look at that map as soon as possible! I guess Mez is the leader? I've seen worse (and been worse - at least I have the wisdom to know I am a idiot)... Oh look, A bird! I wonder if I can talk to it?
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Sense Motive:
If Dracothis suspects any deception or hesitation on the part of the Venture-Captain, he does not show it. He does, however, raise an eyebrow when Mez pockets the map.
Did we elect a leader? I don't recall having a vote. Still, better he than me. I don't want to be responsible for all these lives.
Amara Li gives Calanthe a stern look and says:
"No, my dear. I have told you all that you need to know in order to complete this mission. Please take some time now to enjoy the celebration."
She gestures for you to leave and a servant escorts you out of the study.
As you leave the study and begin mingling at the party, a man approaches you. His is decked out in the military fineries of an Eagle Knight’s ceremonial uniform—a bright blue overcoat with polished gold buttons, gold eagle epaulets, and a fine, black felt tricorn hat. The handsome man is a charmer who clearly thinks very highly of himself. He speaks loudly and confidently, as if he wants the entire party to “overhear” his conversation with the PCs.
“Greetings, Pathfinders! I hear you’re headed out into the Cairnlands on official Society business. Best of luck outside the city walls, though you look like sturdy enough adventurers. Perhaps not Eagle Knight material, but qualified for the work of a Pathfinder."
“A word of warning, though, friends—beware the walking dead. The crumbling ruins surrounding the city are rife with them, and you’re likely to run into more than your fair share over the course of your career. Undeath and the undead are more than just a physical peril, however. Undeath is the worst kind of slavery. And it should be eradicated like all servitude, whether to aristocracy or to mental control. Being enslaved to the flesh beyond when Pharasma calls one’s soul to the Boneyard is a fate I wouldn’t wish upon my greatest enemy So while you plumb the depths of Asad’s Keep, remember your solemn duty to your fellow man—both living and dead. Any undead you encounter along the way should be freed of their
earthly shell."
“If you prove your dedication to freedom, the resources of Andoran will be at your disposal in your future endeavors.”
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Ebon looks at the man as he speaks, seeming to bristle slightly at the not good enough to be an Eagle Knight phrase, but in the end nodding in agreement.
" No one should be forced to slavery by another. I never thought about the Undead that way before, but it makes sense. I will free them if I can."
Tho I still take small insult in this 'peacock' telling me I am unworthy. I can do anything I chose to. Admittedly, I don't always know what to choose though....
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Norra perks up and her eyes open wide with wonder; she had never made the connection between slavery and the undead before! I knew I should have learned how to turn undead! I don't even have a flask of holy water to my name... Would it be too impertinent to..., Oh, here goes...
"I am, of course, at your service, Good Sir," Norra says with a bow and a flourish, "Pardon me a stupid question, but would any of these said resources be available now to free the undead of their servitude?"
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As Norine continues to question the Andoran partygoer, Mez flags down a passing servant and whispers something into his ear. The servant then points to another of his trade serving some party goers a bit away. Scurrying over the second waiter, Mez obtains a tray of goblets, each full of a burgundy liquid.
"Since my last offering was perhaps in poor taste." he says, with a sorrowful look at Calanthe, "I propose a toast with this chilled and lightly spiced wine. To a quick and efficient mission, and as always, to FREEDOM!"
After downing his wine, Mez waits for the Andoran partygoer to leave before again addressing his newfound companions. "A little about me besides my obvious love of the drink. I am a melee fighter who is damn hard to strike. I can be reasonably stealthy if I need to be, and am also adept at picking locks. I can cast by the gifts of Cayden Cailean, but he is selective in those gifts. I can guide people, detect magic, make light, and sift through debris freely, and can cast curative and shielding magics a couple times per day. And lastly, and I must stress that I have only used this power for good ladies... I can focus on a door or thin wall and see through it for almost an hour."
Mez finishes his little speech with his arms held wide, as if he laid it all on the table for those to see. "Use that information how you wish. I say that mainly for the spell casters in our group who CAN change their spells as they need."
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Targost enthusiastically toasts and swallows down the drink. He listens to Mez speak of himself then steps forward.
"Greetings to you my new companions. I am Targost, sorcerer and archer. My spells are, in the most, offensive. I look to defeat my enemy at a distance. I am a fair shot with spell and bow and look to use both in the defense of this company!" So saying he steps back and awaits their next party member to introduce themselves.
"Well, my gnomish friend I would recommend any of the usual precautions against the undead. Divine magic is always useful. You may also wish to purchase holy water. Some undead are difficult to harm with the wrong weapon. It's easier to smash skeletons than to stab them, for instance. Our agents have often encountered undead creatures while exploring the Cairnlands."
"We Andorans take great pride in spreading the cause of freedom and equality throughout the world. Think of it! Under Common Rule one person's voice is as valued as another's! Andoran is like a glowing beacon to the people of the Inner sea who live under oppression. Our cause is not merely just, it is essential."
As Major Maldris continues to speak of the glories of freedom and the Andoran cause, a servant walks up to him and whispers in his ear.
"Please excuse me, Pathfinders. I have some urgent mattes to attend to on behalf of the Eagle Knights. Farewell, and success to you all."
The major turns and hurries away with the servant.
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Norine perks up an ear. Did Mez just say he can see through doors for good ladies? HeeHee
Pausing from sampling each new delicacy - this aught to keep me in good color for weeks - Norine address her new fellows. "Good to meet you, too, Targost. I am just a humble cleric of Desna, our Lady Luck and the one who blesses travelers, and I pray for assistance and accept what is given. I have a handy shillelagh and can sling stones with some skill, but I am best at healing the wounded. I can pass on some of the Luck of Desna with a touch."
"I would love to try some of your holy brews, Mez - although in moderation: the last time I drank too much I passed out and woke up on slaver's ship! Which was interesting enough for the first few days..."
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" I will gladly partake of your toast!" Ebon says as he grabs a goblet and quaffs it down.
" As I said before I am Ebon Kai. Fierce warrior and strong man. When angered I can splinter shields and split armor. Sadly I lack the ranging attacks you speak of Targost, but can fight face to face very well.
Leaving in the morning sounds good to me. My night vision is excellent but alas only human."
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Calanthe visibly flinches at Amara Li's stern rebuttal, and she mumbles an apology with her head hung low. The tips of her pointed, spiked ears flush red with embarrassment, no doubt the same across her cheeks as well. She seems to shrink back into herself, and is soon back to hiding beneath her heavy black cloak, dumbly following the rest of the Pathfinders where-ever they should go. But I saw it... she knows more than she's letting on...
She nonetheless listens carefully to Major Maldris' warning of the risen undead (less so about the Andoran crusade--she's not particularly interested in politics), feeling slightly sick at the thought that they might have to face such abominations. Of all of the Pharasmin tenets, destruction of the twisted and blighted undead was one that Calanthe felt incredibly strongly about. Not only did they go against the natural order of the world, not only did they do nothing but hunger and pillage and destroy, but they... they scared her. The undead showed an aura of pure blackness, such a thing she had never seen anywhere else. It was almost like an anti-aura... and so, so wrong.
Realising that the rest of her fellow Pathfinders were discussing their abilities, Calanthe hurriedly adds in a few words about herself.
"I... I am not sure what to call myself... b-but... Morrigan here," she gestures to the whippoorwill on her shoulder, who nods her head in return, "she teaches me how to control... myself. My abilities."
Morrigan lets out another whistled bird call before speaking in the Common tongue, her voice deep and echoing, though still feminine. "It is a pleasure."
"I... I can see things. People's life forces, Morrigan told me it is. They change when you're hurt, or when you're emotional. And... sometimes I can change them, too. I can heal a languishing life force... and I can tear the threads that connect a person to their soul, just a little, making them weaker..."
"A-Ah, that all probably makes no sense... I'm sorry." She bows her head again. "In the church of Pharasma, where I was raised, they would call me a white necromancer... maybe that's more succinct?"
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Norina whispers to Calanthe sympathetically, "Thank you for asking what needed to be asked."
"Do we need to purchase any other supplies in the morning before we proceed? A lantern to supplement our torches, or a grappling hook and rope? I have almost 16 gold to my name. I think I could do the latter, if no one has one. Any ideas, Dracothis?
You continue to enjoy the food and drink at the Festival. Soon a lovely fireworks display begins and you stay to enjoy the show. Afterwards, the party begins to wind down fairly quickly. As you make your way to leave, a well-dressed Kelishite man approaches you and asks for a quick word.
He leads you off to the side, out of the way of the crowds of departing guests. He addresses you in a slow, level voice witha strong Kelish accent.
“Like a fast-spoken djinn, I’ll get to the quick. I know where you are going. House Damaq of Qadira claim the ruin, but we are willing to allow you access for the price of a small deed easily accomplished during your adventure. You will be well compensated, I assure you, for profits are most rewarding when shared. I assume treasure-seekers like yourselves are interested in such a proposition?”
Without waiting for an answer, he continues, his eyes intent and his posture rigid.
“The ruin is Qadiran, which is why we claim it, and we are willing to defend it, but there are really only certain things left in Asad’s Keep we are interested in: trade agreements, of which we believe there to be many within the ruins. All we ask that you do is to turn over all trade agreements you find to us as soon as you return to Absalom, as we will be able to hold the signers to them even centuries after their signing."
“The satrap of Qadira—nay, the entire Padishah Empire of Kelesh—has much to offer the Pathfinder Society, and I personally have no qualms about sharing those resources with you, specifically. Shall we shake on this agreement?”