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For some reason, perhaps unknown even to yourselves, tonight you are taking part in a card game in the backroom of a tavern in Absalom known as the Grog Pit.
Suddenly the backroom door shuts and the game’s mysterious host appears — the enigmatic Osprey, an agent of the Pathfinder Society with unclear objectives likely known only to the Decemvirate. Two strangers accompany the lean-featured Chelaxian — a tall man wearing dark robes and a black mask that conceals his face, and a grizzled, prune-skinned gnome, with a slight facial palsy. With his typically cordial but informal manner, Osprey requests everyone be seated, and offers all a mug of Absalom’s worst grog.
“My fellow Pathfinders, I appreciate you making yourselves available on such short notice. I trust the accommodations here are sour enough to keep others from our business. As usual, I prefer to get right to the point.”
Osprey slams a large sack down on the table, a high-pitched yelp bursting from within the bundle as he does so. He quickly reaches into the sack and drags out a tiny pestilent-looking creature by the throat. He beats its head against the table a few more times, and yells, “Settle down before I get careless and snap your damn neck!” Then he pins it down against the table, where it flounders weakly, a bony clump of glinting scales, hollow-eyes, and leathery wings. With his hands still locked on the creature’s throat, he raises his eyes, looks across the table and says, “So, what do you know about demons?”
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Though the woman looks a typical example of a beauty from the frozen north, the pale blue tinge to her skin and a distinct look of 'otherness', about her tells of an unearthly heritage - she seems very glacial. Despite her well groomed and polished presentation, scars and bruises are still visible and her athletic build does nothing to hide her obvious calling as a martial practitioner.
Her armour is clearly Hellknight Plate of blackened steel and it is highly decorated and ornate, featuring dozens of tiny leering imps worked into the metal - closer inspection notes all of the Imps wings are razor sharp. Her jerkin bears the red and black of Cheliax, and her cloak secured by a brooch pin bearing the insignia of an infernal eye looking out of swirling portal.
In her hand she holds a silver wayfinder bearing the image of a dragon, and she looks into it absentmindedly as she takes bearings from time to time looking up to take the jug and have her swig in between, and occasionally participating in the card game.
Know Planes
"What is THAT thing?" she practically spits, her eyes narrowing as she stares at it like a wolf about to devour a lamb.
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A ragged dwarf with a crooked nose and long vertical scar on his left eyes hobbles to a chair. His auburn Mohawk is caked in dirt and dry blood and anyone within 10 feet can smell his unpleasant body odor. His movements are blurred due as if you were wearing smoke goggles.
"Drink first. Bade later." He says to himself as much as anyone nearby.
An proud and magnificent eagle swoops through the entrance and perches on the bar stool wearing a small suit of chainshirt. He pecks some of the dwarf's ale.
Adaxis quickly covers his ale with his clawed hands and spreads some dried fruit and seeds on the table.
"Eat up boy. I know your dirsty, but dis will make your head woozy. Wench, fetch a cup of clean water for Mousebane."
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Sometime after the his third pint and cajoling his new companions to a drinking contest, he immediately detects Osprey waltzing in with his two lackeys. Adaxis rudely slurps his ale during Ospry's brief introduction. His eyes narrow at the tiny creature spoiling his mood. What sounds like a handful of crushing marbles is actually Adaxis grinding his teeth.
"I hate 'em more dan anyding except being ambushed. I found a pretty gem her dat tells me when da're nearby. And dat filthy creature da're is a quasit!"
He produces a small diamond from a pocket sewn on his cloak of lesser displacement. It was glowing red as soon as Osprey's hostage was within 30 feet.
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In on of the corner's stands a handsome man, in mid early 20’s, with dirty blond hair, light steel blue eyes and a proud bearing, which attests to a noble heritage. Contrary to his fair hair and eyes his face is has the sharp angular features of a Cheliaxian. While back at the bar he wore a easy smile and was quite boisterous while conversing with his dwarven friend he has since grown sullen and the sneer on his face seems directed at the woman who joined the group dressed in the Hellknight regalia.
Kayluss cuts a sharp contrast to the woman from the north. His polished full plate is trimmed in gold, his bright blue talbard is embrodered with a large Silver Eagle and decorated with a number of colorful military medals. He caries a large steel shield also trimmed with gold and emblazoned with a silver Eagle. As he waits for the briefing he anxiously taps the hilt of the ornate bastard sword strapped to his side. Though the sword is of ancient design it has been cleaned polished to the point that it appears brand new.
Only as Ospry enters and starts his briefing does Kayluss briefly removes his spiteful gaze from Svetlana. Eyeing the Quasit with almost as much disdain as he was giving the Hellknight, Where did this little beast come from? Was he found in the city?
Nodding in agreement with Adaxis, Aye its a Quasit alright. A lesser demon but still nasty. Its possible that this little bugger is a familiar for some Abyssal caster. snarls Kayluss.
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In front of you stands a proud and dignified man in his mid-sixties, bearing his chin high and armored in silvery mithral platemail. The Chelaxian's gray and white hair is well-tended and covers his neck with a ponytail tied with a black silken ribbon. His strong facial features are partly covered by his trimmed side whiskers. Even though he appears to have survived through many wars and bears the signs of his past hardships, his blue eyes reflect a deep compassion and understanding, a spark of humanity lingering in his soul.
He bows gallantly despite his heavy armor and the burden of his years, and greets you with a deep low voice worthy of an opera singer. "I am Baron Rysalius Starnon, formerly of House Starnon in Westcrown, Baron of the Taldan Empire, General of the First Army of Exploration and proud vassal of Lady Morilla. Well met."
Rysalius turns to his squire, a young Brevian man in his early twenties. "Lander, my swords." the nobleman's voice booms with a gentle hint for the young man as he brings his master a mithral longsword as well as an adamantine one. "It appears our swordmanship will be needed once again."
Studying the demon, the Baron does little more than just nod as if he knew what that was. "A quasit, yes..."
Serving folk take care of your requests while you wait, and after Osprey enters and finishes his introduction he seems pleased with your answers.
"Good show Pathfinders. I think we've found ourselves quite the capable lot. Now, as for this fellow...no, he wasn't merely wandering the city..."
He turns to the little demon and speaks in a fearsome tone of voice while slamming the creature hard into the table:
"You little wretch! You'll talk if you now what's good for you! You'll spill your guts, or I surely will!"
With that, he seems to take notice of you again.
"Please excuse me for my forgetfulness. Allow me to introduce my guests."
The decrepit-looking gnome he introduces as Xersus Abergris, an expert demonologist and historian. After handshakes, he nods to his second companion and says to the party,
“Please, offer your complete attentions to my most esteemed guest.”
The cloaked man steps forward and addresses the group in an eerily dry monotone.
“I represent the Decemvirate. I’ve come to oversee these proceedings as they are of personal interest to me. Osprey and Xersus shall speak on my behalf, unless I find it necessary to intervene. As far as you are all concerned, you have never seen me. Do I make myself clear?”
The cloaked figure does not answer your questions, but Oprey nods at Xersus.
"Xersus, would you kindly fill the group in on the particulars?"
The demonologist then begins:
"One of the problems with demons is their complete lack of organization. We sages have very little to work from when investigating and cataloging them. Devils of course, keep lengthy records, but with these things," he pauses to disdainfully poke the quasit, "these things couldn’t tell you the name of their own mother. This makes the job of studying and cataloging them very important. Many years ago, I used to work with a cleric and expert demonologist named Baldimar Trud. Trud was also a revered cleric of Cayden Cailean, and guided all of his research to assist in the fight against these infernal brutes. Still, the church had few available funds for his elaborate studies, and thus he sought out and received funds from other investors, including significant patronage from the Society. Over the course of several years, he built a research laboratory and compiled an extensive archive. Unfortunately, we have seen none of his work since he died before revealing its location."
"After Cayden’s Hall burned down the last time, I thought his works gone forever. Though a few days ago, I came upon this little fellow going through my personal notes — notes concerning my old friend Baldimar. I don’t believe this is a coincidence and strongly believe this fellow shall soon tell us why he was in my possessions. After that, I’m sure Osprey has a plan for you."
Now Osprey speaks again:
"Indeed I do. But let's hear from out little friend here."
He beats the demon some more, and it finally sqawks for mercy. The demon reveals that after long years, he recently heard his master’s voice again — Graz’ith Ur Maurgith, a powerful demon to whom he is bound for all eternity. He has enjoyed the freedom of a having a missing master, though, and tells you that the voice of Graz’ith came from somewhere within Cayden’s Hall.
Osprey then orders you to go there and investigate — preferably by finding the High Priestess Saphira and asking what she knows first. Osprey adds that should you find anything, they would do well to contact him immediately, especially if they get in over their heads.
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"You know that fighting demons is one of my many skills, so I can see you why you called upon me for this mission. Having led the Fifth Army of Exploration and the Pathfinder forces into the Worldwound, I can tell you that organized demons are the worst trouble we could ever have on our hands. It mustn't come to that again, we must sever the head before it grows back fully. My sword is yours." he announces in a very dramatic, actor-like manner.
"On the the matter at hand. Will we have a special way of communicating with you? Or will we have to return from Cayden's Hall at every clue?"
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"The voice of a Demon in Cayden's Hall?" Svetlana looks a little disbelieving, "I will happily go and speak to this Saphira, I am sure she would be delighted to reveal what she may know - especially to the fine nobleman here, or the Eagle Knight. Regardless, any filth and depravity will be rooted out and expunged from the Hall"
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Aye, we'll find this demon and give it the blade or the boot. I'll talk to Saphira, Baron. No need to make her think this is all a game or pretend. Kayluss says with condensation.
As he puts on pack and gets ready to depart he passes by Svetlana he stops and gives her a nasty look, You know since we're going to Cayden’s Hall to root out "any filth and depravity" maybe you should just wait outside. No need adding to the problem.
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"You seem upset Eagle Knight, is it the news of Demons in Cayden's Hall drawing your righteous ire, or is it demons within? If you feel so passionate then by all means you may lead the charge, but tolerance of difference - is it not the cornerstone of equality and freedom in the great Andoran experiment?"
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"Then you wear the wrong hat my friend, for freeing the world from the grip of the Demonic Horde is the passion of the Hellknight, the Fiends have their use for they are orderly and at least honour their agreements, after all, adherence to ones word is the cornerstone of a civilised society and basis of democracy...which I understand that Major Colsin Madris has now learned the hard way as Andoran slowly turns to corruption and self interest? A new crop of tyrants grow in Andoran and yet you turn your face outward and question strangers? Your house is made of glass, Eagle Knight, Andoran is failing - best you seek what allies you may and see if they can help you with the liberation of slaves than seek to judge them - why is it a Chelaxian would leave his homeland and find service with the Taldane empire and seek influence within their courts? For the same reasons perhaps that you left and sought your salvation in Andoran? Why would a Hellknight only recently be involved in the liberation of slaves from the wharves and dark places under Cassomir? Open your eyes Eagle Knight, then dry behind your ears"
"Blinded by your hatred is still blind"
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Bah! You're a fool if you think you can lecture me! Andoran might have corruption, but it is still a free land and Major Colsin and others like him will always be there to help carve out the rot. Each time we stand up and cut down those who would lord over us Andoran grows stronger and stronger!
Can you say the same of your Hell! Cheliax is cesspool, rotting from inside! Your own Paracountess imprisoned by one of your own. Tancred Desimire was one of you and look what he did! You wish to purge the word of demonic influence yet you have a demon worshiper in the heart of your decrepit wasteland you call a nation! So what if some Chelaxian flees his home for the crumbling halls of Taldor? Great a Hellknight freed some slaves, but how many slaves toil away day after day and die in chains all because of the Order that Hellknight represents?!?!
You are the one who should be looking inwards! You are the one who's house is collapsing. Your Fiends might keep there word for now but what horrors will the visit upon you when you no longer prove useful?
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"Ahhh, the corruption in Andoran grows woth such speed though that even Major Colsin is now alienated from the place, I truly hope that he can cut out the rot for in the end we will simply see the emergence of the shackles and chains arising soon in Andoran under the false claim of politicsl righteousness... you have standing armies, you have a eank structure... sounds just like those you profess to hate, some more equal than others eh? If you truly hate the Hellknights then at least have the sense to know one from another - slaves are the purview of the Order if the Chain... do you see me wearing their heraldry? My Order does not concern itself with the enslavement of others, our interests lie elsewhere. I've probably rescued more slaves than you have"
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Adaxis stands between Kayluss and Svetlana with his stocky, outstretched arms.
Mousebane screeches twice loudly to break up the argument. A few seconds later, Adaxis attempts to be the peacemaker.
"I don't suppose da bode of yew can settle dis after clean'n up Cayden's Hall? You don't got ta like it, but let's get to da task at hand, kill'n demons!"
Chelaxians...
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"I don't suppose da bode of yew can settle dis after clean'n up Cayden's Hall? You don't got ta like it, but let's get to da task at hand, kill'n demons!"
"Now that I can agree with. It will take unity and clarity of purpose to the mission to achieve, and I look forward to seeing it done. I understand that the art of parley is considered a sensible approach to matters not involving demons, and I understand that sometimes a measure of force is called for. I will not seek to cut off or undermine my fellows, and will follow the lead of any who are looking to seek a diplomatic solution - however should they decide that they are at an impasse and that it is a time for a call to arms, simply utter the phrase 'I sure could use a Chelish Ale' and I'll crack the skull of the person you are talking to without further comment - no point ceding the element of surprise, and good to have a code we can use that doesn't tip off the enemy"
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Kayluss, fuming with anger, starts to respond but all he can get out is, I know more about the Hellknights than you can imagine!
As Adaxis and Mousebane step in to diffuse the situation.
Aye, lets go root out this demon. I'll take no part in your devilry though. He adds when Svetlana suggests the code. Now lets head out.
Cayden’s Hall is a massive, open fest hall of rough-hewn timbers. The latter have been replaced many times over the years thanks to their predecessors being burnt to cinders when the large, celebratory bonfires often burning within the wooden structure mixed badly with the very large and very inebriated crowds frequenting the establishment.
You enter the Hall through the main doorway.
This antechamber serves as the Hall’s main entrance. It consists of a long hallway flanked on either side by rows of barstools facing parallel oaken bars that run the length of the hall. Massive kegs set into the walls behind the bar allow clergy members to quickly address the needs of their patrons and petitioners. About half the taproom’s stools already seat drunken revelers at the long oaken bars. The boisterous patrons
hoist their tankards, raising slurred toasts and praises amid the tall tales of wild adventure. A single temple guard stands at the front door and politely asks what business you have at Cayden’s Hall.
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"Why, we have come to revel and celebrate, of course! But first, we would like to see High Priestess Saphira, for we have news for her ears only. Would you kindly ask her if she could see us? I am Baron Rysalius Starnon, retainer to Lady Gloriana Morilla and agent of the Pathfinder Society."
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At soon as Kayluss finishes speaking, two armed clerics wearing Cayden's holy tankard detach from the crowd inside an approach the party.
They're both big and look pretty stern. One of them speaks to you:
"Pathfinders? Here to see High Priestess Saphira? She's not accepting solicitations from visitors just now. I think you'd better leave. Now."
The door guard who greeted you appears quite confused by their reaction to you.
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Adaxis grabs himself a tankard of ale, takes a frothy sip and then holds out his Diamond of Demon Seeking. The suds cling to this beard while he speaks.
"We heard 'bout yer demon infestation. We're here to clean up da place and taste yer holy ales. If dis pretty gem glows red, den yew got yerself a BIG problem."
"Hey, like I said, you must have the wrong day or something. And we haven't had any demon trouble around here. We're not asking our guests to leave. Just you Pathfinder pests."
Adaxis' diamond does not glow, at least right now. Kayluss can tell something is...off about the men. Something about the set of their eyes. He can't quite place it through the limits of his natural vision, however.