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The recounting of this sad tale starts in Katheer, where you have been staying for a few days at the Pathfinder lodge operated by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi. The Venture-Captain is abroad but has left you written instructions so that you could prepare for the mission he has chosen you for.
Pathfinders,
As the seasons change and the fickle winds alter their course to bring rain to a parched land, so too do the Ten once again turn their eyes toward Qadira and its riches. Sadly, the circumstances are tragic, not celebratory. Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari, mentor and aunt-by marriage to the esteemed Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam, passed away recently, and the family is holding a wake for her at their estate in Katheer. The trade prince has asked a handful of agents to join him for this event, and I request that you do just that both as a show of solidarity for an important ally of the Society. I understand he also has other work for you that might prove quite lucrative, so as long he does not ask for anything too bizarre, I trust you will honor his requests as you would my own. I am away on business, but I had another agent retrieve several worthy items from my personal vault. Please take one to offer to the family in the name of the Society and me during the wake.
Be civil,
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi
The items he left you to choose from are the following: a silver-chased magical scimitar with an exceptionally keen edge, a gold ring bearing three sapphires with warding enhancements, or a steel shield bearing an image of Sarenrae painted in gold and studded with garnets protecting its bearer against the vilest threats. The choice must now be made before you head to the Bahjari estate, also located in Katheer.
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Shel confidently moves forward to gaze at the items closely. The tiny halfling reaches out and grasps the ring. "The sapphires are beautiful. Someone in the trade prince's position can always use magical protection to assist him in resisting surprise threats against him."
Shel was much more reserved than the stereotypical halflings. She had a air of confidence as she quickly assesed the situation, and made in her opinion, the only correct decision.
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Greetings and Salutations to you all. I am Zymir al-Qa'im, Chronicler of the Cave of Aroden, Explorer of the Fallen Fortress, assistant to both the Noble and Infomous, Sage of the Sands, and Humble Pathfinder. The well dressed Qadiran leans heavily on his staff as he bows to the assembled party. A small gold pendent falls from his collar and the light glints and sparkles off a the fragment of a ruby clasped in gold as he tucks it back away. I agree with Madam Whispertongue's suggestion, the ring would make a fine offering.
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A thin figure dressed in simple, Qadiran desert robes greets the others and then stands, awkwardly, for longer than normal before blinking, as if remembering what to do.
"We are Jani Lee Two-spirit, and we would prefer the shield with the Dawnflower's symbol. The ring would be good as well, though, we suppose."
The strange tiefling appears to be avoiding meeting anyone's eyes with their own.
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A traditional looking dwarf enters the room. And by traditional I am referring to his beard and dress only. He has a darker tone to his skin that would suggest more time spent under the sun than under a mountain."Name's Thifmar Eneok of the Talaru tribe, and this is Biter." He points to the large dwarven battle axe he is leaning on. "I'm not much for niceties, just killing stuff. I leave the talking to those better equipped at it." He finds and empty chair, sits in it, and begins to polish Biter.
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Shel was pleasantly surprised there was no debate on her decision. "Very well, then. Our decision is made. Remember when we arrive, this is a solemn time. No jokes or funny business around the Trade Prince. He's grieving, and we are there to assist him as needed.".
I think this mission will help me learn for my day as a Venture Captain.
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Once your choice is made, the ring is put into Shel's hands for safekeeping, and you are able to leave for the Bahjari estate immediately. There, the servants welcome you with deference, and lead you to a small, private salon where Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam is waiting for you.
Dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam stands behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief. “You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari—a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests.
“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina’s family to conduct business at her wake.
“Though I have inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes with throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations.
“For that reason, I requested the Society’s aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?”
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"One other thing, Shel, in addition to what you've already told us. A less common funerary practice involves exposing the corpse to the sun for a week or more in conjunction with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing. During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away."
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"An interesting point, Rydderch. I need to bone up on my study of funerary practices."
Shel turns her attention back to the Trade Prince. "Now tell us more about these five we are to deal with. Do any of them have any certain character flaws we might be able to exploit to your advantage? Everyone has certain blind spots....perhaps if we knew them, we could be of more assistance."
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"Of course, my dear Shel, let me tell you about these merchants. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential. "
"Temel Passad is a prophet of Kalistrade, an adherent to a strict set of personal codes that supposedly aid in one’s earning wealth. He is a clever man that the Society has dealt with before—typically under pleasant circumstances. His business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, which has led to a rivalry with Metella Rauger."
"Doritannia Raffella buys and sells alcohol and spirits. She comes from a common household yet elevated her status through her own acumen and hard work, though she recently fell on hard times. No doubt her experience would be a valuable asset to any business venture."
"Metella Rauger represents several trading houses from the Five Kings Mountains, and she has worked with the Society and its allies before. She’s stubborn but fair. No doubt she will be on edge here thanks to Temel Passad’s having decided to attend and honor Zarmina’s memory."
"Pellius Melkior is from Andoran and has established himself as a reliable trader of durable goods in his country. Rumor has it that he has also looked into expanding his business into the River Kingdoms and Taldor."
"Jakti al’Awar has spent much time abroad and only recently returned to Qadira. He maintains a small business in magic items, and some speculate that his travels and business are primarily for scholarly purposes. What is known is mostly speculation; he is something of an unknown here."
"As for flaws, they surely have some you might be able to exploit, though do not discount the value of a favor given. We do not seek to alienate them, but to make allies."
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An clever play Madam Shel one that will no doubt benefit our endeavor.
I do wonder though how we will fair in dealing with Temel Passad, and Metella Rauger. With such a rivalry it is always a delicate matter to aid one without angering the other.
I am particularly interested in meeting this Jakti al’Awar, I am a scholar myself and feel that information and knowledge are the most powerful but overlooked forms of wealth.
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In addition to its honoring the deceased, Zarmina’s wake is an occasion for extended family and friends to reunite, reminisce, and renew their bonds. Several of these guests are only now arriving from abroad, though the Bahjari family has provided rooms for many out-of-town visitors who are already mingling in the manor’s entry hall. Aaqir al’Hakam accompanies you for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters. He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later. Once he is sure you are at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of.
Most of the guests are already present and chatting with one another, and they are scattered throughout the entry hall and the southern half of the temple. It is high time you mingled with the guests!
Temel Passad is a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems. In following the tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade, he avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of the refreshments available.
Doritannia Raffella is an attractive Taldan woman in her 30s with long brown hair. She is dressed finely but moves with none of the grace and bearing that might suggest a noble upbringing.
Metella Rauger is a redheaded dwarf who wears a tabard emblazoned with the Five Kings Mountains heraldry. She’s unarmed for this event, though she often touches her belt with her right hand as a habit.
Pellius Melkior is a clean-shaven man of average height with sandy-brown hair. He is quick to laugh and seemingly friendly.
Jakti al'Awar is large and somewhat physically imposing figures. He prefers to encourage others to speak their minds, patiently listening with a polite smile and an intense stare as he listens to them. He is accompanied by two bodyguards at all times.
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Shel takes a deep breath and springs into action once she spots Dontanna Raffela. She nods to the others, letting them know she was going in. "Greeting Milady. Baroness Shel Whispertongue, native of beautiful gilded Oppara. It's a pleasure to meet you here," she add with a bow, she has learned from her dealing with other minor nobles from Taldor.
"Apologies ma'am. I am a newer member of the nobility, not being born to such station. I am trying to learn how to fit in, but I am a bit rusty on my manners. That comes from being away so much on business for the Pathfinder Society."
Diplomacy
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Jani offers to assist Zymir with Jakti al'Awar. "We find we often make the wrong impression on others, but a scholar of magic may be able to look past this, and share knowledge on magic items and so forth."
If Zymir declines the assistance, Jani will try to speak to Metella, and share the story of the dwarven treasures they recently helped recover in Andoran.
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Thank you Jani, your assistance is most welcome as is your insight as a fellow scholar. Zymir will take a second to apply a small dose of exotic cologne (Derived from the Moon Orchid, a relative of the Thulvian Sun orchid, it has a rich, dark cent with an alluring mix of Moon orchids, and spice).
Zymir will move over to Jakti al'Awar, waiting a respectful distance if he is already in conversation with someone. Once the man is free he will step up with Jani and give the man a low bow, Greetings. I am Zymir al-Qa'im, Chronicler of the Cave of Aroden, Explorer of the Fallen Fortress, Assistant to both the Noble and Infamous, Sage of the Sands, and Humble Pathfinder. My colleagues and I are here with Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam at the request of Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi as representatives of the Pathfinder Society to pay our respects to the late Trade Princess Zarmina Bahjari and to and to Assist the Esteemed Trade Prince in matters of business while he looks to the needs of his family. Zymir takes a second to let the introduction sink in and to catch his breath.
It is an honor to meet Jakti al'Awar, your reputation as a scholar and dealer in magical items precedes you. If we may we would like to discuss matters of both knowledge and business with you. Zymir motions to a empty place to sit, preferably in a corner or other location where issues like noise and interruption would be less likely.
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"We are Jani Lee Two-spirit. Our apologies, we do not speak as well as the incomparable Zymir. It is an honor to meet you."
Jani is quiet, standing awkwardly in an uncomfortable position, until the conversation turns to arcane and scholarly matters, at which point they draw upon their studies to ask questions of Jakti al'Awar.
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Doritannia adopts a skittish attitude when Shel comes and bows in front of her. "Uh, hello there. Yes, yes, we're countrymen... or woman rather. Excuse me, but... You don't like much of a merchant. The Pathfinder Society, you say? A bunch of thugs and thieves, I've heard. Excuse me, I'll have to get some food from the buffet."
Zac approaches the Andoran and pops his joke out of the blue. While Pellius looks at Zac with several blinks suggesting he's trying to understand the meaning of such behavior under such circumstances, he ends up turning around and speak to someone else as if he hadn't heard the social faux-pas. Luckily, Zac is able to overhear most of the conversation that takes place after that, and understands that the man could be impressed with display of local customs and rumors.
Both the Tiefling and the Loremaster approach Jakti al'Awar, and at once get an idea of his bodyguards' efficiency. As they see Jani and Zymir come closer, they immediately intercept them, and it is only when you have declined your identities that you're allowed to see Jakti himself.
"You'll have to forgive my bodyguards, they're a bit overzealous. I am Jakti al'Awar, simple Qadiran trader. The Pathfinder Society? My, yes of course, we might be able to find some common ground."
After half an hour of discussion with Jakti, you both think that you've managed to make a good first impression on him. There's a topic that seemed to interest him way more than magical items, though: your own personal religious beliefs. He spent a good deal of time asking you questions about your faith.
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Feeling like a bull in a china shop, Thifmar makes his way through the crowd to get to the buffet. He comes up next to Doritannia and says "You may think the Society is a bunch of thugs and thieves but only to our enemies...to our friends we make great protectors and allies. Now would you be a friend to the Society....or an enemy?" Thifmar looks from the buffet directly into Doritannia's eyes.
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As a matter of fact Jakti al'Awar I am a man of faith and of philosophy. I was actually discussing matters of faith with a comrade on one of my last adventures for the Society.
Zymir Motions for Zac to join him, This Gentleman was with me on that adventure and can provide some interesting perspective on the topic.
You see I have found that our very reality is comprised not of objects and creatures but of ideas and experiences. It is through these that our world takes shape and is given meaning, what most people refer to as perspective. Perspective varies for each individual creature and as such the reality of this world is somewhat malleable. By using a form of divine magic, so to speak, one can manipulate an individuals perception of reality. I have found that I possess a unique gift with this magic, and, while for the most part it drives my life, I have learned to harness its power. By using stories and lore to influence other's perspectives I can shape the world around me, much as a wizard can with arcane might or a priest can though the power of his deity.
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Jani is nervous and uncertain, but as they gradually become more comfortable, they explain their faith in Sarenrae and their mother's history as a crusader in Mendev, where the abyssal energies of the Worldwound had a profound effect. The Sarenrite paladin wasn't aware she was pregnant until after she had been exposed to the corruption for some time, during which opposite-sex twins she was carrying fused into one body in utero, and formed a single being with two souls and no clearly discernable gender, as well as a taint of fiendish characteristics. They also tell how the church of Sarenrae in their mother's village refused the demands of a number of worried citizens to kill or send away the child, and how their mother raised them to believe in the redeeming blessings of the Dawnflower.
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The paladin approaches Metella Rauger, whose eyes brighten when they catch glimpse of Rhydderch's shining wayfinder. "Ah, representatives of the Pathfinder Society! I was able to appreciate the skills of your fellow agents earlier this year. Yes, my tabard is the Five Kings Mountain's, which I represent here today." The discussion goes on for a while, and while Rhydderch isn't able to impress Metella as much as he would have liked to, he's able to learn that the dwarf is particularly interested in discussing the various talents possessed by common workers of all kinds.
Zac and Zymir continue the interview with Jakti al'Awar. This one is only too happy to talk about religious matters, though he's obviously disappointed at Zac's shallow faith. Zymir's an entirely different matter, and Jakti is obviously quite taken with the impromptu philosophical disputatio he has with the Osirion. "... I have heard of people like you in my home country, tale-tellers and fate-spinners. A most impressive use of divine essence, though I am puzzled by the fact that no particular god or goddess endows you with their powers. I, for one, believe that religion reveals us, shows our real potential in this world. With the tutelage of a divine patron, we become what we were always meant to be..." Then Janni joins in, and Jakti appears to be very interested in debating the philosophical nature of beings. Janni's reference to Sarenrae doesn't go unnoticed by Jakti, and the merchant implies that he also follows the path illuminated by the goddess's radiance, though a slightly different one. The discussion goes on for a while, lasting until the start of the wake.
Shel's endless gossiping immediately attracts Pellius's attention! The both chat for a half-hour, various secrets being spilled over the delighted ringing laughter emitted by the Andoran. When they part, both have spent an enjoyable time - far from the grim mood you'd expect at a wake.