As you disembark from the Sunchaser into the bustling port of Aspenthar, you are immediately greeted by the stench of rotting fruit, salt, and sweat. Loud curses and crashes can be heard all around as a multitude of sweaty, foul mouthed porters load and unload large crates of supplies and trade goods for their respective ships. The heat, while not yet overwhelming due to a cool breeze coming from the sea, is rather uncomfortable. Anyone wearing anything other than the thin, billowy fabrics prevalent in this area is going to find that their clothes constantly sticks annoyingly to their skin.
You were told that someone would be waiting for you just off the gangplank, to help you with your gear, and then to lead you to Lady Gloriana Morilla for your briefing. However, all you can see is the usual variety of characters: sailors either returning to their ships with sore heads, or rushing off to into the city with heavy purses and little sense; merchants shouting at porters to be careful with their wares; and ‘hospitality’ workers wearing hanging around the alleys in revealing clothes.
As is usual for the Pathfinder Society, there are six agents in the team, all of whom are currently loitering at the end of the gangplank, waiting for the promised guide to show up. Some of you already know each other quite well, yet still, one or two of you have yet to become properly acquainted with each other. With no idea where you should be going, all you can do is wait and possibly introduce yourselves...
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The quiet gnome has kept to himself the whole trip. He seemed a bit distant and peculiar to the crew and passengers that observed him.
"Excuse me good folk. Are you the Pathfinder group who traveled here to meet with Lady Gloriana? My name is Arin and I was assigned to join this team. I should have introduced myself while we were on the ship, but I had some things on my mind. And what are all your names?"
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Brock clanks down the gangplank, his arsenal clattering against his armor, miraculously avoiding getting the wicked spikes along his and gauntlets and bracers caught on his pack or clothing.
His coat of plates looked new, but worn, much like his sword, daggers, warhammer and shield. He casually leaned on his war lance with the nonchalance of familiarity.
His bascinet was strapped next to his shield and his chain coif thrown back to allow his head to breathe, his clean shaven face and brown hair already moist from the heat and armor.
His scarred face was already set in its customary sardonic sneer as his cold brown eyes scanned the docks for his contact. His eyebrows raised a bit in surprise as he recognizes a few faces among the throng.
How did I miss Yaiho on the boat?!
Yet the answer was obvious, he spent the entire journey either drunk or entrenched in intense gambling with the sailors on the ship. Socializing with the other passengers was not anywhere on his priority list.
Yaiho, Danicka, Forrest... ahh, no Sin. A shame, I enjoyed gambling and travelling with that pirate
He didn't wonder why his former companions did not notice him either. Since switching his focus in his order he had undergone somewhat of a transformation. Training in heavier armor had filled his once lean frame with muscle, trading speed for strength. He also wore his hair much longer than before. Instead of looking like a back alley throat slitter I kinda miss that look in his armor he looked somewhat... knightly.
Nodding to Yaiho and Forrest, "Yaiho, excellent to see you big fella! Eat anyone lately? Forrest! How did I miss you on the journey, well met friend!" he exclaims in complete honesty, devoid of his customary sarcasm.
He couldn't resist giving Danicka a mischievous leer and adding, "Danicka! I so enjoyed our last night together, perhaps we can do it again after we get this trifle completed for our Taskmasters."
Turning to the newcomers, he sketches a satirical bow, "Brock Swiftread, at your service. Blademaster extraordinaire, slayer of dragons, rescuer of damsels and partner of" he waves his hand to an empty space next to him and, with a little concentration, a big honkin' slightly ephemeral warhorse just appears in the open space. "Hss right here." with a fond pat on the neck of the "horse".
Then, turning back to the group, the horse vanishing as quickly as it had appeared, "Just point us at what you want dead, and it'll die. I've also been known to be handy with my gilded tounge, both with common folk and," bobbing his eyebrows at Danicka, "the ladies."
His speech finished, he returns to leaning on his spear and alternatively sneering and leering at passerby.
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An awkward, scrawny slip of a woman with pale skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes descends from the ship deck onto the gangplank. She has freckles and plain spectacles. Her hair is average length and hangs limp and messy down her back. Her robes are nice, but in drab colours and fabric too heavy for this region. On her head is a large, ugly, floppy hat. She clutches an overly fancy broom in her hands. Though the young woman's not ugly, she's certainly not pretty. She's forgettable, at best. In fact, those of you who don't know the meek wizardess would think she's part of the cleaning crew.
Danicka looks at the others. She smiles shyly at Yaiho and Forrest, waving at them in greeting.
"Hi." she whispers.
Unfortunately her words are drowned out by the words of one of their new companions, the white haired gnome.
Oh dear! she worries, flushing in embarrassment. You know some of these people! Be brave!
As she opens her mouth to try saying hi, louder this time, Brock begins to speak. She closes her mouth.
Our last night together?! Gilded tongue? Oh, my! What happened that night?!
Danicka turns bright red, blushing brightly in absolute mortification. She wracks her brain, trying to recall what happened that night... There was the bar, and then the drinking... She remembers dancing... And then... nothing. She had woken up in a room that was not her own, naked, filthy, and horribly sick. She had quickly gathered up her things and fled before she discovered whose room she had been in. She's not sure she wanted to know. Her body had felt weird for days afterwards.... It was a horrible way to lose her virginity!
As Brock's spectral horse appears, Danicka screams loudly. "Eeeeek!" She jumps up, practically throwing herself at Yaiho for protection.
As soon as it's gone she blushes and untangles herself from Yaiho.
"Brock!" she exclaims quietly, swatting him on the shoulder with her bony hand.
Ouch!
She shakes her hand as if she's hurt herself.
"I-- We--" Her voice trails off into embarrassed silence. "I'm never drinking with you again!" she reminds him in an audible--though far from loud--voice.
Be brave! Make a good impression this time!
Danicka sticks out her bony hand towards the gnome. "HELLO ARIN!" she shouts.
Oh, dear! Too loud! How embarrassing...
"I'm Danicka." she continues nervously, at a normal volume. "Danicka Raburnus. I'm a P-p-pathfinder. It's nice to meet you." She smiles sweetly. With a glance at her broom she adds, "I'm not a maid."
Apparently this is a common misconception.
Looking at Brock bravely--though still red in embarrassment--she tells him "You look different, Brock. You look... brave." she smiles shyly. Clearly she thinks he looks a bit dashing.
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A half-orc wearing a chemical scarred leather duster and adorned with vials of liquids is seen looking over the side of the ship. Aside from the chemicals he has an intricate spear on his back with a crystalline chamber in the head. The crimson bandanna around his neck is pulled over his jet ponytail.
He grunts and spits at the smell of the filthy sailors when stepping down from the gangplank.
"That witch would have loved this place. I on the other hand think these rats smell worse than the orcs back home...." he mutters with a deep sigh before looking to the commotion created by the others.
He sizes up his companions and a full toothed smile creeps up on his face.
"Mhazruk Kruhl. You all get to call me Rook since I will be joining you in the stead of that vile...gorgeous pirate, Sinaryn." he says with a tinge of bitterness.
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Yaiho was actually sleeping most of the journey here when not stuffing his face with food. Yaiho doesn't know why, but sailing makes him sleepy, maybe because he group up the mountains and large bodies of water is still a little strange to him.
Spotting familiar faces, Yaiho rushes down the gangplank and greets his friends. Giving a tusky grin at Brock and his new getup. Lifting Danicka off the ground and giving her a hug before putting her back down.
He looks down at the Gnome and then at the fellow half-orc. "Yaiho Crasher. Yaiho breaks things and people."
Yaiho still carries his massive earthbreaker at his side but those who know him spot that he is wearing some fancy new armor.
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Danicka returns Yaiho's massive hug with a slight blush, then squeaks in surprise as he lifts her off the ground.
"Eeek!"
As she's returned to her feet she covers her mouth in embarrassment.
When she can trust herself not to do anything foolish, Danicka smiles at Yaiho. "Your armour is very fancy. It's lovely."
She looks down at her plain, sweaty robes with mild shame.
"It's hotter here than I expected." she remarks. "I need to buy some lighter clothes before we leave."
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Turning to the newcomers, he sketches a satirical bow, "Brock Swiftread, at your service. Blademaster extraordinaire, slayer of dragons, rescuer of damsels and partner of" he waves his hand to an empty space next to him and, with a little concentration, a big honkin' slightly ephemeral warhorse just appears in the open space. "Hss right here." with a fond pat on the neck of the "horse".
Then, turning back to the group, the horse vanishing as quickly as it had appeared.
This one looks like he enjoys getting into the thick of trouble. I suspect he'll need a decent amount of my healing gift...
Arin fixates on the horse after it appears out of nowhere. "Fascinating", he states flatly. Then it disappears and he continues to stare at the spot where it stood.
Danicka sticks out her bony hand towards the gnome. "HELLO ARIN!" she shouts.
Oh, dear! Too loud! How embarrassing...
"I'm Danicka." she continues nervously, at a normal volume. "Danicka Raburnus. I'm a P-p-pathfinder. It's nice to meet you." She smiles sweetly. With a glance at her broom she adds, "I'm not a maid."
Hmm, this one needs reassuring. With it, I suspect there is much talent to unlock.
Arin smiles warmly at her, something fairly rare for him. "I made no such assumption. That broom looks important to you though. It's nice to meet you too!"
A half-orc wearing a chemical scarred leather duster and adorned with vials of liquids is seen looking over the side of the ship. Aside from the chemicals he has an intricate spear on his back with a crystalline chamber in the head. The crimson bandanna around his neck is pulled over his jet ponytail.
He grunts and spits at the smell of the filthy sailors when stepping down from the gangplank.
"That witch would have loved this place. I on the other hand think these rats smell worse than the orcs back home...." he mutters with a deep sigh before looking to the commotion created by the others.
He sizes up his companions and a full toothed smile creeps up on his face.
"Mhazruk Kruhl. You all get to call me Rook since I will be joining you in the stead of that vile...gorgeous pirate, Sinaryn." he says with a tinge of bitterness.
This one seems discontented. I wonder what puts him at ease.
"Hello Rook! Who is this pirate you speak of? Were we supposed to have another member?"
He looks down at the Gnome and then at the fellow half-orc. "Yaiho Crasher. Yaiho breaks things and people."
Yaiho still carries his massive earthbreaker at his side but those who know him spot that he is wearing some fancy new armor.
THIS one is definitely going to warrant lots of healing. He has the look of a reckless streak.
"Greeting Yaiho! Hopefully it doesn't come to that too often, but in a pinch I can see how it's useful."
It appears some of these people know each other already. I get the feeling I will like them very much.
"It's good to meet all of you. I hope I can be useful on this expedition. I'm not a cleric, or priest per se, but the gods seems to have some purpose for me. I have both useful blessings, and a curse. It seems everything must be balanced in this way."
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Danicka's nervous smile brightens at Arin's word.
"My broom?" she confirms. "It's not a broom at all, really. It's a quarterstaff. It was my mother's bonded item." Danicka smiles fondly at some distant memory, forgetting (for the moment) to be nervous. "My mother was a great hero, and a powerful wizard. I tried to follow her example, but..."
Danicka gestures at herself, clearly expecting her appearance to tell you exactly how great a job she's done of that. "I inherited her magical staff when she died, but it fell quiet in my hands. It's magic's gone. I've never been able to make it work--or bond with anything at all."
She shrugs in embarrassment.
Suddenly her eyes widen. "Oh, dear! I'm rambling! I'm SO sorry." She blushes bright red and nods in apology before scurrying back a few steps up the gangplank.
How embarrassing! No one wants to hear my life story. It will bore them to tears!
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Rook nods at the gnome and then lets out another bellow.
"Oh yes, the others know her well by now. She curses like a pirate but...she is a damn good sailor. That crew will go anywhere and always needs my wares to do it. That is why I owe her a favor or two. Well, that and gambling. So here I am!" he is clearly entertained at the memories underneath it all.
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He looks upwards at his half-orc brethren and nods.
"Whoa, you favor the orc blood in your veins. Big enough to have earned the name Crasher for sure!"
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"And aside from using Yaiho as a landmark she said I should watch after you, Danicka,...even if for entertainment alone."
She is always trying to look after people even when they don't ask. GAH. This little sprightly thing might actually need it. Still gotta follow my rules. My life first...can't help anyone dead.
He snaps back from his thoughts and gives Danicka a smile.
Through the crowd, you notice that at the bottom of the gangplank of the next ship along, stands a young man carrying a sign. His formal, flowing silken attire looks decidedly out of place here at the docks, and the way he keeps looking around nervously as if he's lost his cat doesn’t help much either. Needless to say, the man draws your attention. Yaiho's keen eyes spot it first, even though it’s upside down, the sign reads: Pathfinders.
After hearing a few squeaks and a woman shouting, the man turns to the group of Pathfinders gathered in the middle of the docks, and he perks up instantly. He smiles hopefully, waves, points at the sign, notices that it’s upside down, turns it around and points again with a little nod.
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Before the man notices them, Yaiho points to him. "Yaiho think man wants us. Calls us 'Srednifhtap'."
When the man waves at them, Yaiho grins and waves back. He heads toward him, knocking a few people aside with his large frame. Yaiho laughs at the man before patting him on the shoulder with a heavy hand. "You find us."
"Ooof!" The man exhales as the heavy hand of Yaiho claps him on the shoulder, but his smile only deepens, "What strength you have! That is good, very good! Come, come, let us join your comrades!" He says as he rushes off towards the group, beckoning Yaiho to follow. He moves swiftly across the busy docks, weaving through the crowd, and starts enthusiastically shaking Pathfinders by the hand, "Good day, good day to you Pathfinders. It is a glorious morning is it not? Do you require assistance with your things? I will be most happy to help!"
The man looks at each of you in turn, hands on hips and with the warmest of smiles, "My niece will not believe this, she will think me a liar, but here you are!" He shakes his head in disbelief, "She collects volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles, she does. If only I had known I would be meeting you today, I would have brought a copy for you to sign. I would be her favourite Uncle for sure!" He takes a deep breath and tosses the sign over his shoulder, "Still, you are here, and I am most honoured to be meeting you!" He looks at you all again, and you can hear him counting under his breath, "Are you all here? There is one missing, I think..."
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Danicka blushes at Rook's words. "Sinaryn said that?" Oh dear...
At the sight of the man Danicka covers her mouth in surprise. "His sign is upside down. How embarrassing! That poor man!"
As he shakes her hand and rambles on, Danicka looks a little dazed.
"Y-y-yes, we're here, sir." she stutters. "Nice to m-m-meet you.
With her hand finally back, Danicka seems to think for a moment. "And you are....?"
The man's eyes go wide, and he places a hand over his open mouth, "Oh Miss, you must forgive me! Of course, of course, oh dear me, where are my manners?" The man bows a tad theatrically, "Reqaash Shira, at your service." Standing up straight again, he continues with his warm smiles and enthusiasm, "I have been sent by her ladyship to aid you with your belongings, and to guide you swiftly to her townhouse here in Aspenthar. Once there, her ladyship will fill you in on your task here in this most magnificent of countries, Thuvia."
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"My mother was a great hero, and a powerful wizard. I tried to follow her example, but..."
Danicka gestures at herself, clearly expecting her appearance to tell you exactly how great a job she's done of that.
Arin gets a puzzled look on his face. "You assume already that you have failed? I suspect you have a long time yet to make her proud."
"I inherited her magical staff when she died, but it fell quiet in my hands. It's magic's gone. I've never been able to make it work--or bond with anything at all."
"Perhaps its grieving period has not passed? I think it may yet awaken at some future time."
She shrugs in embarrassment.
Suddenly her eyes widen. "Oh, dear! I'm rambling! I'm SO sorry." She blushes bright red and nods in apology before scurrying back a few steps up the gangplank.
Arin gets a slightly self-conscious look on his face that he caused this and tells her, "Oh, please don't apologize or be embarrassed. I did bring up the broom", and smiles again.
The man's eyes go wide, and he places a hand over his open mouth, "Oh Miss, you must forgive me! Of course, of course, oh dear me, where are my manners?" The man bows a tad theatrically, "Reqaash Shira, at your service." Standing up straight again, he continues with his warm smiles and enthusiasm, "I have been sent by her ladyship to aid you with your belongings, and to guide you swiftly to her townhouse here in Aspenthar. Once there, her ladyship will fill you in on your task here in this most magnificent of countries, Thuvia."
"Good to meet you too, Reqaash, I am Arin. I suppose we can head off to meet this Lady now and see what is needed."
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A short man, even for a halfling, comes down the gangplank and catches up with the group. His red beard and flaming locks shine in the warm sun. His normally loose and rugged clothing fits in perfectly in this dockyard environment. His hand holds a leash for a donkey who follows him loyally. "C'mon Mary. You already made me late. Let's not make it worse."
The donkey groans in response. The bags atop the donkey's back sway back and forth. Oddly enough, for such a masculine figure, a perfectly clean pair of dance shoes hang from one of the bags. He approaches his friends right away. "Brock, I didn't want to interrupt your winning streak on the boat last night but I meant to say: Nice hair, man. Dashing! I'm sure the ladies love it."
"Speaking of... Danicka!" He says this in a deliberately quieter voice. "I hope that this mission involves less of you saving me, and more of me... uh... not killing people." He stutters for a moment, unsure of how to follow up this lie.
Thankfully, Yaiho's large laugh interrupts the silence. "Friend! I must show you my new rapiers later. They may not be hammers which weigh more than Danicka, but they should do the job!" The small man looks at the two others. "I hope you brought your soap. If you're downwind of this fellow in a fight, you might need it. Just saying."
"The name is Forrest. Forrest Glavo. Dashing dancer, master of footwork and the blade. I'll protect you both in a fight, if you have my back. "
After introductions, he turns to the man. "Thuvia, eh? You have slavery here in Thuvia?" His collar shifts as he looks up at the man, showing the edge of an old slave's tattoo.
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"Why Miss Danicka, I am a humble servant of the wondrous Lady Gloriana Morilla!" Before you can say anything, he holds up a finger, "Ah, I know what you are thinking! You are thinking 'But Reqaash, if you serve Lady Morilla, surely you would be meeting many Pathfinders?' To which I would be replying, 'Lady Gloriana comes to Thuvia for it's truly splendid weather and peoples, of course! It is very rare for her Ladyship to be doing official Pathfinder Society business here, very rare indeed.'"
Reqaash looks shocked at Forrest's question about slavery, "By Sarenrae's grace, no Sir. No indeed! Thuvia is not like it's neighbours, we are a free nation, I am proud to say, free as the desert wind." He shakes Forrest's hand as enthusiastically as he had the other's earlier, "You must be the sixth! It is such an honour to meet a full team of six agents, such an honour."
He then turns to Arin and says, "It would be my pleasure, Master Arin, to show you the way, truly it would. Come, come, it is this way! It is not far..." He turns around and leads you through the crowded docks and city streets of Aspenthar. He weaves his way through the throng of people with incredible speed, stopping every now and then so that you can catch up, and before long you find yourselves outside an elegant townhouse.
"Here we are!" Reqaash says proudly, "I'm afraid we must now part ways, my friends. I am to visit the market now for more spices for tonight's dinner. Please leave your donkey here, Master Forrest, and let the doorman know she is yours. He will see she is fed and watered during your stay. Now I must you you farewell, farewell Pathfinders. I wish you a magnificent time here in Thuvia, it is a most wonderful country as I am sure you will find out." He bows in his theatrical way, and disappears back into the crowd.
The salty air of Aspenthar’s port yields to delicate perfumes and incense as a servant leads the way into the townhouse. Another servant serves tea in Tian porcelain, offering the first cup to Lady Gloriana Morilla and the second to a regal woman wearing a colorful headscarf and a striking gold necklace. "At last, our team has arrived!" Lady Gloriana announces, gesturing to the other teacups. "Please help yourselves. Allow me to introduce Lady Ziralia, eldest daughter of Aspenthar’s liege, Prince Zinlo. She has requested the Society's services for a rather intriguing project." Lady Ziralia nods. "Thank you for the introduction, Lady Morilla. As it happens, I am here today on behalf of Pashow, not Aspenthar. Like Thuvia's other cities, Pashow relies on the sale of sun orchid elixir to fuel its economy. Unfortunately, the last two batches destined for Pashow's auction house were lost to mishaps with teleportation magic. Emir Guldis has borrowed money to keep the city afloat, but Pashow cannot afford to lose another shipment. Magic failed the last two times, so I’ve petitioned Guldis to transport the vials in person, as my father does. I rallied enough public support that the Emir was forced to see reason, and he began building some armored convoys and training guards to escort them."
"Guldis has entrusted me with looking into his transport's total security. Our interactions have been somewhat tense of late, and his full motives for choosing me for such a sensitive task are not yet clear. Nonetheless, the task at hand takes precedence over idle speculation. If this shipment is lost, Pashow will suffer greatly, and I respect the weight of my responsibly in preventing that fate."
"The Emir plans to send the transport on a practice run from the Citadel of the Alchemist to Pashow with a decoy elixir. Your job is to perform reconnaissance, plan an ambush, and raid the transport. To best assess the transport's vulnerabilities, we are treating this exercise as a genuine heist. The guards don’t know they are being tested, so they will respond to you as they would respond to a real thief trying to infiltrate their operation. They do know that Guldis appointed me as his auditor, however, so my direct involvement will be limited. I am here to offer advice, monitor your strategies, note any security flaws you manage to exploit, and report back to the Emir. I will counsel you as best I can, but you should approach this heist however you see fit. I understand that this is an unusual mission, but Pathfinder agents are well known for their resourcefulness."
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Mhazruk looks disinterested in the pomp but is not shy at accepting food or drink. While listening to the conversation he notices mention of the Sun Orchid Elixir and perks up.
Okay, now I am liking the sound of this. Thank you Sin.
That is until he hears about testing a convoy. He narrows his eyes and realizes his methods aren't something he can dial back...people will get hurt.
Looks like I am going to have to get creative with this job. Something to discuss with the others.
"Uhm, we will certainly give them a true test of mettle but I do fear for the guards health...my ladies..." he says worried about the mission.
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Danicka is dumbfounded by Reqaash's constant stream of conversation. She follows him, eyes wide, with a dazed look on her face and and uncertain smile.
As Danicka steps into the townhouse she nods her head at all the servants, clearly nervous. Standing in front of the table she curtsies and tries her best to look presentable. She eyes the tea, but her hands are slick with a nervous sweat, and she's worried she'll spill it.
"I'm f-f-fine, thanks." she replies, shaking her head no. "Thank you for h-having us."
As the women explain the plan her smile becomes more forced and her eyes widen nervously.
Reconnaissance? Ambush? Raids? Oh, dear! This sounds terrifying!
For a moment she stands stunned. "They'll treat me l-l-like a thief?"
Oh, it's hot! Why is it so hot? Feeling woozy, Danicka fans herself. Get ahold of yourself! Don't faint!
At Arin's words, Danicka shakes her head. "No!" she shrieks (quietly). "Lost lives are not acceptable."
"We'll find a way to do our job without needless death."
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Brock smiles and returns Forrest's enthusiastic greeting.
During the frenzied pace of following rhe manservant and being assigned their task Brock managed to toss his dazzling, charming, smile at Danicka a few times. Just to make sure it still worked.
At the mention that they were to plan and execute a heist he smiles broadly and only frowns ar Danika's shrieking about not harming anyone.
"We can do our best not to hurt anyone Danicka, but if its them or me, they ain't gonna make it. Lets find a good plan."
Or I can just stab them all and call it a day
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Entering the fancy abode, Yaiho sits down and gladly accepts the tea offered. "Yaiho like tea. Goes good with biscuits."
Hearing the mission Yaiho nods, when then Yaiho remembers his first mission and recalls Danicka was with him. "Danicka not worry. Like mission in museum. Knock out possessed guards. This time Yaiho knock out caravan guards."
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Forrest frowns. Rapiers aren't so good at the 'not killing' thing...
"Danicka, you spoil sport! This sounds like the mission for your kind of tactics, however. Tell me, ma'am, do the guards know that this is a practice run, with fake elixir? Perhaps their morale would be lower, and they more likely to run at the sight of blood if they knew the mission was... practice. "
He turns to his friends. " Are any of you familiar with this area? Just like the hilltop rocks, location is everything with an ambush. "
As the discussion continues, he steps back towards Rook. Whispering, "You and I may have trouble during this ambush. Unless those are love potions I see at your side. " He winks at the half orc with a devilish grin.
Lady Morilla smiles, "See what I mean Lady Ziralia, the perfect mix of heart and determination." She takes a sip of her tea, clearly satisfied with the responses so far from her agents. Lady Ziralia nods and smiles herself, "It is indeed a relief to hear. It's also the reason I placed my trust in the Pathfinder Society for this task, and not mercenaries." She turns to address Arin, Mahazruk, and Danicka, "I've recruited Abadaran priests to stabilise any guards who are critically wounded during your operations, so the using of force is permitted." She glances at Brock, "I would ask that you refrain from excessively lethal tactics, however, as it would be best for this exercise to proceed without casualties. That being said, I strongly advise against trying to simply overpower the guards. The Emir spared no expense preparing his transports, and you are likely to find yourselves outnumbered."
Noting Danika's apprehension about breaking the law, Lady Ziralaia adds, "The Emir himself sanctioned this heist, so no one involved will be breaking the law. If Guldis’s men imprison you, I will ensure you are released, but being captured will not reflect well on your performance in this exercise, or on my trust in you."
Lady Ziralia sips her tea, considering Forrest's question about the guard's morale, and finally says, "The guards believe they will be transporting the real sun orchid elixir and when you attempt to steal it, they will respond with lethal force. Should they run at the sight of blood... Well that would be a serious issue, one I would thank you for uncovering before it's too late." She nods, "And you are right, location is everything. You will need to learn the convoy's route through the desert in order to find the best place for an ambush. I imagine Guldis’s navigators will debrief the convoy's escorts before the practice run, so spying on the guard barracks will help you plan your attack."
After placing her fine porcelain cup on the table, Lady Ziralia sits back in her chair, waiting to see if the Pathfinders have any more questions.
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Forrest smiles. "Good, I'd hate to leave my new rapiers sheathed. " Upon further reflection be adds, "The barracks seems like a good place to start. We are new here. Do you have a map with its location? "
He looks at both women. " You have been thinking about this longer than us. Do you have any suggested tactics or strategies you wish for us to test against the convoy? Perhaps the tactics traditionally employed by local bandits? "
After his questions have been answered, he excuses himself to check on Mary, his donkey. In reality, it seems that he is just uncomfortable dealing with nobility.
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Chagrined, Danicka blushes deeply and bows her head. "Yes, m-ma'am."
As soon as Forrest leaves, Danicka squeaks "Excuse me," and scurries out as well, embarrassed and worried.
"Oh, dear." she mutters quietly once outside. "I'm not sure I'm made for this..." she admits with worry.
After a moment she shakes her head and blushes some more. She wanders up to Mary and gives her a pat on the nose.
"Hello again." she tells the pony.
"Don't worry about a map, you won't be needing one." Lady Ziralia says to Forrest, waving her hand as if swatting the idea away, "The barracks are a good place to start, but the Emir assembled two independent teams to prepare the escort and the transport itself. I know the guards are short-staffed and the convoy workshop needs skilled artificers, so posing as new recruits may get you far if you have the skills to back up your claims. A caravan of hopeful recruits will be leaving for Pashow tomorrow morning, I recommend that you join this caravan since not only will it lead you straight to the barracks and the transport workshop recruitment stations, it will also aid with your cover stories."
"You might also be able to pass as supervisors sent by Guldis, as long as you can avoid suspicion from middle management. Of course, there's always the option of just sneaking around and stealing information. Don't get caught engaging in suspicious behaviour, however, or this little test will be over before it begins. You are likely to meet with far more success if you divide your forces between the two sites to cover more ground. Once you get to Pashow, you'll only have three days before the practice run, so every minute counts."
"As far as tactics for the heist itself are concerned, please do not simply imitate local bandits. I want you to bring your best to this task and I expect you to use all the resourcefulness Pathfinders are famous for. By performing reconnaissance at the guard barracks and the workshop building the transport, you should learn of any vulnerabilities. I want you to exploit these vulnerabilities to the best of your abilities so that we might learn how to remove them once we are transporting the real elixir."
Once Forrest and Danicka have left to check on Mary, Lady Morilla, now finished with her tea, calls a servant over, "Of course, if you are leaving with the caravan tomorrow morning, you will need a place to stay for the night. Zunrer, would you please see that their things are taken to the guest rooms." Zunrer leans down and whispers something in her ear, "Oh, so that's the Mary the young man was talking about? I see. Well I'm afraid there is no room in my house for a donkey." She says with a warm smile, and after a moments thought she concludes, "Very well. Once Reqaash has returned from the market, I will ask him to escort you to alternative accommodations, my treat of course. He knows this city better than anyone, so I'm sure he'll know someplace suitable for your needs. In the mean time, more tea?"
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I'm not going to be good at any of that! Danicka thinks with wide eyes. With a glance to her broom she sighs softly.
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Once they're all outside, Danicka remarks, "Travelling with the caravan to Pashow is a good idea. You'll make a fine recruit, Yaiho." Looking at her companions, she adds, "You all will."
Leaving it unsaid is that she WONT.
"I'll apply for work as a maid at the barracks. If we say I'm related to one of you, it would make sense for me to travel alongside you." She looks at Brock, Yaiho and Rook. "Would anyone care to be my big brother for a few days?" She blushes brightly as she asks this, nervous you'll all say no.
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"Not so much love potions but potions for those that love explosions." Rook replies to with a clap on the back to Forrest.
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Hearing about the workshop Mhazruk devises his plan of action.
"The workshop should be an easy in for me. My knowledge of alchemical matters will be enough to get onto their team. From there it will be easy picking... then exploding...later." says the half-orc with a toothy grin.
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Brock grunts and hefts his spear, "I would imagine I may be able to cut it as a recruit, I have guarded caravans before. Maybe I can win some information in exchange for gambling debts once I get to know the rest of the guards."
Hearing Danika's plan he rests a gauntleted hand on the mousey wizardesses shoulder and adds, "I'm sure they can find a place for my little sister here if she wants to clean the barracks."
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Forrest looks to his companions. " Sounds like a plan. I believe Arin and I should accompany Rook to the warehouse. You both have unique skills, it would seem. Mine are less so. However... " His face darkens. "I could act as your butler and bodyguard. That would make sense for a potion master and a spell-weaver. " He nearly spits out the next words. "I have experience as a butler. I will be quite convincing. "
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Danicka's eyes widen as Brock throws his arm around her. She blushes bright red.
Oh, my!
She smiles a bit, clearly relieved there was a volunteer.
When Brock lets go of her Danicka scurries further away.
"We should... I should... I need to shop!" Danicka stutters. "I need a lighter dress for this weather. It's so HOT!"
Danicka does indeed look flushed.
At Forrest's words, Danicka looks a little sad. She places a hand softly on his shoulder.
---
When we get to the market, Danicka browses the clothing stalls, until she finds completely plain, dowdy looking, brown dress. It's light and loose--clearly suited to the climate, but quite ugly.
"Does this look alright?" she asks, holding up the plain dress to any of her friends nearby.
When Danicka hears the outrageous price of the garment her eyes widen, but she digs out coin. Clearly she is WAY too shy to attempt to haggle, as is customary around here.
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Rook notices Danicka shopping while doing his research and walks over since she looks panicked...as always.
"Danicka. Plain...I like." he adds while coming up from behind until he notices the price.
He growls at the merchant, "Your prices stink worse than the dock rats."
After ensuring she gets the appropriate price for her new dress from that merchant or one of the others nearby he forces a smile.
Price gouging is part of the game but Sin did say look after her and she is carrying a spellbook I could learn a thing or two from before we leave tomorrow.
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Forrest looks to his companions. " Sounds like a plan. I believe Arin and I should accompany Rook to the warehouse. You both have unique skills, it would seem. Mine are less so. However... " His face darkens. "I could act as your butler and bodyguard. That would make sense for a potion master and a spell-weaver. " He nearly spits out the next words. "I have experience as a butler. I will be quite convincing. "
"Yes, I think that's a reasonable plan."
He turns and follows Danicka and Rook to the market to see if he can find anything lighter to wear in the desert.
When Danicka holds the prospective dress up, he offers "Yes, but hopefully it is most of all comfortable, so you're not thinking about it any longer after this."
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Without a penny to his name, Forrest decides Danicka has enough bodyguards and looks for another way to spend the evening.
Forrest, eager to catch up, follows Brock to the tavern for the evening. While his knightly friend gambles away his latest Pathfinder payment, Forrest leans against the bar. He talks up the patrons and keeps an eye on Brock's back.
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"Oh, thank you for your help," Danicka tells to Rook and Arin after she has her new, lighter dress--for a fair price!
"Our pleasure. And for me it offers time to get to know folks on the team before we embark on serious work."
"Oh, thank you for your help," Danicka tells to Rook and Arin after she has her new, lighter dress--for a fair price!
She wanders the market with them for a while, helping Arin find some light clothes of his own.
"I usually don't care about such things, but lets find something off-white. Between my unusual hair, and pure white clothes, people will mistake me for a ghost."
The day passes uneventfully as the Pathfinders explore the markets and taverns of the exotic city. Danicka and Arin buy new, considerably more comfortable clothes given the conditions, narrowly avoiding being ripped off thanks to the help of Rook. Rook also manages to covertly identify a few promising business opportunities as he roams the market place with his new comrades.
Brock finds that Lady Ziralia is generally in held high esteem among the people. Pashow, Thuvia's smallest city-state, has suffered severe economic hardship after losing its last two elixir shipments, and many believe Lady Ziralia singlehandedly salvaged their struggling economic infrastructure. Brock's gambling, however, isn't quite so fruitful, and he only barely manages to break even. Meanwhile, Forrest and Yaiho keep there eyes open for any trouble, and fortunately find none.
The next morning, before sunrise, you all leave with a caravan filled with excited people hailing from every corner of Golarion. Even with the early start, everybody is in a chipper and talkative mood and there is a carnival atmosphere throughout the days long trek across the desert. Several people approach you from time to time, letting you know what exotic adventures they think might await them in Pashow. "I heard that those potions are so potent, that just looking at one will put years back on your life!" Says one particularly eager young Varisian, "Nah, that’s just hearsay lad!" Says another eager traveller as he puts an arm around the first one’s shoulder, "But I heard that if ye impress the right people, they'll let you have a wee taste of that sweet elixir." They both fall back behind you, concocting plans to make eachother look exceptionally good at their respective jobs... Whatever they turn out to be.
A couple of days into the journey, after witnessing yet another spectacular sunrise over the dunes to the east, you notice a particularly tall and ragged peak amongst the mountains of the Barrier Wall ahead of you. Some of the native Thuvians of the caravan tell you that the ragged mountain is known as Bent Razo, and that at its root lies the Citadel of the Alchemist, "Some say that the vast underground levels stretch out for miles." A Thuvian woman says in hushed, reverent tones, "But no one ever enters or leaves except for a blind, mute servant with a case containing six vials of the sun orchid elixir. So who's to know?" After a moments silence, she squeals with excitement, "Just think, if let they us guard the transport, we're actually going to see it!"
As the caravan arrives at its destination, you notice how much smaller it is than Aspenthar, and just how considerably poorer the citizenry seems to be. Many buildings around the outskirts are falling into disrepair, and even some of the grander architectural wonders of the city have deep pits in their wall where their precious gem and gold leaf decorations have been stripped away and sold. Only the tallest of buildings have stray bits of gold leafing and the odd bejeweled relief in the shape of flowers, a reminder of a more prosperous time for Pashow.
Soon the drab and rundown sights give way to a vibrant tented village gathered in a large square near the centre of the city. It is alive with excited and hopeful labourers mostly hired from Pashow's able-bodied citizenry, but foreigners of every nation also bustle about with frantic activity. You hear the sounds of laughter, dogs barking, and the banging of hammers all around as a man wearing a turban and sporting a magnificent moustache approaches, "Welcome to Pashow!" He regards each of you with an appraising glance, folding a page over the back of his clipboard and dipping his pen in a small inkwell clipped to his belt, "Are you seeking work, my friends? Well, we have plenty to go around, don't you worry! Tell me the skills you have to offer, and I'll see where we can put you, yes?" He smiles at you expectantly, hovering his pen over the page on his clipboard.
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Danicka clings close to her 'brother's' shadow, acting like his meek little sister, who is in need of protection. Though, if she had to admit it, no real acting was required.
The press of bodies and crowds of people all working together reminded her of school. It was comforting in a way, being ignored in a crowd. Of course she had a few friends now.
Friends? Could she call them that? Some of them were only her colleagues, she supposed. But certainly some of them might actually enjoy her company...? Maybe?
Hopefully...
Looking around the city of Pashow, Danicka noticed the state of disrepair. "Oh, my! How sad... This place was beautiful once, but now its..." Her voice trails off into silence.
As they arrive at the camp, Danicka seems especially nervous. Her hands shake and she looks pale as a ghost despite the heat.
Deep breaths! Deep breaths! Don't faint! Deep breaths!
Danicka seems like she might be hyperventilating.
Suddenly it's her turn.
"Oh, I.... I..."
Keep it together! You're a hero, for goodness sakes! A Pathfinder!
Danicka takes a deep breath and tries to speak in a steady voice.
"I am D-danicka My brother is here applying as a guard, but I--well, he couldn't leave me all alone in the city. So I came with h-h-him. I'm here to apply as a maid. I'm really good at cleaning, and have worked as a maid before. I'm smart--even if I don't always seem it, so I won't mess things up or accidentally throw out anything that doesn't need it. I'm quiet, so I won't be a disturbance. I... I won't be any trouble! And, I even brought my own broom...." Her voice trails off nervously. "I'm also a spellcaster. I know about magical theory and some minor cantrips... It can help me... clean? And I can clean magical workshops and storage areas without messing anything up."
Danicka then demonstrates that she can use a broom, and can cast detect magic and prestidigitation.
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A complete opposite to his "little sister", Brock swaggers through the crowds with an air of complete confidence. Clanking impressively with weapons, one hand casually holding his lance, the other shoving any folk foolish enough to get in his way, ghostly horse Hss quietly stalking at his side, unnerving in its own unnatural aura.
Upon reaching the recruiting station he boldly states intentions to become a guard.
"Brock Swiftread. You cannot afford to overlook my skills as one of your esteemed caravan guards. I am a veteran of countless battles, and have spent many ten days on the trail guarding caravans. As you can see I come better equipped than many of these poor fools out here. Shephards and fletchers son's, and I bring my own mount! Better yet, Hss here is combat trained and needs not food nor drink, much easier on the logistic train. If anything would foolishly attack while we are on hand, simply point us at it and it will die."
Taking a slight breath in the hot air between his boasts, he continues.
"I see you may need supervisory experience as well. I have lead men in battle and can again, you would benifit doubly from my experience and skill."
Finishing his boasting, in s more sober tone, "I also brought my little sister. Shes a little timid, yea, simple even. But she knows a spot of magic and can clean well enough. I would prefer to keep here near me."
He gives a look around the room, and raises his voice slightly, "If I see or hear about ANYONE messing with my sister in any way, I will be displeased."
He gives all and sundry the cold stare.
And if any aren't properly cowed, he will give them the
Satisfied, he steps aside.