|
The elf in noble attire is sitting in her foldout chair and flicking through a book only glancing at the rest of the group over her half-moon spectacles.
"I hope you aren't careless and break an artifact. I havn't learnt a spell to make such a full recovery to items." she states with a sigh as she continues to leaf through the pages.
|
"You don't need to worry about that, Sweetheart." the burly half-orc responds with a wide grin. "I'm not strong enough to break any real artifacts," he explains, looking down at his massive hands and miming as though wrapping them around something small. "Maybe something fragile, like an elf's skull, but not an artifact." The tattoos on his face ripple as he bellows out a hearty laugh. He shakes his head when he's done and continues to smile, revealing that his comment was an honest attempt at humor, not intimidation. "What's that you're reading?"
|
|
"You don't need to worry about that, Sweetheart." the burly half-orc responds with a wide grin. "I'm not strong enough to break any real artifacts," he explains, looking down at his massive hands and miming as though wrapping them around something small. "Maybe something fragile, like an elf's skull, but not an artifact." The tattoos on his face ripple as he bellows out a hearty laugh. He shakes his head when he's done and continues to smile, revealing that his comment was an honest attempt at humor, not intimidation. "What's that you're reading?"
Jaquilin gives a curious eyebrow watching this burly half-orc show off and talk about a fragile elf skull before then taking a interest in the book.
"It's a comprehensive study of various ways one may summon or otherwise bind a creatures from the outer planes into servitude as by means of true names, bargains or arcane traps designed to lure these creatures and force them to become your servant." she gives a half-smile as she says this "It's a specialist subject of mine was the great Egorian Academy where I had my pet here, Taurion. I have been involved in a few of these ventures and many enemies were terrified at what I could summon and my power to control other creatures that are summoned." she looks to her pet in it's cage and back up to the half-orc. "But I do not believe that is the sort of thing that would interest you, right?"
|
"I am selling salvation, my friend! And it comes at a steal!
He calms down a bit, and then seems to notice his surroundings. "Ah, yes - Pathfinders. Good, good. My name is Bader. Max Bader. Some also call me Brother Max."
Looking to Thaco, he says "You have the looks of a worshiper of Irori, don't you? Good - good to stay in shape, too."
|
|
Jaquilin laughs at this man's over-zealous attitude.
"Burn in fire? Please, fire is far from the worst thing to fear." she states, waving it side. "Now...we can always use muscle in this group. Especially if I get a little tired and need a big, strong man to carry me the rest of the journey until camp." she winks towards the Half-Orc.
|
|
Thaco laughs and puts his feet up on a chair they're probably not supposed to be up on. "You got legs, sister."
She smirks
"You should be glad you aren't in my family home. You'd be taken downstairs for lashing for speaking to me in such a way." She smirks and returns to her book, leafing through it slowly.
|
Omar looks at the half orc with a stern face before breaking into a wry grin.
"Well, I do not think we needlessly punish any of the others with our song just yet. But after the briefing, we can sing a couple tunes to get warmed up."
He half bows towards the brawler but turns and winks at Jaquilin.
"A pleasure to have the chance to travel with you I am sure.
What is your name? And where do you call home when you are not making yourself at home where you are?"
|
|
Omar looks at the half orc with a stern face before breaking into a wry grin.
"Well, I do not think we needlessly punish any of the others with our song just yet. But after the briefing, we can sing a couple tunes to get warmed up."
He half bows towards the brawler but turns and winks at Jaquilin.
"A pleasure to have the chance to travel with you I am sure.
What is your name? And where do you call home when you are not making yourself at home where you are?"
The elf smiles towards the happy-looking Half-Elf. Already impressing her with his charms.
"My name is Jaquilin, of the Leroung family of Cheliax." she states with a wide, proud grin whilst holding out her hand. "I was a student at the Egorian Academy." she takes a moment to stand and look over Omar with a sly grin "Where do you come from, may I ask?"|
|
A beautiful yet deadly looking woman walks in, with the shocking blue hair of a gnome and the pale skin of a northerner. She wears revealing yet functional leather armor in shades of yellow, blue and black, and carries at her side a whip and a blowgun, as well as a few pouches and a scroll case. On her right arm is a large, black and gold tattoo of as stylized wasp, and she carries a wooden holy symbol of Calistria around her neck.
"I am called Emdaleen Stingtouch. Pleased to meet all of you. Have we been briefed yet? I'm eager to see what mundane tasks the Society deigns to send us on this time."
|
|
I originally lived in the deserts of Osirion. However I grew bored and started to travel, eventually ending up in Lamasara, Thuvia.
I heard Lamasara was famous for its performers and artisans.
Omar nods in greeting to Emdaleen before continuing.
There is always music in the air, although the most well-known of its artists usually
perform in whichever city is currently hosting the sun orchid elixir.
|
|
I originally lived in the deserts of Osirion. However I grew bored and started to travel, eventually ending up in Lamasara, Thuvia.
I heard Lamasara was famous for its performers and artisans.Omar nods in greeting to Emdaleen before continuing.
There is always music in the air, although the most well-known of its artists usually
perform in whichever city is currently hosting the sun orchid elixir.
"Ah yes, that Elixir or youth." she smiles knowingly "Sounds like a wealthy place, but not one for great studying I assume?"
A beautiful yet deadly looking woman walks in, with the shocking blue hair of a gnome and the pale skin of a northerner. She wears revealing yet functional leather armor in shades of yellow, blue and black, and carries at her side a whip and a blowgun, as well as a few pouches and a scroll case. On her right arm is a large, black and gold tattoo of as stylized wasp, and she carries a wooden holy symbol of Calistria around her neck.
"I am called Emdaleen Stingtouch. Pleased to meet all of you. Have we been briefed yet? I'm eager to see what mundane tasks the Society deigns to send us on this time."
"Not yet, but I hope this mission will help with my studying into the knowledge of Hell." she looks down to the symbol of Calistra around her neck and then looks over to Thaco. "Perhaps you two would get along better?"
|
As you have all been sitting around on a boat waiting to come to the Katapeshi City of Katapesh, it occurs to you to think on what you're even doing here.
You look into your knapsack and find the letter you were given regarding the mission, and recall that you have been sent here to perform a fairly simple courier job. You are here to retrieve a scroll from a merchant and bring it back to Venture-Captain Wulessa Yuul. You are to check in with her first so (barring any last second trips to the market) you head straight to Farseer Tower where she resides.
When you get there, the aged woman doesn't even give you a chance to introduce herself before she begins to launch into a tirade about some moron being incompetent.
Once she finally registers who you are she stops and takes a breath before continuing Forgive me Pathfinders, let me explain the situation. I have been seeking the Monodastic Archive for years now, it is basically my life's work I have spent trying to uncover its whereabouts and to study it - it's effects potentially allowing us to uncover ancient secrets from times that we have no records on. A few weeks ago, a caravan just happened to stumble upon them out in the wastes and was selling them. Due to insanity-inducing bureaucracy this very technically fell under another lodge's purview and they acted too slowly, allowing the item to get away. Fortunately, the adventurers' merely sold it to a local merchant by the name of Palhuana Murqual. He sell all sorts of esoteric goods and various knock-off trinkets. He has expressed an interest in selling it but with the Monodastic Archive's whereabouts now being known I fear someone else will snatch it up if we do not hurry.
She will toss a bag of gold toward Jauilin " Pay him with this and if it proves insufficient see if there isn't some way you can complete the transaction augmenting this gold with favors...I must have this item, I must!
She began losing her composure toward the end of that but smooths herself before asking "Any questions?
|
|
"Do you have any idea of the contents of this scroll? I would prefer if when we go to buy it we may be able to authenticate it so I bring you the true item and not a knock off this merchant may have produced." Jaquilin states simply. "If for some reason, he will not accept the money nor any help. What repercussions would we receive if, say, someone in the group ended up stealing the scroll instead." as she states this, she takes a curious glance at the old coot they brought with them.
|
|
"Oh my dear elder friend, a straight course depends on your viewpoint, does it not? Lifting the scroll from the man would only show that we have the ability and resources to do so without spending the society's cash and favors... I would say we have a DUTY to try to take the scroll without paying this merchant, wouldn't you?"
Emdaleen winks at the old man, knowing he will in no way agree, and probably baiting him in all truth.
|
|
The venture captain gives a chuckle.
" I see this is your first visit to Katapesh. The merchant class is exceptionally well protected in this city. The penalties for robbing or assaulting a merchant here are quite severe - including potentially death for robberies of a certain value."
" As for knowing what the object is, the merchant is aware that I am sending a group of pathfinders to him to complete the transaction and those same rigid laws regarding trade ensure he will not be attempting to swindle you, plus he has a cordial relationship with the Society"
If there are no further questions, she gives you directions to the market where she assures you you will know which stand belongs to Murqual
And again if anyone wishes to purchase anything or call in any favors now would be an opportune time to do so
|
|
ok here's the knowledge you manage to recall regarding Katapesh and The Monadistic Archive.
Palhuna Murqual is known as one of the preeminent
vendors of magical and mundane devices created for the
specific purpose of restraining and storing living (or
unliving) beings.
Rumor has it that he has a side trade in smuggling
kidnapped victims within his wares. Troubles with that
business recently cost him some of his more experienced
servants, and he is said to be looking for agents to ‘get a
few things done’.
of knowledge.
Supposedly it does not merely document lore from
that era, but actually binds the minds of great thinkers into a
mental compendium.
Finding Murqual’s shop is easy enough. A few discreet inquiries
lead through the Lower City to a wooden door crowned by
a plaque that reads “Palhuna Murqual, Vendor of Fetters,
Bindings, and Cages Mundane and Mystic.”
His establishment defies the stereotype for a shop in the infamous Nightstalls.
It boasts a permanent location, instead of one that could
be broken down and moved with ease. It is quite lavishly
appointed, rather than being a shadowy, smoky hovel, and the
air smells of vanilla and cardamom rather than incense. Inside,
deep carpeting covers the floor. Chains and shackles, ranging
in size from mist-thin links to cuffs that would hold a titan,
hang along one wall. Another wall holds an array of mirrors—
some reflecting the room and some showing the insides of a
bare cell. Lanterns and cages hang from ceiling rafters, and
glass cases hold etched gemstones and glass bottles. A central
space is cleared of wares, instead sporting several plush seats
arranged around a silver samovar.
Seated behind the samovar is a really obese Katapeshi man dressed in opulent red and purple silks. Upon seeing you he makes a series of complex hand gestures toward a tall more drably dressed dark skinned man of nondescript heritage who upon acknowledging the hand gestures nods and says "Welcome Pathfinders, I have been expecting you. My esteemed master, Palhuna Murqual, bids you welcome. Please, be seated. Business should be conducted comfortably.”
Instantly, the three of you recognize that the hand gesture language is a sham. Jaquillin notes that none of the gestures seem to be using a consistent gesture pattern, while Thaco and Emdaleen recognize it as a sign that they're witnessing is too fishy to be try
|
|
Jaquilin sits down and smiles towards the man and rolls her eyes at Thaco.
"Please forgive my assistant. He's good at lifting things, but not with words. I am certain you know the type sir." she bows with a smile in the hopes of forgiveness. "As you know why we are here may we see the archive? We have gold, but if that is not enough I am certain we can come to some mutual arrangement." she states, hanging over the pouch and passing it to Thaco for him to pass to Palhuna.
|
|
"I'm no poet, but my eyes work just fine, sister. Call me your servant once more and you just might need one to help you walk for the rest of your days. There's something off about these guys. I can smell it. Now, before we go handing over and gold, I want to see the goods." He stares the men down, grinding his tusks. "Well, where is it?"
|
|
Emdaleen is instantly on guard after seeing the false sign language. Wishing that her psychic abilities were keen enough to read minds, she instead pays very close attention to the interactions between this man and her party.
Unfortunately she finds herself distracted by the beautiful elven woman sitting next to her, her interest having been piqued earlier.
|
|
The taller distinguished man smirks at Thaco at his outburst " So you saw straight through that, eh. very well we will conduct business out in the open this time..."
He ushers the obsese man out of the way "This sad sack was punished for slandering a merchant in the Night Stalls on the quality of his goods. Rather than leaving him to die I employ him as part of this ruse..."
He settles in and produces a fanciful set of scrolls I was expecting all of you and while I was hoping to do this properly over tea and the like properly...[b] He will shoot a glare at Thaco before clearing his throat and continuing [b] I am afraid I have some bad news. While I trust that you have our agreed upon sum, there has been another bidder I am afraid. They have offered a significantly higher bid.
"I would however, prefer to do business with the Pathfinder Society as we have done many favors for each other in the past so perhaps you could do something to...tip things in your favor. Are you interested?"
|
|
"My dear man, while our agreement has already been confirmed, I'm sure there is something we could do to... nudge the circumstances back into our favor. Might I suggest an hour of my company? Perhaps this beautiful elf could even accompany us..."
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
"My dear man, while our agreement has already been confirmed, I'm sure there is something we could do to... nudge the circumstances back into our favor. Might I suggest an hour of my company? Perhaps this beautiful elf could even accompany us..."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jaquilin raises an eyebrow at Emdaleen's suggestion. For a moment she seems to lose track of her mind, but shakes he head back to focus.
Unpredictably, Thaco seems to lighten right up as soon as the man comes clean with his intentions. He plops down into one of the seats and asks, "That's more like it, friend! Let's do business. What kind of favor did you have in mind?"
"Yes, let us focus on the task at hand." she smiles up to the merchant "What may we help you wish and who, may I ask, is this other interested party? I hope not a member of the Aspis."
I should've guessed. No mission from the society is ever so straight forward.
|
|
He shoots a wry look at Emdaleen A tempting offer lass, but if I took a loss of profit for every attractive trollop willing to exchange an hour of her time in this city I would have been bankrupt years ago! No no these are simpler.
I have three tasks. Because Palhuna Murqual is as generous as an oasis, you may decide among them for those which suit you.
The first, is that I have a delivery that needs picked up over at the local monastery. I have worked with these people before so it should be trivial for you to do the same. However, it is not that simple. This good is sensitive and thanks to some recent problems, these dealers are problematic. The second is that another item I acquired recently has a nasty protective ward on it. I will need you to remove it for me and bring the good back. Finally, I want you to go and purchase another item I desire from someone who isn't willing to deal in coin either. If you can accomplish these tasks, you shall have your silly scrolls.