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After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.
"I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire.
"Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future. She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues.
"Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you."
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After sitting for a few moments taking in the smell of the salt air, a rather large looking creature standing just over six feet tall, grey skin with deep brows stands and approaches Captain Hedmarch. He looks to be well build with muscles bulging as those of a warrior, wearing scale mail armor, hefting a large Glaive in another hand. As he approaches Captian Hedmarch he hands her a piece a paper containing a small painting that he had been working on. "Your face glows with the morning light m'lady" he can be overheard saying. "Might you have a moment for a question or two?" .
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"Never thought I'd spend so much time getting salt spray out of my fur, or getting rocked to sleep on the waves. It's been a mostly, sorry to say it, boring journey. I hope the final couple of weeks are as dull, but I'm assuming not... for if they thought this would all go as planned, they wouldn't have sent a whole team to escort one little person, eh?"
He pushes a lock of bright russet hair back out of his eyes and peers at the half orc curiously, but he doesn't push closer to pry into his private business with venture captain. Perhaps he wants to woo her... that was a rather flowery complimentary opening line...
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The disheveled elf is dressed in last years fashions, but in a mishmash of different mixed styles--to no good effect. He seems distracted as he listens to the venture captain, seeming to favor an examination of his surroundings over the speech. But when she finishes speaking, his attention snaps to her. "I agree with the fox. There's more to this than it seems. We six are overkill, especially for a dignatary under such deep cover; we almost give the lie away." He continues after a brief pause. "But anything for the society, right? At least it's given me the opportunity to learn about another side of our global shipping industry."
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Talathel sits like a king on top of his wolf as he listens to the briefing. His nobleman's outfit, although a bit dirty, makes him look like a proper lord on top of his slate gray wolf. He casually looks around him, over the heads of his fellow pathfinders. Once in a while he grabs his snuff box and takes a good whiff. He takes off his hat and makes a slight bow as she finishes.
"Never thought I would be doing this! I've, of course, traveled by sea before but never for the likes of this! Though not much happens it is very much exciting! Though Forch does not like the salt particularly, makes his coat all rough."
The little man says.
"I, by the way, am Talathel. But most of you probably already know that."
He adds with a smile.
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"Well met Talathel" Murdoth says as she walks towards him. "My name is Murdoth Iralmin, follower of Shelyn the goddess of all things beautiful. You have an amazingly pretty animal that you are riding in care of. I've always had a fondness of wolves, does she have a name?" Turning to the rest of the group May Shelyn take favor upon you on the blessed day, my friends!
Venture-captain Heidmarch smiles at Murdoth and nods gracefully. "My, thank you! Of course you may ask questions, Murdoth."
She takes a moment to read the note and nods again. "Sephriel is a representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia. His safe arrival at the Mordant Spire is of paramount importance, and your primary mission.
"Passage on the Throaty Mermaid was arranged by Sephriel himself. He knew that a military escort or even a respectable merchant vessel might attract unwanted attention, and felt that no one would suspect his presence on a disreputable ship like the Throaty Mermaid. That’s why you’re there: to make sure the smugglers and thieves who make up the ship’s crew don’t cause him any problems."
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Murdoth nods her head appreciatively, and mumbles under her breath to the rest of her group. "Ahh, a lovely escort mission!" She again addresses Captain Heidmarch "How long do you think that we'll be at sea Venture Captain Heidmarch?"
Absentmindedly reaching into her pack for a small bit of dried venison to chew on for breakfast.
"Two weeks, my dear," the Venture-captain responds to Murdoth.
"Any other questions? Else I'd suggest you make your way to the Throaty Mermaid. It's bound to set sail soon."
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Talathel Laughs at the silly game. He whispers to his wolf and the animal darts away.
"See you there!"
He calls back as he speeds away. On top of his wolf he murmers something under his breath and casts prestidigitation on Murdoth's shoelaces. One of the shoelaces comes loose while she is running, making it fairly difficult not to trip.
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Each of you heads toward the Throaty Mermaid, sometimes at different speeds. It doesn't take long before Talathel disappears into the distance, but Murdoth's rather fast as well. Tsakuris has a bit of trouble keeping up with the half-orc and it doesn't take long before the distance between them grows. Seijiro by then realize Murdoth was very serious about the race and sprints past Tsakuris, not wanting to be last. Kolris doesn't particularly care and takes his time to get to the ship.
"You okay?" he asks, and helps you up with some effort.
Before you can thank him the man's slipped into a nearby alley, leaving an envelope in your hands.
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Defender of Freedom,
Though your current mission puts you at sea for months, you may still be of use to the Eagle Knights and the nation of Andoran. We have obtained a list of the Throaty Mermaid’s crew and believe several of them have information or skills we can use in our efforts to gain control of Absalom.
First, the ship’s navigator, Ulamon, has served on many ships, including the Polished Barnacle, which the Mordant Spire elves destroyed. The Polished Barnacle was among the fleet of Sargavan vessels that defeated Cheliax’s navy in 4643 ar. All of the Barnacle’s crew since received special rings from the Sargavan government that I believe may serve us well in our ongoing feud with the Chelish fleet. Do what you need to in order to gain this from Ulamon.
Additionally, a not-so-secret stowaway on the ship, a wererat named Snig Lacorse, could be used as an asset on another vessel were he spying on Andoran’s behalf. Convince him to disembark in Riddleport where we will place him aboard a more strategically beneficial ship.
For Democracy,
Captain Colson Maldris
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Loyal Lovely,
Though your journey at sea will take you through a number of Chelish ports between Absalom and the Mordant Spire, your mission involves tasks I need performed at sea. It has come to my attention that among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a half-elven woman with a most curious background and certain exceptional “talents.” She is currently in the employ of the ship’s captain, but I would be ever so grateful if you could negotiate her employment on my behalf. Given her pedigree it would please me greatly to have such an asset among my court.
Additionally, I need you to hide the enclosed coin somewhere on Sephriel’s person. Cheliax has much to gain by learning the secrets of the Mordant Spire and the lost continent of Azlant. Her Majestrix’s best diviners are set to scry on the elven dignitary once he has returned to his island citadel. Do not disappoint me by failing in this.
May Cheliax be forever in your thoughts,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
"Hello, sir! I'm glad you stopped running, I have something for you."
The boy hands you an envelope, gives you a polite nod, and runs off into an alley.
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Keeper of Lore,
The waters of the open ocean are quite the contrast to the dry sands of the Osirian desert. Enjoy your time at sea, but serve the Ruby Prince during the voyage. First, find enclosed a special cabochon from the Ruby Prince himself, which he wishes to be given to Sephriel’s bodyguard, an elf named Thanzeril. He is a vocal proponent for the opening of Azlant’s ruined shores to the world. The Ruby Prince shares this view of our own desert ruins. Ensure Thanzeril knows he isn’t alone in his desire to see the secrets of the past open to modern man.
Additionally, I’d like you to retrieve the iconic pipe from the Throaty Mermaid’s figurehead. With all the ancient relics smuggled by Captain Veane and his crew, having a scrying focus to further monitor the vessel’s activities would be invaluable.
With dedication to knowledge,
Otoneraphim, Humble Scribe of the Ruby Prince
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Servant of the Satrap,
Your upcoming assignment on a smugglers’ ship as notable as the Throaty Mermaid is quite a blessing for the mighty Kelesh Empire’s coffers. There are several contacts I wish you to make during your voyage to the Mordant Spire.
First, find a man named Killik, the ship’s medic. He once served aboard a very successful slaving vessel out of the Katapeshi port of Okeno and may have information to offer regarding smuggling in and out of this important city. See what you can glean from him and report it back to me. It has come to my attention that there is an exotic animal smuggler on board as well, taking a pair of rust monsters to Riddleport. See if he might be open to working with us to bring magical beasts in and out of Katheer and establish a line of communication in the event we may use his services in the future.
In the spirit of profit,
Pasha Muhlia Al-Jakri
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Esteemed Agent of the Empire,
I am glad it’s you who will be spending so much time at sea and not me. The salty air is bad for my complexion. Also, while you’re there, you’ll be able to help the Empire maintain our power and glory.
Among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a skilled assassin from the Woodbane Hunters guild. I want to hire this woman, named Anera, to eliminate a particularly annoying elven problem I’ve been having. Enclosed is a sealed letter to Anera; ensure that she gets it. If she accepts the assignment, she’ll sign and return the letter to you. In this case, get it to me as soon as you reach land.
I’ve also received a tip that the ship’s cook owns a rare tome on disguising poisons in everyday foods. If you can, bring me her copy of Concocted Libations to Die For. I’ve an upcoming dinner party where it may be useful.
For the Grand Prince,
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
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After tripping and falling, Murdoth gets to her feet and continues along her way to the Throaty Mermaid. She discretely reads the note in the envelope to herself.
It appears that there is more to this little trip than I was first aware of... I need to find a ring, and convince someone to be a spy she thinks to herself... In order to accomplish either of these tasks, I'm definitely going to need some help, but will need a way to keep it quiet...
When the group gathers, Murdoth addresses her companions "My life was one of great hardship and despair until I came to the light of Shelyn. She has taught me to let go of hate and embrace the beauty in all things. Through her teachings I have learned to honor her be learning to speak the language celestial beings, and through acceptance of my heritage have mastered the language of the orcs. Have any of you speak other tongues?"
Murdoth pays close attention to her companions looking for clues as to whom she might be able to confide in, whom that she might be able to communicate with in private, who might be able to aid her in her quest...
to look for any suspicious behavior.
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Tsakuris reads his note and hides it. So, I have to talk with Thanzeril. That would be easy. Recover the item could be more tricky, but I'm sure I will find and chance to get it
He doesn't like to exhibit his skills, but when Murdoth askes about what languages he knows he answeres proudly "I'm from Osirion, and I speak the language of my parents. Also, I can speak the language of our ancestors, the ancient form of osiriani. Since I spend some years near the frontier with Katapesh, I speak the language of the soud, that you call Kellid and the language of the gnolls who lives in that area. Finally I had bussines with some traders from the Mwangi Expansion who teached me the Polyglot language. I like learn new languages. I hope they would be useful on this journey"
He out his hand in one of his pockets and takes an scroll "Also, I like to carry some magic that helps me to understand strange languages"
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Talathel reads his letter the moment he arrives at the ship. He stows it in the packs of his wolf and waits till the others arrive. He grins widely as he sees Murdoth coming.
"Gnomish and Sylvan are the languages I speak beside common."
He says honestly whilst grabbing for a small box hanging from his neck. Opening the box he takes a good sniff and smiles.
"Does my lady perhaps also want?"
He says offering it to Murdoth.
"Or perhaps the gentleman?"
Moving it a bit to Seijiro.
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Seeing and hearing Talathel cast a spell at her on the way here, Murdoth recognizes that the gnome case prestidigitation. Being a good sport, she moves over to the gnome.
Have to learn to trust someone sometime...
Sure, I'd love a little bit if ya don't mind sharing
She takes a little venison out of her pack for the work at the same time.
I hope this will help him start to trust me. Even as frightening as he initially is, he may be someone that can help me recruit Snig... Lord knows that I'm no diplomat...
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Talathel takes the bone box from his neck and hands it over to Murdoth, who immediately identifies it as a simple snuffbox.
"It's a snuffbox, of course. This one being bone, though I had to train Forch to not bite on it. This one time he got hold of the little box and sneezed tobacco for a week!"
In the meanwhile Forch tears the venison to pieces and gulps it down. Talathel pets the wolf on the side.
"He likes it!"
After Murdoth is done with the box Talathel casts mage hand and hovers the box over to Seijiro.
"Want some?"
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The elf arrives at the ship behind all the others. Hmmm, curious. First the letter, and now this sudden talk of languages. Something strange—and very interesting—is going on. Best not to reveal my full hand yet.
"Well, Murdoth, I actually speak a bit of the celestial tongue myself. Obviously, I speak my native tongue as well; I also know the language of dragons. I find it quite useful when studying subjects that are more… esoteric."
When he sees the snuffbox being passed around, he asks for a sample. "Talathiel, may I have a taste? I enjoy sampling various… adulterants… from time to time. I try not to develop habits, but that's not always as effective as I might like. Today, I shall take the risk. What's the origin of the leaf, if I may ask?"
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Murdoth takes a little snuff to try it...
"Quite good Talathel, quite good"
She turns to Kolris and starts to speak in Celestial
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Kolris turns to Murdoth and he smiles to hear the soft and lush language. So like Sylvan, and yet so different. It's nice to hear it spoken so well.
A man with a neatly trimmed black beard and a tricorne appears atop the boarding plank of the Throaty Mermaid and descends to the dock.
"Ahoy, mates!" the man says with an accent that couldn't be any more stereotypical for a pirate, and raises a hand to greet you. "I be cap'n Veane! Be ye th' landrots who be sailin' wit' me?!"
"Ah, a snuffbox! Me mom used to have one 'o them!" the captain says, still obnoxiously loud despite the fact he's now standing in front of you. "Mind if I be takin' a whiff?!"
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Murdoth continues her conversation with Kolris.
Your quarters are ready, and we're ready to set sail!
Captain Veane takes a good whiff of the snuffbox, declares it's "Bloody good stuff," and leads you up the boarding plank.
"We gunna set sail soon. If ye want to see ye quarters, head below th' stairs on 'tis deck 'n go to th' ship's bow."
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"Thank you captain!, I'll stow my gear and then I'll check the holds to ensure that everything is secure. You never can be too careful." Murdoth thinks to herself: I need to ensure that I check for dangers and see if I can find this stowaway, maybe gain their trust After stowing away her gear in her quarters, Murdoth heads below deck to check the cargo hold.
After moving not the cargo hold, she sees a crew member in the hold. "Greetings, my name is Murdoth. I've been sent by the Pathfinders to ensure the safety of cargo during the next leg of the trip".
The man in the cargo hold sits on a small wooden stool, leaning against the slats of the wooden crates crates behind him. Inside the crates are two insectile monsters. Each has four legs, a strange propeller-shaped protrusion at the end of its tail, and two long, feathery antennae.
"Velagon Dorhay," the man says as he gets up and offers Murdoth his hand. "Well, a little extra protection can't hurt. Nothing wrong with the cargo, though."
He cracks a smile as he adds "Not yet."
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"Shouldn't you introduce yourselves before asking another's name?" the man at the helm asks in a grumpy voice. "I'm Ulamon, the navigator. Who are you?"
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Kolris looks at the man and nods. "I hadn't asked your name yet, only if you were crew or passenger, but very well; we can skip ahead. I am Kolris." He nods towards Talathiel. "The small man with the snuff is traveling in my group; he'll tell you his name. Tell me, Ulamon, does the ship often take on passengers as you've done for us, or are you more of a trading vessel?"
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"Well met Velagon! What are these creatures that you have in the crates? I've never seen them before. Insurance is great as long as they don't turn of you." Murdoth says grinning. "tell me about your journeys thus far. I'm always up for a good story. Any problems with invaders, Pirates, or stowaways? Anything I should be aware of on my leg of this journey?"