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Talhaearn, Toren "Stand" Still, Markus 'Earthquake' Kalepo, Artemis Del'Sol and Chanix spend a long journey back to Absalom.
Your mission at the Cyphergate has bonded you together. You learned about the other Pathfinders and to trust them with your life. So your fist question in your mind when Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng’s appears in the middle of the night, is, whom of your former comrades will go with you if you are send again on a long mission.
Or who is new and might replace him or her.
It suprises you that Dreng isn't alone. He has an unfamiliar accomplice, a burly man dressed in full Isgeri military trappings. “Pardon the intrusion,” Drandle says as he juggles the numerous scrolls and writing materials precariously balanced in his arms, “but I have a request that is of utmost importance to ask of all you. I’m afraid we have something of a situation on our hands.
“It is perhaps well known among the Pathfinder Society that trade is vital to our organization. Not for any monetary gain, of course, but because we rely heavily on overland caravan routes and trading lanes at sea to get important documents, treasures, and personnel from central Avistan to the Inner Sea. When such materials are of particular import, we have even been known to use more illicit modes of transportation, such as caravans operated by the Sczarni organized crime syndicate.
“It appears that a number of such Sczarni caravans, carrying important cargo for delivery to the Pathfinder Society, have recently begun to go missing along their more discreet trade routes from Cheliax to Druma, a little-known path that runs through the Chitterwood in Isger. Of course, the route along the Conerica River would be viable for more legitimate operations, but oftentimes we can’t afford to be forestalled with matters such as customs, tariffs, and inspectors, especially when such hindrances could also potentially result in the arrest of our business partners. Alas, I digress.
“I have agreed to work with the local Sczarni leader, Guaril Karela, in order to reclaim the caravan route through Isger’s Chitterwood. That’s where you come in. I have made all the arrangements necessary to ship you to Isger in the morning, where you’ll meet the caravan you are tasked with escorting through the goblinoid-infested woods. In the meantime, I have summoned the honored Isgeri war hero Gaspar Desime to help answer any questions you might have about your upcoming visit to the Chitterwood. Guaril Karela is also available and can answer any questions you have about the caravan you’ll be guarding, though I believe he is currently stationed at his shop in the Docks district.”
Dot. (Artemis)
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Sleeping soundly, as he was wont to do when no other opportunities presented themselves, Toren snores loudly waking himself up and notices the two standing almost on top of him. Toren looks around at his companions, then back at the scroll juggling Venture-Captain and burly Isgeri.
"Aye trade be the lifeblood o' more than a city or organization. What sortah caravan will we be a'protectin'? What kinds o' creatures can we expect aside from them smelly gobs?"
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The imposing figure of Gaspar answers you:
"“You will probably face nothing more than bandits, probably relying on the harrowing stories surrounding the Chitterwood to deceive and waylay travelers. Do not be surprised, though, if you encounter a hobgoblin or bugbear. I hear the city of Logas can still maintain a steady supply of fresh goblin heads for the pikes surrounding their walls, so there are apparently plenty of goblinoids to still be found.”
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Talhaearn looks around the room at some familiar faces. Either the powers that be feel that this group has the makings of a good team, or they believe that we're the only ones foolish enough to set out on such a task.
As Tal begins to ask a question the door flies open and a gruff, unpleasant man enters. He whisper something to Dreng, who points you out. The stranger hands Tal a sealed parchment and offers what might pass for a smile. "You're needed elsewhere." he states matter of factly before refocusing his attention on Dreng.
Tal finishes reading his new orders and gathers his belongings, wishing his former companions the best of luck before offering Dreng a nod of deference and leaving the room.
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Chanix watches Tal depart; apparently reassigned. Hopefully, glory and treasure await him in the near future.
6 Chanix thinks to himself as he looks down at his collection of knives. Just above the sprawl of daggers lies a shiny newly crafted rapier. This one much finer than his previous tool. He gathers up his weapons sliding them into the appropriate sheaths all over his body while the newcomers state the case of the next mission.
Goblins?! That sounds fun.
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Artemis sits at the back of the room, writing down everything he can recollect about their previous adventure. Just as they arrive at the chamber, but before Dreng appears, as non-descript messenger hands Artemis a folded piece of parchment, and heads on his way. Artemis thoughtfully opens the message, to find the words "TALDOR REQUIRES YOU!" scrawled in big enough letters that it can be read across the room on the page. He then stands and states.
"I apparently have urgent business elsewhere. I will make sure many hear of our heroic deeds we undertook in Riddleport, and hope to cross paths with you all in the future. Good luck on your latest endeavors."
He then makes his way out into the night.
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Toren sniffles quietly and tries to inconspicuously wipe a tear away as Artemis and Tal leave...
...failing miserably at going unnoticed, and actually poking himself in the eye. "OW! I'll miss ya Arty. And you Tal. May yer travels bring yeh riches untold." Another sniffle and a wipe with his sleeve, Toren looks at the newcomers.
"Sorry to give such a sappy first impression. Name's Toren. What's yers Mr. Funny Armor?" Toren's beard parts with a big smile and slightly stained teeth, "An' you there Ms. Torchy britches...what can we call yeh?"
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"Hooo, yer a fiery and intimidatin' lass, thas fer sure. I think I'll stand closer to Gregor and Chanix till yeh can warm up to me...heh." The dwarf sidles away from Chelsea, closer to the two he mentioned. He has an obviously cowed look on his face. "Nice ter meetcha Greggy. Greggy ok?"
He looks back at Chelsea, "I may be outta line speakin', but I do believe they'll be wantin' those woods more or less intact for trade reasons or for the innocent creatures what live there. Damned expedient idea though!"
Looking up to the burly Isgerian, "Gaspar, what kinds o' protection have these missin' caravans enjoyed in the past? Not enough to waylay the errant bandit or two?"
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After some precious time with her family is Absalom, Priscilla gets itchy feet again, and heads out to meet her friends.
Priscilla is always grateful to the Pathfinder Society and is keen learn more about its trade, caravan routes and trading lanes… But to rely on the Sczarni organized crime syndicate does not seem right, but how much of the Pathfinder dealings have felt entirely right… so much underhanded work… Desna help me be strong and not loose faith.
”Guarding a caravan is legitimate work, and it so so so sounds exciting, lets go buddy boys! And we get to meet a war hero imagine that!”
Priscilla is sad to see a lodge ally leave.
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Seeker of Wealth, Druma is a fascinating land, where even a runaway Chelish slave, if willing and capable, can amass a great fortune. Many of Druma's successful merchant houses arose from such humble beginnings. One of these younger houses may prove to be a valuable ally as we attempt to expand our holdings within Druma. Its founder began his career within the Mercenary League and, as our agents have discovered, fought during the Goblinblood Wars. If possible, I would appreciate it if you could recover any gear that may have once belonged to the Mercenary League. With luck, such items, when presented as a gift and as a link to the past, may assist in negotiating a potentially profitable alliance. Yours in service to the Satrap,
Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam
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Trusted Associate, You may have heard that we have lost several caravans along a previously lucrative route through Isger's Chitterwood. I have managed to strike a deal with the Pathfinder Society that will see you, and several other Pathfinders, travel to Isger to escort our next caravan. Dreng certainly has his own reasons for sending you, but do not forget that your loyalty lies with the Sczarni. I need you to ensure the safety of the caravan. Though Dreng's mission may require that you leave the caravan for a time, first ensure the security of the caravan, its crew, and, most importantly, its cargo.
Do not disappoint,
Guaril Karela
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World-Weary Pathfinder, Once again, the Ten place a greater value on material goods over the lives of Pathfinders. The Decemvirate is rightfully concerned about attacks on Sczarni caravans traveling through Isger, but for the wrong reason. The Ten worry about the occasional lost piece of treasure, leaving us to worry about those Pathfinder agents and allies lost during those same attacks. Dreng plans to send you to escort the next caravan scheduled to travel through Isger. Undoubtedly, the Sczarni intend to transport goods that may be of use during your own mission. They would probably die before their greed would allow them to make use of those goods. I need you to convince the caravan master to share out any items that could increase your chance of surviving and successfully completing your mission. Faithfully,
Grandmaster Torch
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Sweet Thing, I believe that the good Venture-Captain Dreng has arranged a meeting between you and Gaspar Desime. Maintaining a positive relationship with Gaspar once had its advantages. However, the oaf has since outlasted his usefulness and I no longer find his pining amusing. Though I have severed ties with the man, he still holds a trinket of mine—a silver locket. I believe that the man still carries it on his person. If the opportunity arises, I want you to convince Gaspar to return the locket. If all else fails, simply snatch it from him.
Appreciatively,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
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Respected Pathfinder, You will soon be joining a Sczarni caravan, traveling along a smuggler's route through the nation of Isger. We would be foolish if we did not suspect that other organizations might use these same routes, even those that would wish the Society harm. Recently, the Society lost several valuable documents in Andoran. We have collected sufficient evidence indicating that they were to be smuggled into Cheliax and through to Westcrown and the Aspis Consortium. We have reason to believe that smugglers chose to risk traveling overland through Isger. While on your mission, keep an eye open for any clues that may help us recover the stolen documents. Good luck,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
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Turning towards Gregor
“Isger is currently besieged by numerous threats—the undead roam the lands to the north and south of my beloved homeland, while bandits prey on the weak throughout the countryside. What's worse, the Chitterwood itself is still the home to the scattered remains of goblinoid armies, left over from the Goblinblood Wars. If only for your sake, I hope it's merely bandits behind the caravan attacks.”
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Turning towards Priscilla
"“You will probably face nothing more than bandits, probably relying on the harrowing stories surrounding the Chitterwood to deceive and waylay travelers. Do not be surprised, though, if you encounter a hobgoblin or bugbear. I hear the city of Logas can still maintain a steady supply of fresh goblin heads for the pikes surrounding their walls, so there are apparently plenty of goblinoids to still be found.”
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"When we capture these bandits who do we turn them over to, so that they may be judged and sentenced?"
"If it is goblins - just kill them. You might even get a few copper pieces for each fresh head you deliver to Logas.
If it is bandits I'm afraid you won't get anything for them. This will be up to you what you do with them.|
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Karela's curio store seems dark and cramped, regardless of the time of day. The dirty windows block most outside light, leaving the inside of the store permanently encased in shadow. Rows upon rows of shelves filled with knickknacks, baubles, and trinkets—all of varying levels of quality and authenticity— run the length of the store, leaving little room for people to move about. From somewhere behind the shelves, Karela, acting as shopkeep, shouts a greeting to potential customers as they enter.