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Kynrac is on his best behavior, bowing in a curteous manner to the majordomo. "Good day, I am Kynrac Chronarion, member of the Pathfinder Society, but also one belonging to the same organisation as your master. We would like to seek audiance with Jahani, as we're here to provide help in these dire times."
The woman smiles slightly at Kynrac, appearing ever so slightly more at ease due to his extremely polite manners.
"Sadly the mistress is not here. Approximately 2 weeks ago, she began withdrawing from public events disappearing for longer and longer times, and acting very secretively. She instructed me to be careful about whom I admitted through the gate. The only guest that Jahani entertained during this time was a Taldan copper merchant named Maroc, whom she met with several times in her study. Approximately a week ago, Lady Jahani disappeared and has not
returned. Needless to say, I am quite concerned for her. As a Riftwarden, she has often faced considerable danger..."
man.
The majordomo's eyes dart around. She looks back at Kynrac.
"Well, I really shouldn't do this, but...come inside, and have a look around the study. I don't know of any other Riftwardens, honestly. It's a secret the Lady barely trusts me with about herself. And I'm not sure about Maroc's present whereabouts. But take a quick look. Maybe she left behind some sort of clue."
The Pathfinders find wispy paper ashes in a charcoal brazier (the incomplete remains of a burned letter now beyond even magical reconstruction) as well as an envelope labeled “From Maroc” slipped beneath a basket of cushions. The inside of the envelope bears instructions
for finding a particular stall in the Grand Sook (a local market)
For her part, Kale keeps on the alert. She notices pairs of Pure Legion guards pass by, but they seem interested in other things. Nahla looks for tracks, but even her expert eyes are at a loss. Far too many feet have passed over these dusty streets for there to be any useful evidence.
The Grand Sook is a vast marketplace constructed mostly of tents with the occasional brick structure for particularly well established merchants, creating a sea of canvas and commodities close to the waterfront. The envelope’s instructions lead the you to an empty stall along the southern edge of the sook, though by all indications it seems that the space was occupied recently. Neighboring merchants include Santigo the baker to one side and Ishe, Santigo’s competitor, on the other side.
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Later at the sook, Kynrac inquires about the whereabouts of the merchant who used to occupy the now-empty stall. The elf walks to Santiago's stall, inspects his merchandise, then does his best to use the proper etiquette when dealing with a merchant... and buys a bread first, before starting asking questions.
"This spice bread smells delicious. How much for it?" Then after paying Santiago, he casually asks as he flashes a coin or two "Say, you wouldn't happen to know who occupied that stall over there?"
Ishe eyes Nahlah suspiciously, and answers her in Common:
"Maroc you say? Not sure...that IS his stall, but I haven't seen him in a while. Would you like to sample some bread?"
She grins eagerly.
Kynrac has a bit more luck with Santiago. Darius slides the coin over just as Kynrac marvels over the man's wares.
His face lights up. "Oh, keep your money friend! I LOVE to share news with friendly folks like you!"
He speaks a bit over loudly, and Ishe gets noticeably irritated by her competitor.
"Don't listen to that coot! I've heard all the good news..."
Santiago and Ishe both match Maroc with the description you received for Eando Kline.
Santiago says: " Maroc headed to the racetrack, saying he’d had no good luck lately, so he’d try to find the dog that had found it."
Both vendors eagerly point the way to the racetrack.
Ishe grins at Kynrac and says: "My, my, you ARE the bold ones, aren't you? Well, I happen to know that you are not the only parties to express an interest in Maroc. No less than one hour ago soldiers of the Pure Legion came around here asking after him...I do wish you luck
in getting Maroc to pay off whatever debt he owes you...before the Pure Legion does!"
The two merchants fall into petty but amiable bickering, and it is obvious they have no more information to provide. The party makes its way to the racetrack.
Azir is known for its swift, sleek dogs, and breeders often congregate at a racetrack near the outskirts of town to test their hounds’ speed. Today the track has drawn a boisterous crowd of gamblers who shout bets, laugh, and occasionally curse their luck following a bad race. With so many people seeking relaxation and distraction, the track is a hotbed for gossip and news.
Despite keeping a sharp lookout, Nahlah and Kale can't catch sight of their man. They see a few pairs of Pure Legion soldiers, but none seem too interested in the Pathfinders at present.
Kynrac makes the rounds, and is able to learn a good bit about "Maroc".
Several patrons know of Maroc, having whiled away several hours with him earlier in the day. He had complained that he needed coin for slaves and hoped to earn it through a few good bets, but his luck was terrible. After losing big, he decided to take a soak at the Jistka Bathhouse to forget his troubles.
The Jistkan Baths is one of the oldest bathhouses in Azir, and local legend claims the building dates back to the long-gone Jistkan civilization that once ruled northern Rahadoum. Any such evidence of this ancient heritage have been lost to centuries of repairs, yet the well-maintained marble facade nonetheless advertises an elegant facility. Any are welcome in the mixed-gender bathhouse so long as they do not disturb the other guests, and the most exclusive baths are located down a spiral staircase. The bathhouse provides a light robe to more modest patrons and provides storage for guests’ belongings; carrying weapons or armor into the bathing areas elicits more insistent offers of storage space, but the workers do not physically try to stop anyone from carrying such equipment. For 1 gp, a person can make use of the baths for the day.
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"It appears our man is at the Jistika bath house. We should make use of storage and respect the local customs. However it may be wise to keep a hidden weapon such as a dagger should any danger arise." explains the elf.
Once inside, Kynrac looks for Maroc while keeping an eye out for the Pure Legion or any other potential source of trouble.
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Jarlgur stows his equipment and puts on a robe. Following, he keeps his eyes peeled.
As Jarl looks at his breastplate laying in the locker, he waves to the party. "Hold. I have this wand of mage armoring, that I used in the past. Let us all use it in case we encounter trouble. Unfortunately, I can no longer use it easily. Can one of you activate it?"
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Before heading into the bath house Darius will cast.. Mage Armor from his wand, extended heroism, extended bear's endurance, and extended shield..
Once inside he removes his gear and clothes showing a hardend, toned frame.. He sporst many tattoo's that were unnoticed before, the main one being a large copper dragon that starts on his chest and wraps around his body, the tail ending on his left calf.. He reaches into his pouch and grabs out a small pebble.. He pays the man 1gp and heads in stark naked.. Well besides his wondrous items attached to his body..
Darius will use Jarlgur's wand on everyone save himself..
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Kale will remove her clothing and armor, but retain her amulet. She carefully slips her wayfidner into the robe and ties her own belt around it to keep it securely closed. She moves cautiously, clearly uncomfortable with this strange custom. She stows her blade and armor securely in a locker wishing she had a magical gauntlet to store it in instead. She carefully conceals a dagger on herself before entering the bath proper with the other pathfinders.
The party stays on the alert as they search the bathhouse. Kline is nowhere to be found on this level. The group soon descends the stairs to the level below.
The chilled bath of the Jistka Bathhouse is in the lower level of the structure, a mixed-gender facility where the modest either soak in light robes or seek other places. The air is cool and humid and the lighting is dim. Faint lanterns reflect off the water and the sound of running water echoes off the tile floor and walls.
You see a copper-skinned Taldan man with a short beard and a long scar on his left cheek relaxing in a nearby pool. He seems to take no notice of you at the moment.
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Kynrac takes notice of the man as well, and approaches him in a peaceful and relaxed manner. The elf sits down next to the Taldan, resting his severely burnt hands on his thighs, and whispers to the presumed Eando Kline.
"Maroc, I believe? Or should I say Eando? A pleasure to make your acquaintance personally. I am Kynrac, of both the Pathfinder Society and the Order of the Riftwardens. We've been sent to meet you and tell you some good news - Sasha Antif-Arah sends her regards — healthy and alive from Andoran. I personally freed her from the Hellknight fortress of the Nail with some other operatives to ensure her well-being. Now let's get down to business. What do you know of my disappeared Riftwarden brothers?"
The man's expression betrays little as he replies: "Sascha's alive? Really? Then you would have my attention, sir. I could probably help you find this Eando if you like. As for helping the Riftwardens, that's dangerous business. I'm sure you're well aware since you claim to be one of them. I'm not sure how I can help you, ... Kynrac?"
Nahlah and Kale have kept most of the folks away, but shortly after the questioning begins a trio of Pure Legion soldiers come around the corner!
As they appear, Kline slinks down further into the tub. The lead guard speaks to the team:
"We're looking for a man named Eando Kline. A notorious troublemaker in these parts. We heard that he is connected to a merchant named Maroc, and that you lot have been asking around town about them."
The man stammers and blurts out: "My apologies for disturbing you. We can continue our inquiries later. Farewell."
The men give Kale a fearful look, and then turn to leave.
Kline sighs in the tub. "Thank goodness! I appreciate you avoiding a fight. I can't afford for my cover to be blown just yet. Please, grab your gear and meet me back upstairs in five minutes.
After you pick up your belongings, you meet Kline. He's now wearing a dry robe and he leads you into a secret passage.
Upon confirming that you are looking for Jahani and the Riftwardens, he sighs and shares what he knows.
“I know where the Riftwardens are, but it’s not an answer you’re going to like,” Kline says with grimace. “They attempted a raid on a compound full of Blackfire Adepts who were masquerading as slavers, but the plan didn’t work as they had hoped. For all their talent at magic, the Riftwardens aren’t the best at keeping their heads down when planning an attack. The Blackfire Adepts caught wind of their plan and struck first, capturing all four of the Riftwardens perhaps a week ago. From what I’ve been able to gather, the Blackfire Adepts are planning on moving to greener pastures—which could mean practically anywhere other than Rahadoum—and they’ve been making the most of their remaining time in Azir by interrogating their captives rather ruthlessly. It seems the Blackfire Adepts just can’t pass up a good opportunity to gloat over their arch nemeses, but they’re sure to tire of it soon and just execute the lot of them. Last I heard, the slavers are departing on a caravan the morning after tomorrow, and you can bet that the Riftwardens will be dead before then.”