A Pathfinder leading a diplomatic envoy from the dwarven holds of the Five Kings Mountains has gone missing, and the balance of power in a time of war hangs on her rescue. The Pathfinder Society's divinations indicate the agent was waylaid in the theocratic nation of Razmiran, when one of her escorted diplomats failed to pay a requested tithe. Now it falls to the party to enter Razmiran, locate the missing Pathfinder and the dwarven diplomats, and escape with their lives.
Each of our respectable pathfinders receives the following letter.
With your letter in hand, you travel to the Druman capital of Kerse, to your meeting place, the manor home of Temel Passad, a prominent Kalistocrat. You are escorted into an opulent lounge to await your host. With grace and care, you are served the finest Chelish wine and delicate sweetmeats arrayed on platters in the center of the room. One of the servants bows deeply and says,
"Honored pathfinders. Please wait here until our Master and his Guests arrive. We thank you for your patience. Let us know if you desire any other food or drink."
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"Urgh my head..." Dante complains as he is awoken from fitful slumber in his chamber within the Grand lodge. The Knight's usual well kempt look is tuined by bedraggled blond hair and bloodshot eyes. Reading the note he sits up with a groan and sets to finding his belongings after splashing his face with ice cold water. Collecting his uniform and trying to remove the creases, the Knight goes to retrieve his Sword and armour from the Lodge's smiths where they had been sharpened and the armour upgraded.
Meeting the others, outfit disheveled and sword buckled at his waist, armour crate in hands he smiles. "That is the last time I go out with the Sczarni. To Druma my friends?"
Taking time in the city to have his clothes cleaned and pressed, Dante joins his companions at Passad's grand home looking much more himself.
"Simply some water and bread if you please." he responds to the servants before seating himself by Hellena.
Two silent servants open a pair of richly lacquered doors, and a human and two dwarves stride into the lavish parlor. The man, clad in immaculate robes of whitest silk, is short and round with a blond oiled beard, and his eyes are alert and amused. He takes a touch of snuff from a golden box and sneezes before saying,
“It is a pleasure to welcome Pathfinders to one of my estates once more. I am, as you may know, Temel Passad. Allow me to introduce—”
-one of the two dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man.
“We can introduce ourselves, Passad. I am Metella Raugar, representing the interests of several Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companion..”
—she gestures to a dwarven man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf-
“is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a mystic of the sand dwarves of Osirion.”
He bows his head momentarily to the pathfinders.
Temel seems rather annoyed and ruffled by the interruption, but continues.
"I'm sure that you're superiors have already advised you of the dreadful business. My boat, the Abacus, will take you to the Glass River area to search for your missing dignitaries."
"Missing?" Grumbles Metella. "Kidnapped you mean."
"Missing." Insists Passad. "It's bad business to accuse a entire country of wrong doing without the means to back it up."
Metella grumbles at him as he continues.
"You will be searching for the Gray Revelation Inn. Once you have searched for the dignitaries, the Abacus will take us the rest of the way to Mendev."
Amauhak speaks for the first time in a deep gravelly voice. "Best if nobody knows we're along for the ride. Considering the current circumstances."
"Agreed" says Passad. "Any questions Pathfinders?"
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"Nothing I can do for a hangover I'm afraid, so bread and water for now, then an apothecary the moment we move outside" the Desnan sighs as she appreciates the condition of her companion.
***
The cleric looks towards the Dwarves "What do we know of the Razmirans? Who else might be in league with them?"
Answering Hellena's question Temel pauses to think and then says “Ah... yes... This may be your first dealings with these folks. The land itself is a strict theocratic government presided over by a vast priestly bureaucracy serving a being said to be a living god. Not the friendliest of sorts.”
Razmir, known as the Lord of the 31 Steps, claims to have taken the Test of the Starstone and ascended to divinity. He appeared before the people of Xer in the Duchy of Melcat 52 years ago and now acts as both sovereign and god of those captured lands.
It is no secret that the Razmiri clergy rely more on bullying than on divine miracles, often exploiting travelers to fill the church’s coffers. The regular patrols of faithful enforcers searching for dissension has resulted in the paranoia that runs throughout the government and the populace. Any friendliness from a native is cause for suspicion.
While not all citizens of Razmiran worship the living god, none would admit as much publicly, especially to outsiders who may be undercover clergy.
A few scholars who have observed the faithful of Razmir performing healing magic claim that the divine magic functions in an abnormal way, different from that granted by other gods. A handful of sages speculate that Razmir’s claim of divinity is questionable, but there is no evidence to prove that he is anything but all-powerful.
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Sipping his water slowly and taking spare bites of bread, Dante looks up as their hosts arrive and gets to his feet hurriedly, wincing involuntarily as he snaps his heels together and bows. "Well met, I am Ser Dante of Taldor." he responds promptly and with proper etiquette. "My Thanks for letting us use your home to relax Master Passad, as well as the use of one of your boats."
Sitting down, he considers the briefing, unable to think much on the letter received from the Venture Captain. "What do our 'Missing' Envoys look like?"
Passad looks rather oddly at Taggins after the halfling asked his question..."Umm... not that I can foresee." he then addresses the knight "Your missing envoys looks like dwarfs. Three dwarves in fact: Rakuska Imgardam, a well-known Five Kings diplomat and devotee of Torag; Holfist Sendstrom of Taggoret; and Pechas Domri—like Amauhak here, a Pahmet dwarf of Osirion. All are valued for their strategic and military acumen.”
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Cyrus does not need to be offered twice, as he happily fills a glass of wine and indulges in the food offered. "It would be rude to turn down food, I say. Never pass a chance for a free meal." He shakes his head at Helena's question. "Haven't you studied your history books? Razmir, known as the Lord of the 31 Steps, claims to have taken the Test of the Starstone and ascended to divinity. He appeared before the people of Xer in the Duchy of Melcat 52 years ago and now acts as both sovereign and god of those captured lands. And it is no secret that the Razmiri clergy rely more on bullying than on divine miracles, often exploiting travelers to fill the church’s coffers. The regular patrols of faithful enforcers searching for dissension has resulted in the paranoia that runs throughout the government and the populace. Any friendliness from a native is cause for suspicion."
He then acknowledges Amauhak. "Ah, one of the Pahmut. I also hail from Osirion and have had some dealings with your people in the past. Helped us on an excavation near Tar Kuata. Good people, all an all slightly less grumpy than a normal dwarf."
"Do we know of any possible motives of the kidnapping? Any ransom requests?"
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Trying hard to remember the names of their missing compatriots, Dante nods thoughtfully and sips his water, unsure what to make of their host and his guests. It was clear why the two dwarves were here and their interest, but Passad's involvement was strange. Listening to Cyrus' revelation on the nature of Living Divinity he nods at Om's question, clearly interested int he answer. After a while, he turns to Temel and smiles before asking carefully.
"Master Passad, may I please ask what you are looking to gain from this support?" he asks. "I appreciate your patronage on such a mission of importance, however I am curious as to why you would help us at all."
Responding to Ser Draven Master Passad says "It benefits the Society, that is all you need to know really. Time is of the essence here so if you have no further questions I suggest you purchase what you need and venture forth." Master Passad turns around and walks out then says “Oh yes before I forget-All other faiths are prohibited in Razmiran controlled lands, though foreign priests are tolerated as long as they are not proselytizing and just passing through. All nonresidents are subject to sundry tariffs and unannounced inspections. Be wise to remember that.”
Once everyone purchases any gear they need and preps themselves you embark, and your journey along the coast of Lake Encarthan is uneventful. Passad's hired hands, which are five sailors in all, including the captain, are quiet and efficient, and the boat, a modest craft, reaches the mouth of the Glass River and heads east without incident. As the boat enters Razmiri waters, your charges come up from below decks. "Pathfinders, when we get closer to Xer, I suggest that we dock there and pay the necessary tolls. This will reduce the chance of us getting into trouble if we are stopped by one of the ubiquitous faith barges up the river." Passad says.
Metella shakes her head. "I disagree. Stopping at Xer gives the authorities a chance to search the boat and discover us. It would be better to sail past Xer and deal with any faith barges we may or may not encounter when the the time comes."
Passad sighs... "Pathfinders, if is your decision. But if money is an object," he reaches into his pocket and pulls out 2 platinum pieces. "I will gladly pay the fines. Just remember how all of this will impact your mission."
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Dante too thinks over both proposals laid out by their hosts, mulling them over. If a short stop in Xer is all it would take to avoid having to fight Razmiri Pirates then it sounded the best course. They wanted to attract as little suspicion as possible and by being above board seemed the way for an easier life.
"I agree with Cyrus here, it would be much safer to be a legitimate traveller on the waters." he replies.
Passad acquiesces to the groups decision to dock in port and the Abacus makes the last leg of the journey to Xer. The boat’s captain chooses an isolated berth sheltered on either side by tall warehouses, and one of the crew automatically tosses a rope to the dockworker, who moors the boat to post near him.
The city of Xer occupies the north bank of the Glass River, and its dozens of docks remain busy as ships headed both east and west call at the port. Grubby men and women in bulky jackets patrol the docks, and few smiling faces are to be seen.
As the Abacus arrives at the dock, three Razmiri enforcers—one holding the taut leash of a slavering, half-tamed wolf—approach.
"Hey there, what's your business here. And how many people are on board?" one of the enforcers asks.
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Standing with his hands clearly visible, (and empty), the young Pathfinder nods with a smile, "It is just us, friends. You can come aboard and check if you need. We don' bite." motioning an invitation in hopes that they do not take it.
"We are simply stopping to resupply, get our feet on solid ground for a few hours, and maybe sleep in a soft bed for the night. We are not really used to life on the water, just yet, but, being a "foreign priest", I'm told that I can expect many, many more "inspections" by the faith barges up river, and just wanted to get a bit of rest in early, and maybe find out about your faith so I don't look like an idiot later."
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Stepping to join Beckett at the side of the deck, the Taldan Knight leans on the rails and smiles at the Razmiri enforcers, his sword at his hip, clearly non-threatening.
"As my friend says, just us though we have had a slow journey and I for one could do without the rocking! Just a warm bed and good company." he says with easy grace, signs of his hangover gone. "Say, could you fine gents recommend anywhere? I am sure I could include a finder's fee for you."
The group can sense the Razmir agents are in a bad mood. They give a scornful look after Becketts little rant of being a foreign priest but listen to Ser Draven and Cyrus with open ears. Even with the honeyed talk of the bard and knight the mood of the two "inspectors" does not change.
"If you arent daft we asked how many folks are on the vessel? The toll is the equivalent of 20 gold coins plus extra for each pax on board. So what is your count? Be quick about it."
The money pouch provided by Passad will easily cover this amount in gold coins. It takes no genius to realize the price they stated is higher than normal and the men are seeking a tussle to break up their day- besides they are the law here.
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Ser Draven keeps his warm smile upon his face and shrugs to Helena, agreeing with the priestess but unsure if these 'fine upstanding' lawmen will take it without an argument. They could really do without the hassle and so Dante turns to his companions.
"Our crew are here to meet you, we do not seek to hide anything. We are happy to pay your fees and taxes for the permit. Do we pay yourselves, or at an office?" he asks patiently.
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"Just the six of us, friend. And you said 20 coins each, right? By my estimate," he pauses for a moment to do the math in his head as Ser Dante hands over some coins from "his" pouch, "250 coins, right. It's a little more than I think we where planning, but here, take these. They where a donate to my faith's poor box."
"See, all is good now. Maybe even friends. Perhaps, you could help us out a bit. Like I said, all we really want to do is take a night's rest, fill our bellies with something that's not river rations or a fresh catch, and get on our way."
"Maybe, being ignorant outlanders, you could offer your aid and suggest a good place?"
"There are just 6 of you on this fine boat? No one else? We will inspect below deck and if you are trying to smuggle anyone or anything it will be the chains for the lot of you." one of the Razmiran guards says. The others guards are fixated on Becketts money purse that he pulls out and begin licking their lips at the thought of getting all that gold.
"Make way so we can step aboard and inspect."
Hellena steps aside, curious about how this is going to pan out, but confident her smooth talking companions have a plan.
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"Certainly" he says, stepping aside to show clearing the way. "Omreejka, can you escort him down and unlock any of the doors."
"By the way, what kind of a beast is that?" looking at the wolf, and then feigning interest to the rest of the group, "We could really use a good, well trained canine. Maybe once this is done, . . . " shaking his coin purse a little for show, "your dog could, chase after a rabbit and run away. A field lose or something?" as he takes a knee, mimicking the motion of wanting to have the wolf approach for snacks and ear scratching.
Two of the guards motion for the group to move back and give them space to enter the boat. The guard with the wolf steps on the gangplank. The guards begin to search the top side of the boat looking for anything of value.
As the guards look around one of them hears something fall from below deck.
"I thought you said this was all of you... is there someone below deck?" the purple sashed guard asks Ser Draven.
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Confused by the current direction this meeting is taking, Dante nevertheless takes a step back to allow the Razmiri 'guards' on to the ship with their hardly trained wolf. On edge, the Knight winces as there is a crashing sound from down below decks, and is rounded on by the Razmiri. Thinking fast he looks down at Taggins and takes on his best parade-ground growl. Sorry friend, without Xanko here you are the best target he thinks before he shouts.
"I thought I told you to fully secure our cargo and tie them off! You forgot again didn't you you worthless serf!" injectig the full force of his Taldan bravado into the scolding, hoping to aound authentic.
The guard sees through the Knights feeble and utterly useless attempt at being deceptive which is not surprising since the man was most likely raised in the lap of luxury and did not have to lie, cheat and steal his way growing up so it comes as no surprise that the knight, as loud and obnoxious as he can be to innocent and friendly Varisians, was completely inept at deceiving the guards and possibly causing immediate harm to the others in his party...
"They are lying! Arrest them!" the head guard says to the others.
COMBAT 1st RND
Omreejka, Taggins
Guards
Cyrus, Hellena, Beckett, Ser Dante
Omreejka and Taggins seemed to understand what was happening and are able to react faster than everyone else while the brave knight seems to be so depressed over his failure he is slow to act...