"The Bazaar of Sails is as good a place as any to start...there's a few people down there who we suspect as being agents - Rorget Skrtel who collects the rent from the stall holders seems to have a prescient view of what goods are likely to be coming in from across Varisia; it's unlikely that he knows this without being part of a wider trade network. There's One-Armed Drago who runs the 'Blue Drake' stall - some of the items he has been selling just don't get traded along the normal routes"
Sir Canayven adds, "Course there's always the Old Fang - it's a tavern dockside, lots of trade goes through there... it's another good place to be seen"
Whilst you are talking Jacanne appears carrying a small wooden chest - he places it on the table in front of Sir Canayven, "Aaah, Thankyou Jacanne - that will be all for now". Opening the chest, he addresses Teldon, "If this is to seem convincing, you will need to spend...and be seen to spend big...there are Thassilonian trinkets for sale in the Bazaar - worthless tat for the most part but you will need to buy a few items to get yourself noticed. A thousand should be enough to make the right reputation for yourself", Sir Canyaven slides the chest over the table towards Teldon.
Well, Thank you for this precious information. We'll do our best to find a way into the Aspis Consortium, and will spend this money wisely.I hope such a sum won't attract too much unwanted attention...
Lady Heidmarch smiles, "Thankyou Arsith... And I rather hope it attracts the right kind of attention"
"Should we, perhaps, bring some of the pieces we recovered from the Crow with us as well?" Teldon asks Sir Canayven as he slides the chest towards Jo. "If I am to pass as a collector it might benefit us to be seen with some collection... and with some of the nicer pieces it will make our resources seem even more abundant than this gold might insinuate..."
"Are there any inns in town owned by the Consortium or its agents? That could be a good place to start... renting a suite of rooms and staging some of the pieces we already have there could attract some attention quickly..."
"Wouldn't be the first time we've done that. Definitely won't be the last," Joanna says with a slight smile.
"I suppose I should change into something a little less out of place than the padding for my armor. I think I left an outfit that should work somewhere around here, although I don't have any of the jewelry that goes with it, and if I'm not posing as myself, I'm going to need a different signet ring," Joanna shakes her head with a bemused expression, "Funny how looking at it like a tactical problem makes this easier to rationalize and think through."
Hmm... there may be hope for her yet...
"Teldon, that is a great idea - take the statuette of the rune giant, that's pretty noticeable and, I think, the brass platter. They're pretty impressive pieces and, they're in great condition - if you can display these somehow, you'll be setting the right impression"
Acknowledging Joanna's point and looking around at the assembled group,"Ah, I think our charade will need you to don a new wardrobe - we have some clothing here but, dependent upon your cover story, you ay need more regional garb - I can have a tailor here within the hour"
And then, considering Teldon's final point, "There aren't any taverns or inns that are specifically run by the Consortium but you can be assured they have a strong presence in any quayside hostelry"
"Which is the nicest inn in quayside?"
"Let's see...there's the Old Fang - it's popular although maybe a little cheap for our 'story'. The Captain's Club is very good but nigh on impossible to get into unless you are nautical... What do you think Canayven?"
Sir Canayven suggests another option, "There is always the Mariner's Rest - that sees a good amount of trade and they have well appointed rooms. You could do much worse than that."
"Hmmm... I don't think I should assume a name at all-- I have some friends in that part of town, and I may be recognized. However, it's not unusual for a Harrower to be taken on by a wealthy patron, and even my friends know that my business as a fortune-teller has been slow of late. I have told no one that I have been working for the Society, and I think anyone who knows me would be surprised at that fact. I think I should play a version of myself in this charade!"
Ziomarra's eyes light up at the chest of gold. "I... I don't think I've ever seen so much gold in one place before!"
- The Mariner's Rest is a reasonably well appointed tavern on the quayside...you can't help but notice that Sir Canayven has suggested somewhere close to the Bronze House - presumably the proximity to the regional headquarters of the Consortium has influenced his thoughts. The tavern itself is a popular establishment - sailors, traders and merchants, all of whom aspire to staying at 'The Captain's Club', tend to stay there...
I'll try to play a bodyguard role, if needed.Someone wealthy in that part of the town is expected to have bodyguards, I guess.
Discussing your plan over an extended breakfast, you don’t notice time slipping past until Jacanne reappears at the door to the dining room – an exquisitely dressed Taldan following him. Lady Heidmarch stands, ”Aaah…Rosque…great to see you again…has Jacanne explained our needs to you?”; the newcomer bows graciously, ”A pleasure to see you…as always. Yes, your lad told me…” and, casting his eye over the group and grinning, ”I’m sure we can do something wonderful here”.
As he glides between you, measuring you in turn, Rosque enquires as to who will be taking what role and whether you will be portraying yourselves as being from outside of Varisia.
"I am from Absalom, and will be presenting myself as such," Teldon answers, "and I will be the collector."
"I shall play a somewhat exaggerated version of myself, as our foreign collector's spiritual adviser and local guide." As she speaks, her ]Varisian accent sounds even deeper than usual. She shuffles her Harrow deck, and seemingly without looking, flips over one card:
Ziomarra then smiles mysteriously.
Nalathi shrugs. "Guess I'm a bodyguard," she says with a grin. "An unusual one, at that."
"And I guess I'm the local business contact for our foreign collector," Joanna says with a shrug.
Arsith was looking at Briana
There is some familiarity between my beloved face and Briana's. How fervently I wish nothing wrong will happen to your cousin, Lenore. I'll do my best to protect her.
A single tear rolls on her cheek, but the white haired woman doesn't seem to be aware of it, as she is lost in her painful memories.
Then she shakes herself out of her daydreaming
I'll prepare myself, and take my equipement. Please excuse me.
Teldon smiles comfortably as his measurements are taken and the style of his new clothes discussed. For all the enthusiasm with which he'd bought and worn his armor, well made clothes in the modern style of Absalom still felt so much more familiar.
Once again he takes on that far away look with which his new companions have already become accustomed. He even fails to register some of the conversations around him as his mind drifts to fond memories of the Grand Lodge and the countless hours spent there reading and sorting field reports...
With measurements taken, roles discussed and designs agreed upon, Rosque bids you farewell and promises to return in the late afternoon.
Lady Heidmarch, seeing that you are finished with Rosque, speaks, ”Pathfinders, it seems we have a little time before you embark on the next step of your bold endeavour…feel free to stay for lunch and to avail yourselves of our library. Of course, if you have other business elsewhere, now is a good a time – whilst you are you, if you catch my drift, to do that – be back here at five though”
Joanna briefly considers going to see the factors her father had left in charge of his business on his passing, but something kept her from doing it. After a few minutes of indecision, the young paladin fetches her sword and practices her forms, relieving the tension that had been building and clearing her mind. She finishes just in time for lunch and heads for the library. Pulling a couple of primers for Thassilon and Varisian, she settles into a chair by the window and begins teaching herself a couple of new languages.
When Joanna enters the library, Teldon looks up from the pile of seemingly unrelated books he has amassed. As she gathers books on the Thassilonian and Varisian languages he considers offering her some instruction, but uncertain of how she might react he quietly leaves instead.
Tracking down Zee he asks her, "Do you know where 'Benevolent Balms and Effulgent Elixirs' is, and could I make it there and back before 5?"
"I do indeed know Billiver's shop in Ordellia! I haven't been there in a while, but it's always quite the experience to drop by his shop." She smiles mysteriously and adds, "I know you're a bit of an alchemist yourself... I'm sure you and Billiver would find much to talk about. I think you'll be fascinated by his shop's organization. And be sure to ask about his Brain Tonic." After a moment, she adds, "Actually, I'll go with you! We can certainly get there and back before five."
Teldon looks a little surprised at the offer... "umm, sure... That would be helpful, thank you."
As they walk he is his usual awkwardly quiet self. After a few minutes he randomly speaks up, "Joanna has apparently decided to try to learn Thassilonian and Varisian... I suppose the two make sense to study together given the former's influence on the formation of the latter..."
- taking your leave from the Heidmarch Manor, you head out into the bustling midday crowds of Magnimar. Your journey from the summit down onto the shore is typical of the city - the 'haves' parading around the affluent areas and the 'have nots' working for a pittance down along the quayside. Passing through Beacon's Point (avoiding Washer's Row) and crossing the Yondabakari river, you walk into the cosmopolitan district of Ordellia.
Although named for one of Magnimar's most beloved historical figures, Ordellia Whilwren, the district of Ordellia faces a specific (and for a city of Magnimar's supposedly open-minded nature, rather ironic) challenge-for it is here that many of those of "foreign" blood dwell. Separated from the main city by the deep waters of the river, Ordellia simultaneously extols the virtues of diversity Magnimar was founded on and suffers from and supplies those who distrust outlanders with constant reminders of why a safe city has walls. Referred to disparagingly by many Magnimarians as the "Mush" (a play on words that references not only Ordellia's proximity to the Mushfens, but also its highly diverse population), Ordellia is in many ways its own city, distinct from the rest of Magnimar, yet bound to it by a dependence on government support as surely as it is by the sturdy stone bridges that connect the district to the east.
Deep within the ramshackle district, you come across a building proclaiming itself to be 'Billivin's Benevolent Balms and Effulgent Elixirs' - the relatively plain facade of this wooden one story building doesn't do justice to the chaos that lurks within. Looking through the window, this shop's interior is a tangled, insane maze of sagging shelves and teetering display cases cluttered with a diverse array of vials, alchemical supplies, potion ingredients, books, scrolls, bits of sculpture, spell components, and all manner of other bits of clutter. A sign across the door states that the shop is closed for business - a passing gnome, seeing your interest, volunteers that "Billiver's gone down to the Mushfens, he's got himself a brand new contact - says he's going to improve on his Brain Tonic - can you believe it? Improve the tonic?", the gnome's voice is full of wonder at Billiver Billivin's talents.
"Brain tonic?" Teldon asks, "I'm new to this city, what is this brain tonic?"
Arsith comes back from her room after Teldon and Ziomarra have gone shopping.
Her white mane is tied in a ponytail, and she traded her robe for a breatsplate. Her holy symbol is displayed on her chest, and a dagger rests in a sheet at her belt.
But the most striking feature of her equipment is a massive mace, the head figuring a raven spreading its wings, the handle exquisitely engraved.The weapon looks both magnificent and dangerous at the same time.
Arsith seems at peace with herself, and peruses throught the Heidmarches library, waiting for the others.
Whilst Arsith, Nalathi, Briana and Joanna occupy themselves in the Heidmarch Manor, Ziomarra and Teldon head out to Ordellia where, chasing the trail of Swampseer's Poison, they find a closed shop - the proprietor apparently out in the Mushfens (a swamp-land to the south of Magnimar and a possible source of the poison).
- the gnome tells you that the Brain Tonic, a recipe only known by Billiver himself, cures 'nearly every known disease...turns your teeth purple for a while...but rather that than dead, eh?'
Arriving back in plenty of time, everyone is gathered when Rosque arrives at the Pathfinder Lodge, two assistants in tow and, between them, carrying several bundles of clothing. Carefully opening them, and presenting them in a flamboyant style, Rosque shows each of you your garb for the next few days:
Teldon's outfit is mercantile in nature - not overtly styled but with enough detailing to tell of his possible wealth. Pristine white and gold cloth cut in the latest fashions from Absalom - the tight fitting clothes are a far step from the loose fitting outfit he wore whilst adventuring.
Nalathi's scarlet outfit is all ruffs and over-puffed shoulders - slightly comedic out of the context of Absalom - but, donning it, she realises it has been built for flexibility as much as it has been for show.
Briana has, somewhat obscurely, been made an outfit which seems more informed by Osirion styling than anything else - Rosque smiles and tells her that few artists in Absalom would wear the prevailing fashions, "There is a need to look well-travelled... To be 'informed and shaped' by the world beyond the great city"
And finally Joanna is provided with clothing a lot less exotic - donning them, she could pass for a normal Varisian traveller plying their trade in the 'Shore' - whilst not overly drab, she certainly couldn't be mistaken for one of Magnimar's noble families.
Ziomarra and Arsith, whilst they will wear their own clothes, are given the same badge that everyone else is displaying on their breast - a polished steel rose against the background of an ornate shield, "We thought your collector would have a family emblem...this one is suitably vague so as to not raise too many questions"
With everything set up, spare clothes and your Thassilonian relics in crates, you are ready for your next escapade - Lady Heidmarch and her husband smile as you make your farewells. Passing a number of drawings to Teldon, she tells him, "These are items that we know the Consortium are offering for sale - and are well known about within the right circles - and here is a medallion they sold recently that isn't too dissimilar from the one we seek... You may be able to use this information to get the right people talking"
Sir Canayven shakes each of your hands, "I shan't be here when you return, I have business in Korvosa that must be attended to...I wish you the greatest of luck in your quest"
...and then, after a day relatively free of stresses and excitement, you are back out into the early evening sun...
On the walk back to Heidmarch manor Teldon reflects on the small amount of new information... in the Mushfens, huh... he could certainly get materials for the poison there... and a 'new contact'... we may need to revisit this Billiver after our charade is ended...
***
As they head out on their new assignment, Teldon bids farewell to the Heidmarches; with a cocked half-smile he confesses "I believe my father would have been more comfortable with me going on this kind of assignment..."
Walking through the Alabaster district he says to Zee, "Well, madam guide, shall we try to leverage our coin and the prestige of temporarily housing these valuable artifacts, and risk being turned away at the Captain's Club, or do we head directly to the Mariner's Rest?"
* * *
Zee seems genuinely disappointed that the shop is closed. "Oh, that's too bad! I was very much looking forward to introducing you to Billiver! I thought you would be fascinated by his filing system."
* * *
Zee bids farewell to the Venture-Captain and her husband. "My lord and lady, thanks again for your patronage. We will not fail you!"
On the way to the Bazaar, Zee ponders Teldon's question.
Hmmm... What do I know about the Captain's Club? Is there a chance that we would be allowed in?
Ziomarra - the Captain's Club is tremendously exclusive however with enough money and the right persuasion you may be able to get rooms...
Nalathi looks at her new clothes with not a little skepticism. You expect me to wear that? She changes her mind, though, when she tries it on-- the garb is far more comfortable than it first appeared. She keeps her chain mail shirt on underneath it, well concealed beneath the ruffles and extravagance of this odd outfit, and straps her trident across her back behind her. She tucks the shard safely beneath the neckline of her new clothes, and leaves the rest of her belongings at the manor. I guess it wouldn't do to have a bodyguard wearing full adventuring gear.
Arsith thanks the Heidmarches for their hospitality, and follows the rest of group.
She keeps an eye on Briana, tries to find something to say, and keeps an awkward silence as they walk the streets
She does her best to stay vigilant, fulfilling her role as an alert bodyguard to the best of her possibilities
To Teldon's question, Zee replies, "Hmmm... Well, we could try getting into the Captain's Club. It's very exclusive—members-only, and a requirement for membership is being the captain of a ship. It might be possible to bluff or bribe our way in. The latter method may very well drain a good amount of the money we've set aside for purchasing artifacts." She pauses, thinking a moment longer, "On the other hand, if we want to get noticed, it might be a good idea to try to talk our way into the Captain's Club, offer an insufficient bribe, get rebuffed, and then make a bit of a stink about not being let in..."
On the way to Dockside, Zee attempts to make some small-talk to get to know the newest member of the team.
"Well, Arsith, it's good to have a new perspective in our team! How did you come to be working for the... um... for our employers?"
Joanna smiles as she twirls around a little in her new outfit. Thanking Rosque all the while.
---
"Is that really the kind of attention we want? It seems a little petulant, don't you think," Joanna asks as they make their way down to the Quayside.
"I'm not sure getting turned away from an establishment would make the kind of first impression we want..." Teldon reasons aloud, "if we're going to try to get in at the Captain's Club I think we should be prepared to see it through... If that's going to be too costly we should go straight to the Mariner's rest..."
The quayside at this time of evening is a bustling place, ships are being hastily prepared for sailing out on the high tide whilst those that have recently arrived are busy unloading their wares. The wharf is covered with crates, barrel and new arrivals to Magnimar whilst voices ring out - advertising thing to buy, advertising passage to far off places, advertising places to eat, places to drink and places for 'other pleasures'... And, along the entire waterfront, the overpowering smell of the freshly landed catch from the various fishing skiffs that have returned from a day trawling the sea.
You have been walking along the quayside, discussing the relative merits of the Mariner's Rest and the Captain's Club, for about quarter of an hour when you realise that you are being followed. A slightly disheveled boy - no older than ten and missing a few teeth -realising he has been spotted, calls out to you, "You folks seem new in town, are you looking for somewhere to stay? Smart folk like you need to stay in the right kind of places... Erik knows those kind of places... Would you like me to show you them?"
Well, I didn't "work" for the Heidmarches so far. I am a battle priest of Pharasma, and I fought alongside a Pathfinder- of course, I didn't knew he was a Pathfinder at the time-against a small cult of undead worshippers. It wasn't a fully successful fight, but some of us managed to survive, and most of the cult was destroyed. I suppose this man put a word for me to the Heidmarches. I'm not a Pathfinder myself, just an ally.Pharasmin are sometimes keeper of lore and ancient tradition, which is a common interest with Pathfinders, or so I understood, and as long as the dead are treated respectfully, and be sure I'll keep a watchful eye on that, we can work together.
Arsith remains on her guard when "Erin" makes his little speech, whispering to the others
There's more than meet the eye with this young one. Be careful.Probably wanting us to follow him so we can be robbed.
"Oh, lucky you came along then! What do you mean by the 'right' kinds of places?" Nalathi asks the boy.
"There's something more that you're not telling us, boy..." Teldon barks, "Out with it or we'll drag you up to the watch and let them know you're trying to swindle visitors!"
The boy starts to answer Nalathi’s query with suggestions of good hotels and a slyly introduced query as to what’s in your crates when Teldon’s outburst interrupts him… His face drops at the accusation and, quickly weighing his options, he turns tail and runs – lost almost immediately within the crowds on the quayside.
"Teldon, we are going to have to work on your people skills. He may have been trying to swindle us, but I would've liked to know what he was up to first."
Joanna sighs and turn to the others.
"I agree with Brienna, the Mariner's Rest would be our best option, and would give us more of a chance to make a good first impression."
Nodding to her friends' suggestion, Zee adds, "I think that's the more prudent choice. Let's go to the Mariner's Rest."
Nalathi watches the boy run. "Well, at least now we know a few more good places to go. Though we could've found out more if you hadn't chased him off," she adds, glaring at Teldon.
"We already have a guide..." Teldon replies nodding at Zee, "and if we're not going to use our real names, we need to choose aliases before we arrive at the Mariner's Rest..."
The Mariner's Rest is a tall building, some four stories high, sandwiched between two warehouses and looking out across the wharf. At street level, there is a double door entrance; open with the sound of convivial chatter and the smell of cooking meat marking the place out as a popular tavern.
At each of the higher levels, clapper boarded windows and balconies give you some indication of how busy the tavern is - of the six balconies, five have some evidence of being occupied. The recently painted tavern sign, always a good indication of a hostelries' quality, shows a jolly sailor looking out to sea - with a tankard in one hand.
Even as you wait outside, discussing your strategy and possible aliases, you see at least three groups of travellers - crates being pulled along by dockside workers - enter the premises.
Do you know it will be the first time I will enter such a place? When I was younger, these were not the kind of place I would go, because my family would have find this kind of tavern too low-class... And after Lenore's de..departure, I had other things in mind.