|
Kishara vaults back over the desk and follows after Grim and the presumed Shadow lodge-leader. Seeing the brutal blow Grim dealt the man, she sucked air through her teeth and continued on into the hall, drawing her knife. "Try not to let him bleed out Grim!"
With a quick warning to Tikrit, "Tik, incoming!" she flings her dagger toward the goblin closing on him over the Tengu's shoulder.
|
Grimaldus calls out "Roger that!" He quickly ties the man's hands and secures him to something solid, then pours a potion of cure light wounds down his throat to keep him alive. "Not much of a nurse, but I can cut you and heal you an awful lot. So you just sit tight and don't cause any more problems..." Once he is sure the man is secure and breathing, Grim will join his fellows in the fight.
|
R3
Yhen curses, dropping a Goblin
Kaneko stabs
Grim slams the man brutally with his sword (to -12hp)
Mandrak mauls
Tik engages with a wide slash
Kishara throws a dagger at a goblin, hurting and greatly offending it...
The Goblins buckle and crash under the onslaught.
Grimaldus manages to save the fellow before he expires.
A quick search of the cells areas reveals them to be dirty and smelly and hold nothing of value. The goblins seem to be collecting shiny objects, though, as they’ve dangled hundreds of them from the many bars throughout the area.
Searching the mans office reveals a few interesting notes.
Dear Caggrigar,The mission in Kaer Maga is proceeding as ordered, though
Absalom has seen fit to send Pathfinders here to look into our
presence. One of my lieutenants, that fool bard if you must
know, murdered Collgardie too late—the old man sent a letter to
Dreng and now we’re hip-deep in Pathfinder entanglements. As
you well know, this is a difficult city for murder and mayhem—
killing the wrong person at the wrong time with the wrong tool
can result in a blood feud or, worse, your expulsion from the city.
We are not popular here anymore.I humbly ask that we scrap this part of the plan and try to
establish our headquarters in Whitethrone instead. It’s farther
from Absalom than Kaer Maga and I know of no one there that
the Society counts as a loyal agent.Humbly Yours,
Kormiggon Sussworth
Kaer Maga Lodge
Dear Hondo Heru,I never believed that your ancient Osirian technique for
acquiring a tribe of pet goblins would work—but I must now eat
my words, dearest Hondo, and tell you that it did. No matter
what you hear about my mission here, know that the goblin
trick worked.Sincerely,
Kormiggon Sussworth
Kaer Maga Lodge
Dear Dorianna Ouidda,What news from Almas? It’s been many months since your
last letter and I admit that I’m growing worried that you were
found out. Is your disguise still intact? Do you need assistance?
Any word from you would be gratefully appreciated.Sincerely Yours,
Kormiggon Sussworth
Kaer Maga Lodge
|
|
"We must return these intelligence documents and our prisoners to Absalom with all haste. Our superiors will need this information to plot their next move against the Shadow Lodge. Perhaps we can even convince them to send us to Almas or Whitethrone to disinfect them of this boil. We should check the rest of this junk - perhaps there is something of value after all..." Grim says to his colleagues.
|
|
***Epilogue***
The Ardoc family and the Commerce League were both appreciative of the groups success and both took time to inform you all that the Pathfinders are still welcome with the walls of Kaer Maga.
The Duskwardens also thanked you for uncovering the source of the goblins that were causing a ruckus in the Halflight Path.
The difficult question of what to do with the captured Shadow Lodge agents was decided by Grim and Kaneko, that they were to endure the long and arduous journey back to Absalom for questioning, rather than being handed to the Duskwardens or Ardocs for execution - the almost certain fate.
On return to Absalom, you were summoned to a meeting with Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, who listened to your story intently and expressed
consternation that, day by day, the 'Shadow Lodge' cells are more than a rumor — but a reality, and one the Pathfinder Society is going to have to continue to deal with.
Dreng heaped praise upon you, proclaiming that a you have all done a great service for the Lodge, and that you should stay in Absalom for a while.
|
|
A fresh breeze wafts in through the open windows facing Lake Encarthan, lifting the embroidered curtains. Beyond the balcony, you can see a few small ships playing their trade, shuttling back and forth as they criss-cross the lake. Kerse, capital of the Kalistocracy of Druma and trade hub of all of Avistan, stretches off along the river.
The opulent parlor in the manor of Temel Passad is far more comfortable than a typical Pathfinder Lodge's briefing room. Rich mahogany paneling lines the walls, and intricately-inlaid tiles are visible between several lush carpets. Ornate furniture provides comfort for guests, and an impressive assortment of art and artefacts is calculated to occupy the interest of those waiting for the Master of the house.
As you all wait, you continue to pass around the letter you have been sent, the one that drew you here - a missive from Ambrus Valsin.
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. His long white gloves stretch almost to his elbows. 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."
Passad pauses for the interruption, then nods to the dwarven woman and continues. "And you are the Pathfinders, of course. I trust that your wait was not over long, or unpleasant?" Without waiting for an answer, he continues. "I've offered one of my ships, Abacus, to take us to Nerosyan. Across Lake Encarthan, up the Glass River to the Sellen, to the Diamond of the North. We'll stop along the way to see if you can find the first group that went missing. Are you ready to sail, or do you require additional time to prepare?"
|
Adrianna hardly noticed the opulence around her, unfazed by art or fancy things. She breathes deeply of the lake breeze, meditating on her current surroundings and mission. But when the dwarves come in and introduce themselves, she stares openly at the mystic, an almost reverent look about her. She bows formally and speaks softly to him;
|
The tall, willowy elf moved with the quiet grace of a predator. Her face was all hard lines and sharp angles, with little softness or feminine beauty to be found. She glided slowly to the window, her bright, moss green eyes travelling over the finery with disdain as she took up position to observe those she was to work with. There was a preternatural stillness about her that often unnerved others. She did not fidget, only her eyes moving. She wore the muted colors of the earth and forest, the shock of maple-leaf red hair the only bold shade about her.
She lifted the corners of her lips in the barest of polite smiles, inclining her head toward their host respectfully.
"I have come prepared, though I can only speak for myself. Your aid in this matter is appreciated."
She then turned to the female dwarf, "Can you tell us of these Razmiri priests that have captured your colleague? I am unfamiliar with this faith. Has a ransom been demanded?"
|
|
The yellow scarfed Oracle seems quite pleased at Adriannas display of respect, a smile cracking the weather-beaten face.
She then turned to the female dwarf, "Can you tell us of these Razmiri priests that have captured your colleague? I am unfamiliar with this faith. Has a ransom been demanded?"
"Not much. What we do know about the nation of Razmiran is that It’s a strict theocratic government presided over by a vast priestly bureaucracy serving a being said to be a living god.”
|
|
"Not much. What we do know about the nation of Razmiran is that It’s a strict theocratic government presided over by a vast priestly bureaucracy serving a being said to be a living god.”
Daeris barked a sardonic laugh, raising a dubious eyebrow she said, "Living god, you say? Perhaps we should tell him how well that worked out for Aroden." Her eyes traveled among the others, judging the reaction to her joke.
"Then we begin our hunt in Xer. As the youngling says, we should make haste." She scanned the room for the rest of their search party, trying to think of anything in her knowledge to inform their journey.
|
|
Daeris barked a sardonic laugh, raising a dubious eyebrow she said, "Living god, you say? Perhaps we should tell him how well that worked out for Aroden." Her eyes traveled among the others, judging the reaction to her joke.
"Ahh yes, now you mention it, all other faiths are prohibited in
the nation, though foreign priests are tolerated as long as they are not proselytizing and just passing through. All non-residents are subject to sundry tariffs and unannounced inspections.”
|
|
Daeris nodded in reply to the fiery-haired dwarven female, caressing the recessed image of her patron's holy symbol with her thumb. She revered Ketephys, the elven god of the hunt, and had carved the image into her new bow's grip herself with pain-staking care to avoid a mistake. It was a crescent moon, with the shadow of a hunting hawk across it.
Fortunately, Ketephys knew the value of silence and honored deed rather than word. His devout would not be seen crying out to the heavens in his name like sniveling children, regardless of the locale.
"Tariffs and inspections..." she repeated distastefully, turning to their human host. "Is it your expectation that we endure such indignities, Master Passad?" Her tone communicated her disgust at the thought of humans pawing through her possessions, but also that she understood the responsibilities of a guest to her host. Looking over her letter again, she added. "Submitting does not seem to have aided those that were taken. Perhaps it is a ruse to gain an advantage?"
She could not help but smile in truth at the expression on the merchant's face when Nitrus entered and introduced himself.
"I think the gentleman worries for his expensive things." She extended her slender hand to the colorful gnome. "Well met, Nitrus. I am Daeris."
|
|
Adrianna silently watches the female elf and the male gnome - a study in contrasts, her master would say. She admired with the calm demeanor of the elf - Adrianna herself had to work hard to overcome her youthful brashness and enthusiasm. But that enthusiasm found a kindred spirit in the gnome and his fiery colors and gaudy appearance. Yes - a study in contrasts indeed.
"Lady Daeris, Mister Nitras, I am Adrianna Na'lin, student of the Way and a Truth Speaker of my people. Blessings upon you." she says, bringing her closed right fist to her open left hand and bowing from her waist. She wears light brown and white monk robes - loose fitting to allow maximum movement and yet covering almost all of her young body. She is a young human female - barely into adulthood. And yet there is a sense of purpose, or perhaps destiny, about her, in her serious manner and formal language.
|
|
The evening passes uneventfully, and before dawn a servant gently wakes each of you. Passad and Metella are already downstairs, finishing breakfast; Amauhak comes in a few minutes later. After a light repast, Passad orders two of his carriages to be brought up to convey you to the docks.
The Abacus is a fine schooner, three-masted for service on great Lake Encarthan but broad and flat-bottomed to allow river travel. A thin crescent moon hangs low in the east as you board the vessel in darkness. The crew helps load your gear and stow it in the hold.
The journey along the coast of Lake Encarthan from Kerse is uneventful. Passad’s hired hands (five sailors in all, including the captain) are quiet and efficient, and the Abacus reaches the mouth of the Glass River and heads east without incident. As the boat enters Razmiri waters you are all taken by a sudden outbreak of conversation...!
Passad looks to you all, "Typically, we'd put in at Xer, the Razmiri city that guards the entrance to the Glass River, for inspection and to pay our tariff. This will give us the paperwork which should prevent further entanglements - especially if we add a "gratuity" to our tariff payment." He removes a pair of platinum coins from his purse and holds them up. "I'd be happy to pay the toll myself - consider it part of my investment."
Across the deck, Metella is already shaking her head "Stopping at Xer gives the authorities a chance to search the boat and discover us all, which will lead to trouble. It is better to avoid the docks altogether and take our chances with any faith barges we might encounter".
They appear to be at odds, and both of them look to the party to 'solve' the problem.
|
|
The tall elf dipped her head respectfully to the young human, a hint of amusement playing about her lips. "And upon you, Adrianna. Well met."
Daeris considers the problem thoughtfully for several moments before she speaks, "There is a larger question at the heart of this. The path we take must be decided by how we will travel it. If we must hide ourselves from the prey we hunt in order to to close in on them and catch them unaware, than we cannot risk moving upwind of our quarry. However, if the prey is best challenged directly and forced into the trap then it is better to face it head-on from the start. If the Razmiri will not recognize our right to search out and retrieve our missing people, I think the stealthy path is what we need. But I do not understand the consequences of not stopping. Will the ship be attacked?"
|
|
"If we stop we will be boarder, and it is possible we may be searched - there will be no recognition of any right to search for anything, the Razmirans have their own views that don't often include the wishes or reasonableness of others - they are thuggish brutes"
"If we don't stop we may be attacked if seen, but then the river is also patrolled by the faith barges, and they too will try to stop us and inspect our papers - if we don't have those papers we might have problems too..."
|
|
"Sometimes the most obvious path is the one least expected. We should stop in Xer, pay the tariff, grease a few palms, and be on our way. It may increase our risks at the outset but limits them later when we are less likely to escape them." Adrianna says with conviction, knowing the wisdom of her words and expecting the rest of the party to recognize her strategic brilliance.
|
|
Amris quickly enters the room, obviously distracted.
"My apologies, I was held up with a matter concerning my caravan leaving the city. I assure you my distractions are behind me"
Amris attempts to gauge the situation as best as he can with his limited exposure, and settles in to the matter at hand.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Amris listens to the conversation and considers Daeris' suggestion.
"I think a simple ruse might be best. Is your crew predominantly dwarven, or might we blend in with the crew? The boat doesn't sound large enough to hide upon, but if we can talk our way through, maybe we can arrive at our destination without injury before we encounter the Razmiri priests."
Amris keeps his backside pointed away from Daeris and her motivating arrows. It is decidedly harder to tap dance when one is perforated.
|
|
Daeris looked less than pleased with the idea of a ruse, "I should warn you all that I have little acting ability. I may pass as a guard or guide, but I am no sailor." She stayed close enough to continue the conversation, but moved to take up a watchful position for these 'faith barges' or other threats as they traveled.
|
|
"Xer it is" - the boat begins heading for port...
The boat sails into an isolated berth sheltered on either side by tall warehouses, one of the sailors tosses a rope to the dockworker, who moors the boat to a post near him, you notice the knot affixing the rope to the boat is coated with dried tar and cannot be undone.
As the Abacus arrives at the dock, three Razmiri enforcers — one holding the taut leash of a slavering, half-tamed wolf—approach - "What's your business in Razmiran and how many souls are aboard?"
The three men seem gruff and ill-tempered, and freshly sore about something.
|
|
Amris quickly moves forward to the enforcers and acknowledges them.
"Finally the local constabulary! We advisors from the Moonstone Trading Company looking to bring the finest linens and cloth to Razmiran and hope to exchange good unique to your region. The Priesthood of Razmiran is our intended client, but we like to keep an open mind to all manner of clientele.
Please excuse my entourage. My personal guard is a well regarded huntress in her home lands and is always spoiling to expand her expertise.
We have, I believe, ten in our party and are looking to expedite our payment of the requisite fees and tariffs, so that we may quickly conclude our business and begin increasing the wealth of our future patrons. A rich patron, is a happy patron."
|
|
"By all means... We appreciate your discretion in this matter. It is good to find such hospitable constabulary in these parts. Would you know of well intentioned guardians, such as yourselves that might be interested in some side work should our caravans need additional expediting in the future? Timeliness of delivery can make all the difference in the world.
Should our meetings be fruitful, these platinum sphinx would have friends, and I would always want to give back to the men and women who give so much to protect us."
Amris hands over the two platinum pieces with a smil and a firm handshake.
|
|
The men gather on Amris amicably, and with a handshake the deal is done.
The smiles continue for a moment whilst the ringleader flips the coins into his palm...then there is a pregnant pause and a slow sinking feeling as the man smiles on, resembling the wolf on the leash "Most pay their toll with copper and silver" he says holding the platinum coins "I must be dealing with rich travelers indeed. I think its time we went aboard to see what treasures you transport" - by the tone of it, you suspect this bodes ill.
|
|
"Well to do, but not foolish. I would hate for you to make an untoward step that would jeopardize your standing with the priesthood. I know they would be far harsher than I tongue would ever be. Perhaps we can conclude our business, in the name of international trade, with just our handshake."
Amris spreads his open hands wide to indicate a sense of openness and well meaning.