Yes, the Kodak mountains are treacherous. They're no Polaroid Swamp mind you.
Mesdoram ponders while taking the map and tucking it into a pouch on his adventurer's sash.
I don't speak Hallit, or Orc for that matter, not sure about my friend. We probably need a guide. Do you know of anyone in Magnimar we could hire to bring with us?
He shrugs
Mesdoram will thank the man, then go and plop down next to Rameth.
Did you see that street kid hit you with a mug? I guess he just doesn't like drunks.
Good news though, we have a trove to plunder!
Plunder huh. Where is it? How do we get there?
He seems to not have noticed being smacked in the head.
Note to self: find Rameth a nice place to dry out. Maybe lock him in an Irori monastery.
Better news: Belkzen. Apparently the last group of people who went there were paralyzed by fear and slaughtered with only a single survivor. I bought his map.
He'll spread the map across the table in front of Rameth.
Do you speak Hallit or Orc by the way?
No. I just learned Vudrani. Guess we gotta hire someone. What kind of fella we wanna bring in?
Well, I was thinking not a demon; just for a change mind you, I'm not judging your dating history. Preferably someone who doesn't immediately fall for your charms. Think we can find a half-orc ranger?
I can find anything. What we offering a cut? And how are we getting there. You do realize Belzkin is a frigging long way away right?
Well, you're the native, and Belkzen's not exactly near water so I was hoping you'd have a bright idea. There's gotta be caravans to Lastwall at least.
What are you talking about, there is a river that goes right up the middle of it. He looks at the map. Yea, we could totally go up the river, probably be expensive though. I suspect we could get a caravan that far, Might be able to get a wizard to just teleport us there as well. Pathfinders do owe us I figure...
The Niswan chapter owes us - can we call in that favor here? I seriously doubt news - if any - beat us. Up river probably is a lot less expensive than you think. And I don't want to pay for teleportation if we don't have to.
They may be a%#@+!@s but the pathfinders repay debts. It wouldn't be free but might get a discount
Fine, fine, we'll go. If I get a reputation for respectability from associating with these people you're going to answer for it.
Mesdoram will stand and pay his bill.
Where is the chapter house anyway?
A women named Sheila Heidmarch runs it. He scribbles down the address. You should go talk to her, while I drink.
Mesdoram will haul Rameth out of his chair.
Start walking buddy boy.
Pushing Rameth out of the tavern and towards the lodge, he'll knock politely on the door.
Mesdoram Blackfeather of Oppara and Rameth the Drunk to see Sheila Heidmarch.
After some time the door opens and a butler shows you to a sitting room. Rameth immediately pulls out his flask
I've been meaning to talk to you about this Rameth. You really, really need to cut down on the liquor.
He looks around the study trying to find something to pass the time with, pulling down a book on ruins in Geb.
And you need to cut down on the getting mind controlled and trying to kill me. No one is perfect.
At that moment a middle age, attractive human woman enters.
Usually I do not take visitors who randomly walk up, but I have heard of the pathfinders that you managed to rescue, so I will entertain this interview. What can I do for you?
She looks at Rameth.
Some liquor.
She gestures to the bar and then turns to Mes
Rameth moves to the bar pours a drink then refills his flask.
Mesdoram sighs.
Greetings, my name is Mesdoram Blackfeather of Oppara, and this is Rameth of...Varisia; my friend and I are looking for transport into Belkzen.
I am sure there are caravans or you could go upriver why come to me? And why go there?
We came here because Rameth suggested it - he said we might be able to get cheaper transportation - even magical transportation - or find a reputable guide through the Pathfinders.
As for why, we met a man who had several friends of his killed in an expedition, and he charged us to find and bring their bodies home.
After the issue with the Vudrani chapter house, we figure the Society owes us at least that much.
That is true, we are grateful. She thinks for a moment. This is what I will do, we will provide you access to our list of "free agents" here in Magnimar, to find someone as a guide, and we can provide a greater teleport scroll for 500 gold.
Is that acceptable? I hope so because that is the best that we can offer.
Mesdoram will turn to Rameth.
What do you think?
Probably pricier than a caravan or a boat, but certainly faster. Unless you have hankering to take the boat I say we do it, get plopped 10-20 miles away from the site so we don't plop down in an orcish war camp.
Rameth looks at Sheila
Can you direct me to the files?
She waves to the butler and whispers directions, he returns in a few minutes with several large files, which Rameth begins to go through.
Mesdoram will agree, handing Sheila 500 gp, 250 from him, 250 from Rameth.
Then he'll sit and go through the files with Rameth.
Rameth hoards the files.
This is my thing. You go talk to the lady.
After about ten minutes Rameth slams down a file. This is our guy
A half -Orc Giant hunter from Avereraka, actually calls himself Averaka. Been here in Varisia working as a caravan guard for hire...he is expensive but he is our man. Looks like he can be found on the outskirts of the city.
After a nice chat with Sheila regarding the deep platinum gorget he's wearing on a chain around his neck, and the peculiar properties of deep platinum, Mesdoram will turn at Rameth's approach.
Averaka, huh?
Mesdoram looks at the file for more information on this man.
What else would you like to know ? It is a very complete file
Work history, languages spoken, any recommendations or vices listed, if he has anybody else he can bring with us, if he's ever been to where we're going.
Um, alignment hints? I think that's it. I'd copy the file if I could.
You should ask if you can get a copy :)
Can we get a copy of this file?
diplo
I will have one made for you, on your word that it does not leave the city, you are to burn it and it never leaves your sight.
Work history, languages spoken, any recommendations or vices listed, if he has anybody else he can bring with us, if he's ever been to where we're going.
Um, alignment hints? I think that's it. I'd copy the file if I could.
He has been brought in on several occasions to retrieve bodies of pathfinders, usually in the wilderness and in areas which are heavy with orc and giants. He has also been known to have been hired to eliminate human bandits around the city. In all occasions the job review has been excellent
Vices-none
been to Belzkin-many times.
Associates, there are a few characters that he associates with and works with on occasion, but that is rare as it means less money for him. He is not greedy, but efficient.
Agreed.
Mesdoram will give a slight bow, along with a twist of his right hand that conveys courtesy, a mockery of the act of bowing and thanks all at once.
You've been most helpful, Lady Pathfinder. Should we return once we recruit our man, or do you have the scroll ready?
Almost as if by providence the Butler enters with the file and the scroll.
One more thing. I do expect that if you find anything of historical significance, or worth studying that you will collect it for us.
Yea, I can do that, if you agree to watch after my dog Trip. I would hate for him to get hurt.
Mesdoram just grins at Rameth.
Smiley comes with, he gets testy when I even look at a horse these days!
He'll collect the file and the scroll, then start outside to pick up Smiley and will ride him to meet with this Averaka.
She agrees to see to Trip, and Rameth collects one of the bottles on the way out the door.
The latter. My phone thought I meant that cause I kept typing it wrong earlier. And int or wisdom.
I figure we should learn how to disguise ourselves. Should be a simple extract to formulate. Maybe tongues as well
Mesdoram studies the folder and then will burn the pages to make sure there's no evidence.