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Prelude
Aran Zey - the Master of Spells - looked up from the letter he had just received from the lodge in Magnimar. Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch was asking for a group of field operatives. It looked like routine work - giving protection to a scholar.
Did he read right - an ex pathfinder. Well - it looked as he had studied ancient languages and might be of help to get finally some progress with the Cyphergate in Riddleport.
All this seemed a very long shot. In regard to a long shot - actually it would take a few weeks by ship just getting there.
So maybe some of the new and less experienced pathfinders would be good enough for the task. Sheila would give them all the instructions - but whom would he chose?
Markus 'Earthquake' Kalepo seemed a good first choice. He already had some minor experience and he understood magic. A shame he hadn't yet decided to fully follow the spells. And he was Varisian - an added benefit.
Some added muscle would be good. After all - Sheila wanted some Pathfinders who could do a protection job. Toren Still might just be the man, ahem, dwarf. He needed some field training - and it likely would be enough telling him of the shiny Cyphergate. Aran had learned he loved gems. Foolish dwarf - he would learn soon enough there are only runes in the gate and life as a Pathfinder can be tough.
Then there was Chanix - the elf. He came from a proud family - but only time would tell if he was cut from the same wood.
Maybe a little bit of healing could help. Priscilla Daystar was a follower of Desna. She would enjoy going an a long journey.
Too many new faces. They needed someone who would know his way outside the Grand Lodge. Artemis del Sol seemed the right person. At least a few jobs he had done already for the Pathfinder Society. He was knowledgable in many areas - a great addition.
So this would make five tickets. Sherven Twobeards was leaving on his lugger next morning on his way to Magnimar. Sheila Heidmarsh there would give them all information that was needed.
And if she needed extra manpower. Well - Sheila could always add another body if needed.
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Aran rang the bell - an elf appeared.
Talhaern - can you please take these tickets for a ship passage to Magnimar to the five Pathfinders whose name are written on them.
I'm not sure how busy you are. I guess you would fit in well to Riddleport. If you like - just join them. There is enough space and food I paid for a sixth passenger.
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I live to serve the Lodge. 'twould be my pleasure. Talhaearn pockets the unmarked ticket and scans the names on the remaining envelopes. I just spent the past several weeks running errands for the Society...why shouldn't this mission begin with my playing delivery boy? Despite his knee-jerk annoyance Talhaearn actually feels at peace for the first time since...well perhaps for the first time. The Grand Lodge has given him a sense of belonging..a sense of purpose. In return he has given the Lodge his complete loyalty and chooses to rise above the petty squabbles of the other factions.
Talhaearn places the remaining tickets in his pocket and sets out to find his new companions.
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Sailing by ship from Absalom to Magnimar is a sea journey of approximate 2500 miles. The first half is west through the inner sea until the Arch of Aroden is reached.
The journey then follows the Cheliax coastline until it cuts across the conquerors bay to reach Varisia and Magnimar.
All in all a 6-8 week journey - depending on weather.
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Together with your ticket you find a note
Loyal Pathfinder,
While investigating the business of Alejia and her raids on the ships inbound to Riddleport Harbor, I came across info that one of the inbound vessels was carrying a scholar of Azlanti ruins, a subject that the Grand Lodge is quite interested in. While I'm quite sure she's dead by now, the ancient book which she undoubtedly had on her person—a tome written under the pseudonym Diresome Kretchens—may still be safe with the rest of Alejia's hordes of stolen goods. The book would be an invaluable addition to the libraries of the Grand Lodge, and should you find and return it, the Decemvirate would be most thankful for your aid.
Good luck,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
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Hidden with the tickets you find a note
Loyal Servant,
The trade that goes on in Riddleport Harbor is an astounding affair, and I have heard merchants from all over the world may find goods that would normally be impossible to acquire in the stores of the ships that go in and out of port. One item in particular interests me: a rare type of salt said to keep food stores fresh for years. Such a preservative would be invaluable to our trade efforts, enabling us to ship valuable delicacies to distant markets. Find this valuable salt, and you will be greatly favored by Qadira. And if you find it, do be sure to take care when handling it; it is said to be deathly cold to the touch.
Safe journeys,
Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam
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You are handed a bundle before leaving.
The bundle seems to contain a masterfully carved peg leg made from whale bones.
Fellow Vengeance-Seeker,
In Riddleport, there is a dwarf by the name of Smulwarts Gultrock. She was once a Pathfinder like you and I, but when her leg was taken by a sea serpent during one of her missions, she never fully recovered from it, in no small part because the Decemvirate never fully compensated her for her loss, giving her a second-rate peg leg in place of her limb. I've enclosed a little something that may brighten her spirits if you run into her—I believe she now works as an angler, occasionally ferrying people about if they're willing to pay her. Give her a tip as well and I'm sure she'll be more than helpful in your escapades.
Justice be served,
Grandmaster Torch
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You find a sealed envelope with a well known sigil on it.
Executor of Glory, As a well-traveled adventurer, you've no doubt had the chance to see numerous other ships on their voyages throughout the Inner Sea, as well as our empire's own Imperial Navy. That being said, you've probably also noticed the rather unfortunate state our pennants have been in lately. While you're in Riddleport, I want you to find me a suitable set of flags that I might be able to use as a model for our own ships in the upcoming assembly tasked with redesigning the emblems of our fleet.
For the Empire,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
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Toren looked at his shop. It could barely be called that. A wooden desk cramped in between two other peddlers in the Coins, he never really had time to scout out a better spot.
Pathfinder Society. It seemed like a good idea. Work of late had been slow, people hadn't been buying as many of his gems. He also hadn't been getting nearly as many jobs searching for the rare valuables as he'd hoped. Maybe this Society could give him some work, and just maybe he'd get to find something new and exotic to sell from his gemstand.
With a sigh he starts to close up "shop" for the day.
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Artemis accepts the ticket.
"Great, I spend over a month freezing in Irrisen lugging around some chest. I finally get back to a decent climate, only to walk into Absalom and find out I have to spend a few more weeks on a leaky tub. May as well make the most of it, I did get a couple of good tales from out north."
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It was just another day for Chanix. Just another town he had never seen before. Down to his last handful of coin, he set off to replenish his expendable income.
Chanix spies a strong hefty looking elf stuffing an envelope inside a pocket. A perfect challenge first thing in the morning.
"This ought to get the blood flowing one way or another..."
Chanix approaches the warrior. He reaches for the envelope and bumps into him for distraction.
Chanix falls over backwards stuffing the envelope in a sleeve and begins to apologize at his clumsiness and haphazard awareness. The tough elf doesn't seem amused but says nothing. Chanix apologizes again and heads off down the road.
"Now let's see what kind of deed or document we have here."
Inside he finds a ticket addressed to himself. He stops and turns and the elf warrior is gone.
"Maybe this is just the opportunity I need to hone my skills further."
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Sherven Twobeards welcomes you on his Lugger. He is a gruff dwarf who shows you a spacious cabin - spacious until you realize there are six of you.
That is around the last time he speaks ith you. He tries to keep his crew away from passengers - "No mixing with Landlubbers"
Not much to do for weeks you are among yourself or on deck,
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Toren sits in a corner of the room, closer to the halfling and infinitesimally further from the elven. Tight space is obvoiusly no issue for the dwarf. "This isn't too far a cry from my little corner in the Coins. Name's Toren." He glances at the elven, "No offense meant there, I just figger me and the halfling here take up less room together. Can't afford to be prejudiced in my line a work!"
With that said, he grins, parting his beard further. The large shield he'd been carrying thumps the floor and wall as it is leaned. The Bec de Corbin stays in his hand but the end of the haft is rested on the floor.
Toren shifts a bit and tries to silently release the gas that'd been building inside him since the sausage that morning.
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Markus grunts in satisfaction when he's shown his bunk.
***
The large Varisian spends most of his time alone, barring his pet monkey, sharpening the assortment of cruel knives hanging from his waist.
The exception to this is the hour or so per day, that the scarred brute spends unpacking his complex mechanical organ and playing for the crew. His rhythm is lacking and his tone imperfect but he has the basics down and his monkey companion eagerly moves among any that are listening begging for coin.
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Chanix mulls over his meager accouterments. Picks all accounted for. Blades, check. He watches as the others arrive.
Particular attention is paid to the dwarf, who is loud and won't stop staring. The bard who is already writing his next song. The organ grinder, with such a wonderful mechanism that Chanix cannot help but wait to take it apart. The halfling who seems to effervesce kindness. And the half-elf...
Chanix's eyes grow wide with realization. The "warrior" that he filched his ticket from was on this ship! Now he looked more human than elf but it was apparent he descended from both.
This was going to be an interesting trip indeed.
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"Hi there roomies! Ready for the pirates, arg!" Giggles. "Dibs on the top bunk! Hi there dwarfy, I feel like I have seen your beard down in the Coins before. I am Priscilla Daystar purveyor of wonders and curios!"
Priscilla's mood changes after the first days at sea when she realizes how boring the trip will actually be. She tries to chat up the seafolk crew to hear their stories.
Looks around to make sure there is no capitain. "Brionny is it? At least that's what I heard captain grumpy pants call you... So what's your story?"
... later in the cabin. "I'm bored anybody know a good song?"
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Once again in a roomful of strangers. Here goes nothing... My name is Talhaearn; many find it easier to call me Tal. I've been on a handful of missions for the Society thus far...but this is my first time working with a different group of agents. Tal's eyes glance toward Toren. I worked with two Dwarves in my last group...they taught me to have a sense of humor about things....including myself. I think that will come in handy with the lot of us sharing this cabin for a time.
Tal turns his attention to Priscilla who appears to close to bursting with enthusiasm. I agree...a song or a well-told tale will be a fine way to pass the time!
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Artemis pulls a lute out of a case next to him.
"I am still working on this one, but its about the mission I was just on, tell me what you think."
He then begins to play.
Its sundown in a cabin while we're out to sea
and we've been sailing all day long
There's a young lass sitting near to me
she asks "Will somebody play me a song?"
Dear have you ever been to Irrisen?
Its so cold you can't feel your face.
I just returned from a trip there
and couldn't wait to get out of that place.
He then begins humming to the tune of the lute
Sing me a song dear traveler
Tell me a tale tonight
We need a way to keep spirits high
A good tune should set us just right.
My crew and I stopped at a bar in Trollheim
looking for a lead to act upon
instead of the info we got a brutish welcome
lead by a drunkard named John
John said "A pretty boy like you ain't from round here
and we don't want none of your talk
so we best be seeing you leave here
if you still want to be able to walk."
He then begins humming to the tune of the lute
And then the Qadairan launched a tankard
and fists started flying all around
the brawl raged on for awhile
until all the brutes were down.
Sing me a song dear traveler
Tell me a tale tonight
We need a way to keep spirits high
A good tune should set us just right.
Now John had given us the info
and things didn't look great
someone was robbing the armory
and we hoped we weren't too late.
The snow came down like an avalanche
as we bolted to make it to the place
we had barely just made it in time
to confront the thieves face-to-face
weighed down with a heavy load
they didn't really stand a chance
and that how the society made their name in Trollheim
due to our great performance.
He then begins humming to the tune of the lute
Sing me a song dear traveler
Tell me a tale tonight
We need a way to keep spirits high
A good tune should set us just right.
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Priscilla spirits are lifted. She claps with delight.
“Bravo! Bravo! Again Sir Sol.”
By the second encore, Priscilla is fast asleep the excitement of the day having already taken their toll on the young Halfling. She seems very out of place within the somber crew; however the well-attended star knife sticking out of her bag amongst a flurry of colorful scarves says there is hopefully more to her than meets the eye.
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You have a quick stop-oven Westcrown before you sail through the Arch of Aroden.
The captain gives you 2 hours to stretch your legs or make shopping. Still - it is enjoyable to leave the cabin and the ship for a moment.
Even the brilliant songs of Artemis can shorten the travel sooo much.
While you are out and look around the shadier parts of the markets - you get approached and a stranger with only a single eye and an eyepatch hands you some notes and disappears without answering any questions.
Comrade,
I hear that you're going to Riddleport soon. As it turns out, I have some old acquaintances in that fine town, and the last time I was there I lost a set of brass knuckles in a game of Towers to some oafish lout I met at a tavern. You'll recognize them because they have the initials of Boss Croat—one of the local crime lords of that city—engraved on them. He gave them to me as a gift, and the thought of some thug running around with them on his grubby fingers just makes me sick. Do what you must to retrieve them for me.
Talk to you soon,
Guaril Karela
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"Still. Toren Still. But please, call me Stand. Everyone does." Toren directs this answer to Artemis. He looks back at the young halfling, "Priscilla, you may well have seen this rat's nest at some point. I'm a gemcutter and a gemfinder by trade. If it's pretty and sparkles, chances are I'm sellin' it. I have a talent for findin' the things..." he winks at her and taps his large bulbous nose, "It's this thing here. It's all in the nose!"
He gives a short bark of a laugh and then looks towards Talhaearn, "I always said a good laugh'll cure the day. Especially if it's at yourself! Well met Tal!"
As the bard begins to play a look of pure wonder and joy crosses the visible parts of the dwarf's face. Tears begin to stream from both eyes as he claps and "hay"'s to the tune. "That was just too good Arty, can I call you Arty? I haven't heard a good tale in quite a while, thank you."
In the excitement Toren almost forgot about the elf. He went to ask for his name, but the captain then ducked his head into the room and told them about the stop in Westcrown.
Watching Artemis and the elf leave together, he decides to try and make a few golds. He walks towards the busiest section of the docks, finds a space, flips his polearm so the blade side sticks in the wood, and leans his shield against the haft. "Gemcutting, polishing, and sizing. If it's supposed ta sparkle, then I'll make it shine! Procurements too, I'll find the gem for you!" he calls out to passersby.
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“Yeah! Shore Leave! A quick pass at the market and I’ll join you boys at the tavern.”
This may be one of the rare opportunities to do any Gather Information type work related to the mission, which is kind of vague. Priscilla was more than happy to share what ever she thought she knew on the boat.
On the boat:
Riddleport - Knowledge (geography) -
Magnimar- Knowledge (geography) -
Azlanti ruins- Knowledge (geography) -
On shore:
Riddleport - Diplomacy -
Magnimar- Diplomacy -
Sheila Heidmarsh – Diplomacy -
Sherven Twobeards - Diplomacy -
Alejia - Diplomacy -
Diresome Kretchens - Diplomacy -
Valuable Market Items for Trade – Profession (merchant) -
Please feel free to ignore all or any of the above if not appropriate no questions asked.
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Markus exits the ship at the stopover in Westcrown but seems to find little joy in the break. His monkey however, chatters excitedly and climbs all over everything as the big Varisian stretches his legs on the docks.
Despite not involving himself in their conversation, Markus makes an effort to always stay within earshot of the bulk of the group while the ship is docked.
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Tal steps down onto the dock and briefly flashes back to the last time he travelled by ship and how he was betrayed by small group of gillmen. One of them got away... he thinks to himself at the memory of the spell caster swimming off into the distance. At least we were savvy enough not to give up the artifact.
Tal watches as Chanix and Artemis enter a local tavern. He considers following them in but decides instead to hang out near where Toren is offering his gem cutting services; keeping his eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary.
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Being in Westcrown allows to gather some information about Riddleport. [+2 for Varisien ethnicity]
Westcrown might have a bad reputation - but at least the Hellknights take care to keep order - during the day.
The reputation of Riddleport seems worse. A port that seems not much better as a pirate heaven.
Ships bearing the Riddleport flag are save from pirates in the Riddleport waters. The captain of your current ship is too proud to get the Riddleport flag up and therefore you need to change ship.
There are rumours that recently a ship flying the Riddleport flag disappeared in Riddleport waters.
The mysterious Thassilonian monument known as the Cyphergate has been an object of intense scrutiny since the founding of Riddleport beneath it, and the mostly indecipherable runes running across its length have posed numerous questions to those who study it. While research regarding the arch has been a slow effort, the gigantic artifact has spurred numerous sages to dedicate their lives to unraveling its secrets, creating an exclusive collaborative known as the Order of the Cyphers.
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The dock area seems a rough place. The few gold that Toren makes from passer byes seem to have disappeared again by the time he breaks down his stall.
Tal later has his suspicions - a young boy and a woman - possibly his older sister - behaved strange around the stall. But too late now to follow them.
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It feels good to breathe city air again, Chanix thought, and what a city this used to be.
Chanix notices more than a few pickpockets at work, some obvious scams and seedy characters lurking about the streets.
Chanix maintains a vigilant eye on the affairs in the tavern.
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As a few strangers stopped and chatted about his craft he asked a few questions about Riddleport...
But nobody seemed too interested in telling him. The few pieces of money he made was hardly worth the strain on his voice to overcome the din of the harbor.
He went to pack up, and as he looked to scoop up his take for the day, he noticed they were gone. With a long sigh he picks up his shield and polearm.
"What do you say Tal, perhaps we can join our groupmates at the tavern? I could use something to eat."
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One of the ship mates - a female gnome name Flora Kain - seems to have selected the same tavern. But she seems to act most peculiar. Her drink is hardly touched and she crouches in a corner - you spot her collecting a spider - that she carefully transfers into a small glass.
She then acts if nothing special has happened.
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"Arty! And our other friend, I haven't gotten yer name yet. I meant to ask but Arty here played such a good tune I clear fergot. How's the food? Let's see...cornmush, no thanks...venison, a little gamey...Ahhhh, sausages. I shouldn't but excuse me, maid, can I get some sausages? Heard any news from Riddleport?"
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"Hey Toren, from what I know Riddleport is a rough place, and word is that even the pirates are turning on their own in those waters. Should be an interesting voyage, although if I am going to be participating in fights I would prefer it to be on land.
There are also a bunch of sages looking into a Cyphergate beneath the city, although no one has found out anything Golarion-breaking and some people have spent their whole lives looking into it.
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Interrupted and no longer discreet, Chanix looks up to the dwarf, which is to say glances slightly down, as he boisterously enters the room with the half-elf right behind him.
Before standing up to make more space at the table Chanix leans in towards Artemis and says quietly
"My name is Chanix. Have a seat and let's discuss what we may have learned."
Chanix gestures to his former seat for Talhaearn which offers a reasonable view of the surroundings but specifically that of the gnome in the corner.