"Going without their consent will be an insult to their position and power. They will give the blade to whomever comes after us. I would rather not be facing off against that sword. It would be better to stay and take our chances than to leave the sword behind.""
Eris struggles to keep her tone even, not wanting to condescend."The Blade doesn't pick anyone, we saw evidence of that. This means it considers Sa'Kage it's true wielder. Which means if we leave one of two things will happen. Either the Blade still considers Sa'Kage it's chosen, in which case it is unlikely to allow itself to be used against him, or it considers Sa'Kage as going against its ideals in which case why would we bother stealing something that wouldn't allow itself to be used by us. If you want to stay however, then stay, I however, am going."
There are two votes, do we go, which I think is a yes, and do we take the sword, which I think is a no.
My votes
Go: yes
Sword: yes
Alenaya shrugs, ”Alright, no smarty sword. Let’s just get going before we’re found out.”
Within a small wing of the Citadel are several special rooms designed with exacting detail to mirror a location somewhere else on Golarion. By studying the intricate patterns, the person casting the teleport spell has a much higher chance of a successful teleport even if she'd never been there before.
When the Mantises approach, the wing is lightly occupied with small teams of assassins being escorted by the mages whose job is to facilitate the teleporting. They scarcely give you a passing glance.
"Lets just do this Eris before I realize what a titanically stupid idea it is!", his word where harsh but his tone was light. Kage had to trust they where doing the right thing, but only success could vindicate them in the eyes of the Vernai.
Eris successfully activates the scroll and there's a brief feeling of disorientation that courses through everyone. When it passes, they appear to be in the exact same room as before. However, the air feels less heady and rich, and has a subtle chemical tinge just slightly detectable.
The hallway that the door opens into is narrow and formed of block stone and mortar. It leads into the back of a secret door that is opened easily. The panel slides silently, opening into a chymical storehouse that reeks of caustic reagents. A plump halfling looks up in surprise as you exit the hallway into the storage area.
"Now, what's all this, then? No one said anyone was comin'!"
Jon barely looks at the man as he continues to the door. "No. It is unfortunate that you are here to witness our arrival." He stands blocking the door and scrutinizing the halfling.
Eris smoothly intercedes between the two, seeking to avoid making a scene that would stick into the mind of the halfling.
"Training exercise in an urban environment, the test being escape and evasion against an equally well trained team." Eris lies easily, giving the halfling a dazzling smile.
"You didn't expect us, because technically, the test is meant to function in a vacuum, no-one sharing information. Therefore, you were not really meant to see us arrive. Anyway, you can expect a chase team arriving shortly, don't give them any information please, not even that we arrived. Its an extreme test to see how well the teams function with limited information, so if you could about disrupting the test and displeasing the Vernai, it would be appreciated."
Kage studies the halfling for a few moments before adding with a wink, "They didn't tell us how long until the chase team get sent. Could be a few hours, could be a few days but you should expect them. Anyway when they come, please don't let it slip we're going sailing on lake Encarthen... It's rather nice this time of year, or so I'm told."
Kage didn't particularly care if the halfling believed him or not, but his words would have to be reported which might make for a good double bluff if they did indeed choose to go that way.
His eyes widen as he looks from Mantis to Mantis. "Hey, now! Nobody tells me nuffin! I would've tidied up more, is all, if I'd a known you were coming.
"If you'll need nothing else from me?" He grabs his broom and begins muttering to himself about no one thinks about the courtesy of a sending that would have let him at least have the vats clean.
Kage shrugged, "Well now you know there's another team coming, I'm sure you can make things perfect for them." To the others Kage added, "We should get a move on."
"Welcome to Daggermark," he says as the group moves to the stairs. "Make sure you don't get caught with them masks. We ain't supposed to be here."
Lilith leaves the lying to the liars and follows the group out without word.
Alenaya snickers as she walks with Lilith past the charade.
Putting his mask away, Kage remarks nonchalantly, "Don't worry - we where never here." He then heads out, once out of earshot he asks Eris quietly, "Well we've gone and done it now... Where to next?"
Eris flashes an amused grin. "I actually dont know Sa'Kage. It was another's vision that suggested we start the quest here, whereas my visions seemed to concern themselves with Pitax itself. No doubt Lord Achaekek has his reason's for directing us here, and I suggest we seek to find out the beginning of the trail. Perhaps he would like us to find a guide?
"The first thing we need is to get out of this city. We just walked out of a safe house connected to the citadel. This entire city is one big trap."
What time of day is it? If its daytime, we'll get some new clothes before going to the trade quarter to book passage with a caravan leaving in the morning. It almost doesn't matter where to, but preferably closer to our actual destination. Wherever that may be.
Where are we going?
It had been well after midnight when the Mantises left Mediogalti, but the early morning sun is striking the tops of the buildings of Daggermark when they emerge. The air is crisp and everything is damp from morning dew.
Daggermark's buildings are primarily of stone and wood construction, with a penchant for thick, heavy timbers and tile roofs. Most of the buildings favor narrow windows that would be hard for even a halfling to slip through, and feature spiky decorations that would dissuade someone from climbing or inching along ledges.
The streets are narrow, with deep wagon ruts running through their centers. The city is coming to life in the golden morning light, with shopkeeps opening their storefronts and draft animals pulling wagons through town.
Two canals flow through town that link up with the branch of the Sellen River that runs closest to the city. Along the canal road, the Mantises can easily book passage to other parts of the River Kingdoms by river boat. The ground is too waterlogged and cris-crossed with rivers and streams for caravans.
Kage glanced at Jon-Wyn, "Aye normally I'd agree, but Alenaya's vision said 'if you're up for a real challenge, you'll go to Daggermark'. In light of that I think we should stick around. We need to find this bardic king, whoever that is. Maybe he's the one to guide us to the land of the mortar and pestle?"
In that case, disguises, a place to stay, then start looking for this Bardic King.
Willing to Aid Other if your skill is higher than mine or take aid if you'd prefer.
"...Truth be told, I gotta say that my heart really isn't in this mission," Lilith says suddenly. "Too many contradictions. I... think that this where we part ways; I'd only hold you back. I won't stop you all from completing your mission; in fact, I think I'm going to go distract that chase team. I can probably hold them off for a day or two. Best of luck. It's been real."
Before anyone can stop her, Lilith transforms into a bird of some sort and flies off.
You never see her again.
Eris blinks in surprise, before taking the sudden departure in stride. "I agree that we should search the canals, ie 'where two waters meet'. Perhaps our guide might show him or herself there as we search."
Jon-Wyn can inform the group that Daggermark is the largest city in all of the River Kingdoms. Daggermark has maintained enough stability to control an abundant supply of food, a rarity in this unstable region of Avistan. Daggermark is so stable that it even has a thriving industry and is wealthy enough to mint its own coin. The main reason for this stability are the two guilds for which the city is so famous: the Daggermark Assassins' Guild and the Daggermark Poisoners' Guild. These two organizations often work hand in hand, as the assassins favor the use of poisons, believing that only amateurs leave behind an obvious cause of death.
The Red Mantis do not operate here, but maintain a quiet, watchful eye on the guilds, partly to make sure there's no risk that its influence will grow beyond the region, but also to look for talent to recruit.
Asking around for lodging discovers a large amount of travelers passing through the city. The name on everyone's tongue is the Rushlight Festival being held in Pitax. Ever since King Irovetti became ruler of that nation, its signature festival has become a grander and grander spectacle.
The festival promises tests of skill and luck and winners can expect grand prizes and regional fame throughout the year. Opening ceremonies will begin in a week, giving locals from Daggermark plenty of time to get there, although many people from farther away are already traveling.
Kage's mouth hangs open for a moment after the bombshell dropped by Lilith. He was about to say something but she'd already flown off. With a heavy sigh he mutters, "Fair thee well Lilith Stark."
He then listens to Jon-Wyn's findings carefully before asking, "What do we know of Pitax? I don't think I've ever heard of the place."
Pitax has long been a haven for thieves and smugglers, but in recent years, it's been trying to "go legit." This is through the influence of Lord Castruccio Irovetti, who founded the Academy of Grand Arts shortly after seizing power and has poured much of his influence into making Pitax a bastion for fine arts and high culture. Unfortunately, the lord does not have very good taste, so much of the art is tacky and unrefined, and most of the artists who flock to Pitax are middling talents at best.
Pitax is still a place where thieving and smuggling go on, it's just underground now. Irovetti was able to seize power by simultaneously buying up many of the legit trading houses and somehow wresting control of the thieves guild. He's been shrewdly able to pit his many enemies against themselves in the years since, solidifying his power base while keeping the masses occupied with art, bread, and circuses.
Irovetti is most likely a bard of some sort, especially given the amount of attention and control he exerts over the Academy of Grand Arts.
Alenaya scoffs, ”It’s ‘ruled’ by some buffoon who fancies himself some grand art teacher or somethin’” her eyes looking off the direction Lilith flew with a scowl on her face.
Jon just looks at Lilith as she makes her exit.
"It seems that our destination is obvious. Unfortunately, that will make following us all the easier. We should be off as fast as possible."
"Indeed, I assume we must go by boat. Lets find the docks and inquire about passage. Once there we should seek an audience, it appears our services will be required..." suggested Kage. It seemed there was little reason to linger here, now that Irovetti had been identified as the mysterious bard king. Besides there was dark work to be done and he was eager for the chase!
Finding a riverboat heading to Pitax is no difficulty, and within an hour on the docks, the Mantises have secured a broad, flat-bottomed boat with a mix of cargo and passengers called the Muddy Prince.
Using a variety of sails, rowers, and draft animals pulling ropes in well-worn ruts along the banks, the boat makes its way upriver. From time to time the Prince slides into a canal to cross from one tributary to another, but the rivermen are skilled and know their trade.
The first leg after leaving Daggermark sends the Prince along the banks of the lush yet foreboding forests of Sevenarches. The first nighttime stop for the Mantises is in Gralton, where more cargo is exchanged and a number of new passengers seek to board for the festival.
The people of Gralton seem friendly enough, with folks along the dock open to striking up conversations and exchanging news.
A pair of quiet, black-clad men eye the Mantises with a bit of scrutiny. They tip their wide-brimmed hats and nod, inviting them with their body language for a chat.
Alenaya eyes the pair of men with mischievous eyes. ”Those two look like fun,” she mutters to the group as she gives the men a flirtatious wave from the boat. ”What do y’all think?”
Kage nods at Alenaya and nimbly disembarks, he casual approaches the men assessing their demeanor and the way they held themselves as he does so. Not quite coming to a stop, he nods at them and rather forwardly asks, "Good evening! You look like men of the world, tell me what kind of excitement is there to be had in Galtron after dark?"
The men exchange a look as you approach. Closer, Kage can see that they look alike enough to be related, possibly brothers or close cousins. They both have sandy blond hair beneath their hats, trim beards, and one sports a pair of spectacles. They're not hostile, but they have a look as though they have some skill at arms. Their long coats could hide any number of medium to short blades.
The one with glasses answers Kage. "Little excitement, I'm afraid. Opportunity, definitely, for those--" he makes a pointed look at Kage and his companions-- "with skills, and the wherewithal to use them."
His partner speaks while gesturing toward a nondescript door set in an alley, cracked open and spilling warm firefight into the evening. "You and your friends look like shrewd and capable individuals. Would you listen to a proposal that can make you wealthy and set for life?"
Having grown up in the crimson citadel, money meant nothing to Kage. In that environment anything he could reasonably want he could take, usually without asking.
Kage replied with a slight edge, "I care little for money, although I would hear your proposal all the same."
"Good, good!" says the one with spectacles. "Come, have a drink with us, and Markley and I will tell you all about it."
The two men guide you through the door and into a cozy parlor. Markley shuts and bolts the door behind you, while his partner slides a panel in the wall to reveal a small wet bar. He pours several glasses of a golden liquid and passes them around.
"Thank you for agreeing to speak with us. This is Markley and I am Philip. We are members of a society that seeks to end the cycle of revolution in Galt. We are in need of capable individuals, as you appear to be, to take the fight to the Gray Gardeners and restore a stable government in that kingdom. Our combined holdings contain vast wealth that, once liberated, can compensate you for your efforts."
The pair look at you expectantly.
Galt! Alanyna was right, this would be entertaining.
"That's ah a fairly tall order gentlemen!" replied Kage amicably, "Do you have a plan?" Kage had a feeling these two were rather naive, surely Grey Gardners came through this area from time to time. How did they know he wasn't one? Listening to their plan and picking holes in it would be a fine way to spend the evening. Of course he had no intention whatsoever of traveling to Galt. At some point they would have to part company, no doubt that would prove to be especially fun!
Jon inspects the parlor before they speak. He doesn't like that they were noticed in the first place, but would play this out for now.
Detect Magic
Eris glances at the two men suspiciously. Truthfully, she hated coincidences, and it seemed odd that not only were her team noticed fairly quickly after entering the city, it was two people that wanted to hire them for a job. Still, Sa'Kage and Jon-Wyn seemed content enough to hear them out, so she holds her tongue and listens further.
What follows is an evening full of high-minded ideas of how Galt could be reclaimed from the throes of bloody revolution and brought into a new era of peace and prosperity through a truly Machiavellian series of actions within the country. When pressed, they admit to approaching any small mixed group that might know their way with a weapon or spell to recruit to their cause.
The evening is thus spent, and soon morning arrives. The Muddy Prince is again making its way upriver along one of the many tributaries of the Sellen.
An hour after midday, the Prince stops at a small nameless village with a handful of buildings and a small series of docks along the bank. Several people depart, with mutterings about the kingdom of Touvette being ahead and not wanting to risk getting hanged for spying.
The small crowd disembarking are then forced to try to circle around a group of harsh-looking women in black smocks at the end of the pier. Most just throw a handful of copper coins at the women, while a small number endure their baleful gazes and rude gestures.
Touvette is a strict and lawful country which does not trust outsiders. Every traveler entering the nation is searched and given travel documents based on their stated business. Anyone caught where they are not supposed to be faces interrogation, torture and eventual execution.
The ladies are probably followers of Gyronna, the Angry Hag. The goddess of hatred, extortion and spite, these are probably women suspected of witchcraft, adultery, or prostitution. As Gyronna's followers, they are probably threatening the travelers with Evil Eye hexes and whatnot. Those who pay some money are spared, while those who don't run the risk of misfortune.
”I’ve heard that the people of Touvette are a bunch of overly anxious and nosey a@%@@+&s. Hey, captain! If we don’t disembark and are just passing through, do those Touvettan pricks get pushy with ya still, or will they just let you go on by?” she says to the group and then asks the captain.
__________
Jon does not listen much to their sales pitch. He quickly starts to send signals that he thinks they should kill the pair.
"Tell me again how is it you figured out that we have the skills you need? Are we that obvious?" They can identify us. They need to die.
The two men exchange a surprised look. "We look for people who appear to be adventurers. Those who carry weapons, or unusual gear." Philip gestures at Kage's blades and Alenaya's large case of vials and flasks.
Markley folds his arms. "The fact that you are two pair of men and women and have no children with you."
===========
The captain shrugs. "It depends. They will demand a full roster of everyone aboard, and may search us. Comply, and there should be no problem." He begins sizing up Alenaya as if wondering if she'll cause trouble for him.
Kage laughed, "Seriously?" He glanced at Eris and back to the men before adding, "Maybe we just don't want children? I mean all those nappies and the tantrums..." A bit more soberly he added, "Some free advice, you two are way too trusting. For all you know we could be sympathizers of the current regime or worse Grey Wardens. Frankly I don't think you're cut out for this. If I was you I'd forget about Galt and move somewhere civilized. You're just going to get folks killed." With that he folds him arms and watches their reaction...
Kage shrugs, "Whatever, there's nothing for them to find even if they do search the baot." Catching Alenaya's eye he adds,
"Right?"
The two men scowl at Kage. "Do you think we don't know how to spot a Grey Gardener?" Markley asks. "I suppose you have never had everything you've ever known, everything your family has built and worked for stripped and taken from you? Imagine if you lost everything. Your children pulled from your arms as they scream for their mother. Your parents killed in a device that traps their souls so that they will never pass on into the afterlife. Would you just walk away? Would you, sir?"
=====================
The captain spares a quick glance at Kage, then he goes back to weighing Alenaya with his eyes. "A good question. Is there any reason for us to be concerned?"
Alenaya looks about at the scrutiny, seemingly flabbergasted. ”Not from me! I just know how crazy someone can be when they are already assuming everyone is out to get them. They can see someone just traveling through as a threat and spy just because they had the audacity to carry a weapon for self protection!” she answers.
Kage blinked at them. He'd had Mantis blade taken from him, that certainly rankled, but he'd get over it. Really they should get over it too, but something told him that was going to happen. Shrugging he replied, "Doesn't sound like it would be easy to let go no. I still think you're going about this the wrong way. To make the changes you're after, you need to raise an army. Sure maybe you can assassinate a few key figures in the regime but there's plenty more where they came from. You're going to need fifteen to twenty thousand men, a cadre of hired mages and a general to lead them. That doesn't come cheap! They're going to want to be paid in gold, today not tomorrow. Maybe you once had the money but not anymore." Kage gets up and makes to leave, "It's been a pleasure gentlemen, but we really can't help you. The kind of money you need can be made, but not around here."
Kage watched the Captain, trying to weigh up if he was going to be a problem. Probably not, but you could never be too careful.
The pair look disappointed, but either good sense or experience keep them from belaboring the point any further. They bid you farewell and allow you to leave.
The captain nods, seemingly mollified with Alenaya's explanation. "If you're interested in getting to Pitax as you've told me when you chartered passage, then you'll smile at the Touvette guards, take their papers, and don't wander off the boat when we stop at Avendale. Got it?"
Kage senses nothing out of the usual with this captain, who is mainly looking out for his own vessel and crew. He's used to outsiders not knowing the customs of the River Kingdoms, but his tolerance clearly has limits. As with any vessel of decent size, there are crannies and tight spots in which someone could hide or stow a bit of contraband. But whether it will go completely unnoticed depends on the skill of the person searching the boat.
Kage stifles a yawn, "I'm sure it'll be fine Alenaya although I think you're right, I'll stay on board too. I've got no interest in the local politics."
"Perhaps we should all stay on board for this stop."