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Another gnome bobs into the room. Her fiery orange hair is cropped short; and her skin is such a bright peach color that it looks unnatural. She plunks herself into a chair, swinging her legs, and introduces herself.
"Hi all! Pai Shecks here, electrocutioner extraordinaire. How's everyone doing today?" Her energetic eyes dart around to everyone's faces as she awaits their answers with eager anticipation.
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A small gnome with a boar snuffling the ground behind walks in, “hello there, I'm Dexter, resident Naturalist and Sustainability Consultant. My porcine pal here is Salazar; he won’t bite, but watch out for the tusks. He does most the dirty work, and I handle support services and um... burning what needs burning?"
Pulling out a stack of papers he hands one to each pathfinder and shakes their hands, "anyway, I'm not all about combat or anything. I'd rather share my views in a rational manner. If you get bored on our travels take a look at what I am pushing. It's just some simple steps to take to start living in harmony with nature without having to sacrifice everything and go live in a tree."
Dexter is a small gnome with deep green hair and matching eyes. He wears a basic brown and grey explorer’s outfit and carries a backpack. The boar seems almost better outfitted than the druid in studded leather with a loaded pack saddle strapped to his back.
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Grateful that she is up high in a chair and not standing face to face with the boar, Pai waves a Salazar with nervous laughter, then addresses the others. "Hehe! Hi Salazar! And Dexter--oh, thanks! I'll read this in a sec. And hi Xaio!
Turning to Turen, she explains: "I zap things with electricity. A lot."
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Dexter smiles, at least they took the pamplets! Most refuse!
He starts chattering with the gnomes, "do the tinkerers keep begging you all to provide electricity or power to their little gadgets and projects? They are always after me for their experiments. I mean I get it, you have a new invention and it'll totally change how we slice bread if you could only cast one little spell for me!"
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Xiao is clearly a little hesitant to come forward but he does at the end!
”Well ... ehhh ... which gods are you trusting in? You know ... my goddess is Chaldira! Well ... you cannot always control luck. My goddess is known for acting without much planning, and as a result often needs assistance. We faithful see this as a sign of her and our innate luck and ability to survive in even the most dire of circumstances. But you cannot control luck!!“ Xiao says shyly to you all.
”So what do you guys believe in?“
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Dexter nods at the human and offers him a pamphlet.
He turns back to Xiao, "Chaldira eh? Always seems to work out for her it seems. Too much at stake though for me, I like to plan stuff a bit more. Gozreh is worth the effort to worship in my mind, other than that I just want to make the world a bit of a better place."
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Xiao nods and bows again when the others talk about their religious beliefs.
When Pai stays silent Xiao looks at her and suddenly ... his eyes widen!
”You!! I know you!! Well, I heard of you Pai ... you ruined a big deal between Lyssalans and the Aspis a while back ... we had lots of fun listening to the stories of your sabotage in the crazy cultists’ hideout!! A great deed to the Society!“ Xiao says and he bows again.
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At Xiao's exclamation, a mischievous expression spreads across Pai's face. It begins with a crinkling of her dancing eyes, then the rising of her cheeks as the corners of her lips escape her barely-there feigned control. In the space of a moment, her face transforms from a cold, expressionless wall into that of a proud, mirthful prankster.
"Oh, yeah. That was fun. And they were creeps. They deserved everything they got. I just hope my identity isn't compromised. I'd love a chance to mess with either of them again!" She chuckles gleefully at the memory of her past capers.
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When the knock at the door came, it was an unexpected surprise. Opening the door, a boy not yet a man simply asked your name, and when you answered, he reached into his travelling satchel and produced a missive emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society wax seal of the Grand Lodge.
You broke the seal and unfurled the scroll, only to have found a terse message: "Tomorrow. First dawn. My office." looking at bottom, you saw it was signed by the Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin.
Today, you find yourself at Skyreach, home of Valsin's personal office located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.
Having arrived, an attendant lead you to a sitting room, where a table lied adorned with tea, bread, various meats and cheeses.
You've had ample time to introduce yourself to your teammates for the task at hand - and now, the same aide re-enters the sitting room and makes a quick calculation. "Excellent. We appear to have everyone mustered. The Venture-Captain will see you now."
She opens a broad door, then motions you to enter. Beyond the door, behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office, sits Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. He looks up from the pile of papers before him and shuffles them to one side.
"Perfect timing! Welcome Pathfinders!" he pushes his chair back, and rises to greet you. "I had an... interesting conversation with the Master of Spells, Aram Zey yesterday. An old friend -- Lady Darchana, Archdean of the Arcanamirium here in Absalom contacted Master Zey with a matter of discretion."
He comes around the corner of his desk, then sits on the edge. "You see, she’s also a member on the Low Council. It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of one her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When the Lady Darchana learned that someone was attempting to eavesdrop on her party, she used her magic to trace the sensor back to its source. It sounds as though she didn’t learn anything conclusive, and she’s interested in bringing in an independent party to try and learn more. He steeples his fingers in front of his chin. "Master Zey agrees."
"Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like -- at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an up-and-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo, Milana regarding the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins. Questions?"
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Dexter does not appear happy with all the talk of owning a servant but he keeps his mouth shut, just bide your time and look for opportunities to liberate anyone you can. Plus if we chase this up high enough and are able to interfere with a slave organization it'll do a lot more good than just general outrage.
He plasters on a small grin, "sounds like a fair mission. If our aim is to gain influence with a powerful Lady plus getting a chance to investigate slavers, I'm happy to be of assistance."
Popping his knuckles one by one he adds to the group, "and the good thing when dealing with that kind of scum is we don't really have a moral compunction to be nice."
He turns to the V.C. with a question, "how subtle do we need to be? Can we give an indication as to why we are investigating or do we need a cover story?"
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Well, it is one of these stories between the upper class and the poor one. By the way, Xiao asked to know where to find the two rich women and the slave. But where can they find the retail from where the slave was coming from?
Can you tell us where the slaves are sold in Absalom?
And of course, the question he would love to have the answer but already think it would be to easy.
Did the magic of Lady Darchana cleared who was behind this sensor's story?
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"May I ask if we have access to Lady Silviana, her handmaiden as well as Lady Darchana? Can you provide us with their address please? And what do you mean with solicitor with regards regards to the handmaiden?"
The Venture Captain returns to his plush chair behind his bureau, then answers Xiao's question. "Well, access to the Lady Silviana will prove quite difficult, as it's my understanding she has left for Oppara two days ago. It seems Lady Darchana is trying to avoid turning this into a public debacle by working through intermediaries and not alarming any of the other noble houses. Lady Silviana’s recent departure may even be to ensure her safety and silence on the matter. Of course, that’s an educated guess. As for the Silviana's solicitor, my guess is that he would have arranged the original purchase of the handmaiden."
"And the good thing when dealing with that kind of scum is we don't really have a moral compunction to be nice."
Valsin then turns to Dexter. "While I may share your repugnance of the practice, ownership of slaves is legal in Absalom, though not that widespread. Usually, it's a legal agreement, punishment for debts unpaid, but in more lawless lands..." his face turns to one of disappointment and disgust in his fellow man. "... it can be a nasty business. Slaves acquired through illicit means usually come with a bounty on your head. That's if they're ever discovered to be illegally obtained."
"How subtle do we need to be? Can we give an indication as to why we are investigating or do we need a cover story?"
Valsin chuckles. "Well, if I were to do your job, I'd still be running around in the streets and not behind this beautiful mahogany desk! We trust you to do the job you're given in the way you work best. Lady Darchana came to us, wishing to keep this investigation discreet. So discretion is what I'd advise."
"Can you tell us where the slaves are sold in Absalom?"
"Down on Misery Row; it's the only place where the conducting business in the flesh trade is considered legal."
"Did the magic of Lady Darchana cleared who was behind this sensor's story?"
"Well, my understanding when I talked with Master Zey is that she learned something, but not anything definitive. Details were spotty, so you'd best follow it up with her yourselves."
"Now..." says Valsin as he scoots his plush chair back towards the wall behind him, "... if you'll excuse me, I've other teams to brief, other problems to solve. I trust you have a proper idea of where to start - either go to and attempt to speak with her staff, or head to the Coins and track down Silviana's solicitor, His place of business is the
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Pai is of the same mind as Salazar on the idea of owning slaves--er, "servants". Contempt streaks across her face for several moments during the briefing, before she dons her nearly-expressionless-but-slightly-bored mask. It suits her ill, as always, though disuse has made it all the more uncomfortable. Keep your cool, Pai. Be smart about this... She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she ponders the options.
"I suggest going to Dimora Manor first. Knowing as much as possible about what we're up against would be really helpful. What do you think?"
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Happy to have at least one strong ally against slavers, Dexter agrees to go to the manor first.
He adds while they walk, "tis better to have a feel for what we are walking into when dealing with... what did they call the slaver? a soliciter? Ugh, making up new words to hide their horrible actions."
He looks around, "any of you particularly fluent in the social graces of not peeving people off? I can usually carry a conversation with most, but well... I have strong opinions that rankle some sensitive souls. So I can either stay quiet if you all can handle it or chatter on as usual."
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Pai replies earnestly: "Better stay quiet than offend the nobles. I grew up traveling from court to court--my father is a famous portraitist. Quontashmo Shecks, perhaps you've heard of him? Anyway, I usually had to fend for myself while he worked, so I know first hand how much trouble nobles can be if you don't stroke their egos the whole booping time. Especially their little brats. If you can't be obsequious, be silent." As she speaks, disgust, resentment, and contempt leak into her voice. She shakes her head as if to clear it, then continues in her normally brisk, cheery voice. "So anyway, I can't say I'm super suave with them, because I often have to bite my tongue instead of responding, but I can usually get by with the hoity toity crowd."
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You make your way to the Petal District asking the locals directions to Dimora Manor. As you approach, you immediately notice the 8-foot-high fieldstone wall that surrounds Lady Silviana Dimora’s estate.
The grounds are recently tended with thick, soft grass, several well-placed shade trees, and many species of flowering plants. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles gently. A servant in what appears to be a middle class outfit looks over several loaves of bread that a baker has approached the gate with, nods, then scrawls something in a ledger. He waves the baker through, then addresses you while keeping his eyes glued to his writing.
"And what do we have next..." The doorman lifts his gaze to see you all. "Three gnomes and some hooded folk. If you’re some sort of mummers’ troupe, I can assure you we've no inclination to accept such... solicitations."
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Surprised isn't the right term to use to describe the Sandokar's feeling at this time. But he's not pleased to hear the little staff speaking like this. It is perhaps right that by our days, the rich ones don't come to find good servants. Well, let's see.
Sorry, but we're not here to ask for any... solicitations. In fact, we are in business with Lady Silviana Dimora...
It should place the pieces a bit different manner in the guy's mind.
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The attendant seems a bit surprised when you mention your business. "Oh. Right. The incident." He waves over another attendant, then greets another person at the gate, this time a grocer.
"Right this way." says the other attendant, and leads you to a parlor room, furnished with plush blue couches and chairs. "The majordomo will be with you in a moment." They bow graciously, then exit the room.
Moments later, Lady Silviana’s majordomo Milana, a stern-looking woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, enters the room and speaks in a polished and formally apologetic tone. "Why, esteemed members of the Pathfinder Society! I regret to inform you that the Lady Silviana is not present here at the manor, and as such, cannot participate in any investigation - to take such an... unscheduled meeting... it certainly does not befit her important and dutiful business at this time." Her tone of voice absolutely drips with condescension.
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The warpriest remains quiet hearing what the woman says. Then he continues.
Well, I've no doubt that Lady Silviana Dimora has important things to do right now. But it doesn't matter. You should be able to answer the questions we have to ask. In fact you seems in position in this house to be able to help us and Lady Silviana Dimora at the same time. A person like you must know the importance of the relation between Lady Silviana Dimora and Lady Darchana.
Diplomacy:
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"... you should be able to answer the questions we have to ask. In fact you seems in position in this house to be able to help us and Lady Silviana Dimora at the same time. A person like you must know the importance of the relation between Lady Silviana Dimora and Lady Darchana."
Milana seems taken aback. "I assure you, myself and the staff of this manor are expected to serve the Lady in all of her needs. As she is away, I can certainly grant you a moment of my time."
"What if the handmaidens espionage would have reached the ears of a wider noble audience? We are discreet!"
She finds a seat on one of the exotic pillowed chairs, then looks from side to side. She then shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead.
"Please, there is no need for such a thing. As my Lady is not here, I can conduct business on her behalf. She wants nothing more than to see this dreadful incident behind her."
She pours herself a glass of wine, then sighs.
"Lady Darchana’s dinner party. What can I say? What an embarrassment for Lady Silviana! Can you imagine being told that your handmaiden is some sort of... well... spy? Dreadful! The woman’s name is Atlag, and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that were had in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill."
She darts her eyes about the room once more, then speaks in a softer tone. Composing herself, Milana continues.
"Lady Silviana retains a solicitor, a Chelish gentleman named Solvius Salbus. He works out of an office in the Coins called the Red Letter. He drew up the paperwork for my Lady to complete the transaction on Atlag with a man named..." She wags her finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name.
"Mahdi... Mahjub? No, dear me... it was Mahjub Mahdi! He does his business down in Misery Row, of course. It's a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. "Mahdi’s Chattel: Absalom’s Finest" so the sign claims."
Her face turns to one of disgust. "I mean, referring to humanoids as chattel? Ugh, how positively gauche. I wonder how many spies like Atlag he’s sold over the years? It’s a dreadful, dreadful business. I am not sure there is anything else I can tell you, but I am sure you understand that there's nothing my Lady desires more than to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you."
With that, she stands up, then motions you to the door, following you to the gate. As you reach the cobblestone way to the street, she hesitates, then extends her hand. "One moment. You seem to possess a keen understanding of how things work here in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady? It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi - completely beneath her station... However... were you to secure such a deal? Why, it would be a gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place?"
She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly. "Just something to consider in your dealings with him."
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I know it's hard to co-ordinate in PbP, but a note going forward regarding Aid Another - it only grants a +2 to the ally's NEXT attack or skill roll. If you're looking to aid someone in a Diplomacy or similar check, you can't roll after you see the result. That's not how the action works. :P
Who was Atlag spying for? What were her objectives? How exactly did they discover that she was a spy? What kind of name is Atlag, anyway? Do people generally know that Mahdi sells spy slaves? Can we run that slaver out of business? Smear campaign, maybe? ... Dozens of questions spin through Pai's head. Of two things she is certain, though: Atlag is a slave who knows things, and most slaves wouldn't mind being free.
"Hey guys! We should talk to Atlag. It'll probably be hard to get her to talk, but there's a goldmine of information there if we can get her to trust us. Maybe we offer her freedom and protection in exchange for information. Whaddya think?"
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Milana frowns. "I assure you, she has been thoroughly questioned about the incident, and she denies any knowledge of the scrying. Nonetheless, I understand you wish to be thorough." She calls an attendant over. "Summon the new girl, Atlag here to the front gate. There are questions to be asked."
A moment later, and the attendant brings the slave handmaiden to the front gate to meet you. "Yes, Majordomo?" she says, kind and gentle, with a slight Qadiran accent.
Milana gestures to you all. "These people are from the Pathfinder Society. It seems the Lady Darchana has tasked them with investigating the dinner party incident, and Lady Silviana would expect nothing but your full and total cooperation." She nods to you all. "There is work to be done, so please posit any questions in a timely manner."
Milana then walks away to leave you to interrogate Atlag alone.
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”Dear Atlag, please be assured that we are here to help you as well! Slavery is an unbelievably cruel treatment of a human being and should be abolished in my eyes! So please believe us that we just want to understand how this situation came to be and what you know of the instruments that were provided to you so that you can spy on these nobles!“ Xiao says with clear emotional stress, seeing this woman with potential in front of him that is now a slave.