[PFS / PbP] Slaver's End (Low Tier) (Inactive)

Game Master Amsheagar

Introduce your characters to each other. Game starts 6/26. Handout 1 is in the Campaign Info tab

A mix of odors fills the tavern, chief among them stale arak with a faint hint of cleaning products and vomit.

A taller woman steps into the tavern and gives a small grimace over the smell it presents. She gazes around the tavern looking for a group tat might present the pathfinders she would likely be working with, and spotting none, moves for the closest open, and clean, table.

Her features gracefully losing the fight with middle age, clearly show she has a good deal of elven blood, though she moves with a grace that even her elven blood can't quite explain. She sets down the massive pack she'd been carrying, double checking that the small arsenal of weapons strapped to the side for quick retrival are all still in place before streching and adjusting what looks like a solid piece of armor underneath most of her bright, varisian clothing.

She makes a quick trip to the bar, bringing back a few glasses of cold water and a coulple of mugs of beer in case the others came in thirsty, before sitting down and starting to sip on a glass of water herself. Ahh, Too bad Monty wasn't sent on this mission. I miss him already, but given the numbers of slaves on the streets I'm not sure he'd be happy with being here anyways...

Anyone who looks at Malark will see a half-naked strong man. His face is dyed in color. He carry his large Bastard sword.
"Sorry! I did not introduce myself. My name is Malark!"

A short and slightly out-of-shape kitsune enters the tavern. He wears decent armor and the worn gray robes of a priest or monk. He doesn't carry many weapons or pieces of equipment outside of a tiny backpack, but a large banner is folded up at his side. One face shows the Glyph of the Open Road, the other has a Master's Rebus on it.

Not entirely sure which table to sit at, his educated guess of the one with the most varied crew proves right! He takes a glass of water and downs it. "Hello, all! The name's Draklor. As seasoned a Pathfinder as yourselves, and but a humble preacher of Irori. It's good to know our mission beforehand, grim as it is.

"I don't like the look of it, I'll admit. The esteemed Miss Starsight will likely seal that deal with further details on the assignment. But at least we'll be doing some good, the specifics will help more than they try to dampen our spirits. Now if only it wasn't so hot, that would do."

Traber is wrapped full body in bandages. He wears a heavy cloak and gloves, leaving only as little of his face he needs to interact with the world visible. Despite that, he walks straight and proud and has an arrogance about him. "Greetings, Pathfinders." He says with an obvious, perhaps even exaggerated Chelaxian accent. He finds a place to sit, making it obvious that he is too good for this establishment.

Sedeq- land of genie binders and expert jailers of all beings of elemental persuasion. Surely there will be interesting and novel knowledge to be explored here...

Stepping off her ship, she quickly sets to find her designated meeting place, not willing to linger in the slave-filled streets a moment too long. With the establishment in sight, she straighten her robes and hair, and tries to appear a bit more relaxed.

What they see entering the tavern is a cheerful-looking halfling woman swathed in blue robes that appear well-suited for the local heat. After gaining her bearings for a few moments she sits at a low table suited for smaller humanoids and orders a cold glass of dark purple grape juice while opening a notebook and reading several minutes from it.

After completing a few entries, she stows her ink and pen back in her backpack and walks towards the group of Pathfinders, smiling.

"Well met, friends. I am Enora, and will be assisting you in your task with my humble skills with magic. I am hoping that our stay here is not limited to our grim endeavor but that it will also allow us to devote some time towards more personal interests. It is... not everyday that our work puts us within the land of Qadira."

She extends her small hand to shake everyone's, listening to their introduction in turn.

Anyone who looks at Malark will see a half-naked strong man. His face is dyed in color. He carry his large Bastard sword.

"Sorry! I did not introduce myself. My name is Malark!"

Faliana gives the handsome man a large smile, eyes wandering every so slighty, while mentally face-palming herself. Of course the giant half naked man with an even bigger sword is a Pathfinder. Can't believe I missed that. She stands and extends and hand for him to shake, her grip surprisingly firm. Her face a mask of gruff congeniality, she claps him across the back. "Glad to meetcha Malark, I'm Faliana, Faliana Galina. You're going to hafta watch out for sunburns there!"

Chatting away with Malark, Faliana takes a second to recognize the approach slightly pudgy kitsune, but quickly turns to study him when she does. Her face first takes on a rather hard smile, but it soon melts in a genuine warmth. She gestures to the her silver and blue bladed scarf around her head as she replies, "It's always a pleasure to meet another who's devoted their life to a higher calling! I adhere to the teachings of Ashava myself, and try to make sure that every soul can find it's way to the after life, whether they've jsut recently died, have been stuck for decades, or..." she pauses for a second as a small shudder runs down her spine, "...have become undead."

She gives a pause as she watches Traber, clearly not sure about his arrogance, but soon her face settles into the self-confident but deferantial look of someone only a level or two under the adressee. "Greetings, good sir. I don't believe we had your name?"

Faliana watches the halfling wander in for a second, a look of surprise blooming on her face as she moves past the group. Now there was someone I would have sworn was a Pathfinder. But I guess there are outlandish, free halflings everywhere, even the heart of a city built on slaves...

When the woman finally approaches the table, Faliana gives her a look that seems to scream, 'I knew it' and 'Oooh, you!'. After a second, she returns the halfling's smile with one of her own. Taking her hand, the half-elf introduces her self before continuing, "I heartily agree, being able to spend some time learning about Sedeq, the parts not dealing with it's less than desierable trade, would be a treat!"

Once it seems everyone has gathered around the table, Faliana takes a deep breath and with a look comprised of elements of her previous introductions, comments, “Before we go any further, I should mention I am a medium. I can channel several spirits and they can lend me some of their abilities. However, their influence over me may cause me to act... uh, differently than normal. I hope this isn’t too off putting, but is there any ideas as to what kind of spirit would be helpful? Perhaps Anavi, a former general famous for brining out the best in her soilders?”

Feel free to take a look at the spirits listed on her character sheet and make a suggestion as to which might work the best. Moke the Champion spirit works well for any group, but Anavi would allow the most variety in support. Sasha and Fritania also work but I only bring out Mariel or Themptius if there's a big gap in the group she needs to fill.

"A noble calling, that. All souls deserve rest." Draklor also looks a bit somber over the topic of death and undeath, but brightens as it passes. He hurries off to fetch several more waters, as he has already drank two.

"Most of the time I try swaying someone to Irori's flock, the Master has a lesson for me instead! One's path to personal perfection, or however they choose to improve, isn't set in stone. Nor are any two quite alike. So if I am refused, it is consoling that they may come around. Or maybe they won't. It isn't my place to push, only show the options."

When Faliana brings up her abilities, Draklor seems interested. "Not off-putting at all. I think I've met a few of similar talents. I don't know if it's taboo for you and yours to talk about this; the others didn't want to. But you seem at ease with these spirits, so forgive me if I pry too hard. Are they related to you, or perhaps bonded by some freak magic?"

Anavi would be good utility and allow us to pick from boons. With only one other melee fighter, Moke is also useful, even when the other is as strong as Amiri Malark. I don't know if you can save against Performance or if you just don't count as an ally. I think Fritania would make another good pick, I don't think we have many of the skills she brings to the table. Not sure if her taboo has already been crossed, though.

I really like how you put all the spirits on your profile! I don't usually do that with my character backgrounds, but it's fun. I like to think I'd do something similar if I made a medium, and have started doing so with an occultist now that I'm playing him again.

Watching the group of gathered adventures sits Karisa Starsight, a bright-eyed stewardess of the Library's Edge operation. She catches Darklor's eye and motions him to bring the rest over to her.

Once there, you can see that her hood is casting a shadow over her face, but her bright eyes shine out as two points of light in the otherwise dimly lit tavern.

She pulls back a fold of her cloak to reveal a pin depicting a golden longsword on blue wings, the Liberty’s Edge insignia. “Welcome to Sedeq. I hope you made it here without too much harassment from the residents. This city is as despicable and crime ridden as any I’ve seen. Everyone seems to be under the thumb of someone even more vile, so it’s difficult to find anyone to trust. This establishment has just the right amount of ill repute.” She stops speaking as a server approaches the table.

The server smiles at the group, "What can I get for you?" she asks in a bored tone, waiting just a moment before Karisa replres.

“A pitcher, please.” The server eyes Karisa with disdain, then walks towards the bar while scratching their rear.

Karisa Starsight takes a moment to compose herself. “Venture-Captain Yuul tells me that you are fine agents and will be able to help me track down the ex-Pathfinder, Phlegos Dulm. I've got a lead on some missing Pathfinder agents we believe he poisoned and sold into slavery to cover his substantial debts. I can't track both at once, so I’ll be relying on you to find Phlegos and bring him in. Meanwhile I'll be locating our missing agents. The Decemvirate would like to question Phlegos, so bring him back alive, if possible. Karisa pauses as the server returns with the pitcher of ale.

The server places it in the middle of the table. "Anything else? she asked.

Karisa raised an eyebrow, "I think we could go with a few glasses for everyone." The server turned and walked away without saying anything.

“I would start by talking to Corvius Vayn, a slave merchant and genie binder. He is about as untrustworthy and despicable as they come, but he was also Phlegos’s primary contact here in Sedeq. If anyone knows where he is, it will be Vayn. I've managed to obtain a letter of introduction for you. He'll know you're Pathfinders and will likely suspect you want information on Phlegos; his spy network is extensive."

The server stops by and drops off mugs for each of you and pours the ale into each of your glasses while Karisa eyed her. Only continuing the conversation after she left.

“You might also be able to obtain information on Phlegos from Khanuur, Vayn’s efreeti slave who rarely leaves his side. Normally I’d recommend freeing Khanuur in exchange for information, but Khanuur is an evil genie, an efreeti. Freeing him would mean letting a powerful evil force free into the world but keeping him enslaved seems unfair to any creature. I trust your judgment to do what you feel is right."

The pitcher quickly drained with the assult of six people. "Server!" Karisa yelled out, "Another Pitcher, and make it quick."

"Before I depart, do you have any questions for me?"

"Can we get more information on Corvius Vayn and Khanuur. And one more thing, will we recive some help?"

Karisa shakes her head at Malark, "He's extreamly rich, powerful, vile and a target I've had my eye on for a long time now. He’s a genie binder and a slaver with a staggeringly large network of contacts and ludicrously deep pockets. Those connections insulate him from reprisal and make it very difficult to prove any criminal acts that might give us an excuse to take action against him. He also has a love of rare possessions and will collect anything he finds unique: alcohol, jewelry, slaves. It might be efficient to bring a rare alcohol or other unique gift for him if you have access to such.”

She thinks for a moment before answering about Khanuur "As for Khanuur, I feel.... a certain amount of sympathy for the creature. Corvius keeps the efreeti bound to him with a magical collar. I have tools that can help you break him free of it. If such appears to be necessary.

Draklor grins at seeing Karisa. He's never actually met, but of course he recognizes his esteemed leader! "Thank you for meeting us here, and for the hefty praise. Here's hoping we can live up to it!

"Hmm, questions." Just as he expected, the kitsune looks a bit disconcerted with the mission. He drinks some ale politely. "What did Phlegos to be kicked from the Society? The attack and capture of those agents, or something prior? These people sound like all we work against. It will test my resolve to benefit from their company, but while I am, I'll try to fix things. Perhaps even their minds can be helped with luck."

"Any more you can tell us of the traitorous Phlegm?" I know his name is Phlegos.

Before Karisa calls them over:

"Most of the time I try swaying someone to Irori's flock, the Master has a lesson for me instead! One's path to personal perfection, or however they choose to improve, isn't set in stone. Nor are any two quite alike. So if I am refused, it is consoling that they may come around. Or maybe they won't. It isn't my place to push, only show the options."

Faliana listens to Draklor's comments with an open face, she stops and ponders them for a few moments, before continuing, "A very well-reasoned and balanced opinion. You're certainly a follower of the Master in thought and action as well as name! Certianly giving options and helping to guide is about all we can do for some, but what about those who cannot reason for themselves? Or those whose reasoning has been twisted in some way? What do you do then?"

When Faliana brings up her abilities, Draklor seems interested. "Not off-putting at all. I think I've met a few of similar talents. I don't know if it's taboo for you and yours to talk about this; the others didn't want to. But you seem at ease with these spirits, so forgive me if I pry too hard. Are they related to you, or perhaps bonded by some freak magic?"

Gracing him with a braod smile, Faliana starts openly, "It's only taboo in the sense that many would prefer to keep it mysterious and unknowable. But for me being able to channel a spirit is a skill like any other. Some people can roll their tounges, wriggle their ears, I can channel a lingering spirit either trapped here or unwilling to leave." She takes a moment to grab a sip of water.

"With the exception of Fritania, none of them are related to me. But all of them have either stayed behind for some reason, been trapped here against their will, or been allowed by Ashava to return and finish something. Admittedly none of them will be easy to accomplish. Sasha wouldn't be satisfied with anything less than 'helping guide every poor, lost undead soul.' However none of them are bound to me though, and could readily stop talking to me if they wished, but I provide some counseling along with eyes, a mouth, and arms to allow them to do something."

Faliana follows Draklor over to the new table taking her surruptiously prestidigitation-cleaned water glass with her.

“... This establishment has just the right amount of ill repute.”

Faliana gives the place a glance around, "Ah, that would explain the... memorable accomidations we have here"

Karisa raised an eyebrow, "I think we could go with a few glasses for everyone." The server turned and walked away without saying anything.

Faliana holds up her rather clean looking glass commenting, "I'm good here, thank-you!"

Being surpirisingly clumsy with her glass, Faliana seems to spill as much of it as she drinks, and whenever everyone isn't looking, there's a faint whiff of magic in the air and her glass is filled again with rapidly browning liquid.

"Is there any good way to talk to Kanuur without Vayn present. Does he regularly do the shopping on his own or something similar?"

Ale time Karisa smiles at Faliana's attempt to be dry. But shrugs, knowing that it's her choice of what she drinks.

Karisa shakes her head slowly at Draklor's question, "As far as I know. He was doing something bad and Venture Captain Roderus had a group of pathfinders, like yourselves, investigate him and he was kicked out.

Turning towards Traber, Our records tell us that he is a Half-orc Investigator, but not much beyond that.

Knowing that Faliana isn't going to like the answer, Karisa moves on, "No, the creature is bound to Corvius by a magical collar. So Khanuur isn't allowed any freedom what so ever.

"Certianly giving options and helping to guide is about all we can do for some, but what about those who cannot reason for themselves? Or those whose reasoning has been twisted in some way? What do you do then?"

"Well, as always it depends on the circumstances, but how good of an answer is that?" Draklor chuckles. "Truth be told, I'm not sure. I have yet to encounter someone like that. It wouldn't be any trouble for the likes of, say, a zombie. I could stand to meet such a person, so I had the right knowledge going forward. If that happened on this mission, your skills would be a great help."

To Karisa, he reels back the relevant names when others are done questioning. "I think I know everything I need to. Well, I don't, but it would be best learned on the job. Thank you for this opportunity, we will prevail!"

Knowing that Faliana isn't going to like the answer, Karisa moves on, "No, the creature is bound to Corvius by a magical collar. So Khanuur isn't allowed any freedom what so ever.

Faliana gives a small grimace at the mental image. "That is going to make talking to him difficult and judging whether or not it'd be good to free him near impossible... One final question, are efreeti known for following pacts? If we made a legal agreement, would Khanuur be likely to follow it?"

"As for Khanuur, I feel.... a certain amount of sympathy for the creature. Corvius keeps the efreeti bound to him with a magical collar. I have tools that can help you break him free of it. If such appears to be necessary.

"Yes, please discuss the nature of these tools. And feel free to share any other information you have on genie-binding, as this will assist us in dealing with this situation should it present itself..." says Enora, seemingly fascinated by the subject.

Give me knowledge Arcana and Planes for that information.

Op, well Fali doesn't have a leg to stand on here!

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"Do not fret over the condition of the genie. It is a powerful denizen of the planes fool enough to be made a slave yet weak enough for Corvius to keep it one. Corvius keeps it by his side as proof of his power and to let you know what will happen to you if you were to cross him."

"I urge care in dealing with the slave. It is probably commanded to reveal any dealings or double dealings to its master and could even be forced to resist release with all its power."

You see a small creature, dressed in darkleaf armor, slowly enter the tavern. However, by consideration it turns out that the very essence is a tree or a bush. Dense bush with interlacing of vines, leaves, fruits and flowers. The creature pulls one limb which is a branch and immerses it in a barrel of water. It is worth a minute, looking around the inn, and then sits down at the table. There is now signs of weapon at arrived bush, but he is obviously a Pathfinder as he carry unusual wayfinder with elemental symbols.

Meanwhile a miniature dragon flies down from the celling where he could be unnoticed earlier and starts to listen conversation from bush's head (or at least a body part similar to a head). Dragons body is covered with dozens of small stars.

I am Greet! - says the bush looking for more free liquid at the table.

You also can hear somethoughts in your minds separately, when tiny dragon looks at you... I am Skyrocket. Sorry Greet for being late -he is too slow sometimes. Tree's habbits. But I am here to be quick.

After some delay Greet adds: I can commune with spirits too. And I dances under moonlight with Ashava. She helped me to stop Wild Hunt. - Greet got no mouth bit he speaks creaky ans slowly somehow.

Knowledge Planes Skyrocket: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Knowledge Planes Greet: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Knowledge Arcane Skyrocket: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Planes: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
Arcana: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17

Draklor is slightly distracted by the appearance of a new creature. Is that a Pathfinder? Why must so many look edible on first glance?

Aloud, he says, "Well met, Greet and Skyrocket. I'm sure your talents will be useful!"

This city is as despicable and crime ridden as any I’ve seen. Everyone seems to be under the thumb of someone even more vile, so it’s difficult to find anyone to trust. This establishment has just the right amount of ill repute.

After quiet thought exchange with the pseudodragon, Greet asks Karissa.

Greets head is not pumpkin-like. Its more similar to crooked stump with some roots at the top. At the stump are three large dark blue berries similar to eyes. (but three)

Meanwhile Skyrocket carefully walking over the table to smell Draklor. Nice to be here with you, Master's follower. - he sends to the kitsune via telepathy, which is his usual communication form. In general he is just chirps, hisses, growls, and purrs... at draconic.

"Just to get back to that slave for a minute. I definitely do not want to negotiate with him, but on the other hand I'm not very smart so you decide."

** spoiler omitted **

Give me knowledge Arcana and Planes for that information.

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

Enora smiles at the newly arrived Pathfinder and nods upon hearing their opinions on the subject.

ill post an update in about 5 hours.

Greets head is not pumpkin-like. Its more similar to crooked stump with some roots at the top. At the stump are three large dark blue berries similar to eyes. (but three)

Don't worry, Draklor isn't picky about his vegetables!

"Don't sell yourself short, friend!" Draklor looks a bit shaken at Malark's profession. "At the very least, you are smart in a specific area. All my know-how, even of weak points and the like, couldn't match the elegance I assume that massive blade bears in battle."

"Any suggestions on where we could find something unique and interesting for this slaver?"

Karsia shakes her head, The rich and powerful don’t need that much.

Greet spent some time without any signs of movement. He then says
Greet is not smart too. Planar bindnig could be used - Corvius may be very powerful. Should we look for some poison trail? - Greet changes discussion for next question to Karisa.

After listening for answer Greet will add:
We are now one with taverns chair spirit. I can give 3 of pathfinders his blessing until we back here next day. After short ritual with plate, fork, sticks and beer, Greet finds 3 berries inside his body to give to 3 participants.

Traber declines the boon.

"No suggestions? Well perhaps we should go speak to the man and find out what we can."

"I agree! Let's go!"

Faliana gives the new leshy friend a curious look, but decides to stay back and watch him interact with everyone, but when he reaches out about being associated with spirits and Ashava she sputters for a second, at a rare loss for words. "Well, why, I... that's not something I share in common with others commonly! It's a pleasure to meet you Greet!"

She then settles down in a good spot in the tavern, sets down her pack and then hunts down the serving girl, "Ahh, miss, given the still early hour, you wouldn't be opposed to me using a small area of your establishment to perform a séance would you?"

Hopefully with the permission, she sets up a small circle with chalk, and then lays out six candles at key points around the circle and lights them connecting them together with more chalk lines. Next she draws out a bundle of red strings before ushering everyone who'll join her into the circle and handing them one end of a string and asks them to stay in the circle for the duration of the ceremony. She ties the other ends to her left wrist. Sorry, everyone has to stay 'in contact' with her for an hour long ceremony for a séance boon, but I play off her séance as a long dance so the string is a way of facilitating that.

Finally she reverently draws out a small silk bag, pulling from it half a flag bearing some sort of heraldry. She puts the bag back into her pack and then takes the flag portion and sets it into the center of the circle before starting a dance. He movements at first are a slow methodical belly dance with precise yet flowing movements. She continues like this for a good five minutes before starting the dance again, but this time there's a more forceful air to her steps and movements. Over time and iterations the dance morphs from a belly dance into regimental marching. At the very end her face is the epitome of a stony commanding officer. She takes one last step, before coming to a stock still pose and giving everyone present a stiff, precise salute. The way the half-elf stand seems to give an impression she should be a good 2 feet shorter than her nearly 6, but seems even more commanding for it.

Anavi gives the others a good look over, taking note of weapons, armor and obvious spell components or divine focuses. After a good look, she breaks into a warm smile. In a crisp voice much like smooth silk over a plate of iron, she comments, "So you're the group Fali's having me lead today? It'd be my pleasure. I love to see a group of people well decked out an prepared as you all seem to be. If you follow my lead, then we should have no problem with this assignment of..." Her eyes faze out of focus for a second as if hearing a distant conversation, before the snap back, a new smile forming on her face. "Ooooh, hunting down a traitor who sold others into slavery? This will be a fun and important mission. So where should we get started."

I decided on Anavi after all. Anyone willing to accept sitting through her séance feel free to peruse her spirits in her profile, but might I suggest either the champion (+2 to non-spell damage rolls), hierophant (+2 healing to each target) or archmage (+2 spell damage of the same type) séance boons.

Draklor partakes in Greet's ritual, then Faliana's. Should other activities be allowed, he redoes his own hour-long daily preparations to pass the time. He reads silently from a small book while braiding and unbraiding a long lock of hair - not his own. He often looks up to watch Faliana for any signs of change or obvious magic.

"Corvius sounded like a good first option, per what Karisa said. So, are you Anavi or Fali? I suppose there could be some mixture of the two."

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

"Genies can sometimes grant wishes to mortals. Khanuur probably can..."

True, but that's probably not something you want to force them to do. Intent matters in magic."

With no more questions. I'll move on. Sorry for being a little slow this week.

A sturdy blonde human man with long, free-flowing hair stridesconfidently into the room, his fine black and white silk robes fluttering behind him. An efreeti in midnight black robes with gold trim and a black metal collar follows immediately behind.

The human addresses the room at large, “Ah, Pathfinders. Iwas wondering how long it would take you seek me out. My money was on a month earlier, but no matter. It only cost me a few thousand platinum.” He slowly starts to sit as several unseen servants assemble a throne of throw pillows below him.

“I am Corvius Vayn of course and need no further introduction. You however, do. Please introduce yourselves so I can start to think of you as more than a group of homicidal archeologists.”

He looks at your group and does a quick scan of those accompanying you.

Curious Greet with the pseudodragon will gladly participate in Faliana's ritual!
-------------

I. am. Greet. - says the leshy slowly when Corvius shows up.

sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

Greet takes a huge pause. While Skyrocket disappears inside a bag. Green awaits for some time expecting for others introduction. Sometimes he cannot hearilze where is a joke, and where is directness.

I had been growing at Castrovel for a long time. I heard space song. I felt interplanetar pulses. I saw stardust. For a small eternity of tree life. I was awakened by wandering half-human. I became a person because found ability to think, to move from one place to another. I like both. Being a Pathfinder brings opportunities for great discoveries and amazing adventures.

Greet drinks some ale through his vine during all monolugue long.

Whoops forgot a few important things last night when I posted. First Faliana is taking her taboo. So she won't be willingly leaving allies behind, and second she is taking the trickster séance boon for bluff. giving her a total of +8 for bluff (she really should have a rank in it...)

"Corvius sounded like a good first option, per what Karisa said. So, are you Anavi or Fali? I suppose there could be some mixture of the two."

Fali's body gives the kitsune a smile one might expect a teacher to give a student who asks a smart but difficult question. "Oh, you're a perceptive one! I guess you could say, both? I, Anavi, am in control right now, but this is still Fali's body and she's still in here, she just knows I like to get an idea of who we are working with! Now if that's all the questions you have for me, I think I'll let Fali have the reigns again." Anavi's commanding presence fades for a second as the face goes slack before Faliana's more familiar calm demeanor comes back into place.

She gives Draklor a smile, before gestureing for the door. "I do believe we have a meeting with someone, don't we?"

Later meeting with Corvius
Faliana gives the man a calculatedly disinterested look, her eyes ever so slightly distant. How I wish Monty was here. He'd love taking this man down a notch and making it seem like a blunder.

Sense motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

She watches his eyes in particular, but doesn't quite seem to pick up on what's going on behind them. With a mental shrug she steps forward and offers a smile. "It's alarming that our reputation has become so low that the base assumption is 'homicidal archeologists.' Two things, I assure you, I am not. Though I do believe names are in order. I am Faliana Galina, a devout follower of Ashava. You are probably completely aware of why we are here, but before we get down to business, I do have to ask, with whom were you betting when we would be arriving? Wouldn't seem like there'd be much of a market for it, especially if it's for sums like that."

Unnecessary but jic Diplomacy? w/ spirit bonus: 1d20 + 15 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 15 + 2 = 28

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

As if any of our perceived crimes hold a candle to yours. You're successful enough at this wicked trade to shell out massive sums on nothing. Slaver, Draklor thinks, but holds his tongue until his introduction.

"Our strength at arms is a last resort, and yet has still saved many people, places, and things." More than you ever will. "My name is Draklor Ribiera. I preach the word of Irori and see his justice done where I can."

In his efforts to butter up Corvius, the kitsune takes more interest in the man's words than normal. "Are we really so common? I saw no telltale signs of the transformed, but I don't often use the talent myself. Either way, Sedeq has proven rather warm for my tastes. So what opportunities draw kitsune here?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"I was once send on a suicide mission, I returned with a trophy: a frost giant’s sword.
A rage overtook me when I learned that I have been sent to die. When the red mists cleared, I have found the dead members of my hunting party surrounded me. I abandoned my people and headed toward more civilized lands where I am no longer bound by tradition."

"I am Enora, a student of magic. I am pleased to meet you, mage."

In his haughty way, Traber introduces himself, "I am Traber of Cheliax."

He nods his head as the team introduces themselves to him, "Pleased to meet you all. He somewhat ignores the rest of the conversation being directed at him as he stares at Greet.

“Dear Greet, will become my indentured servant for one month— oh, you don’t have to do anything unseemly. I’m not a Calistrian. I just want to take you to a few lavish parties, dress you in fine clothes, show off your various talents; standard arrangement.
You don’t have to start now—I understand you’re in the middle of something. Come back when you’re done and get pampered for a while. Deal?”

Slightly miffed at the obvious dismissal Faliana places herself behind Greet and asks the little one, "Well first is this something that you'd be agreeable with Greet? And if it is ask for a written contract that secifically lists how long and what terms you'll be working under."

The words are good. That doesn't mean as much coming from a man so much less so. And if it stands to benefit him, that will rankle.

If the Sense Motive above didn't have to do with this, I'll try another one if able.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

Tilting his head to Faliana's question, he smiles and answers, "A month, no more than a year at max. He can leave after the first 30 days in either case if he doesn't like it here. I'm not a slave driver."

Small mistake on my part.

Glad she's finally getting a reaction, Faliana smiles back at him, "Oh, but I do believe you just said 'one' month. My, how mercurial these terms seem to be! See, Greet, this is why you should get things in writing before you agree on them."

Small correction. after talking to Karisa.

After talking to Karisa, she gives the you a greater chime of opening (functions as a chime of opening with a caster level of 20) and an adamantine metal file. “I’m sure you’ll find these useful one way or another. If you don’t use them to free Khanuur, then they’ll likely be useful in gaining access to Phlegos.”