Ever seeking long-lost secrets, the Pathfinder Society sends a team of agents to explore a reportedly haunted house in the Dragon Empires nation of Minkai, hoping they can uncover the secret behind the legendary location's tormented past...
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 5–9.
Written by Jim Groves.
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Abaal disembarks from the ship. "At last. I stand upon the threshold of the land that brought the world the sublime art of calligraphy. Minkai, my gateway." says the wandering swordsman from Katapesh to mark the moment he stepped from the gangplank, and into the land itself.
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While he awaited his call to action more than a month away, Abaal wandered the Empire of Dawn, working as a bodyguard in a lawless town, then helping a group of idealistic would-be samurai against corrupt officials, and finally joining with some other swordsmen to protect a small village from a band of ruthless bandits.
He took a babysitting job too.
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Finding himself again with more time on his hands, Abaal returns to mainland Tian Xia to visit some of the lands finer restaurants. The first place he visits however is closed for a what appeared to be a performance art or interpretive dance exhibition. He stayed for bit, but apparently there was a dress code of some sort, and so he moved on.
Next, he came to an out of the way place, but the service there was terrible because of there being a lumberjack convention in town.
Later, he visited a really posh restaurant which got raided by the local constabulary looking for some important Vanara's stolen stave--or possibly building code violations (Abaal only just learned the Tien and Minkaian tongues for this very trip). It was a shame because the two clowns who were performing there where hilarious.
Finally, he heard about a restaurant known for serving some of the most renowned heroes in the land--heroes with names like: Iron Arm Mi, Flying Machete, Monk Jing, and Phoenix Mountain Gou. He was hoping to meet a few of these luminaries, swap stories, and abide in the company of fellow adventurers for a while. He expected there would some sparring and feasting he did not however expect to fall in love, but there in midst of a battle already begun he saw her--the Invincible Sword Goddess™ and her marvelous green blade. Her technique was beautiful, efficient, and so poised as to make angels weep. Even the tall Keleshite, a man hardened by desert wandering, shed a tear. Oh, had she only waited for him! Alas, when he had finally cleared enough wreckage blocking his way into the tavern, his beautiful, and Invincible Sword Goddess™ had fled the scene.
As each of you find yourselves ushered into the immaculately maintained garden it seems difficult to believe that only yesterday each of you had been half a world away in Absalom, City at the Center of the World. Except for Abaal, that is, whose wanderings had happened to bring him to mainland Tian Xia some weeks ago. But even a wanderer can be tracked down when one has the resources of the Pathfinder Society at their disposal.
The message from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin was short and to the point, informing each of you that you would be traveling to the free city-state of Goka, on the western coast of Tian Xia. Once there you would be expected to journey to the Lantern Lodge and await further instructions from Amara Li, the lodge's resident leader and venture-captain. For Abaal, all that was required was a relatively short walk just a few districts over. And for the rest of you, a bit of courtesy teleportation magic was enough to allay any concerns about grueling overland travel or long, nauseating sea voyages.
Now you find yourselves seated on low stone benches lining a small gravel path. "Venture-Captain Li will be with you shortly," a lithe young Tian man assures you after consulting a list and checking off each of your names. "Until then please, enjoy our garden," he smiles before hurrying away towards the lodge and leaving the six of you alone with your thoughts - and each other.
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Unsure of the proper etiquette and whether or not he will be forced to prove himself in battle (or dance) as seems traditional in land, stood stiffly in the courtyard. His mind taking in the world, and the people around him.
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Hanlin was here only a few months back, working again for Captain Li on a mission of subtlety and stealth underground. "Thanks Ted, glad to see you're doing well. The garden looks great this time of year. Very 'zen-like'." He gives the man a polite bow and then turns to introduce himself to the Keleshite.
"Relax man, you can't be so stiff in a garden like this. Take a seat on a bench or something." He waves him over to a free one and offers his hand in greeting "Name's Hanlin. Hanlin Ciderbrow. Junior." He adds in the Junior somewhat reluctantly.
"First time to this part of the world? Its pretty neat, different for sure, but nice just the same." From his holy trappings you can clearly see the golden sword of Iomedae emblazoned across his tabard as well as hanging on a silver chain around his neck. He's even got a tattoo of it on his left palm.
He's well built and young, looking much more the part of a front like holy warrior than a cloistered cleric that shies away from combat. He wears a mithril breastplate with a small wooden shield across his back and the all too expected longsword at his hip.
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A half elf wearing mismatched pieces of armor and holding an ancient looking glaive joins Hanlin and Abaal. He seems a bit older than the average adventurer and carries himself more like a museum curator than the warrior he's outfitted as.
He takes a moment to utter a command word under his breath causing the glaive to shrink down to the size of a dagger, which he then pockets. His hands free, he performs a Wai as he thanks the young Tien man in fluent Tien, then greets Abaal in Kelish before turning to Hanlin and the others.
“Ah, Pardon me, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akazim, of Katheer. I am a dealer and collector of antique arms and armor. “
He looks around the garden in thought. “It has been some time since I was last in Tien. Always a pleasure to come here. So much history, So many interesting finds, “ he finishes hopefully.
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"Relax man, you can't be so stiff in a garden like this. Take a seat on a bench or something."
"Hmm?" The newcomer's voice pulls Abaal from his martial meditations. "Thank you, no. I shall stand for now. I am Abaal, wandering swordsman, originally of Katapesh." Abaal is very tall. At his side is sheathed a huge falchion. His dark-blue desert robes conceal what lies beneath and make the Keleshite look like a thunderhead on the edge of the garden.
“Ah, Pardon me, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Akazim, of Katheer. I am a dealer and collector of antique arms and armor. “
"At present I have no need of your wares friend, unless you deal in elixirs of love, and the finding missing persons. Perhaps you might try the street market?"
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A blond human woman runs into the lodge, scribbling and reading from many books. "Oh no, am I late again?" She looks up at all of you and finally rests upon her staff. Not that she needs it.
"Are you here for Venture-Captain Li?" She asks you all. Once she gets a satisfactory answer, she breathes a sigh of relief. "Oh good! I'm Cirri Merryweather. And this is Riddywhipple."
"Greetings, everyone. Call me Riddywhipple. Pleased to meet you all. Hopefully with less poison this time."
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After introductions, during which time Abaal asks the tiny dragon (twice!) if he is sure that others may indeed call him 'Riddywhipple', a long awkward silence follows.
Finally, being the man of action that he is, the dread swordsman from Katapesh clears his throat and speaks. "Yes. Well, this is certainly pleasant." He attempts to smile, but it looks forced. He was obviously going for 'jaunty carefree grin' but it looks more like 'wolf about to lunge'.
"Why yes, you can call me Riddy-" Riddy pauses as Abaal glares at him. "Ahem. You can also call me Riddy for short. You should ask Cirri to spar at some point- she's quite good with a quarterstaff." He skitters behind the Magus, practically pushing her ahead.
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"At present I have no need of your wares friend, unless you deal in elixirs of love, and the finding missing persons. Perhaps you might try the street market?"
"No need of my goods?" Akazim looks at Abaal in confusion for a moment. "Ah, no-no-no, I don't think you understood. I am a collector, not a merchant. I work for the Grand Museum of Xerbystes in Katheer as an appraiser, researcher, and collector. It's why I joined the Pathfinders. The Society always seems to make the best archaeological discoveries - and find the best stuff - first."
"But you do make an excellent suggestion. I really should go check out the markets and antique dealers while I'm here in Goka. The museum would expect no less of me."
He considers Abaal's horridly awkward attempt at a smile before turning to address Cirri and Riddywhipple.
"Perhaps you'd like to accompany me," he asks the little dragon in Draconic, assuming he and his person both speak it.
Not wanting to leave Hanlin out, he invites the cleric along too.
"In fact, if we happen to spot one, there is something I've been meaning to purchase. It's an item related to healing, so perhaps your expertise in that area could prove useful, my friend."
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A dark skinned Garundi man stands quietly to the side. His head is wrapped in a light colored turban that matches he light colors robes that he wears. They are gathered at his waist with an auburn colored sash in which he has tucked a scimitar and couple pouches. A starburst symbol of Sarenrae hangs from a leather thong around his neck.
As the Venture-captain's aid invites the group to visit the garden Malusha nods. "Thank you," he says in a quiet and gentle voice.
From a few steps away he watches the other Pathfinders that he was assembled with talk with each other before he steps in to introduce himself. He listens for a few minutes. The collector sounds interesting. The blond woman seems bouncy and carefree, almost the opposite of the stoic looking Keleshite. Malusha focues on the man who introduced himself and Halin. He doesn't have the feel of a devotee of Sarenrae but no matter who he is serving, he is a fellow cleric. Malusha approaches him.
"Hello. I know we've all been called here but up till now I haven't met any of you before. I am your humble servant, Malusha, student of the Dawnflower. I can tell by your demeanor that you are also commited to a life of service. To whom do you pay your devotion?"
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"Sure thing bud. I don't mind taking a walk into town and offer up what advice I can muster on the subject of healing, and maybe we can stop for a quick bite before we depart for whatever missive we've been called to."
He spins on his heels to address the new fellow "Ah, how ya doing Malusha? Name's Hanlin and kickin' asses in the name of my Lady Iomedae is my game!" He reaches out with a tattooed hand in greeting.
While another silence falls after introductions are made, this one thankfully isn't given the chance to become too terribly awkward as you see the young Tian aid hurrying towards you.
"Ah, I am sorry...Venture-Captain Li's business is taking her much longer than she anticipated," he explains. "She sends her apologies. Since it is currently unclear as to how much longer she will be occupied, she also sends the recommendation that you step out and enjoy the sights of the city for a time if you do not wish to wait here in the garden."
The young aid's expression is both apologetic and regretful. "Unfortunately, I am not able to guide you about myself. But if you prefer, I can procure a map?"
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"Oh, I can show them around if you like."
The voice, a feminine one, comes from somewhere close by but at first glance there doesn't seem to be anyone else about. Then, there comes a rustling from some nearby bushes as a small, slender figure comes rolling out and springs to its feet. While the stranger is generally humanoid in shape and appearance, there are several differences - namely the short, blue-gray fur, pointed ears, and bright green eyes. Oh, and the tail. The tail is hard to ignore.
"It'd do me some good to stretch my legs," she continues, as though her sudden emergence from the bushes is the most natural thing in all the world and not alarming in the least. "And besides, I couldn't help but overhear. If the Venture-Captain is falling behind on her meetings with senior agents then little old I certainly won't be going anywhere for a while!"
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"Wonderful!" Akazim exclaims, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically at the appearance of their self-appointed guide. "I'd like to take a look at the antiques areas, specifically for ancient local-style weapons. The kinds of things we don't see much of back in Avistan."
"And if we have time, I'm also looking for a holy shawl. Something to help stabilize a fallen ... archaeologist. A friend showed me hers, and I'd love to find one here if possible. Goka is known for its markets, after all, isn't it, my dear...."
His voice trails off as he realizes two things simultaneously: That he's rambling to the lovely cat-lady, and he doesn't yet know her name.
"Um, but of course, if anyone else has certain interests or needs in the markets, or in the city, or um, wherever, please don't let me dictate the destinations."
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You realize that the agent speaking to you is a catfolk, a race of feline humanoids most commonly known to live in Garund but who can also be found in Osirion and Tian XXia. They're generally known for being gregarious and curious, which can sometimes get them into trouble.
The cat-lady's initially curious expression fades to one of puzzlement as everyone falls silent, except for Hanlin and Akazim. "Hmm..." she looks down, patting at her pockets as though searching for something, and then looks up again.
"I don't have the rest of your tongues, so I don't *snrrk* know why you're all being so... *pffft* quiet!"
She tries to keep a straight face but can't manage it and begins giggling hysterically.
"Hee! I'm s-sorry, I know that was a terrible joke but I couldn't help it, eeeheehee...!"
It takes a minute for her giggling to subside but as it does, she wipes at her eyes and then offers all of you a small bow. "I'm Tsamara. Hanlin, Akazim, Abaal, Cirri, Malusha, and...Riddywhipple," she says, pointing at each of you in turn. "Riddywhipple is a very splendiferous name, you know. Is there a meaning behind it? If so, I'd love to hear it while we walk!"
Tsamara begins moving towards the gates of the Lantern Lodge, walking backwards so she can continue her chatter. "We'll go to the Green Gatherings Market, it's the best place to start when you're looking for...well, almost anything. And don't let the 'green' part of the name fool you - there's meats and swords, pretty scarves and books, art and slob art, all kinds of things!"
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"Riddywhipple is the name!" The tiny dragon returns a tiny bow. "I won this name in a gambit, actually." Riddywhipple decides to fill the empty space with some rambling.
"Now, my old name. Well, I can't really mention it. There was a delightful fairy who challenged me to a game of skipping stones. Now, she didn't want to play the regulation rules, of course. She opted for the Finnster variant where you toss them across the pond, then you catch them in the wind. Now I agreed to the game, but then she pulled out a gale leaf. You wind that back and forth and a tornado breaks forth!. I knew she had poor eyesight though, so I found a golden needle and threaded it through her leaf. She had no idea what she was in for!" He continues rambling.
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Tsamara listens to Riddy's story with rapt attention, so much so that she ends up tripping over one of the stones that line the path through the garden and falls flat on her backside.
"Oof..." she mutters as she climbs to her feet and checks to make sure she's not torn the seat of her pants. "And that's why you shouldn't walk backwards," Tsamara chuckles as she spins about and begins walking normally.
"Anyway...that's an amazing story, Riddy! Skipping stones sounds like a lot of fun. Is it something one of us could play or do you have to have wings?"
She leads those who wish to visit the markets out of the gates of the Lantern Lodge and through bustling, well-kept streets until you emerge into an open-air market, divided down the center by a small canal fed by seawater. Though the market has a fairly large crowd - not surprising given the time of day - the atmosphere is relaxed and many of the shoppers seem content to conduct their business at a leisurely pace.
"Here we are, the Green Gatherings Market," Tsamara announces, arms stretched wide. "Anything and everything a chap can unload is sold off the barrow in...no wait, that's somewhere else, I think."
The catfolk shrugs and smiles. "Oh well, same idea."
"Well, it's quite a cherished name. More like a title, really. Faeriedragons like myself love the name. It rolls off your tongue. Rid-dy-whip-le!" He giggles.
"Of course, anyone can play skipping stones, and you're supposed to play it on ground level. Key word supposed." He continues to spin a tale of contests and adventure.
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Malusha is dumbstruck with the fellow cleric's response. Kicking what? Really? This man is clearly not a typical devotee. Either that or Iomedae is much different than he ever expected. Before he can respond a cat-shaped woman springs from the bushes.
Again, he is stuck silent but this time by the barrage of words and images. It is almost too much for him to take in. Eventually he realizes that the newcomer, Tsamara, is taking them to the market.
"Ah. Yes. There are a few items that I want to purchase. Let me find my list." He begins to dig through his bag.
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Akazim follows Tsamara through the winding streets, entranced by her lithe movements and friendly, outgoing manner. When she suddenly tumbles backwards, he takes a quick step forward to offer her his hand. But almost before he can even move, she's already back on her feet.
Too slow, old man. Yeah, old is right. Just forget it. You're waaay to old for someone like her....
Although, my friend Zarnel said he met a truly wonderful young woman. What was her name? Nimbus...? Coronette...? Eh, it will come to me tomorrow. She seemed quite sweet, as he tells it, and he's over 50 years her senior. Though you'd never know it with those darn aasmiar...
His thoughts on the nature of intergenerational-interspecies relationships are cut short when Tsamara rounds the corner into the Green Gatherings Market, and his eyes behold a sight almost as lovely as his guide.
“My word, Tsamara, this looks perfect. I'm certain I can find what I'm looking for here. “
He ducks into the closest of the many little shops. He doesn't really expect to find anything in this one, given its proximity to the market entrance. Too frequently picked over, and more likely to have inflated prices. But one must look, nonetheless. Quickly satisfied that he was correct, he moves on to the next, and the next, and the next.
A few shops later (how many he is unsure of), down a side alley, (which one he is also unsure of) he finds an interesting daisho set from the Teikoku Shogunate period. Though non-magical, the proprietor swears it was used by the famous samurai, Sanada Yuzumura, at the small but strategically important battle of Lake Tsukishizuku. With the old Gokan's permission, Akazim carefully lifts the katana from its rack, and as he handles it he begins to get a sense of its past. The picture is incomplete until he gently returns it and begins to examine the wakizashi. An image of a powerful samurai singlehandedly facing a large force of enemy warriors against the backdrop of a serere, sparkling blue lake fills his mind, and the name Sanada echoes in his thoughts as if he was hearing it being chanted.
Smiling at the obscure but nonetheless interesting historical find, he reverently settles the smaller blade back in the rack. “Thank you my friend. I can assure you that the provenance is as you say. Sanada-san did indeed wield these blades. But I didn't know that there were many practitioners of nitōken at that time.“ He proceeds to pay the seller's price, and arranges for the swords to be delivered to the Lodge for him to retrieve prior to his return to Katheer.
When he relates the story behind his find, and the story of its wielder, his comrades initially appear (to him at least) to be interested. When he begins to expound upon the political situation at the time of the battle of Lake Tsukishizuku and the military significance of the battle, he fails to notice his colleagues' eyes beginning to glaze over.
Only when the lovely Tsamara gives an enormous yawn as only a feline can does he realize. “Ah, I'm sorry,“ he quickly apologizes. “Um, did any of you find anything interesting? “
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Hanlin follows the others wordlessly through the market, but the look on his face is more than enough to show his interest in being out and about. His face rarely lacks a smile, sometimes just to be polite but mostly born of kindness and genuine interest.
"You really know your weaponry, and history for that fact Akazim. The Society is lucky to have your skills in their ranks. I'll be more than willing to hear more on the walk back."
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"Oh no, I'm sorry! I wasn't getting..." Tsamara begins to protest but then decides that maybe honesty would be the best policy. "Well, okay, maybe I was getting a little bored," she admits sheepishly. "History and politics never have been things I've been all that interested in. I'd rather learn about people...but my <aita> says that you can't get the whole picture of one without the other. And it's something that's important to you, Akazim - right?" she asks, giving the half-elf a rather direct stare. "I don't know much about history but I do know a little about people and I know that friends care about things that are important to each other. So I'll try harder to pay attention, okay?"
<father/sire>
If anyone expresses surprise at Tsamara's use of the word 'friends', she smiles and shrugs. "Well, we're all Pathfinders and we're here enjoying the nice weather and each other's company, aren't we? There's different shades of friendship, of course, but I think this is a fine start to ours, don't you?"
"Anyway, I did find what I was looking for," she continues, reaching into a small bag and pulling out a number of colorful glass pieces, each hanging from a small hook. "Suncatchers! Normally I like to make my own but I've not had much time lately. I'm going to hang these up around town later so everyone can enjoy the colors they make," she explains.
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Somewhat surprised by Tsamara's direct look, Akazim takes a moment to reflect on her words as she goes on to show them the suncatchers she bought.
“May I see one of those, my dear? I've never seen their like, “ he comments as he examines the bright glass and wire ornament. “And you say you'll hang them around town for others to enjoy? “ His tone makes it clear that he is both surprised at this behavior, but also impressed by her public charity.
“Sharing their beauty is important to you, yes? “
But his moment of connection is interrupted by the friendly Hanlin. “Ah, yes, my friend I would be glad to continue later. “Focusing on Hanlin suddenly reminds him of the other task that brought him to the market. “Oh, ah, my friend, I forgot I wanted to get that shawl. “
He looks around the part of the market that they're currently standing in, and with his collector's instincts quickly locates a likely proprietor. Dragging the eclectic group into the shop, Akazim finds the samsaran shop-keeper and describes the particular item he is seeking. She listens patiently before leading him down a side aisle stacked floor to ceiling with bolts of cloth, religious talismans, and small neatly labeled boxes of supplies and trinkets.
“Here you go, “she says in a strange accent that stymies his efforts to place. “Speak the word to charge it with your own inner vitality, and it shall return the energies to you when you most need them. “ She then points out the command word cleverly entwined in the geometric design of the silver embroidery in the otherwise dark blue shawl.
After paying and thanking her for her assistance, he rejoins his new friends. He dons the shawl, and utters the word. “Huh. Transferring the energy doesn't hurt, but I do feel like I've been pummeled in a Society combat training bout. “He retrieves a wand from his pack and holds it out to Hanlin and Tsamara. “Would either of you mind using this on me, please? “
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"I surely wouldn't mind," Tsamara replies, taking the wand and giving it one or two experimental flicks before carefully tapping Akazim's shoulder with it. "Did it work? I'm still getting used to using them and I always feel a little silly when I do - even though they say I've got a knack for being able to use certain wands?"
She shrugs and passes the wand back. "Whatever the agents say, I suppose. But I don't think I'll ever quit feeling like I need a robe and pointy hat to go with them!"
Tsamara then glances up at the sky, eyes tracking the sun's position. "Oh! I think we've probably killed enough time for one day. We should probably head back - I'm sure Venture-Captain Li has something really important for you to do since you all look very strong."
Though the catfolk beckons you to follow as she begins to retrace her steps back towards the Lantern Lodge it becomes clear that she hasn't forgotten Akazim's question as she gently shakes the bag in her hand, producing a soft tinkling sound. "It's very important," Tsamara remarks as she walks. "The colors they throw are like looking at a rainbow! Rainbows are formed when the sun and rain come together and do battle, you know. Most people think that nothing good ever comes from a battle or from a conflict. But Lacali doesn't think so and neither do I. But...it's easy for people to forget. So that's why I hang suncatchers - to help people remember."
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Hanlin smiles when Tsamara acknowledges their collective strength "Hopefully our task isn't just focused on our backs and biceps. I've got a mind up here too ya know!" He drags her gaze up to his bearded face with a finger point, then bursts into laughter.
"I kid. Not all that much mind up here really!" And heads back to the Lodge for the briefing.
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As you finally make your way back onto the grounds of the Lantern Lodge and back into the garden, Tsamara comes to such a sudden halt that those walking close behind stumble as they try not to crash into her.
"There she is, there's the Venture-Captain," she says, pointing towards a stately-looking woman tending to a small yellow rosebush just a short way down the path. "It would be rude of me to linger while you talk with her, so I'll excuse myself and go find a nice spot in the sun."
She smiles as she turns to leave. "I'm glad that I got to meet all of you and I hope that maybe I'll see you again when your task is finished. May Lalaci grant you a place of peaceful repose on your journeys."
As your impromptu guide leaves you to your business, Venture-Captain Amara Li rises gracefully from the cushion on which she kneels, peeling off a pair of bright green gardening glovess. "Thank you for coming," she smiles, gesturing for the group to walk with her through the garden. "I must apologize for not being able to meet with you when I had originally planned. That said, I see that you were not idle or bored while you waited. I will have to thank Tsamara for keeping you entertained in my stead. But for now, to the matter at hand."
"The lands of Tian Xia are rich in mysteries unknown in the Inner Sea. There is one legend in particular that has intrigued me for many years, and astute agents may find it an opportunity to see their investigations chronicled for their colleagues to read and admire," she explains as she strolls along, hands clasped behind her back. "In the land of Minkai, a mansion sits atop a hill, where no one dares to venture. It is called Hinojai, and stories tell that it was once the home of a wealthy and powerful woman before the fall of Imperial Lung Wa a century ago, but now it is a haunted, accursed place - or so the stories say. It is a long trip, but I strongly suspect the the rumors of manifestations are genuine and worth the trek. You see, there is but one thing more interesting than discovering a haunting — discovering how it came to be."
"Your transportation is arranged, of course," Amara Li continues. "Hinojai sits in a triangle between two villages and a small town named Nagura. Nagura is large enough to allow you to do any last minute provisioning you require, as well as any background investigation you may wish to do. Remember that the Pathfinder Society is not as well-known in Minkai as it is in the Inner Sea. Be mindful of local traditions and represent the Pathfinder Society in a positive light — do not upset the local people! Damaged relationships only hurt future agents who may be following up on your discoveries, as some of you may already know through painful experience," she remarks, expression somber.
"Finally, remember your mission is to discover what happened at Hinojai, not to burn it to the ground. Protect and defend yourself, by all means, but always remember that we seek the truth - we do not destroy it."
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As Tsamara turns to go, Akazim takes her hand in a friendly handshake. Savoring the feel of her soft fur under his thumb, his handshake lingers just long enough to express interest, but not so long as to be considered creepy. He hopes.
“I hope to see you again after our mission, Tsamara. Perhaps I could even join you when you hang more suncatchers. “
He joins the rest of the team for Captain Li's briefing, smiling hopefully for a successful mission and a pleasant rendezvous afterwards.
“Captain Li, what is it about this place that draws your intense and personal interest? Do you expect that it is actually haunted, or do you suspect some other phenomenon? And what can you tell us of the former owner, the wealthy and powerful woman? “
He considers her answers, and realizes belatedly that she said they're traveling to Minkai. An overland journey to Minkai and back will take quite some time. An excellent opportunity to learn more about the history here, and perhaps even pick up more items for the museum.
Hopefully she'll still be here, though, he thinks as he wistfuy watches Tsamara depart the garden.
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"Bye Tsamara! Sorry for being so quiet- I had so many notes to write down." CIrri gives a vigorous shake before letting her go.
Cat. Girl. Catnip. Tail nerves. Sudden alertness. Gullible to Riddy's fancy fables?
Cirri bows to Venture-Captain Amara Li, although she has trouble keeping her balance.
"Oh no. Another cursed location. What is it with me and ghosts?" She shudders. "Maybe the populace of Nagura knows more about this manse. "
Cirri looks up, confused when the captain warns the party about vandalism. "Why would we- the area has significant historical value. We'd never damage it. Unless it tried to kill us and we had to defend ourselves."
"Oh make no mistake, I believe that the rumors surrounding Hinojai have at least some degree of truth to them," Amara Li responds after a rather lengthy pause. Perhaps she has a great deal on her mind? "That said, the noblewoman who lived in Hinojai prior to its haunting has been linked to an organization called the Way of the Kirin, which the Pathfinder Society admittedly has an interest in. If you are able to retrieve any information on this organization during the course of your investigation, then so much the better."
Something in her tone suggests that Amara Li has a more personal interest in the Way of the Kirin than she’s letting on.
"As for additional information about her or the nature of the hauntings, I am afraid that I cannot say," she sighs. "You will likely need to ask around Nagura if you wish to learn more, as Hanlin has already pointed out. Oh and that reminds me - while you may encounter some locals who speak Taldane, the dominant languages of the area are Minkaian and Tien. If there are none among you that are fluent in either of these languages, I would recommend seeking magical assistance - or that you hire an interpreter once you reach Nagura."
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Once you've had a chance to ask any remaining questions you might have, Amara Li bows to each of you. "Very well. If there are no more questions then I will bid you farewell. As I mentioned, your transportation has been provided for you as well as maps and travel routes. Please take care and have a safe journey."
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After making any additional preparations you might have had you set out on what proves to be a rather lengthy but otherwise uneventful trip across much of the continent. The path laid out for you by Amara Li keeps you to well-traveled trade routes, eventually crossing north through Hongal's scrublands and icy tundras and then southeast through the mysterious Forest of Spirits along the Spirit Road before finally bringing you into Minkai, the Empire of Dawn. From there, you continue south to Minkai's capital city of Kasai before circling around the southern tip of the Kyojin Mountains and then bearing north once again to reach Nagura. While teleportation certainly would've been a much faster method of travel, the overland trip affords you all plenty of time to get to know each other as well as a rather unique chance to learn something of Tian Xia and the peoples that call it home.
Nagura is a small but active town at the crossroads of three major highways. It serves as a hub for transportation and the distribution of lumber, rice, and other foodstuffs between several smaller villages and two larger cities. Besides numerous residences, the town offers accommodation for merchants and travelers, a general store, and a number of cottage industries such as pottery and weaving. Smoke wafts in the sky from the chimneys of active ceramic kilns, while the street is filled with the scents and sounds of vendors selling both raw and cooked food items from booths. To the west of town, a large residence for government officials sits empty and waiting, reserved for the local samurai or the representative of the regency. To the east are a number of shrines to various gods, separated from the rest of town by a bright red torii gate.
It's still relatively early in the morning when you arrive in Nagura, which should afford you plenty of time to settle in, get your bearings, and have a look around.
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"So long, Captain!" Cirri repeats her bow. Wow, I wasn't even reprimanded.
As the group departs, Riddywhipple pipes up. "She's always so formal. Too formal. She has a personal interest in the Way of the Kirin, and she wouldn't even indulge us!"
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Cirri and Riddywhipple enjoy their travel. Cirri discusses arcane theory with Akazim, sparring strategies with Abaal and learns more about archery than she's ready to understand when Ingrge stops by.
Riddywhipple pranks Hanlin as much as he can get away with.
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The team arrives in Nagura, and Cirri's already awake. "Oh wow. Let's look around, see the sights. Um, respectfully." Cirri gawks like a tourist, scribbling madly into her journal.
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"I can't say I've picked up the local tongue yet. This is only my second visit to this continent, and the first was redacted." He gives VC Li a knowing wink.
"I've got but one scroll of comprehend languages, but I can prepare to ask Iomedae to bless my mind with the ability to understand the language later on. It doesn't last forever though."
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Hanlin is good natured and chatty. It takes quite a bit to overwhelm his good nature when it comes to pranks, and he quickly returns the favor with a handful of shaving cream to the face. He's definitely not the stoic or stiff cleric you've come to expect from others.
"Great little town we have here. Let's find us a place to stay and maybe a hot meal and a soft bed. I could use a good clean up and a massage after that ride." He reaches for his low back and ass with a grimace.