[PbP Gameday VIII] GM Mindxing's Forged in Flame, Part 1: The Cindersworn Pact (Inactive)

Game Master MindXing

Forged in Flame, Part 1: The Cindersworn Pact

--- Paizo text ---
When an impossibly vile fiend proves too powerful to destroy, the forces of good often resort to banishing or sealing the villain away to be remembered only in fearsome legends. Less common are the instances in which wrongdoers bound benevolent titans and demigods, yet Society agents recently uncovered just such a prison. Few know how to unlock such a jail, much less locate the key. The Society has identified just such a sage: a disgraced efreeti who has sworn to share her priceless knowledge in exchange for the PCs' assistance. The Pathfinders travel to the cosmopolitan melting pot of Zjarra on the Plane of Fire, where they must fulfill the cruel genie's schemes—or find some other way to fulfill the deal.
---

Feel free to start posting character introductions. We won't be able to actually start until Gameday officially starts but I don't see any problem with getting to know each other. After all, we're all in this for two games in a row.

Pale light grows in the eastern sky as dawn unfolds across the Glorious Golden Katheer. Tall tips of gold and brass minarets catch the first rays of the morning sun and gleam as beacons heralding a brilliant new day. Below the spires, in the numerous passageways that thread throughout the entire city, thousands of feet pad on the cobbled streets and open marketplaces as merchants prepare their shops, workers head to their jobs, and holy men move through their daily rituals. The marbled halls of the rich manors and government buildings remain silent as their inhabitants slumber lazily through these early hours.

In front of one such silent building, the Pathfinder Society Lodge in Katheer, a group of half a dozen travellers stands expectantly. Their summons indicated a sense of urgency, yet no one is answering at the door. Eventually a small second story window opens and a hand drops a sign dangling from a rope. The sign reads, 'hour of operation: 8 to 3'. The small window slams shut. Now, with a little over two hours before they can enter the lodge, the travellers find themselves with some time to kill.

Now's a good time to shop around and buy things. Just be back at the lodge within a couple hours.

Kulga is a heavily muscled dwarf woman with a seemingly perpetual scowl on her face. She dresses in old-fashioned finery beneath her armor, but on inspection it's clearly threadbare, though she wears a simply crafted signet ring that is too obviously new to be an heirloom. She nods brusquely and introduces herself as her new teammates arrive. Her scowl softens into something very near a grin when she sees Garduk and Brayne approach at the briefing.

A rather pale, but stunningly handsome half-orc donning fine but unkempt (and perhaps slightly torn on the ends) clothing stands in company. He acts politely most times but has an unusual air about him seemingly having a conversation with himself at times and he walks with a slight limp. Brayne bears no weapons on him and travels lightly with a small sized haversack. Other than that, he dons a magical amulet and belt.

Likewise, Brayne is especially excited to see the familiar faces of his favourite travelling companions, Kulga and Garduk. "Greetings fellow Pathfinders, and friends Kulga and Garduk! What joy it is to see you again! And who can forget the lovely lady Nella! You all would not believe what I did, I sold my soul to a witch! And what do we owe this occasion towards? More artefact hunting I hope!" Brayne ask rather enthusiastically.

Brayne will purchase a Talisman of life breath as a possible detterent to death, but he is primarily wearing his amulet of mighty fist. No other purchases for now, bought a few things at the last scenario but never needed to use them so I'm stocked up.

Another half-orc joins the party, but not one so handsome as Brayne. He introduces himself as Brady, and immediately begins complaining when the sign drops down from the window. "Sure, fine. Invite us to meet, but don't open the door when we arrive. Warm welcome indeed."

A young red-headed woman dressed in simple, cream-colored robes frowns as she stares up at the window. A small carved holy symbol of a songbird hangs from her neck, but if one watches closely they can also see flashes of color on her wrist; a tattoo of the same holy symbol. Though her gear seems a bit sparse and she wears no armor at all, she carries herself with the confidence of an experienced agent.

"We have 'hours of operation' now? I'll remember that the next time one of the VCs tries to drag me out of bed in the middle of the night," she chuckles wryly. Turning to the other gathered agents she smiles broadly at Brayne and Kulga, opening her arms wide for a hug if either of them seem receptive. "Hello there! Fancy meeting you two again," Nella laughs. "I hope life's been treating you well. Is that a smile, Kulga? I think I see a smiiiiiile," the redhead teases.

Her expression does slip a bit when Brayne mentions having sold his soul, however.

"Oh, uh...was it worth it? Or do I even want to know?"

She then turns to greet the faces that are unfamiliar to her, holding out her hand. "I'm Nella Tabor. Priestess of Shelyn and I've also been known to moonlight as a craftswoman in my spare time," she smiles.

Sitting against a nearby wall and seemingly to wake up at the noise of conversation a half orc man stands and walks over to the group. Got here early. Too early. he intones. He seems to be in a good mood despite the delay.

He wears a breastplate that is designed to allow freer movement and carries a small assortment of weapons. But what is most striking about his appearance is the golden hue of his skin. closer examination reveals small golden scales cover what of his body is exposed. He also has tusks and sizable claws. Somehow the look works for the man and he comes across as handsome if not striking. Three half orcs. Hmm. Must be serious for them to send three of us in one crew. He adds with a smile I am Tarragon The Golden and I look forward to traveling with you all.

"Four handsome half-orcs," Nella grins and winks at Tarragon, nodding her head to indicate their last teammate who has yet to introduce himself. "Bad for anyone that needs a pummeling but a lucky day for us, eh Kulga?"

Moving forward in the morning (about 10 hours from now). Intro from Garduk?

The sun continues its slow climb in the sky. A cacophony of bleating assaults the waiting agents as a caravan guide pulls a train of camels down an adjacent corridor. The doors to the lodge must be opening soon.

Sorry, all - busy day at work.

The young half-orc wanders towards the Lodge, nose buried in a book. He crosses the road without looking up; another hour or two later, and he would almost certainly have been run down by a carriage or merchant's horse-cart. As it is, he reaches a stopping point in his reading just before he steps out of the road onto the sidewalk with the other Pathfinders and slams the book closed. He tall but thin, almost scrawny, and his traveling clothes fit him poorly. He wears no armor, but carries a haversack slung over one shoulder and a billy club, dagger, and various pouches and wands dangle from his belt. A crossbow hangs beneath his cloak.

Garduk looks up and lets out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding when he sees his two old friends. His face is twisted by two deep, long scars on his cheeks, running from his ears almost to the sides of his mount; he breaks into a horrifying grimace that only those who know him best would interpret as a smile. "Kulga! Brayne! I didn't know you were going to be here! That's wonderful!"

He drops the grimace and expression serious, he faces Kulga directly and bows.

"Tervitan teid, Kulga, vägeva Gruenaki lapselaps mitu korda."

His accent is atrocious, but Garduk has apparently learned Dwarven since their last adventure together.

Garduk greets Tarragon and Brady warily, but relaxes slightly after noting the two other half-orcs' armor. He introduces himself to Nella with a bit more warmth as a friend of his friends, but his eyes widen when she describes herself as a priestess.

She'll have some skills we've been lacking lately, he thinks, but why isn't she wearing any armor? He rests a hand on one of his wands, and taps it with a finger as he counts the charges remaining. All right, that should be more than enough to cover Brayne - did he say he sold his soul? I need to ask him about that later - Nella, and me. Still, I...

"Four handsome half-orcs," Nella grins and winks at Tarragon, nodding her head to indicate their last teammate who has yet to introduce himself. "Bad for anyone that needs a pummeling but a lucky day for us, eh Kulga?"

Garduk looks around in surprise. "Four? We've got someone else joining the group?"

"Bad for anyone that needs a pummeling but a lucky day for us, eh Kulga?"

Kulga snorts indelicately "A pummeling? From Garduk and Brayne? I guess the pretty boy has his moments, but unless you do something to his books, Garduk's not one to raise his fists."

"Tervitan teid, Kulga vägeva Gruenaki lapselaps mitu korda."

Kulga's left eye begins to twitch as Garduk mangles the tongue of her ancestors.

"Hello Garduk. Maybe you should speak something they understand."

Eventually the front doors to the lodge open. A servant wearing long white robes bows politely to the travelers as he ushers them in.

"Welcome, fine sirs and ladies." His eyebrows raise slightly at the sight of four half-orcs. He allows all to enter the opulent entrance way and then moves the group down a long and colorfully marbled hallway that extends straight away from the courtyard in front. The group reaches a small set of benches in front of a pair of large and extravagant doors. The servant turns to the agents.

"Please wait here while I let the venture-captain know that you are here." A side table holds a pitcher of cold water with slices of lemon floating in it. "Please help yourself to a drink while you wait."

He disappears down the hall. A few moments later there is a sound behind the doors and they swing open. As the doors open to Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi’s office, he sits behind an imposing desk and concludes an elegantly penned letter with a flourish of calligraphy. He smiles, stands, and spreads his arms. ”Welcome, my guests and colleagues. Let my family’s hospitality be your pleasure in this time we have together.” He fans the wet ink on the letter before setting it aside and taking a seat. He gestures to the others allowing them to sit in one of the elegant overstuffed chairs.

”To an outsider, it may seem that gold drives Keleshite society, but in truth it is a complex network of favors and patronage -- who you know and how you have helped them are key. The Society is in a position to pay a very dear favor to a powerful and righteous demigod, yet our leaders require extraplanar expertise in order to perform said favor. Through my family, we have found such an expert who lives on the Plane of Fire. Her name is Qalkami Mishalq, an efreeti information broker in exile who also prefers favors to gold. The fire genies are notoriously shrewd negotiators, yet I believe the Society has secured a fair deal: four tasks of her choosing, and additional support thereafter to help her reestablish herself in the City of Brass.”

”The Society and I ask that you fulfill these favors and earn Qalkami’s assistance. Kelesh maintains a significant embassy in Zjarra, the trade city Qalkami currently inhabits. With my family’s connections, I have secured you passage to the embassy and the assistance of a liaison to help you get settled. From there, meet with Qalkami and do what you can to fulfill her requests. Please report to the palace first thing tomorrow so that you do not miss the departure.”

Slides updated with a picture of the lodge and the VC.

My thanks for the compliment fair Penelope. Tarragon nods back. My sincere hope is that you will still think well of me after our travels together.

Tarragon holds the door for the rest of the party to enter, smiling down from his 6''6" frame to each.

After the initial briefing Tarragon looks worried. He cannot help himself and nearly blurts out A fair deal?!? Four tasks of her choosing? She could demand we bring her the moon. And what will you have us do if she asks us to kill a baby or the like? Please tell me that these tasks are bound by something.

Brady lifts an eye at Penelope's remark. "Not since I was a young'un in Taldor have I been called handsome... but I'll take it, regardless. You are... ahhh... very beautiful yourself. Shelyn, I presume? Though I don't recall her ever prohibiting armoring oneself."

When they finally receive their audience with the Venture-Captain, he listens intently, at the same time surreptitiously trying to see what the VC's letter is about.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

He shrugs at Tarragon's concern, showing none of his own. The Society cares not for what we think of its missions, in each and every case. You sign up, or you don't. You don't get to choose; never choose.

"Don't worry, Tarragon. It's not as though efreeti are famed for twisting exact wordings." Kulga's voice drips with sarcasm while she tries to figure out some way they aren't all going to get screwed with their pants on. "These tasks are payment for aid not yet given, correct? So if they are too impossible or heinous, the worst outcome is that we must find another information broker?"

"We're being sent to the Plane of Fire?" Garduk growls quietly. Earlier, the young half-orc's comrades saw how the ruined muscles of his face twisted his attempt at a smile into an unsettling grimace; now, at the mention of the Eternal Furnace, the young half-orc scowls, and the scars on his cheeks force his lips to peel back, revealing a mouthful of strong, sharp teeth.

With a visible effort, he relaxes, and his teeth are hidden once again. "This should be quite an adventure. What can you tell us about the city of Zjarra? And what did this efreeti do to earn her exile?"

Traveling to the Great Beyond! I should be excited. This should be the most exciting day of my life. But why did it have to be the Plane of Fire? That damn elemental probably still holds a grudge.

Brayne nods his head furiously, with an equally concerned look as everyone else, though he does enjoy the thought of extraplanar travel, "Right, right, everything my dear companions said..."

"...So, when do we leave?"

"No, you're right, Shelyn doesn't forbid her faithful from wearing armor," Nella remarks as they're finally allowed inside the lodge. "But for some, eschewing armor is a testament to their faith in Lady Shelyn, their belief that her protection is armor enough. I just happen to be one of them," she smiles.

After being admitting to meet Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi and listening to the details of the task that lies before them, Nella can't help but shiver slightly in spite of the warmth.

"Another planar jaunt. My last one sent me to Hell itself," she explains, a smile on her face that doesn't reach her eyes at all. "Not the sort of destination I'd recommend to most. But hopefully this journey will be a little more pleasant."

"VC Qaradi, what can you tell us about the Plane of Fire? Are there any special protections or preparations we should make before tomorrow?"

Work is killing me right now but I hope to have a posting up tonight.

The Venture-Captain nods in understanding. ”This might involve some dirty work. The contract prohibits impossible tasks, yet it doesn’t account for ethical concerns.” He takes a polite sip of date wine before adding with a smile, “Though I’d note that just as efreet often twist wishes, you are free to interpret her instructions to fulfill the letter of her request, if not always the grisly spirit. Just be careful not to warp her demands so obviously or blatantly that you invalidate the Society’s deal. The isle of Jalmeray sometimes challenges its greatest minds to outwit an efreeti, and Pathfinders are among the greatest thinkers. You be the judge based on the opportunities that arise.”

While Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi speaks Brady takes a surreptitious peek at the paper on his desk. It appears to be nothing more than a thank you letter to a local merchant.

A smile crosses the Venture-Captain’s face at the mention of the Plane of Fire. ”You know, I have been there just a couple of times. It is, well, interesting and hot, as should come as no surprise. However, Zjarra has a protective dome that makes it merely warm, making it a rare place for fiery creatures to interact peaceably with combustible foreigners. Step outside the dome only at your peril. As far as I know, you should be able to complete your tasks all within the city of Zjarra.”

”And, as for Qalkami herself,” he continues, ”What I know is secondhand; you’d be better served learning what you can in Zjarra. That said, Qalkami’s extended family fell from the City of Brass’s good graces several decades ago or more. She’s kept her head low to avoid her enemies, most of which seem content to let her live in relative obscurity. This means she’s not bargaining from a position of insurmountable strength, but she’s hardly negotiating from a point of weakness. She could no doubt find other assistants beyond the Pathfinder Society, so don’t assume you’re holding all the cards.”

He waits to see if there are any more questions.

I’ll answer the question about when in the next posting.

"Okay, that's good to know," Nella nods. "And I'm sure the city probably has markets enough if we end up needing to buy additional supplies once we get there."

She considers the information about instructions and creative interpretations...and smiles. "Sounds like enough to work with. Definitely better than Hell and their contracts!"

"You should prepare some wards against fire though Garduk. You too if able, Nella.

"Do we know of any of Qalkami's rivals who might try to foil us?"

"Believe me...I learned my lesson about that the last time," Nella agrees, wincing at the memory. "It's a wonder I managed to make it home without having been turned into a crispy critter!"

Garduk flips through his old, battered spellbook, nods, then pulls a much newer volume from his haversack. It is apparent when he opens it that its pages are almost all blank, but the first few are covered in a dense scrawl. He nods again, then returns them both to his bag.

"I've got a few spells that will be of use, but preparing them all will limit my usefulness in other ways. Although if Nella and I can coordinate our preparations, we should be able to keep us safe."

Nella, I'll post my spell prep planning for Garduk in the discussion thread.

At Kulga's question the Venture-Captain shakes his head. "To be honest, we don't know a lot about Qalkami so I don't know about her rivals. You will do best to ask around in Zjarra." He moves around from behind his desk. "It seems you understand the task. I hope you know that this is very important. Many people in the Society are watching this effort. I'm sure you won't disappoint us."

He looks at each of the agents to impart a sense of importance and gravity to the whole situation. After a few seconds his face brightens up. "Alright then. So, how and when? Well, travel from Katheer to Zjarra occurs fairly regularly. There is a special dais in the palace linked to an identical one in the embassy in Zjarra, allowing their spellcasters to arrive exactly on target. Part of our arrangement with Kelesh includes your return passage. And, as I already mentioned, you will depart tomorrow morning. Please be at the dais by then."

Anything else before we conclude this meeting?

Nella folds her arms over her chest, considering everything they've been told and trying to think if there are any other questions that bear asking. Just when she thinks that everything has been covered, a question does finally come to her.

"Does Zjarra have any special laws or customs we need to be aware of? Or does it operate like most cities here on the Material Plane? Other than that, I don't think I have any other questions."

Brady nods impatiently, indicating his readiness, though he doesn't verbally push as others continue to ask questions.

Brayne, too, nods anticipating his readiness and willingness to partake on this adventure.

Tarragon nods.

”Well then, it seems like everything is set. My servant will show you to your quarters here in the lodge. Just be sure to be back at the dais by tomorrow morning.” The Venture-Captain makes it clear that the meeting is over and he politely ushers you out of his office. In the grand hallway you find the same servant who brought you in. He shows each of you to your rooms.

The following spoiler is for Exchange factions members only. I think that’s only Brady.

You spend the rest of the day getting ready and show up the following morning at the appointed location.

Each player can do two additional checks. First, a Knowledge(local) or (planes); second, a Knowledge(planes)

First check

Second check

Kulga's focus on more temporal concerns didn't serve her particularly well; her own studies scarcely going deeper than the knowledge that Fire was indeed Hot.

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Knowledge (planes): 10 + 0 = 10

Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Kn. Planes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Though Nella can't recall anything useful about the particular city that they'll be visiting or anyone of note that resides there, she does remember a fair bit about the Plane of Fire itself from her studies.

"Well...aside from the obvious being that the Plane of Fire is made of mostly fire, lava, things that burn, and more fire, I know that azers, efreet, fire elementals, magmins, mephits, and salamanders are the most common types of folks and creatures that live there," she offers as the group meets up the next morning. "The City of Brass is the plane’s largest city by far - it's also the capital of an efreeti empire!"

She pauses. Frowns.

"You know, efreet are generally among the most powerful of the plane’s inhabitants and so they consider themselves its rulers. A lot of them are known to be cruel, though. The City of Brass even has slave markets - big, extensive ones."

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20

Garduk starts to expound on what he has read about the plane of fire just as Nella begins to speak. When she finishes, he just nods curtly and says, "That's right. Let's go."

Before they leave, Garduk casts False Life on himself, then spends a point from his arcane reservoir, pulls out his spellbook, and memorizes Flurry of Snowballs in place of False Life.

False Life, temp HP: 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Before they head out, Brady wanders Katheer for a bit, attempting to find a citizen of Jalmeray in this golden city. Finding the person he seeks, he flashes a coin that displays the sigil of the Open Road on one side, and the flag of Jalmeray on the other. He's pulled into an alley quietly, where they briefly discuss the mission.

hours: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Knowledge (local), Zamir's coin: 1d20 + 4 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 4 = 21

Not quite learning as much as he hoped, Brady still thanks the man and returns to the pathfinders.

"And Zjarra is the second biggest city there... protected by a crystalline dome, it's a merchant's paradise. Lots of extraplanar trade there; it should be quite exciting, I think."

Untrained in these skills the best Tarragon can do is a 10

Sorry everyone, just begging for one more day here. I'm completely out of energy but I'm on the upswing... Believe me, this is not the way I normally play PbP games.

The following morning, everyone gathers at the appointed place. Two lavishly dressed officials approach and ensure that everyone is who they say they are before escorting you to a dedicated transport room. In the center of the room is a circular dais etched with intricate runes. Several other important looking merchants and ambassadors join you as you step onto the platform.

There is a flash and slight dizzy feeling and then the others start to step off the platform. You follow out the same hallway you entered and find yourself emerging into a large, bustling area. A cluster of mephits hustles by on urgent business, nearly knocking over an azer. He raises his fist at the fleeing group and launches a small fireball at them. Across the main area an efreet pulls on a large fire elemental that it has on a leash. Welcome to Zjarra, The City of Brass!

A sophisticated lady, dressed in blue silks, catches your attention and signals you to come to her.

”Hello. I’m Yasmine Zamara, the embassy liaison. I’m here to help you with your mission. We’ll start by me taking you to your accommodations.” She smiles and extends warm greetings all around and then begins to lead you through the orange tinted streets.

Slides updated

"Well hello there," Nella smiles in return, shaking Yasmine's hand if she offers it. "Penelope Tabor, but most folks just call me Nella. It's nice to meet you and it's nice to be here," she continues, making some small-talk as the woman indicates that they all follow her.

"How are things going here right now? Any new developments we should be aware of?"

A pleasure to meet you Yasmine. Tarragon says informally. I hope we will not be too much trouble for you.

"My first planar travel..." Brady announces to nobody in particular. He can't help being a tourist, his eyes constantly scanning the architecture and environment of this new place.

Kulga's face is screwed up in disapproval wherever she looks; bureaucracy and merchant lords were far from her comfort zone. "These people need a king."

"At least it feels safer here..." Nella whispers to her companions as she looks around. "Less oppressive, even with the heat."

Yasmine shakes Penelope's hand. "Pleased to have you visiting, Nella." Her diplomatic actions are smooth and well practiced as she turns next to one of the male half-orcs. "Nice to meet you too." She consults her notepad. "I see that there are three male half-orcs arriving -- that's you three -- but I don't know which of you are which."

She notices the female Dwarf's look and checks again on her notepad. "You must be Kulga Gruenakslag? Is something not sitting well with you?"

She continues to lead the group through the busy streets. The surrounding buildings are at the same time familiar and strange. One building that they pass seems to be a gigantic bonfire. Yet people can be seen moving around inside the flames. Just as the group passes, a Salamander glides out of the walls of flame and moves past them. Yasmine smiles. "Remember, just because some of these creatures are 'monsters' on the material plane, doesn’t mean that they are treated that way here. Of course, you are always free to defend yourself. Just don't assume you can just attack a random citizen."

Garduk eyes dart from side to side, searching all directions as Yasmine leads them out of the embassy and onto the busy streets.

If you have to be a coward, you can at least try not to be an idiot. It's an infinite plane, or at least damn big, and it isn't like a company of bards announced your arrival. It isn't going to be waiting for you, it isn't going to find you, it is almost certainly thousands of miles from here. Now try not to come off like a bumpkin on his first trip to Absalom.

Yasmine shakes Penelope's hand. "Pleased to have you visiting, Nella." Her diplomatic actions are smooth and well practiced as she turns next to one of the male half-orcs. "Nice to meet you too." She consults her notepad. "I see that there are three male half-orcs arriving -- that's you three -- but I don't know which of you are which."

"Hrrrm. Four. There are four of us. I'm Garduk." He sticks out a hand to shake. "So, um, do lots of fire elementals live here in the city?"

I am the golden one. Perhaps that will help you remember me.Tarragon offers. And I would never attack another creature that has not tried to harm me or am innocent first.

Nella blinks, a little startled by Yasmine's statement. "Um...do you get that sort of thing a lot?" she asks. "Visitors from the Material just...trying to attract locals? I mean, it's obviously been a problem before or you wouldn't have said anything but just...I really hope that's not a common thing!"

”No, it doesn’t happen often. But I think some of the locals instigate problems on purpose. Some residents of this plane seem to enjoy creating incidents that get those from the material plane in trouble.”

Yasmine stops walking briefly to count the group members. ”Well. I guess my counting was off earlier. Yes, four half-orcs. Nice to meet you Garduk.” She continues down the street. ”And ‘golden one’. That must make you Tarragon. That leaves Brady and Brayne. Which of you is which?”

Before either can answer she stops in front of a squat stone building. A sign hanging out front states “Frozen Magma Inn”. Small writing at the bottom of the sign says “Comfortable accommodations suitable for flammable creatures.” She leads the group inside and arranges their rooms.

”This is where the embassy typically lodges visitors. I hope you find it to your liking.” She thanks the receptionist at the counter then steps away with the group. ”I understand that you have been tasked with serving Qalkami in order to gain information for the Pathfinders. From what I’m told, it’s a worthy endeavor. But you should take care not to underestimate Qalkami: she is cunning, clever, and ruthless, even for an efreeti. I’m fairly well versed on the political realities here in Zjarra, and I have a few connections. If you have doubts about any of the tasks that she sets for you, I’m always happy to provide any insight I may have, especially if it means avoiding criminal activity or minimizing chaos.”

Brady returns his gaze from the sights and sounds to the task at hand. "I'm Brady, and I'm looking forward to dealing here on the plane of fire. I'm a merchant myself, with many connection on the Material Plane that I hope we can leverage to mutual advantage here."

Lots of catching up!

Upon arrival, Brayne boast loudly, to no one in particular, but loud enough to ensure everyone within earshot would be able to listen. "Ah, well, this is definitely not as interesting as the Shadow planes. Lots of weird stuff going on in there. Insect people and what not."

"And of course, I am Brayne. It's a pleasure to meet you Yasmine." Brayne returns the warm greeting with a smile that could perhaps melt a few hearts. "So, when do we meet this character Qalkami, we've heard so much about her already!"

Nella can't help but smile a little at the descriptive sign out front as Yasmine leads them into the Frozen Magma. "Right to the point - being which flammable, I very much appreciate!"

"That's good to know, Yasmine. A few of us were a little worried about that when they told us what we'd be doing here. We want to honor our agreements but we didn't sign on to do anything heinous or to potentially cause trouble for someone that doesn't deserve it," she nods as Yasmine offers her assistance.