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Garduk reads the inn’s welcome sign and cocks an eyebrow. "Hrm. I appreciate the reminder that beings we might view as monstrous at home may have the rights of citizens here. As visitors not native to this place, should we be concerned that the citizens here might think of us as the monsters? Or as game?"
"Nice to meet you Brady and Brayne." She looks puzzled at Brady. "I'm not really a merchant so I'm not sure we could leverage anything. However, there are certainly many opportunities for commerce with others."
Seeing that everyone seems to be settled in and she's convinced they will all behave themselves, she dismisses herself. "Well, I need to get back to my office." She hands Kulga a folded piece of paper. "Here are directions to the Cinderstone Manor -- Qalkami's home. You shouldn't have any trouble finding it. And, I don't know what the tasks are, but if you contact me after you've met with her, I might be able to give you some advice. The embassy address is also on that paper." She bids adieu and leaves.
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It is only mid-morning when Yasmine leaves you at the Frozen Magma. After settling into your rooms, the group follows the directions to the Cinderstone Manor. You have little difficulty finding Qalkami’s home, a domineering, gothic-style edifice of scorched adobe that towers three exaggerated stories in height and is topped by several spiked spires. A stone path crosses a yard of smoldering coals and leads to an ornate brass door with a knocker in the shape of a snarling hellhound, the ring cast to resemble flames pouring from its mouth. An azer servant answers the door. He looks over the group with an air of disdain but seems to be expecting you. He ushers you into a lavish sitting room outfitted with large chairs upholstered in ruddy, heat-resistant leather.
"Wait here while I inform my lady that you are here." He exits through a servant's door.
Many minutes pass but no one has returned to the room yet.
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"Maybe she's busy," Nella shrugs, not really thrilled by the extended wait but not exactly put out, either. "Or maybe it's some sort of a power move, as you said. Make sure we know our place and all. Either way, we're here and there's not much else to do but wait until Qalkami can meet with us."
She looks around, fidgeting a little.
"Too bad there's not any good way to pass the time, though. I didn't think I'd have much time for reading or I would've brought a book or two with me."
A few minutes after Brayne knocks on the door, it opens. Qalkami Mishalq strides into the room. She is an imposing figure with the strength of a fire giant, the dangerous elegance of an erinyes, and a fiery scar that runs down one side of her face. ”Visitors from the Material plane. What a delectable treat! Please, come and enjoy some of the spirits from my home.” Only when she gestures to the liquor cabinet to you understand what she meant by ‘spirits’.
”So, my lovely Pathfinders. I have so been looking forward to this. How is the Frozen Magma? And did you have a nice conversation with Yasmine. She is so, what should I say? Stiff? Administrative? I don’t know.” Qalkami’s voice drips with sensuality and dominance. An uncomfortable combination.
”I would ask you to tell me about yourselves, but, well, I already know all about you. You know, insurance, in case something goes wrong.”
She exudes confidence that no secret is safe from her.
She pours herself a glass of fiery liquid that gives off a wisps of black smoke and gestures again to the side table. ”Please, help yourself. We don’t have to be so formal here.” She winks suggestively at Brayne.
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"I'm sure Garduk has a tome or two worth perusing, if you need entertaining."
Garduk grunts in agreement without looking up from the book he pulled out of his pack and began reading as soon as as the servant left the room - a copy of the first volume of the Pathfinder Chronicles . Without taking his eyes off of the page in front of him, he slips a hand into his haversack, pulls out slimmer volume, and offers it to Nella. The cover announces in lurid red script that the book is THE CASE OF THE DREAMING DEAD, by Ailson Kindler.
A few minutes after Brayne knocks on the door, it opens. Qalkami Mishalq strides into the room. She is an imposing figure with the strength of a fire giant, the dangerous elegance of an erinyes, and a fiery scar that runs down one side of her face. ”Visitors from the Material plane. What a delectable treat! Please, come and enjoy some of the spirits from my home.” Only when she gestures to the liquor cabinet to you understand what she meant by ‘spirits’.
”So, my lovely Pathfinders. I have so been looking forward to this. How is the Frozen Magma? And did you have a nice conversation with Yasmine. She is so, what should I say? Stiff? Administrative? I don’t know.” Qalkami’s voice drips with sensuality and dominance. An uncomfortable combination.”I would ask you to tell me about yourselves, but, well, I already know all about you. You know, insurance, in case something goes wrong.”
She pours herself a glass of fiery liquid that gives off a wisps of black smoke and gestures again to the side table. ”Please, help yourself. We don’t have to be so formal here.” She winks suggestively at Brayne.
What? Where could she possibly have learned anything about ... blast that damn fire elemental!
Garduk eyes both Qalkami and the strange liquor warily, then leans back in his chair, making a visible effort to relax. He forces out a rasping chuckle, and growls, "Heh. Whatever you've heard, I'm sure it's exaggerated. You know how elemen... people exaggerate."
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Nella starts slightly when the door finally opens and Qalkami strides in; it isn't without a small bit of regret that she hastily slips the book Garduk had lent her into her pack.
Darn, the story was just starting to take off, too.
"Greetings, Ms. Mishalq," Nella responds, rising to her feet to greet their hostess with a bow and a polite smile. "The Frozen Magma's a pretty charming place and Yasmine was very helpful in making sure we understood the lay of the land around here."
Hmm. Not someone to be trifled with. Given what they told us about efreeti, I'd have expected nothing less.
When Qalkami gestures over towards the side table she glances at it and nods. "Thank you, don't mind if I do," she replies as she scans the offerings for something that might actually be potable for a human. "Your warmth and generosity would put Zarta Dralneen to shame!"
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Tarragon rises from his seat as the woman enters. I am an open book Lady Mishalq and have no secrets. I suspect you might find that boring but I am what I am. While I appreciate your generous hospitality I am quite curious about what tasks you have in mind for us and am excited to begin helping you.
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Brayne delightfully returns the greeting with a warm smile grabbing the nearest drink regardless of it's content or knowledge of it. "Why thank you. I've never met quite an interest and beautiful Ifrit such as yourself. Well enough about us though, tell us something about you and why we find ourselves in such wonderful company."
Qalkami watches the group as they take drinks and chuckles a little when the brawny half-orc seems to dither a bit on picking a drink. "Oh, don't worry," she says to him from across the room. "Nothing there will bite. It might burn a little going down. But you did bring a cleric, right?" She laughs again and turns to find a leather chair. Sitting in the chair, with her legs crossed, she sips on her smoking drink.
"Better than Zarta you say? Well, that vixen has certainly made her way around Zjarra a few times. Can't say that I'm all that unimpressed with her." A flash of jealousy crosses her face and disappears just as quickly.
While her attitude remains one of amusement, she finds herself softening to the party members, almost treating them as equals. "You know, I've met many creatures like you, from the material plane. I have to say that your are the most intriguing group I've encountered. You actually seem quite competent. And some of you, maybe a bit more." She leans towards Brayne and speaks in a quieter voice which, none-the-less, is heard by all. "You think I'm beautiful, do you? But you haven't seen all of me." She smiles wickedly. "Maybe we can fix that later."
After waiting just a moment to see if Brayne blushes, she sits back in her chair.
"Well, let's get down to business. Tarragon, you want to know the tasks. First, I do want you to know that I could have used anyone here in Zjarra. But all my normal agents, they are currently busy. So I turned to the Pathfinders mostly as an expediency. But I see that I did make a good choice."
You can assess that Qalkami’s hiding some reservations about hiring local help, likely because her jobs are sensitive matters.
She stands and strides the drink cabinet again, refills her glass, then addresses them. The efreeti begins ticking off tasks on her fingers. "First, one of my agents, Carlin Nestor, has attracted the attention of a broken inevitable, Tavar. Apparently, it’s trying to bring him to justice for a crime for which he was already tried and acquitted. I might find that amusing if it weren’t so annoying. Carlin is a valuable resource, and I can’t make use of him as long as he has this tin can constantly stirring up trouble. Carlin is currently lying low in a safehouse I maintain nearby. I’m sure he’ll be happy to provide you with the details."
"Second, there is a family heirloom that you should recover. Some time ago, in exchange for a variety of services, I loaned my grandmother’s familiar, an imp named Vassago, to a local mephit named Malini, who runs the Eye of Flame Magic Shop here in town. The loan has since expired, but the imp has not been returned. I could involve the authorities, but a public spectacle highlighting my previous affiliation with a mephit, of all things, would not help my political ambitions. I’d like you to reclaim Vassago, as well as the contract that commands his service, and return them to me—without attracting too much attention."
Qalkami produces a rolled-up vellum parchment. "The third task should be a very simple one. I have expended considerable energy negotiating a deal with a water naga merchant named Soheila here in Zjarra, and she represents a larger conglomerate from the Plane of Water. Soheila has already agreed to the terms, but she has provided excuse after excuse to avoid finalizing the agreement. She clearly doesn’t understand what a good deal she’s getting, and may need some encouragement to sign. I want you to visit her at her home and ensure the contractgets signed."
She pauses to allow questions.
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Garduk leans forward in his chair, interested in the efreet's tasks in spite of himself, and barks out his questions.
"Are you asking us to prove Carlin's innocence to this inevitable, help Carlin to escape, or destroy the inevitable? Is the imp going to resist being returned to you and, if so, do you have any concerns about collateral damage? And with respect to Soheila, what kind of encouragement do you have in mind?"
He stops, considers for a moment, then adds,
"თუ გსიამოვნებთ პასუხის გაცემა, ქალბატონო."
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"Hmm...all of these matters sound like they'd be best handled with some subtlety and discretion, especially when it comes to bringing Vassago back and speaking with Soheila," Nella thinks aloud.
"Do you have any idea why Soheila might be stalling on closing the deal? Seems like a good way to lose business if you get cold feet in the eleventh hour."
Qalkami smiles with amusement, and even arches an eyebrow when Garduk speaks to her in Ignan. "So cute," she says in a low voice. "You mortals have so many questions." Another sip from her drink. "I like you, I really do. You certainly are the right group for this." The superior smile never really leaves her face.
She turns first to Garduk. "Honey, I don't care how you free up my agent. You will have to use your own ingenuity. As for my imp? Does it matter? For that water demon," for the first time since entering the room her face turns ugly, "I don't really care how you encourage her, but the more painful the better, as far as I'm concerned. I'm trying to establish a mutually beneficial deal and all that steaming vortex wants to do is negotiate. Maybe she is just stalling because she doesn't want me to look good."
She sits back in her chair. The drink in her hand starts to boil for a few moments and then calms back down. Slowly she regains composure.
"Yes. Three tasks. I'll tell you about the fourth when you get back from finishing the first three. That's my preference." Standing and walking to the liquor cabinet again, she asks, "More questions?"
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Mindful of the venture captain's instructions, Garduk tries to smile ingratiatingly. He fails, his scarred face twisting into an unpleasant snarl.
"Understood; we're to smash in and grab Carlin, bring back the imp in chains if necessary, and kneecap the naga. One more question: do you want us to cover our tracks? We get to go home once these tasks - and the mysterious fourth mission - are complete, but unless we take precautions it won't be hard for anyone investigating to figure out the common factor tying these jobs together is you. Or is that what you want, a public demonstration that you are not to be trifled with?"
Cue the diabolical laughter ... now.
Qalkami looks at Garduk, studying him for a moment. "I like how you think," she finally says. "But maybe this time a little tact is better. Remember, this is a political issue for me. I'm trying to gain standing in Zjarra. I assume your leader told you this. If there was a public spectacle with my name associated with it, that would be counter-productive."
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Tarragon looks unhappy with the withholding of information about the forth task but looks appalled at Garduks's summation of the tasks. From his body language its obvious that he is not going to participate in any smashing and grabbing or kneecapping. I can do tact. Tarragon agrees. And I will try to encourage the rest of the team in that direction. he says, knowing better than to it a promise.
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"I guess we'll have to play it mostly by ear then," Nella sighs, folding her arms across her chest. She also doesn't look very thrilled with Garduk's phrasing but can't really tell if he's being serious or sarcastic. Hopefully it's the latter.
"Since tact would be in order I'm going to guess that if anything goes awry with any of the tasks then you'll be disavowing any association with us? You know, while we're all being open and honest here."
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So she has limits after all. Good to know.
"Hrm. Tact? If you say so. I usually let Brayne and Kulga handle anything that involves other people's --" he waves a hand in air until he finds the right word "-- feelings. I'm sure Nella, Tarragon, and Brady are very tactful as well. And I'll be sure to exercise ... er... restraint."
Qalkami raises a glass toward Kulga, nods, and smiles deviously. "Exactly. I believe that I've heard some people call that 'plausible deniability'." She gets the sense that there are no more questions.
"I suppose you should be on your way. Don't forget to take the contract for Soheila with you."
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As the group files out of the efreet's home, Garduk snorts. "Be tactful. Of all the ... " He trails off, muttering for a moment, then says, "Burn down one townhouse in Magnimar, just one historical landmark townhouse - to save lives! - and nobody will ever let you forget it!"
Winding down, he says, "I think we ought to talk to Yasmine before we start anything. These jobs sound almost too easy. Something doesn't smell right to me."
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As Garduk mumbles, Brayne cocks his eyebrows, "What are you talking about dear Garduk? What townhouse?"
Later on, the half-orc's head drops, but nonetheless is reluctantly agreeably to approach Yasmine. "I suppose you're right. We should seek her counsel since the matters of this plane are not familiar to us."
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"Sounds like there's a story there," Nella remarks, looking bemused. "Maybe one day I'll find a traveling bard who'll know the tale and be willing to share it with me! I'd even trade my own story about playing babysitter to a bunch of goblins once..." she adds with an innocent whistle.
"But in the meantime yeah, let's go talk to Yasmine first. I mean, Qalkami's probably expecting us to do that anyway but Yasmine did offer her advice if we needed it so might as well take her up on it, right?"
Qalkami dismisses herself quickly, mentioning that she has urgent work to do. Once outside, you head towards the embassy. The embassy is a large and pleasant looking structure. The entire grounds are surrounded by a wrought iron fence but a large open gate leads into a lavish courtyard. Towards the far end of the courtyard is an official looking building. Small tables are arrayed along both sides, separated into discreet areas by thick bushes and short trees. It looks like these tables are specifically for informal and private meetings.
You spot Yasmine striding across the courtyard towards the main building but when she sees you she changes direction and heads straight for you.
"Ah. I see you're back from meeting with Qalkami. That was rather quick. Qalkami's quite the personality, isn't she?" Before waiting for an answer she ushers you to one of the tables at the side. "Here, sit. Tell me, what does she want you to do?"
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Kulga ticked the tasks off on her stubby fingers, "First, we have to save one of her agents from a broken inevitable named Tavar. He's currently hidden, and may have more information for us. Second, we need to get an imp from Malini at the Eye of Flame Magic Shop. It's possible she even has a legal right to the imp. Third, we need to make sure that the merchant Soheila signs a contract that has supposedly already been agreed to. So what didn't she tell us?"
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"Don't forget, there's a fourth task that she won't give us any details on until we get the first three done," Nella adds. "It could be that the first three tasks are some kind of test, to make sure we can handle whatever her real business is. I mean, maybe she's just messing with us but that doesn't really seem like her style. There's got to be a reason for it."
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"Above all, though, what she really seems to care about is her reputation. I thought she might want to be known as ruthless, but apparently not. Which makes me wonder if the reason she is being cagey about the final task is that it isn't something she wants us talking about. And which also makes me wonder whether she will be ... hrrm ... difficult when it is done and we are ready to leave."
Yasmine listens as the group lists the tasks. "Yes. That all make sense. Holding out the information on that last task, that might be a test or it might be protection. If you should fail at any of the first three, trying the fourth task might cause problems for her." Yasmine waves over one of the serving staff and orders a cool drink. "Please, if you want something, just ask. The embassy will cover the cose." She invites the others to get something.
Once the server leaves she sits back in her chair. "This inevitable Tavar. It's related to that incident with Carlin, if I'm not mistaken. That was a disgrace, even by Zjarra's standards of justice. Did you guys have some idea of how you want to deal with Carlin? What exactly did Qalkami ask you to do about the inevitable?"
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"Let's not worry about the fourth task until it comes. Right now, we have to find Carlin and see what he mucked up with this Tavar. Understanding that we may have to... eliminate the inevitable, we'll see if we can't find a... ahhh... nicer way to go about it first. But either way, we signed up to get it done, so let's get it done."
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"Fair enough," Nella nods. "If the inevitable is broken - Qalkami said it was - then maybe that's why it seems to think Carlin still needs to be brought to justice. Dunno if you can fix a broken inevitable but I suppose we'll find out, eh?"
She looks around at the rest of her companions. "Guess we're going to meet with Carlin then. Hopefully he can shed some more light on the matter and we can figure out a solution from there."
"Very well. Sounds like you have a plan. If you happen to get Carlin to reveal some incriminating evidence, just let me know and I'd be happy to get the local authorities involved." She looks at a book she was carrying. "Oh. I'm running late. I need to run off. If you have more questions later, just stop by and find me." She turns to leave but then stops. "Almost forgot. Here are directions to one of the safe houses where I think Carlin is staying. You might try finding him there first."
She heads off into the main embassy building at a rapid walk.
Following Yasmine's directions soon leads you to a glass-shaping shop. All around are shelves filled with lumps of various colored class, some of them with large glass bubbles attached to them. You are greeted by a short and stout humanoid made of fire and magma. "Greetings. I'm Kelzimak. Welcome to my shop." He walks around the counter to meet you, his steps leave wisps of smoke on the ground as he walks. "You don't seem to be from around here but maybe I can interest you in some fine worked glass. I make it myself." To demonstrate, he picks a small lump of glass and plops it in his mouth. He makes exaggerated chewing motions then leans back his head and blows a large bubble of glass out from between his lips. When the glass ball is a couple hand spans wide he pinches off the glass near his lips and lets it cool. He holds out the newly formed glass bubble to anyone who wants to take it.
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Nella watches with unabashed amazement and delight as Kelzimak demonstrates how a magmin works glass. "That's amazing! It looks almost like...well, like the sort of bubbles children blow with soap back home. But prettier. Much prettier. And probably a bit heavier," she smiles.
"Ooh, uh...I'd love to touch it, but I think I'm a little too combustible at the moment," the priestess adds with an obvious look of regret when Kelzimak offers the bubble to any brave takers.
As she waits to see if one of the others wants to reach out for the glass bubble she clears her throat.
"Um...you wouldn't happen to have any apprentices or friends staying with you right now, would you? Name starting with a C?" She looks around for a moment and lowers her voice. "We heard there's something that might fit that description staying here or somewhere close by and that they're in a bit of a pickle. If we may, we'd like to try and get to the bottom of it and maybe give him a hand."