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”Young man, I have heard quite enough from you.” Matrialda’s voice carries an edge that only a grandmother who is at her wits’ end can have. ”You and your troop of hooligans have been harassing other people, taking things that don’t belong to you, and being bullies.” Her tone now is instantly familiar to anyone who’s been scolded by a parent for not playing nicely with other kids on the playgrounds. ”So you come over here right this second before I come in there and drag you out by your ear, young man. You are going to apologize and then go home to explain to your parents why you’ve been such a disappointment to them.”
"I know I would rather put bullets into each of you ..."
"Interesting enticement. Not sure it would reassure many prospects that your organization promotes harmony between members."
Zamir stands stoically throughout Matrialda's scolding.
Jumra Khan looks from the arcanist to his master like he can't believe the patience on display -- before going back to licking a paw nonchalantly.
"So I can still count on your vote in any popular election, Nani?"
The warlord looks bored. "I have heard similar criticisms leveled at the Pathfinder Society. Does anyone else wish to speak?"
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"Last offer before we just take you with us unconscious and call it a day. How would you," Psamtic pauses and grumbles a bit before continuing, "How would you like to continue doing what you're doing, but do it for a better purpose. You'll, of course, have to stop the slaves thing, but stealing things that don't belong to you, harassing others, and murdering people is part of a typical mission here, as much as I hate to admit it. It's just, our purposes serve the good of society. Yours....yours only serves the good of yourself. Last chance to turn from this path that lands you either dead or imprisoned for life. Do the smart thing, why don'tcha?"
“The more I think about it, the more I believe I am a good fit with the Pathfinder Society.”
Zamir collapses onto the two-seat beside his AC. “Sneer all you want, Ser Coral. All I ever wanted was a better life for the people of Jalmeray.”
“Build them schools and give them access to inexpensive healing. Return the wealth of the island from the Thakur’s vaults to the people. The democracy experiment is going well in Andoran. Why couldn’t it work here?”
“Of course revolutions need financing and in the beginning I only targeted the wealthy and corrupt. But my Aspis partners kept pushing me ... demanding more and more raids. Loyal followers fell one after another. Soon I had to pay for replacements and when funds ran low, I had to force labor into service ...”
The revolutionary stops and smiles self-consciously. “But you have all heard outlaws try to justify their actions before, right? Good intentions line the freeways to the Hells and such.”
“But let me be clear, I didn’t order the murder of Padiskar’s Venture-Captain. That was a private matter between him and the double-agent Waman, who the Tiger’s Eye monks executed on their own initiative when he showed up here.”
“Anyway, once I have packed up the remaining furs and tapestries here as a gift for your acting venture-captain, I will be ready to leave this place.”
“Surely I’m not the first to seek redemption in the Society? No doubt the Ten will utilize the skill-sets common to all seven of us for a nobler cause.”
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Sinaryn lets out a heavy sigh and reaches for her flask which she remembers is now empty.
"Might be the most convincing monologue I have heard from an Apsis...well former Apsis. This might just work out better. Still, no slaves AT ALL. The Society has room for all sorts so you will be fine!" says the captain relenting to the outcome and being somewhat convinced in their story.
“It's great to not have to knock down any more idiots today …”
“Oh, no offense taken.” *eye roll*
"Are you really on the level now?"
"Every bit as much as your average Venture-Captain."
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With Zamir’s portable treasure loaded onto a small hand-cart, Psamtic leads you back through the underground bunker.
In the sweatshop there is no sign of Risk or Hot Stuff. However, the unconscious red-hooded bandit now lies in a pool of deep red blood. A stainless steel chisel juts from the side of his neck.
Back on surface, all is quiet as Sarenrae begins to spread her radiant tresses across the landscape. While Zamir’s sentries have abandoned their posts, the bodies of the two tiger-masked monks remain in the courtyard where they were felled by the party.
Their spiritual leader pauses for a moment beside them. “Their order is now extinct. But in a way, it is a relief.”
“They worshipped me as the Revealed Fifth Aspect of the Rakshasa Immortal Maricha, whom you Avistani call ‘Mursha the Beastmaster.’”
He sighs. “It’s not easy living as demigod, you know ..? Heh. Of course you don’t.”
On the trade route heading north to Padiskar, Zamir pulls a tiger-striped cowl over his head. Keeping to the middle of the group, he orders Jumra Khan to travel beside Palomia and Relas, while the eidolon remains padding the Prime.
As the party approaches small villages, the 'people’s hero' throws back his hood, picking up squealing children and glad-handing star-struck supporters.
“Brothers and sisters, a new phase is beginning! Spread the word and get ready.”
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However, once in Padiskar the cowl is back in place and the man’s demeanor is humble and silent.
“The Thakur and Aspis Consortium have spies everywhere.”
Back in the Pathfinder Lodge, the servants are in high spirits as Seeker Agent Luisila ushers Zamir into a meeting where a short, handsome Jalmerayse man welcomes the ex-bandit lord with an enthusiastic embrace.
As the half-elf closes the door on the private conference, she turns to you all-smiles. “Well done, Pathfinders. It can’t have been easy, but you did your jobs. The Society’s interests in northern Jalmeray have been strengthened by your actions and for that, I thank-you.”
“The man with Zamir is the new VC for the Padiskar Lodge, Vasuman Mihir. He’ll be along later to thank you as well.”
“There’ll be an informal reception for Zamir this evening, which you are welcome to attend – or not if you prefer, Korum. And with your work done here, I have organized swift transport back to Absalom in the morning for those that require it. Sinaryn, I have assumed you will sail back in the Squall’s Purchase.”
“So enjoy your night off and I look forward to reading about your future ventures in the Pathfinder Chronicles.”
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Palo's face flushes red though it's unclear if it's from anger or general embarrassment. Or both.
"Excuse you, I have plenty of friends," she huffs, crossing her arms across her chest. "Just because I enjoy peace and quiet doesn't mean I don't ever make any friends! I'll have you know..."
And the rest of the evening continues in much the same way.
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