After only a few weeks of rest, you are summoned to the Pathfinder Society lodge in Katheer. Once again, Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi congratulates you on your successes with Qalkami. He follows the praise with new orders. As expected, Qalkami has one last favor that she asks after which she will give the Society the information they need. Qaradi explains that he has arranged transportation for all of you to The City of Brass on the following morning. "Unfortunately, we don't know much about what our efreeti friend needs this time. You will meet with her as soon as you arrive at capital. I trust that she will reveal her needs then." Without much more instruction, the Venture-Captain excuses himself.
The next morning the group meets at the designated location. Garduk, Brady, Kulga, Nella, and Tarragon greet each other but Brayne is not there. Soon a thin and lean dwarf walks up to the group.
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"Well...here we are," Nella remarks, looking around at the mostly-familiar faces. "Even though the last time actually didn't turn out as bad as it could have, I'm getting a little tired of dealing with this Qalkami. Let's hope that this is the last favor she'll need from us."
She then turns to greet the newcomer and Kanubis sees a young, red-headed woman dressed in simple, cream-colored robes. A small carved holy symbol of a songbird hangs from her neck, but if Kanubis watches closely he 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.
"Hello there! Penelope Tabor, but I always go by Nella," she smiles, extending her hand for a shake. "Glad to meet you and also glad to have you along."
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Kulga nods sourly. She's 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.
"Still, she didn't actually turn on us last time. I suppose it could be worse. It could always be worse."
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Kanubis approaching slowly but surely. Seems like he's already tired even before journey begins because of thick backpack.
All the Pathfinders have a chance to see newcomer closer . This ancient dwarf is lean, hes bald head is covered with Ancient Osirion runes and his forehead bound with dark-stone scarab. Kanubis wears snow-white calistocrate mantle with golden embroidery. Although his hands wraped by leather and boots looks like made of spiders web. Kanubis carries ancient dwarven boulder helmet looks like jakals head. No other weapon can you see with hum, unlike a small crossbow rare to be used. At the same time some silk rope and manacles are within quick access.
After getting closer and farting he says:
Pathfinders! Good to join you. If we are going to City of Brass - I will join you. Got some business to deal with in this place. Never been there though.
Getting closer to Nella, Kanubis burps in doubts about shaking hand... Sure this is necessary? Alright... if it's cultural tradition... - he shakes Penelopes hand and she feel moment of palms joints cracking even though the dwarf made it slightly.
After delay Kanubis greets everyone with a nod.
Trade Prince K'Anubis. Not at your service, unfortunatelly. But you can lay on me during this mission. Do we have troubles, dear? last words dwarf-newcomer sends to Kulga
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"Ah, uh, just a friendly greeting, that's all," Nella winces as Kanubis shakes her hand and she feels a few of her finger-joints pop in protest. "Sort of a loose custom, I guess. Bowing can also work or even just waving. Whatever you're comfortable with."
Though she figures she could probably answer the question that Kanubis asked of Kulga, Nella thinks better of it.
It's rude to jump in and start speaking for someone else.
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Tarragon rejoins the group looking well rested and, somehow, more golden than before. Those who knew him recall that close inspection revealed small golden scales on his skin but now they are more easily recognized. Its almost like he is evolving. Greetings my friends and fellow pathfinders. he intones. I trust everyone was able to stay out of trouble for our two week reprieve. And I see we have a newcomer to the team. Welcome Trade Prince K'Anubis. I am Tarragon. And, yes, it seems we are recalled to the plane of fire.
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Garduk wanders up to join the group, late as usual. The scrawny half-orc wears traveling clothes that fit him poorly. He wears no armor, but carries a haversack slung over one shoulder. A billy club, dagger, and various pouches and wands dangle from his belt. A crossbow hangs beneath his cloak. His face is disfigured, with thick scars running from his ears to the corners of his mouth.
"Kulga, Nella, Brady, Tarragon, good to see you." Garduk looks around again, realizing someone is missing. He growls unhappily. "Hrrmmm. Brayne's not coming? So who..."
Garduk eyes the newcomer warily, allowing some of the others to introduce themselves first. He pales slightly and takes a half step back when K'Anubis calls Kulga "dear." Seeing Nella wince at the bald dwarf's handshake, the half-orc folds his arms and offers a quick bow instead.
"Good to meet you. My name is Garduk the... just Garduk." He tries for a welcoming smile, but the scars on his cheeks twist his face into an unpleasant grimace.
A haggard and anxious looking man approaches the group of pathfinders. He uses his finger in the air to count out each of the agents. "Ok good. You are all here. Sorry, so sorry, that I'm running late. I was up late light night. We had a party that finished at midnight, if you know what I mean. We should be able to make it to the transport on time still. But we'll have to hurry. We're going to send you to Zjarra first, you'll catch a boat from there to The City of Brass. It's all arranged." Without waiting he turns and races off. The group of you follow him.
The trip to The City of Brass is uneventful and just as the guide had described. You find yourself standing on the harbor docks in Plane of Fire's capital city. The air is stifling. All manner of strange creatures move along but one in particular catches your eye. An octopus shaped large fire elemental seems to be waving three of its tentacles in your direction. It is also moving towards you. When it gets close enough you can see that it is holding a grey granite slab with glowing letters etched on it. The letters say "pathfeenders".
The creature speaks to you. "Greet. My Zohz. You Pathfeenders. Yes? You lead Qalkami Mishalq. Ok?"
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It might be not obvious but K'Anubis cultural views are related to Prophecies of Kalistrade. Recent adventures influence ...
Kanubis with a short nod greets Garduk and Tarragon, at the same time offering ancient coin with a Sphinx at one side and address somewhere in Bloodcove, Mwangi.
Trade Prince Kanubis. Nad this is paicza of my main trade house. Use our service... , - the dwarf burps shortly and rusume - or go to Anubis. - Kanubis farts and smiles with pleasure.
]
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"Uh, yeah, that's right," Nella answers, unable to help but smile a little at the elemental's unusual shape and the slab that they carry. "It's nice to meet you, Zohz. You're here to meet us on Qalkami's behalf? Good to know! I think we're ready to head out to meet with her now...right?"
She glances over at her companions to see if they're in agreement or not.
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Tarragon is having hard time deciding about this new Kanubis character in the group. He attempts to have a private word with the dwarf. My new friend, might I ask of you a personal favor? I would be in your debt if you could refrain from expelling bodily gasses so, well openly, and frequently at least in mixed company. I clould be taken as rude or even as an insult. I know not the full customs of this place we go to so it is best to be cautious. He looks imploringly at Kanubis.
When the fire elemental creature appears Tarragon only nods agreeing that he is ready to go.
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K'Anubis seems to be confused of Taragon words I Will take my potions with me. Moreover business poeople should not like each other to close deals. And finally, I spent thoisand of years lyin in a tomb - my stomach is not so good. I'll try my best to avoid close chambers
>>>> <<<<<
After arriving to the plane of Fire, K'Anubis agrees to follow the Guide. He watches acrhitecture with interest and expect good income and trouble...
Zohz seems to spend a moment or two trying to understand the words spoken to him in common. Eventually he replies. "Head, no hide, keep out." He starts to reach a fiery tentacle towards Nella's head but then seems to catch himself and pulls it back quickly. "Qalkami, you, no lead, yes lead." Zohz makes an incomprehensible gesture and then glides away from the group and into the city. As he moves away he makes gutteral sounds in Ingan.
"This common language is so hard to understand. I hope my friends new friends can understand me. Qalkami will never pay me if I can't do this one simple task."
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Nella's eyes light up as Zohz begins talking to himself in his native language.
"Oh! I've been working on learning Ignan after our last little trip here. Let me try it out and see if I can make myself understood," she whispers to the others.
Clearing her throat, Nella calls out to Zohz as she hurries to follow him. "አዝናለሁ! ትምህርቱን በጣም አልጥለኝም ሁሉም ሰው የተለመዱትን እንደማይናገር መርሳት ቀላል ነው። ይህ በተሻለ ይሠራል?"
"እኛ ሁላችንም ቋንቋዎን እንናገራለን አይደለም ግን እኔ እየተማርኩ ነው እናም እንደማስበው Garduk በእውነቱ ቅልጥፍና ሊሆን ይችላል," she adds, gesturing back at Garduk.
"Sorry! I don't leave the Material very much and it's easy to forget that not everyone speaks Common. Does this work better?"
"Not all of us speak your language but I'm learning and I think Garduk might actually be fluent."
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No idea why everyone in this international metropolis got their prejudices about spoken language , - Kanubis grumbles in dwarven.
Anyway he undestands intentions, being wise. As party travaling, Kanubis also asks their guide:
Zohz,describe this Qalkami. What kind of person? How prefer to do business??
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Garduk jumps when Nella points him out to their elemental guide, then calms himself with a visible effort. "მე კარგად მესმის, ყოველ შემთხვევაში, ასე რომ წავიდეთ წინ და ილაპარაკე თქვენს ენაზე. ჩვენ თარგმნიან. თქვენ მიგვიყვანთ Qalkami- ში, ჩვენ გავყვებით," he growls. The half-orc’s Ignan, like his Taldane, is heavily accented with a lilt that suggests he grew up speaking Skald.
After Kanubis asks his question, Garduk translates it for the elemental.
"მელოტი ჯუჯა სურს იცოდეს როგორი ადამიანია Qalkami. დიდხანს მუშაობდი? დანარჩენი მას უკვე შევხვდით, მაგრამ რას ფიქრობთ მასზე?"
Zohz smiles when he hears others speaking his native tongue. "მე არ ვიცოდი, რომ მატერიალური სიბრტყეებიდან ზოგიერთ თქვენგანს ლაპარაკობდნენ ჩემს ენაზე. ცეცხლი, შენი აქცენტი საშინელია. არც ის არის ძალიან ცუდი." He points to Garduk as he's speaking.
Then he looks at Kanubis and nods with a big smile. "გსურთ იცოდეთ Qalkami- ს შესახებ? ვფიქრობდი, რომ უკვე შეხვედრიხარ. ის ის არ არის, ვინც ალბათ დაგავიწყდება. ძლიერი ეფერეთი. მაგრამ იქნებ ჩვენ უნდა გავაგრძელოთ თქვენი ენა."
"Qalkami soon. Follow."
Zohz continues leading the group through the busy streets. After at least a dozen streets, alleys, bridges, tunnels, and even one fence that the group had to climb over, they finally arrive outside a medium sized brass building. The main entrance is a pair of scaly, red-lacquered doors. A plaque over the door says 'The Chromatic Dragon'.
Zohz leads the groups directly into the bar. The interior is thick with fragrant smoke that wafts among the tables, chairs, lavish couches, and booths that surround a well-furnished fire drake enclosure. Zohz lazily salutes the proprietor before ambling to a back room, where Qalkami reclines on a divan beneath a picture of a red dragon triumphantly roaring atop the bodies of its black, blue, green, and white kin. She tosses a satchel of pungent herbs to Zohz, who immediately coils around it and rolls back to the common area to
enjoy his now-smoldering payment.
"Ah, outlanders, over here. Sit." Qalkami Mishalq motions to a crimson couch made of reddish leather. She winks at Tarragon and then frowns slightly. "Where's that cute orc? The dandy? Oh, nevermind. It's a pleasure to see you again." After a pause to let everyone sit, she continues. "Welcome to the City of Brass, or as we efreet like to call it, Fommok Madinah. You may find this a less welcoming place than Zjarra, but I prefer to think it keeps out the riffraff. Now, we have the deal, the Society and I, to exchange services, and you owe me only one more. Centuries ago, three efreeti houses thwarted one of the largest shaitan invasions ever to attack the City of Brass. My family played an instrumental role. As time went on, however, betrayal, crime, and greed riddled our family's affairs. Instead of helping us, the other two houses threw us to the flames, seized our assets, and dug up evidence to condemn us. Now one of these houses, the Cinderfurys, is teetering at the edge of oblivion, having tied its prestige too closely to the late grand sultan." Qalkami swirls a glass flute of golden liquid, chuckles to herself, and takes a sip. "It would be politically damaging were I seen sabotaging my old enemy. Thankfully, I have a friend in the Society," she remarks, eying each of her guests in turn, "which can reveal the Cinderfurys for the treacherous worms they are. All that's necessary is ensuring that the right people find the right evidence in the right places at the right time. Your job involves getting that evidence to the right places. While you're doing that, I'll gather the right people at the right time to witness your handiwork. Simple enough."
"There are a few details and addenda, of course. First, the estate in question is Emberhearth, which keeps most of its security on-call and off-site. Unless you relish drowning in armed guards the moment you make a mistake, you'll need to neutralize them first. Second, the Cinderfurys maintain a pristine set of local records, and I would like you to secure any local security contracts you find in their library. Third, they keep an heirloom known as the Cinderfury gorget, which you should bring to me. Finally, I have plans for the estate; do keep the destruction to a minimum."
"Once we begin this operation, you'll have perhaps four hours to complete everything -- perhaps less if you dally or make too much noise. It should be more than enough time to infiltrate and escape Emberhearth. If you take any longer than that, I cannot guarantee your safety."
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Garduk nods at the efreet and leans forward as she completes her explanation of the assignment.
"I have a few questions. This off-site security, who and where are they? What do you mean by 'neutralize'? What kind of 'evidence' is there of the Cinderfurys' treachery? Do you already have it, or do we need to find it? Where do you want us to place it? What are we supposed to do with any of the Cinderfurys we happen to come across at the estate?"
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Hello, dear Qalkami! It's a pleasure to feel your heat in this business-boiling city. A friend of mine previously faced Cinderfury... Tygora, as I remember. Our Liberty Edge chapter banished her from ruling a town in Zho mountains. So, we are ready to evolve our relations. Can you tell us more about this Cinderfury Gorget?
We respect property so I personally will try to harm nothing at all without reasonable force to.
Kanubis made a pause to make sure he is being paid by attantion. Also, mimics said he obviously tries not to polute air in this place.
My fellows ask reaonable questions, but my concern in the City of Brass is far behind. I am familiar with one noble shaitan named Reyshal ik Jalman - he wants to reclaim his familys good reputation. Three outstanding diamonds named Sairazul Tears were stolen from Sultana Ahsfdieeyah bint Khalid. We uncovered that the rouge migh be an efreeti Bralkashik. As an exchange of favors between you and the Society would you be so kind to share any information about this efreeti or Sairazul Tears? [/i]
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Brady nods at Qalkami with familiar recognition.
"My friends have keener minds than I; I think they've asked all of my questions but one. You say we'll have 4 hours to finish this work for you... is that clock counting now, or do we have time to do research and make plans before our window of effort begins?"
"Well, you are a questioning bunch, aren't you?" Qalkami grins an almost sinister smile. "Let's take the items one by one. First, the security team. They are located in the Common Quarter." She pulls a slip of paper from a pocket and hands it to Garduk. "This is the address. I have no idea how the security team is contacted but I'm sure it is not easy to disrupt the message. It is fairly common practice here for security to be off-site. The details of how they respond is something I've never been interested in."
She drains the rest of her drink then tosses the fluted glass into the fire before standing and walking to a nearby table. A metal case sits on the table next to a stack of palm-sized incandescent orange disks. She lifts the case and hands it to the nearest Pathfinder. "This case contains the incriminating evidence. There's a contract between the Cinderfurys and the shaitans of the Peerless Empire. Talk about treason! Not only that, there are copies of secret communications that include multiple pltos to assassinate the current sultana. And if that's not enough, there are documents containing slanderous information about other noble families. These documents that I mention are not fabricated. It should be obvious that the Cinderfurys are treacherous and corrupt."
She turns to Tarragon. [b]"No, I'm not asking you to murder or steal. I'm asking you to bring a corrupt family to justice by whatever means you find neccessary. If you interpret 'neutralize' as 'murder' then I guess the material plane is baser than I thought. I'm sure you can think of something else. And for this evidence, I asusme you can also come up with a clever place to plant it. I'll tell you though, that if you just leave this case on the front doorstep, that won't work."
As she is talking she moves to each member of the group and hands them a disk.
"You might run into Cinderfurys at their own home. Unless your sneaky enough. If you do, rest assured I will disavow any involvement in this whole thing."
After handing out the disks she returns to her seat. "The gorget? It's a unique token of military merit and rank earned by the Cinderfurys' ancient ancestors and disgraced by their descendants. I intend to see it returned to the sultana, not stolen by some enterprising vulture. See? They no longer deserve it. I'll let the sultana decide who it rightfully belongs to."
She absently moves her hand to her mouth to take a drink before realizing that it's empty. "Flames!" she mutters. A flash of annoyance on her face. "What? Sairazul's Tears? I don't care about that right now. I only care about dealing with that wretched family."
She stands again and walks to a different side table where she presses a call button.
"Those disks I gave you are talismans that serve as visas for nonnatives entering the Inner Ward and protect the wearer against the region's ambient heat. They are are quite expensive, so losing them would be very unfortunate. Well, the clock doesn't really start counting until you deal with the security but I think you should get going soon."
Non-efreeti citizens of the City of Brass are permitted the most privileges, second only to those of the efreet. Creatures that are not immune to fire receive only grudging tolerance and limited access to the city.
Although the azers are far more populous on the Plane of Fire, the efreet are better known because of their oppressive empire and their enslavement of many of the plane's inhabitants, including azers, elementals, magmins, and mephits. Efreeti nobles maintain opulent lifestyles, but as individuals fall out of favor, their wealth quickly evaporates. This is true of the Cinderfury family, which has recently sold two of its three large manors to pay off debts.
Without a special permit, outlanders are not permitted in the Inner Ward of the City of Brass. Those caught violating this rule are often stripped of their possessions and sold into slavery.
It's rumored that there is a secretive cult of free azers named the Eye of the Red Worm, located somewhere in the Common Quarter, that worships a great fire worm said to possess ancient teleportation magic.
The Plane of Fire is extraordinarily hot, and those who lack powerful defenses against fire quickly perish. Certain parts of the City of Brass are merely uncomfortably warm, and peddlers in the city sell protective tokens at gouging prices.
The City of Brass is a legendary trade metropolis that sits in a magically tempered brass basin in the roiling seas of fire in the Plane of Fire.
Many of the buildings in the City of Brass are made of a material called living brass. Living brass is made from the souls of mortals who've had their wishes twisted by the efreet, and it is used in buildings throughout the city.
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The living monolith looks a bit dissapointed hearing the answer.
Kanubis want to remember something about Plane of Fire, using some Ki power to concentrate better
And then recall some info in general
This place is not for mortals, especially not fire-resistant. So those visas might be handy. - Kanubis takes a look tryin to realize with his keen eye how is it expansive. He then continu: I am good to not murder anyone out of really necessary situation. Dead folk costs less than alive. And less useful. Moreover I am too old to violate rules.
Kanubis is ready to depart on the mission, unless other conditions appear.
Qalkami replies to Brady with a huff. "Ha! That's not the reason that the Cinderfurys keep the security offsite. It is purely for looks. They don't want to be seen in the company of azers. They are so high and mighty..."
A female mephit wearing an apron flies into the room carrying a tray that supports various glasses full of steaming liquids. She flies straight to Qalkami who looks over the selection on the tray then picks two of the drinks before waving the mephit away.
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"Yeah, glom onto those disks and don't lose them," Nella agrees, her expression quite serious. "If you do you'll probably be arrested, stripped of your possessions, and sold into slavery - if you don't burn to a crisp, first."
"Anyway...I'd rather not kill anyone either," she adds with a glance at Tarragon. "And I'm not really a fan of being a pawn in political power struggles either but that's pretty well the way of things here on the Plane of Fire. The moment someone falls out of favor their wealth tends to follow."
A pause.
"Huh. Actually, that's not much different than some places on the Material. Guess some things never change, no matter *where* you go."
Then, a sigh.
"So it sounds like we need to come up with some way to keep the security away or busy for a while. Qalkami, do you have any ideas on where or how we might get started with that?"
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"Yeah, glom onto those disks and don't lose them," Nella agrees, her expression quite serious. "If you do you'll probably be arrested, stripped of your possessions, and sold into slavery - if you don't burn to a crisp, first."
Garduk shudders as he suddenly remembers what the most ornate buildings in the City of Brass are made of. "Yeah. There are worse possible outcomes, too." He reminds himself to tell the other Pathfinders about "living brass" as soon as they leave Qalkami's presence.
He shakes his head to refocus on getting information from the overbearing efreet. "What kind of contract do the Cinderfurys have with the shaitan? Do we need to worry about running into denizens of the Eternal Delve at Emberhearth?"
Qalkami raises an eyebrow towards Nella and replies with a patronizing voice. "Well now, that's why I requested you now isn't it. You need to figure out the details." She takes a long drink that finishes off one of the two she's holding. "As for the types of contracts? They are just the typical stuff. Security contracts, mercenary contracts, etc. My only concern is that The Cinderfurys are poised to collapse sooner or later. If they do so without someone securing the contracts, those deals would vanish, leaving countless mercenaries and vagabonds unemployed and within reach of innocent civilians. I know your stories and how they cast my kind as villains, but we would not sacrifice society's wellbeing; we're not monsters."
She shakes her head at Garduk's final question. "From the Plane of Earth? No, I doubt it. But who knows what kind of company the Cinderfurys keep now."
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"Well then, it sounds like we'll need to try and figure out how they'd call for their security from the Cinderfury estate - and keep that from happening," Nella remarks, inwardly rolling her eyes at Qalkami's patronizing tone. "I know we don't have much time but it sounds like we might have to do a little surveillance first - if we can do it without being noticed."
"Well then, I suppose you should be off. I gave you the directions to the security complex."
Qalkami guzzles her last drink then hands her empty glass to Kulga on her way out of the room.
The group gathers their belongings and exits out of The Chromatic Dragon the same way that they came in. A quick examination of the directions Qalkami provided makes it easy to know where to go.
A swarthy and sweaty man looks up as they exit. He waves Brady and Kanubis over.
"This infernal heat! Even with magical protection, I'm sweating like a Taldan noble after half a day's honest work! I normally wouldn't be on the front lines like this, but the opportunity's too good to let amateurs screw it up." He smiles and adds, "Hence your presence here, and mine. What has the heir to the Mishalq fortunes demanded this time?"
"Oh, I'm Guaril Karela, in case you didn't recognize me. I recognized you from some other Exchange gatherings."
After some travel time, the Security Complex comes into sight. Nestled between two towering spires of bricked brass and filigreed marble in the Common Quarter, the Cinderfury security complex is a squat building that pales in comparison to the other lavish buildings nearby. Only the fiery mosaics etched into the façade of the building distinguish this structure amid the City of Brass's splendor.
As you approach the complex, you hear muffled shouts in Ingan coming from inside.
A deep-voiced creature is reprimanding subordinates who were planning to run away, threatening them with painful punishments.
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K'Anubis smiles, seeing Karela, burps and approaches, sweting as well
Oh, dear Guaril! What a surprise. I am familiar with our usual goals: make good impression,improve our partnership network, push contracts and close deals. So, do you need something specific?
Upon the arrival K'Anubis observe everything around patientely...
Oh, yes, I've heard something too, Nella. Maybe We shouk walk around the building to find alternative ways in? - K'Anubis prepare his Best open contracts to suggests if opportunity arive.
The dwarf also asks teammates to use his wand of Mage Armor upon him.
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As they approach the Security Complex, Garduk casts mage armor and false life on himself.
He takes Kanubis's wand and casts mage armor on the flatulent dwarf, and offers to cast it on Nella with his own wand.
Drat! I can almost make out what they're saying.
"So now what? What's our plan to keep the guards from responding to alarms from Emberhearth? Maybe we could convince them that the Cinderfurys are going to be testing the system and that they should ignore signals they receive from the estate?"
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Brady follows Kanubis over to the figure, keeping one eye on the other nearby Pathfinders, making sure that their conversation is private.
"Qalkami is using us to ensure that a rival family--the Cinderfurys--has a spectacular fall from glory. She believes them to be faltering now anyway, and has some documents and other things that--when revealed--will ensure the Cinderfurys' political destruction." He shrugs his shoulders as he follows up on Kanubis' question. "At least, that's how I understand things. I'm muscle, so I never seem to quite get the details right. But, is there something you think we can do to use this situation to further The Exchange's goals?"
At K'Anubis's comments Guaril just nods. "Sounds like the same ol' stuff from them. I don't have anything particular I'm looking for. Just an edge, you know." He winks at the dwarf just as Brady joins them.
"Oh. Now that it interesting. Qalkami has some ambition and is making a move. Hmm. Yes, this city seems quite the exclusive club; if you were born an efreeti, you win, but if you are anyone else, you suffer. It's quite the cruel condemnation of honest businesspeople like us, yes? What we need is a local liaison who can open those doors for us while letting us go about our business. Ideally this would be an efreeti, but maybe a less privileged creature would suffice. Shop around, and if you find someone suitably connected, cooperative, and capable, make a pitch."
Guaril is about to return to his labor then he remembers something K'Anubis said. "You mentioned contracts? We're already running into issues here because we're virtual unknowns. It seems that if you're not made of fire, you have to pay a dozen not-made-of-fire taxes they just make up to vex you. As you can imagine, we need capital to drive our operations here, and I wouldn't mind if we used some of the nobles' own wealth to pay their ludicrous fees. What's more, it would be nice to meet some more reliable contractors than the ones I've found so far.
Were someone to acquire trade agreements, letters of credit, contracts, and the like, we could cut a lot of overhead." Guaril leans in. "Honestly, I find myself in short supply of assistants who don't ignite at inconvenient times, which around here would be 'always.' I could settle for a few good leads there."
The Security Complex is tightly abutted by larger buildings on either side making it impossible to get behind it without circling around the entire block of buildings.
The voices inside rise in volume and there is a crash that sounds like small sheets of metal hitting floor. The shouting continues, it seems to be just one voice. The phrase 'Cinderfury' occasionally can be made out.
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Kanubis full of resolve prepares to come in. His manacles are ready to be used.
Stand behind. If I'am going to contact bodily with anyone, then it's a signal to start controlling phase. And translate me Ignan if you hear it important.
The dwarf Trade Prince going as soon as team seems ready.
Guaril brings his arm across his forehead to wipe away the beading sweat. "Well, master K'Anubis, I'm sure you will do your best. Just keep your eye out for any opportunity to establish a liaison relationship with a local." He turns to Brady, waiting for his response.
As the apparent argument inside the complex rises in volume it is starting to attract attention from others walking by on the street. As the passersby's looks are drawn to the squat and nondescript building, not a few gazes also fall on the small group of Pathfinders milling around there.
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Brady nods at Gauril. "We'll keep an eye out for good candidates. Perhaps Qalkami herself could be convinced to aid us."
As the sounds from inside the compound grow in volume, and the Pathfinders themselves begin to attract attention, Brady hisses to the others "we better get inside! One way or another."
He follows Kanubis, trying to at least match the dwarf's meager stealth.