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Each of the PC's receive a invitation from Head Initiate Janira Garvix.
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Bubba is tall, trim, and has minimal orcish features - a little green tint to his skin and the slightest of tusks visible when he smile.
"Howday y'all! Bubba's the name, and music's the game. Me and my mouth harp here do some serious Shoanti & Orchish Blues. Here's a little something I'm working on."
Bubba starts in on a song which appears to be called "My papa weren't right (but I woulda luved him)."
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"So this is what they call networking", ponders Broch, looking at the people enjoying themselves and noticing quite the change of context from the harsh Pathfinder training to the festive party in the comfortable Grand Lodge.
From the outside, he is quite a big man, the size and the skin tone being his orcish mother's heritage. His deep eyes and clenched jaw make him look surly and hating every second of this, but in reality he feels out of place and is wondering how he is supposed to behave in such an occasion.
He finally realizes he might as well do as the Nidalese and the musician and introduce himself.
"Good day, everychon. The name is Broch." he says after having stepped a bit toward the center of the room. As soon as he finishes the sentence he retreats toward one of the furthest corners, avoiding eye contact.
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Masigonde arrives outside the Skyreach Tower with a folded letter in his hand. Standing a head taller than most humans and even taller than many tall elves, he is hard to miss. While his frame makes him appear relatively thin, his muscles are those of a warrior who follows a strict training regimen.
He strides toward the tallest of the initiates and gives them a tense smile. "Hello. I am Masigonde, new recruit, and warrior of the Bekyar--please do not judge me on my people's past bad actions."
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An half-elf woman in crimson heavy armor walks toward the group. At each of her side, a strange saber and at her back a big crossbow .
Pleasure to meet you. I'm Shandra, and these are Shark and Sharp, my two best friends. she says showing her two sabers. It seems that I'm here for the same thing as you. I have a few mission already but not much. She adds a letter in hand.
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Imiriax is a young and sturdy-looking Taldan man with short beard wearing the well-starched blue and gray robes of the Imperial Academy. On his right shoulder sits a large raven, preening its feathers. As this is supposed to be a social setting, he has not brought any weapons.
"I'm Imiriax," he says, pausing to wonder if more is necessary to say. "I'm a wizard," he adds. "And a scholar of sorts."
"Say, did you know that in its forty-seven centuries of existence, Absalom has been besieged more than any city in Inner Sea history? It's true! That close shave last year with the Whispering Tyrant was only the latest in a long line of sieges. But it's never been taken. Isn't that extraordinary?"
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"The Bekyar are fierce, strong warriors. The devil worshipers of the north tried many times to put the Bekyar down, but they always rise up," Masigonde says with more than a hint of pride. His tone changes to one more subdued as he continues, "But for a long time--and many still--the nature spirits we follow led us astray. We captured and sold others as slaves, made sacrifices of thinking people to the spirits. The Bekyar are learning a new way, though. Some more swiftly than others."
Shandra recalls that Kreighton Shane, The Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls will be in attendance. He is an eccentric and absent-minded elf with long, blond hair. Though a brilliant puzzle-solver and code-breaker, his odd mannerisms leave many agents bewildered.
Emdi knows that the former head of the Exchange faction will be making a showing as well. Aaqir Al-Hakam is a well-groomed, clean-shaven man of Qadiran descent, dressed finely and flashing a charming smile. Aaqir has decided the time’s right to step back from coordinating adventures to instead focus on running his business and spending more time with his husband Emir and their three daughters. He’s maintaining his connection to the Society so as to serve as a steady supplier of adventuring goods.
Broch is pretty sure that Ambrus Valsin will be there. He can not recall too much about the man except his glorious mutton chops.
Finally, Masigonde has heard the name Zarta Dralneen being tossed around.
It seems as though the entire Grand Lodge has the air of a celebration. The great gates are flung wide, and the phoenix trees lining the entryway are in full flame. The halls of the main tower of Skyreach, normally somber and reserved, echo with the sound of voices and music. The great ballroom is decked for a celebration, with colorful banners and bunting along the walls, tables replete with food and drink, and a jovial cacophony of conversation rising from Pathfinders of all ancestries, nations, and backgrounds.
After a quick scan of the room, it’s obvious that many of the attendees have gathered in small groups here and there. A half-orc woman in an iconic ship captain’s hat stands near the punch bowl, handing cups to anyone who passes within reach, and a dark-skinned half-elf leads a small group of new agents around the room, introducing them to other attendees. Several senior agents stand in quiet conferral with a dark-haired Taldan man with a distinctive chin strap beard, while a scholarly dwarf tells a rousing tale to a growing audience.
A familiar blond halfling woman bounces over, bubbling with excitement. Janira Gavix, Head Initiate of the Pathfinder Society, grins, “Oh, I’m so glad you made it! After all, the celebration is for you. Have you gotten drinks? Snacks? Be sure to spend some time getting to know everyone—it’s best to be on good terms with the movers and shakers in the Society, that’s how you learn about the latest opportunities. I’ll be here if you need me to help you with anyone’s names or to make an introduction. Just let me know how I can help!” Janira gestures everyone forward into the room, beaming all the while.
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Pleasure to meet you Janira. I'm Shandra and no, I haven't time to take a drink nor a snack, I've just arrived with my other comrades. Can you tell me where to find those?
After Janira indicates Shandra where to find refreshments, she mingles through the crowd until she recognize the Mater of Scroll.
Kreighton Shane I presume? Pleasure to meet you! I've read your treaty on the rare plants on Mediogalti Island. Quite a reading. I have some question about some plants I've smuggled here. Can I have your eye for these?
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Broch follows the others and enters the room... and he is immediately in awe at the sheer number of people inside.
He's stuck for a few long moments but then remembers Janira's words and decides to head for the only person he remembers, Ambrus Valsin. Luckily his... facial features are quite peculiar and he can find him pretty easily.
"Greetings, Master Valsin", he says after gulping, "The name is Broch Williwaw, one of the new initiates". He then proceeds to do his best to engage Ambrus in a conversation.
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Imiriax isn't really listening to his fellows. "That's -the- Kreighton Shane. The elf who solved the six-node transubstantiation and wrote 'Discourses on Perceived Reality'. Okay... Whooo... take it easy. Maybe I can get him to sign my copy... If I had a pen. Or a copy of the book."
Summoning his courage, Imiriax walks over to join the people talking to the Master of Scrolls, completely unaware of Janira Gavix's offer of an introduction. At first he doesn't say anything, but only listens. Finally, he just thrusts out his hand in the middle of the conversation and says "I'm Imiriax. From Oppara. I'm new. Sort of. I mean, not new new, but sort of new. And I'm a wizard. Like you. I mean, not like you. But still a wizard. I trained at the Academy." Uncertain whether he's actually said anything, he trails off uneasily.
Janira bounces around from group to group. She shakes her head as the PC's spread out among the former leaders of the society. "Guy's over here." waving you all over to the a tall female half-orc wearing pirate garb. "This is Calisro Benarry, head of the Horizon Hunter."
"Ah, are these more initiates Janira? Where are their drinks. Not matter." She then pulls a flask from her coat and offers it to the PC's, "Would any of you all like to partake?"
"Calisro. Calisro" Another female calls out. Emerging from the crowd is a tall and slender brunette. Her purple dress leaving little to imagine approaches the Calisro. "I have been looking for you all night. I am still waiting for the details of your recent exploration and the items that you stated were recovered. Why were they not turned over to the archives for study and safe keeping"
The half-orc looks down to the ground, "Zarta, I will have my crew move it over to you storehouses as soon as they can. I gave them shore leave. By Besmara, we were gone for two months."
Calisro looks over to Janira and mouths something. Janira moves over to the Masigonde, "You should try and distract Zarta or she will be fired up for the rest of the night. You look her type anyway" She says with a wink.
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Masigonde politely waves off Calisro's offer of drink before looking down at Janira blankly for a moment after her suggestion. "Uh. I see," he says in a tone that suggests he is not quite sure he really does see.
The Bekyar warrior turns his attention to Zarta and clears his throat. "Hello. I am Masigonde from the Bekyar people," he starts. "I am a new initiate. You are Zarta? An archivist? The Society has not made much progress into Bekyar lands. It might be a good place to focus. As my people begin to change their ways, there are many areas of power and artifacts left untended from by the demon worshipers. Of course there is also the trouble in Mzali..." He trails off uncomfortably.
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After talking to the Master of Scrolls, Shandra joins her comrades near Calisro.
Understanding that Lady Zarta could annoyed Calisro Benarry by the fact the two woman look the opposite she try to help the head of the Horizon Walker.
Lady Zarta, a pleasure to meet you. I've just talk to Master Shane, he seems to look for you. Yes, here he comes.
Seeing as the agents are trying their best but not succeeding, Janira burst in, "Zarta. This is a party about the initiates and not a business meet and greet."
Looking offended, Zarta sneers "very well. Calisro, I will have to track you down some other time."
Calisro stands and smiles awkwardly. Looking forward to it She then runs her hand through her hair nervously. "I appreciate your efforts agents, but sometimes bull headed people like her can not be persuaded off topic."
"Speaking of bull headed, I would like you all to do me a favor. I have a friend who has been petrified during The Charge of the Gorgon. I have been given permission to free them, but would rather a third party handle it. If you apply this salve." She says pulling a small container from her coat pocket. "They should overcome the paralysis. What say you?"
Janira answers Masigonde's question, "They are the group we send all the missions to that go into uncharted lands and report back what they find."
Kreighton looks over at Imiriax, "Very good to hear. Say did you enjoy your studies. Were they everything and nothing you wanted to learn?
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You never heard of the Charge of the Gorgon. It is a time honored tradition. Well it was until they put an end to it recently" Calisro says smiling, "To prevent overcrowding in the city prisons. Nonviolent offenders were offered a chance for a pardon. They would start on one end of quarter and race to the other. And as you guessed it. The prison guards would then release a Gorgon. If they managed to survive the Gorgon and make it to the other other side, they were pardoned. If not, well you will figure it out when you get there."
Shouldn't be too hard to find. The race happens over in Westgate. Should still be the only Naga over there. And before you get all nervous, she is one of the nicest creatures I have met. She was falsely accused."
Calisro nods, "Completely optional. No one was forced to do so. To some, the reward was worth the risk." She then gives a smirk, "Just like the mission I presented to you?"
Responding to Broch, "You know what. I am not sure. Never thought about what happened to the Gorgon after the race."
"Very good." Calisro says giving Masigonde a slap on the back.
Janira nods and leads you over to where Imiriax and Shandra have Kreighton Shane cornered. "The other Gentleman standing next to Shane is none other than Eando Kline. He leads the Vigilant Seal. They are the ones who try and makes sure that evil stays sealed away or destroyed if they get out."
Picking up on what Janira was saying, Eando cuts in, "That is what I was trying to explain to the Master of Scrolls. He believes that the artifacts should be studied."
And why not? Shane answers, "The best way to avoid the evil is to understand how it is so."
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Emdi breaks from the group and tracks down Al-Hakam, who is standing beside a dark-skinned half-elf. "Enough Aaquir. We are trying to draw more members as a society as a whole. Not just trying to get you more contracts."
"But dear, why can we not do both. Should be easy. Just add one of my business cards to every application"
Enough about business, we have a visitor" The half-elf looks over towards Emdi and smile, "Hello, I am Fola, what is your name" She says extending her hand.
Emdi still seems to breaking in his new instrument as it emits a high pitched squeal. This causes both Fola and Aaqir Al-Hakam to cover their ears.
"No thanks dear." Fola says lowering her hands.
Aaqir gives Emdi a dirty glance and walks away.
"Do not mind him" Fola reassures Emdi, "He has high sophisticated tastes and seems to be easily offended. However, I thank you for scaring him away from me. Say, do you mind helping me out with another task?"