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Having received a request for aid from Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath faction, you have gathered aboard the Merry Mayfly, a ship headed toward Xin-Edasseril.
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Ex tomb guardian and Ex Trade Prince here. New incarnation for a new season.
You can see lean dwarf with ancient Osiriani symbols upon his body. He carry now weapon and sometimes burps and farts. But in general - K'Anubis is a friendly oldboy. The dward is almost motionless in usual life. And he will gladly keep enemys less active.
Make a deal with us, or go to Anubis!
It is indeed, a boat! In fact, not one boat but two! The Merry Mayflower rendevous with another vessel, the Lightbringer. Crossing abord the crew escort you below decks to meet Valais Durant and Guaril Karela.
Entering the captain's cabin Valais begins. I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion. The aasimar woman gestures to a green-eyed Varisian man, who flashes a sly grin framed by a thin mustache. This is Guaril Karela, a prominent figure among the Sczarni, she continues.
The Sczarni maintain a smuggling ring, providing freedom to those chafing under the oppression of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy and ruler of Edasseril. Demand for such services is high, she pauses and casts a somewhat disdainful glare toward Guaril, allowing the Sczarni to extract hefty sums from desperate patrons. I find the practice rather distasteful, Valais sighs. However, collaboration with his operations grants the Radiant Oath some measure of oversight in ensuring proper treatment of the refugees. Further, I have Guaril’s personal assurance that the Sczarni will not demand more in payment than their clients can afford.
Transportation’s expensive, Guaril chimes in. Not to mention paying off border guards and harbormasters. It’s dangerous work. Certainly, you wouldn’t expect my people to take such risk and not be properly compensated, would you? Or have you forgotten that Belimarius has placed a price on my head?
Not the first to do so, I’m sure. Valais notes, before continuing, Belimarius and her minions began to suspect Guaril’s intentions the last time he was in Edasseril. Now, they seek not only his head, but those of his known associates, including those among the Pathfinder Society. It is not presently safe for them or Guaril to venture within Edasseril’s borders.
I had a number of clients ready to go, before leaving Xin-Edasseril, explains Guaril. Most of the arrangements are already made. All you need to do is make contact with the clients. Give them the time and place for departure, then escort them out of the city—with their payment. The Sczarni stresses. You’ll get a hefty cut of the payment you secure as compensation for your hard work.
I prepared a client list, Guaril says, handing over a sheet of scrawled paper. Memorize it. Then, tear it up, burn it, chew it, swallow it—whatever you do, get rid of it! If Belimarius gets a hold of it, it’s a death sentence for anyone named on it.
You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants, explains Valais. These papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire. At dawn on the fourth day after your arrival in Xin-Edasseril, the ship Rolanna’s Prayer will arrive in a bay just outside the city: Shard Cove. The boat can accommodate five clients, providing an excellent opportunity to escape undetected. One of the clients, Flitch, knows a secret tunnel to Shard Cove.
Once the clients are aboard ship, return to the city. Any remaining clients that you weren’t able to smuggle out by sea will have to be smuggled out of the city with you, which means you’ll have to get them past the guards at the docks. Your ship, the Merry Mayfly, must depart the docks once your papers have expired.
The clients are expecting to deal with me, cautions Guaril. But as that’s not possible, and as it’s now a few days past the window when I was to make contact, the clients might need some reassurance to go through with the job.
Giving the Pathfinders a stern look, Guaril then warns, While you’re in Belimarius’s back yard, be careful. You are foreigners in Xin-Edasseril, and Belimarius has eyes everywhere. Don’t do anything that would draw unnecessary attention to yourselves. The last thing you want to do is tangle with the authorities. The runelord’s forces are well trained and quite capable. Keep your wits about you at all times and your blades sheathed.
We cannot afford one of you being arrested or interrogated. Pay any bribe required to remain free. I don’t want to further expose any part of the operation, says Valais. Our goal here is to bring hope and freedom to as many souls as we are able. It is risky, but hope and freedom are worth the price. Do you have any questions?
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K'Anubis, sitting at large chest, nods for a while before saying with south accent
Master Carella. I used to work with you and dear Trade Prince al Haqam before the Whispering Tyrant coming out. So, I am familiar with your moral compass and colaboration specific.
As I understand this mission, this Feltch might be one of most important clients to take care of.
Can we expect not only names but protraits?
Also, even I used to live ages ago, I somehow missed moment when a Runelord came out. Can you tell us more about Xin-Edasseril nowdays and how it sustain?
K'Anubis inspects the scraped paper and adds:
And one more question: what you mean by "Yours Truly" here? Last sentence.
Guaril gives a bit of a shrug. I leave it to you to decide how best to proceed but Flitch does know where the secret tunnel to Shard Cove is. I have no portraits, the decriptions of where they are should suffice. As for the city, its run by a paranoid ancient wizard, keep your heads down and your weapons sheathed. As for Yours truly, a simple honorific, it bears no significance.
Beckett and Kanubis put their heads togther to discuss what they might know about their destination. The agree that Edasseril is the western kingdom of the nation of New Thassilon, which was founded by the two surviving runelords of ancient Thassilon. Edasseril is the domain of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy. Xin-Edasseril, the nation’s capital, is located on Peridot Isle.
Beckett recalls reading about Belimarius. She became the tenth and final Runelord of Envy upon the murder of her predecessor. Over five thousand years ago, she ruled the Thassilonian realm of Edasseril, a nation of bitter rivalries, byzantine bureaucracy, and enslaved giants, until shortly before Earthfall. As the result of her efforts to avoid the catastrophe, the ancient city of Xin-Edasseril became trapped outside of time, allowing the runelord and her citizens to survive the worldwide calamity known as Earthfall.
However, Beckett also recalls that to this day, the story of Belimarius’ ascent to power serves as inspiration to many of the bureaucrats within her employ.
You have a +1 circumstance bonus to checks to make a request or coerce bureaucrats in Xin-Edasseril.
Harsk learns nothing new.
Volunteers who make exceptional contributions to Organized Play can earn campaign coins as a recognition of their hard work. If you have a campaign coin, you gain a bonus Hero Point at the beginning of every adventure. In addition to the normal powers of a Hero Point, you can spend this special Hero Point to allow another player to reroll a check.
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Gita asks if her merchant disguise might be that of an ale merchant; she has "Alcohol Lore" and feels that she could carry that type of merchant off better. Plus she would feel extremely devout while doing so, as a Cleric of Cayden. Are there any other tips for normal merchant behavior and bargaining sorts of things that might be available?
Gita learns nothing more and an ale merchant seems entirely appropriate.
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Hurrying down the pier towards the boat is an oddly dressed gnome, wearing a long black tuxedo-style coat over a chain shirt. In one arm, he cradles a fine lyre and on his head is a black silk top hat covering much of his teal-hued hair.
Upon boarding the Merry Mayflower, he looks around in wonder. When he's brought below deck to meet everyone, he smiles brightly, doffs his cap and formally bows with a grand flourish, "Greetings everyone! Please accept my apologies for being tardy. Oh dear. Yes, the wagon let me off at the wrong dock. But where are my manners? I am Jeeves. It's my extreme pleasure to meet each of you. I'm but a humble servant and will do my best to support and inspire you all to success with the help of my trusty lyre."
Jeeves looks around the room and sees the goblin. "Beckett! Fantastic seeing you again. I had no idea we'd work together again so soon." He adds under his breath, "Clearly, I should have hired your driver to get here from our last mission." He smiles and shrugs.
After getting briefed on the mission, he offers, "In a former life, I was an emissary to Thassilon. I was once familiar with their society and customs as I spent many a day in their council chambers. Perhaps some of that information is still current."
Jeeves consults with his colleagues about New Thassilon and largely confirms what they already know.
Later that day the group are transferred to the Merry Mayfly. Its a short and calm trip to Xin-Edasseril and on the morning of the fourth day the Mayfly slides into the docks. All around gleaming buildings rise high into the sky although the City still bears marks of its tumultuous recent history. Massive scorch marks mar some buildings while others have been snapped clean in half by almost unimaginable forces. Those buildings are surrounded by extensive scaffolding and you can see construction and rebuilding going on apace.
As you disembark two members of the Emerald Guard who protect the city stop you to examine your papers. They are clearly experienced, well equipped and heavily armed with both magical and mundane gear. They carefuly scrutinse your documents but seem satisfied, As outsiders you have a curfew, you may not be outdoors for more than eight hours in any day. You must remain indoors at all other times. I suggest you find lodgings hereabouts. Remember, your papers expire in five days, you must leave before then. He pauses and assesses the group, noting your weapons. You wont need those in the City, we are responsible for maintaining order. If there is trouble call for a Guard. Your weapons must remain stowed at all times. Now, on your way.
With that the Emerald Guard let you past into the city.
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Jeeves looks around the room and sees the goblin. "Beckett! Fantastic seeing you again. I had no idea we'd work together again so soon." He adds under his breath, "Clearly, I should have hired your driver to get here from our last mission." He smiles and shrugs.
Beckett smiles as Jeeves enters the room, "Ha! I asked Balentiir for another tomb to explore as soon as he finished debriefing us. Sadly he didn't have any more permits so he put me on a boat to Varisia and said he'd seen a request for Thassilonian experts. Don't know why he didn't put you or Tanuak on the boat with me.
With that the Emerald Guard let you past into the city.
OK, we are properly started now. What do you do? If you would like to make a society, thassilon lore or underworld lore let me know and give me your modifier.
Stepping off of the boat Beckett stares at the city in wonder. "So this is what these cities looked like before they got crushed..."
After a moment the guard's words sink in and Beckett responds with a chuckle, "Don't worry about us officer. Pathfinders are famously well behaved!"
Pulling a journal from his robes Beckett consults his notes.
Jeeves recalls that The Emerald Guard is the city guard of Xin-Edasseril. Highly trained and capable, they maintain a presence throughout the city. Graft and corruption are rampant among the organization.
You do indeed have a list of clients to contact. It is entirely up to you to dcide which order you tackle them in. It will generally take about 2 hourrs to move between any two locations given the size of the city. You are only allowed outside fo eight hours per day. You could of course split up if you wanted to cover more ground.
The Guard gives Becket a long, stern look. Just be sure you do.
As the group head out of the city Beckett recalls a guard named Ellvard, rumored to have sold a forged painting to Belimarius, but no proof has surfaced to support these claims.
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Volunteers who make exceptional contributions to Organized Play can earn campaign coins as a recognition of their hard work. If you have a campaign coin, you gain a bonus Hero Point at the beginning of every adventure. In addition to the normal powers of a Hero Point, you can spend this special Hero Point to allow another player to reroll a check.
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Jeeves smiles to Kanubis and nods, "Well met, good Kanubis. But please, call me Jeeves." He pauses, sensing confusion, and explains, "Before my embassy work, I was but a humble servant. It was appropriate to refer to my long-time employer as Master Fredegar. As a small bit of irony, he felt it amusing to include Master in my paperwork for the government. As you can imagine, there is too much red tape for me to undo his little jest. So while my official identification includes Master, I assure you that I am no Master. And while I'm trying to break the habit, I still often refer to those whom I serve as Master, as a sign of respect."
You are dressed to good for our company, my friend.
Jeeves touches his hat and nods at the compliment. "I was always taught to dress for success, especially when dealing with foreign diplomats. I do my humble best."
Jeeves looks around to see if anyone has thoughts about his earlier comments about the client who knows about the secret tunnel, and he asks again, "If there's a secret tunnel where we have to meet our clients, my thinking is that we need to find that location in order to tell the others. Was Flitch the one who knew about the tunnel? If so, should we visit him first?"
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Gita smiles and says, "Nice to meet you in person too! Flitch sounds like a good choice to me! If we pass any breweries near there, it would of course be excellent for an ale merchant such as myself to make a brief visit! I could then ask about other breweries, and note any that just happen to be near our other folks for the future. I will keep notes on the quality of their wares of course!"
The group heads across town towards the address they have for Flitch. The city is a bustling metropolis, filled with merchants, hawkers, beggars and gangs of feral children running through the streets. The Emerald Guard are out in force but more than that you are left with the definite impression you are being watched. Belimarius is a paranoid old wizard ruler and almost anyone you meet might be a spy.
As you get closer to Envy Row East the presence of guards reduces and the gangs of feral children become bolder, rushing past you in a hurry to be, somewhere. Probably reporting to their paymasters on your activities. Flitch's apartment is a rundown ground floor flat in a decaying apartment block. No sign here of the industrious repairs going on in the market district. Here all you have is rotten boards, peeling paint and weed choked little gardens.
Knocking on the door brings no answer. In the flats above you there is the odd twitch of a blind from some nosey neighbour but the alleyway is otherwise quiet. For now.
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So, Two gnomes in the party. Passion and illusion you can expect.
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Upon arriving...
We face troubles. Seems like our contact missing. I suggest we await for a while, ask neighbors, and walk around here. Maybe these ... Khm.. Children will answer questions for a Silver coin and some sweets...
K'Anubis takes a look around, especially for windows to possible see inside the building.
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Gita responds, Our contact may have reason to fear unknown ruffians coming up to their door, and might be inside -- or exiting a back way... Gita casually gets a little closer to the door and listens, and asks her orange accomplice tabby Git (who has "scent" today), Smell anyone in there, Git?
(Gita and Git's both have Perception +4.)
What windows there are into Flitchs flat have long since been broken, they are covered with rotting boards nailed down. The place has a distinct air of having been abandoned.
Git smells mouldering wood, days old sweat, stale vomit and rotting food. There are no sounds coming from inside. The front door does not look terribly sturdy and only has a poor quality lock on it. It looks like it could be forced open without too much trouble...
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Jeeves nods to his fellow gnome, "I believe Mistress Gita is correct. If I remember our briefing notes, they warned that Flitch might be frightened and hiding out."
When Gita steps aside, Jeeves also listens at the door.
He then tries the door and frowns at the poor lock. "It looks like we could try forcing it open, but does anyone have any skill with picking locks? Why use brute force and risk scaring the gentleman even further if a more subtler approach may suffice?"
As this gets discussed, Jeeves adds, "I'd be happy to offer both my music and a Guidance spell to assist in such an attempt."
Jeeves looks for a volunteer among us whom he might assist with the lockpicking.
Jeeves hears nothing inside but his sensitive nose picks up the unpleasant odour of rat droppings.
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Jeeves turns to the ranger, "Master Harsk, on the boat ride over, weren't you telling me about certain skills you picked up involving lock-picking?"
Assuming Harsk is willing to give it a try, Jeeves strums his lyre, and chants:
"Let me help you with this door.
Should be easy, lock is poor."
He continues strumming, while he thinks of a proper tune to inspire Harsk even further.
"We're here at door that is locked.
Our way would appear to be blocked.
.....But we're in no danger.
.....A lock-picking ranger.
A hero who shouldn't be mocked."