Valais Durant, the leader of the Society's Radiant Oath faction, has asked for your presence.
In response to a message from Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath, you have booked passage aboard the merchant vessel, The Merry Mayfly, which is now en route to a secretive rendez-vous, set to occur well-off the coast of Varisia amidst the waters of the Steaming Sea.
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A tall, attractive half-orc woman dressed conservatively in purple robes enters the room. "Greetings fellow Pathfinders. I am Zaza, sometimes called "The Measure." There is a story behind that name and I'm sure I'll have plenty of time to tell it during our journey. I am a practitioner of the arts arcane, what you might call a sorceress."
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A goblin comes out from behind the barrels, sulking and glaring at the sorceress. "You give away my position! What kind of Pathfinder team mate are you, huh? HUH?!" She crosses her arms and taps her feet arrhythmically. She wears a crossbow, two bandoliers, a backpack, a short sword, small mace, and a sap.
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"Aha! Our shadow emerges! You're quite welcome to join the rest of us Ms Stealthy. And you needn't worry. You can rest assured you will have my full support in the field should you wish to remain unnoticed. In the meantime however perhaps you would care to supply us with your name and a bit about your history and abilities?"
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Katrina just nods. Know whatcha mean ... my girlfriend is anything BUT shy ... and that's why I love her. She grins happily. Plus she helps me practice my act ... and she loves free diving as much as I do - heck, she can stay under nearly as long as I can ... and that's saying something.
She then looks at the other goblin and steps towards her holding out a hand, while uttering a traditional goblin greeting. Aw ... so sorry ... but we wanted tae meetcha. I'm Katrina - I guess we're gonna be sneaky together.
She smiles warmly at the goblin.
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Sneak Runt gives the party an appraising eye, still apparently a little mistrustful of the sorceress's promises. She finally introduces herself in a murmur "I am Sneak Runt. I strike from the shadows, and then I disappear... Back into the shadows..." as she says the last sentence she slinks behind a coil of ropes, but is obviously much less well hidden.
comes the cry from top deck, which is quickly followed by the sound of footfalls as Captain Azizo of the Merry Mayfly heads below deck to collect you.
"The Lightbringer's been spotted and she'll be comin' alongside us soon." Azizo declares. "Seems you'll be aboardin' her soon."
The human takes a quick look around the darkened cabin.
"Wait a minute?" he pauses, quizzically. "Weren't there more of ya when we set sail? Where be the she-goblin? No matter, the rest of you will hafta do."
The human sea captain gives a shrug, before heading above deck. Shortly, thereafter, a couple of the crew of the Lightbringer arrive to escort you to the other ship.
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Evgeni follows along. He is not much concerned with the shenanigans of the goblin, but he is sure to speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard from wherever she is hiding.
Chaldira will bless us, I am sure and she will re-emerge and assist us at the ideal time. Oh, I forgot to meantion my name. Evgani Truthcoin.
Although, I don't think it'll matter much for most escapes. Wonder if they'll let me be tied to the anchor and lowered over the side? That'll make a great finale
"I have another finale in mind."
The words, a woman's voice, are heard as head down the steps to the darkness of the lower decks of The Lightbringer. As you descend, the endless roll of the waves of the Steaming Sea sends the lanterns that hang from hooks overhead--the sole source of light--in constant sway. The result is a shifting dance of light and shadows. Below them, sitting at a wooden desk, is an aasimar woman--the source of the words--Valais Durant.
“I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion,” begins Valais. The illumination from the swinging lanterns causes the golden markings on the woman's skin to periodically glisten and gleam. The result is the appearance of movement, like the shimmer of the scales of a passing fish as it darts through the water. As the lights sway, the face of another figure, one standing behind her, now comes into view. The revealed face is that of a green-eyed, Varisian man. He flashes a sly grin, which is 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."
Pictures of Valais and Guaril are now available on Slides.
“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 dryly, 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.” assures Guaril.
The Varisian man reaches into his pocket and produces a sheet of crumpled, scrawled paper.
“I prepared a client list,” Guaril says, handing over the 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.”
As Guaril is speaking, Valais reaches into a drawer of the desk where she is sitting and produces a stack of documents bearing wax seals and ornate writing.
“You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants,” explains Valais. “These permits and papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire.”
She hands a sealed merchant's permit to each of you along with a set of traveling papers as she continues, “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." she stresses. "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."
Valais directly into the eyes of each of you as if laying her soul bare. "I realize I am asking much of you, but I am afraid I know of no others who may be up to the task. Still, the decision of whether to accept the mission or not is yours." The woman breathes deeply, then asks, "Do you have any questions?"
"Will you be providing us with bribe money or any other supplies?"
"Provide money and other supplies?! Do you have any idea how much legitimate permits costs? " Guaril replies indignantly. "Not to mention travel papers. I did mention for you to collect the clients' payments, didn't I?"
A glare from Valais silences the Varisian. "The Society's agents are well-equipped and resourceful. You are welcome to purchase any additional equipment from the ship's stores that you think you may be lacking. Otherwise, I trust that your knowledge and skills will allow you to obtain anything else you may need once you are within the city."
I will accept, of course, but do we have any way of identifying ourselves to the clients? To help in 'convincing' them?
"You've got to convince Themolin to come!" Guaril insists. “He’s paying more than all the other clients combined.”
His response elicits another glare from Valais. After a few moments, she addresses the Sczarni, "You included the necessary information for making contact within your handwritten note, did you not?"
Guaril's face forms into a scowl, but he nods in the affirmative.
"Also you make it sound like we not strike anyone? You sure about that? Sneak Runt strikes from the shadows!"
Valais fixes her gaze upon the sneaky goblin. Her look serious and stern. "“I would highly advise against using any form of violence unless absolutely necessary, particularly whenever out-of-doors where you are likely to be seen. Belimarius encourages her subjects to keep tabs on one another and, particularly, on outsiders. Indeed, outsiders are not permitted to brandish weapons and are subject to a strict curfew.”
“I suggest that you adhere to it, or else you are certain to be caught. Even one as skillful as yourself, Sneak Runt." Valais smiles briefly in recognition of the goblin's penchant for stealth, before again assuming a serious demeanor. "For the sake of this operation, we don’t want to risk any unwanted attention. Your stealthy abilities will serve you better in avoiding trouble than in seeking it.”
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"I've heard it said that Belimarius is a runelord. Ridiculous of course. They died out millenia ago. Still, I suppose I should consult my ancestors on the matter."
Zaza's eyes roll back in her head as she mutters ancient words of power.
Also while blood magic is up I'll use society to Recall Knowledge about Xin-Edasseril
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Katrina frowns during most of this. As far as she knows, the Bellflowers don't try to extort money from the slaves they rescue - and this mission is something that this potential Bellflower member would do anyway, payment or no payment. She keeps quiet as she memorises the list.
Merchants huh? Well I suppose that's easier than travelling entertainers. Well ... let's do this. We'll get your people out ... the gold .... maybe
She glares at Guaril at the last word, distaste obvious in her voice.
She also couldn't resist tossing a quip at Valais. And I can see why you're the head of the Radiant Oath she grins.
"I don't know Sneak. We could just get you a floppy hat with a feather, maybe a colorful cloak. I'm sure you'll be fine."Sneak looks mournfully at her crossbow and nods.
"What about merchant disguise? You give us clothes, merchandise, yes?"
"It is unlikely that our ship's stores have much variety in the way of clothing. However, I am sure there are few baubles and trinkets that you could take with you that may pass as merchandise, if you are so inclined." Valais suggests.
You further recall that Edasseril is the western kingdom of the nation of New Thassilon, which was recently 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.
Your vessel, The Merry Mayfly, departs from the Lightbringer and makes its way to the island chain that forms the western borders of Edasseril. Approaching one of the larger islands, you are soon able to see the city of Xin-Edasseril.
The capital of Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas, although its skyline bears fresh scars that tell of some catastrophic event that must have befallen it. While most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon, there are indicators of ongoing construction projects dotting various spots throughout the city. You arrive at the city's docks without incident.
Upon disembarking, your immediately met by a pair of well-armed guards. One is a half-elf male; the other is a human female. Both sheathed in armor adorned in green accents identifying them as members of the Emerald Guard. The way they carry themselves and their strict, discipline demeanor evident years of martial training.
A map of the docks for reference and pictures of the guards are now available on the Slides.
As you approach their checkpoint near the opposite end of the dock, the male guard narrows his eyes and gives the one in the lead among you a stern look.
"Your papers, please." the guard demands curtly. Despite the inclusion of the word, 'please', there is no pleasantness or courtesy to be found in the man's tone of voice.
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I have heard of this Shard Coast. I believe it takes its name from an artifact that was once located there, the Shards of Sin. I have heard that those who live there are often overtaken with feelings of jealousy even if they were not covetous beforehand.
Evgani swaggers up with the group. Hi there. Beautiful day isn't it?
"What's so beautiful about it?" mutters the half-elf guard as he shakes his head. Apparently satisfied with the papers, the guard returns them to the halfling "merchant".
"Speaking of 'day', there is a curfew in effect for all outsiders, such as yourselves, from first bell until sundown. You are to remain indoors at all other times." he notes.
"Further, I see that your papers expire in five days. You will not be permitted within the city after that time. Until then, keep your weapons stowed, or your visit may be even shorter." he says, as he ushers Evgeni past the check point.
"Next! he cries, holding out his hand for additional papers.
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"I've heard it said that Belimarius is a runelord. Ridiculous of course. They died out millenia ago. Still, I suppose I should consult my ancestors on the matter."
Zaza's eyes roll back in her head as she mutters ancient words of power.
Zaza continues to mutter words that can't quite be heard clearly. She lowers her head and shudders. When she looks up she is normal once again.
"Well, ridiculous or not my ancestors tell me it seems to be true. Belimarius became the tenth and final Runelord of Envy upon the murder of her predecessor. Thousands of years ago, she ruled the Thassilonian realm of Edasseril, a nation of bitter rivalries, byzantine bureaucracy, and enslaved giants, until shortly before Earthfall. And here's the interesting part. 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. It's entirely possible that some of my thassilonian ancestors might actually be alive here in this city. Obviously not the ones I just communed with of course. They're quite dead."
So, curfew is at first bell to sundown?she asks. And we're to remain indoors at all other times? So when do we get tae shop then?
You do not recall any specific information about Belimarius.
"What my colleague, Captain Ellvard, meant to say," replies the guardswoman as the half-elven man examines the halfling's papers, "is that the curfew for outsiders ends at first bell and begins at sundown."
The woman continues with her stoic face revealing the faintest hints of a smirk as she mutters something quietly to herself.
The woman then receives the dwarf's papers, spending a few minutes to examine them carefully. As she returns them to the dwarf, she looks Guntram in the eye, and warns, "Remain indoors after curfew. Be out of the city within five days. Keep your weapons stowed--at all times."
The two guards at the checkpoint examine the papers of the rest of party, providing similar warnings as they allow you to enter into the city.
Once past the check point at the docks, you are relatively free to travel around within the city. It is evident that Xin-Edasseril is bustling with activity. Yet, the city clearly operates under the weight of oppression. Additional check points, each manned by multiple members of the Emerald Guard, have been set up at natural "choke points" for traffic flowing within the city. Likewise, Emerald Guard patrols, visibly well-armed, can be seen marching through the city with considerable frequency. The residents within the city give the patrols a wide berth. Even when the Emerald Guard is not within their immediate vicinity, the citizens of the city go to length to avoid making direct eye contact with you and other obvious outsiders. They seem almost as weary of their fellow citizens, undoubtedly the result of the Runelord's frequent use of hidden spies and secret police.
A map of the city is now available on the Slides.
The fact that it is still fairly early in the morning and that obvious foreigners can be seen among the denizens of Xin-Edasseril, allows you to discern that first bell has recently been rung and that you have about eight hours in the day remaining before curfew.
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Sneak decides that the guards might not take well to referring to herself as Sneak. On nothing more than a hunch from the list, she introduces herself to the guards...
"Runt" she says patting her chest. She then looks at them expectantly, a questioning look on her face, waiting for them to say their own names.
If they don't get the gist after a few moments, she gives an exasperated sigh and says "Your name, your name?"
"Runt" she says patting her chest. She then looks at them expectantly, a questioning look on her face, waiting for them to say their own names.
The guards try to ignore the goblin's words, keeping their eyes affixed to the travel papers they have been handed for examination.
after a few moments, she gives an exasperated sigh and says "Your name, your name?"
The human looks up from her papers. With a smirk, she calls out to the half-elf, "Hey, Captain Ellvard! This one thinks their entitled to our names!"
The two guards share a loud laugh, then resume their scans of the travel papers. When she has completed her inspection, the woman bends down and returns the papers to the goblin. As she does so, she states stiffly in a quieter tone, "You would do well to take care in who you speak to while in the city, Little One.."
Returning to her upright stance, she loudly warns, "Observe curfew. Know when your papers expire. Keep your weapons stowed." She then quickly passes the "merchant" though the check point.
Katrina spends a couple of hours gathering information within the city.
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"The Emerald Guard... That sounds familiar. I'll consult my ancestors." Zaza begins a now familiar action as she casts Ancestral Memories to gain training in Thassilon Lore
"I think Katrina has the right idea in getting a feel for the city. I'll do the same."