Cringing slightly at the question, Edward can only sigh. "Forgive me but I fear I am not at liberty to discuss the matter so freely, good sir. This information is solely for Sir Codwin's ears only. I do humbly apologize but this is how it must be. If you are in need of references there are those that could very well vouch for us. There was a dinner held just recently within the Seventh Church in Absalom to where we were honored with several guests." He raises a hand and starts ticking off each finger as he names them. "High Councilor Vylera Delann, Nomarch Wynsal Starborn - Low Council representative for Azlanti Keep which I am sure you are aware, Kreighton Shaine - the Dean of Lore of the Pathfinder Society - and that's just to name a select few. Milord Genedair was, of course, the host. It was a fine evening indeed," he explains, smiling cheerfully at the thought of it.
The clerk moves from intrigued by Edward's request to annoyed as he begins ticking off names of important people he happens to know. "I'll just jump on my crystal ball right now and ask them if I should let you in. I'm sure they're sitting around Absalom right now waiting for me to magically contact them. It's too bad Prince Stavian wasn't at your dinner: he and I play cards at least twice a week."
Looking honestly impressed, "Really?! Prince Stavian? Wow. Well that is truly fascinating. What land is he Prince of again? I fear I do not know that name." He looks to the clerk with absolute curiosity.
The clerk states at Edward for a few moments, trying to decide if the paladin is making fun of him or is just geo-politically dense. ”I will pass along your request to the Supreme Elect. Have a good day, sir.”
"Thank you," he says with a nod while grinning. "And do not fear, I will check back with you on the morrow if I don't hear from you by this evening. And possibly every day thereafter if I must. I am quite determined, you shall see! Good day to you, my good man!" He pops the desk with his hand in a friendly manner before turning and walking out, smiling all the while.
”Wait,” the clerk calls as Edward is halfway through the door. He pulls out a paper and writing case. ”Write your request and seal it. If the Supreme Elect will see you, he’ll see you. If not, not.”
Turning with eyes wide and a look of surprise upon him, "Well... very well! I shall most assuredly do so," he says as he makes his way back. Edward then takes the quill and the parchment and proceeds writing said request. As soon as he is done, he folds it, seals it and then hands back to the clerk. "Thank you, my good man! Always a pleasure," he gives a friendly but firm nod as he now takes his leave and returns to the others.
As he makes his way back, he walks upon them with a confident grin. "Well, all, I've managed to get our request in. Now all we must do is await a response. I must say, the clerk was quite helpful. Although I do believe the 'name dropping' was almost costly," he says, looking to Richard through narrowed eyes, although in a jokingly manner.
"Nevertheless, our request is in and that is all we can ask for at this point. I do believe we shall be hearing from Codwin soon enough."
And what exactly is in the note?
Edward then begins writing:
Sir Codwin I,
We have been given a mission, sent by Genedair the Faithful, to investigate the phenomenon associated with the ascension of Masoumi and its possible relationship with Aroden. We would like to examine the eye symbol on the Archstone with your supervision and protection. We are also curious about what has happened here that puts the people of Andoran at risk. Our mission is not limited to Andoran, we plan to proceed into Cheliax next and examine the Archstone there as well. We would humbly ask, Milord, if you would arrange a meet with us at your earliest convenience.
By Iomedae's grace,
Sir Edward Hastings III
After about twenty minutes, a trio of Steel Falcons approach your group, confirm your identity, and escort you in to the offices of the Supreme Elect, past the dour face of the chief clerk. You find yourselves awkwardly sitting or standing across a large, ornate desk of darkwood from an imposing man of steel grey eyes and salt-and-pepper hair, with a pair of gold amulets around his neck: one, the emblem of his office, the other, holy symbol of Iomedae. He gazes at you for awhile, seeming to weigh and sift your souls with his eyes, though divination magic is more likely.
”Rumours of a new God’s ascension reached Almas by ship two days ago, though we’ve had several pigeons from our agents in Absalom before that. I met this Masoumi once briefly six years ago at a conference in Cassomir of Inner Sea powers: he seemed a decent fellow, not the typical representative Rahadoum tends to send to such things. I gather from your letter you believe there is some sort of connection between his ascension and the glow from the Archstone Monument, and would like to examine it. I don’t see what connection there could be. While we cannot say with absolute certainty that the glow poses no danger, the guards are there because divination magic has revealed that there is something hidden inside the Archstone, only we have found no means to open the stone aside from sledgehammers, and I am reluctant to authorize that. The guards are to prevent any would-be thieves or treasure hunters from getting too close and discovering that there’s something there for themselves, though obviously, this can only be a temporary arrangement. If you believe your circumstances grant you some insight into this mystery, this writ will authorize your group one afternoon to examine and study the phenomenon. Make some progress, and it can be extended, if necessary.”
"We are unsure of the connection as well and you are absolutely correct. That is exactly why we would wish to examine it; to see if we are able to ascertain said connection. And one afternoon should be plenty to gain some form of information. Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Sir Codwin. We are in your debt," he gives a nod of thanks.
"Is there a specific time to when we can begin?"
He hands you the writ. "Now would be a good time."
Smiling, "Excellent. Good day to you, sir. We shall let you know what we find." He gives a bow and takes his leave.
Holding the writ up as he approaches the others, "He has granted us passage as of this very moment," he says with a smile. "Let us be off and see if we can acquire ourselves a bit of knowledge, shall we?"
Shrugging, "That is a good question, Richard, and one I am unable to answer. Maybe one of you have a suggestion?" he looks to the others.
Morgana whistles, "Honestly, I didn't expect you'd get the meeting, let alone a writ. Well done, indeed.". She pauses, "There are dozens of divination spells, but I'd have to think the Andorans have already cast them.... We're probably better off playing the religious angle... Or, trying to see if it reacts to... um, the.. other power."
Ty pipes up. "The holy symbol you have that 'hummed' when we were near the Archstone earlier is the same one that let us into the Chelish Citadel, right? We should start with that.
"Look, I'm not really all that religious (no offense everyone here not named Morgana), but we have proof that Iomedae is at least someone invested in what we're doing, right? I feel like maybe she wouldn't make us jump through unnecessary hoops if we are going to do the thing she wants us to do. Let's not go out of our way to overthink this, is all I'm saying."
Outside the Supreme Elect’s keep, you make the twenty second journey to the monument and show your writ to the Eagle Knights, who shrug and move off to give you room. Tolion’s symbol begins to vibrate again, getting worse as you climb up some ladders to get next to the stone. You touch the mithril symbol in the stone with the mithril symbol in your hand. There’s a sharp cracking sound of rock on rock, and the stone inside the pupil of the Eye of Aroden comes loose in your hands, revealing a cylindrical opening inside the Archstone. Inside the opening is a leather and ivory scroll case, covered in Aroden symbols and the words ”No man is great who must stand upon the backs of others.”
Edward pops open the scroll case and tips out a rolled up canvas. The canvas unrolls to a very long thin rectangle and details what appears to be a very, very, very long hallway, with many twists, turns, and little chambers along the way. At the leftmost end, a notation reads ”Khalif Tearoom, Khari,” while the rightmost end contains the notation, ”The Alicorn, Corentyn.”
"Now this is fascinating. The 'Khalif Tearoom, Khari' on one end and 'The Alicorn, Corentyn' on the other; and an extremely long passage between the two." Looking to the others, "I believe questions are in order. It is time we return to Sir Codwin and brief him on what we have found."
Morgana pauses for a moment, If it were meant for the Andorans, surely they would have opened it...., then sighs, "I do not know the man, but I worry that, based on the Andoran response to date, they'll take over... and, based on what just happened, I don't think that's the will of the gods."
She shrugs, "But, at the same time, I don't need an entire nation turned against us... We'll probably get enough of that when we're in Cheliax."
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"Sounds to me as if we have discovered some kind of map which describes a passageway inside the Arch of Aroden. This passageway looks to be a promising way to search for the items that we have been quested to find."
Richard looks over Edward's shoulder to get a better look at the canvas.
"Hmm, that is a very long corridor. It may take quite a while to search all these little chambers. Who knows what kind of traps, creatures or challenges we may face with each one. We should let the Seventh Church in Absalom know what we discovered. They may have some insight into the dangers there."
Stroking his chin in thought, "That is a fair point, Morgana." He then looks to the others. "What are your thoughts? While I do not wish to withhold this information from Codwin, I also am not fond of having an entire nation, nor would I trust it, of taking over this mission that has been entrusted to us. What say you all?"
"Sounds to me as if we have discovered some kind of map which describes a passageway inside the Arch of Aroden. This passageway looks to be a promising way to search for the items that we have been quested to find."
Richard looks over Edward's shoulder to get a better look at the canvas.
"Hmm, that is a very long corridor. It may take quite a while to search all these little chambers. Who knows what kind of traps, creatures or challenges we may face with each one. We should let the Seventh Church in Absalom know what we discovered. They may have some insight into the dangers there."
"It most assuredly does look to be like a passageway, my good man. And it would truly take a good long while, I do not doubt. So while I agree with you about informing the Seventh Church, we would also have to inform Codwin as well, else, I do believe he would gather his men and follow. Somehow we need to inform him that this assignment is to be ours and ours alone."
”Whybdoes he need to know anything about our mission to the Arch at all? You told him you wanted to investigate if there was a connection between Masoumi and the light. Doesn’t look like it. Looks like somebody hid a map of the inner passages of the Arch of Aroden within the Arch’s keystone centuries ago. Codwin is not going to muster his forces and march on Cheliax for this: it would be war and Cheliax would be totally within its rights to retaliate. I would suggest we make our own copy of this map before taking it to him in case he insists that it is some Andoran national treasure, but other than that, I think you’re making things out to be way more complicated than they likely are. Again.”
"Sir Rollins has the right idea. Make a copy of it before we talk to him. Work with the authorities when you have to, but never trust it." Ty nudges Sir Rollynd with his elbow. "Right?"
Nodding, "Fair enough. A copy it shall be then."
Profession scribe seems as good a skill to use as any. Richard is able to make a perfect copy of the hidden map and you report back to Codwin as a group, presenting the map.
”So quickly!? This was inside the Archstone all along? This must be a map of the fabled Slaverun, used to help clerics escape Rahadoum and the slaves to escape captivity in either country. I wonder...” Codwin summons his prune-faced clerk and asks for a map of the Hespereth Straight. By comparing the two, you are able to estimate roughly which parts of your map have been lost to the deterioration of the Arch, and which parts still exist.
”Has Aroden returned somehow? Or is it some latent spark of his divinity that brought the Archstone to life once more? I shall have to have my diviners inquire. Legends say that many great treasures were hidden in the Slaverun. It would be quite the adventure to explore those ruins. Sadly, the weight of office prevents me from doing so. If it is your intention to do so, I wish you all the luck, and good hunting.”
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Richard thanks Supreme Elect Codwin for his help in the discovery and adds
"Your company on our mission would have been most welcome. May the Inheritor guide your path and keep you safe. If we are able to stop here on our way back to Absalom, we will give you an update."
When the group gathers back at the hotel Richard examines the copy of the canvas he created.
"I wonder how difficult it will be to find the entrance to this passageway. I guess that is something we will have to find out once we reach Corentyn."
"Thank you, sir." Edward nods, taking his leave with the others.
When the group gathers back at the hotel Richard examines the copy of the canvas he created.
"I wonder how difficult it will be to find the entrance to this passageway. I guess that is something we will have to find out once we reach Corentyn."
"And I believe you are correct, my good man. It may prove quite difficult to find it, but find it we will," he grins, nodding confidently.
Morgana suggests, "Given the way that your holy symbol drew you forward, I would think the same is likely to happen when we get near... Then again, I may just be an optimist."
With copied map in hand, you return to your inn for supper.
Morgana suggests, "Given the way that your holy symbol drew you forward, I would think the same is likely to happen when we get near... Then again, I may just be an optimist."
Pondering that a moment, Edward eventually shrugs. "You know, I think that is a great possibility, Morgana, and am now curious if that may be so. I guess we shall soon see. And when it comes to being an optimist, that far outweighs the alternative. I'll take optimism every time," he nods, winking.
Morgana laughs, "I've great faith in fate, destiny and the gods. It's people that are disappointing."
Arodus 25, 4706 AR
The next morning, James arrives at your inn with your wagon, supplies, credentials, merchandise...and contract. ”Father is never going to believe that I of all people got Richard to finally take his part in the family business!” he declares, almost giddy as you sign the contract and hand over the 1,100 gp for wagon, horses, and other supplies.
”If you’re planning to go north, be careful of bandit activity around the Necropolis. I’m sure you can handle yourselves, but just be warned. If you go south, pirates do sometimes swoop in onto the highway between villages for a bit of road piracy, but you can usually spot their ship at anchor off the coast. Just keep your eyes open and you’ll be fine. Also remember: it isn’t against the law to be a cleric in Cheliax, but if you start proselytizing, they’ll lock you up, or the very least watch you like a hawk.”
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To his younger brother Richard retorts
"Hey, keeping track of the books and doing research on who is in the market for what commodities is taking part in the business. Just because you are better at convincing people to buy with us as opposed to other merchants doesn't mean I am useless. Besides, with my new profession, father has said you were going to take a larger share of the responsibilities. Have fun doing all that paperwork. I don't miss the cramps I used to get in my hands from holding a quill for ten hours a day.
I know to keep my divine activities to a minimum in Cheliax and when they are required to be as discrete as possible. Besides, I am used to being watched like a hawk. Father was always making sure I got all the figures correct every day. Guess we'll both be watched closely now.
Thanks for the business opportunity James, say hello to mother and father for me and don't let Gregory give you a hard time. You know how he likes to tease you about being mother's favorite."
As Richard waves goodbye to his brother, he says to Edward
"Thanks again for fronting us on this deal. I didn't think James would actually go through with it. I think a part of him is jealous I get to go out adventuring. But no matter, he really is a good salesman. Father has told me so many times but swore me to never tell him that. He wants him to keep thinking he has to prove himself. This last year profits are higher than they have been in the last decade thanks to the deals James has closed.
Enough of my prattling on, let's get started."
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"You are most welcome, my good man! But young Ty here has absolutely refused me to pay for it all and he and I have split the cost evenly. So I daresay I cannot take all the credit," he admits, smiling and giving a nod of thanks to the rogue.
You head out bright and early on the 25th of Arodus, first north along the river until you reach a branch of the highway across a bridge and sharply turning south. The coast is quite scenic, alternating tall cliffs high above the water with lowlands dipping right down to the shore. On your right, lush fields of tall grain give way to orchards which give way to vineyards. Southern Andoran is a fertile and rich part of the world, it’s people hardy and polite, though not the warmest of welcomers. The highway is sparsely used, though you do pass patrols of Andoran militia, local farmers, and other merchants. From atop one particularly steep rise, you’re sure you can see another merchant wagon behind you as well, though at least a day behind you. What you don’t encounter, however, is any mention of new gods or Masoumi.
On the 3rd of Rova, you arrive in Claes, the first coastal town of any significant size. You are able to restock supplies, and get baths and a warm bed. You do pick up a few rumours from among the local sailors of something that happened last month in Absalom, but most of the details are wrong. No human locals spit racist vitriol at you, and there’s no sign of folks making flames from cupped hands. While you definitely aren’t outrunning the influence of the Masoumi cult, there doesn’t seem to be much appetite yet for spreading into these insignificant hamlets.
You are encouraged, however, not to dally in Claes more than a day, as the week-long harvest festival in the neighbouring town of Cyremium will be wrapping up on the eighth of the month with some sort of games. A quartet of local youths offer you a small sum of coin to be allowed to travel with you as far as Cyremium: seems they want to enter the Scrimmage, a mock combat trial for teams of four with a grand prize of 100 gold coins.
Looking fairly interested at the news, "A 'mock combat trial', you say? That sounds like it could be quite fascinating to watch." Turning to the others, "Well, what say you, gentlemen and ladies? Shall we escort our young acquaintances to Cyremium and partake as spectators at this trial?"
Ty sizes up the youths with a critical eye.
He probably doesn't mind.
*********
Later, when it's just him, Edward, Richard, and Morgana, Ty asks Edward, "Oh hey, can you still make Masoumi's flame appear now that we've left Absalom?"
"You know, I haven't even thought about it. Let's see." He then cups his hands together to test it.
Morgana shrugs, and places her hands together, "I think so..."
Yes, you can both still make flames. There's something very hypnotic about the Masoumi flames, very calming and peaceful, and yet empowering. When holding a Flame of Masoumi, you don't feel quite as alone in the world, and when you release it, you feel a brief flash of vulnerability as the flame dies away.
The village youths seem to be what they appear, and you pass a pleasant three days travelling with them. They haven't seen much of the world beyond the lengths between Claes and Cyremium (though one of them has been as far as Almas once), and so eat up any stories you wish to tell them, fact or fiction (and they have no ability to tell the difference between the two). Kip, the worldly boy who traveled to Almas, seems intent on flirting with Morgana. He gives over easily enough when she sends him packing (assuming she does) and moves on to charming Valla, who reacts in outrage at apparently being "second choice" and sends him away with such a burn in his ear, he avoids her completely for the rest of the trip.
You arrive in Cyremium late in the day on the seventh. Cyremuium is a small fishing and farm village, albeit one with a large market, which is mostly well-picked over by this point (though you can stock up on a good amount of fresh produce and salted fish for your journey). Inn space is tight, so there's only one room for Valla and Morgana, and another for the four boys. The kids from Claes don't even bother with an inn room and hand over a few coppers to sleep in the hayloft. This evening, there's a big dance in the market square. Large bonfires are set ablaze, just as another merchant wagon arrives from Claes' direction, the market stalls are cleared away, and musicians set up on a raised platform. Ale and mead is sold for a pittance, and the locals are more than happy to welcome outsiders to their festivities.
"Quite the little show for such a tiny backwater, wouldn't you say?" a high-pitched voice asks Ty from around his waist height. A gnomish man, wearing a coat with dozens of little pockets grins up at you. "Mingall's the name."
"Hi, Mingall! I'm Ty. What's the occasion?"
Ty has every intention of enjoying the festivities, although he's never had a good experience when he over-drinks, so he'll be sure to pace himself tonight.