Your morning begins with the early morning knock on the door of your quarters.
You open the door to find a young page who bows crisply and hands you a sealed letter. The page leaves wihout a word to allow you to read the note in privacy.
After peparing yourself, you set off to meet the contact at the The Drunken Gnoll.
Once you arrive in Sedeq, you become aware that several other agents had received the same summons. Walking through the door of the Gnoll you are brought to a private room.
A mix of odors fills the tavern, chief among them stale ale with a faint hint of cleaning products and vomit.
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A flaxen-haired Ulfen shieldmaiden strides in purposefully, her strong determined jaw slightly softened by a kindly smile, she seems highly reminiscent of the Valkyries of legend. Her silvery full-plate is adorned with small golden cherubs, close inspection reveals the angelic wings on the tiny creature are all razor-sharp. A holy symbol on a silver chain proclaims her as a follower of Ragathiel.
Outside, a snow-white warhorse with (almost imperceptible) angelic runes in its coat lazily wanders around the outside of the tavern.
Seeing that she's the first to arrive she turns to one of the servants of the Inn "Tell whoever has booked this room that Frost has arrived. My horse outside will require water, he answers to Ragnar"
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Next to enter the private room is a slim Taldan man wearing dark, but nondescript clothing. His eyes quickly scan the room before landing on Frost. As he approaches, Ryker pulls a wayfinder from a hidden pocket of his cloak, whispering a command word before opening the lid and retrieving a rolled up letter. He unfurls the letter as he drops sideways into a seat.
"You don't look like Karisa Starsight. Who are you?"
Ryker pins the letter to a table with the dagger from his belt, then retrieves another knife from his boot and starts picking his nails with it.
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An exotic humanoid with golden serpentine eyes wanders into The Drunken Gnoll. At first it appears she has light green skin, but upon closer look you notice they are tiny scales. Though in traveling garb, you notice the faint clink of armor hidden under the clothing.
You observe a rapier on her hip, with a bandolier filled with shuriken and potions. As she finds a seat, she unslings a backpack and shortbow.
She bows to Frost, "good to meet you, I am Walla Kosvan."
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"Who am I? Not Karisa, as you have deduced. Frost, and you are? Too many daggers, hidden pockets, nondescript clothing, questionable table manners - that would likely place you as a friend of Guaril Karela"
Turning to welcome the newly arrived swashbuckler "Welcome Walla, I am Frost. Our host has not yet arrived it seems. Can't say I think that much of the venue, and the smell of stale ale and the whiff of vomit normally comes at the end of an adventure, not the start."
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Ryker winks at Frost as he puts his feet up on a table, "You're a sharp one, to be sure. The name is Ryker, Ryker Darkwater. I'm a, ah, free trader. I'm the man 'Uncle' Guaril entrusts to ensure the more sensitive goods get to market."
Ryker turns toward where Walla sat herself and offers her a flask he's just pulled from inside his vest.
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"Good. Guaril tends to have relatives with the sorts of skills we need to ensure a safe and successful venture. No doubt as one of his nephews he will have ensured you have sharp eyes and a knack with mechanical devices that may vex us along the way. I would also trust he had instilled into one of his favourite nephews that great trait of discretion, and knowing when the time is - or isn't - appropriate for some 'free trading' or the like. I'm no trader though, so I see no need to involve myself in your matters of commerce"
After a couple of minutes the bright-eyed steward of Liberty’s Edge operations, Karisa Starsight, joins you in your private room.
Her hood casts shadows on her face, but her bright eyes shine out as two points of light in the otherwise dimly lit tavern. She makes a gesture as if to call a server while subtly waving you over.
She pulls back a fold of her cloak to reveal a pin depicting a golden longsword on blue wings, the Liberty’s Edge insignia.
“Welcome to Sedeq. I hope you made it here without too much harassment from the residents. This city is as despicable and crime ridden as any I’ve seen. Everyone seems to be under the thumb of someone even more vile, so it’s difficult to trust anyone. This establishment has just the right amount of ill repute.”
Karisa Starsight takes a moment to compose herself.
“Venture-Captain Yuul tells me that you are fine agents and will be able to help me track down the ex-Pathfinder, Phlegos Dulm. I’ve got a lead on some missing Pathfinder agents we believe he poisoned and sold into slavery to cover his substantial debts. I can’t track both at once, so I’ll be relying on you to find Phlegos and bring him in. Meanwhile I’ll be locating our missing agents. The Decemvirate would like to question Phlegos, so bring him back alive, if possible."
She looks at all of you to see your reactions.
“I would start by talking to Corvius Vayn, a slave merchant and genie binder. He is about as untrustworthy and despicable as they come, but he was also Phlegos’s primary contact here in Sedeq. If anyone knows where he is, it will be Vayn. I’ve managed to obtain a letter of introduction for you. He’ll know you’re Pathfinders and will likely suspect you want information on Phlegos; his spy network is extensive."
She takes out a picture of Vayn.
“You might also be able to obtain information on Phlegos from Khanuur, Vayn’s efreeti slave who rarely leaves his side. Normally I’d recommend freeing Khanuur in exchange for information, but Khanuur is an evil genie, an efreeti. Freeing him would mean letting a powerful evil force free into the world but keeping him enslaved seems unfair to any creature. I trust your judgment to do what you feel is right."
She leans back.
“Before I depart, do you have any questions for me?”
Nowhere in Qadira is the axiom “Anything can be bought and sold” more grimly true than Sedeq. More than half the population are slaves, and the markets provide any product you can think of, no matter how dangerous.
Even in Sedeq, Qadirans are courteous, especially to their enemies. They see providing for guests as an almost religious obligation, and it is traditional for a guest to bring a gi when visiting.
Though Qadiran law prevents nobles, citizens, and registered foreigners from being involuntarily enslaved, this protection is o en overlooked in Sedeq.
*
Vayn is an in uential slave trader in Sedeq, making most of his money on obtaining and selling rare slaves. With his ample fortune, he has dabbled in a variety of other trades more out of curiosity than necessity.
Vayn periodically uses his vast wealth to purchase a sun orchid elixir from Thuvia, which restores his body to a healthy, young adult state. He’s done this at least twice and is at least a few centuries old.
He keeps Khanuur, an efreeti, at his side most of the time. Vayn sends Khanuur to personally deliver messages or attend to guests as a symbol of both his power and his interest in a particular business deal.
Corvius’s desire to own rare goods has given him a reputation as a ruthless collector, always getting what he wants.
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Diplomacy - Sedeq
Diplomacy - Corvius
"Just the right level of ill repute? I wasn't aware the taverns were ranked in quite that way - normally it was the level of service, the comfort of the beds, and the freshness of the bathwater"
"Why would Corvius Vayn help us though? If he's that crooked and untrustworthy it may make it hard to get reliable information from - unless of course, we have reason to believe he would profit from Phlegos being captured? Vayn has significant wealth, so it won't be about the money, it would have to be a grudge, or maybe he just likes the cut and thrust of the deal - good thing we have a trader of our own"
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The overpowering smell of sickly sweet perfumes greets you before you catch sight of the rotund man to whom the scents belong. From his plain robes and prominent holy symbol, you surmise that he must be a follower of Sarenrae's teachings, while his sandalled feet and tanned complexion show his Keleshite lineage. More interesting and perhaps off-putting to you, though, are the large flaking sores that cover the crown of his bald head, the backs of his large hands, and the tops of his feet. In fact, every bit of skin you can see seems to bear the marks of sores currently plaguing the man or the of scars where they have been previously.
Panting slightly as he hurries into the room, he finds a seat and mutters an apology to the room, both for his tardiness and for the odor he brings with him. "Good day and the Dawnflower's blessing to you all. I'm Friar Robun. Now, I gather there is a man for us to track down?"
"Ah, well it sounds like Master Vayn is quite influential, especially if he has been able to purchase sun orchid elixirs for himself. We shall have to be very careful in dealing with him, I think. And we should make sure to bring him a worthy gift when we go to visit him. Perhaps he will see our conversation as an avenue to a new market for himself." Robun pulls a strip of stained cloth from inside his robes and dabs at his forehead, "My, but it is hot in here today. Sorry, everyone, I hope the smell isn't too bad for you today."
He then turns to the venture captain, "I wonder, ma'am, do you know if there are any big business prospects coming to the city? I wonder if we might be able to secure a moment alone with--ah, what was the efreeti's name? Ah yes, Khanuur. I wonder if we might get a moment alone with Khanuur. We might get information that way we wouldn't from Vayn directly, and that might also give us a chance to free the efreeti if we deem him not to be a threat."
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Ryker's nose turns up at the smell of Friar Robun, and he looks longingly at the main room with its familiar odor of stale ale and vomit.
Ryker looks between his companions, "The 'Right Honourable' Corvius Vayn is quite fond of rare goods and has earned a reputation in my circles as a ruthless collector. He's the kind of man that gets what he wants."
The servants of the Inn take care of Frost's horse of course.
Karisa gives you all a patient smile and answers Friar's inquiry regarding the efreeti. "His name is Khanuur. I feel... a certain amount of sympathy for the creature. Corvius keeps the efreeti bound to him with a magical collar. I have tools that can help you break him free of it, if such appears to be necessary.”
She then looks at all of you.
“I leave the decision to you but I, personally, would free Khanuur. Perhaps after his captivity he’ll have learned some temperance, as well as some value of personal liberty. Perhaps he’ll turn on his former slave-masters and help us defeat him. Either way it’s a blow against slavery in the region, which is something.”
She turns her attention to Frost.
“Corvius. He’s extremely rich, powerful, vile, and a target I’ve had my eye on for a long time now. He’s a genie binder and a slaver with a staggeringly large network of contacts and ludicrously deep pockets. Those connections insulate him from reprisal and make it very di cult to prove any criminal acts that might give us an excuse to take action against him. He also has a love of rare possessions and will collect anything he nds unique: alcohol, jewelry, slaves. It might be efficient to bring a rare alcohol or other unique gift for him if you have access to such.”
She looks at her notes.
"And do not worry, Corvius is not hard to find. He operates in the open with comlete impunity. Wealth will always have its privleges I supppose. I will arrange a meeting once you have decided on how best to proceed."
Then she looks at all of you again.
"As for Phlegos. He is a traitor and a fiend. He turned on the Society and poisoned members, all for his hown profit. He is a scoundral that deserves the justice coming to him."
Karisa shakes her head and manages to calm herself after allowing the name of Phlegos to upset her.
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A Tall, Varisian man enters the inn. He removes his hood and heads to the group. He is clad in full plate. It is clean but well used. He carries two bastard swords, a backpack, and a small shield.
"Sorry I am late. Hopefully all the tough decisions are already made and we can just go get this traitor."
He sits down and gets the cliff notes on the mission details. "I like the alcohol gift idea. It is always nice to arrive bearing gifts."
"Any word around about his latest collection conquest? If we were to get it first we would be able to bargain."
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"My apologies, I am Orst Tilboar. I am very happy to meet you all and look forward to a successful venture with you." He bows slightly from the waste to the group in general as he says this.
Orst seems a little embarrassed about arriving late and seems to be sincere in his apologies for both being late and for not introducing himself properly upon arrival to the group.
“Welcome Orst!!“ Karisa says with a smile.
“You asked about his collection. Well, we only know about him as we got the information from a series of ledgers we obtained; they were encoded, but we were able to identify Corvius Vayn as Phlegos contact in Sedeq. So no more than this!“
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"I would much rather be going after the slavers with our buddy pathfinders, but I realize this kind of trickery will continue from Phlegos if we don't catch him and stop him."
Orst gathers his things, "Ryker, you look like the kind of man that can get things. Do you know of a place to get some spicy spirits for our Genie-binding new buddy?" "It shouldn't have to be Sun Orchid elixir, but something rare and classy."
You decide to visit Vayn directly and make all the purchases and preparations necessary.
*
Corvius Vayn’s estate is an opulent palace with gardens full of exotic plants, an entry hall with rare works of art, and a sitting room the size of a townhouse.
Once the Pathfinders arrive and present their letter of introduction, your’re brought to the sitting room by a suli in flowing silk robes, then offered any manner of refreshment you desire.
*
Shortly after receiving refreshments, a sturdy blonde human man with long, free-flowing hair strides confidently into the room, his fine black and white silk robes fluttering behind him.
A large and powerful efreeti in midnight black robes with gold trim and a black metal collar follows immediately behind.
The human addresses the room at large, “Ah, Pathfinders. I was wondering how long it would take you to seek me out. My money was on a month earlier, but no matter. It only cost me a few thousand platinum.”
He slowly starts to sit as several unseen servants assemble a throne of throw pillows below him.
“I am Corvius Vayn of course and need no further introduction."
He sips a drink which he wasn't holding before he sat down, a servant backing away before the ice stops spinning in the class.
"You however, do. Please introduce yourselves so I can start to think of you as more than a group of homicidal archeologists.”
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"Pleasure to meet you, I am Walla Kosvan." Chuckling she continues,"despite the rumors, most Pathfinders only kill when defending themselves. As for the delay in us talking with you, that is matter for those higher up in the organization. I was sent down this way after returning from Irrisen. I'll take the heat down here over that blasted cold."
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"Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Orst Tilboar. My fellow pathfinders are Frost, Ryker Darkwater, and Father Robun, and of course Walla." Orst bows curtly as he introduces himself and gestures to each of his party mates as he introduces them. "We appreciate you seeing us." "We have traveled from all over; perhaps that is part of the reason for the delay."
"If you knew we were coming, I take it you know also why we had to come or have a pretty good idea why anyway. Is there a betting line on that too? Perhaps we can rig it so you win this time around."
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With a wan smile, Frost pushes back on the veiled insult "You lost the wager? Then perhaps you aren't all we were told you would be - whilst we may be thought of as homicidal archaeologists, you are thought of as an untrustworthy and ruthless slaver with deep pockets and a great network of informants - yet your own admission of losing the wager suggests your network may not be as reliable as initially thought. The rest may still bear out to be true."
"I would assume though that your informants have probably been following us since we arrived and done enough palm-greasing, eavesdropping, and general stickybeaking to have a fairly good understanding of exactly who our group is - so I would also deduce that this is more a test to see how much we volunteer to you and whether we tell you the truth"
"Frost, agent of Ragathiel. Child of the Ulfen with the blood of the Valkyries. Full-time swordswoman, part-time lawyer"
Vayne purses his lips making a 'tsk tsk,' and interrupting Frost in the middle of her speech. "Business can be done after introductions are finished. Hospitality demands it.
He smiles when the introduction resumes. Isn't that better? Pleasure to meet such an eclectic personage connected to Ragathiel!"
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The efreet servant keeps everyone's drinks and snacks at full, he fans anyone looking too hot, or stands near anyone seeming too cold.
After introductions, Corvius Vayne sits up straight and in a very commanding way.
“Let us cut deep. You’re here because of former Venture-Captain Phlegos Dulm. He betrayed you. You want him… dead? Captured? Something unpleasant, I’m sure. He owes me a great deal as well and I can’t be letting him get away with it—no; bad business." he says with a sly smile.
"Letting you handle him is cheaper than hiring the Red Mantis to do it for me. However, I can’t be giving away something for free, even information—etiquette you know. In exchange for information on Phlegos Dulm, including where to find him, I offer you this onetime deal:” and he pauses theatrically.
"Frost! Oh angel-blooded aasimar ...” and he looks appraisingly at the Paladin. Then turns an equal approving eye to the Vishkanya. "... and Walla, poison-blooded, you will become my indentured servants for one month—oh, you don’t have to do anything unseemly. I’m not a Calistrian. I just want to take you to a few lavish parties, dress you in fine clothes, show off your various talents; standard arrangement."
He leans back casually, sipping again at his drink.
"You don’t have to start now—I understand you’re in the middle of something. Come back when you’re done and get pampered for
a while."
He looks as if he wants a clear answer.
“Deal?”
The group had been followed, silently, by a lone animal.
It had listened in on the briefing, remaining completely out of sight.
Now that the group was introducing themselves to the shady man, does it brush against , valkerie Frost's leg, as it sits down at attention, a tiny cylinder hanging around its neck from a humble bamboo string. Within is a scroll, with calligraphic letters.
To the society of pathfinders, i hereby send my loyal companion.
It listens to the name Hasoshi.
It is combat trained, loyal, if mischievous, and as adept at tracking scents as any hound in the west can. It does have an aversion towards snakes, for some reason, and will not engage one by itself.
Signed,
Lady Akane, sorceress of house Higashimuru, branch family to the Higashiyama line.
This man of power and influence walks towards Walls and gently takes her hand.
With genuine pleasure he firmly says ”Deal!!“
He ignores Frost completely and turns to the rest of you.
"I assure you I have no desire to harm such a magnificent creature. I will return Walla to you ..."
Suddenly, a clear chime rings through the room, interrupting Corvius Vayne.
“Apologies, I have an engagement I must get to. Walla, I will return you to the Society when your month is up and let you set the dates of the month for yourself."
He gets up to leave.
"Let me leave you here to relax and deliberate — though you really don’t have a choice, do you? I’ll return in one hour. Khanuur, please draw up the contracts. And keep my guests comfortable."
Corvius chuckles to himself as he leaves the room, leaving the efreeti to stand at attention beside the door and the eefreeti immediately starts drafting a contract.
The efreeti looks at Ryker and thinks.
"He does honor his deals, so long as the deal is in his favor. Try to put too many limitations on it, he may consider it dishonorable and treat it as such." the efreeti explains.
"I am bound to Corviaus will." Khannur points to the collar.
"I must perform everything he asks. Some are slaves, some are masters, Fortune decides who is strong enough to be which.”
The efreeti looks at Frost.
"He is not cruel, so long as it is in his best interest, but he is human and mostly mortal and that is cruel enough. I am not mortal, therefore fortune will see my strength soon." he says with determination.
"It is the magic of the collar. No mortal can bind me against my will."
He doesn't say, but the implication is that a more powerful entity bound him and now Corvius has control of the collar.
He will provide any refreshments or entertainment you wish while you wait.
When Corvias returns he is happy to sign the agreement the efreeti has set up with Walla and then pays his part.
"Phlegos has been buying various excavation and construction supplies, then shipping them to an island just southwest of Qadira." he says, handing you a map.
The island sits to the southwest of mainland Qadira, almost due south from Okeno. It’s close to the Obari Trade Circle, a popular merchant route, but far enough to not be detected by patrols.
"Also, Jirandiel Waverider, a disgraced ex-Chelish naval officer turned pirate, has been partnering with Phelgos recently. She has been a curse on the shipping routes in that area with the aid of a monstrous sea creature."
Years ago, a group of Pathfinders forever changed Jirandiel Waverider's life when they stole her ship and a valuable prisoner from her. After this embarrassment Jirandiel lost her commission with the Chelish navy. Knowing only the sea and the wind, she took up a life of piracy. Though the years have dulled her self-hatred for becoming that which she once hunted, her ire for the Pathfinder Society has only sharpened.
Finally, the merchant offers a confirmation.
"Yes some of the slaves Phlegos keeps on the island include a team of Pathfinders."
The fox's ears stand up at attention, at the mention of an entire team of pathfinder agents having been enslaved.
A somewhat sad wimper follows.
Corvias turns to Tiny Fox.
“Ahh, Hasoshi has finally arrived! I was wondering when he’d join you! If you would now leave please!“ he says and smiles at Walla.
When the party reports what they’ve found to Karisa Starsight, she is clearly concerned about Walla but delighted that you learned more.
"You have to be careful Walla! But thank you for your sacrifice!"
She also welcomes Tiny Fox and hires a ship to send you to investigate the island estate.
"Traveling by boat will take two days. Prepare for anything but depart as soon as possible please! I hope that you are able to find our companions!" she says with determination.
"Do we have maps or charts of the island? Do we know anything about this mysterious sea creature and the pirate?"
Karisa nods at Frost. She takes out two maps and circles an island on both maps.
"Based on the description you received, it can only be this island here! I will prepare everything so that you can depart. Meet me at the docks today afternoon!"
You all meet at the harbor and start your journey aboard a small ship. Travel takes two days.
The Waverider is anchored about 2,000 feet off-shore outside a barrier reef.
*
The island is large enough to grow wild fruit and maybe sustain animals for hunting, is small enough to avoid notice, and comes with a built-in barrier reef. The island maintains a temperate to warm climate year-round, with high winds and sudden rain storms being the only environmental deterrents to living there. There is no population to disguise yourselves among or ask around.
It’s close to the Obari Trade Circle, a popular merchant route, but far enough to not be detected by patrols. The estate and nearby docks face the south side of the island, away from Okeno.
Most vessels traveling near Okeno that spot the island are unable to see any signs of inhabitants unless they go out of their way.
*
You arrive at the shore without any problems.
On the shore, a small dock offers several cleats and mooring poles for docking smaller boats, such as fishing vessels and very small single mast ships. A large sloop, configured for hauling cargo, is anchored near the dock. A large pile of lumber peaks out from a tarp, just past the tree line.
Several storage sheds dot the area, most of them looking poorly built or neglected.
The fox had been scurrying around the ship on the voyage, taking in scents of the crew and the other pathfinders. And otherwise relaxing.
The fox waits until it has heard the plans of the group.
It 'volunteers' for recon, scratching the ground for attention, then making prowling motions. It suddenly vanishes from sight, provided we are near shadows.
Then reappears near the legs of someone, sitting at attention.
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"I find it hard to believe they don't know we are here if they are here." "Scouting is good but don't take any chances, please." "Really think a second scouter at your side would be better. Can anyone else go and be sneaky? I would but my armor sounds like a band playing in this environment. Perhaps if someone could be invisible?"
Orst paces the deck some then turns back again.
"Plus we will need a signal if you need help. Something we will see or hear and come running. Any ideas?" "Also, if you don't return in 30 minutes, we will follow your tracks perhaps?"