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The adventure begins back in Corentyn's Museum of History. The former courthouse rises above many of the other buildings within the High Quarter. The museum has endured the touch of time well, and it houses those artifacts from Corentyn's illustrious history that the Thrune regime has approved. Earlier, a courier sent by Ianareth Alazzrio - the new Chelish liaison to the Grand Lodge - informed the Pathfinders that a package provided by Athenaeum archaeologists awaits them at the museum and that they are to contact Zefiro Balinger, whom they met during their investigation into the ruined keep of House Davian.
Motes of dust float in the air as the midday sun shines through the skylights of the museum roof. Several scholars and students move about the bookshelves and display cases on the main floor and the balconies above, while some are hunched ovr tables piled with heavy tomes. Zefiro is in discussion with a colleague when he notices the visitors.
"Ah, you have returned. Welcome.". He shakes hands with everyone. "Right, we have that package for you." Zeifro beckons to a student at a nearby table. "Run up and fetch the Athenaeum materials from my office." He turns back from the student, through he occasionally glances nervously at the people going about their work about him.
"The ruin you're about to investigate is certainly a major discovery, and it's sure to earn great prestige for my colleagues at Egorian's Athenaeum. A lost colony of ancient Taldor right within the Kharijite province would certainly give our beloved empire a strong claim to the region." Zefiro steps a little closer and lowers his voice. "I would be very interested to discuss your findings when you return, with a bit more privacy. Come see me here in the evening and we can have a talk in my office."
Zefiro takes a step back as the student returns with the package. He hands it over to the Pathfinders. "If there's nothing else, I must get back to my duties."
Cassiopia Minksalais a small woman, with graceful limbs and elegant hands. She has a lightly tanned skin and very long hair in the colour of honey usually braided and pinned behind her head. Her most defining feature are her eyes, one is crystal blue, the other amber.
Cassiopia listens to the briefing and then thinks for a moment about the situation.
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Bahram's face opens up into a lopsided grin as Zefiro describes their next ruin. "This job is great, isn't it Cass?" He says with a wink to Cassiopia.
Bahram is a half-orc. Well muscled, great axe on his back, but with a more intelligent glint in his eye than one might expect. He's dressed in the light loose clothing of those who live in desert climes.
Looking back to Zefiro, leaning in conspiratorially as he accepts the package. "It sounds like you may have a personal interest. Is there anything in particular we should be looking for? And where did you say this ruin was located?"
Zefiro hands you the Athenaeum package. It contains several items: an official document that authorizes its bearer to inspect the archaeological site, a map of the Kharjite province that has a route to Ibhir marked on it, and an archaeological report that details the discoveries made at the site.
Zefiro is quick with some answers. "The lost colony lies under a ruined Rahadoumi village called Ibhir, which is located a couple days' ride southwest from the city of Khari" . "A collapse uncovered the site as a fierce battle was fought in Ibhir during the Everwar. Centuries later, a forgotten war diary led the Athenaeum archaeologists to rediscover the colony and mount an expedition to exhume it. According to the Athenaeum archaeologists, Taldan colonists established the settlement as part of the Third Army of Exploration, sometime after Corentyn was founded in 1520 A.R." He explains the situation.
The Pathfinders set sail to Khari and it is quite uneventful. The crewmembers - none too pleased about having to transport civilians aboard a military vessel - keep to themselves.
Upon arriving in Khari, the Chelish frigate cuts through the waves by the Arch of Aroden as sunrise paints the harbor of Khari red. Vessels from all around the Inner Sea are moored at the docks, waiting for their cargo to be unloaded or for new goods to be brought aboard. The city spreads around the bay, with sandstone buildings and twisting minarets marking its Rahadoumi origin now emblazoned with red-and-white banners of Cheliax.
Most of the inhabitants dress in a Garundi fashion of colorful robes and billowing blouses, but occasionally a regiment of Chelish soldiers or a Hellknight parts the crowd. Several open-air markets fill the city with clamor as merchants and patrons haggle loudly under many-colored stalls.
At one of the stalls, an exasperated man with an Osirian accent complains loudly, "It would be bad enough if it was just the damned dockworkers who take their time unloading my goods, but now I have to wait for those infernal bureaucrats to grant me a travel permit to even leave the city. I swear I'm about to lose my mind with the incompetence of these people!"
A tall Kellid joins the group. She carries a large bastard sword, but it otherwise friendly. Amiri knows nothing about Kharijite and is blunt to the locals.
Wymarc knows that these people of Khari see themselves more as Chelish citizens than as Rahadoumi despite their ancestry. Lord-mayor Marsiol Giovenci, a steadfast ally of the Thrune regime, rules Khari. Giovenci takes a harsh stance against anyone who would engage in smuggling and black-market deals.
Cassiopeia knows that Cheliax forcibly annexed the Kharijite province from Rahadoum during the Everwar, and Rahadoumi diplomats have been demanding that Cheliax return the region to its rightful owner ever since.
Asking around Khari, Cassiopeia learns more about Khari and the previous expeditions. She meets up with a gruff barkeep that informs her of the tight grip Cheliax keeps on the city. "Recently they've been cracking down on any shady business, so everyone needs a travel permit to leave the city. I hear the inspections of coming and going cargo are pretty thorough as well. Good luck at the magistrate's office - the lines are bound to be as long as the Arch!"
She runs into a chatty caravan guard that is bored out of his mind and provides information about the archaeological expedition. "They had plenty of scholars and soldiers as well. The number of tools and supplies they were willing to lug across the desert surprised me. Our caravan shared the road with them for a while, but they kept mostly to themselves."
Bahram meets an unscrupulous merchant that reveals information about the Aspis Consortium caravan that went to the expedition site. "The Aspis Consortium transported a caravan full of supplies to the ruins. I'm not sure what they were carrying in those crates, but I hear they looked heavy - no tthat they were advertising this on the streets or anything, but I have my sources. It didn't take long for them to receive appropriate permits either. I guess it helps to have friends in high places."
Though Bahram doesn't know more about the Kharijite region, he knows a bit more about the history of the province. The Everwar, also known as the Wars of Expansion, was a century-long war of conquest launched by King Haliad III in 4305 AR that - among other territories - expanded Chelish control into northern Garund, allowing them to control both ends of the Arch of Aroden. The Everwar lasted through the reigns of five Chelish monarchs and finally ended in 4410 AR.
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Acquiring Travel Permits
Following the recent exposure of an extensive smuggling ring, Khari's government has tightened security on who can or cannot leave the city. Even the Pathfinder's official authorization to explore Ibhir is insufficient to get them past the gate guards. In order to leave, the Pathfinders must secure travel permits from the office of Magistrate Mavius Giovenci.
Scores of applicants hoping to procure official travel permits fill the bulky sandstone building, and clerks steadily work their way up and down the lines to identify each applicant and inquire about their business. Once a clerk confirms the Pathfinder's authorization from Athenaeum, she fetches a letter, lowers her voice, and tells them, "Magistrate Mavius Giovenci wants to handle this matter in person. This is an invitation to attend an evening function at his estate.". She forces a smile and then turns her attention to the next group in line. Examining the letter, it requests the Pathfinders join the magistrate at sundown for a fancy meal.
Mavius is a cousin of the lord-mayor of Khari. The magistrate takes advantage of his station to enjoy all the pleasures the city has to offer, therefore his palanquin is a regular sight on the street as Mavius travels between the mansion and several high-end establishments and the opera.
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"Yes, that's right Wymarc! I'm glad you were able to jog my memory there. Mavius is cousin to the mayor of Khari, Marisol Giovenci. Marisol does not care to much for his cousin, for various reasons, but most importantly for a reason that should cause it's to dislike him as well. He has had already, underhanded, dealings with the Aspis Consortium. More specifically with Tamrin Credence. You remember him. I'm sure that the Lord-Mayor is unaware of this, and that Mavius would like to keep it that way. That means that if we can't get our travel permitsabove the table, we now have a sure fireway to get them under the table. Of course it will not do well to make an enemy of Mavius, probably keep this as a last resort."
Once everyone is ready, the group heads over to meet with the magistrate. The magistrate's mansion is of modest size, but well-maintained. Upon receiving the invitation, a halfling servant guides everyone through an iron gate with flowery designs onto a terrace overlooking the bay near the Arch of Aroden. A ring of sitting pillows and several water pipes furnish the terrace. At the end of the hall sits a handsome, dark-haired man with an easy smile, though years of indulgent living seem to haven taken their toll on his physique. The air is humid as thundering clouds gather far from shore.
Mavius beckons everyone to sit down, "My dear guests, please relax and enjoy yourselves. There are plenty of local delicacies, and the wine is quite exquisite. I'm sure you're eager to get down to business, yet there'll be time for that later."
As advertised, Mavius has provided a sumptuous feast, and he greedily partakes of the many delicacies.
Once the bulk of the meal is done, Mavius cheerfully seeks other amusement. The magistrate orders a servant to bring out an ornate board with several dozen ivory pieces, "Would anyone care for a friendly game of Siege - unless one of you can entertain us with some Chelish opera? Hah!"
Looking down at the board Cassiopia smiles and nods.
"Well I would play you. But what are the rules?
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Seeing that Cass had a fair shot at beating Mavius, Bahram begins to worry. He seems like one used to winning, and would take a defeat by a female especially hard.
Laughing, Bahram jostles Cassiopeia with a friendly elbow. "Oh ho! That's awful sporting of you countess, but you might want to let Ole Bahram give magistrate Mavius a challenge. He looks to be quite the shrewd strategist, and deserves a man of equal cunning for a challenge.". Bahram looks to Cass and gives her a bit of a grimace as he says this.
Bahram plays a solid game of siege, but gosh darn it if Mavius doesn't thwart him at the last moment!
Cassiopeia just shrugs and replies.
"If you want to, you might take the spot!"
"Aha! Servant! Bring me some palm wine!" He calls for a servant. A minute or so later, the servant brings out a bottle of wine and glasses for all those to enjoy. "Great game. What was your name, did you say? Bahram? Cassiopeia? Vuldruk? And the ever lovely Amiri.". He pats Bahram on the back.
After pouring a glass for whoever wants some, he turns to the Pathfinders. "Tell me about this expedition you are embarking upon. I have heard a little about it here and there - enough to get me intrigued. I'd love to know more."
Mavius looks impressed with the conversation. "Intriguing! Lovely.". He smiles and orders a servant to bring a bottle of wine over. He liberally pours a glass for himself, then offers some to anyone who wants some.
"I have heard some wild tales about the exploits of Pathfinders. I'd like to hear more of your adventures, or perhaps you'd like to showcase your considerable skills!"
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Mentally stretching her neck, Cassiopia lays down the who is who of the inner seas nobility, stating that often the nobles own the lands where some of the lesser exploration sites are located.
She adds that often the society is funded by the nobility or sells their lesser spoils to further pay for their expeditions.
Finally she adds that the ability to know whom to bribe or charm greatly enhances the ease of missions.
Mavius brings out some dummies for Amiri to slice open.
Mavius is impressed! "Well done everyone!". He calls over a servant. "Bring the best bottle of champagne we have!"
Once the servant is back, he fills up glasses. "Toast! To the Pathfinders.". He downs the glass in one sip. "I'll waive any fees related to the travel permit. You can pick up your permit in the morning. You're also welcome to spend the night here. We have plenty of beds."
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In the morning, the Pathfinders set off. Most of the overland journey is safe and uneventful, thanks to the carefully notated map provided by the Athenaeum. In the final stretch, off in the distance a sandstorm rages on.
The last rays of the setting sun light up a bluff to the southeast that towers over the desert. Ruined buildings and leaning towers jut up from the plateau on its top as ominous clouds loom to the south of Ibhir - a sandstorm roars across the desert towards the ruins.
You notice the sandstorm approaching quickly and you need to hurry to get to the ruins.
Wymarc notices the storm approach well in advance! But it's still coming in fast. : the Pathfinders must hurry their mounts towards the bluff - DC 14 Ride check.
Once at the bluff, there's only one way up! A treacherous path that snakes up the side of the bluff. DC 17 Ride check or DC 15 Handle Animal check.
Once on top of the bluff, the Pathfinders must navigate the stinging sand and locate the Chelish camp (where the archaeological is) and get out of the sandstorm once and for all! DC 18 Perception check to find it.
Wymarc rushes his mount through the start of the sandstorm to the bottom of the 200-foot-tall stone bluff. The wind starts to pick up and buffets the Pathfinders, as the rest have trouble!
The only way to reach the top of the bluff, where the ruins are, is a precarious path that snakes up the side. With Wymarc in the lead, the Pathfinders carefully make their way up.
Once at the top, the Pathfinders can see that most of the buildings here are heavily damaged, most likely from centuries of abandonment to the elements. The Chelish base camp is located in the middle of the wrecked village surrounded by a palisade. In the center of the camp stands a partially intact sandstone building that leads into the chambers below - and that is your destination!
Again, with Wymarc in the lead, he leads everyone to the camp site before the worst of the storm. There is a place to tie up your horses/mounts out of the storms.
Entering the sandstone structure, sand gusts into the building through the open door to the west and the southwest corner of the canvas roof, where the broad tarpaulin has broken free at one end. The canvas strains violently in the wind as the rest of the bindings being to pull loose. Only half of the building's original floor still exists to the south. A ladder descends ten feet to a ledge below, and another ladder descends further into a jagged crack in the ground. A campsite sprawls across both ledges, and several bloodied corpses are scattered throughout.
When the Pathfinders enter, they notice something is amiss. They see a cloaked man standing there.... no! not a man, a skeleton. It sees you and lunges to attack! Another one behind the tent!
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[u]Round 1[/u]
Cassiopeia
Wymarc
Blue
Green
Bahram
Amiri