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The Silver Spoon Inn and Tavern in Kerse fits the description given in Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin’s letter. Its black marble bar top and gilded chairs are clearly intended to suggest an atmosphere of wealth and luxury, but the tattered seat cushions and faded wall tapestries betray a general slide into disrepair. At this time of day, the tavern is completely empty save for the staff.
A tall, sandy-haired half-orc with rough but pleasant features stands behind the bar, polishing the marble surface with a white cloth. As each of you arrives, he gives you a quick glance before directing you to the meeting room at the back. A simple buffet of breads, sliced meats and cheeses occupies a sideboard alongside a pitcher of clean, clear water. ”If you want something else to drink, just let me know. Ambrus said he’d cover the food, but drinks are on your own accounts. He said he’d be back shortly.”
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The shaven-headed dwarf sits in one of the chairs, inspecting the cushion and squaring it away before leaning into it. Water will be fine, thank you. he says politely to the half-orc.
His braided beard brushes his chest, above a simple tunic, pants, and boots belted with a short length of rope. A simple walking staff rests next to his chair, threaded through the loops of a simple, mostly empty pack.
Name's Markus, originally from Five Kings. He introduces himself to the others. A strange sight, an unarmored, lightly armed Dwarf waits politely for the others to speak.
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The door to the Inn opens and a relatively tall human strides in. The skin on his face is smooth and his hair well groomed, if his ears so large you’d swear he had Elven blood if only they were pointed. The scale of his armor are well polished, as are the few metallic bits of the bastard sword strapped on his back, and the hilt of the heavy flail that crosses it. He steps up the the bar, and slaps his hand down on the counter, Barkeep! Give me your finest Ale! Place it on the table for my room the good Captain must have reserved for me! His voice, thick with arrogance and privilege.
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In strides a halfling woman, tall for her species and gender, who wears gear suitable for hunting. An exquisite bow strapped on her back, wearing a large, green scarf around her neck. But she bears a body of a model, maybe more suitable for a brothel. She does her darnest to keep her qualities out of sight, still unable to hide her features. She hold her arms folded across her chest as she goes ahead, and climbs on a chair with little effort. She sees the food on the table, visibly surprised by the quality and quantity, sampling a bit of bread and cheese. "Water is enough," she says with a nod. "I'd prefer not to wither my senses with alcohol. It wouldn't make a good first impression to appear tipsy during mission briefing.
She looks at Markus, and nods approvingly. "My name's Eveline, some who know me might call Eve. I'm an archer, champion of Sarenrae. Most of my travels have been to the south, so this is the first time ever I've been this far north..." She now takes notice of Markus's light gear. "How are you faring? Eveline asks Markus.
The halfling ranger tries not to pay any attention to the tall, egregious man, who bolsterously enters the establishment as if he owned it. She hopes this man is not a pathfinder assigned to join on the mission.
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"The Society earns thousands every time I go out, and Ambrus can't even spring for some wine?" A strangely--but somehow still fashionably--dressed elf grumbles as he enters the room. "Whatever. Bring me a good elven vintage; I've got the coin."
His face brightens as he approaches the sideboard, though. "Still, the grub looks good," he notes, as he grabs a plate. He sits down and starts nibbling on the meats and cheeses with small waves and nods for the rest of the Pathfinders in the room.
"I'm Ahmande," he says, simply. Suddenly his eyebrows crease as a half-smile curls in one corner of his mouth. He looks around the room one more time, carefully, as if ticking something off in his head. He finishes with a slight backwards nod towards the door behind him, chuckes, then laughs out loud. "If a gnome and a half-elf walk through that door next, the next round's on me!"
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In walks a small halfling, reading a large book. He closes it quickly as he enters and looks around. "Ah, good to be back here," he says with a grin. He then looks around quizzically.
Without even realizing he needs a drink, he approaches the others. "I was told this is the Pathfinder Society meeting. I was told to meet here at exactly 12:05 in the afternoon and not a minute later.". The halfling waddles over to a nearby chair and sits down without waiting for a response.
"I'm the Mysterious Malakar. From the far away land of Cheliax.". He hopes to get some oohs and aahs from the others.
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Eveline takes a look at Ahmandé. "Here's hoping you aren't a pathfinder merely to have fine wine on the table on other's account." she mutters. "But they should keep good care of their agents.
The halfling ranger takes note of the other halfling entering the room, at first letting out a nervous sigh. But this fellow's antics seem odd for a halfling. "Mysterious? Cheliax? Are you a former slave? What's with the book? A list of questions rolls off her tongue as she inquires more information about the odd Malakar.
She closes her eyes as Eddy suddenly slams the table. A real charmer, he is.
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"Nope. No slave here." He turns around as if looking around the tavern. "Yes, yes, I'm a former slave." He breaks down in tears. "Humor and magic were the only thing that kept me alive during those years.". He holds up the book. It's titled: Malakar's Handbook: The Tome of Enlightenment.. "My spellbook, if you're interested."
Malakar swiftly changes topic. "So whats it like being a Pathfinder? Anyone go on any cool missions yet? I'm excited to go on my first one!" His smile lights up the room.
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a voice booms as Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin marches into the meeting room accompanied by a familiar and somewhat infamous face. Ambrus takes his place at the head of the long, expensive-looking table while Guaril Karela grabs a small plate of food and two glasses of water. He surreptitiously rolls his eyes as he pours them, clearly not keen on Valsin’s choice of beverage options.
“Pathfinders, I’m sure you know our associate, Guaril Karela, if not personally then by reputation,” says Ambrus Valsin while gesturing to the Varisian man as he takes a seat near the Captain. “We’ve had reports from a confidential informant in the Aspis Consortium that trouble is brewing in Tamran. Probably not coincidentally, several of Karela’s shipments bound for Tamran have gone missing.”
Guaril slides the second glass of water to Ambrus as he picks up the narrative. “You see, the Molthuni navy maintains a rather tyrannical blockade around the city—a blockade past which my associates and I have helped Ambrus move items numerous times. It’s not so difficult; the Molthuni are not the brightest stars in the sky. Or at least it wasn’t difficult until recently. An unknown party has intercepted my last dozen shipments, and I doubt Molthune is responsible. When I lose shipments—”
”—Our lodge in Tamran loses much needed supplies,” finishes Ambrus. “Not to mention the fact that Guaril provides many important goods to the people of Tamran, such as food and medicine. Your mission is to accompany Guaril to Tamran and investigate the disappearances and thefts. Hopefully Oraiah Tolal, our venture-captain in Tamran, will have more leads.” He pauses to consider the time.
“You depart with Karela from the docks here in two hours. If you have any questions, or any supplies to purchase, I advise you to do so now.”
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Eveline is visibly baffled by Malakar's contrasting display of emotions. He does have traumas, better not push it, she thinks to herself. Before she can even reply to him, Ambrus Valsin makes his appearance.
She listens to the venture-captain and associate Karela intensely. "If the Molthuni navy is blockading the city of Tamran, I'm assuming Guaril Karela has devised a way for our ship to enter the ports undetected," Eveline begins, eyeing at the other agents. "Or are we to prepare to disguise ourselves as something else?"
"But what was that bit about Aspis Consortium? I've run into few of them. Do we have a reason to believe the Aspis is specifically targeting Society's shipments?"
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The dwarf nods at the inexperienced halfling, I was deep in Galt once, and had to save some Leshys from an ancient hag's curse while reconnecting a longtime Pathfinder agent with the Society!
After the briefing, Markus will ask, What can you tell me about this Aspis Consortium? I have only heard vague rumors about them.
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"Oh, we're providing our own rations?" Ahmande says with a sarcastic tenor to his voice. He gets up and approaches the charcuterie board again, grabbing a napkin and haphazardly piling meats and cheese into the center of the cloth. "I mean, if we're investigating disappearing supply shipments, that may actually make sense."
"Fine," he says, wrapping the corners of the napkin together and tying them into a small pouch, which he tucks into his bags. "I need to go shopping before we leave, anyway."
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"If the Molthuni navy is blockading the city of Tamran, I'm assuming Guaril Karela has devised a way for our ship to enter the ports undetected," Eveline begins, eyeing at the other agents. "Or are we to prepare to disguise ourselves as something else?"
Karela looks hurt. "Like I said, it's not impossible to get past their blockade. It's just gotten much harder recently. More so for valuable goods than people. I'll have no trouble getting all of us into Tamran,"
Valsin finishes chewing before addressing the diminutive paladin’s concerns. "We still have an active lodge there, and I haven't heard of any problems with their presence." He looks to Guaril to see if the Varisian has anything to add, and the smuggler picks up the answer.
"Venture-Captain Tolal said one of her people will meet us at the docks. The last time I was there wasn't long ago, and they weren't hiding their membership then." He pauses to take a sip of water and grimaces as he remembers that it's not the liquor he was hoping for. "That being said, there's no reason to flash your wayfinders around, either."
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"But what was that bit about Aspis Consortium? I've run into few of them. Do we have a reason to believe the Aspis is specifically targeting Society's shipments?"
Valsin replies, “If it’s not the snakes, then it could be the Church of Razmir. We’ve had unpleasant dealings with them in Tamran in the past, and I wouldn’t put it past the Razmiri to hold a grudge. We also can’t rule out any of Guaril’s enemies or rivals, of which I’m certain he has many.” Guaril does not comment, merely offering an innocently apologetic smile and shrug.
”As far as who the Aspis is, well…” Valsin takes a sip of the water and smirks at Karela. ”Let’s call them the competition that doesn’t fight fair. They’re organized like the Society into regions, and they are often after the same things. But whereas the Society wants to preserve and record, the Aspis want only profit and power.”
”But that description was already pretty charitable until they openly attacked the Grand Lodge a few months ago. Some of you may have heard of it from your friends,” he looks and notes Eveline and Ahmande nodding. ”We don’t have much information about who the individual perpetrators of that attack were, so of course, any intel on the Snakes might help us track them down.”
As Ahmande and Eddy begin stocking up from the buffet, Guaril clears his throat. ”It’s just an overnight journey across the Lake. We’ll leave shortly, arrive in the morning, and I bet the Tamran Lodge Captain will even cook us breakfast.” He rolls his eyes again as he smirks back at Valsin, ”Newbs.”
Turning his attention to their actual newb, Malakar, he answers, ”Why? That’s a good question, and I suppose it depends on who it is. Someone trying to make the Pathfinders look bad, or trying to make me look bad maybe. Or Molthune trying to hurt the populace, or pirates just trying to make a living. That’s exactly what we’re going to try to find out.”
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Markus tucks away his wayfinder when Valsin asks, securing it beneath his simple tunic so it's less obvious than on his belt. Well then, I'm prepared to go whenever. the dwarf stands, and assembles a very small sandwich from the offered food on the sideboard, snacking as he goes. He tucks a heavy metal arrow into his rope belt, and fishes out a pair of bracers from his pack, buckling the leather straps around his forearms. Satisfied, he picks up his pack and slings it on his back.
On his way to the ship, Markus will stop and make a few small purchases: a piece of chalk, a tindertwig, and a sewing needle.
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"Seems so that the rest of us have nothing else to ask," Eveline sighs and gets up from the chair. She is packing her wayfinder into her backpack as Ahmandé takes the picnic with him, shaking her head a bit at the audacity.
"So once we are in Tamran we are to seek Tolal and he or she will provide more details. Also, are we to perform as your protection, Karela?" she asks Guaril Karela.
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Another Pathfinder joins you in the meeting room with the Venture-Captain.
"Hello everyone, excuse me for being late. My name is Kyra." the Keleshite beauty says.
Kyra's attire shows that she is a cleric of the sunflower.
"I usually travel with my fellow group of adventurers but am very happy that I can be of assistance to the society. Let me tell you a little about myself as knowing each other is the first step to bond and fight together!" she says with a stern look.
Kyra tells you a little about her recent adventures and it is quite clear that she is possessed of a fierce will and pride in her faith and skills with the scimitar.
She nods to all of you after your introductions and is glad that you fill her in on the mission.
"Well, then let us travel to Tamran!"
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Malakar has studied the Molthuni and Nirmathi conflict in depth. "Ah, yes. That war. The 'conflict' that has been raging on for years. Where Molthuni troops have occupied Tamran five times, but the guerilla tactics of the Nirmathi have taken it back each time.". He relays everything he's studied on the conflict.
He then watches Kyra walk in and the halfling rolls his eyes. 'Priests. Urgh. Them and their deities...'.
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"A fellow follower of Sarenrae!" Eveline exclaims in both surprise and admiration, "I am blessed to be accompanied by one who brings light!"
She then turns to Malakar as he shares his knowledge. "Is Tamran in a stage of perpetual siege? It sure sounds like that. Here's hoping we can do more than just stop shipments from missing."
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Kyra smiles at Eveline.
”May the Dawnflower be with us!!“
Suddenly, she looks at a piece of paper in her hand.
”Oh no! I think that I made a mistake! I was speaking to a Dwarven colleague and I think that we switched our mission assignments! This is not the room that I was supposed to go!? I have to go and get him!“ she says and apologetically leaves the room.
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At the halflings eagerness to somehow stop whatever calamity may far before her, Eddy pips up, Whoa there tiny one! I’m her to be paid for one mission only, don’t go tacking on extra just because you think it would be fun! he stops for a moment and ponders as the priest scurries off, Then again, perhaps I’ll get some more... calisthenics in?
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The halfling ranger is clearly not intimidated by the large man's demeanor. "You are thinking awfully short-sighted," Eveline replies to Eddy with spite, "ever come to think how good deeds and the reputation that follows might actually bring us more missions. Though it seems someone deceived you to think we're here solely to get paid..."
Her feelings are conflicted as the cleric of Sarenrae disappears just as fast as she entered. She feels it's best she too makes her leave as quickly as possible before the inn's patrons start to enter the room.
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Markus watches the interaction, and the strange entry and exit of the cleric. As I am discovering, its never just as simple as 'one mission'. First it is reconnect with a long-lost asset, then you are helping leshies fight off this weird pumpkin blight... he remarks, still standing, walking stick in hand.
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Ahmande nods along at what Malakar points out about Nirmathas and Molthune, and has nothing else really to add. "I've wanted to see this particular struggle first-hand for a while; glad to be assigned here."
As to Eddy and Eveline's particular... banter..., Ahmande adds his own cynical insight. "The missions always have some surprise or other, though one wonders how much of a surprise it is to the Ten who assign them...."
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”So once we are in Tamran we are to seek Tolal and he or she will provide more details. Also, are we to perform as your protection, Karela?" she asks Guaril Karela.”
Guaril answers first, ”My protection? Isn’t that cute?” he laughs to Valsin. ”I will be in Tamran, but I’ll be looking into things on my own. I’ve got other allies that’ll keep me safe if I need it.” He gives Eveline a strangely scary smile, ”But thanks for offering.”
Valsin elbows his colleague and picks up the answer. ”Yes, check in with VC Tolal, and she’ll give you more information and her insight on what’s happening. She’ll probably also give you some local tips on how to go about your investigation.”
He watches Kyra arrive and then abruptly depart. ”Huh. Yeah, I thought there was another coming. We’ll see if they arrive soon. Maybe get some shopping done while you wait,” he suggests.
But as the conflict between Eddy and Eveline threatens to boil over, he slams his hand down on the table. ”That’s enough!”
He looks like he’s about to tear your head’s off, takes a deep breath and continues in his best drill sergeant voice. ”Let me reiterate: Your mission is to accompany Guaril to Tamran and investigate the disappearances and thefts of his and the Society’s shipments.”
He pauses and looks pointedly at Eddy and Eveline. ”Karela and VC Tolal will define your mission parameters. If they refine your tasking, that’s their prerogative.”
He then nods to Ahmande’s wisdom. ”Maybe listen to your more experienced teammate here. But as far as how much the Ten know or are involved, your guess is as good as mine.”
He calms down a little, and closes the briefing with a reminder to go get what you need and meet Karela at the docks. If the sixth member of your team arrives, he promises to send them straight down to meet you.
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"Ah am no Dawnflower? Ah fallow Torag and his teaching. Me note says I was come here for assignment." Aldran hold out his note as he starts to raise his voice to the assembled group.
Kyra runs in, whispering into Aldran's ear, and swapping the notes. Aldran's eyes go wide as he yells "Oh nine hells!" and takes off running.
Running through the streets, being yelled at by a cart driver or two as he makes a mad dash down the roadway to the Silver Spoon Inn.
Huffing and puffing a dwarf wearing breastplate armor, a shield strapped to his backpack and holding a slivered warhammer, runs into the room.
"Me apologies, there was a mix up on where to meet. So sorry, did ah miss anything?"
Aldran listens to a brief overview of the mission while sucking down two glasses of water and ordering two ales.
"So master Guaril, if ye be doing yer own investigation, how do we contact ye? So we can compare notes and not step on each others toes."
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"Master" Guaril seems quite pleased that at least someone recognizes his standing and worth. As he leads you to the docks where the The Encartan Eclipse waits to take you to Tamran, he answers Aldran's question.
"I'll meet you back at the Ashfall Lodge in three days," he begins. "I don't think Tolal really likes me. Even though I usually bring her something good through the blockade," he finishes with a shrug.
Using the cover of night and Karela's own cunning to slip through the Molthuni blockade, you find yourselves on the Tamran docks in the early hours of the morning. A local Pathfinder agent surreptitiously greets you, introduces himself as Reginar Lacklan, and offers to take you to the Ashfall Lodge, the Society’s base of operations in Tamran.
Karela hands Reginar a small package before nodding to his new friend Aldran and heading off, quickly disappearing into an alley between shipping warehouses.
Like much of the city, Ashfall Lodge rises above the marshy ground; however, whereas most other buildings stand atop piers and pilings, the Pathfinder lodge straddles three broad cypress trees. Rope bridges and wooden slat ladders wind across its outer branches, leading to a handful of tiny cabins for storage and visiting agents. Two bell pulls hang from the southern tree—one weighted by a medallion depicting the Glyph of the Open Road and the other weighted by a bronze symbol of two faces in profile.
Reginar takes hold of the Open Road rope and gives it a sharp pull, sounding a high-pitched bell in the lodge above. From a small balcony overlooking the entry area, a gray-haired halfling woman examines the visitors, smiles, and drops a rope ladder. She nimbly clambers down and gestures grandly to the elevated structure. “Welcome, Pathfinders. I am Oraiah Tolal, and I hope that Ashfall Lodge will be your home away from home and your welcome to a new land. If you’ll accompany me, I can answer any questions you might have.”
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Your diminutive host leads you to a small meeting room inside the tree-top lodge. Once everyone is settled, she explains that her own attempts to investigate the thefts have been stymied by a pernicious rumor spreading through Tamran slandering the Pathfinder Society in general—and more specifically herself and Reginar—as Molthuni sympathizers.
”I suspect that the rumor campaign may be linked to the disappearance of Mr. Karela’s shipments, but I don’t have any proof. Maybe you all might be able to learn more, given that you’re newcomers to the city. After all, whoever is spreading the rumors hasn’t had the chance to fully turn the city against you.” As she finishes, Reginar serves tea and some pastries from a nearby bakery for the morning meal.
”Maybe start the day by doing the usual Pathfinder information gathering, then I might have some ideas on parts of town you can check out. You’re free to stay here at the lodge until your investigation is complete, of course.” She asks Reginar to set up a room for you. As you prepare to hit the streets, she lets you know that as a cleric of Alseta she can, of course, provide some limited healing should you need it. "But please try to stay out of fights. We're trying to repair our reputation, after all."
Several of the hospitals and temples in town are running low on medicines and potion-brewing components ever since several key blockade-runners stopped making deliveries to Tamran. It’s said the Pathfinder Society had worked with these smugglers before, and the Society has paid them to divert goods to Molthune instead.
A Varisian traveler in town was flashing around a wayfinder and claiming to be Karela’s associate. He tried to solicit bribes from local shopkeepers to keep the flow of smuggled goods coming. When they refused, he made veiled threats. Shortly thereafter, the shipments slowed considerably.
Some Razmiri literature has been showing up around town, left behind in common areas—all despite the ban on worshipping Razmir in Tamran. The city watch has kept a pretty tight lid on it so far.
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Oraiah suggests checking out the following locales within the city:
“Karela’s shipments across the lake haven’t been getting through, which means the bandits must have a ship. If they have a ship, they’ve probably visited Tamran’s docks.”
”Many consider it the only inn in town worth staying at—a harsh verdict but a great place to dig up rumors.”
“That’s the town’s most popular feast hall. These days it’s seen a lot of traffic from members of the city’s various militias. You probably won’t get a very friendly reception, what with the rumors around town, but talking to the militia patrols is your best bet at learning what’s going on outside the city.”
“We haven’t been getting our supplies, but several of the more… illicit… items Karela used to bring into the city are still appearing in the market. That suggests someone in town is fencing goods for the thieves.”
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Eveline doesn't think much of the ride to Tamran, spending most of the time much needed solitude, either at the bow or below deck. She's already get to quarrel with one or possibly more members of the group. The halfling ranger makes prayers for the coming day to shine much needed light upon their endeavors.
Once they arrive to Tamran and are quickly lead to the Ashfall lodge, she is visibly surprised seeing an elderly halfling woman leading the lodge. Eveline hadn't think of it as possible, coming from a background filled with Taldan patriarchy. She gives her a short greeting in the Halfling tongue, respective her elders with proper politeness.
"So a smear campaign against the Society. We can think of one particular organization that could benefit from it," Eveline ponders aloud. She thanks her for her hospitability, and proceeds as she suggests. But she comes up with nothing on her inquiries. Disappointed, she places trust on her companions to perform better on unknown lands.
"Out of all the points of interest in Tamran, I'd suggest starting from the Gar's Last Meal. While I detest such establishments, people tend to have looser tongues spilling more secrets," Eveline says, gritting her teeth at the thought of entering a foul-smelling inn full of scruff's spouting obscenities, "or we can go to the docks as well, while I doubt we'd find some pirate's ship full of answers, there's a chance the dock master might know something. Not for free, though..."
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Markus thanks their host, Mistress Tolal, may the blessings of stone grace your halls, and the fires of your hearth stay warm through the darkest nights. It is ill that there are those who would spread rumors against you and the Society, but we will help get to the bottom of this all.
Listening to the paladin speak, Markus looks to the others, I think that is a good starting place, and a pint of local ale after that sea voyage is warranted for us all. And I promise to stay out of any fights, unless they start it. the Dwarf smiles at the room.
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Eddy claps his hands together and boasts, I knew there’s a reason I liked you! he checks his gear into one of the rooms, wearing his armor and carrying only his flail and coin pouch. You know young halfling, I’m not all that keen of diplomacy and general knowledge, but I just bet when we head over to the Forest Bounty, we are bound to run into some of my sword-kin from my days in the militia. Not that we have to go right away.
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Aldran points to the bronze symbol of two faces in profile. "Ah Alseta, goddess of doorways, portals, thresholds, and the transition from year to year."
"I hear that due to the block aid runners being stopped that several of the hospitals and temples in town are running low on medicines and potion-brewing components."
Thinking of where to start.
"The Docks would be a good place to start. If they be sacking other ships maybe we find out who be the one taking them goods."
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Malakar looks around in wonder at Tamran. "Wow. Is this what being a Pathfinder is like?". Though Tamran isn't much to look at, Malakar doesn't have much experience with the world outside of Cheliax.
"New gods too? You'll have to teach me about this Alseta, Aldran."
He stops someone on the street. "Excuse me, miss. This place is wonderful." He gives her a smile before bounding after his companions.
"I say we start at the docks. It's too early for alcohol - we can stop by the inn later."
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VC Tolal is actually quite happy to see a pair of halflings in the group, and she greets you in your native tongue in return. Inwardly, she's also happy to see another halfling woman and hopes that someday, she too might rise to the rank of Venture Captain herself.
She thanks Markus for his warm blessing, and is happy to hear that Aldran knows something of her faith. "You all look like a fine team. Valsin picked some sharp folks. For a change," she adds with a light tinkling laugh.
She sets down the papers she'd been attending to when you all came back from your initial wander about town. Listening to your plans, she nods at Malakar’s wise suggestion that the Gar’s Last Meal might be better suited to an evening visit. She lets you know that there’s live music then, and that will get the liquor flowing and the tongues wagging. She recommends that you hit one of the others first during the daylight hours, maybe the docks before the stench of fish becomes overwhelming.
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Although Molthune blocks much of the trade to and from Tamran, the city still does brisk business with other Nirmathi settlements up the river, and there’s plenty of fishing to be done well before reaching Molthune’s interdictors. As a result, the docks still bustle with activity during the day. Wandering about the waterfront bars, shops, and fishmongers with the smell of old seaweed, fish, sweat, and damp nets filling your senses, you try to find someone willing to talk about the shipments that have gone missing.
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Malakar is taking in the fresh stale air of the waterfront. "Ah, what a time to be alive!"
He runs up to a fish seller, picks up a fish, and starts moving it's mouth. "Howdy howdy. I'm Pickles the fish. Good to meet ya'll.". He laughs and puts the fish back and whispers to the fishseller "Sorry about that" before running off to join his friends.
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On the walk to the docks, Ahmande confirms what Aldran has already explained. "I'm sure there have been more impact--both to the Society and the town--but doctors running out of medicine is reason enough to help!"
Ahmande pokes around amongst the shops and bars, first trying to get a feel for the place, and only asking small questions. Once he's got a sense for the area, he throws down a hat for coins and sets up to busk for a moment, guessing the age and weight of passersby for insignificant coppers until he finds someone who starts to respond to the more probing questions about the blockade that he begins asking.