You have received a summons to a meeting with Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir in one of the Concordance of Elements’ meeting halls. The meeting hall is at Port Eclipse, a city on the Plane of Air. The Grand Lodge offers Plane Shift magic to all those that present their summons to this meeting, though they encourage you to utilize your own resources, should you be able to do so. After all, Plane Shifting isn't free.
The rowdy town of Port Eclipse stretches out in all directions and soars overhead, its buildings clinging to the inside of a hollow sphere of rock. Gaps in the sphere open to boundless blue skies. Docks protrude from the gaps, extending into the endless expanse of the Plane of Air. From these, airships of all shapes and sizes dock and depart in a regular stream. Many of the bustling port’s inhabitants soar freely through the open air.
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Dana is absolutely intrigued when she arrives at Port Eclipse.
She walks with slow steps and is not the most gracile or beautiful woman from Tian Xia.
When she meets the group she waves her hand.
"Greetings to you all." says the corpulant woman with a self conscious smile.
Her right eye has been cut in the past which has led to a scar that is clearly visible on her right eye section.
She has a Wayang bleaching exactly around the scar.
Her asymmetrically cut black hair with pink highlights looks strange and out of place. She is wearing a full plate armor that clearly encumbers her heavily and with which she walks slowly.
Her armor has gadgets and colored leather straps which are more fashion items than functional adventure gear. A small buckler is attached to her left arm. She also carries a backpack.
Resting on top of her chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
She does not really have a natural presence and unfortunately might come across as aloof or arrogant.
Facing you all she bows but more out of tradition than courtesy you believe.
“Dana Katsu is my name. And I have never been on the Plane of Air! Very interesting!“
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A dwarf enters soon, her gait steady a typical trait of her race.
However one would find her garb interesting.
Rich Brown and greys is her raiment. Unlike the shiny steel or dullled leather one would expect of most warriors, this one comes in Stone carved armor.
Her own weapon looks interesting, a flail heavy ball etched with images of stylized eagles and sunbursts and a warhammer strapped to her back in a crosswise fashion yet easy to draw when needed.
A symbol of Torag hangs over her neck.
All in all she makes a solid dwarven woman.
"Greetings. I be Faerin Boulderstep of Clan Boulderstep. A Humble Stonelord in the Service of Torag. I have come in answer to a summons! I hope to be off service to all of you."
Air-Dominant: The Plane of Air consists mostly of open space, with occasional solid masses floating in it. Creatures with the earth subtype feel uncomfortable here, but this discomfort conveys no mechanical penalties.
Enhanced Magic: Spells and effects with the air descriptor or that use, manipulate, or create air (including those of the Air domain and the elemental [air] bloodline) function as if their caster level were 2 higher than normal.
Impeded Magic: Spells and effects with the earth descriptor or that use, manipulate, or create earth (including those of the Earth domain and the elemental [earth] bloodline) are impeded, requiring the caster to make a concentration check (DC = 20 + the level of the spell) or the spell fails and the prepared spell or spell slot is lost.
Subjective Directional Gravity: In most parts of the Plane of Air, each individual chooses the direction of gravity’s pull. When walking on solid surfaces, choosing the direction of the surface to be “down” is relatively intuitive and does not require a skill check. In midair, creatures with natural flight can fly normally. Those without the ability to fly, or those who would prefer to move faster, can attempt to set the direction of gravity.
Once per round as a free action, an individual can attempt a DC 16 Wisdom check to pick a new direction for gravity. If she succeeds, she begins falling in that direction, moving 150 feet in a straight line on the first round and 300 feet on each following round. If she fails, she can attempt the Wisdom check again on the next round. The DC decreases to 12 on successive checks until she succeeds in changing gravity’s direction. Once an individual starts falling in a direction, stopping requires a successful DC 16 Wisdom check to set gravity in the exact opposite direction. If she succeeds, she continues 150 feet in her original direction for 1 round, and then stops.
Because an individual in free fall cannot stop quickly, performing actions during the fall is difficult. However, the PCs may ready actions and perform them during the free fall, such as readying an action to grab an object or to attack an opponent while soaring past it. Moving past an opponent in this manner provokes an attack of opportunity. A PC under the effects of a feather fall spell falls at only 60 feet per round and gains a +2 circumstance bonus on the Wisdom checks to change direction.
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Navi always got giddy with excitement when her friend, Naasvaar, a Djinni merchant, would make his way to Absalom to set up shop in the bustling market square. They had arranged to meet for morning tea at one of the more elegant tea houses in the Petals district. The two friends had a wonderful time catching up with each other while discussing Navi's exciting career as a Pathfinder and the djinni's travels across the multiverse. After about a half hour into enjoying their hot tea and warm conversation, a winged snake suddenly flew in through a wide open window and dropped a sealed envelope from its mouth onto the table and then, just as quickly, flew away. With a wax seal stamped with the symbol of the Concordance faction, it was addressed to Navi. Opening the missive, she discovered she was finally going on a mission for the Pathfinder Society. She was told to meet with a Venture Captain in Port Eclipse on the Elemental Plane of Air. She handed the note to the djinni. He held it out at arms length, squinting to read its contents.
"Splendid!!!"
Naasvaar bellowed.
"Haha! I was planning on heading back to Port Eclipse as soon as I finished my business here in Absalom. It's no problem closing up shop a bit early, my little summer breeze."
He said with a wink and a smile.
"Meet me at my market stall in an hour and we'll be off!"
Navi nodded with joy. After finishing their tea, they made their way to prepare for their journey.
When Navi arrived with her gear, ready for her next adventure, Naasvaar had just finished strapping down his packs and chests to the large flying carpet that hovered about waist high above the ground.
"Are you ready, Navi?"
Navi nodded softly.
The towering djinni lifted Navi as he sat on the large colorfully woven carpet and placed the slight girl in his lap.
"Hang on! Remember, I need to get this carpet flying faster than a tsunami. We should be in Port Eclipse in no time!"
With a single command, the carpet whooshed upward above the rooftops of the great city. After reaching its top speed , Naasvaar muttered an incantation. Suddenly, a small bolt of lightning struck the back end of the carpet, and in the blink of an eye , they were soaring in the seemingly endless cloudy skies of the Elemental Plane of Air. The bustling city of Port Eclipse could be seen floating on a massive cloud in the distance.
After landing at the "Magic Carpets Only" dock, the two said their goodbyes.
"Looks like you have some time to partake in your favorite hobby before your meeting, Navi... shopping! Well, be safe my dear. I'll see you later in the market!"
With a small kiss on the djinni's blushing cheek, Navi takes her leave.
"Now, just a quick visit to the shops to pick up a few items before meeting the Venture Captain and my new friends."
She said to herself as she sauntered off to the market square.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A petit woman with elven-like facial features and skin of azure blue suddenly appears from out of nowhere, possibly startling the occupants of the room. A soft breeze seems to envelope her as her long bluish-white strands of hair wisp about. She carries an elegant longbow coiled with small flowering vines and appearing to be crafted of glistening -and still living- green wood. A gleaming curved sword, knapped from midnight black obsidian, hangs at her hip. She shyly pulls back the cowl of her blue woolen cloak, offers a polite curtsy to those present, and speaks softly.
Greetings. I am Navi Windwhisper. It is a pleasure to meet you all.
The circular front door to a domeshaped building swings open. Venture Captain Norden Balentiir stands in the doorway. “Thank you all for journeying here,” he says, “Come inside, and watch your step.” As the venture-captain backs into the room, he points to its oddly sloping floor. The dome-shaped building’s interior is roughly spherical, with chairs bolted to all of its walls and a cylindrical dais floating in its center. He counts the agents as they come in, "Hmm, pretty sure I requested four..."
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The dwarven paladin listen intently as their latest companion explains the peculiarities of the Plane they were in.
It sounded like she would be unable to summon her companion then.
As The Venture Captain that summoned them welcomes them himself,she walks in and takes her seat even as she hears him commenting about missing one more.........
A tall and handsome suli man with pale blue eyes that glow with electric radiance hovers in the air by the dais. A wispy dust cloud slowly circles the suli’s head, making whooshing noises as it moves. Balentiir speaks, “I hope those of you unfamiliar with planar transit don’t find the process unsettling. I, myself, try not to eat for a few hours before crossing a planar boundary.” He smiles cordially.
“If any of you haven’t met him before now, permit me to present our friend, ally,” his voice takes on a wry tone, “and host, as this building belongs to his organization. Ashasar, Liaison to the Seat of Balance of the Concordance of Elements.” The suli inclines his head with a welcoming smile.
Balentiir goes on, “In case you aren’t familiar with recent events, let me catch you up. After some initial misunderstandings between our groups,” Ashasar looks aside at Balentiir and shrugs, “We have come to terms and are working toward the same goal: releasing the captive elemental lord, Ranginori, from his imprisoning artifact— the Untouchable Opal. This goal has attracted the attention of the other Lord of Air, Hshurha, who does not want to see her rival freed. Accordingly, she has begun mobilizing her forces against both our organizations.”
“Which has only furthered our cooperation.” Ashasar finishes, and then takes over. “So, we are trying to limit her available resources. One of our agents informs me Grasping Storm, a belker lieutenant of hers, is hiring mercenary groups to increase its strength. One of those mercenary groups is traveling to Grasping Storms base via airship in a few days.” As if he were petting a cat, Ashasar traces a finger along the shape of his cloud satellite, which reshapes itself into an airship with a dragon’s head for a mast. Its draconic face takes on a contented expression.
“We would have you take their place aboard, and gain entrance to Purest Air, Grasping Storm’s cloud fortress. Infiltrate it, find Grasping Storm, and take one of Hshurha’s lieutenants off the board before she has a chance to send it at us.”
Grasping Storm spent many centuries as one Hshurha’s favored lieutenants, carrying out abominable acts for her. It controls Purest Air, a cloud tower built by a material plane wizard. Hshurha desired the tower, so Grasping Storm claimed it for her. Hshurha granted Grasping Storm stewardship of the captured tower, which it renamed in its own style.
Grasping Storm is notoriously racist, even for a belker. It passionately hates fleshy creatures, and even deems air-based beings “lesser” creations unless they have some raw elemental nature. Many of the services it performed for Hshurha involved massacring whole populations of these inferior beings. Some time ago, Grasping Storm fell out of its mistress’s favor. She permits it to continue holding Purest Air, but most of the duties she requires of it these days are demeaning or highly dangerous. Curiously, given Grasping Storm’s fanatical prejudices, no elementals currently reside at Purest Air, and all its servants are material beings who receive much abuse from it.
Hshurha forbids Grasping Storm the luxury of elemental servants, part of her punishment for a perceived betrayal. Having permission to hire elementals might mean it is coming back into her favor.
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Oh, my.
Navi gasps in shock when she hears Dana relay the information about Grasping Storm. She is also quite impressed that Dana knows so much about the elemental planes.
This Grasping Storm sounds like such a terrible creature. I am familiar with Hshurha, having encountered her during a past mission.
Navi says with a scowl on her face.
So, we're supposed to go incognito as a mercenary group? This should be interesting. Won't they be suspicious of a group of people with members not natives of the plane of air?
Navi then glances around the room.
I wonder where our fourth member is?
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”And to be honest I’d like to know about your Concordance as well as any insider information on airships, mercenaries or the belker and his estate!“ Dana says expectantly.
”We are risking our lives and although I think the belker and his master are cruel and deserve to be punished, I don’t want to die!“
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"Nothing Much." Faerin replies to the latest newcomer. Looking to see his garb and symbol.
"We need to take out this horrible racist Belker by the name of Grasping Storm, while incognito as a mercenary group which we will take over so as to gain entry into this Fortress Purest Air." she pauses.
"And right now, we're asking to see if our allies here can give us more information. Well met. I am Faerin Boulderstep, Stonelord in service to Torag."
Dana can describe, in extremely precise detail, exactly what a Belker is. In fact, she knows so much about Belkers, she is able to accurately guess what might make Grasping Storm, or other above-average belkers, so unique.
Before Grasping Storm fell out of Hshurha’s favor, the elemental lord granted the belker a measure of power over air. As a standard action, it can summon forth an air blast as a ranged attack with a range of 120 feet. Creatures that take damage from the air blast must succeed at a DC 19 Fortitude save or be permanently deafened (the save DC is Constitution-based). In addition, Grasping Storm gains a daily pool of 14 points, which it can spend as a free action for any of the following effects. For effects that enhance a blast, it must choose how many points it wants to spend before rolling its attack roll. Grasping Storm gains a +2 bonus on combat maneuvers that it makes as a part of using this ability.
• Grasping Storm can spend 1 or more points to enhance its air blast with the ability to push its target back. This functions as a bull rush combat maneuver, except that it can push the target back a maximum distance of 10 feet for every point that the belker spends.
• Grasping Storm can spend 3 or more points to drag its target closer. If it succeeds at a combat maneuver check against a creature of size Large or smaller, that creature is pulled 30 feet closer to it, plus an additional 10 feet for every point that the belker spends.
• Grasping Storm can spend 4 points to issue forth two air blasts in the same round. If it does so, it takes a –2 penalty on both attack rolls. It must select two different targets within 30 feet of each other for its two attacks.
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Apprehensive to greet the half-orc due to his imposing presence, she listens intently to the answers given of the groups inquiries.
Realizing the newcomer will be part of her team, and an ally, she gathers her nerve to finally introduce herself.
Greetings, Father Urzaia. I am Navi. It's short for "Navigator".
She says softly.
She slowly approaches the heavily armed warrior as she squints her eyes with a look of curiosity at both his and the dwarf's gear.
Why is your armor so pointy? It looks very heavy.
She turns to Faerin.
Is your armor made of... stone? How are you able to move around in such heavy armor?
Then back to Urzaia.
That's a strange looking weapon. Is it an axe? It's pointy, too. What is it called?
With such heavy stuff, how do you soar with the wind?
She asks with her head cocked to one side.
Like a leaf in the wind swiftly changing direction, she turns her attention to the discussion about Grasping Storm.
Ohhh. We call them something completely different in our tongue;
ճանկ ծխի դեւ.
Her native language sounds like soft wind instruments interspersed with crackles of electricity.
Very terrible creatures.
Navi once again shifts her attention to the superiors patiently waiting to speak. She places her hand over her mouth in embarrassment.
"Oopsies! There I go chatting away again."
I beg your pardon, Mister Balentiir and Ashasar. It is a pleasure seeing you two again, by the way.
Navi takes a few steps back to her place, biting her lip as she giggles nervously.
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In answer to the sylph's question the dwarf answers readily,
"My armor is made of specially treated Stone and crafted by some of the finest smiths of my clanhold. The weight takes some getting use to but its advantage is that most spells or creature that could affect metal armor doesn't affect me that much. Also as stonelord, it seems fitting that the protection of the very earth itself should armor me in battle."
"Is there a way we could get scrolls or potions of fly? Or are those not needed in these plane? I'm more of a land bound warrior then most."
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It is pointy, because my lord's is pointy. It shines because some evils fear silver more than steel. It is quite heavy, but you get used to it. Plus I learned a few tricks for getting around before I left the army.
Something like that. It's called a tongi. It swings like an axe, but penetrates like a trident.
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Dana looks at Navi with a blank expression.
"Ehh ... fly? I think I can fly? Can I?" Dana says more to herself.
d% Result
1–10 The amnesiac is unable to cast spells this round.
11–35 The amnesiac can’t remember the new spell (but can still cast spells this round).
36–95 The amnesiac remembers and can cast the new spell.
96+ The amnesiac can choose to treat this result as 36–95. Alternatively, once per day, she can instead temporarily recall any spell from the psychic spell list that’s 1 level higher than the spell she’s attempting to remember. When she does, her caster level counts as the minimum caster level required to cast the higherlevel spell, and she forgets the spell after it’s cast.
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Dana suddenly looks at Father Urzaia and has a puzzled look on her face.
"Sorry but do I know you from somewhere?!" she asks with some curiosity.
Ashasar and Balentiir watch the exchange politely and Ashasar continues when you finish, “The airship, the Williwaw, departs in two days. The captain, a djinni named Beysal, makes regular runs to Purest Air, so she’s a natural choice to ferry Grasping Storm’s mercenaries. They’re a local group called Efwurwa’s Fury—all elemental beings. Apparently Grasping Storm specifically requested elemental mercenaries, and has refused to hire anyone who isn’t at least as tied to air as a slyph. The Furies won’t be the only ones responding to the call, but they’re the first, so getting to Grasping Storm before it has the opportunity to shore up Purest Air’s defenses is critical.”
Efwurwa’s Fury is a Port Eclipse-based gang of elemental toughs. They’ve seen some enforcer and guard work, but haven’t made much of a name for themselves yet.
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Suddenly, Dana looks at Navi.
"Oh I remember what a Belker is! So forgetful sometimes! And this belker must be a stronger kind of belker as he rose to leadership! Let me explain ... " she says and talks and talks. (Please see this GM post to know all about the Belker).
Dana thinks a moment.
"I also have heard about this group! Efwurwa’s Fury is a Port Eclipse-based gang of elemental toughs. They’ve seen some enforcer and guard work, but haven’t made much of a name for themselves yet.
Presently, their roster includes a handful of air elementals, plus the eponymous Efwurwa.
Efwurwa is an invisible stalker who is well versed in fighting in tandem with her team!" But really no idea where I know that from. she says with a puzzled look on her face.
"Okay, as the djinni Beysal makes regular runs to Purest Air, it might make sense to talk to her! If she really ferries Grasping Storm’s mercenaries .... ehh this group called Efwurwa’s Fury is not the one we can imitate so we have to play the role of their rival trying to win Grasping Storm’s favor?" she asks the Venture Captain and Ashasar.
Venture-Captain Balentiir replies, "Not necessarily their rival. There is an opportunity to convince Captain Beysal to leave without them. Otherwise, you could eliminate them before they arrive."
Ashavar adds on, [b]"You won't need to fight if Beysal takes you instead of them. If she makes your groups fight for the berth, well, then it is what it is. You should know now that we can’t participate in a fight; our Concordance work requires keeping a low profile around town, and a shipyard brawl is a bit too public. Zephyr here will just provide information. And spells, if you need.” he says gesturing at a male slyph entering the room.
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Thank goodness I've never encountered these "Efwurwa’s Fury" in the marketplace. They sound like a bunch of ruffians.
An invisible stalker leads the group?
She scoffs at the mention of the creature.
Do any of you know anything about invisible stalkers?
She says, looking mostly in Dana's direction with a grin.
Ashavar continues, "This is one of my druids, Zephyr. He will assist you in any way he can, including preparing natural magic if you give him a day's notice."
The sylph nods, "I can prepare up to five 1st tier magics, four 2nd tier, and three 3rd tier. Let me know if you require any other assistance. This belker is causing an elemental imbalance and I would like to see him stopped."
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Navi steps forward and respectfully bows to Zephyr.
It is a pleasure to meet you again, Zephyr. It has been quite some time since we have last met. I'm Navi, if you don't remember.
Navi momentarily reminisces about her days as a fledgling Pathfinder many years ago. It's been five years since she last saw Zephyr. Surely, with all the other Pathfinders he gave mission briefings to, he would probably not remember Navi.
I have a question about your magics, Zephyr.
Are these spells you will prepare for us in scroll form that we can use for ourselves, or, spells you can cast on us, if we return, to aid us in healing or rid us of any negative conditions?
She then speaks in Druidic to Zephyr.
Almost the entire time she subtlety points at one of her new teammates, makes hand gestures representing flight or the wind, and giggles.
Her face scrunches in serious expressions when her hands make gestures representing "falling" or "crashing".
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After Balentiir presents the Horn of the Hurricane to Navi, she respectfully lowers her head.
I will be sure to take great care of this and use it only when completely necessary. Thank you, Sir Balentiir.
She says as she attaches the magical horn to her belt.
Ashavar present Navi with a potion of flying.
I am honored to be a part of the Concordance of the Elements, sir. I am very pleased that tensions have eased between the Society and the Concordance.
She bows to Ashavar when he gives her the tiny vial.
However, I will not be needing it. I can already soar with the wind. I would much rather have this potion in the hands of someone who may have more use for it.
She turns, strides towards Faerin, and offers her the potion.
Please, take it. I do not need it and this may end up saving your life if you were to ever fall.
A meeting is arranged with Captain Beysal, a female djinni, at a dockside tavern. Zephyr informs you that she isn’t the stereotypical brash djinni; rather, she is quiet, shrewd, and calculating.
You arrive at the tavern and see that, other than the bartender, Captain Beysal is the only one present. She sits at a table near the bar and gestures for you to join her. There are exactly enough chairs for each of you to take a seat.
The captain notices your keen awareness of the empty tavern, "Have no fear, we simply don't need to have this conversation around open ears and loose lips, eh?"
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Before entering the tavern, Navi removes her small daisy chain tiara and messes up her hair just a bit to look a little more like a mercenary for hire.
Slinking furtively into the tavern with her companions, she glances nervously around the room. Approaching the table, she aknowledges the djinni with a nod and takes the furthest and most shadowy spot. She waits patiently for one of her companions to speak.
Once everyone is seated, she steels her resolve and leans forward in her chair to address the djinni.
Greetings, Captain Beysal.
She says with an assertive demeanor.
What time does your ship set sail? We're ready to go whenever you are.
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Dana looks at the captain and tries to smile.
"It is good to meet you Captain Beysal! We have heard a lot about your airship, the Williwaw, and know that it departs in two days. We also know that you make regular runs to Purest Air and will potentially ferry Grasping Storm’s mercenaries. We believe that it might be in our joint interest to ferry us instead of the Efwurwa’s Fury. We also know that Grasping Storm specifically requested elemental mercenaries, and has refused to hire anyone who isn’t at least as tied to air as a slyph but we have the Navi here with us. We would like to understand how you Captain and we can come to an agreement to our joint interest!” she says and looks at the team for support.
Captain Beysal responds to Dana, "Grasping Storm is a xenophobic menace."
She pauses and watches for your reactions to her opinion, "But, I'm a djinni, and he still works with me. Such an arrangement came at a great personal investment of time and coin. You're asking me to work against something I've invested so heavily into. Not to mention I've already been paid to transport Efwurwa's Fury, and I always keep my word."
She gestures at the lot of you, "Now, you seem like well-connected people, and these new tariffs in Port Eclipse are really cutting into my bottom line. I think we can work something out that works in both of our interests, but I'm curious to hear what you might offer for my services." she says with a mischievous smile.
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Dana tries to smile but it’s hard for her to be likable. She rather convinces with arguments and logic.
”Well, we are sure that you personally can think of many beneficial arrangements when our affairs with the belker are concluded. And we can assure you that you will receive a fair share of the resources this menace has gathered!“ Dana says.
Captain Beysal chuckles, "No, no, I don't work solely for the promise of future gains. I'm offering you a service, I expect compensation. That's only fair, no?"
She pulls out two parchments and places them on the table, "The way I see it you have three choices. The first is you outbid Efwurwa's Fury, at a discounted price of course." she says gesturing towards the first parchment.
She continues and gestures at the second parchment, "The second option is that I smuggle you in. As you can see, this option is a tad cheaper, but you'll have to deal with Efwurwa's Fury yourselves."
You read over the two documents placed on the table that Beysal prepared ahead of time. The base prices were already written and crossed out on these documents.
Option 1: Outbid Efwurwa's Fury.
Cost: 2,000g 500g per person
Option 2: Be smuggled In.
Cost: 500g 125g per person
She smiles as you read them over, "All you need to do is choose one and sign your names." she says as she holds out an ink pen.