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Arriving at the inn's entrance is a medium height human blonde with graceful build, with a badge from The Exchange sewn on her leather armor. She wears a sword at her side, with an oddly wider than normal scabbard.
"Pleased to meet you all. I'm Akkina. Looks like we're a bit early. Anyone cares for some refreshments?"
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A small frail and weak male gnome appears.
He is sitting on a military saddle on top of a riding dog that looks like a wolfhound. It is clear that this dog can fight while carrying a rider and the gnome is only slightly in control.
"I am Khorshid. May the order of things give us the opportunity to rise and shape the world." he says with a strange smile.
He salutes Akkina with a nod.
He has purple and gray hair that sometimes illuminates his surroundings. You can see that early signs of The Bleaching have manifested in him with a blanching of skin, hair, and eye color.
He is wearing fashionable clothing and has well groomed eyebrows and a long mustache.
He has a heavy wooden shield in his hand that he can barely wield. Additionally, he wears a Banded Mail armor that looks like it hardly allows him to move.
Khorshid's eyes turn pink for a moment when he gets down from his riding dog and he looks at Akkina.
"So what is your story?"
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A muscular dwarf in a basic yet a little exotic outfit (sandals, breeches and a loose shirt, bound together with sashes) enters the inn.
His hair, beard and skin are light brown - nearly the same tone as his clothes.
On him you can see two pairs of rather uncommon weapons - kamas and siangham(s).
He gives each of the pathfinders in the inn a short look, followed by a nod.
"Hello. I am Baldrum Battlehand."
Then he walks to the wall opposed the entrance, turns around and sits down cross-legged on the floor. He closes his eyes and starts to meditate, just like that.
Not one for much talking, it seems...
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"Well met Khorshid. My goal is to take assignments involving the undead so that I can decimate them and eliminate them. I am still new at my craft and learning the best way to do so. In the meantime, until I learn to cut them off from the negative energy plane completely, I have been able to manage minor control over them. Oh... one of your eye just turned pink... maybe you should consult a trained healer before our mission begins..."
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A young Varisian woman with shoulder length black hair arrives at the inn in a hurry. She's wearing a chainshirt, a fine longsword on her scabard, and a shortbow at her back.
(( Here's the pic I made for her https://www.instagram.com/p/CH8KoIBgxX6/ ))
She sighs in relief seeing her fellow Pathfinders here.
"Oh, good. This is the right place. I had to run here because I got the directions mixed. My name is Elena Endari. Well met!"
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An old man with deep blue skin and wisps of white hair shuffles in. He wears a light brown bathrobe, his bare blue chest visible underneath, and comfy fur-lined slippers. A copy of the Absalom Times is tucked underneath one arm. In his other hand, he holds a ceramic mug that says "#1 Grandpa" filled with hot tea. He seems disoriented as he stops in the middle of the room and is startled to see others standing around. He squints as he glances about.
Oh! Bless centuries' old souls!
Um... Ahem, uhh. It would appear that this isn't the Men's Washroom.
He says, slightly embarrassed.
He squints at those present and notices they're all dressed for adventure.
Oh! You all wouldn't happen to be going on a mission now, would you? If you wouldn't mind having an old man with a few missions under his belt join you, well, I would be quite honored.
I'll just need to get better dressed for this excursion.
I am Shamus, by the way. It is a pleasure to meet you all.
He gives a slight respectful bow to each of those present in turn.
If you'll excuse me, I shall return soon with my adventuring gear. After a vist to the washroom, of course.
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Shamus shuffles back in, using a well worn cane with a ball of iron studded with tiny spikes on the end. Still wearing his bathrobe and comfy slippers, exotic armor made of toughened leaves is visible under his robe. A light crossbow decorated with nautical designs hangs from his belt at his hip and an adventurers pack is slung over his back.
So. Where's the Venture Captain who'll be sending us on this mission?
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Akkina gives a nod to Elena and Shamus, saying "Well met to you both. Mr. Shamus, you do appear to have the advantage of experience over us, but slippers? surely you haven't gone around in rubble, rocks and caves wearing just those have you?"
Akkina does not mention the bathrobe, but takes a long, disapproving look at it...
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When Elena introduces herself, Baldrum opens his eyes and greets her.
"Hello. I am Baldrum Battlehand."
Then he goes back to meditating.
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When the old blue man shuffles in the first time, Baldrum opens one eye to see if this is the Venture Captain he is supposed to meet. After a minute or so watching it becomes clear that this is not the case. So he goes back to meditating.
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When Shamus comes back, Baldrum again opens one eye. Now that the old man looks (a bit) more like an adventurer, Baldrum introduces himself.
"Hello. I am Baldrum Battlehand."
He gives Shamus a brief nod, then turns to Akkina.
"Slippers, sandals, what's the difference? I'm doing just fine in mine, by the way..."
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Akkina turns to Baldrum and shots back immediately. "The difference? those are not proper footwear for Pathfinder missions. That's the difference. If you insist on going almost barefoot in dungeons, don't complain later if you get a caltrop or a thorn right through those. The Pathfinder missions are not a game, and perhaps you could also do your sleeping or whatever at home and not when we schedule a meeting with the Venture-Captain. Please get up and sit down at the table properly. Thanks."
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Elena is unsure how to react to Shamus' introduction but she still offers her him a slightly confused smile and a little wave.
And then, there's a sudden shift in her demeanor.
"Him meditating it's not a problem," Elena says to Akkina. "Everyone prepares for missions differently. Besides, I don't recall any rules of what proper footwear and manners of sitting would be for Pathfinders in any guidelines I was given. In my Confirmation, they taught us the three most important things to be a Pathfinder: Explore, Report and Cooperate," she stresses the last part. "It's important that we all get along. I hope that won't be a problem with you?"
She then moves to sit against the wall where Baldrum is, giving him some space as well so he doesn't feel uncomfortable and can continue meditating until the Venture-Captain arrives. She places her sword over her lap.
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"...but slippers? Surely you haven't gone around in rubble, rocks and caves wearing just those have you?"
Shamus puts one foot to his knee as he uses the morningstar-like walking stick for balance and points at the sole of the slipper.
Thick leather soles.He replies to Akkina, also nodding in Baldrum's direction.
No laces, easy to slip on and off, and -best of all- quite comfortable.
He then notices the human woman glaring up and down at his bathrobe. He looks back up at her and she can see that each pupil of his white eyes appears to be a red, purple, and blue miniscule galaxy sparkling with bright stars.
Ohh. Hahaha. I see you fancy my bathrobe, as well.
He says with a soft smile.
Never expected a bathrobe of resistance, did you?
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Akkina stares at Elena sitting on the ground like a child to mimic the dwarf and smiles at the woman as she tries to school her after admitting she is on the heels of her Confirmation. "The fact that you don't see cooperation in my attempts to highlight safety concerns for these two gentlemen is worrying for a woman-at-arms such as yourself... are you the type who charges headlong in battle before proper reconnaissance has been done and without the benefit of a plan? if you are, I recommend you buy several potions of healing before we leave, or better, obtain a wand of healing from the Grand Lodge's Quartermaster. I am trained in their use and can... correction: I will use the magical device on you later. Provided you obtain one... of course."
Akkina's smile lingers, and it is not certain whether she hopes the woman will also defy her on that last recommendation...
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"There's no such thing as a bathrobe of resistance, Mister. I served as caravan guard in my early career and back then I saw my master, a Taldan noble of some peerage, wear a gown of resistance under his full plate, but I was made aware that these powerful garments are very rare... very rare indeed. Whoever sold you this bathrobe as one 'of resistance' was playing a farce on you, if I may say so, Mister Shamus."
Akkina remain curious about this bathrobe, but completely gives up on the idea to get these one gentleman in a proper pair of boots. Gods forbid any of them step on a green slime or end up freezing their toes on a mountaintop...
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"Ah, no problem, I already have one," Elena chuckles and points at the wand in her belt. "Also, you don't have worry, my priority is to keep the whole group safe and alive. I know is good to scout quietly ahead so we can prepare... Are any of you good with stealth?"
"On that line, what can you do Mr.Shamus? I haven't worked with someone like you before..."
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Have you ever adventured with halflings, Miss Akkina? I've met a few that have never worn footwear their entire life. Never bothered them.
As for the bathrobe... here... feel it.
He leans forward in his chair and holds out his arm as he lightly wiggles the sleeve of his bathrobe, inviting the woman to have a look.
See? Pretty much the same material as a regular cloak of resistance. It's just woven a bit differently to feel softer and be more comfortable. If you look closely, you can even see the fine silver threads that hold the magic woven within.
As for who sold it to me, you might need to take that up with Sir Kalkemedes. It was a gift from him and the Venture Captains for saving his hiney from several nearly fatal somnambulistic encounters.
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"On that line, what can you do Mr.Shamus? I haven't worked with someone like you before..."
Hmm. That's a very good question, young lady.
"What can I do?"He ponders the phrase for a moment.
...
...
Well, you see, I am a Samsaran. A samsaran's life is not a linear progression from birth to death, but rather a circle of birth to death to rebirth. Whenever a samsaran dies, it reincarnates anew as a young samsaran to live a new life. Their past memories remain vague and indistinct—and each new incarnation is as different a creature and personality as a child is to a parent.
However, unlike most of my kind, I have a strong connection to those past lives. I can, in a sense, commune with those spirits, many times just my thoughts -which were their thoughts and memories- to draw upon my magical power. Since I have a strong connection to my past lives, that, in turn, gives me a strong connection to the natural world, which, in turn again, gives me a strong connection to the heavens and all of the energy it is comprised of. We are all made of stardust, my child. You may find that difficult to comprehend. Actually, it is quite difficult for me to put into words.
He chuckles quietly.
The universe is infinite and we are one with the universe.
He taps his knee to emphasize his words.
To put it bluntly; some would call me a conduit of divine spiritual and cosmic energy, a soothsayer, or even a witch.
Or just a senile old sage gone mad.
What you choose to see me as is most important, though. For it is only you that can be the judge of others.
He nods softly with a wide grin as he squints his eyes tightly closed.
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"Those are... wise words Mister Shamus. Diverting a fraction of this wisdom to the selection of a proper attire would go a long way in dispelling the perhaps faulty opinion that you are 'just a senile old sage gone mad' hmm? I think you like others to think of you that way. Am I right?" says Akkina, smiling coyly at the (old?) man...
Guaril Karela and Ambrus Valsin enter the chambers and Ambrus clears his throat loudly.
ALRIGHT ALRIGHT, settle down! Time for business.
He waits expectedly for the chit-chat to cease.
“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
seated across from him.
“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 adds, “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
items. 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.
“You depart with Karela in two hours. If you have any
questions, or any supplies to purchase, I advise you do so now.”
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"Well met Khorshid. My goal is to take assignments involving the undead so that I can decimate them and eliminate them. I am still new at my craft and learning the best way to do so. In the meantime, until I learn to cut them off from the negative energy plane completely, I have been able to manage minor control over them. Oh... one of your eye just turned pink... maybe you should consult a trained healer before our mission begins..."
With some pride Khorshid looks at Akkina.
“My eyes change color because I’m exited. That’s good to not bleach further. Don’t worry!“ he says.
“Have you ever considered how useful undead can be? I mean as a labor force! I heard that in Kaer Maga they have perfected this method! Maybe that could be an exemption to your rule? But a rule is a rule is rule! So are you set on your rules?!?“
~ ~
He politely nods to the other Pathfinders and is glad that the VC arrived.
After the briefing Khorshid thinks.
“I have little knowledge about the Aspis or Molthuni or Tamran or all of the conflicts you are talking about. Any highlights that you can provide?!“ he asks with a handkerchief in his hand.
“Oh and one other thing!! Is the Pathfinder society above to the law to conduct such illicit activities?!?“
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Akkina sneers at the gnome, "You stick to devil worship and steer clear of meddling with undead, and we won't have any problems. Invest your coins in undead research, and well... I may one day slow down your return on investment..."
=========================================
"Sir, your shipments around the blockade... by land or over the lake? are you planning to send us over the water? such battles may require added preparations on our behalf, such as water breathing and swimming enhancement magics, and added ranged weapon considerations. So? where have those shipments been intercepted?"
Ambrus Valsin turns to address Khorshid first.
“Tamran lies on the western edge of Lake Encarthan. The area
is forested, but it can get a bit marshy along the coast.
Nirmathas has been at war with Molthune for the better
part of a century. I fought there as a mercenary when I
was a young man. The people of Tamran are good folk,
but when times get tough, they can be a bit insular and
suspicious of outsiders. We will send you via ship.”
Guaril continues to respond to Akkina where Valsin left off...
“Hmm, quick
history lesson: Molthune was both part of the Chelish
empire that broke into pieces following the death of
Aroden. The country’s militant leaders continued to
exploit the forests to the north, driving the
rural population to secede and form their
own nation called Nirmathas. Molthune
has maintained an ongoing campaign ever
since to recapture the rebel-held lands,
though most of the Inner Sea region’s
leaders now recognize Nirmathas’s
legitimacy—or at least do not denounce
their efforts. The blockade is one of
Molthune’s ongoing ways of harassing its
northern rival.”
Also, personal knowledge may help recall a few pieces of information.
The Nirmathi are outmatched by the Molthuni
in numbers, and so they rely on guerilla tactics to win
their war of independence. To this day, the capital
Tamran and its surrounds are not protected by a single
army but by loose collection of militias.
Molthune has captured and occupied Tamran
five times throughout its history, but the Nirmathi have
retaken it each time. Fortifications proved ineffective
against the Molthuni armies, so the Nirmathi simply
tore down the walls; this makes it harder for the
Molthuni to hold the city, and the forces invariably
withdraw and burn down the city after sustaining too
much harassment.
Armies of the Shining Crusade fought the forces
of the Whispering Tyrant over the area now occupied by
Nirmathas, and the ruined fortresses left behind by the
crusaders still remain to this day
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"Well, I do not know much but I heard somewhere that the Nirmathi are outmatched by the Molthuni in numbers, and so they rely on guerilla tactics to win their war of independence. To this day, the capital Tamran and its surrounds are not protected by a single army but by loose collection of militias!" Khorshid says and shrugs.
"These chaotic countries are the reason that House Thrune is so successful! Order! Security! Obedience! I see lots of weaknesses in these two countries!" Khorshid says shaking his head.
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Akkina laughs heartily, as if Aatish had uttered the funniest joke ever told. When the laughter ceases, she says, "Please! If House Thrune is so successful, explain why they can't hold the town of Pezzak and the city of Kintargo, which are according to them, both still within their borders. There is also the matter of countless Pathfinders born in Cheliax now serving the Society and other organizations outside Cheliax, no doubt because the regime under your precious House Thrune has no place for them and they would be relegated to begging in the streets if they remained within Cheliax's borders. Ask yourself, dear Aatish: how much do you think House Thrune actually cares about you and your personal success and well-being? you'll find that the answer is probably shared by most people living there, but they no doubt keep it to themselves..."
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Khorshid starts clapping.
"I congratulate you on your propaganda campaign. Please do not forget that I am a Pathfinder. Many Hellknights in good standing are part of the Pathfinder Society! And your arguments are exactly the kind of talk that the simple people hear and thus throw their fellow citizens into chaos! And do not start with Kintargo. Everybody knows that the Silver Raven's are only a bunch of thugs!" he says and pull his moustache.
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"Propaganda? didn't you just blurt out some gratuitous pro-Thrune announcement, out of nowhere? right in front of the Venture-Captain? that was unnecessary and uncalled for. I would wager that if members of the Thrune family were here they would have you flogged for dragging them in the mud like this... ha ha ha! I'm not so sure that they would agree on your position that these countries are 'chaotic'. Another needless attack I'll add. Besides, I'll have you know that several Silver Ravens in Kintargo are part of the Pathfinder Society, but I'm sure you know this. I guess the Society does accept all kinds, I suppose. For this reason, going forward, it would be wise for you to not mix your personal politics with the mission at hand. I will only comment on politics when someone tries to slip it in a conversation like you did to point out how needless and ridiculous it sounds."
Akkina sits down and returns her attention to Guaril Karela and Ambrus Valsin.
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Shamus approaches Elena at an opportune time.
Earlier I explained so much about myself I never did tell you what I can actually do.
Well. For one, and you kids will like this little ability as others have... It's called Heaven's Leap.
I can create tiny tears in the fabric of space and temporarily stitch them together to reach other locations through a limited, and very short, one-way wormhole.
I once got myself and five of my adventuring companions across a chasm in less than a minute using that one.
Another good one is Stardust. It's good against those pesky creatures or villains that go invisible. Or are affected by an annoying effect that makes it difficult to target them.
As for the spells I can cast, well, it's a little like a druid, mixed with a witch, with some good defensive clerical spells thrown in there.
I hope that helps describe what I can do.
By the way, if you have any suggestions for scrolls I should get, don't hesitate to speak up.
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Ah. The thorn in the Society's side; The Aspis Consortium. I've had some interactions with them. Traitorous fools.
"Not all of them. I know we got good agents who want to make a difference inside."
Inside Knowledge: As a former member of the Aspis Consortium, Magali Delroya is well informed about the organization's activities, and she shares some of her information with you. You gain a +2 bonus on Knowledge (local) checks about the Aspis Consortium
Elena listens the debate silently, but her eyes darken, then without much preambule Elena speaks up clamly.
"I was adopted by a family of halflings who escaped slavery from Cheliax. So I assume you can guess my feelings about House Thrune and Asmodeus."
"I wouldn't be taking this mission if it would help them, so how about we focus on helping the people of Tamran and our fellow Pathfinders there instead."
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Akkina nods, "A splendid suggestion Elena." Turning to Karela, the crusader asks "Sir, you say that we are to investigate the disappearances and thefts of these shipments, and that Oraiah Tolal may have some more information. This sounds like the investigation will be focused within the city limits of Tamran itself. Do you expect a battle on the Lake on the way there?"
“Battle on the lake or closer to town, is hard to say. The Aspis could be anyway. And 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.” concludes Valsin.
Guaril does not comment, merely offering an
innocently apologetic smile and shrug.
Guaril Karela waits for any final questions, then continues.
Make any final purchases and preparations. I will
provide a ship to take your group and myself to Tamran, using
the cover of night and my own experiences to slip through
the Molthuni blockade. We will arrive in the dark, early morning.
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Standing at the door, Magellia is tall and lithe wearing leather armour with a rapier by her side. He skin is blue and purple with lines of nano circuitry visible on her face and head as well as down her arms.
The heated political discussion covered her appearance.
"Hello. Will this dispute lower the efficiency of the party?"
Her voice is pleasant and doesn't have the jarring disjointedness of some androids though there is something just a little unnatural about her phrasing and tone.
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Oh, ho, ho!
Shamus chortles in astonishment at the newcomer.
It's okay, Akkina.
An android! By the stars, I didn't know they really existed.
Shamus gets up from his chair and shuffles over to the android. He slowly shuffles around her in a circle, glancing up and down at her.
Amazing.
He stops to face her directly and waves a hand in front of her eyes.
Welcome, newcomer. I am Shamus. S-H-A-M-U-S. I am friend. F-R-I-E-N-D.
He says, enunciating each word and letter slowly.
He then sticks out his hand in greeting to see if the android understands the concept.
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Standing at the door, Magellia is tall and lithe wearing leather armour with a rapier by her side. He skin is blue and purple with lines of nano circuitry visible on her face and head as well as down her arms.
The heated political discussion covered her appearance.
"Hello. Will this dispute lower the efficiency of the party?"
Her voice is pleasant and doesn't have the jarring disjointedness of some androids though there is something just a little unnatural about her phrasing and tone.
Baldrum will greet the latest addition to the party the same way as the others - with his name and a small nod.
Then he answers her question while looking at Akkina and Khorshid: "I hope not. Anyway, listening to it is kind of amusing..."
Once your purchases are completed and you return, a ship is waiting.
Guaril Karela provides the ship to take him and your team to Tamran, using the cover of night and his own cunning to slip through the Molthuni blockade.
You reach Tamran in the early hours of the morning.
Karela explains that
”A local Pathfinder agent named Reginar Lacklan will greets you and will offer to take you to the Ashfall Lodge, the Society’s base of operations in Tamran.
I have my own enquiries to
pursue and have arranged to reunite with you at the Ashfall Lodge in three days to see what you’ve learned. Good luck! “
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 above, 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. May Ashfall Lodge 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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Magellia cocks her head to the side in confusion, though there is little change to her expression, "I am Magellia. I am aware this is a private meeting as I was summoned here also."
Magellia does not turn to follow Shamus's examination of her and stands still during his greeting.
"Hello Shamus. I am unaware of your race, is this form of greeting traditional or are you mentally impaired? Friend is defined as a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations. While we do not have a sexual or family relationship neither have we a bond of mutual affection as I have interacted with you previously. Is this assumption of relationship another characteristic of your race?"
Khorshid's response is acknowledged with a nod.
"This is good Khorshid. Subversive actions are are not permitted under the Pathfinder Society Agent Behavioural Guidelines Chapter 2 'Cooperate' Section 5 'Can we please not have another Shadow Lodge' Adherence to this code of conduct is required of all Pathfinders while on missions and recommended while at a lodge."