Your next mission takes you to Katheer in the vast Padishah Empire of Kelesh which dominates much of south-central Casmaron. Kelesh grew during the Age of Destiny, and its line of emperors has been unbroken for thousands of years. Each satrapy pays homage to the decrees of the empire, but the the grip of the empire is looser the farther one goes north.
Qadira, the westernmost province of the Padishah Empire of Kelesh, is a kingdom with the power of the sprawling Casmaron empire at its back. Qadira is Kelesh's doorway to the Inner Sea region, and is perhaps the single most valuable piece of real estate on Golarion. Rivers of spice and gold flow through its capital of Katheer, and Xerbystes II, the satrap of Qadira, boasts that his kingdom holds the wealth of any other three on the Inner Sea.
The city Katheer, also known as "Glorious Golden Katheer", possesses a canyon-like harbor and is the center of trade for goods to and from the distant Empire of Kelesh, as well as from throughout the Inner Sea. Each day, ships arrive from and depart for the major trading ports throughout the Inner Sea region, including Quantium, Absalom, and Katapesh. Katheer is also renowned as a center for learning, and contains dozens of academies of mathematics, philosophy, and healing.
You find yourself in this city, waiting in the lounge at the Pathfinder lodge operated by Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi. You have been summoned and are awaiting instructions, together with the other Pathfinders.
In the glorious trade city of Katheer, City of a Thousand Caravans, one can attain wealth and power if one is cunning and fortunate. Keleshite men and women of all stations do business there, seeking opportunities to gain the attention of the nobles that make up the court of the satrap. Those who prove their acumen and wit are elevated from to the status of trade prince. This is no small accomplishment, for it often requires influence within the court before one can even be noticed.
Zarmina Bahjari was a noble princess who carefully watched Katheer’s citizens for such candidates. It was she who first took notice of a merchant named Aaqir al’Hakam, a young man working in his uncle’s caravansary company. Aaqir demonstrated a talent for haggling and negotiation far greater than his peers, and so Zarmina fashioned a test for him.
She offered Aaqir the chance to manage his own caravan and tasked him to undertake a dangerous journey across the waters of the Inner Sea to Absalom. There he met with Zarmina’s trade associates to negotiate an exchange of spices for silks. Aaqir took to this with relish, and upon his return to Katheer, he delivered a good deal more that the silks originally requested, including a number of new business partners who had found the young man charming and sought further business with him and his patron.
Zarmina was pleased with her protege’s performance and took him on as a student. After Aaqir spent several years in her service, his name finally came to the satrap’s attention. Within 2 years, Aaqir al’Hakam had earned the title of trade prince, spearheaded a growing faction in the Pathfinder Society, and departed for Absalom. All of this he owed to Zarmina.
Zarmina Bahjari lived to a grand old age, during which she spent many years expanding her influence in the east, among the courts of the Padishah Empire proper, while Aaqir looked west to the Inner Sea region. He always insisted that despite setbacks, the west was where Qadira would find vast, lucrative trade routes. Many—including his husband and Zarmina’s nephew, Emir Thalzar Gaatan— have questioned both his notions as well as his ties to the Pathfinder Society.
Zarmina recently passed away, leaving much to her student but also leaving a considerable power vacuum that other enterprising entrepreneurs are sure to exploit. As his mentor’s executor, Aaqir has organized Zarmina’s wake and burial—an event he knows will attract powerful friends and enemies alike. With a little luck, this might just prove to be the beginning of an exciting new venture. Irreverent as that may sound to others, the deceased businesswoman would have had it no other way.
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A middle-aged man sits in the waiting room. His hands are resting gently on his lap and he keeps his eyes closed. A first glance may make it seem like the man is sleeping, but his mind is simply clear and patient as he waits for what comes his way. His appearance easily gives away his Tian Xia roots and his choice of loose cloth clothing and receding hairline paints a stereotypical image of a traveling monk.
A foreign man in a foreign land, Aldar knows nothing of this place.
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A voice awkwardly booms out over the lounge, starting with a loud, harsh chuckle.
You look like a fish out of water! How much do you know about this place? I might know a thing or two and could trade notes with you. The name's Ferdrin. I'm a mage from the Arcanimirium in Absalom. And you are?
While loud, the voice has the monotony of somebody reciting a weather report. You turn to see a tall (for a human) lanky figure shrouded in a practical cloak and topped in a very wide-brimmed hat of similar earthy color. Underneath it you note a very plain face with sharp features. If he has any hair it's somehow hidden under the hat or doesn't exist at all.
After introductions, he continues as if resuming an interrupted lecture.
It seems that around these parts, social mobility buys power. The calm and quiet will be forgotten and unnoticed like so many lowly poor. Why the very founder of this lodge, Aaqir al’Hakam, was once just an aspiring merchant who first gained the notice of Zarmina Bahjari, a noble princess, and later the satrap of Qadira himself. Zarmina tested him with making trade connections in Absalom and he took to it as a sort of career, flourished, and excelled to the benefit of Qadira.
Looking to see if the quiet man is still engaged, he continues in an attempt to relate the story to the monk.
He honed his negotiating talents with a rigor that monks would be familiar with regarding their bodies, minds, and spirit. Sadly, it would seem that his mentor, the noble princess Zarmina, has passed away. Aaqir has organized a burial and wake, but it promises to be just as much a passing of the torch and jockey for power as it is a reverent reflection on Zarmina's life.
He pauses for several moments before finally concluding with Perhaps far more the former than the latter. Life does not wait, after all! I suspect our instructions will involve this recent development...
Soon, an adolescent pageboy enters the room, pushing a large trolley covered by a velvet cloth.
In a voice that is cracking on the verge of adulthood, he announces, "Venture-Captain Esmayl apologies that he is unable to be present as he has been summoned abroad by a last minute business. He has left a note, however."
The pageboy hands to you a piece of vellum with the Captain's neat calligraphy on it.
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Aldar looks to Ferdrin, "A fish out of water dies from the inability to breathe. Instead, I am a fish in the ocean, parts of it are unknown to me, but I can survive there regardless. This is such a place. I only know that I am needed here. You are a mage, but is that who you are or what you are, or is your name something you are? I am a human, you may call me what you wish."
Aldar listens intently to the information from Ferdrin.
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Abdara breezes into the room on leather slippers with pointy toes. She stands coolly waiting to be admired, in a faced turquoise tunic secured with inch-wide buttons. Matching silk pantaloons drop to her ankles and her rich chestnut hair peeks coyly from the front of a carefully wound hijab.
“The Honourable Abdara, First Daughter of House Kastner, aspiring actress and politician. Delighted to make your acquaintances, Ferdrin and Human Monk.”
She states Aldar’s pseudonym with a hint of wry amusement, but otherwise stands demurely, displaying her only visible jewellery, a signet ring bearing the arms of the major Taldan Noble House she claims to belong to.
Ah, the initial positioning of the alphas! Their barbs are more intelligent but no less subtle than usual. Perhaps this group will prove worthy?
Unable to bring anything useful to the table, Abdara keenly analyses Ferdrin’s intelligence. “So the Qadiran trade queen is dead and the Head of the Exchange faction wants our help in securing her action.”
“Of course his anti-Avistani, anti-Pathfinder enemies have the knives out for him, wanting exactly the same thing.”
She grins. “And in their wisdom, the Ten have sent a Taldan Noble as a peace envoy. One whose family has slaughtered more Qadirans than Chelaxians in the past two hundred years.”
“Delicious.”
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Voices can be heard approaching. The door starts to open and a sweet voice intones "Thank you for your guidance. May the blessings of Sarenrae be upon you."
A young undine slips into the room, her turquoise hair braided back in neat rows. As she quickly takes in those gathered she makes an assessment. "Greeting fellow Pathfinders. I hope some of you know what we are about. I've been chatting with the nice locals but the most useful information I have is the address for a really good tea shop."
Apart from the obvious symbol of Sarenrae, the most striking item worn by this newcomer is a golden sunburst amulet that looks both precious and damaged.
"I am Raelene, and whatever we try to achieve while we are here, I will do my best to keep you healthy if Sarenrae allows it."
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“May the Dawnflower light the path before you, Imam.”
Abdara *bobs* curtly to the priestess. "Abdara of House Kastner. My card."
The noble presents Raelene with a Harrow card, whose obverse shows ’The Forge.’
“Harrowers say it represents the strength of diversity, or the strength from many sources united against a single trial. Seems appropriate, non?”
Abdara has painted out the reverse with white oils, and sketched Sarenrae holding the world in her hands in its place.
“It was to be a concession to our Desert Hosts from a daughter of the Enduring Empire. However, it seems more fitting in your hands, Raelene. How did your amulet come to be damaged?"
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Ferdrin scratches the top of his hat, pondering the monk's question.
Hmm, admittedly, it's probably both who and what I am. Partially at least. I'm an instructor at the Arcanimirium in my downtime. In fact... I have a stack of papers to grade in my pack. I hope that doesn't come after a particularly bad fight...
He seems genuinely impressed with Abdara. Wow, a noble! Just what we need if my information surrounding this summons is correct! Pleased to meet you!
He seems to only get more positive when the undine enters the lounge.
Good to meet you Raelene, we seems to have a pretty well-rounded group forming. Say, what as the name of that tea shop...?
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Wow, a noble! Just what we need if my information surrounding this summons is correct! Pleased to meet you!
"And you, Ferdrin."
Abdara inclines her head politely. "Assuming our hosts overlook the slaughter my ancestors inflicted on theirs several centuries ago, I would concur."
👓
She reads the page's note and *snorts* "A social gathering mission, I expect."
"While I'm not opposed to being draped like a clothes horse and engaging in social discourse with a whirling mass of Qadiran rakes, I find the places to conceal a longsword on a mourning dress rather limited."
The pageboy looks at you with an intimidated expression.
After you have completed reading the note, the pageboy removes the velvet cloth, revealing on the trolley three items: a silver-chased scimitar, a gold ring bearing three sapphires, and a steel shield bearing an image of Sarenrae painted in gold and studded with garnets.
"The Captain bids that you are to select one of these three items to bring as a gift on behalf of the Society."
He nudges the trolley forward, waiting for the six of you to decide on what to select.
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Raelene provides Ferdrin with the name and direction to the tea shop adding, "It comes highly recommended and I am looking forward to trying it myself."
To Abdara she quietly replies, while holding the amulet, "This is a very precious item that was recently gifted me. Kohal was Sarenrae's herald, sent to Gormuz, that cursed city. The damage was done when Kohal was struck down."
When the page removes the cloth, Raelene proclaims, Oooh, shiny!"
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"A party? Do you think they vant shome firevorksh?" A small figure totters into the room, fur plastered to his face as if he had just poured a bucket of water over it and let it dry in the desert heat. His clothes likewise look to have been very recently soaked and dried, though his stiff tunic is still brightly colored with stains and scorch marks. One side of his long snout bulges to the side, as if a handful of giant marbles were badly hiding from curious strangers inside.
"Ooo, thoshe are very pretty!" the ratfolk echoes Raelene, distracted by the shining offerings of the Venture-Captain. "Do you think any of them do shomething fun? Shomething exshiting would be rah besht, yesh? Nobody vantsh a boring gift."
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"I largely agree with Human Monk."
Abdara casts an appraising eye and detect magic over the three items. "They are all approximately equal in monetary value -- 2000 gold royals (and change)."
"I would choose a gift based on its practical value in a fight, in the 'unlikely' event our peaceful, weapons-free soirée is crashed."
"In which case the scimitar is a fine choice -- provided someone can use it."
The pageboy looks at Ferdrin and hesitantly shakes his head.
“Ehh ... sorry Sir .. but the Scimitar is the Dawnflower’s holy weapon and surely not seen as a sign of aggression but as a honorable gift! Ehh ... “ and then he steps back.
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The sword might represent strength as a quality, or perhaps hostily or aggression as a message. This seems like your department Abdara.
"I wasn't aware my reputation for hostility and aggression had spread so widely through the Society, Freddy."
Abdara chortles with genuine amusement. "I must say the boldness of our servant in a Qadiran household surprises me."
"Though I can find no fault with his assessment."
She changes the subject abruptly.
"Raelene, am I to understand you wear an amulet worn by one of your goddess's past Heralds?"
Once you have made your selection, the pageboy backs off with the trolley and takes a deep bow.
"I will return shortly once I have put away the remaining items. Once you are ready, I'll bring you to the Bahjari Manor. It is less than an hour's walk away."
He then gives you a dossier with some further information about the contact you are about to meet.
~ Aaqir al'Hakam ~
Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam emigrated from Katheer to Absalom in 4711 AR, where he took over the Qadira faction of the Pathfinder Society. In short order, he established himself as a cunning economic strategist and mercantile tour de force. He lives in one of his cousin Lady Nymara's many estates in the city—specifically the Merchants' Quarter—with his longtime partner Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three adopted daughters.
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Trade? Diplomacy? The desert? By Desna, why did Venture-Captain Esmayl select me for this? I wonder what Kryspi and Picklebrew are up to? Maybe he finally found a statue with rubies in it instead of that golem... oh well, back to the matters at hand.
Standing at the ready is a silent yet observant halfling. Silvery-white light reflects off his chain shirt through the collar of his earthen tunic. A pair of kukris flank both sides of his hip.
Let's see what the tall folk want to do...
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"Once you are ready, I'll bring you to the Bahjari Manor. It is less than an hour's walk away."
"An hour's walk? In this heat?"
Abdara doesn't care for these arrangements. "If Aaqir al'Hakam wants the best, he can jolly well fork out for a palanquin or a sedan chair! You can tell him that from me!"
She calms down shortly after and considers another angle. "I don't believe any of us are members of the Exchange faction."
"Though I'm nor sure if that will make the negotiations easier or more difficult."
"Once you are ready, I'll bring you to the Bahjari Manor. It is less than an hour's walk away.""An hour's walk? In this heat?"
Abdara doesn't care for these arrangements. "If Aaqir al'Hakam wants the best, he can jolly well fork out for a palanquin or a sedan chair! You can tell him that from me!"
She calms down shortly after and considers another angle. "I don't believe any of us are members of the Exchange faction."
"Though I'm nor sure if that will make the negotiations easier or more difficult."
"Uh... Trade Prince Aaqir... He ... uh ... head of Qadira faction... and a trade prince! I ... we ... we cannot ask him to come! And the Venture Captain ... " The young pageboy starts blubbering when the rather visually stunning Abdara confronts him.
After explaining again the importance, and seeing everyone is ready, he quickly rushes out, cheeks all flaming, gesturing you to follow.
The pageboy keeps up a hasty pace, seldom turning back as he guides you to the very opulent Bahjari Manor. Any further questions directed at him meet with little response. It seems he is still upset, and merely adds on that the Trade Prince will likely have more information.
Once you arrive and he hands you over to the servants of the estate. The estate staff are waiting for you outside.
The pageboy looks at all of you again.
"The Trade Prince has welcomed many Pathfinders over the years, and many, like you, have their ... special needs. But there are many other guests about the estate during this solemn occasion and unusual behavior such as lady Abdara's ... ehhh ... directness ... might cause unnecessary disturbances during such a delicate time. I really apologise but this will be a funeral!" the boy says with some fear in his eyes, he then turns back and disappears into the alleys.
While as a diverse and bustling city, Katheer has no uniform burial tradition, there are some common funerary customs tied to the local worship of Sarenrae which you may know about.
A typical wake begins as a somber affair, but it’s common for the mood to lighten as the sun warms the room and the living share stories about the deceased and comfort the surviving family members.
As dusk approaches, those in attendance wish the deceased peace through speeches and gifts that might accompany the deceased to the grave. Not only does this honor the dead, but it’s also an opportunity to comfort the living and remind those present to make the world a better place.
A less common funerary practice involves exposing the corpse to the sun for a week or more in conjunction with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing. During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away.
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Do you suppose the item we choose is supposed to convey some idea or message?
Ferdrin muses.
For example, I suppose the sword might represent strength as a quality, or perhaps hostily or aggression as a message. This seems like your department Abdara.
"Two of these items have a direct link to Sarenrae. I am partial to the scimitar myself. I would say it represents protection more than aggression."
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"Once you are ready, I'll bring you to the Bahjari Manor. It is less than an hour's walk away.""An hour's walk? In this heat?"
[/b]
"Now dear, I too find the heat and the dry to be distressing, but I am sure we have each endured worse and I know we can find the strength to not only manage but to do so with grace."
Funerals in this part of the world, what do I know? Given the symbols surrounding us, I am sure to feel the presence of The Dawnflower and believe her welcome. Possibly Pharasma and her supporters will also be present. I wish I knew more of the departed and her beliefs and wishes.
Raelene shares her knowledge with her new companions, informing them of what she knows of funerary customs.
"I think the scimitar is a fine choice of gifts. It will represent Sarenrae well, show honour through its value, and is likely to cause little offence to those who worship elsewhere."
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"Sho you're shaying they vant peashe and quiet?" Brakkik shakes his head in disbelief, ears flapping against his still-flattened hair. "Doeshn't that jusht make the shad people even more shad? Vhen my great-aunt Beatrishe died, ve all made our favorite dishesh that she taught ush and shared them vith each other and told her favorite shtoriesh, and our favorite shtoriesh about her. Like one time vhen she wash fishing and shomething caught her hook..."
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Ferdrin seems to have no more to add about funerals than Raelene knew.
I wonder where amongst these traditions the attendees will attempt to make a play on the power she left behind. I remain prepared for a more political atmosphere at this event. I think we would be wise to constantly look behind displays of solemnity.
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"Uh... Trade Prince Aaqir... He ... uh ... head of Qadira faction... and a trade prince! I ... we ... we cannot ask him to come! And the Venture Captain ... "
"I am not asking him to come to us. I am merely requesting a little common courtesy ... You know what?"
After taking a moment, Abdara adds to the information Raelene has shared. “A less common funerary practice involves exposing the corpse to the sun for a week or more in conjunction with simple magic to prevent the corpse from decomposing.”
“During this time, family and friends watch over the body to keep scavengers away.”
“Lady Abdara's ... ehhh ... directness ... might cause unnecessary disturbances during such a delicate time.”
Burgundy Iceberg planted upside-down and set on fire!
Does this worm think a Daughter of the Empire cannot distinguish between the decorum suitable for a diplomatic mission at a foreign funeral and that for putting a common servant in their place?
Abdara suddenly goes quiet. Very quiet.
"Now dear, I too find the heat and the dry to be distressing, but I am sure we have each endured worse and I know we can find the strength to not only manage but to do so with grace."
“Raelene, I know you are trying to help, but for the First Daughter of Taldor’s premier Noble House to walk for an hour through the heat and dust of Katheer to attend the funeral of one the Satrap’s closest advisors is simply not acceptable.”
“Of course, you are all welcome to join me.”
The noble strolls outside with the others, puts two fingers in her mouth and let’s out a piercing to the nearest coach-cab.
After climbing into the cab, and giving the driver curt directions, she *SLAMS* the door, draws the curtains and proceeds into the uncertainty of another Pathfinder mission.
After Abdara‘s cab ride and your walk, the steward and servants of Zarmina’s family direct you to a study, where the Trade Prince awaits.
Aaqir is a handsome, charming man with clearly Qadiran features. His hair is short and well groomed, and he keeps his face clean shaven.
Dressed in a white linen robe tied with a silk sash, Aaqir al’Hakam stands behind a desk in this small study. He spreads his arms wide in welcome, though his face speaks to his fatigue and grief.
“You are a welcome sight, Pathfinders, and I trust you are here at the behest of the esteemed Esmayl ibn Qaradi. As you can tell, this is not a day to uncover fresh secrets. Rather, it is one of mourning for Zarmina Bahjari—a noble trade princess, my mentor, and the reason I ever became a trade prince. I am here to see to her estate, act as executor of her will, and carry on her commercial interests!“
He smiles at all of you.
“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion, but trade happens quickly in Qadira; my late aunt by marriage would actually be disappointed were I not to wrangle her vulture-like competitors into submission. Even so, it would be unseemly for a member of Zarmina’s family to conduct business at her wake!“
He looks at the papers in front of him.
“Though I have inherited much from my mentor, I do not intend to sit idly and live off her successes. It is still my intention to strengthen trade routes throughout the Inner Sea while making the Pathfinder Society my chief ally. I want you to stand as an example of what we have to gain by continuing to work with the western nations!“
He then raises his head again.
“For that reason, I requested the Society’s aid because we have only a brief window of opportunity to speak with our rivals and convince them instead to become our allies. There are five in particular that I would benefit from your attention, and I understand several of them maintain their own rivalries with one another. Win over as many as you can, and I shall speak with them afterward to negotiate any details. Is that agreeable?“
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During their travel, Raelene suggests they all become a little more familiar with each other's abilities and equipment, "just in case". She will indicate her own well-labelled supplies and suggest requests that if ever there is a need, they do not hesitate to pour her Potion of Cure Light Wounds down her throat. She takes particular care to indicate the wands of Burning Hands, Gust of Wind, and Mage Armor to anyone who may be able to use them with greater ease than she can.
Once they arrive:
Raelene nods courteously to the trade prince. "It is an honour to be here and to provide what assistance we may. We have brought this fine scimitar with us from the lodge as a fitting gift."
Turning to her companions she adds, "Given the diplomatic nature of this event, I would offer each of you a small touch of Saranrae's glory to assist in your endeavours." As she stretches out her hand in offer it begins to shimmer with divine radiance.
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"Perfectly, Sahib."
“It may seem strange to engage in business during so somber an occasion."
"Not at all."
Abdara shows her perfect white teeth. "Much political and mercantile business is conducted at Taldan funerals. Indeed, the recent death of my beloved Papa was the perfect opportunity for my brother Remilliard, as the new Lord Kastner to reaffirm the House's loyalty to the Crown."
"If I may ask a couple of questions before you brief us on your potential trade partners, Sheik al'Hakam? Is our dress appropriate for a Qadiran wake and are weapons and armor permitted to be worn?"
If ever there is a need, do not hesitate to pour my Potion of Cure Light Wounds down my throat.
"Pish posh, Iman. I have my own healing wands for that purpose."
Abdara takes the priestess' hand respectfully in her own, and experiences the warm *glow* of the Dawnflower's glory. "If you need to borrow one of mine, I keep a wand of CMW up my right sleeve and another of CLW in my handbag."
"Use them however you like, Raelene. The cost means nothing to me."
Aaqir al’Hakam smiles warmly at the two ladies.
“Thank you very much for this fine gift. You will be able to present it later during the funeral. Regarding your attire. The local custom is to wear at least some white. However, Zarmina had many foreign contacts who are likely to attend in many styles of dress, so as long as you are clean and presentable, you are welcome to wear what you wish including your armor and weapons!“
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Clean and presentable, huh?
Abdara strides over to Brakkik, tut-tutting over his sooty face and *BOOM*blown fur.
"YOU remind me of someone ..."
She ✨casts prestidigitation, miming washing his face and brushing his coat from a metre away. "And not in a way that I care to remember!"
"Now try to keep your nose out of the saltpetre and lead azide until the Wake's over, will you?"
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Ferdrin speaks up, getting to more pointed questions.
We'll do our best to represent the society well at the wake and funeral. Can you tell us a bit more about the five that we should focus our attention on? I imagine you know something about their desires and how we might convince them to be allies? How about their rivalries? Anything helps.
He nods approvingly.
”The merchants? Yes, I or one of my assistants shall point them out as they arrive. Their names are Pellius Melkior from Andoran, Doritannia Raffella from Taldor, Temel Passad from Druma, Jakti al’Awar from Qadira, and Metella Rauger from the Five Kings Mountains. I understand that Passad, al’Awar, and Rauger are particularly influential!“ he says with a stern look.
Aaqir first turns to address Aldar. "Do not be in a rush. Hectic action is the last thing that the Pathfinder Society wishes, especially with such influential merchants of this region. I seek to make alliances, alliances that could be mutually beneficial. Slow sweet-talking is likely a common way to win them over, although admittedly some stretching of facts might sometimes be necessary. All part and parcel of trade negotiations, really. Some of them, however, might require a bit of hard-talking or impressing via other means. You'll have to take your own discretion during the conversations."
Looking at the Raelene he adds, "Indeed, this item might be adequate. Just a further note: Apologies I might not be of much assistance during the wake. It would be unbecoming of me not to do my duty as a host and member of the family, and having a team of Pathfinders hovering over me, even if such negotiations are expected at such occasions, are still in bad taste publicly. One final thing. I appreciate your taking care not to draw my husband Emir and our daughters into our business today. My dear spouse does not approve of my affiliations with the Society and it is a delicate time for him right now as it is. "
He rings a bell and a young man enters the room promptly. His youth, however, belie a sharp mind as evident from his keen observing eyes.
"This is Qamar. I have briefed him thoroughly of the five guests you would be introduced to, but to be honest, much of the insights are through his own observations. I foresee a bright future ahead for him."
At this, Qamar humbly bows but does not respond otherwise.
"He will show you to your quarters to freshen up quickly.Some of the guests are already arriving. If you have no further questions, I will take my leave."
Qamar quietly leads you to your guestrooms, which are all adjacent to each other. He indicates he will wait outside for you to get ready. The estate’s guest apartments are spacious and well lit, providing a place for visitors to relax and do business. Each has several chairs, bookshelves, a desk, soft rugs, and storage space for a traveler’s luggage. A set of double doors leads to a smaller bedroom.
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Raelene makes a quick dash to purchase the magic sleeves, offering to collect some for anyone else who wishes to pay for a set. When she returns, she briefly immerses herself in a tub of water to refresh before emerging looking splendid in white robes with a deep blue trim.
Of necessity, due to weight issues, she has tucked her wayfinder into her new handy haversack.
When the team is ready to enter the gathering, she once again offers Sarenrae's Touch of Glory to any who desire it.
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"Raelene, take my cab if you wish. I'll pay for it."
Abdara re-thinks her outfit choice, deciding not to conceal her obvious Taldan heritage. "If you're passing the Lodge, can you pick up my noble's outfit on its hangar, please darling? The shoes and clutch will be in the bottom of the suit-bag."
Assuming the cleric obliges, Abdara draws herself a bath.
Better do it now, before Raelene uses all the hot water. Or turns it into water-balls or something.
Abdara plans to wear her Avistani mourning outfit: a knee length dress with a stiffened bodice and raised collar. She bundles her long hair into a low tight bun at the back of her neck, topping the look with a beret-shaped fascinator. A large aperture veil drops from the front of the hair-covering to just above her subtle pink lipstick.
Under the dress she wears a spider-silk bodysuit and white hose. She slips her feet into plain leather flats. Her jewellery consists of simple pearl earrings and a House Kastner signet ring, worn on her right hand.
Finally to adhere to Qadiran protocol, Abdara prestidigitates the entire noble outfit, so that its primary black colour with white highlights is reversed, like a negative image. She similarly prestidigitates her cloak of resistance into a short white cape.
She does not own a wayfinder.
Once you have prepared for the wake, Qamar leads you into the manor’s grand hall to greet guests and mourners.
There, you are greeted by Aaqir, who accompanies you for several minutes to make the appropriate introductions to his family, including his spouse Emir Thalzar Gaatan and their three daughters.
He also points out Umut Tepemkau, a visiting cleric of Pharasma and friend from Zarmina’s younger days whom her will specified should oversee her interment; al’Hakam notes that she is busy with preparations and might be available to chat later.
Once he is sure you are at home, Aaqir excuses himself to speak with other guests and ensure that the funerary arrangements are taken care of, leaving you in the guidance of Qamar.
~
In addition to its honoring the deceased, Zarmina’s wake is an occasion for extended family and friends to reunite, reminisce, and renew their bonds.
There is still some time before the wake commences and this reception provides guests time to arrive and everyone an opportunity to chat and renew old friendships.
Most of the guests are already present, chatting with one another, and they are scattered throughout the entry hall and some in the second floor verandah.
Leading you to a more discreet corner, Qamar starts briefing you of the five guests with a business-like efficiency.
~
TEMEL PASSAD:
The first person Qamar points out to you is Temel Passad. Temel Passad is a tall man with carefully groomed hair and an oiled beard. He wears pristine white clothing heavy with gold embroidery and gems.
You can see that in following the tenets of the Prophets of Kalistrade, he avoids physical contact with others and partakes in only a small number of the refreshments available.
"Temel Passad is a prophet of Kalistrade, an adherent to a strict set of personal codes that supposedly aid in one’s earning wealth. Despite that, he has a reputation for having a eye for fine goods, and conversations along those lines could likely impress him. He can come across as rather flippant but under the exterior is a very shrewd man. The Society has dealt with him before—typically under pleasant circumstances. His business ventures sometimes compete with those of the Five Kings Mountains, which has led to a rivalry with Metella Rauger."
~
DORITANNIA RAFFELLA:
Qamar then points you out to Doritannia Raffella. Doritannia is an attractive Taldan woman in her 30s with long brown hair.
She is dressed finely but moves with none of the grace and bearing that might suggest a noble upbringing.
"Doritannia Raffella buys and sells alcohol and spirits. She comes from a common household yet elevated her status through her own acumen and hard work, though she has recently fell on hard times. She has always been somewat skittish, perhaps because her background, and this recent difficult period has shaken her confidence further. Thus, although risky, a hardline approach might sway her to your side. Whatever the case, I have no doubt her experience would be a valuable asset to any business venture.”
METELLA RAUGER:
The third merchant Qamar gestures you towards is Metella Rauger. Metella is a redheaded dwarf who wears a tabard emblazoned with the Five Kings Mountains heraldry.
She’s unarmed for this event, though she often touches her belt with her right hand as a habit.
"Metella Rauger represents several trading houses from the Five Kings Mountains, and she has worked with the Society and its allies before. She has also recently signed a minor trade agreement with my master, and I trust the arrangement has benefited her and the merchants she represents thus far. I suspect she’s attending the funeral partly to take another opportunity to analyze my master and decide if a longer-term deal would be wise. She’s stubborn but fair. Like most dwarves, she is suspicious of strangers, but will be warm to those that she knows. And like most dwarves, she values hard work, so sharing with her meaningful occupation you are involved in could help her warm up. No doubt she will be on edge here thanks to Temel Passad’s having decided to attend and honor Zarmina’s memory.”
~
PELLIUS MELKIOR:
Qamar next turns to Pellius Melkior. Pellius is a clean-shaven man of average height with sandy-brown hair.
He is quick to laugh and appears especially friendly to many of the guests.
"Don't let his outgoing persona fool you. He is an ambitious man, and he ignore you at the drop of a hat once he is convinced there is nothing you can offer him, although to his credit, he will remain well-mannered. He is from Andoran and has established himself as a reliable trader of durable goods in his country. He is also a trader in information - any local gossip that could lead to trade benefits would excite him. Rumor has it that he has also looked into expanding his business into the River Kingdoms and Taldor.”
~
JAKTI AL’AWAR:
Finally, Qamar turns to the final merchant. Jakti is large and a somewhat physically imposing figure. He is accompanied by two bodyguards, whom Qamar introduces as Hakim and Amalia.
“Jakti al’Awar has spent much time abroad and only recently returned to Qadira. He maintains a small business in magic items, and some speculate that his travels and business are primarily for scholarly purposes. What is known is mostly speculation; he is something of an unknown here. I have observed, though, that he finds religious discourse fascinating.”