You receive a request for aid from Valais Durant of the Radiant Oath faction and gather aboard the Merry Mayfly, a ship headed toward Xin- Edasseril. En route, their ship rendezvouses with another vessel, the Lightbringer. The Lightbringer’s crew escorts you and other Pathfinders below deck to meet with Durant and her unlikely associate, Guaril Karela. The ship’s interior is lit by lanterns that hang from the ceiling overhead, swaying back and forth along with the motion of the ship.
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The elven wizardress enters, her hand upon a quarterstaff. On her shoulder is an owl of snowy white, which matches the robes that the elf wears. Her skin is the color of ivory which only serves to highlight her midnight black hair and purple eyes.
She speaks in a nuanced elven accent Greetings to my fellow Pathfinders. I am Avonathalanthalasa Caldon, from Kyonin and a student of the art of the Magaambya.Elven is often difficult for non native speakers to pronounce so you may call me Avonatha, if that is easier for you to pronounce. This is Boobo she says, ppointing at the the owl. Boobo puffs up his feathers.
She continues Are there any other followers of the Vigilant Seal present for this mission? Her tone is friendly but matter of fact.
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A man dressed in the clothes from the dry deserts of the south, seems strangely out of place on a vessel in the cold seas. He is returning south to the warmth and comfort of the deserts, when new instructions came in the form of this vessel Lightbringer.
His face with fresh scars, still white against his sun hardened skin, looks uncomfortable as the ship sways. The shadows from the oil lamp move as the light swings, giving Jacknife a somewhat shady and sanguine look. So different from the youth that spent his time scraping by in Katheer, begging for scraps and pocketing anything that slipped from merchants or the wealthy's pockets.
He lays down a heavy hammer, used in battle, still with dried blood still clinging to the leather grip, evidence of the last foe that saw it's might. His shield dull and dented, with scratch marks in the metal.
He watches the woman with pointed ears, he bows his head, " Greetings Avonannatha and Boobo, people call me Jacknife, from Katheer. As for allegiances, mine is to my friends and wealth of treasures." he replies. "Is there sustenance, the fruits of the desert just don't get so far north for the likes of me and my kind." he says looks around the room. "Ah, no figs, no oranges and no doubt no spices." he says dripping with disappointment.
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Griffon steps out of the stars and below deck as directed by his escort.
Greeting. I'm Griffon. If I had any friends they would probably call me Grif I would Imagine. Where I come from they mostly call me weirdo.
For the stars and the powerful medium between them is what fuels my magics. I believer that each star has its own personality, and that it influences us in some way. I may sound like an astrologist, but i'm not. Many stars speak to me and through me, but several others still ignore me. Many more will acknowledge me in time I think.
But enough about the cosomos...I believe that the best thing one can do before a difficult mission is to secure solid sustenance. I'll look into that when I get the chance.
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"I'm with Horizon Hunters myself. Officially a daredevil, I suppose.", Ysoldt notes with a brief smile as she joins into the conversation. By the looks alone, she doesn't seem like the strong type, but her movements have a certain "flowy" quality to them. Almost dance-like. Sporting several layers of clothing, she seems ready for cold weather. Her ash blonde hair is cut short, in a manner that would not get in the way of anything she does, but still manages to be somewhat stylish. A face full of confidence looks around the room. She notices Jacknife and walks over to shake his hand.
"I guess I could have done a better job. Sorry about that.", she makes a line on her own face with her index finger, mimicking the flow of Jac's scars."I'll get better at it, I promise."
"Then again, every scar is a story to tell - and is that not why we do what we do? But perhaps in warmer weather next time?", she smiles once more and waves at everyone else in the room. "Hello there. Name's Ysoldt. I was just on my way south when I got intercepted by a message, so here we are. In the cold. Is there nothing interesting happening in warmer areas of the world, or am I just being unlucky? ... Again."
She shrugs, and starts looking for a place to sit.
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A tall man dressed in the garb of a woodsman joins the group. He seems ill at ease in the confines of the ship, not used to being far from the woods he roams.
"Greetings fellow travelers. I am Quickblade Trueshot. I received the summons as well."
He formally greets Avonannatha in her native tongue and greets Boobo with soft coos and clicks.
Valais bids you to sit down and offers water as Guaril keeps his gaze on a gold plate on his table. "Thank you all for coming here on such short notice, but time is of the essence." Valais makes sure to catch your gaze before continuing.
“I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion.” The aasimar woman gestures to a green-eyed Varisian man, who flashes a sly grin framed by a thin mustache. “This is Guaril Karela, a prominent figure among the Sczarni,” she continues. “The Sczarni maintain a smuggling ring, providing freedom to those chafing under the oppression of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy and ruler of Edasseril.
Demand for such services is high,” she pauses and casts a somewhat disdainful glare toward Guaril, “allowing the Sczarni to extract hefty sums from desperate patrons."
“I find the practice rather distasteful,” Valais sighs. “However, collaboration with his operations grants the Radiant Oath some measure of oversight in ensuring proper treatment of the refugees. Further, I have Guaril’s personal assurance that the Sczarni will not demand more in payment than their clients can afford.”
“Transportation’s expensive,” Guaril chimes in, keeping his gaze on a green emerald the size of a copper coin. “Not to mention paying off border guards and harbormasters. It’s dangerous work. Certainly, you wouldn’t expect my people to take such risk and not be properly compensated, would you? Or have you forgotten that Belimarius has placed a price on my head?”
“Not the first to do so, I’m sure.” Valais notes, before continuing, “Belimarius and her minions began to suspect Guaril’s intentions the last time he was in Edasseril. Now, they seek not only his head, but those of his known associates, including those among the Pathfinder Society. It is not presently safe for them or Guaril to venture within Edasseril’s borders.”
“I had a number of clients ready to go, before leaving Xin-Edasseril,” explains Guaril. “Most of the arrangements are already made. All you need to do is make contact with the clients. Give them the time and place for departure, then escort them out of the city—with their payment.” The Sczarni stresses. “You’ll get a hefty cut of the payment you secure as compensation for your hard work.”
“I prepared a client list,” Guaril says, handing over a sheet of scrawled paper. “Memorize it. Then, tear it up, burn it, chew it, swallow it—whatever you do, get rid of it! If Belimarius gets a hold of it, it’s a death sentence for anyone named on it.”
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Jacknife smiles when he hears mention of Dulcinea and then hears Ysoldt's greeting. He looks around, "Ah, I thought Dulcinea might be with you Ysodlt, it would have been nice to have worked with her again. The two of you kept from death taking my life. I'm always grateful to you both. So it seems we're together again, eh Ysoldt. We know we work well together." He takes from his pocket a necklace of what looks like small dragon's teeth. "I'm glad to be working with you again, let's hope to have some fun, eh?"
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The pale Irissen woman finds a place to sit and starts processing her drink just as Valais starts speaking. Immediately after the Varisian is introduced, Ysold does a spit take. She immediately coughs, but you could swear you heard traces of laughter in the sound. "Sorry, sorry.", she wipes the remainder of the drink off her chin - "Something must have went down the wrong pipe.", and listens in. During Valais' discussion with Guaril, her face shifts between various cobinations of amusement, bewilderment, and surprise.
After she is presented with the list of clients, she studies it for a moment with others, and smirks a few times thorughout the process.
"Well ... you only mentioned some sort of...", she makes air quotes with her fingers - "... proof of you sending us to these people. How would others know we're there to do what you want, Mister Karela? Any kind of gesture, of phrase, or anything of the sort? Something to wear visibly?"
She leans back again, and tries to hide the laughing grimace on her face with her mug. The eyes give it away, however.
Guaril looks up from the gem and sighs. “The clients are expecting to deal with me,” cautions Guaril. “But as that’s not possible, and as it’s now a few days past the window when I was to make contact, the clients might need some reassurance to go through with the job. They need your help and I need their money.” He shrugs. "Do whatever it takes to get them."
Giving the Pathfinders a stern look, Guaril then warns, “While you’re in Belimarius’s back yard, be careful. You are foreigners in Xin-Edasseril, and Belimarius has eyes everywhere. Don’t do anything that would draw unnecessary attention to yourselves. The last thing you want to do is tangle with the authorities. The runelord’s forces are well trained and quite capable. Keep your wits about you at all times and your blades sheathed. They will be your biggest obstacle. That and getting the money- oof!”
Valais 'accidentally' bumps into Guaril to cut off his conversation. “We cannot afford one of you being arrested or interrogated. Pay any bribe required to remain free. I don’t want to further expose any part of the operation,” says Valais. “Our goal here is to bring hope and freedom to as many souls as we are able. It is risky, but hope and freedom are worth the price.”
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----- Before the briefing ------
The heat of the forge was always soothing for her. A medium-sized dwarf was standing in front of the anvil working on a slab of metal. Her long brown hair was tied in few braids showing her serious face. Her brown eyes were looking at the red steel. The hammer rang frequently as she tried to change its shape. Patience was a virtue that she frequently lacked, but compared to human workers she was like a stone. She worked and prayed, a wooden symbol of Torag always hanging on her neck. It felt right, but she knew that she needed to go to a briefing. She should have left 20 minutes ago, but this steel needed some working, and she couldn't leave it just yet.
"Try to touch that hammer boy and I will throw you into the furnace" said coldly to a blacksmith apprentice who looked at her Warhammer in the corner. She had her first runes carved onto this weapon... it was precious to her...
----- The briefing
Makai entered the room, she was wearing a breastplate and on her back, she had a backpack and steel shield on top of it. Warhammer was hanging on her belt and on her right hand she had a spiked glove.
She gave each and every one of you a simple smile and introduce herself
"Makai Goldenoak, Torag's cleric."
She sat and listened to the briefing
"Can you explain the situation in Xin-Edasseril? Why can't people leave it? Who is this Belimarius? "
Valais smiles and turns to Makai. "You ask very insightful questions, Makai. The Runelord Belimarius is very protective of her citizens, and she has banned them from leaving. She thinks they owe her..." She frowns as Guaril chuckles and returns to inspecting his latest catch. Valais continues, "The Emerald Guard is there to enforce this rule. Luckily, we have a way to get you in and out without trouble."
“You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants,” explains Valais. “These papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire.”
“At dawn on the fourth day after your arrival in Xin-Edasseril, the ship Rolanna’s Prayer will arrive in a bay just outside the city: Shard Cove. The boat can accommodate five clients, providing an excellent opportunity to escape undetected. One of the clients, Flitch, knows a secret tunnel to Shard Cove.”
“Once the clients are aboard ship, return to the city. Any remaining clients that you weren’t able to smuggle out by sea will have to be smuggled out of the city with you, which means you’ll have to get them past the guards at the docks. Your ship, the Merry Mayfly, must depart the docks once your papers have expired.”
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Ysoldt raises a hand, her mug still covering her face as she does so. She quickly puts the mug on the table with a loud, sharp thud, and downs what was in her mouth. "Hold on a second! FOUR DAYS?!", she puts up her hand with four fingers raised to drive the point home. "How big is this city, exactly? Absalom is the most populous place I've been to and meeting up with 5 people should take one or two days; at most. Are we actually expecting to run into trouble? Why so long?"
She doesn't give enoigh time to respond and and follows up. "If we are to spend 3 nights there, is there a safehouse or some arranged spot where we can trust people to not turn us in for looking like we don't belong?”
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Jac likes the idea of being a merchant and tries to remember anything he's been taught about the place they're going on this adventure and it's oppressive ruler.
He asks, "You say each of these has a payment for you Mr Karela, but if we're going to get your money out, how much have you agreed with each and where do we find them. I mean, how are we going to find out where they are, without asking around. You know what guards like to know, when strangers are asking around. I should know, they chased me enough in Katheer." he says struggling to get any idea of what to do. Give me a rich merchant with large pockets, OK I know what to do, but smuggling, how do you do that?
"Xin-Edasseril is quite beautiful this time of year. The Emerald March should be this week, a glorious festival dedicated to their almighty leader." Guaril keeps his head down, inspecting his gem. "Once you're inside the city it won't be too hard to get to where live or work. If they aren't at home they should be there in the next five days." He pauses, looks at the gem and frowns. He lifts it up, noticing the huge crack in the middle, and drops it in the plate like last night's leftovers. "You know where Flitch lives, and he knows how to reach the Shard Cove. May as well start with him."
"Besides, you're supposed to be merchants, not delivery. If we only got permits for 1 or 2 days it would raise suspicion. If you need a place to sleep, go find an inn. This will give you time to, uh, explore and report yes? You Pathfinders always love exploring."
The Jacknife doesn't know anything specific about Xin-Edasseril nor does he know much about runelord Belimarius.
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Griffon runs his fingers through his recently dyed orange hair. Hes trying to assert his individuality more by making himself noticeable.
Should we need to get any of these clients past the guards, I used to be a tax collector, and am used to making people do what I want. I may be able to convince them to let us pass...
should we find ourselves in that situation.
Griffon reaches for his club and squashes a cockroach crawling on the table..making a loud thud.
got any cheesecake? How about summer sausage?..You know the summer sausage in Magnimar is particularly good this year...nice and tangy!
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Ysoldt's coughs once more after Quickblade's last sentence. She covers her mouth with a closed fist and mouths a single word with her lips: Savage
Her eyes go back and forth around the room, in expectation. She gives Quickblade an approving nod, and continues prodding.
"Soooo - what exactly is the Emerald March? Assuming it is some sort of festival, is there an actual parade - or something similar - involved?"
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to Quickblade:
yes...yes I like the idea...
To the Venture Captains:
Got any pickled okra?...Haven't had any in ages.
When Griffin flashes a rueful smile, everyone notices the slight gap between his two front teeth.
He pretends to squash another roach... hoping to make the cracked diamond roll off the table...
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Makai steps towards Ysoldt and pats her on her back
"You seem to be coughing a lot. I hope it helps"
She looks at the list of people
"So we are supposed to help to smuggle a thief, an accountant who was stealing money from the ministry, a bar owner, a teacher, and a mystery man." The dwarf turns to Venture-Captain
"Half of the list are criminals that try to escape justice. One should work the steel that they prepared. Why are we helping to smuggle those people? If a thief, guilt of a crime, would come to me in Absalom asking for help I would turn them in."
Makai seems to have moral doubts about helping criminals to escape.
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After being patted, Ysoldt thanks Makai. "Yes, it tends to happen in situations like this. Must be my very specific alergies. They always pop up when the... give me a moment here... morally ambiguous interact with the ostentatiously virtuous?", she pronounces the last part at a slower cadence.
She looks around. "Don't ask me. That's what a friend told me way back. He was a student physician with a little philosophy on the side. Took me a while to memorise and look it up, as well."
"But I agree with Makai here, and have been wondering - Why are we even helping these individuals? You of all people? The Radiant Oath?", she aims the last question directly at Durant.
Guaril stifles a yawn. "Great, now they don't want to help me complete a contract. Valais, maybe you can talk to them-" He quickly withdraws the gold plate as Griffon barely misses "the cockroach" nearby. "Before they smash the ship to pieces."
Valais exhales and steps ahead of Guaril to address the Pathfinders directly. "Do you remember our predecessors, the Silver Crusade? They believed in fighting evil directly. One of the changes I made when forming the Radiant Oath faction was to believe in redemption, kindness and compassion. I would not be here if the Crusade did not believe in me."
She scratches one of the glowing tattoos on her face. "A disgraced Venture-Captain began consorting with demons. I volunteered to investigate his laboratory, and he captured me. Forcefully grafted demon flesh to my body, then left me to rot while evil whispered into my ears. Told me to just let go. Told me I would never be accepted. Told me to give into rage and lash out at the world. But the Pathfinders who found me escorted me back to the Grand Lodge, and the Silver Crusade gave me a chance to reform, to recover and to heal. We went to the shores of Heaven itself and they blessed me with the body you see here..."
"You are correct, Makai. At least two of them have committed crimes, and one of them most likely enforced the runelord's iron-fisted law. Guaril knows I will not tolerate smuggling criminals. It's why the Rolanna’s Prayer and the Merry Mayfly will head straight to Magnimar, and Sheila Heidmarch and I will speak to them personally. If they truly wish to start new lawful lives, away from the runelord's wrath, then we will grant them the shelter they need. Otherwise they will spend their days in prison until they realize they need to redeem themselves."
"Heaven gave me a chance to reform from the literal bodies of demons; certainly I can ask you to bring five people to freedom?" Valais bows her head low and holds it, waiting for a response.
Quicklblade hasn't heard anything significant about the city or the runelord, either. Ysoldt hasn't heard much about the Emerald March.
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The Irriseni is not satisfied with the response, and it shows. "You misunderstood. I don't plan on leaving these fine agents in the dirt. Maybe just one of you.", she gives Karela a feisty look. "Either way -MOST- of the people I have met in the society were decent folk. And the motto is - Explore, Report, COOPERATE - after all." She is sure to put an emphasis on that last part.
"If you don't want to tell me why we are getting them out, so be it. I am a team player after all, but a curious one. motivation goes a long way. And I don't mean coin. Purpose, goal, or or a glimpse of the big picture tend to have a lot more punch to them."
She pulls out a dagger from her sheathe, and playfully leans the tip against her index finger.. "Now; if you want to tell me you are moving around the Inner Sea, trying to redeem every single petty criminal like this - I'm not buying that. Just pay me I guess? Unless...", she looks at Karela again, and then at her dagger. And again at Karela, with a spark in her eye.
Say, Master Karela, I might have an idea how to proof our identity as - she makes air quotes once more - "your" agents to your - erm - clients., she points the tip of the dagger at his head...
"How about", she puts the dagger to the back of her head, "some of those lovely locks of yours. Perhaps a bigger part of your scalp?"
She smiles playfully. "I jest. But you never know if you don't ask, right? Anyway - that issue still wasn't resolved. We know how to reach out to only one of them, I believe? Is there nothing else available?"
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Taking a lump of hard cheese and some biscuits, with weevils still very much alive, Jacknife bites and eats the fare on offer. "So you trust that these clients do actually want to leave, or are we at liberty to understand their motives. Are you sure none are just informers ready to hand us in and seek this Lord's favour?" Jacknife asks latterly, wary of the mission ahead.
As Valais explains, he shrugs his shoulder and picking up his warhammer, "Well, best we look after each other on this one, it doesn't sound like a walk in the park. At least we can thank you Valais for being straightforward with us."
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Quickblade nods in agreement with Jacknife.
Turning once again to Guaril, Quickblade adds, "Master Krelia, I do not have an issue with helping those in need. But I do have issue with those who exploit them for their own gain. That said, what my companions say is true. How do we know that these folk really wish to flee the city? How do we convince them that we are acting in your stead? And more importantly, how do we know that you are not just trying to curry favor with Belimarius? Maybe to reduce the price on your head."
"Ah, now I see. Stand aside, Valais. I need to be real with them for a moment." Valais rises from the bow and steps aside.
Guaril clears his throat. "It should be clear to all of you that I am driven by profit. People want to leave. Their ruler won't let them. Bribes are needed. Ship captains demand hazard pay. They won't accept the goodness of their own hearts to feed themselves or buy their rum." He pauses. "So, you see this isn't cheap. Oh, also I've provoked the wrath of a runelord. She'd like me dead. I like to stay alive."
He politely turns to Quickblade. "Turning in a whopping 5 escapees isn't going to save me, by the way. They contacted ME to escape the city. Theomolin paid me more than all the others combined. How could I earn the runelord's favor by waiting for escapees to show up to me and then betray them? Besides, betrayal is bad for business. Oh, and turning in six rookie Pathfinders on top isn't going to move the needle much, either."
"Now, let's say they are spies, hoping to bring a brigade with them to throw me in a jail, or slice off my mustache." He watches Ysoldt's knifeplay with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "Obviously I have to take a risk. But I don't think you realize how oppressive this land is. The runelord seriously believes all of her citizens cannot leave. She will torture anyone who tries to leave- or anyone who is caught smuggling. It's not slavery, but it's close. What's the point of working if you aren't paid for your efforts? "
"I was able to speak to at least four of the clients before I had to leave. I had my associates check them out, as well. IF they are agents of the runelord, they're good. Damn good. They already took a big risk by talking to me. They want out. And I know where they work, or live. "
"Want to find Flitch? Go to his apartment. Want to find the inn owner? Go to his inn, he runs it. Theomolin is the Minister of Tithes, go to the Ministry. Whats-her-face works at a magic college. Even this mystery Garrla wants you to meet them at the guard house." He shrugs at Ysoldt. "Turns out you'll be scalping me for telling you where all five of them are."
"So, believe me or not, I'm in for the money. Valais is in it to help redeem people, or justice, whatever. That's our motive." He shrugs. "Besides, I've seen and heard what Pathfinders can do to traitors. I'm no fool. All six of your could easily pin me while Valais spanks me silly."
He rubs his chin and muses. "Hmm, telling the truth is quite fun. I should do it more often."
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The elf takes a look at each of the speakers. She silently considers what is being said by each.
Perhaps Exalted Ones, you would allow myself and the rest of the Pathfinder Agents gathered here to commiserate before we agree to this mission?
Are there any knowledge checks that need to be made during the speaker's speeches>
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The stars move in mysterious ways, and they bring us all together now for a reason. Let us follow their wisdom, and trust in their oversight.
I offer my services because Valais asks us to. Valais deserves the benefit of a hundred doubts. Guaril may be a mercenary, but he also lives in peril. Let the stars judge him in their own way.
I'm in. I trust in the universe, for it often protects the righteous.
Valais's blush finally fades after Guaril finishes his speech about spanking. He may have touched a nerve, or maybe he was being blunt- she's not sure. "Yes, thank you all for your willingness to continue this task. You do raise good points, and I do everything I can to ensure we're doing this for the right people and the right reasons. Sometimes good acts to come from unexpected places." She takes a look at Guaril, who checks his mustache once more. He takes a moment to interject.
"Ah, yes. If you can only get one, Theomolin paid more than the rest combined- ow!" He pulls up his foot and falls back into his chair after Valais "accidentally" steps on him. "What I mean is, if you have to choose between my money and your life... er our money and your life, then live to profit another day."
You take the time you need to purchase supplies before bidding goodbye and getting on the merchant ship. The boats depart and you make your way to the green fields of Xin-Edasseri.
Xin-Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas. Most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon. Public construction projects dot the city, slowly erasing damage caused by its shift through time.
You all arrive at the city docks without much trouble. That luck soon ends as two armed guards arrive with gleaming magical weapons and armor. ”Travel papers, please.” You note a woman’s voice underneath the armor as she demands your paperwork.
As she takes a look at them, the other guard turns to you. ”Outsiders like you have to obey our curfew. You can be outside for 8 hours during the day, but you must be indoors at all other times. Also, your papers expire in five days. Keep your weapons stowed at all times within the city. This is strictly a no-chaos zone!” He chuckles, amused at his own joke. The other guard sighs and continues examining the papers.
After a few more minutes, she returns the papers to you. ”Papers are in order. You may pass.” The guards step aside.
Welcome to Xin-Edasseril.
Xin-Edasseril’s great beauty clashes with its terrible oppression. Uniformed guards patrol the city streets, and residents give you a wide berth. Maybe they worry you are undercover spies. Maybe they are right. Five targets in five days… who will you look for, first?
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While the guards are checking the documentation, Ysoldt prods the guards for information. "Oh, what a shame. I was not told about a curfew, and I was hoping to see the city at night as well. What time can we start enjoying the beautiful architecture and business in this lovely place?", she seems to have remembered something and asks without pause - "Also - I have heard rumours of something called the Emerald March, but I was not told what it is. Would you be so kind and enlighten me? Surely duty on a security checkpoint must be dull. Let your mind travel a bit while you tell us about it, please? Unless you are very busy and there is some sort of flyer available? Anything particularly interesting to see here? Are there..."
Ysoldt asks several other questions to keep the guard distracted from finding any falsehoods in the papers.
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When the guard returns with the papers, Jacknife thanks her profusely for the kindness and guidance she has given them on the customs of the city. "You know, I was told that the Rockfish Inn has the most amazing fish menu, and that I have to go there to have lunch or breakfast. Would you be so kind to give me directions, I would love some kippers for breakfast after all that plain food on the voyage."
Diplomacy
"Ah, the Emerald March! You're just in time!" The male guard hands the papers to the female guard, and all she can do is sigh. "Now our land was protected by the great runelord Belimarius when she protected us from Starfall. We owe her so much. The Emerald Guard will march up and down the streets, dressed in full regalia, and sing songs in her name. On Wednesday, you'll see us in action, and it will last until Friday night. Then the fireworks begin!"
The female guard keeps reading the papers. "Just get to the point, Ellvard. They don't need to listen to you ramble all day."
He frowns. "Of course, of course. Just check those papers." He turns back to Ysoldt. "Where was I? Ah yes, the fireworks. You'll be halfway across the sea by then. A shame. But that's the price of doing business outside of town."
The female guard just shrugs. "Yeah, everything looks good."
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As Makai travels as a merchant she uses her clan emblems on her clothing. An oak barrel in golden color. She keeps her hair mostly untied as she tries less prepared for fighting than usual. She does not speak to guards believing that Ysoldt has used more words than one needed to say in a month.
She kept carrying her shield on her back and weapon on her belt is it was not unheard of for dwarfs.
Jacknife begins talking to the female guard. "Rockfish Inn? That's in the center of the city. Plenty of better inns around there, but..." she shrugs. "Their rates are cheap, I heard."
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"Much obliged.", the Irriseni thanks the guards at the checkpoint and moves into the city. She catches up with Jac. "Sorry, I saw your talisman from our last catch, but the Sczarni distracted me. Nice touch. I didn't even notice when you pulled that out. I wonder if they are looking at the wyrm's head now wondering why is it missing a tooth.", she laughs at the thought.
Addressing the rest of the group as discreetly as possible, she looks at the map. "Not sure about you guys, but I don't have a good feeling about this mystery person, nor the accountant Especially because some ministry building is likely to be patroled a lot. Perhaps leave that for when most guards are in the parade. Maybe we should find the other ones first. We should also find a place to put our heads down for the night. Curfew, remember? Wouldn't want to upset the local authorities. That said, the obvious vote from me would be the Rockfish Inn."
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The elf tends to be quiet during their voyage. She tends to spend her time in study but is not aloof in a manner of superoritym as some elves can be, but in a way of studiousness and learning. Knowing that her skills do not lie in diplomacy, she is quiet during those times when it is needed. Her strengths are in that she knows things.