The missive from Venture-Captain Amara Li was clear, and comes to mind as the skyline of Korvosa rises into view over the calm waters of Conqueror's Bay in southern Varisia.
Recently the Society acquired a new ally in Absalom named Sendeli Foxglove. Now she has made something of a personal request. Sendeli has a sister named Zeeva in Korvosa who owns a successful marketplace. A competing business interest is threatening Lady Foxglove, and her sister requests the Society investigate and intervene. Please meet me in Magnimar.
|
Ehm gratefully tromps down the gangplank onto the dock from the miss-named Swift Wind. The crew, just as gratefully, watch him leave.
Lordie, but that hae to bein the slowest tub on the water!
Ehm dislikes ship travel and was certain to have complained loudly and long the entire trip.[/i]
Na ta fin the Lady Capin.
Eventually a brash gnome stomps into the Pathfinders office. He has some burned patches in his beard and scalp. And it looks like his moustache may have been permanently burned away. With no preamble he asks, [b]Wheel noo, watcha be wantin?
|
A halfling standing in the corner of the room, leaning againt the wall, chuckles at the gnome's entrance. "Calm down, my friend. You are one of the first to arrive. Have you travelled far? My last mission left me stranded here in Magnimar. Not a bad city, as places go, but a little quiet for my taste. I hear we are headed to Korvosa. Decent resources there."
"Name's Hogan. Farin by birth, but most just call me Fuzzfoot. Take your pick, as I am not too concerned what you call me, as long as it's nice!"
|
Sendeli Foxglove...I know that name! I think we had a fling once...it was after that business with the Golden Serpent. I wonder how she's doing? Ansha thinks as she reads the Venture Captain's missive, dropped off at her wizard's tower in Absalom. With a mental shrug, she continues, Maybe I'll drop in later, just for old time's sake. Oh, she has a sister? Hmmm....
She had preparations to make- A ship, maybe? She might enjoy the sea air. Then again, maybe she'd just wheedle Aram Zey or some other wizard into teleporting her there. That sounded like less of a bother. Yeah, she would go with that.
---------
A tall, slender elven woman opens the door and breezes in. The platinum-blond elf is achingly beautiful, with delicate frame and features, a small, straight nose and smooth porcelain skin. Her silken hair cascades over her shoulders like a cloak to end just above her buttocks. Attired in a green underbust corset and blouse, and a matching long-slit skirt, her long, elegant fingers are left exposed in a pair of elbow-length black fingerless opera gloves. An intricate choker rests at her throat, silver chains holding in place a gold frame inset with a large emerald; additional silver chains drape across her bare neck; dangling among the chains is a small gold disc etched with the elven rune for the first two letters of her given name, and a slender silver chain dangles from that disc into her cleavage.
A sword rests on her hip and she carries a staff in hand, but her attire, the way her deep emerald eyes twinkle with amusement, and the way her full, slightly pouting lips are quick to part into a disarming smile full of unspoken promises make it obvious that neither are her real weapons.
She comes up short as she notices that there are far fewer people than she was expecting, and almost turns on her heel to leave. "Looks like I'm early again," she says with a sigh. "Guess there's no helping it."
She drapes herself over a nearby couch and only then seems to notice that there were two others in the room. "Oh, hello! I didn't see you two there. I'm Ansha," she says with a finger-wave.
|
A heavily bearded Cheliaxian gentleman enters, puffing on a pipe billowing clouds of sweet smoke.
”Ah yes. This is the place. Greetings and salutations. Roderick Xim at your service.“
He half nods or almost bows to those already assembled. Doing a second glance at Fuzzfoot and Ehm , he adds…after taking another draw from the pipe.
”From the looks of it, I am not the only one here who dabbles in the alchemical arts. “
|
|
After receiving the missive, Rakesh gathered his belongings and made his way to the dock yards of Absalom. After almost an hour of seeking passage to Varisia, he finally found an affable merchant captain of a small cargo ship willing to take him on as a passenger for no fee, as long as Rakesh worked alongside the crew during the journey.
The journey west along the northern coast of the Inner Sea went by quite uneventfully, although he did enjoy his time interacting with the crew. Rakesh had plenty of time to practice with his weapons or lay in the sun during the day after coiling rope and rigging in the early mornings and throwing fishing nets with the crew at sundown. It wasn't until they headed north along the coast of Cheliax when storms nearly wrecked the ship twice. The crew of the small ship expertly managed the ship through the squalls, and in just a few days, the bustling port city of Korvosa came into view.
--------------------------------------
Standing at nearly seven feet tall, a towering serpentine humanoid with broad shoulders and a muscular physique enters the room. Covered in glistening green scales with dark brown stripes, his thin forked tongue tastes the air as he enters. A wickedly sharp longsword swings from his belt on one side, while a shortsword with green-tinted steel hangs from the other side. A finely crafted longbow of Mwangi origin is slung over his back.
He gently closes the door behind him then glances about with a reserved manner as he strides into the room. Oblivious to the gnome standing in the way --whose small stature is only as high as the nagagi's knee-- the towering nagaji nearly stumbles over the small fellow.
I beg your forgivenesss, little one.
He apologizes softly to the gnome as he moves past.
Greetingsss.
He says in a low, hissing voice as he offers a graceful bow to those present.
I am Rakesh Manidhar. It iss a pleasssure to make your acquaintance.
|
|
Somewhat puzzled, Rakesh looks downward at the halfling.
Servicesss? I am in need of no ssservi... Wait a moment.
He stares at the halfling.
The towering nagaji bends down to one knee to get a closer look at the halfling. He notices the various vials, potions, stirrers, and other alchemical equipment on the halfling.
Greetingsss, Farin. I sssure would not mind a cup of sssoothing jasmine tea right now.
|
|
"Well, let me see if I can rustle that up. You know, I have had to play the part of servant in more than one mission, and it isn't such a bad gig. Sure beats being a slave! The perks are few there."
Fuzzfoot checks his supplies, and not finding any tea, walks into the hall to see where the closest kitchen might be.
|
|
Unlike the others, Kit trots into the city and, eventually, the pathfinder's lodge. She finds that travelling by land is more profitable. When your stuck on a ship the rubes find it easy to corner you when you make the teensiest little mistake. The magnificent horse she is riding (at least in her mind) has it's mane all duded up, while Kitoro, herself, is dressed in an expensive looking outfit (courtesy of Sleeves of Many Garments) and a cloak with all kinds of mask embellishments on it. Tiny theater masks with serious and comedic expressions. Shelling out a fair bit of cash (easy come, easy go) she rents a nice room for her stay outside the lodge (I assume we are meeting at a pathfinder's lodge) and settles in before the meeting.
With a bright and cheery smile she enters the briefing room and lounges on the most comfortable chair she can find, almost manspreading in the careless way she relaxes. She is shorter than average with lustrous coal black hair and a pale complexion (when in human form as she normally is in mixed company). She is also stunningly beautiful though if you have the perception you can tell that there is something not quite right and that she is a Kitsune.
"Greetings, adventurers, may your stay be prfitable and fun. Mostly fun. I certainly intend to have fun. Sooo. do I have it right tht we are being tasked with a bit of spying? I know! Shall we practice with a game of hide and seek? Harris loves that game. I have to warn you, he never loses."
As she says this she points down and to her left, though there is nothing there.
|
|
Ssservant? My dear friend, you mussst have misssunderstood. I am in need of no ssservant, either.
Rakesh throws his head back in hearty laughter at the halfling's reaction.
I beg your forgivenesss. I had assumed that, with all of your gear, you may have had a bit of tea.
The towering nagaji follows the halfling into the kitchen area.
We are to meet Amara Li here, are we not? She must have some tea around here sssomewhere.
He gives a warm smile to the halfling.
I shall sssearch the high shelvesss, while you search the lower cabinetsss.
A feminine voice, barely audible and coming from the lounge startles Rakesh, causing him to knock a shelf with his elbow. A stack of porcelain dishes crashes onto the floor.
With serpentine mouth agape, he looks in surprise at Fuzzfoot.
Oh no! That must be Amara Li! Quick! Back to the lounge!
He shouts in a whisper.
He nonchalantly walks back into the lounge area and is relieved to find it is not Amara Li. Instead, the newcomer appears to be the latest addition to the group.
---
---
Amara Li greets the team as they arrive.
“Thank you for coming. I know this seems like a trivial matter, and if you consider the matter pedestrian and more suited toward the local constabulary, I wouldn’t blame you. Even so, there are extenuating circumstances.
First, the competing business interest is the Aspis Consortium. It makes little sense for them to harass a local greengrocer, so there must be a deeper layer to this.
Maintaining close ties to Sendeli Foxglove is an agenda the Society feels is worth pursuing in and of itself, but if we can assist Zeeva while also hampering the Aspis Consortium’s efforts to gain influence in Korvosa, all the better.
There is smoke here, now find the fire. Extricate Zeeva Foxglove from this feud with the Consortium. If she’s anything like her sister, she’ll want to be an active part of this team—but you are not to let her put herself in danger. We’ve made that clear to her, and you’re expected to abide by it and ensure she does as well. If this matter is simply crooked business, then just resolve it and continue on to Magnimar where Venture-Captain Heidmarch will surely have more in store for you.
Any questions?”
|
|
Roderick takes a puff on his pipe.
”Indeed. The circumstances are inconsistent at best, lending to the likelihood of foul play involved. If there are any other details on the area which could be pertinent, please let us know. Otherwise, we will undoubtedly find the source of the matter once in position. “
|
|
Ansha waves a hand from her prone position on a couch. "I have fond memories of her sister, Sendeli, so I don't mind helping out this Zeeva a bit. Only a couple of questions, for my part. What do we know about the Aspis operations in Korvosa? And when you say, 'extricate'--are we getting Sendeli's sister out of Korvosa, or just trying to resolve the dispute she has with the Aspis?"
|
|
It iss a pleasure to sssee you again, Miss Li.
Rakesh says as he lowers his head in respect and steps forward.
Sssorry about your dishesss.
Can you tell us anything about Zeeva's passst? Was she previously involved with the Aspisss, perhaps an Aspisss Agent herself at one time?
He grimaces each time he hisses the Consortium's name.
Is she known to be a merchant of any other goods besides just fruits and vegetablesss?
|
|
Why'd weuns not jus burn tha competistin ta the ground? Problem solved
Rakesh turns towards Ehm Sven.
There are probably just as many members of the Aspisss as there are Pathfindersss.An unscrupulousss trade organization, they will do whatever is necessary to get what they want.
He hisses.
And I quote... "While it is not unknown for merchant groups to sell weapons to both sides in a conflict, the Consortium might take it further and actually have a hand in starting the strife to begin with. Others might praise the Consortium for providing desperately needed grain to a famine-struck region, without knowing that agents helped cause the drought. They are loyal to no government, having members from many countries and nationalities."
Looking at Rakesh's chest, one can see there are small painted circles with red lines slashed through each one on his armor over his heart --Nine bronze, three silver, and one gold.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
”If there are any other details on the area which could be pertinent, please let us know.“
"Unfortunately, I've given you all the details I know of."
"What do we know about the Aspis operations in Korvosa?"
"I don't know much, but I believe Zeeva should have a better understanding."
"And when you say, 'extricate'--are we getting Sendeli's sister out of Korvosa, or just trying to resolve the dispute she has with the Aspis?"
"Oh, resolve the dispute. She has ties to this community, she's not prepared to leave."
Sssorry about your dishesss.
"If you can fix the matter with Zeeva, consider us even."
Can you tell us anything about Zeeva's passst? Was she previously involved with the Aspisss, perhaps an Aspisss Agent herself at one time? ... Is she known to be a merchant of any other goods besides just fruits and vegetablesss?
"I certainly have no evidence that's the case, although it's possible. Keep your eyes and ears open."
Why'd weuns not jus burn tha competistin ta the ground? Problem solved
Venture-Captain Li frowns. "That's not something the Pathfinder Society should be doing. We're here to help a friend and ensure an even playing field."
"Does Zeeva know we are coming?"
"Of course - she's expecting you. She's at the Green Market."
The Green Market is located in a populated area of South Shore. Along the way, the Pathfinders can learn more about the Green Market.
They may also learn more about Zeeva Foxglove.
|
|
Ansha muses as they travel, recalling what she knows about the Green Market and the Foxgloves--Zeeva in particular-- and striking up random conversations on the subjects with passersby. Unlike her chatty companion, she doesn't reveal anything about them--an information broker had to make money somehow, after all.
|
|
On the way to the Green Market, Rakesh spots a rat-on-a-stick vendor on the side of the street. He approaches the haggard merchant who is slightly taken aback by Rakesh's appearance. Rakesh purchases ten of the uncooked rats, skinned and lightly seasoned for the grill, and pays the merchant with 2 silver pieces from his sack of petty cash from the Grand Lodge. He makes small talk with the vendor, then, once warmed up to Rakesh's friendly demeanor, begins to pry the vendor for some information about Zeeva Foxglove.
The Green Market is a mostly wooden structure built like a massive barn. It stands on a flattened section of raised earth five feet higher than the surrounding street. The structure is only a single story, but the ceiling rises to twenty-five feet and has numerous glass skylights that can be opened and closed with extending poles and ladders for lighting and ventilation. To the south is the main entrance that has large iron gates which can be slid and chained shut. On the southeast and southwest sides are exterior docks with sliding bay doors, where farmers and merchants can unload the wares from their wagons directly into stalls or bring them into interior kiosks. Inside, the majority of the ground is hard-packed earth, except for the stalls, which have wood flooring. Only the four southeastern stalls carry goods other than produce. The southern-most stall has casks of wine, oils, and vinegar. The other stalls sell quality clothing, jewelry, and finished furniture. On the northeast side is an office that can be secured by another sliding iron gate. North of the office is the market’s back entrance. Finally, in the center north is a park-like area with a large tree and flowered bushes kept alive by an open skylight above.
Any of the merchants or shoppers readily identify Zeeva Foxglove (), a stunning woman with chin-length, strawberry blonde hair, wide brown eyes, and a generous smile. She carries no visible weapons and wears no visible armor. A sleek, black cat rubs itself against her ankle.
“Thank you so much for coming. I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I’ve complained to the city, but it’s as if the Aspis Consortium has bribed everyone or the authorities just don’t care. I’m happy to pay for your lodging while you’re helping me. If you like, I can show you around the market and answer any questions about anything you haven’t already been told.”
---
When Ansha asks her about what the Aspis Consortium wants, she replies, “Initially they wanted to buy the Green Market, but I wasn’t interested. It’s been very successful and, though I never thought I’d find myself saying this, I love what I do. Then they wanted to lease space inside of it, but when I found out what they wanted to sell I declined. That’s when they started to harass me.”
|
|
"Nothing good, I'm sure. The are rascals and always up to something nasty."
Harris waits outside and watches for trouble, invisible as usual. Kitoro lets her curiosity occupy half her mind as she distractedly picks trough odds an ends, whatever strikes her fancy, though there is not much. Foodstuffs do not pique her interest unless cooked, and cooked well.
"Tell us about the lead agent that contacted you. I would like to be able to recognize him or her on sight. Or, perhaps you could point the agent out if here? Have there been threats?"
If not, I'm sure there will be.
|
|
Hm...I guess she does look a bit like her sister. Definitely a family resemblance.
Ansha nods along encouragingly as Zeeva explains the issues she's been having with the Aspis. "What have they been doing to harass you?" she asks. "Horse-heads in your bed? Roughing up regular customers? Things like that?"
Flashing the merchant a dazzling smile, she adds, "And just what is it that you love doing so much, anyway? Is it something the Aspis could be after? Magic, mystery, that sort of thing? On the face of it, it doesn't seem like an enormous barn would present much interest for that bunch."
|
|
Rakesh is fascinated by the Green Market and how it operates. How the stalls are arranged neatly with a small park at the north end. Very efficient and quaint, unlike the hustle and bustle of other big markets. However, he needs to focus on the mission. There could be trouble around every corner or behind each market stall.
Misss Zeeva. How often do they harass you? Do you expect them sssoon?
Rakesh glances about, keeping watch for any trouble.
|
|
Roderick takes one last puff on his pipe and then puts it away in its case.
The Aspis are not known for trustworthy endeavors, that is certain. When we determine their motive, I assure you it will be for far worse than just selling illicit goods in a market for small gains. They are up to something I suspect. Something bigger and more vile.
|
|
Having barely understood a word the gnome said, he did understand the names Shoanti and Aspis. Hearing "Shoanti", Rakesh cocks an eyebrow at Ehm Sven. He spent some time with the Shoanti and even underwent a grueling Shoanti ceremony to test his strength and stamina and became an honorary member of the Wind Clan.
You mention Shoanti.
Rakesh glares at the gnome.
What do the Shoanti have to do with thisss?
|
|
"Curses? Nah, I bet this guy just got sick and didn't want to tell his wife where he got it."
Now concentrating on their host, the halfling bows and says "We are happy to help, miss Zeeva. Sounds like a basic shakedown. Surely this will just be a case where we have to make it more attractive to leave the Green Market alone. Just got to find the right pressure point. Yes, a tour would be lovely, and then if we can drop our excess gear, we can start a patrol looking for these Aspis agents."
Wat them twisty types be wantin ta sell?
“Weapons, armor, and magic goods. Those things have their place, but my customers are not adventurers. They are people looking for food and goods they need to survive. The Green Market is a community-based business.”
"Tell us about the lead agent that contacted you. I would like to be able to recognize him or her on sight. Or, perhaps you could point the agent out if here? Have there been threats?"
"What have they been doing to harass you?" she asks. "Horse-heads in your bed? Roughing up regular customers? Things like that?"
Misss Zeeva. How often do they harass you? Do you expect them sssoon?
“Well, initially they just sent over pompous businessmen to convince me an alliance would benefit us both. I repeatedly declined their advances, so they started sending around low level thugs to 'persuade' me. You'll probably see them around - stick around the market and watch. It’s only a matter of time until they come back to try and strong-arm me again.”
She encourages the Pathfinders to fan out and get a better sense of how the market works.
We'd be hearin this area tis portant to thems Shoanti folks. Yea be knowin why? Might be sumpin that the be portant to thems tribes be of value to thems Aspis buggers.
What do the Shoanti have to do with thisss?
Ansha glances at Rakesh. "The rumor is that the Green Market is built on or near a site sacred to the Shoanti. Given that the previous owner of the Green Market died of an odd wasting disease, there's probably something to it."
"Curses? Nah, I bet this guy just got sick and didn't want to tell his wife where he got it."
"There are so many rumors about the Shoanti that they can't all be true. People say this market is built on sacred ground, but there's hardly a place in Korvosa that hasn't faced similar accusations."
---
Fuzzfoot concentrates on the market itself, watching as people come and go, looking for anyone who seems interested in something other than buying goods.
+1 traps
, +4 if heightened awareness active
Ehm and Rakesh notice a man who focuses on Zeeva, approaching. He is trailed by three thugs, who fan out in an intimidating formation. The man bumps into Fuzzfoot and declares, "Out of the way, short stuff."
Round 1!
Rakesh
Roderick
Kitoro
Leader (black outline)
Zeeva (NPC)
Ehm
Ansha
Fuzzfoot
Thug (red outline)
Thug (blue outline)
Thug (purple outline)
|
|
Rakesh strolls alongside Zeeva as they discuss about her problems with the Aspis and the success of the Green Market.
"Well, Zeeva, you will have no problem with us around. We'll do whatever we can to..."
Suddenly, something nearby grabs Rakesh's attention.
"Zeeva?"
He points at a nearby kiosk.
"Is that sssalesman ssselling handcrafted ssscented candlesss? I've been meaning to get... some for..."
Out of the corner of his eye, he spots suspicious movement intermixed with market patrons. Reacting quickly, he draws his blades in a flash.
"Aspisss."
He hisses.
"Zeeva! Stay behind me! We'll protect you!"
Lifting his blades high, he steps toward the thug wearing a purple ascot. With a quick swing, he slashes at the man's thigh.
As Rakesh pulls his longsword back, he attempts to hook the blade behind the man's leg to force him to the ground.
With the green glistening shortsword, he thrusts it forward at the man's sternum.
And backswings the longsword around with an overhead chop.
"Quick! Sanctuary or invisibility on Miss Zeeva!"
He shouts to his companions as he points with a bloodied blade at the woman.
Favored Enemy: +4 atk & dmg humans, +2 mag. beasts.
Aspis Hunter: +1 atk & dmg Aspis Agents.
Hunter's Tricks used: 5/6
Attuned to the Citysong: +1 untyped bonus on Initiative checks and Knowledge (local), Perception, Stealth, and Survival skill checks.
Favored Terrain: +2 Initiative checks and Knowledge (geography), Perception, Stealth, and Survival.
|
|
Unprepared for the sudden appearance, Kit unfortunately does not have her finger puppets ready, the go-to for inspiring performances. Still, she is nothing if not versatile, and begins a magically infused inspiring comedic dance . Able to multi-task she also casts a DC 17 hideous laughter on the thug nearest her (red). Out of self preservation, of course.
She is too busy twirling and such to say anything, but it seems like other, less social pathfinders prefer not to talk anyway.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Roderick observes the sudden commotion with interest
”I say! What have we here? “
He checks the position of the man and thugs
”Tell your thugs to step away or we will defend with force if necessary. “
He steps forward and readies to throw at the leader if he advances or attacks anyone.
for 5'r splash, 6 elec dmg (DC14 for half).
.
Rakesh leaps into action, slashing at one of the thugs repeatedly. The human reels.
Kitoro casts a spell.
The thug chuckles but doesn't laugh.
Roderick readies an action, but it's not clear the leader is attacking anyone.
The leader casts a spell and disappears.
A voice echoes, "You want to do this the hard way? Fine, then."
Zeeva backs away, casting guidance on Ehm.
Round 1!
Universal: Inspire Courage
Rakesh
Roderick (readied action)
Kitoro
Leader (black outline)
Zeeva (NPC)
Ehm
Ansha
Fuzzfoot
Thug (red outline)
Thug (blue outline)
Thug (purple outline) (-52 hp)
|
|
The halfling shouts out "Gotta spell caster here... er... where'd he go?"
Then Fuzzfoot grabs his Alchemical allocation elixir, swallows it (std action), pours the potion in his hand into his mouth (move action), does a quick swish as he turns invisible, and then spits it back into the flask it came from (free action).
Ehm and Ansha see the leader, chasing after Zeeva.
The thugs spring into action, drawing their greatswords. Red moves up to attack Roderick, Blue moves to attack Ehm, and Purple stands to attack Rakesh.
Round 2!
Universal: Inspire Courage (until Kitoro's turn)
Rakesh
Roderick
Kitoro
Leader (black outline)
Zeeva (NPC)
Ehm (see invisibility)
Ansha (see invisibility)
Fuzzfoot (invisible)
Thug (red outline)
Thug (blue outline)
Thug (purple outline) (-52 hp)
|
|
Victory is what we seek, Pathfindersss! Take them all down!
Rakesh shouts to his companions, offering his own bit of inspiration.
Glancing at Kitoro between blows as she performs her comedic routine, Rakesh chuckles maniacally as his blades slice and stab the thug.
Flipping the shortsword in the air and catching the handle to grasp it in a stabbing fashion, he does a sideward stab into the man's kidney .
Then swings the longsword in a wide outward arc into the man's ribs.
Favored Enemy: +4 atk & dmg humans, +2 mag. beasts.
Aspis Hunter: +1 atk & dmg Aspis Agents.
Hunter's Tricks used: 5/6
Attuned to the Citysong: +1 untyped bonus on Initiative checks and Knowledge (local), Perception, Stealth, and Survival skill checks.
Favored Terrain: +2 Initiative checks and Knowledge (geography), Perception, Stealth, and Survival.
roll4initiative
Ansha Saeralyan PFS
Ehm Sven Nien
Fuzzfoot Hogan
