Gloomy overcast has shrouded the City at the Center of the World into a dull gray place. With the high humidity combined with the low temperature, one would hope for a little ray of sunshine to wash away the numbing grayness.
Around midday, just after lunchtime, the Pathfinders are called into Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin's office in the Grand Lodge of Absalom for an important new mission. Outside his office in the waiting lobby a few couches have been set for agents to sit on and wait for their turn. Evidently the cushions are worn, scratched, and even a little torn thanks to a few agents not so caring about their equipment's effect on the immediate environment.
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A lean and agile man with red hair walks forward.
”Hey everyone, I am Suussmaar! Did I miss anything?
He has a bastard sword at his hip and a longbow on his back.
He wears a mithral chainshirt that looks like it has not seen much battle.
Resting on top of his chest is an amulet showing the holy symbol of Ragathiel which looks like a bastard sword crossed with a crimson wing.
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I love this weather, a very quiet and mousy voice whispers.
It comes from a wisp thin human girl of seemingly no more than 10 or 11 years old staring out the nearby window. She turns and looks around at the damaged furniture, and then stays standing instead. Her strawberry blonde hair is pulled back into two pig tails on either side of her head. And her pretty blue and white dress reminds you of one that you might expect to see on any middle class girl in Absalom these days. This is the façade she actively tries to perpetuate, only discerning eyes of finally honed Pathfinder agents can see through her intentional disguise. The features are not quite human, and there's some age in her face that most would not notice at a glance. It's hard for most to tell she is a young halfling woman, and she's glad of it, children can move around without being noticed much easier than adults can and this can be very useful.
In fact she is easy to miss, speaking so low you have to lean in to hear, she stares down at her buckled shoes as she speaks slowly.
Hi I'm Lolly, I like that amulet, Suussmaar.
Venture-captain Amburs Valsin is seated behind his large and meticulously arranged desk, and he is not alone. At his side behind the desk stands the smirking, mustachioed likeness of Guaril Karela. Ambrus gestures to the chairs set forth before the desk, then begins his briefing.
"Some of you may not be acquainted with Mr. Karela. He's an ally of the Society and he's provided the Decemvirate pertinent information concerning this situation. I've invited him to participate in your briefing. Please extend to him every courtesy." Ambrus nods at Guaril to take the lead.
Guaril preens at the recognition and sets aside this dockside slang. "By way of my own resources, it's come to my attention there's an individual looking for a buyer for a collection of valuable lore. These are legends—researched, annotated, and correlated with allegedly verifiable sources and maps. This poor, unfortunate soul has gotten himself in over his head with the loan sharks, and he's seeking to liquidate his assets before h finds himself liquidated—if you follow me." Guaril grins toothily before sobering. "Cap'n Valsin and I have arranged a meeting with him. We've let him think he's getting paid on the spot, but that's just the ensure that he actually shows up. He needs that money. But the Pathfinder Society doesn't survive by trust alone. You're going to need to talk him into coming to a safe house while we authenticate his collection and verify it's worth the gold we've promised him. It's the best offer he's going to get without also eating his own entrails, because the Aspis Consortium has no reason to look out for a man with a price on his head. This is not a complex job. No deep politics, planar gallivantin', or diggin' fleas out of your trousers. Nevertheless, this collection could spur many more meaningful missions to come. Good coin and uh—lost secrets and such—"
"Exactly," Ambrus Valsin interjects, "I'm already aware Grandmaster Torch thinks this is beneath your station. What he needs to understand is that the Ten view any success as a victory, especially if it opens up mode leads for the entire Society. This individual, by the name of Syrdathiel, is an elf with expensive tastes. He wants to meet somewhere he feels safe. The Golden Serpent is a high-class restaurant in the Ivy District. That quarter of the city is routinely patrolled by its own paid mercenary force and the volunteer efforts of an order of paladins. Security shouldn't be a problem, but by selecting you we're leaving nothing to chance. Just persuade him to come in for the night, and in the morning he can walk out with cash in hand to settle his problems. If all goes well, you can be in soft beds before the night is over. There's no travel expenses required here, but the Society is glad to reimburse you for dinner. I've eaten there myself; the menu is impeccable."
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Smells of soil, ash and aroma-oils arrives with female ratfolk, who's hunches as she walks and not pleasent in general.
Captain Valsin, master Carella, my pleasure. Suussimaar you say? And Lolly. Let it be. I am RogjamedA. Last "A" word stress. Do we expect for someone? , -says RogjamedA with a creaky calm voice.
RogjamedA likes gloomy gray colours of present Absalom.
She wears dark filthy robe and likely no visible weapon. But an amulet is clearly visible at her chest - small rat skull on a dark chain.
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After hearing the breifing, RogjamedA decides to ask:
So, we need to talk around a proper meeting with the seller. And then execute'em. I mean close the deal. I can do a proper inspectation of provided lore sources. I've got a transport - maybe you saw funeral cart cart outside? Anyway. Maybe more info about this Sydrathiel? You also mentioned grandmaster.... maybe he provided some intellegence aroun this case or the dealer? It's better to be armed with knowledge brfore with dive into Golden's Serpent swallow .
Rogjameda plays with a rat-like skull and put aside cold steel heavy pick - the only possibly weapon. If you forget about bandolier with magic wands. The ratfolk gloomly looks at Guaril:
Any special requests in Exchange sphere, master Carella?
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A gnome with a shot of red in his bright yellow hair, nods after the briefing:
- So you say, easy job, just a meal, and an escort. I am always happy to participate in good dinner, but it looks like there is another side of a card there, - he is constantly shuffling a Harrow deck in his hands, - whom this person might be a treat? Why someone will kill him? Dead man pays no debt. If he owes someone, why they would kill him?
He quickly runs through his memory trying to recall anything about Sydrathiel.
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Entertaining a collector at dinner and keeping watch in the inn we can do easy enough. Are we to validate the authenticity of the documents, or is there an expert to do that? Will the collector bulk at the change in the agreement. He might fear a double cross. Lolly squeaks out quietly.
She's happy to see some short people joining this mission. She is typically the only small folk on most of her previous missions.
Guaril Karela looks at the group and chortles. "Bringing Syrdathiel to the lodge shouldn't prove to be too difficult for a group of pathfinders, am I right? Just don't kill him, obviously," he says with a glare at Rogjamedá, "we're aware he isn't thinking clearly, and he has self-destructive tendencies. If you have to apply 'five knuckle persuasion', or charm him through guile or magic, so be it. Either way, we'll look after his best interests after the transaction is complete. We do have a positive reputation to maintain."
The Sczarni mastermind takes another mindful look at Rodjamedá. "Special request? Succeed in the mission!"
"If there's a third-party interference, don't come back here for reinforcements or permission—take the initiative and chase the target. You know Absalom is the worst possible place to lose track of anything. But remember you're operating in a very public venue."
"Regarding the collection, you needn't worry about it, since you are not there to make the transaction. Just persuade him to come along. We can provide a much better security for him over here at the lodge."
"The debt collectors might see it easier to just get rid of Sydrathiel and take his possessions instead of trying to take them 'nicely'. The elf has his reasons to be a tad paranoid, I admit."
Sydrathiel is not a well-known figure who would have garnered a lot of fame. Additionally he has avoided the limelight quite well.
The absolute only thing that comes to mind is how some elf in the Ivy District spent huge amounts of wealth to attain luxury. Rumors say the same elf had gotten most of his wealth by gambling and loaning gold.
The Ivy District is among the safest quarters of the city. It's the home of many craftsmen, artisans, and minor nobles.
The district is routinely patrolled by its own mercenary police force, known as the Ivy District Watch. The watch is supplemented by the Brotherhood of Abadar, a group of paladins who patrol the same area as a matter of personal spiritual devotion.
The Brotherhood of Abadar and the Ivy District Watch are close to open conflict. The watch does a fine job, but the brotherhood has presented itself as a free (albeit faith-based) alternative, which makes it quite popular among some taxpayers. Both organizations have their supporters and critics. Their dispute seems territorial.
The Brotherhood of Abadar does exemplary work, but unlike the watch, these paladins are not above evangelism and often promote a moral ethos. The local theater often features daring and even risque performances, and the brotherhood and the watch have clashed on the theater's legal right to do so.
The restaurant recently came under new management, but this has not diminished its sterling reputation. Famous artists, politicians, and city celebrities frequently dine there.
The new owner of the restaurant is a young woman with a noble aura named Sendeli Foxglove. She is not a native of Absalom, but rather a wealthy immigrant who bought the Golden Serpent outright with the bulk of some personal inheritance. She is considered a local mystery.
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When heared that the Golden Serpent is run by Foxglove, Rogjameda nods and scratch her nose Recently we destroyed a disease and a full manor connected to a Foxglove family in Varisia. Thats odd and sick, but interesting detail. Also...
The ratfolk gladly shares all she found about Ivy District with Diplomacy.
Ambrus Valsin answers Lolly. "The lodge functions as a safe house in this endeavor. So bring him here."
He also continues as he observes the group. "I feel the need to point out how the venue is more upper class than what some of you might be used to. I suggest you put on an attire more suitable for the occasion, and not march in clad in crude armor. Invest in looks."
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Thats a shame. I need time for bathroom. , - being not really stron illusionist in such matters, RogjamedA dicides to prepare a bit.
The ratfolk covers almost all her body with a long robe and a large cape. THe clothes may mock Nethys symbolic a bit, but instead of black and-white colors, Rogjameda wears red-and-black contrast.
She also wears a tiny chain which pierces nose and left ear.
The team then heads out to the Ivy District, making a detour at the local tailor's shop to get some fancy garments for the diplomatic audience with Syrdathiel. Even though only Maeglin is the sole customer, the tailor is more than happy to supply his needs.
From Lolly's perspective there's definitely some present tension that is deliberately being held in check.
A lonely elven male sits at the nearly empty table in the center of the room. He gives a meaningful stare at the pathfinders as they enter, nods, and gestures to them to sit. Resting on top of the table is a leather folio, tied shut with leather straps.
"He-, hmm, Hello," the elf says with some anxiousness, "you're from the Pathfinder Society? Hello! Oh but I said that already, sorry. I'm Syrdathiel, but you probably knew that already. Heh, yeah. Please sit down, let's have something to eat. Are–, um, can you pay my portion? Y-you probably know my, uhm, sit–, I mean, predicaments?" He glances around as if there's a debt collector just around the corner, waiting, preying, hunting.
Syrdathiel seems confused with the mixed signals. "Err, what's going on?" he asks, looking at Suussmaar and Maeglin, "but I-I can't go to the lodge! I agreed to meet you here, do our int– transaction here. Yeah, that was what we agreed with. W-why are you trying to have me go elsewhere? Th-that's very suspicious!"
Syrdathiel seems like he forgot about dining all of a sudden.
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Suussmaar takes out his notebook and then looks at the elf.
"Listen Syrdathiel! You're going to accompany us to a safe house in the Grand Lodge while we authenticate your collection and verify it's worth the gold we've promised you. It's the best offer you're going to get without also eating your entrails! So we would appreciate it if you would come with us ... preferrably now! But if my companions want to eat then after dinner." he says with raised red bushy eyebrow.
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Thats a shame they have no rat-on-a-stick here. - nods Rogjameda looking through the menu. SHe adds then: But I'd drink something and take some goat cheese. As for our business - we sure can come to agreement as far as we a not thursty. And whats wrong about taking a walk to our lodge after, eh, Syrdathiel?
Syrdathiel looks very reluctant to move anywhere, despite sound reasoning made by the pathfinders. The situation is eased as none other than the owner of the Golden Serpent, Sendeli Foxglove, arrives with a pile of menus. "Pleased to meet you all," the stunning, long blonde haired woman says, walking to the table with fine clothing, "welcome to the Golden Serpent! I hope you've arrived here hungry and ready to eat. Please take a look at our menus."
She hands a menu to each person on the table. The menu's cover itself is luxurious, made of red-tinted leather with gold-weaved rims and an embroidered golden dragon covering the entire front page.
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Hello Sir, I'm Lolly. Yes we should enjoy the meal she says looking to Suussmaar and smiling. It's okay sir, we just want to make sure we are paying for you've promised and we want to make sure you are safe and sound while we do; by morning you should have your coin and be able to secure your safety. I think you'll find it will be worth your while.
Lolly tries to aid Suussmaar's straight forward approach.
Looking at the menu, the chef does a lovely dish with fresh catch trout. Spotting that on the menu, she tries to act as though she is familiar with the Golden Serpent, even though she has never been there before.
Her hope is to put the nervous elf at greater ease with some mundane chatter.
Syrdathiel scrambles and takes the menu from Sendeli. He opens the first page and looks at it, "m-maybe we ought to eat first, right? This got to a bad start, I think. I'm just nervous, you know? You understand that?" the elf pleads and gives a pitiable smile.
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Back to Sendeli appearance, RogjamedA asked in a thoughtful voice if she know any of Foxgloves from Varisia.
RogjamedA passively participates in small talks, winking sometimes.
But the rat folk becomes more talkative after beverages.
-You must be newbie in such things, right, Sydrathiel? You are nervous. That's a good thing Pathfinder society has a reputation of... Khm, sustainable and insistable. So it is really much better for health to stay in good relations.
RogjamedA smiles with teeth. She asks to look clother what in the leathe folio. With Sleight of Hand if necessary.
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Rogjameda makes a slapy facepalm after this Suusmaar's perfomance, but she still looks around at servants reaction. Being ready to disappear with documents, she say aloud in a craeking voice...
Did ya dee a funeral cart , fellows? Maybe familiar some potential clients around, who can die... accidentelly? Or maybe somene already separated with'es soul recently?
The ratfolk try's to calm down fellow with a gesture.
Syrdathiel rushes up, his face twisted into rage, "screw this facade, kill these idiots!" he screams, and instantly the patrons of the restaurant try to take cover, seldom starting to scream. Sendeli, who is behind Suussmaar, is clearly looking out for herself as well, as well as her establishment.
Lolly is the quickest to react to Syrdathiel (or whoever he is) standing up in anger. It's more than apparent this is going to up having someone get hurt.
[u]Link to combat map[/u]
Bold may act
Lolly
Syrdathiel
Cyan Thug
Green Thug
Maeglin
Suussmaar
Sendeli
Rogjamedá
The halfling's harming magic burns Syrdathiel's very being, as he writhes in agony. Furious about this, he draws two swords, and strikes the halfling with his longsword.
Thanks to the magical armor, Lolly is unhurt.
One of the thugs is easily identified on the raised platform, and he takes a bead from his necklace, and lobs it towards the pathfinders.
The thug by the door rushes towards the halfling, seeing their boss, Syrdathiel, in danger. During his charge, he draws his rapier, and attempts to impale the little pathfinder.
The pointy sword strikes at a vital spot, hurting her a lot. The wound begins to bleed profusely.
[u]Link to combat map[/u]
Bold may act
Lolly
Syrdathiel
Cyan Thug
Green Thug
Maeglin
Suussmaar
Sendeli
Rogjamedá
Suussmaar's volley of arrows promptly stops the bead-lobbing thug on his feet, and he falls on the ground, bleeding. People around the man start screaming louder, it's almost ear-deafening.
Sendeli recovers from the fiery blast, trying her best to aid the patrons with their burns.
[u]Link to combat map[/u]
Bold may act
Lolly
Syrdathiel
Cyan Thug
Green Thug
Maeglin
Suussmaar
Sendeli
Rogjamedá
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Lolly narrowly misses the worst of the fireball. Surrounded, hurt, and in the way of Maeglin's magic Lolly decides it is time move to safety. She deftly moves away from both attackers, trying hard to avoid there attacks, as she goes she pulls out a wand. She darts around to the front of the stage looking for other enemies!
The green thug gets to swipe his rapier at Lolly as she makes her escape.
But the halfling has her magic armor to deflect the blow.
As she moves away, Maeglin springs into action and summons a gaping hole under Syrdathiel.
He is able to swiftly avoid falling into the deep chasm.
Syrdathiel grits his teeth as he had just escaped probable death, and slides next to Suussmaar. With his longsword he strikes the warpriest.
He easily hits the red-haired man, slashing a wound on his torso.
The cyan thug bleeds. And continues to do so.
Gasping at his friend's demise, the green thug squints his eyes at Suussmaar as well. He dashes around the tables with his rapier in hand, jumping over cowering patrons, just to flank the archer.
[u]Link to combat map[/u]
Bold may act
Lolly
Maeglin
Syrdathiel
Cyan Thug
Green Thug
Suussmaar
Sendeli
Rogjamedá
The green thug tries to poke new breathing holes for Suussmaar as he walks past.
He is able to poke at least a small stab wound on the pathfinder's shin.
Suussmaar's first double arrow hits Syrdathiel, but the second doesn't. Bloodied, the elf grits his teeth and looks at the warpriest with murderous eyes.
Sendeli figures she should not be this close to sharp blades, and retreats to aid other patrons.
[u]Link to combat map[/u]
Bold may act
Lolly
Maeglin
Syrdathiel
Cyan Thug
Green Thug
Suussmaar
Sendeli
Rogjamedá