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The elven priestess enters into the room. Her hair is red as fire and her eyes are green as the spring grass. She is dressed in leather which is black and yellow in the stylized fashion of a wasp. On one hip she carries an elven curved blade, the other a rolled up scorpion whip. Around her neck is the symbol of Calistria and on her shoulders a white cloak, a gift from a former paramour. I am Atae, beloved of the Favored Sting.
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"With that get up, you'd never be able to tell," a halfling woman says with a smirk to Atae. "Not that I'm complaining. What do have on is bold. I respect that."
She suddenly remembers her manners. "Oh, I'm Aurika by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Aurika is a study in contrasts compared to Atae. She wears practical traveler's clothes that favour light greens, and her only armament is a dagger. Though anyone that takes the time to study her will see ink-stained fingers, suggesting that her pursuits are less romantic and more academic.
With time to kill, Aurika asks a question. "Say, do you know why paladins of Iomedae favour chainmail?"
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Listening to the exchange is a young man of Tian descent, but with surprising bright red hair and bright golden-brown color to his eyes, dressed in nice, but practical, traveling clothing. He carries little on him in the way of items, except for a somewhat elaborate scroll-case at his waist.
He will bow his head respectfully to the two women, but otherwise remains silent. He is alert to their discussion, but seems to take a moment to understand the points they make. As though Common is not his primary language.
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Yako-Zenko looks visibly confused as he tries, and fails, to sort that out. Eventually looking up and saying, in a notable, but not overly strong, Tian accent "Ano...If be excusing me... What does the having holes... be important to pally dens?... Also... what is being a pally den? Is that be similar to a den having no color?... I was thinking that was be said as 'pale', no pally... Have I be speaking wrong all this time?"
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A medium-height, broad-shouldered man enters the room with a certain confidence of ability. His muscles aside, he is a fairly unobtrusive man. Well-built, but not much to make him standout. A large sword is strapped to his back and his mis-mash of armor is not even slightly coordinated. "Greetings, future peers." he adds a bow after his greeting.
Instead of finding a seat, he chooses to stand in contemplative silence after finishing his greetings with the rest of the adventuring party.
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Aurika looks a little crestfallen at Yako's line of questioning. "Nevermind. If I have to explain it, you won’t enjoy the joke."
Noting the accent, the halfling begins checking to see if there's another language that they're more comfortable with.
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Aurika beams, but switches back to Taldane to answer. "I suppose so. Honestly, I had to pick up dwarven because there was a pair of bruisers in my old neighbourhood. Clan Axemane, though we called them the Axebeaks on account of their big, hooked noses. They were bastards who'd knock you about for whatever coin you had. So I got good at telling them where they'd find more coin. But since nobody likes a snitch..."
She trails off with a shrug. "Suffice it to say that knowing a big of dwarven came in handy."
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Rannarix is a clever-looking kobold accompanied by an enormous scorpion. He wears the heavyweight loose robes of a martial artist, though he carries a pair of strange weapons made of handles and wire at his waist. He watches the repartee between Atae and Aurika, wondering what about Atae's equipment was bold. Mammals were strange, he knew that much. Strange, but interesting.
He perks up when he hears Aurika address him in draconic.
"Heya," says Rannarix to the group at large. "I'm Rannarix and this is Mr. Snappers." The scorpion makes no sign that it is aware of your existence.
"So... pie?" He sets a large white paper box tied up with string onto the table. "I always like to start a mission with pie. It's one thing you mammals really do right. Come one, don't be shy. This one's cherry, I think. Nope. Blackberry."
He sets about cutting the pie. "I've got some forks. I learned last time how you folks are skittish about just tucking in."
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"Greetings Learned Rannarix and ... Mister... Snappers?" Frustration offers to the newcomers who bear pastry. "I am Frustration of an Aeon, a wandering monk from a small monastery in the mountains."
Frustration looks over the proffered pastry and shrugs, taking a small slice into a cupped hand and picking at it with his fingers, pulling a gelatinous berry into his mouth and savoring it slowly. "This is a good ration, Learned Rannarix. It seems adequate for the situation, but untenable for travel. You are right in having us consume it before the mission."
"I am but a poor man who has no offerings to make in return, but I shall repay you on our travels. I can mend small wounds and forage for meager offerings of the wild." Frustration offers as he spreads his hands, one still cupping most of a slice of pie, demonstrating a complete lack of anything beyond his splint, greatsword and a sling, hanging from his waist.
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Rannarix regards Atae with a little more curiosity as she also speaks his language.
The scorpion turns to regard Rannarix, who sighs and looks at Frustration of an Aeon. "His real name is 'Ruyi Jingu Bang'... for some reason. I guess you'd know something about strange names, right? But I think he looks more like a Mister Snappers, don't you?"
"Really, I just like pie," says Rannarix, blackberry filling glistening on the tip of his snout. "But sure, that stuff sounds good, too."
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"Ah, the great staff of the glorious Monkey King. I have a brother who follows the teachings of Sun Wukong. He has yet to leave the mountain, but I shall offer my blessing in his place. Well met, Esteemed Ruyi Jingu Bang." states the monk serenely, having finished his pie. He cleans his hand thoroughly and bows in admiration at the scorpion.
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"No... please. I being much enjoyment of jokes... just not be understanding, as not my home tons-... Tongs... Tongue! Not my home tongue!"
Yako-Zenko seems to at least comprehend the Draconic, but is even slower on processing it than he is Taldane. However, in response to Sylvan, a slight glowing symbol of a canid paw-print shines on his left hand in an icy-blue as he responds in Sylvan, his own voice suddenly more feminine in tenor, and of a much more certain cadence, than that of his previous sentences
The symbol disappears as soon as he finishes speaking in Sylvan. He will then turn and bow deeply to each of the new arrivals. Ensuring he makes such a bow specifically to Riyu Jingu Bang, as well.
"I am fearing that... I am never eating pie before... Is tradition eating without fork?" He will ask Frustration.
Then, suddenly realizing something, he will bow much deeper to the entire group, while clasping his hands in front of him. "Greatest apologies! I am forgetting manners! I am be called Yako Zenko... But be seeing as we be working together. You may be calling me Zenko."
He will finish bowing, look around nervously for a moment, then shakes his head determinedly. Taking a deep breath, the form of the man suddenly shimmers and distorts, before warping and twisting into the appearance of a humanoid fox, his red fur and golden eyes matching that of the hair and eyes for his humanoid form. His two tails twitching somewhat worriedly as he watches the groups reactions. "I am being here as En-bass-eh-door between my home city of Kihime and the Pathfindering Society. It is being my pleasure to be here..."
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A tall man in homespun robes sits in the corner, observing the other Pathfinders. Getting up, he makes his way to the group, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, fellow Pathfinders, I am Loong Laohu, but you may call me Tiger."
He turns to Rannarix, "Rannarix. One of my fellow Pathfinders, Francine Quickfingers, mentioned you in her first adventure. I hear you and Mr Snappers did a number on some people who stole artifacts?"
Tiger turns to the other Pathfinders. "Well met! I am sure we will work well together, as soon as whoever is in charge tells us what to do."
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At the introduction of pie into the equation Aurika quickly helps herself to a large slice. She ignores the fact that there are no plates and takes it by hand, potentially confusing Zenko even more. The pie slice disappears into her mouth, and moments later the halfling is licking her fingers clean. "If this is how every Pathfinder mission starts, I'm going to really like this gig."
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He turns to Rannarix, "Rannarix. One of my fellow Pathfinders, Francine Quickfingers, mentioned you in her first adventure. I hear you and Mr Snappers did a number on some people who stole artifacts?"
Rannarix bares his prodigious fangs. It -might- be a smile...? "I remember Miss Francine. That was the Case of the Clueless Museum. Mister Snappers liked her. Tell her we said hello!"
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Venture-Captain Hestia Themis put out a call to Pathfinder agents to solve the recent troubles threatening Cassomir’s resurgence. You meet Hestia at the modest Pathfinder lodge in Cassomir, but as soon as you arrive, she instructs you to follow her into the streets. Her speaking voice is commanding and fills the space around her. She keeps her dark black hair pinned back and wears fashionably functional clothing.
Hestia guides you through the bustling streets of her hometown, the Taldan port city of Cassomir. She makes several stops during the tour, taking her time to explain niche local history, and proudly boasts over the city’s current economic upswing. She showcases the efficient ship production line, with each new building and busy construction site. Hestia happily introduces you to the sights Cassomir until the group reaches the southeast district, a muddy slum known as Admiral’s Fen. She sighs deeply before speaking.
"Welcome to Admiral’s Fen. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but not too long ago this was the best part of the city. I spent my childhood running up and down these streets, but it has been years since the streets of Admiral’s Fen were clear of mud. Some bad years and poor city planning strangled the life out of this place. Each year, more and more of the neighborhood sinks into Blackwood Swamp. Even my childhood home has been swallowed up by the hungry bog."
"But something here is amiss, more dangerous than the common petty crime and vandalism. The rest of the city is enjoying a remarkable turnaround, but mysteriously, Admiral’s Fen is growing only more dangerous. Recently, a wave of violent attacks and murders have plagued the neighborhood, far more than could be considered normal. I have my suspicions, but no definite proof."
"The citizens of Admiral’s Fen deserve better. If these attacks can be stopped, perhaps the district can finally make a real comeback. It also wouldn’t hurt to strengthen the relationship between the Pathfinder Society and the new Taldan regime by quelling the derelict district’s woes. I want you to find out who or what is behind these attacks and put a stop to them. I’ve arranged for your lodgings at The Sinking Ship, one of the few remaining inns still operating in Admiral’s Fen. Blend in, get to know the people, and ask around. Someone knows something, we just have to find them."
After Hestia has finished speaking she hangs back a couple of moments to answer any questions.
******
Atae knows that many of Cassomir’s residents continue to worship Aroden, decades after the god’s disappearance. They hope their continued prayers will reach the absent god.
Atae also knows that The greatest export of Admiral’s Fen is an artisanal drink made using the unique fungi in the swamp.
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Yako Zenko will follow along and listen closely, trying to parse everything that is said. After a few moments of thought, "You be saying there is new crime here. Are they being connected? Or multiple people? Any suspic-... Supicion-... suppositions? Spicions?... Suspicions! yes, any being suspicions?"
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Aurika seems remarkably comfortable in the dangerous part of town, though that doesn't stop her from making an effort to keep a low profile. She pats the scroll of burning hands that she acquired earlier, hoping she doesn't need to set anything aflame yet.
To the Venture-Captain she says, "Yes, what Zenko said. But also, I'd love to hear what you think. What are your suspicions?"
She doesn't even think to ask what the city is doing about it. Having grown up in the Puddles district of Absalom, she already knows how much help the city has been.
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"Smirking, are you??" Aurika's has lost all pleasantness. Her tone, accent, and demeanor show someone who grew up surviving on the streets. "Does the Savoured Sting not teach about consent? Or boundaries? You best have a thousand apologies on the tip of tongue, else someone might have a mind to cut it off!"
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Seeing the combative situation coming to the fore, and feeling that, somehow, he is at fault. Yako Zenko will stammer out, "P-p-lease... Be no fighting... We being here to be finding crime-ists?... Crimps?... Crimeas? Criminals? yes! Criminals!... We being need to work in hand. No against. Y-yes?"
He will take a moment, though, to turn to Aurika and give a very thankful look and bow. Showing he greatly appreciates her speaking up on his behalf.
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"P-please! No revenging being needed. Aurika just shows knowing of my peoples... Being trying good friend to me. Yes? We do not be doing the touching. Is seen as not lucky... Erm... How say... Like cough on other. Very not lucky... Much dirty... I being much thankful for your appreciation. But I being only basic kitsune... Elders much more mag-knee-fee-scent than I."
He will quickly bow again, to each Atae and Aurika. "So we being friends now... Okay?... No be needing fighting. yes?"
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"You be saying there is new crime here. Are they being connected? Or multiple people? Any suspic-... Supicion-... suppositions? Spicions?... Suspicions! yes, any being suspicions?"
“We don’t know that they are, not for sure, anyway. The attacks are limited to Admiral’s Fen and the outskirts of the neighboring districts. The strangest thing is, there doesn’t seem to be any connection among the victims: old or young, rich or poor, Taldan or guest. Anyone could be next.”
“Several years ago, I subdued a dangerous cult devoted to Groetus, God of the End Times, with the aid of capable Pathfinder agents. I thought the cult had been destroyed, but now I’m not so sure.”
Hestia once again turns and begins walking at a brisk pace through the thick mud before reaching an intersection. She points to a large establishment with a prominent lean, the front of the inn built to resemble a ship’s bow. "Your lodging and meals will be paid for the next three days, please report back to me once you have found a lead."
Admiral’s Fen is in dire shape. To create the district, whole swaths of Blackwood Swamp were drained and cleared, and new buildings and roads were immediately constructed in the booming metropolis. But when the money slowed, the efforts to keep the swamp at bay were neglected. Buildings without strong foundations collapsed years ago. The streets have completely sunken into the mire, and everyone who could afford to leave the neighborhood has already done so.
Hestia’s choice of inn, the Sinking Ship, was once a mustsee attraction in Cassomir. Originally constructed as an homage to Cassomir’s shipbuilding tradition by an eccentric architect from Wispil, the building has traded hands several times. The once-grand interior is now thoroughly marred by years of muddy boots and lack of care. The rooms are sparse, but the drinks are strong, and the owner serves hot fish stew to guests every night. The inn is one of the few remaining establishments in the neighborhood where residents can congregate.
It is just after noon when you enter The Sinking Ship, and a crowd has gathered for the lunch rush. Tamara Reed, the proprietor of the establishment, darts among the residents, taking orders and commanding her staff. She notices you when you enter, "Sit where you like." The furniture was once high quality, but is now streaked with dried mud and shabbily mended where broken. After you have been waiting for about ten minutes, Tamara gets to their table and lists the specials for the day.
There are two options on the menu at the Sinking Ship. The most popular entrée is the fish stew; for a single copper piece, diners receive a thin tomato-based dish filled with the cheapest fish Tamara could procure from the market. The special today is the cavedano al forno, a flaky baked fish served on a bed of noodles for 1 silver.
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Aurika considers the two options, then asks Tamara for her input. "Which do you recommend between the stew and the cavedano? This is my first time out of Absalom, and I want to make the most of it."
Whatever Tamara suggests is what Aurika orders. If she makes no suggestion then the halfling orders the cavedano al for no.
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Taking in the briefing from the Venture-Captain, Frustration contemplates the next course of action. "Greetings Esteemed Venture-Captain, thank you for the mission. There shall inevitably be battle. It was wise for me to be recruited. Is there any information on the types of wounds suffered by the dead? Are we dealing with darts dipped in poison, the claws of a beast or the blades of a Revolutionary?" he asks, clearly interested in the test of strength to come later in the mission, once the pesky information stage has passed.
As a bangle is handed to him with both paws(?), Frustration looks to the Kitsune and bows deeply. "Your offering is noted, Benefactor. I am deeply grateful for your concern." he states while continuing his bowed stance, indicating an even deeper level of respect. From the bowed position, he adds. "What does Benefactor's ornament do and do I need to do anything with it?" he says, looking perplexed as the Venture-Captain hands out similar bangles to all of the party members, including himself. He ties the pair of bangles at his waist as they thrum lightly with mystical power.
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"Esteemed Patron, I shall have two bowls of your stew and a jug of water, if possible." he states plainly to the proprietor. "Additionally, we have come to deal with the murders in the area. Please provide us with any knowledge you may have on this situation and we will ensure that your section of town will be purged of this evil element." he follows up straightforwardly.