A brisk breeze carries the scent of the sea up to the Pathfinder Society’s lodge in Katheer, the capital of Qadira. The lodge’s shaded balcony gives a panoramic view of Katheer’s harbor, revealing hundreds of ships moored in the busy port, lateen-rigged merchant dhows and the bright-sailed warships that protect Qadira’s shipping. As you wait for the Venture-Captain to arrive and explain why you've been summoned here, it seems like a good idea to introduce yourself to your fellow agents.
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Hamish is a rather stern looking muscular half elf. His clothing is simple, a black cloak and dark britches. His chest is contrastingly clad in a bright silver breastplate, though the dull wrought iron Symbol of Pharasma hanging from his neck dampens the glare. Among the various weapons arranged for easy access include a leather whip, a blackjack, a longsword, a morningstar and a shortbow with a quiver full of arrows.
Appearances aside he gives a friendly smile to the other assembling crew, ”Warm greetings! My name is Hamish. The lady of graves has granted me some skills against the abominations of the unliving. Other than that, I will simply provide support and distraction.”
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Heard long before he is seen the clangor of an individual in full plate armor 'introduces' the next individual to enter the room. Perhaps alarmingly to some - it's a Hellknight! Few in the Inner Sea would fail to recognize the distinctive and menacing armor: gleaming, black, with curves and spikes everywhere. The Hellknight lifts his arm to point at the elf in the silver breastplate, "YOU! You're the one I've been looking for! Did you really think your crimes would escape our notice? Your theft of...one cigar! shall be punished!"
Lifting the visor of the helmet, Hamish recognizes the face of the Paladin/Hellknight with whom he dined at the manor of Damian Blakros!
Trajan shakes Hamish's hand, grins, and tells him, "Sorry if I startled you but I thought I'd try out the new armor."
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Tabar is wearing a dark brown adventuring outfit and light leather armor, he has a buckler and carries a fine Rapier at his hip that is attached to his wrist with a very fine chain.
”Yes, yes! Or no, no! We have not had the pleasure or misfortune to work together before. I am Tabar! And of course I know a lot more than the average human !“ he says with a sarcastic tone.
“Listen well … “ he says and starts a small monologue.
“You are also for equal rights for all races and beings, right?!? Right!? All power for humans is not your slogan, right?!?“
The scrawny Ratfolk with dark brown hair and black eyes sits on a riding dog with a military saddle. The dog looks like a mixture of a black wolfhound and a mastiff.
Around Tabar’s neck a pendant with the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is clearly visible.
”This dog of mine is ‘Sag’ ... " Tabar says very fast with a friendly smile on his face that suddenly fades away.
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Speaking to Hamish he says, "Sir Damian did promise us a fine meal while we were at his estate so no stealing of food and wine was required."
Turning to Jaakko, Trajan says, "And well met to you again Jaakko! Our last mission was quite the desperate one; that Shoggti quipploth was a strong enemy. But we prevailed over the fiend in the end."
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“You are also for equal rights for all races and beings, right?!? Right!? All power for humans is not your slogan, right?!?“
The scrawny Ratfolk with dark brown hair and black eyes sits on a riding dog with a military saddle. The dog looks like a mixture of a black wolfhound and a mastiff.
Around Tabar’s neck a pendant with the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is clearly visible.
”This dog of mine is ‘Sag’ ... " Tabar says very fast with a friendly smile on his face that suddenly fades away.
Trajan nods at Tabar's speech, "Indeed all creatures shall be judged equally under the law."
As you make introductions with your fellow Pathfinders, the door from the balcony to the lodge opens.
“Thank you for getting here so soon,” the nasal voice of Venture-Captain Osretia Cassomiran calls from within. She is a tall, gray-haired woman of Azlanti lineage, and she rifles intently through papers as she speaks from inside her office. “Have you met the groom, Farendir Faireven? He’s quite bright, especially for someone from the River Kingdoms.” The strange question comes from out of the blue, and she's the only one in the room.
Venture-Captain Cassomiran’s quest continues fruitlessly as she searches a sagging bookshelf. “The bride’s quite a catch, too; called the Lady of Silver for her father’s wealth. It’s certainly a coup for young Faireven.” She doesn't seem to notice the confused looks on your faces.
Clambering beneath her desk, her voice is muffled by stacked texts. “Anyway, during the wedding feast, the girl’s father, Master Bashir Al-Mudaris, plans to donate several valuable relics to the Pathfinder Society. Clearly, Master Bashir wants to promote his new son-in-law’s status in the Society. That’s where you come in: we need you to escort these antiques to Absalom.”
Suddenly, the Venture-Captain shouts, “By Irori! I found them!” She places several elegantly scripted invitations on the dishevelled desk. “You do have something decent to wear for the wedding, do you not? You’re going to represent the Society, and we certainly can’t afford any embarrassments.”
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"Good Venture-Captain, Osretia Cassomiran," speaks a white-haired gnome with a jovial laugh and high-pitched tone. "You are speaking to Azelwarred the Wise, Advisor to both pauper and prince, to both scallywag and sovereign, to both ruler and ruffian." He gives a deep bow. "I have attire to suit occasions from the most decent to the most decadent, from the most ribald to the most righteous, from the most auspicious to the most appalling."
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He nods at the heavily armored knight, ”See? They did like how we handled the last party. Otherwise they wouldn’t have brought us back for another.”
The half-elf glances down at his notepad that he scribbled in through the briefing, ”Alright, tickets are a good start. Do we have travel arrangements as well? And where is the wedding?”
He continues once those are answered, ”What are the relics and are any dangerous? Are there any groups or individuals that don’t want us to take the artifacts? In that vein, is there a weapons rule at the wedding itself?”
"So many questions!" says Cassomiran. "Somebody is trying to impress me! Well, the wedding is here in Katheer, but won't start until tomorrow afternoon. Most of the male guests will be wearing weapons, though likely of a far more decorative and ceremonial sort than I imagine you'll insist on bringing in! Now, what was the last question? Oh yes, the artifacts. I have a list here somewhere . . ." She begins lifting up more stacks of paper before finally finding what she's looking for and passing it over. "I haven't received intelligence of any threats to the wedding or gifts, but in Katheer, such things should never be taken for granted."
Bashir al-Mudaris’ Gifts to the Pathfinder Society
The Bylaws of the Zhonari Order: A set of 17 papyrus sheets purportedly from the fallen city of Shadun, these crumbling manuscripts rest in a case of lacquered cedar. (Weight: 8 lbs.)
Portrait of Prince Khasine: Approximately 900 years old, this funerary portrait depicts the Qadiran Prince Khasine who fell in battle during his nation’s invasion of Taldor. (Weight: 3 lbs.)
The Locasi Carpet: In ancient times, wandering kelishite priests of Sarenrae carried colorful mats depicting scenes from their scriptures. Their followers knelt around the mats, absorbing the colorful messages during the priests’ sermons. This time-faded carpet was supposedly woven by the revered High Priest Ubaidah Abd-Hikmah. (Weight: 21 lbs.)
Font of Irori: Over 400 years ago, the warlike Pasha Muan produced this vessel, supposedly a gift from Irori himself. The font appears as a smooth, perfectly even silver bowl, but in rare instances viewers claim to see complex, ever-shifting patterns within the metal. (Weight: 2 lbs.)
The Jewels of Xalmer: A collection of cloisonne clasps and buckles, these gleaming trinkets once belonged to the infamous blood-sorcerer Xalmer. Legend claims that the thirst-spirit Ragathiel reduced Xalmer to dust in their final battle, leaving behind only these bejeweled ornaments. (Weight: .5 lbs.)
The Lamp of Machila: Once an heirloom of the House of Machila, this hanging lamp looks uneven and pitted. Lit in a large chamber, the lamp’s light pro jects a wondrous image: the magnificent throne room of an ancient emperor. Even more amazing, it generates this projection without detectable magic. (Weight: 5 lbs.)
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"Pardon me Venture-Captain Cassomiran but I have never met or even heard of Farendir Faireven. Are we supposed to meet him before the wedding? As for attire I was hoping to represent not only the Society but also my Hellknight Order - the Order of the Godclaw - and wear my armor. Would that be allowed? If it isn't I do have clothing and jewelry I bought to attend an opera in Taldor although that event devolved into a rather gruesome battle..."
Trajan frowns in thought of all the social events he's attended for the Society that turned into a desperate fight...
Turning to Hamish, "It's a wedding with political overtones. It's a given someone won't be happy the bride isn't marrying their son, brother, nephew, or someone else close to them."
sounding more Hellknight than Paladin
"Eternal vigilance is the price of order..."
Venture-Captain Cassomiran looks Trajan up and down slowly. "Well, your armor is certainly . . . ceremonial . . . enough for the wedding. You can exchange pleasantries with the bride and groom during the reception. As for the gifts, bring them back here once the event is over. I'm arranging for a ship to take them to Absalom, and you'll be on board."
She looks at the rest of you. "If that's it, you had best be off to make yourselves as presentable as possible before tomorrow. Oh, one last thing. Some letters arrived for each of you." She hands you each a sealed parchment. "Don't worry. I didn't peek," she says with a grin and a wink.
Favored Servant of Her Majestix,
The news I relate fills me with passionate envy that I cannot spare the time to join your voyage. Sadly, many do not trust Cheliax, failing to see the rewards we bestow on our loyal allies. While you are in Katheer, I require that you direct your utmost energy toward overcoming such
untrustworthy impressions. In particular, the church of Sarenrae is powerful in Qadira: forge relationships with the Cult of the Dawnflower’s faithful and clerics in such a way that they will remember you fondly. Receptive clergy will later be shown the many advantages to friendship with Cheliax--a significant advantage for us in the region. Of course, I have also heard ramblings that a certain jealous madman
in the region with ties to your wedding reception may have falsified some connections with our great faction. If you happen to find said connections, do your best to ensure no one else sees them.
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Friend of Liberty,
Pathfinder Faireven’s marriage to the Lady of Silver promises to bring great prestige to the Pathfinder Society. The bride’s father has already offered valuable support and donations. Be warned: our allies have heard suggestions that the House of Silver’s rivals hope to embarrass them by slandering our Society’s reputation.
While in Katheer keep an eye out for one of our countrymen who recently vanished there. A courageous priest of Iomedae known as Camplin Penstowe was investigating reports of Andoren subjects forced into slavery. While in the area, discreetly check on the fellow’s fate. Additionally, if one of those slavers harmed him, do your best to uncover proof of any crimes they may have committed against Qadira, turn them over to the authorities, and see that justice is done.
Sincerely,
Captain Colson Maldris
Friend of Liberty,
Pathfinder Faireven’s marriage to the Lady of Silver promises to bring great prestige to the Pathfinder Society. The bride’s father has already offered valuable support and donations. Be warned: our allies have heard suggestions that the House of Silver’s rivals hope to embarrass them by slandering our Society’s reputation.
While in Katheer keep an eye out for one of our countrymen who recently vanished there. A courageous priest of Iomedae known as Camplin Penstowe was investigating reports of Andoren subjects forced into slavery. While in the area, discreetly check on the fellow’s fate. Additionally, if one of those slavers harmed him, do your best to uncover proof of any crimes they may have committed against Qadira, turn them over to the authorities, and see that justice is done.
Sincerely,
Captain Colson Maldris
Emissary of the Ruby Prince,
May the blessings of our land’s ancient spirits guard you on your journey!
The merchant Bashir al-Mudaris, father of the bride, plans to donate several items to the Society on his son-in-law’s behalf. Several of these relics have never been properly studied by a scholar trained in the disciplines of Osirian lore-mastery. To rectify this misfortune, arrange for those items of greatest arcane significance to be brought to the noted Osirian sage Hanimethiris, currently dwelling on the Street of Eyes in Katheer. He will require but a few hours of study to wrest any secrets from the relics.
Hanimethiris is also expert at the preservation and restoration of antiquities and can help prepare the items for transport. For the
sake of propriety, wait until the wedding is concluded before you ask him to perform this task.
Additionally, some within the Court of the Satrap have accused the Pathfinder Society of dishonoring the dead by calling them looters or tomb robbers. If you see any such evidence, do your best to restore the location in question to its former glory in order to show that at least Osirians within the Society are not grave robbers.
In Service to Lore,
Amenopheus
The Sapphire Sage
Emissary of the Ruby Prince,
May the blessings of our land’s ancient spirits guard you on your journey!
The merchant Bashir al-Mudaris, father of the bride, plans to donate several items to the Society on his son-in-law’s behalf. Several of these relics have never been properly studied by a scholar trained in the disciplines of Osirian lore-mastery. To rectify this misfortune, arrange for those items of greatest arcane significance to be brought to the noted Osirian sage Hanimethiris, currently dwelling on the Street of Eyes in Katheer. He will require but a few hours of study to wrest any secrets from the relics.
Hanimethiris is also expert at the preservation and restoration of antiquities and can help prepare the items for transport. For the
sake of propriety, wait until the wedding is concluded before you ask him to perform this task.
Additionally, some within the Court of the Satrap have accused the Pathfinder Society of dishonoring the dead by calling them looters or tomb robbers. If you see any such evidence, do your best to restore the location in question to its former glory in order to show that at least Osirians within the Society are not grave robbers.
In Service to Lore,
Amenopheus
The Sapphire Sage
The Venture-Captain nods in approval at Hamish's question. "Now here's someone thinking like a proper gentleman! But you need not worry about bringing a gift. I've arranged for delivery of some exquisite topiaries."
"Unless there's anything else, I should get ready for another team coming in for a briefing. So, off you go! Good luck, and give the happy couple my regards."
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After reading the missive, Trajan folds it up and tucks it into his gauntlet.
"Good catch Hamish; we might've had to supply you as a wedding present for your bardic abilities!" as he nudges Hamish.
"I need to find an armorer capable of putting a shine so bright the heavens will see it."
Trajan will look for a temple of Iomedae in hopes they may know of someone qualified for the job.
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For the evening, Azelwarred will attune himself to the spirits of the city, seeking information from not only the overall architecture and bustle of the town but also from individual denizens both upright and otherwise.
If he spots a mouse, a sparrow, or some other creature that looks potentially talkative, he will cast speak with animals to try and gain additional information from a different perspective.
Trajan has no trouble finding someone to polish his armor until it gleams!
Meanwhile, Azelwarred hits the streets to see if he can pick up some information about the coming festivities.
During the ceremony, hundreds of guests crowded the temple of Sarenrae while prosperous merchants and courtiers strutted in silken finery and scholars and clergy nodded gravely, clad in sober robes. Scores of servants and grooms waited outside as the High Priest of Sarenrae intoned the couple’s vows.
Now, the newlyweds have led their guests to the splendidly decorated courtyard of Master Bashir’s estate for the wedding feast. Young men whirl through an ancient sword-dance to the frenzied pounding of doumbeks, their blades clashing louder as the song’s tempo increases. Servant girls bring forth a dazzling array of dishes and iced sekanjabin drinks, as daring snake charmers mesmerize a dozen lethal asps. The festivities have begun!
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Zeldana managed to catch up with the group on the wedding's eve, and learned the sad fact that she would have to 'dress up' for the event. The rest of the day was a frustrating experience trying to find dresses that would fit her imposing frame and not immediately burst at the seam when fitted over her armor.
She also had to pay some serious coin to draw a stablemaster away from his duties long enough to 'pretty up' Winnie, her pet owlbear, with ribbons, colored feathers and various accessories.
Arriving at the ceremony, she felt immediately uncomfortable, but tried to relax by standing at attention towards the back and focusing on scanning the gathering like a guard would. There, she would keep a leash on Winnie (not that she needed it, but to make others feel more comfortable with the beast's presence) and focus on entertaining the children and allow them to safely pet her companion.
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Zeldana pets the owlbear on the head as she speaks to the children or any other Pathfinders arriving, and the overgrown cub seems to somewhat relax on his first instinct of testing the various still moving food walking around the establishment...
"SKREEEEEEEEAAAARRRGH! skreeargh... hoot... hoot... hooooot..."
A late arrival supplements the Pathfinders' ranks as the festivities continue!
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The bard, on the other hand, is moderately comfortable with the wedding. It was a beautiful service and the reception is amazing. He enjoys himself quite a bit, and after trying to drag Trajan into a good mood*, flits about dancing and socializing quite a bit.
*"Hey Trajan, come on. Lighten up. What are the odds that TWO parties in a row end horribly? Why don't we just aim for a hangover and worry about the stuff in the morning. They probably just want us to keep it safe from bandits on the way home. I'm sure nothing will go wrong here at all, so lighten up and enjoy yourself!"
Having adequately performed a few of the ones he knows, Hamish heads off to chat everyone he can up and gather random intel.
He also looks to catch the priest who officiated for a chat.
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The bard, on the other hand, is moderately comfortable with the wedding. It was a beautiful service and the reception is amazing. He enjoys himself quite a bit, and after trying to drag Trajan into a good mood*, flits about dancing and socializing quite a bit.
*"Hey Trajan, come on. Lighten up. What are the odds that TWO parties in a row end horribly? Why don't we just aim for a hangover and worry about the stuff in the morning. They probably just want us to keep it safe from bandits on the way home. I'm sure nothing will go wrong here at all, so lighten up and enjoy yourself!"
Having adequately performed a few of the ones he knows, Hamish heads off to chat everyone he can up and gather random intel.
He also looks to catch the priest who officiated for a chat.
Trajan silently intoned blessings and prayers from Iomedae and the others composing the Godclaw during the ceremony, hoping to bestow even more divine assistance upon the happy couple. The only outward symbol Trajan is doing anything are his fingers moving from one 'claw' to the next on the large symbol engraved in the breastplate of his armor.
Once the ceremony is complete he attempts to remain with the other Pathfinders mindful that, while it is a party, they have duties to attend as well.
Listening closely to Hamish he replies, "Bear in mind I'm Chelish from the losing side of the Civil War: we have trouble believing things will go well." as he chuckles. Still he does enjoy some of the food and drink as he doesn't know when, or if, he will ever be in Qadira again.
He also attempts to help Hamish with his information gathering:
As Tabar groans with boredom, Hamish dances! The half-elf has trouble keeping up with the skilled dervishes and their fancy footwork, but it's all in good fun. Afterwards, he and Trajan ask around for some hot goss while Jaako inquires about a missing priest.
After the feast, friendly challenges rang out across the courtyard! Warriors swagger forth, clad only in loincloths and swinging cudgels, to battle atop a bed of red-hot coals! It seems the victor will not only win great acclaim, but do especial honor to the bridge and groom.
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Handwaving to a servant Trajan spoke with earlier, the young lad presents Hamish with his exceptional quality drums!
Nodding towards the warriors Trajan tells Hamish, "I believe they need some dramatic music to set the mood. Show em what you've got!"
He then starts encouraging the guests around them to cheer and goad Hamish into performing for the crowd!
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Hamish plays it up, like a performer should. Pretending to decline until properly cajoled. Then rapping a few quick combos and setting the scene for the sweaty warriors to rhythmically beat upon each other, in tune to his own dripping ministrations upon the skin tight instruments.
He makes sure to of course bow before the bride and groom, giving them the honor of the performances.
Hamish pounds the drums in perfect syncopation to the warriors' combat. Everyone gasps when Zeldana challenges the burly, oiled warriors by stepping onto the hot coals!
Initiative (Round 1)
Grey
Yellow
Blue
Zeldana
White
Black
Bold should go!
Falling prey to the vice of machismo, the burly warriors ignore the foreigner female and turn on each other!
Initiative (Round 1)
Grey
Yellow
Blue
Zeldana (need Fort save)
White
Black
Bold should go!
Zeldana barely lands a glancing cuff to the side of the warrior's head, but that's all it takes! Already, four competitors have been eliminated, leaving Zeldana locked in single combat!
As Zeldana and the remaining warrior square off for a final confrontation, everyone's eyes are drawn to the battle--or so it seems . . .
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Trajan gently grabs Hamish and Jaako, the two Pathfinders he's familiar with, and gestures to the guard by the menagerie, "I'm in full plate and I'm not sweating that much; something is amiss."
As he finishes speaking he begins to head in the guard's direction while checking to see if Tabar and Azelwarred have noticed the same thing.
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Azwelwarred approaches one of the standing next to the animal menagerie wagons, who appears to be sweating profusely and looking around nervously.
"I say, good sir, is something wrong?" he asks the guard. "Will you be forthright or must I as inquire amongst the members of the menagerie? Most camels tend to be quite observant as well as honest, if a bit condescending."
Azelwarred the Wise
Jaakko Varpunen
Tabar
Hamish the Bard
Shadow Dragon