After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.
“I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire."
“Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future.”
She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues.
“Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you.”
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The Ratfolk listens to the VC as he absentmindedly tosses small chunks of bread to the fish swimming around the pond. ”I don’t suppose you have any more information on the elves of the Mordant Spire and Sephriel? He’s basically kept to himself. How about the Azlanti ruins or even the town of Riddleport?”
The Ratfolk wasn’t much to look at. He was obviously male, but he didn’t seem to have much in the way of weapons or armor. Hiw he planned on defending himself seemed a mystery.
The Venture-Captain answers: "Sephriel? He is a representative of the isolationist Mordant Spire elves who have stood guard over the ruins of ancient Azlant for millennia. His safe arrival at the Mordant Spire is of paramount importance, and your primary mission.”
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Genesiks, a strange-looking being covered in glowing tattoos, stands perfectly still as he listens to the instructions. They reply in a warm, gentle, and oddly-paced voice: "Hello, Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch. I am happy to be of assistance today. I understand and will comply with the following request: Escort Sephriel to Mordant Spire. Please have a pleasant day."
"The island of Mordant Spire lies in the Steaming Sea on the southern tip of the Ironbound Archipelago, and is home to several thousand aloof and alien Mordant Spire elves, who guard ancient Azlanti artifacts and patrol the many remaining islands of that lost continent. We are luckly to have one of them reaching out to us, so that we might have the chance to study the historic and cultural heritage of the Azlant." The Venture-Captain explains, "The Mordant Spire is another 10 days of uneventful travel away from Magnimar. So make whatever purchase you need to help you go through the ship journey while you're in Magnimar. The Throaty Mermaid set off tomorrow."
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"Maybe I know somthing about the island, at least I am an elf."
"Maybe, if you were with them two thousand years ago when your folks came back to Golarion."
After a good night rest in the Heidmarch Manor, you break free of the grapple of the irresistable big comfy bed, pack up your belongnings, gather your supplies, say good bye to the beloved big comfy bed, and head toward the dock for even more sea journey.
You quickly identified your vessal————that figurehead of a busty mermaid smoking an absurdly large tobacco pipe is hard to miss————and see that the crews are getting ready to set sail. "ALL ABOARD!" The first-mate shouts, signaling you guys to hurry.
The 50 days you've spent at sea have given you ample time to get acquainted with the Throaty Mermaid and her motley crew. The Throaty Mermaid is a sturdy, three-masted, three-deck mercantile ship with a reputation for smuggling. Sephriel arranged for this discreet passage, knowing that a military escort or a more respectable merchant vessel would only invite unwanted attention.
Your quarters for the journey are in the forward cabin, a cramped triangular space with easy access to the main deck. The room is cluttered with barrels, casks, and crates, but you've managed to carve out a semblance of comfort. You've shifted some crates to create a makeshift table, covering the uneven surface with canvas to form a passable workspace. Here, you while away the hours with card games and catch up on the chronicles you’ve long neglected.
=====The Crew=====
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Mallycorn, a priest of Pharasma which joined your mission in the last moments, had a few rough day as he discovered how much he could be sea-sick.
Even after fifty days on board, he's still pale, and doesn't eat much.
I'm sorry I haven't been much of use so far. I'm the one who tends to the sick and diseased usually, or who perform last rites if such is their Fate. Ironically, Pharasma gives her priests magical power on the water, but it's mundane salty water that uses its power on me. A lesson in humility, as well as humidity.
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Well. I hope they have enough rum and men and women of easy virtue to make this trip interesting for everyone. A sly smile appears on Zeta's face.
Zeta is a woman dressed in black chelish fullplate with a kelish patterns of bright red and white colors. She also has a lot of gold and silver jewelry on her, and most of it has a theme of succubi and erinyes if you look closely, plus a scarf that can easily be used as a hijab. In general, this gives the impression of a mix of two cultures (perhaps involuntarily).
Her skin is dark brown, her hair is bright red, and her red eyes are like two smoldering embers that can ignite at any moment. The image ends with small horns on the head and veins of bright red on the neck and hands (she is without gauntlets now).
Be serious, my Lady! These words, uttered in a deep voice contrasting with his size, belong to Vellestir, a faithful Zeta's companion.
Vellestir is a real red dragon... if you do not take into account the fact that he is the size of a large dragonfly, has the same wings and large bulging eyes. But, yes, otherwise he is a real red dragon.
Vellestir also wears a masterwork chainshirt that fits his diminutive size and in his hands he has an elaborately crafted elven spear, which can clearly kill a big creature despite its small size.
Though your current mission puts you at sea for months, you may still be of use to the Eagle Knights and the nation of Andoran. We have obtained a list of the Throaty Mermaid’s crew and believe several of them have information or skills we can use in our efforts to gain control of Absalom.
First, the ship’s navigator, Ulamon, has served on many ships, including the Polished Barnacle, which the Mordant Spire elves destroyed. The Polished Barnacle was among the fleet of Sargavan vessels that defeated Cheliax’s navy in 4643 AR. All of the Barnacle’s crew have since received special rings from the Sargavan government that I believe may serve us well in our ongoing feud with the Chelish fleet. Do what you need to in order to gain this from Ulamon.
Additionally, a not-so-secret stowaway on the ship, a wererat named Snig Lacorse, could be used as an asset on another vessel were he spying on Andoran’s behalf. Convince him to disembark in Riddleport where we will place him aboard a more strategically beneficial ship.
Captain Colson Maldris
Though your journey at sea will take you through a number of Chelish ports between Absalom and the Mordant Spire, your mission involves tasks I need performed at sea.
It has come to my attention that among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a half-elven woman with a most curious background and certain exceptional “talents.” She is currently in the employ of the ship’s captain, but I would be ever so grateful if you could negotiate her employment on my behalf. Given her pedigree, it would please me greatly to have such an asset among my court.
Additionally, I need you to hide the enclosed coin somewhere on Sephriel’s person. Cheliax has much to gain by learning the secrets of the Mordant Spire and the lost continent of Azlant. Her Majestrix’s best diviners are set to scry on the elven dignitary once he has returned to his island citadel. Do not disappoint me by failing in this.
May Cheliax be ever in your thoughts,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
I am glad it’s you who will be spending so much time at sea and not me. The salty air is bad for my complexion. Also, while you’re there, you’ll be able to help the Empire maintain our power and glory.
Among the Throaty Mermaid’s crew is a skilled assassin from the Woodbane Hunters guild. I want to hire this woman, named Anera, to eliminate a particularly annoying elven problem I’ve been having. Enclosed is a sealed letter to Anera; ensure that she gets it. If she accepts the assignment, she’ll sign and return the letter to you. In this case, get it to me as soon as you reach land.
I’ve also received a tip that the ship’s cook owns a rare tome on disguising poisons in everyday foods. If you can, bring me her copy of Concocted Libations to Die For. I’ve an upcoming dinner party where it may be useful.
For the Grand Prince,
Baron Jacquo Dalsine
The waters of the open ocean are quite the contrast to the dry sands of the Osirian desert. Enjoy your time at sea, but serve the Ruby Prince during the voyage.
First, find enclosed a special cabochon from the Ruby Prince himself, which he wishes to be given to Sephriel’s bodyguard, an elf named Thanzeril. He is a vocal proponent for the opening of Azlant’s ruined shores to the world. The Ruby Prince shares this view of our own desert ruins. Ensure Thanzeril knows he isn’t alone in his desire to see the secrets of the past open to modern man.
Additionally, I’d like you to retrieve the iconic pipe from the Throaty Mermaid’s figurehead. With all the ancient relics smuggled by Captain Veane and his crew, having a scrying focus to further monitor the vessel’s activities would be invaluable.
With dedication to knowledge,
Otoneraphim, Humble Scribe of the Ruby Prince
Your journey continues across the vast Arcadian Ocean. The threat of Andoran vessels has diminished now that you’ve left the Inner Sea behind, but the ever-present shadow of the Chelish navy still lingers. The Throaty Mermaid weaves through storms and takes erratic courses to avoid detection. Morale has noticeably improved after the much-needed resupply in Magnimar, with new stocks of drinks and reading material lifting the crew's spirits.
As the voyage nears its final stretch, how do you find yourself spending time during these long days—and quieter nights—at sea?
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Life at sea isn't easy for Genesiks, as they have trouble maintaining humanoid form for more than a few hours at a time. Sooner or later, they dissolves into a formless puddle of glistening, silvery, metallic liquid--a bit like quicksilver! Although still mobile in this form, they can no longer communicate.
But as the voyage nears its final stretch, Genesiks makes sure to seek out Thanzeril, the bodyguard, shortly after dawn while they still have corporeal integrity. Ensuring no others are watching, they say "Good **morning**, **Thanzeril**. My name is **Genesiks**, and I am an artificial personality designed to assist others. I have been asked to deliver a message from **the Ruby Prince**. The message is **we sympathize with your desire to open certain areas for exploration and hope you will take this gift as a pledge of our cooperation**. Genesiks retrieves a small cabochon and holds it out to the elf.
But as the voyage nears its final stretch, Genesiks makes sure to seek out Thanzeril, the bodyguard............Genesiks retrieves a small cabochon and holds it out to the elf.
You find Thanzeril alone in the first mate's cabin while Sephriel is out on his daily sea-watch. The elven bodyguard glances out the door, making sure no one is nearby, before giving you a subtle nod. He hesitates briefly, then accepts your gift and shakes your oozy, humanoid hand. After the handshake, he turns and walks away, but as he does, you notice a small, fossilized coral shaped like a spire with elven carvings resting in your palm.
Mallycorn will go around the ship, trying to find out someone
You know the "sailors"—the crew members who keep the ship running—are the first mate, the navigator, Anera, and occasionally the smuggler. With such a small crew on a small ship, it doesn’t take long to spot her on the aft deck, fishing rod in hand and your dinner already waiting in a bucket by her feet. “Mackerel’s on the menu tonight, if that’s what you’re wondering,” she says without looking back.
Liz is curious about Azuretta's story and she tries to find her and talk. "Dear charming lady, I am so curious about your story and why you are here on the Throaty Mermaid. Do you mind have sex with me and we can have a small talk on bed?"
You find Azuretta lounging in the Captain's bed, flipping through her magazines while Veane is occupied at his desk, studying a sea chart. At your bold request, she glances at you with a mischievous smile before rolling over and playfully poking the Captain. "Veane, my dear, you've been glued to that desk for hours. Don’t you think it's time you stretched your legs a bit? Go spend some time with your crew, take a break. Liz and I are about to have a private lady conversation... with our lady’s privates, and we’ll be borrowing your room for, oh, let’s say an hour."
The Captain grumbles as he stands up, grabbing his compass with a sigh. "Fine...," he mutters before heading out, leaving the room to the two of you. Azuretta then turns her attention fully to you, lifting the blanket to revealing her nude form beneath. "Now, as for our business... Sweetie, are you here for a 'small talk' or for my services? Either way, the answer is yes. Come snuggle up with me." She pats the space beside her.
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Most of the time, Zeta, saddened by something, will spend in excessive and slightly strained fun, drunkenness and debauchery in the company of Azuretta (in those moments when she is not busy with the captain, Liz or someone else).
Strangely, her dragon familiar spends most of his time in another part of the ship, mostly staying in the "crow's nest".
Most of the time, Zeta, saddened by something, will spend in excessive and slightly strained fun, drunkenness and debauchery in the company of Azuretta (in those moments when she is not busy with the captain, Liz or someone else).
Strangely, her dragon familiar spends most of his time in another part of the ship, mostly staying in the "crow's nest".
The wind is strong up in the crow's nest, and trying to have a decent conversation with anyone on deck would require so much yelling, you'd be guaranteed a sore throat by tomorrow. That being said, Ulamon seems to appreciate the dragon's company up there, as he rarely has anyone to talk to while on watch. Vellestir soon learns that Ulamon holds little love for the Mordant Spire elves, having narrowly survived the sinking of the Polished Barnacle by their hand. The old man recounts how his captain ignored the elves' warnings and paid the price. "I guess that’s one perk of being up here," Ulamon says, casting a glance down to the deck. "Out of sight, out of mind." Occasionally, you catch him using magic to project the stars during the day, patch up parts of the ship, or give forecasts of the coming weather.
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Ninnic thanked his blessings for being given the same mission as the android. Half the mission was accomplished before the ratfolk had time to react! He sidled up to Genesiks and mentioned a couple things. ”if we get a distraction, I can cast monkeyfish on myself, climb down there, grab the pipe and be back on the deck lickety split, with no one the wiser. I doubt the crew would look kindly on someone messing with the ship,” he explains.
Taking the fossilized coral-spire, Genesiks moves on to the main deck and towards the bow of the ship. They peer over the railing to get a good view of the figurehead at the front.
You have to climb the bowsprite to reach the figurehead, and it's relatively difficult to do so without tools or help, and using rope or other aids will surely draw eyes.
You think going from the other direction (approaching from water and climb up) could be more discreet, although more difficult.
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I worship Pharasma, and we learn the difficult lesson of accepting our Fate. So maquerel it will be tonight.
He smiles warmly, and adds
May I take a little of your time while you wait for the next fish to bite, miss Anera? I happen to have a message to give to you. You just have to read the letter and sign it if you agree, it will be only a matter of minutes.
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"Why not both?"Liz smiles and sits closer toward Azuretta.
After a sweaty "workout", Liz asks "Sweetie, I have a job offer for you. I work for Paracountess Zarta, who is a wisdom wizzard. She is a gernerous employer and she's looking for talented people. I am sure you will be the precious employee on her behalf."
I worship Pharasma, and we learn the difficult lesson of accepting our Fate. So maquerel it will be tonight.
He smiles warmly, and adds
May I take a little of your time while you wait for the next fish to bite, miss Anera? I happen to have a message to give to you. You just have to read the letter and sign it if you agree, it will be only a matter of minutes.
[dice=diplomacy]1d20+8
“Huh, okay.” Anera responds to your unusual request with a hint of suspicion. She takes the envelope, deftly slicing it open with her dagger, then pulls out the letter and begins to read. Her eyes occasionally flicker toward you as she scans the contents. After a long moment of silence, she breaks it with a simple question: “Got a pen?”
She sighs, “I thought the clergy of Pharasma would be more… literate.” Without waiting for a response, she pulls out a fishing hook and pricks her thumb, pressing it firmly onto the letter, leaving a bloody fingerprint behind. Sliding the letter back into the envelope, she hands it to you with a smile. “There, that should do. I trust you're wise enough to understand the importance of the confidentiality at play here.”
"Why not both?"Liz smiles and sits closer toward Azuretta.
After a sweaty "workout", Liz asks "Sweetie, I have a job offer for you. I work for Paracountess Zarta, who is a wisdom wizzard. She is a gernerous employer and she's looking for talented people. I am sure you will be the precious employee on her behalf."
"Now, now, that’s certainly an enticing offer, and I do appreciate your enthusiasm," Azuretta says with a playful smile. "But let’s not forget, we’ve still got more than a week left on this journey. If I were to terminate my contract here, that would mean the captain and crew would no longer enjoy my complimentary services. And while I’m sure you could handle me, dealing with a ship full of men after depriving them of me might be more than even you bargained for." She gives Liz a soft kiss before pushing her away gently. "We can talk about my escorting services again once we’ve finished escorting our elven dignitary."
With a teasing grin, Azuretta adds, "And don’t worry about the 10 gold pieces, sweetie—I’ll just put it on your tab." She glances toward the door. "Now, Captain Veane could return any moment. Unless you're looking to make a bold fashion statement, I suggest you get dressed and head out before he walks in. We wouldn’t want to give him the wrong idea, would we?" She winks playfully.
Days have passed uneventfully as the Throaty Mermaid sails through the vast, open ocean. You’ve spent your time drinking, indulging in moments of fun, reflecting on your life choices, and tending to the tasks given by your faction leader. Tonight, like many before, the sun has long since slipped below the horizon, leaving the ship in peaceful darkness. As you settle into your bunks, the gentle sway of the ship and the soothing rhythm of the ocean waves soon lull you to sleep, making it feel like just another quiet night at sea...
You're jolted awake by the sudden thud of something heavy striking inside your cabin. As your eyes snap open, you see the aftermath—two javelins have shattered your makeshift gaming table, now lying in splinters. Standing before you, silhouetted against the dim light, are four tall figures with long, pointed ears, each gripping a spear and staring menacingly in your direction. Elizabeth and Mallycorn struggle to move, tangled tightly in the coils of fishing nets that now bind them.
Initiative round 1
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Zeta Forli
Ninnic
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Green
Blue
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Genesix
Elizabeth
Mallycorn
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Orange
Red
Bold are up!
The enemy withstand the thrust of psychic information to his brain. Strong headache? Yes. Head explosion? No, not yet.
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Zeta's eyes open, she assesses the situation with lightning speed and a fierce smile appears on her face. Finally something interesting! She gets up and takes the halberd, which of course was next to her hammock. Now is the rare case when she is dressed in a minimum of clothes and you can see how, due to the rush of blood, the scarlet veins on her brown skin begin to pulse, as if some kind of flame begins to flare up inside the warriors.
Vellestir flies up to the ceiling with no less lightning speed and, flying past unidentified enemies, releases a stream of flame.
Two of your assailants, Green and Blue, move into your cabin and start stabing people with their trident. Green tries to skewer Mallycorn, but mistaken his blanket as his torso and miss his target. Zeta, who already stool up, make herself a clear target and was wounded by the trident. Poison enters her system from the wound, but her strong fortutide withstand the pain.
Initiative round 1
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Zeta Forli -5
Ninnic prone
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Green
Blue -10
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Genesix prone
Elizabeth prone, entanlged
Mallycorn prone, entanlged
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Orange
Red
Bold are up!
Mallycorn tries to get up without being hit by the creature, whatever that might be, and picks up his mace to defend himself...
What are you, fiend from the deep?
In addition, you can move through a threatened square without provoking an attack of opportunity from an enemy by using Acrobatics.
Mallycorn recognized that those are aquatic elf. They're cousins of the modern day land-dwelling elf that mostly resides in Golarion's oceans, particularly in the Steaming Sea near the island of Mordant Spire, and in the Arcadian Ocean. One of those aquatic elf strike Mallycorn as he tries to stand up in the crowded cabin amid the combat.
Initiative round 1
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Zeta Forli -5
Ninnic prone
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Green
Blue -10
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Genesix prone
Elizabeth prone, entanlged
Mallycorn -8 entanlged
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Orange
Red
Bold are up!
The puddle of nanite rises and attacks! but misses their target.
Orange elf step inside the cabin and poke his trident on Mr.ooze, delivering some potent poison that's spreading through Genesiks' system, causing them intense nausea The red elf comes inside as well and attack Ninnic and wounds him, injecting the same poison as well.
Initiative round 2
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Zeta Forli -5
Ninnic -5 prone, nauseated,
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Green 1 nonlethal
Blue -10
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Genesiks -11 nauseated
Elizabeth prone, entanlged
Mallycorn -8 entanlged
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Orange 1 nonlethal
Red
Bold are up!
Elizabeth Lightbringer
Genesiks
Mallycorn Tavee
Ninnic
Zeta Forli
Aroma Oxene