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A human woman keeps her cot on the ship neat and tidy. It's important to maintain appearances. It also buys enough leeway to get away with lighting candles below deck.
She yawns and stands on deck. "Are we there yet? The Society said the trip would be brief. My agent will be there when we arrive."
She stretches a bit, a thin layer of steam emerging from her hands. "My name is Issil Telfae. I manage the Carnelian Signet. She's a bit... explosive sometimes."
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A male Fetchling with chalk-white skin joins her on deck. His eyes and shoulder-length hair are black, and he has several black piercings in his face and ears. A small silver skull hangs around his neck, the black chain looped through the eye sockets. He wears studded leather armor, but his forearms are bare. Stylized chains are branded around both wrists, with circular scars on the backs. An amulet on his chest depicts an open door to a torture chamber.
”The name’s Shalosar”, he rasps. ”I tear people apart, and sometimes put them back together”
”This signet, is it a ring?”
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"Still aliiii-iiiive! Heehee!" A plump, petite elderly human woman announces herself as she steps out onto the deck, arms spread wild and bingo wings flapping in the breeze. She's dressed in an absolutely ridiculously enormous blood-red sweater dress, bound up into random bundles all over the place to keep it from falling off her or tripping her with its length. She bustles over to the two chatting Pathfinders.
"Hello, dearies! Would you like a candy? Heehee!" After rummaging about in the folds of her dress, she offers a small handful of hard caramels, unwrapped, with varying amounts of red fuzz stuck to them. Eyes twinkling, she remarks with mischievous slyness: "My, you two look quite the couple! Heehee!"
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Issil smirks. "He's not exactly my type, unfortunately..." Issil turns to the woman and accepts some candy. "Hmm. Thank you." She accepts exactly one piece.
"The Signet tells me it was a character in her Grandmother's stories. A hero who stood against oppression and tyranny. A real firebrand, that one." She sighs.
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Adelmare spends the entire boat ride fighting off waves of nausea. When he is able to speak, most of what you hear is him muttering in a thick Varisian accent about his books not mentioning how much ships move. His hooves slide across the deck and he spends much of his time staring at the horizon, searching for land.
"Hello my friends.
The centaur barely keeps himself from retching.
"I am Adelmare, Horseman from the Varisia. You all seem remarkably well composed during this horrible trip. I assume you have traveled much on the ships before? I must say, I do not care for them"
The centaur takes one look at the candy Mrs Crinkle is offering and shudders.
"Nothing for me to eat, please and thank you"
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A dromaar dressed as a pirate, including a tricorn hat that looks identical to the one Calistro wears, has been on deck helping out. In fact there seems to be some resemblance to her and Calistro. Perhaps a younger version, although Zenari's skin is more aqua coloured, her hair has a greenish tinge and the webbing between her fingers is a bit more pronounced. She carries a trident as a weapon as well as some swords.
Arrrrr! I be Zenari Benerry. And I be a pirate I be. she says in a really thick accent, hamming it up. She does accept a sweetie from Mrs Crinkle and looks rather concerned at Adelmare.
Hey matey. I got ginger pills you can try. They're reputed to ward off the mal de mer. Or you can try me rum. Either it'll work or you'll end up so drunk you won't care.
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Eando Kline directs the Pathfinders to their berth aboard the Seekers’ Quest with little patience. “Hurry, everyone. The captain wants to set sail momentarily so we can catch a good headwind toward our destination.” Nearby, Zarta Dralneen and Viore Ciobanu share a look as their other guest, an athletic woman in red and black leathers joins them on the forecastle. As the last stragglers make their way up the gangplank, the bosun turns towards the ship’s captain near the rear deck. “Cap’n, we’s fully loaded from resupply. All ready to make sail for the Isle of Claimed Souls. Quick as you can!” From somewhere on the pier near the rear deck, the dockmaster gives a high-pitched whistle as the mooring lines are pulled up and the Seekers’ Quest pulls away from its slip.
Pictures of the Venture Captains and the mysterious Woman in Red on slides 3, 4 and 5.
The Seekers’ Quest is a large ship of the line with two lower gun decks mounting seventy-four guns, three square-rigged masts, and a crew of nearly 500 sailors dedicated to the Pathfinder Society. In many ways, she is the equal of nearly any vessel in the Inner Sea, and many of the more vicious pirate ships plying local seas. Over her years in Pathfinder service, she’s been captained by four of the most prestigious sailors allied with the Pathfinder Society, and today is no different.
Any mission that starts with joining such a prestigious crew promises glory and excitement, but alongside venture- captains like Eando Kline, Zarta Dralneen, and Viore Ciobanu and their mysterious, yet well-appointed guest, the benefits surely outweigh the risks. And, considering her shining sawtooth sabers, there surely will be risks.
Yet as the Seekers’ Quest pulls away from its moorings after resupplying in, of all places, Ilizmagorti, more questions arise than answers. Why is a Pathfinder vessel stopping at Mediogalti? Who is the woman dressed in Red Mantis leathers? And what does the mysterious destination, The Island of Claimed Souls, have in store for the Pathfinder Society?
Issil seems to retreat below deck as the sailors prepare to disembark.
But another woman arrives. Her face is coated in white ash, and red ribbons billow in the wind at her side. "Greetings, darlings. The Carnelian Signet is here." She checks her longsword and her warhammer before stepping up to join the group. "Issil Telfae told me I should say hello."
She looks out over the deck. "Where are we sailing today?"
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Issil seems to retreat below deck as the sailors prepare to disembark.
But another woman arrives. Her face is coated in white ash, and red ribbons billow in the wind at her side. "Greetings, darlings. The Carnelian Signet is here." She checks her longsword and her warhammer before stepping up to join the group. "Issil Telfae told me I should say hello."
She looks out over the deck. "Where are we sailing today?"
”Yeah, she mentioned you”, Shalosar replies. ”Said you’re a real firecracker”
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Last to board is an unarmored Kobold, his reddish scales contrasting with groups of blue and greens. He carries a trident and a crossbow on his back. A symbol hangs from his neck, a slightly curled leaf with a drop of water hanging from it.
He seems unbothered when transferring from land to the ship.
"Greetings all. My name is Eltis. Very nice to meet you."
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Adelmare accepts Zenari's offer of ginger, and smiles weakly.
Last to board is an unarmored Kobold, his reddish scales contrasting with groups of blue and greens. He carries a trident and a crossbow on his back. A symbol hangs from his neck, a slightly curled leaf with a drop of water hanging from it.
He seems unbothered when transferring from land to the ship.
"Greetings all. My name is Eltis. Very nice to meet you."
As Eltis boards the ship, Adelmare laughs.
"Oh thank goodness itself. Surely with the wind and the waves on our side, these horrible boats will calm themselves, yes?"As the ship heads toward Mediogalti, Adelmare groans:
"Sadly, I am in no condition to read my books on these islands, thankfully the dark whispers of the spirits might be able to help"
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”Yeah, she mentioned you”, Shalosar replies. ”Said you’re a real firecracker”Issil seems to retreat below deck as the sailors prepare to disembark.
But another woman arrives. Her face is coated in white ash, and red ribbons billow in the wind at her side. "Greetings, darlings. The Carnelian Signet is here." She checks her longsword and her warhammer before stepping up to join the group. "Issil Telfae told me I should say hello."
She looks out over the deck. "Where are we sailing today?"
"Ooo! So you're the fun one! Heehee!" Mrs. Crinkle declares conspiratorially to the Carnelian Signet as she offers her and Eltis a candy. Turning to Adelmare, she offers: "Would you like a peppermint, dearie? That sometimes settles my stomach. I'm sure I have one somewhere..." She begins digging through the folds of her sweater dress.
"From you, I'll take three." The Carnelian Signet takes three. "Scrumptious!"
She looks to Shalosar. "Glad to hear my employer says such good things about me. I have to earn my pay somehow."
"Adelmare. Eltis. Zenari. A pleasure to meet you all." She spins on one foot, letting the fiery red ribbons flow a bit. "I always thought four legs were more stable than two? You seem to be having trouble, Adelmare. Or is it the sea that interferes with your balance?"
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"From you, I'll take three." The Carnelian Signet takes three. "Scrumptious!"
She looks to Shalosar. "Glad to hear my employer says such good things about me. I have to earn my pay somehow."
"Adelmare. Eltis. Zenari. A pleasure to meet you all." She spins on one foot, letting the fiery red ribbons flow a bit. "I always thought four legs were more stable than two? You seem to be having trouble, Adelmare. Or is it the sea that interferes with your balance?"
"Once we reach the land, I assure you that I will be most stable. Unfortunately, as a scholar, I am not used to just how much movement seems to happen when we are supposed to be standing still. Regardless of these circumstances though, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
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The Carnelian Signet doesn’t know much about the Red Mantis or their sphere of operations. Mrs. Crinkle, however, has heard many things in her long life, including:
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"Oooo! Thank you, dearie!" Mrs. Crinkle eagerly accepts Zenari's offered wineskin and takes a hearty swig before returning it. "Mmm! That'll do quite nicely. Heehee!"
Throwing an arm around Adelmare's leg (she can't reach his shoulder), she offers: "Well, how about we get your mind off it, honey? Now, how much do you know about the Red Mantis Assassins? Hmm? Well, they're an assassination guild devoted to Achaekek, the mantis god. They don't deal in espionage or information collecting--oh no! But once they accept a contract, the target is exterminated and stays dead. They've often been at odds with the Pathfinder Society and are usually considered among the Society’s most formidable enemies. Ilizmagorti on Mediogalti Island is considered their stronghold, even if they have a relaxed hand on the reins on the often bloodthirsty and dangerous city. Now, how are you feeling, dearie? Better? More curious, knowing that she's here? Why do you think she's here? 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'? If so, who's the common enemy? Heehee!" Mrs. Crinkle inclines her head at the woman in distinctive red and black leathers, face all lit up with excitement over the prospects for this mission. Whatever they're up against, it's bound to be a good time!
"Oh, the woman in red has some history with the Red Mantis Assassins?" The Carnelian Signet giggles. "I was wondering who could challenge Zarta in terms of style."
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Throwing an arm around Adelmare's leg (she can't reach his shoulder), she offers: "Well, how about we get your mind off it, honey? Now, how much do you know about the Red Mantis Assassins? Hmm? Well, they're an assassination guild devoted to Achaekek, the mantis god. They don't deal in espionage or information collecting--oh no! But once they accept a contract, the target is exterminated and stays dead. They've often been at odds with the Pathfinder Society and are usually considered among the Society’s most formidable enemies. Ilizmagorti on Mediogalti Island is considered their stronghold, even if they have a relaxed hand on the reins on the often bloodthirsty and dangerous city. Now, how are you feeling, dearie? Better? More curious, knowing that she's here? Why do you think she's here? 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend'? If so, who's the common enemy? Heehee!" Mrs. Crinkle inclines her head at the woman in distinctive red and black leathers, face all lit up with excitement over the prospects for this mission. Whatever they're up against, it's bound to be a good time!
Adelare leans down and conspiratorially says:
"Since The Red Mantises are involved, my guess is that there's going to be no shortage of killing to be done on this mission. A pity really."With his mind away from the movement of the ship under his hooves, Adelmare seems to finally stabilize himself for the most part.
"Whatever we're doing, lets hope its on dry land."
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With the voyage well underway, Zarta Dralneen calls all Pathfinder agents aboard to a meeting in the galley. As the field agents pile into the slightly too small room, “Quiet down, everyone. We’ll begin as soon as everyone is seated.”
Viore Ciobanu stands up as Zarta notes down everyone’s attendance. “You have questions. As some of our most trusted agents, we would expect no less. We’re enroute to a small island near Mediogalti called the Island of Claimed Souls. As we’ve discovered over the last few weeks, this island is likely the headquarters of an organization calling itself the Red Mantis Dispatch.”
Eando Kline takes his cue to rise and take over the conversation. “Make no mistake. This organization is not the same as the Red Mantis Assassins we all know and loathe.” He gives a cursory glance at the head table’s other remaining occupant. “They are imposters, trading in death with the Red Mantis name. But there’s more. Let me introduce you to our advisor on this mission, Vernai-Appoint Giovana of the Red Mantis.”
A hush falls over the assemblage as the mysterious woman rises to her feet. “Thank you, Eando for that glowing compliment. But yes, this Red Mantis Dispatch is a group of imposters taking contracts with no honor, no faith. They dare to deal with our name and sully it without our consent.” She lets the anger wash away before she begins again. “The Red Mantis perform a service, dark and sometimes vile, yes. But a necessary one. Instead, this Red Mantis Dispatch kills for the quickest coin. They target those that are protected. And they take prisoners,” she turns to the seated venture-captains. “This includes your own, Khione Thidos.”
The murmuring rises to an audible din as only Eando Kline’s forceful clearing of his throat draws the attention back to the head table. “Our mission is obvious. We are to investigate this island, find this Red Mantis Dispatch, and–”
“Kill them,” Giovana says much to the consternation of the assembled leadership.
“Put them out of business.” Zarta corrects with a stern voice. “Pathfinders, we’ll have some assignments for you back up on deck to make this mission run smoother. Find us up there and we’ll give you your orders.” And just as quickly as it had begun, with a bang of a gauntleted fist on the head table, the meeting ends.
"If only it were so simple..." The Carnelian Signet hums as she leaves the meeting room. "Death is less final and more of a transition. Honor, faith- bah!" She sighs. "And now we have to clean up the Red Mantis's job for them. Seems strange they wouldn't finish the Dispatch off on their own."
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"Ooo, yes! I was wondering about that too, dearie. But cleaning up after your own messes doesn't line your coffers. Maybe that's why they're pulling us in. I wonder how much they're paying us to do this for them? But it looks like we have free reign to bonk some heads on this mission. I'm looking forward to that! Heehee!" And with that, Mrs. Crinkle bustles up to the deck to receive the first assignment.
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"Ooo, yes! I was wondering about that too, dearie. But cleaning up after your own messes doesn't line your coffers. Maybe that's why they're pulling us in. I wonder how much they're paying us to do this for them? But it looks like we have free rein to bonk some heads on this mission. I'm looking forward to that! Heehee!" And with that, Mrs. Crinkle bustles up to the deck to receive the first assignment.
”I’m with you there, sister!”, Shalosar replies. ”This’ll be a fun job!”
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Some of the team of mid-rank agents decide to go help Zarta while others split away and assist with navigating the ship.
“I could tell you tomes about Mediogalti and most of the surrounding islands.” Zarta Dralneen gestures to a dozen thick books splayed about her table and four heavy chests by her side by way of greeting. “But our destination is little more than a rumor to me. So, I need your best expertise in this venture. We need to figure out as much as we can about local lore, the navigational issues in these seas, and possible meteorological unpleasantness we can run into. Anything that I can bring to the Seekers’ Quest’s captain to save us from unexpected... situations.”
You dredge your own craniums for information you might have heard over time about the destination, the Island of Claimed Souls, or by poring through Zarta’s books, brought from her own corner of the archive just for that purpose.
You can attempt to Sense Direction with Survival or Recall Knowledge with Nature to find a good path around the upcoming reefs and sandbars and using the wind currents flowing freely over the waters to your advantage. Alternatively, you can attempt to climb with Athletics, Sailing or Weather Lore to put your sea legs to use joining the crew of the Seekers’ Quest in their work up in the rigging.
"I love you hair, Dralneen!" The Carnelian Signet exclaims. "But I'm better off helping keep the ship steady."
"On second thought, this book about Achekek is FASCINATING."
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Zenari may have lots of experience, but perhaps it's in smaller vessels.
The Carnelian Signet gets a bit lost and climbs out on the wrong rigging, only serving to get in the sailors’ way. She retreats to the safety of the library where she finds some good info on Achaekek.
Mrs. Crinkle tucks her skirts up and clambers into the rigging as if she were 20 years old. Some of the sailors whistle as a sign of respect. Really. Meanwhile, Adelmare joins Zarta in the library but chooses to use his own books in lieu of her materials. He readily finds some references to the Island of Claimed Souls that he shares with an appreciative Zarta.
Shalosar finds a few tidbits of info, then heads topside to help out which he does with aplomb.
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You dredge your own craniums for information you might have heard over time about the destination, the Island of Claimed Souls, or by poring through Zarta’s books, brought from her own corner of the archive just for that purpose.
You can attempt to Sense Direction with Survival or Recall Knowledge with Nature to find a good path around the upcoming reefs and sandbars and using the wind currents flowing freely over the waters to your advantage. Alternatively, you can attempt to climb with Athletics, Sailing or Weather Lore to put your sea legs to use joining the crew of the Seekers’ Quest in their work up in the rigging.
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Zenari goes to the other end of the ship and tries again, but she just gets yelled at by the Bosun. Meanwhile Eltis gets rid of the cookies and ants and finds exactly what he needed.
Those working in the library all agree that the Island of Claimed Souls has been unsuccessfully settled eight times, sometimes by traders looking for an out of the way home base, and more often by local pirates looking for a secreted haven against prying eyes and competitors. Each time, the structures and towns built were more or less abandoned within a month or two with rumors of “accidental” deaths, missing crew, and the rise of undead forces. And each time, the settlements went abandoned, leaving buildings, goods, and sometimes even meals behind.
Shalosar adds that the rumored undead presence from the failed settlements on the island have more truth than previously thought. An ill wind haunts the island and makes a powerful ghoul able to command other undead and some living beings on its surface. Everyone on the island is either a thrall of this ghoul, or in their employ. Though hardworking workers travel regularly back to Mediogalti from the island, they bring with them the stories of the undead that roam the streets, only attacking outsiders, but making the living fear to anger their employer, Sotroz, all the same.
Impressed by your efforts and your willingness to keep trying in the face of failure, Zarta writes in her notes that these particular Pathfinders are valuable for the benefit of gathering much-needed field knowledge in the future.
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From his spot up in the perch atop the mainsail, Venture-Captain Viore Ciobanu slides down the rigging to land near you with uncharacteristic flair. “Good, you lot. I need you for a moment.” He leans over the deck rail, gazing through his scope at something far ahead of the Seekers’ Quest. “Somewhere ahead of us is a creature I’ve spoken to through a message spell only briefly, named Tesparisod. He has agreed to meet with our representatives when we slow down to get past a maze of reef ahead. It will be up to you to parlay with him and see if he has any valuable information that can help us. The crew is preparing a rowboat for you as we speak.” Without waiting for you to ask questions, he clambers back up into the rigging with the speed of a caffeinated monkey-goblin.
You row the boat (thankfully sized for large creatures like Adelmare) and quickly reach the area indicted by the VC, out of earshot and barely in sight of the Seekers’ Quest. Suddenly a vicharamuni peeks its head out of the water, looming over the rowboat. The vicharamuni does not attack, instead waiting patiently for one of you to introduce themselves. Once someone does, the vicharamuni in turn introduces himself as Tesparisod. ”Are any of you my new pen pal aboard the ship?” he inquires politely.
"Of course I am!" The Carnelian Signet looks at the talking viper with a wonderful necklace. "Now, remind me of a few things I said? Oh! I asked about the island and the reef maze. You said you'd have an answer or two. Well?" She smiles.
How much rum did the Carnelian Signet drink? She's certainly pulling stuff out of thin air.
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Eltis gives the red one a little side eye before turning back to their new friend.
"Greetings. My name is Eltis, a humble servant of Gozreh. Our fellow traveler here has delusions of grandeur. I believe your pen pal is the captain of that fine ship. He asked us to come speak to you concerning safe passage and any other useful info you may have for us for our journeys. I'm shocked the captain didn't tell us about you earlier. You seem to be an impressive being and i'm sure a wonderful pen pal!"