The Merry Mayfly departs shortly from the docks of Absalom and you are expected to be aboard it.
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Speckled fur of mottled grey on white, one of your sailing companions is a handsome kholo carrying a very large, nasty looking lash and a complement of full-figured throwing axes strapped to her belt. Her clothes plain, sufficient, and layered enough to contain body heat in the cool ocean climate, she walks with purpose around the deck, keeping a sort of patrol of regular intervals of movements, checking up on folks.
"Though I know not magic, I am a warrior, and my Vow is my power. I will ensure that each of you makes it to our destinations safe" Drawn to the strangely sweet smell of her breath, you find conversation with Beezhul along the way to be pleasant to the senses, even if her tone is more-often-than-not a touch overserious.
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An elf of around 120 years with stylish black leathers gives a respectful bow. His features and clothing clearly belay that he is originally from Tian Xia. He introduced himself at the docks as Ma'elo. His mischievous smile and quick wit give off a strong traditionally roguish personality. He is fluent in taldane but not perfectly so.
On the ship, he finds a relaxing place to lounge above deck to enjoy the
method of travel.
"Why do you patrol deck?" Ma'elo asks curiously as Beezhul passes by.
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The fluidity with which Beezhul switches from very serious to downright silly is evident is her suddent burst into a throaty, rapid-fire high-pitched laughter.
"Exercise I suppose" indeed, she appears unable to stand still, perpetually leaning forward as if ready to break into a sprint at any moment - a quality that lends her laughter a joyous bounce.
"And to keep watch. To Protect, one must always be Ready"
~) Ever Ready
Glancing over at the familiar faced cleric, she studies him a moment "Hair cut? No, that's not it..." she studies him further "Your ears are shorter..." and with a giggle "Or perhaps I am seeing things?" she let's it go "Those damned goblins!"
Seguing now "So, a man of the cloth..." she turns to Ma'elo "And you? How do you concern yourself with spiritual matters?"
She keeps her eye out for more to arrive.
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"Well young man" unknowing of the length of elven lives, Beezhul judges him based on appearance and response alone "The point is to get in over head: to let the Spiritual immerse your entire Being" realizing she is lecturing him, she cuts the rogue a break before laying it on too thick "But no matter. Your head looks to be in the right place, and that is also important" patting him patronly on the back, our kholo hero smiles toothily, the fragrant aroma of her sweet breath creating a pleasant sensory experience with which to gain his trust.
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Ka'elen arrives, readjusting the Fauchard that never leaves his hands. The older elf wears a breastplate that could use some polishing, but is mostly clean.
"A good morning to you all! My brother, Ma'elo, you have met. I am Ka'elen." He says and turns to the Kholo, "Spiritual immersion can be rewarding, but it can also have dire consequences. That is why some of us prefer to avoid the experience altogether."
The cry means that another vessel has come alongside the Merry Mayfly. It has been many weeks at sea since the party last saw another vessel.
The new arrival is the Lightbringer and it is not long before members of its crew are escorting you all below its deck to meet with Valais Durant.
The endless roll of the waves of the Steaming Sea, sends the lanterns that hang from hooks dangling from the deck above in constant sway. Their light illuminating the ship's interior and causing the golden markings on Valais' skin to periodically glisten and gleam. The result is the appearance of movement, like the shimmer of the scales of a passing fish as it darts through the water.
"“I need your help for a task that requires both great risk and discretion.” Durant begins. The aasimar woman gestures to the green-eyed Varisian man, who flashes a sly grin framed by a thin mustache."This is Guaril Karela, a prominent figure among the Sczarni.”
Pictures of Valais and Guaril now on Slides.
"The Sczarni maintain asmuggling ring, providing freedom to those chafing under the oppression of Belimarius, the Runelord of Envy and ruler of Edasseril." Durant continues. "Demand for such services is high,” she pauses and casts a somewhat disdainful glare toward Guaril, “allowing the Sczarni to extract hefty sums from desperate patrons."
"I find the practice rather distasteful,” Valais sighs. “However, collaboration with his operations grants the Radiant Oath some measure of oversight in ensuring proper treatment of the refugees. Further, I have Guaril’s personal assurance that the Sczarni will not demand more in payment than their clients can afford.”
“Transportation’s expensive,” Guaril chimes in. “Not to mention paying off border guards and harbormasters. It’s dangerous work. Certainly, you wouldn’t expect my people to take such risk and not be properly compensated, would you? Or have you forgotten that Belimarius has placed a price on my head?”
“Not the first to do so, I’m sure.” Valais notes, before continuing, “Belimarius and her minions began to suspect Guaril’s intentions the last time he was in Edasseril. Now, they seek not only his head, but those of his known associates, including those among the Pathfinder Society. It is not presently safe for them or Guaril to venture within Edasseril’s borders.”
“I had a number of clients ready to go, before leaving Xin-Edasseril,” explains Guaril. “Most of the arrangements are already made. All you need to do is make contact with the clients. Give them the time and place for departure, then escort them out of the city—with their payment.” The Sczarni stresses. “You’ll get a hefty cut of the payment you secure as compensation for your hard work.”
“I prepared a client list,” Guaril says, handing over a sheet of scrawled paper. “Memorize it. Then, tear it up, burn it, chew it, swallow it—whatever you do, get rid of it! If Belimarius gets a hold of it, it’s a death sentence for anyone named on it."
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Beezhul takes some time to meditate upon the names, locations, and notes of those she swears in this moment to rescue...
Wouldn’t need my help if he was a better thief. Still, he’s Frallino’s nephew, so we can’t just leave him hanging. If he’s smart, he’s laying low in his flat. Find it in Envy Row East, off the alley between Copper Street and Loyalty Way. If he questions you, tell him that his uncle’s been asking about his slippers.
...Copper Street...
This accountant’s got money—lots of it! Promised quite the haul for our services. Don’t let him leave without it! Works for the Ministry of Tithes, auditing taxes or some such. Seems he found some innocent error involving numbers and now lives in constant fear of being found out. His desperation is our gain. Don’t forget his payment.
...Ministry of Tithes...
Owns the Rockfish Inn. Nice guy. Just wants a better life for him and his daughter. Don’t accept fish for payment, though.
...Rockfish Inn...
Teaches at Arcanium Abjurant, or what’s left of it. Wants out of the city along with her spouse and two kids. Longs to see what the world is like after five thousand years. World may have changed, but her gold hasn’t.
...Arcanium Abjurant...
Flitch brought me a note he found underneath an overturned flowerpot on his window sill, which read, “Ready to join. Emerald Guardhouse. Ask for Garrla. Remaining half paid upon departure.” Sound risky? Sure. But, the bag the note was tied to held a lot of coins.
...Emerald Guardhouse...
She leaves the destruction of the papaer to someone else.
And turns to her party "So then, which location should we visit to first?" Then turns to Valais and Guaril "Do you have a map of Edasseril?"
Ma'elo looks at the paper. He then says, "I will remember Flitch," and takes a few steps back.
Guaril raises an eyebrow in surprise, then shrugs. "He does seem to put his fingers in the strangest of places." The man mutters.
And turns to her party "So then, which location should we visit to first?" Then turns to Valais and Guaril "Do you have a map of Edasseril?"
"I am pleased that you are eager to begin, but do not allow your enthusiasm to give opening to recklessness. As for a map, you will find one among these papers." Valais Durant responds. She produces a neat bundle of papers and offers it to the party. Among them is a map of Xin-Edasseril, a set of travel papers bearing your names, and six merchants' permits.
“You’ll be entering Xin-Edasseril disguised as merchants,” explains Valais. “These papers will allow you passage in and out of the city for five days before they expire.” She continues. “At dawn on the fourth day after your arrival in Xin-Edasseril, the ship Rolanna’s Prayer will arrive in a bay just outside the city: Shard Cove. The boat can accommodate five clients, providing an excellent opportunity to escape undetected. One of the clients, Flitch, knows a secret tunnel to Shard Cove."
“Once the clients are aboard ship, return to the city. Any remaining clients that you weren’t able to smuggle out by sea will have to be smuggled out of the city with you, which means you’ll have to get them past the guards at the docks." Valais notes. "Your ship, the Merry Mayfly, must depart the docks once your papers have expired.”
“The clients are expecting to deal with me,” cautions Guaril.“But as that’s not possible, and as it’s now a few days past the window when I was to make contact, the clients might need some reassurance to go through with the job.”
Giving the Pathfinders a stern look, Guaril then warns, “While you’re in Belimarius’s back yard, be careful. You are foreigners in Xin-Edasseril, and Belimarius has eyes everywhere. Don’t do anything that would draw unnecessary attention to yourselves. The last thing you want to do is tangle with the authorities. The runelord’s forces are well trained and quite capable. Keep your wits about you at all times and your blades sheathed.”
“We cannot afford one of you being arrested or interrogated. Pay any bribe required to remain free. I don’t want to further expose any part of the operation,” says Valais. “Our goal here is to bring hope and freedom to as many souls as we are able. It is risky, but hope and freedom are worth the price.”
"Any questions?"
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A stranger in a strange land - or nearabouts - Beezhul defers to the knowledge of her team. She keeps her throwing axes secured in her belt, and her mighty lash strapped to her back.
She nods seriously to Guaril, taming her enthusiasm, and contemplating the value of their mission. Hope and Freedom. She pats a pocket where she will keep a small healing potion.
Ka'elen searched his memory of Xin-Edasseril and Belimarius.
You also know that Belimarius jealously forbids the use of magic by anyone other than herself and her minions within Edasseril.
Na'ilath focuses on their background knowledge of the space and the players involved.
Na'ilath does not recall anything additional.
"When do we start?"
"Immediately, if you so wish," Valais Durant concedes. "I will leave you to finish whatever preparations remain. The ship's stores aboard the Lightbringer are well stocked and the captain has agreed that you may purchase whatever you wish from them before you leave for Xin-Edasseril."
"Just remember to make sure your trip is profitable and to collect what we're due." Guaril adds. "I intend to make my half of whatever monies are collected, before expenses."
Following the meeting, the party once again boards the Merry Mayfly before departing from the Lightbringer. Your vessel makes its way to the island chain that forms the western borders of Edasseril. Approaching one of the larger islands, you are soon able to see the city of Xin-Edasseril.
The capital of Edasseril is a city of gleaming architecture and beautiful vistas, although its skyline bears fresh scars that tell of some catastrophic event that must have befallen it. While most of its structures stand as grand displays of the wealth and power of ancient Thassilon, there are indicators of ongoing construction projects dotting various spots throughout the city. You arrive at the city's docks without incident.
Upon disembarking, your immediately met by a pair of well-armed, elven guards. Both are sheathed in armor adorned in green accents identifying them as members of the Emerald Guard. The way they carry themselves and their strict, discipline demeanor evident years of martial training.
A map of the docks for reference and pictures of the guards are now available on the Slides.
As you approach their checkpoint near the opposite end of the dock, one guard narrows his eyes and gives the one in the lead among you a stern look.
"Your papers, please." the guard demands curtly. Despite the inclusion of the word, 'please', his tone contains no hint of courtesy or pleasantness. He holds out his gauntleted hand with steely expectation.
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Beezhul swallows.
Then rummages through her stuff, looking for their set of travel papers and merchants' permits, and quickly realizing that she wasn't the one to carry them on her person.
She looks to the next PC for help.
"I have them," Ma'elo calls out. He reaches into his pack and pulls out the papers. "Here," he says, walking forward and handing the stack to the guard.
One of the guards snatches the papers into his hand. After giving them a cursory look, he turns his eyes toward the elven "merchant".
"Curfew is in effect for all outsiders, such as yourselves, from first bell until sundown. You are to remain indoors at all other times." declares the guard as he hands the papers back to Ma'elo.
"Keep your weapons stowed at all times while in the city. Also, your papers expire within five days. You had best have any business concluded by then as you will no longer be permitted within the city limits." The guard continues. He eyes the rest of the party. He points at Ma'elo and asks, "Are you all with him?"
"Brothers?" The guard parrots, eying the trio of elves. "Associates?" He continues, eying the kobold, kholo, and the human.
"I'll take your word for it. Just be sure to not cause any trouble and be out of the city when your time is up." The guard huffs as he allows you all to pass.
Once past the check point at the docks, you all are relatively free to travel around within the city. It is evident that Xin-Edasseril is bustling with activity. Yet, the city clearly operates under the weight of oppression. Additional check points, each manned by multiple members of the Emerald Guard, have been set up at natural "choke points" for traffic flowing within the city. Likewise, Emerald Guard patrols, visibly well-armed, can be seen marching through the city with considerable frequency. The residents within the city give the patrols a wide berth. Even when the Emerald Guard is not within their immediate vicinity, the citizens of the city go to length to avoid making direct eye contact with you and other obvious outsiders. They seem almost as weary of their fellow citizens, undoubtedly the result of the Runelord's frequent use of hidden spies and secret police.
The fact that it is still fairly early in the morning and that obvious foreigners can be seen among the denizens of Xin-Edasseril, allows you to discern that first bell has recently been rung and that you have about eight hours in the day remaining before curfew.
Given what you can discern from your map, the flow of the crowds, and the numerous checkpoints, you suspect it could take well over an hour or more to get through most parts of the city.
"To the Arcanium?
"I am agreeable to that," Spurtz says.
The party heads to the site of the Arcanium Abjurant. The going through this bustling city is slow. Some streets are crowded, others are quite narrow, and still others dead end unexpectedly due to collapsed structures, large piles of rubble, or ongoing construction--all resulting from prior conflict and the city being ravaged by its eventful journey through time.
The constant sight of members of the Emerald Guard does nothing to jog Ma'elo's memory, but it has an effect on Spurtz who recalls that the Emerald Guard maintain a presence throughout the city. They are highly trained and capable. However, graft and corruption are rampant among the organization.
After navigating the hustle and bustle of the city and its checkpoints, the Pathfinders arrive at the institution after a couple of hours.
The school's prominent location and sizable campus suggest that this wizardry school was once the centerpiece of the city. Now, however, it is but a shell of any former glory.
Several ruined columns line the front entrance of the white marble building where vellum banners hide broken stonework. A statue of the Runelord herself, Belimarius, stands as the only unmarred object in the courtyard--a clear indicator that it is a recent addition, post-dating the calamity that had earlier befallen the city. Otherwise, much of the school still lies in disrepair. Only a limited number of people can be seen walking around the grounds, their number being far fewer than the numbers of strewn boulders and piles of rubble scattered across the campus.
You are able to locate a weathered directory listing the offices of various professors, including that of Professor of Religion, Daffrid Chaverly. Vacant classrooms cover the first floor of the building while a stone staircase leads to the second floor.
You spot a number of modest academic offices on the second floor, each lined with cramped bookshelves, archaic charts, and chalk-filled slates. Within one of the offices atop the steps, you spy a red-haired woman intently reading a scroll.
A picture of the woman is now on Slides.
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On the way over, Beezhul asks for clarification when Spurtz shares what he knows about the Emerald Guard "What does it mean: 'graft'?" herself coming from a more straight-talking culture.
At the college, she follows Ma'elo upstairs, and upon seeing the woman, remains quiet. An instinct, which she suppresses, has her nearly grab for her weapon. Instead, she looks this way and that, wondering if anyone is watching, the paranoia of the city itself sinking beneath her fur, causing it to stand on edge.
Ma'elo heads up the stairs and peeks his head into the office, "Excuse me, do you know where I can find Professor Chaverly?
"I am Professor Chaverly, Daffrid Chaverly." affirms the woman as she eyes the elf and the kholo next time him. Her voice holds an air of cautious concern. "And just who might you all be?"
As he enters the hall, the priest does not spot anything out of the ordinary.