Seeing the thing in the water clearly after Diomedes points it out, Sharaya pulls out her bow and aims at the thing.
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Sharaya nods and goes to gather her stuff quickly, coming back in a few minutes, ready to go.
Sharaya gathers with the rest to hear what Ramona's concerns are.
Elia (Sharaya) finds Ramona in a moment when she is alone, and asks her if it is possible to get an advance on her wages in order to get her bow repaired before they set off.
Sharaya, still in her Elia persona, and in quite a good mood after having successfully navigated the interview and getting a spot in the excursion, approaches one of the women at the counter and says Yes, I was told that there was a room key waiting for me here listed under the name Smedrick. I was also instructed that there would be a get-together this evening for the other members of our group. Can you direct me?
2nd Interview: Tell me, what experiences have you had surviving in tropical climates? What experiences have you had in organizing expeditions, if any? Well, I've been to Nagajor. It was especially difficult to survive there, not just because of the climate, but that was definitely a factor. If you've heard of it, you probably know what I mean, but if not, I can go into more detail if you like. [b]I've organized several smallish expeditions to different Thassalonian ruins. But I mean, I am not sure if it is what you are looking for. I just call people who do that sort of thing... caravans, and then other researcher friends. I usually only supervise my own assistants. I delegate the rest of the details to others, so that it all gets taken care of. I hope that doesn't disqualify me. I don't like to micromanage everything. I'd rather focus on the science, you know?
Introduction: Good afternoon, Grandfather. I'm Elia. I love your outfit. What is your name?
It's nice to meet you. In answer to your question, I am a scholar of Thassilon. I have always been interested in Azlant, not just because of my heritage, but because of my studies. Ancient Thassilon is intriguing, enchanting... She grins like a little girl. I want to know EVERYTHING about it. Elia/Sharaya reaches up and touches the holy symbol of Desna hanging around her neck. When I heard of the first expedition, I somehow knew that this was right. This is what I needed to do. I missed getting on that first ship, but I knew I couldn't miss the second one. Have you ever had a dream like that? Where you just knew that it was the perfect thing? I know that I can help the colony because I am young and strong, and I am skilled with magic... but more than that, I know that there are mysteries that I can solve out there. I hope we can discover some of what was lost to us in the winds of time. She smiles again. I must sound young and naive to you, Grandfather. I promise I really do know what I am doing. It's just that this opportunity just makes me feel a level of childlike excitement and hope that I haven't felt in a long time. That's one reason that I knew this was right. How often do you get a chance to dedicate yourself wholly to something that you love? Anyway, um, sorry for babbling. I'm a little nervous. I do so hope that my interview goes well. Are you the one asking the questions? I think I'm ready for whatever you ask. I've been practicing.
Elia/Sharaya chats with the people around her in line, gathering as much information as she can.
Elia (Sharaya) pulls her belongings together and disembarks with the majority of the passengers, mixing into the crowd. She proceeds to the place where they are conducting interviews, hoping this one will be somewhat easier.
Will we have time to learn languages from one another, while trying to keep our identities? Well, we shouldn't all meet up, but if a couple of us "meet" each other on the trip, it shouldn't be too weird. Probably want to be as private as possible about the lessons though, so no one is really sure who is teaching whom, or whether we're just having bizarre multi-lingual conversations or whatever. Probably DM call, but I imagine we could get away with it on a ship with so many passengers.
If that actually works, I'll trade you for Varisian. That's my cover nationality, so it would be good to know, and I know two languages you don't... Thassalonian and Hallit. Trade you both if you want to teach me Draconic as well.
I always thought that you could only learn languages from a point in linguistics. Where are the rules where you can learn one otherwise?
Elia stops by a street vendor to buy a wooden holy symbol of Desna, which she places around her neck along with her fetish. If she can find a good text on Ancient Thassalonian ruins, she also picks that up. She alters her appearance to look more Varisian than Chelaxian, though just very subtle changes, and alters her clothing to a Varisian more conservative style. Since she already changed her hair to be short and blonde, she is ready, and she goes to the ship to take passage. She gets on the ship, finds her berth, and settles in, reading up on the latest Thassalonian finds. She is already somewhat familiar, but wants to make sure she brushes up.
Can our wayfinders use unlimited Ioun stones by the house rule? Sharaya's already had three, so just wanted to make sure that I can add the new one.
Sharaya bows her head in thanks to Tosen. Thank you for the suggestion. That is an excellent idea. She alters her request to a Western Star Ioun stone instead.
Sharaya uses prestidigitation to give herself a nice blonde bob. Perhaps you don't know how to expertly use such an item. Are you intentionally trying to be disagreeable? If you're happy with your choice, why don't you just let the rest of us alone? I considered many other things. A circlet of persuasion and Sleeves of Many Garments working together would be preferable, but the man did say one item, and this item has far greater overall utility than Sleeves of Many Garments, although I can still change my clothing at will to whatever is appropriate, even if I wear the same face. And the hat itself changes with the disguise to a barrette or comb. Hats like that don't just fall off. ... Although perhaps they do from your head. Not that that wouldn't be a blessing to us all.
Sharaya says Thank you for your generosity. I would like a Hat of Disguise, please.
Lorik... Lens of Detection does what Eyes of the Eagle does, but with a little extra for tracking, if you want. ... Just a thought.
You will need to get tattooed on your arms AND cut your hair short to change her identity... Do you have any idea what length or style or original color her hair is, or is that something they wouldn't know? ...it’s the gold and influence you should be using to get onto the ship, the Society has earmarked enough gold that “Elderbrant” can do just that... Any chance the rest of us could get a little gold as well? There are many things that we could buy here that won't be available in a colony... things that might be useful for a disguise for instance. Sleeves of Many Garments or a disguise kit would be relatively inexpensive, even if the society can't afford to provide us with more, say enough for a hat of disguise.
Sharaya just sits down and waits for the briefing. If they don't cover what she wants to know, she can ask questions later.
Easier in that it is okay to make stuff up though. :)
Sharaya answers the questions as follows: Answers:
Sharaya laughs. That is not my expertise, but I have some talent at almost everything. I have participated on many archaeological digs throughout Golarion, and have a lot of support experience in those roles.She mentions 3 digs that have happened in the last 10 years that she was a part of.
I'm an explorer and survival expert, and have many skills in that regard that would help the colony. I can help survive, and becuase of my expertise at diplomacy, I can also convince people to make do with what they have. I am never a burden on a colony's basic resources, because of a particularly useful ioun stone. I personally need no food or water to sustain my life (although I do thank you for your tasty buffet outside. It is still enjoyable to eat, even when it is unnecessary).
Why just last year when I was traveling near Lake Encarthan, I discovered a group of bandits that was poisoning one of the waterways and then selling a "cure" to many of the downstream villages. Knowling I couldn't handle it alone, I went to the downstream villages, collected volunteers, and we captured the bandits and were able to cure everyone. There were unfortunate deaths on both sides, but the evil was undone, and unlikely to be repeated.
Well, we don't have time to go into the details, but one word: Nagajor. It was especially difficult to survive there, not just because of the climate, but that was definitely a factor. Definitely glad to be back.
Sharaya laughs again. Oh, isn't everyone difficult sometimes? The approach will be different depending on the person and the circumstances. If a man approaches you inappropriately once, then you politely decline, and smile so he just thinks that you are taken. If he approaches you again, then you say no, thank you and you don't smile, and you look him in the eye so that he gets the message that you are not just being demure. If he comes back the third time, you either leave, or you confront him depending on how safe your situation is and whether you have backup. I have to deal with that almost daily. Or just now, out there talking to people, a man I was sitting with started talking about chopping limbs and heads off people and how much he enjoyed it. Crazy? Who knows, but a wise move to move away and not encourage psychopathic tendencies. In other circumstances though, a man like that might be useful on the front lines or as a bodyguard, as long as he was under control and on your side.
Well, if one thing is time-sensitive and one thing is not, then of course, you do the time-sensitive thing first, and then do the other so that you can get both done. Conflicts only arise when you cannot actually accomplish all of your tasks and you have noone else assisting you to which you can delegate. Then, you have to look at some main things like which thing is most helpful, which is least harmful, and what might offend the gods. If you are trying to protect a group of people who are being hunted by the Red Mantis for instance, and you are in a town where you have no idea who is or isn't affiliated with them, one answer would be to destroy the entire town. Obviously, that would be not only harmful, but offensive to the gods that I personally revere. So, you have to do something less dramatic and still keep them safe. All choices include risk, but you can never overcome evil by giving in to it. You have to make the good choice, and trust that good will triumph. In my experience, it always does, eventually.
A few years ago I was working with a mining company that had a conflict with the Munavri. They wanted my advice on how to destroy them in order to continue their mining operations and avoid losing so many miners. I worked the numbers for them about how much it would cost to try to fight the Munavri, and projected a death toll on both sides, talked about the pros and cons of the process, and the likely outcomes. Then I suggested that they find someone to talk to the Munavri instead, find out why they were fighting the miners, and consider alternate solutions. Looking at the bleak numbers, they agreed, and asked me to attempt the diplomatic solution. It was difficult of course, but the primary hurdle was trust and communication. Once we overcame those, the two sides came to an agreement, and now the Munavri deliver gems to the mining company for an agreed upon payment each month, and the miners do not encroach upon what the Munavri see as their territory. It seemed to work out well on both sides.
In my experience, people who are in some way personally invested in the outcome are the best and most motivated members of a team. If you have someone who is brilliant and skilled, giving that person a personal reason to be there can often get them more involved. And, of course if there are racial or gender tensions, you have to address them up front. If the team can't respect each other, then you have to remove the problem, no matter how talented that individual is. No one person is ever worth losing team unity.
You already know the answer to that or I wouldn't be here.
While I value my membership in the society, my qualifications and value have never had anything to do with the Society. I am qualified because of who I am--who I have chosen to become through my own choices. ...I'm qualified because I know people, how to get them to work together, I know exploration and survival, have exceptional experience in a vast variety of circumstances, and because I am creative and can come up with solutions in almost any circumstances.
I think the story I already told you about the situation between the miners and the Munavri probably answers this one too. It was an incredibly complex problem, we looked at the options, and we found a solution that didn't start a war or continue butchery on both sides.
Personally? Sharaya, for the first time, seems for a brief moment as though she is at a loss for words. Instead of having something prepared for this question, you can see she is thinking about it....I want to start over. ... And, of course, learn of the ancient Azlanti, my ancestors, and perhaps find the origins and secrets that matter so much to this world. ... If you are asking whether I have a personal commitment to this journey, I do. I am motivated to make this journey successful... and of course to represent the society in whatever way the Decemvirate deems necessary. Do we have specific instructions in that regard?
Sharaya goes back to the buffet table for more grapes, cheese, and crackers.
Sharaya throws a grenade as close to Borak as possible.
Hmm. You make a lot of sense, Tosen. It does seem a silly way to immortality. Of course, that isn't why they use it. They use it to get someone else to suffer for their sins in the afterlife. Not sure if that works though. She chuckles. In any case, good luck on your interview, and I hope we are both chosen. It would be interesting to talk with you further. Sharaya gets up and mingles some more, trying to meet everyone and also get an idea of the competition.
Oh, indeed it helps quite a bit. You remind me of a Wizard I used to know... Hmm. Since you are such a knowledgeable scholar, here's an off the wall question that I have been curious about for quite a while. Some of the Thrunes (she says that word very distastefully) back in my homeland of Cheliax commission statues of themselves ... poor replicas I'm sure ... that they say have the ability to suffer *for* them in the afterlife. I don't know how such a thing is done, or whether it is actually possible, of course, but who actually thought of such an idea? Where did it come from? Did the ancient Thassalonians dream up such a practice?
What did it do? How is it bound to worship? How did you find that out? Sharaya spills all of the questions out at once, obviously fascinated.
I have not, please tell me about it... in words, of course. She smiles, and sits down to listen.
Do you perhaps know anything of the ancient Azlanti. I spent some time in Verisia, studying their Thassilon culture and ruins. I do know some, but I wish to know more. Do you have anything in that book of yours about Azlanti artifacts?
<--Ah, nicer. Perhaps she also realizes that he is baiting her. She leans over and places her finger on the page. Hmm. You forgot "named after the famous Pathfinder" I have a lot to live up to, it seems... especially if you are taking such good notes. You said you were going to compile this? For publication, or just for a library? As for specialties, I am also a historian of sorts, but also a diplomat, and of course, as you already wrote, dabble in the arcane. I certainly hope that they choose you for this mission. It would be good to have such a detailed recordkeeper with us.
Perfect recall? That's impressive. And I take it that's something you can *learn,* given enough time and attention? I may have to look into that. Oh, sorry. Nice to meet you Tosen. I am Sharaya Solistar, a sorceress of sorts, though I am still learning. So, you take notes on... what? The buildings, the people, the political situation... or all of the above?
I rather prefer the feel of my Falcata chopping limbs and heads off my opponents Sharaya realizes that she is sitting beside a bloodthirsty maniac, and doesn't really want to get stuck here while other people get up and leave and they end up the only two people at the table. She gets up and says Well, I'm going off to meet a few more people before the big interview. Good luck to you all. She wanders around greeting people, and sees a man (Tosen) writing. Are you cramming for the interview? she asks.
Wow. Our alphabetic superior in all ways. You grace us with your presence. She grins. Sharaya gives Bann a quick rundown of the 3 interview questions that we know about already, just in case he gets pulled away soon.
"It is NOT ridiculous! Its 'noteworthy' and 'functional.' What else is there for a hat at sea or in the jungle? The seller added the feather as a bonus really...I didn't ask for it." Perhaps "noteworthy" is the more polite synonym in this case, although might I suggest we compromise on "odd."
Hello, friend. I was just noticing that you were ... "admiring" Varloo's ridiculous hat. Why don't you join us? My name is Sharaya, and this is Varloo, Lorik, Diomedes, and Harul. We were just discussing the interview questions, and the alphabetical challenge some of us face.
You were correct, Lorik. What a boon for Diomedes, and an unexpected delay for Varloo. As she looks at Varloo during that last comment, she notices Bann glaring at Varloo's hat. ... Varloo. That elf over there is looking at your hat like he wants to kill it. I think we should invite him over to observe it more closely, don't you? Without waiting for agreement, she waves Bann over to the table.
Sharaya gives Diomedes whatever information that she has about the process from the first round.
Lorik... wanted to make sure you caught this part: I sometimes wish that my parents had idolized a different famous Pathfinder. Too bad Andrax d'Aponte only died, what eight years ago? She gave you a reason for the name, along with revealing the name. ... And glad you didn't choke. :)
Oh, I didn't think about them going by first names. If they do, you'll likely be last, Varloo. Unless there is a Zetara around here somewhere. She smiles.
Pardon, but did I hear you say you had been to Almas but are turned away when you mentioned the Society? The same thing happened to me, and I stood in the dock watching the ship sail away. As did I. Too bad we had not known each other then. I'm Sharaya. Sharaya Solistar, which is alphabetically inconvenient at times like these. I am afraid I will be waiting a while before my interview is called. Where does your name fall alphabetically?
I tend to agree with you on that. I think they are hiding something, but no way to tell what until we get out there. Alphabetical order is maddening. Perhaps not for you, Lorik. You were alphabetically blessed. "Brightwater." I'm "Solistar," which is much farther down the list. Even if I had signed up under my late husband's name, it would be "Zeroux" ... I married down, alphabetically. I sometimes wish that my parents had idolized a different famous Pathfinder. Too bad Andrax d'Aponte only died, what eight years ago? That would have been a good name... I only mean alphabetically of course. I'm not sure what happened with that whole mess... She waves her hand as though dismissing the politics of the whole thing. Varloo, with "Grimtide," you're after Brightwater, but before me. Where do you fall alphabetically, Diomedes?
Indeed I was. They seem to have something against the Society.
No, thank you. Must keep my wits about me for the interview.
Oh, Lorik. I can see right through you. I'm quite obviously from Cheliax, <She gestures to her body that is basically the poster-child epitome of the Chelish ideal of beauty> but don't worry. I won't bore you with the politics, but suffice it to say: I'm no devil worshipper. You have nothing to fear from me... at least in that regard. She turns to Diomedes Tell us about some of the Azlanti relics that you have been studying. I'm quite interested.
When Sharaya hears the name Brightwater, she goes silent for a few seconds, considering, but she quickly recovers and responds to Diomedes: Yes, that's right. It's [shar-EYE-uh]. To Lorik
Sharaya tastes the punch and seems to like it, but says what is this? because she's doesn't remember tasting anything like it before.
"How about you? What brings you to join in the competition?" Pleased. I'm only here because my passage was denied at Almas, after I mentioned the society. That will not happen again here. When Lorik inserts himself and speaks in Azlanti, Sharaya replies, smiling: Azlanti: I think you will find that much more common in this company than you might expect.
Please, do yourselves a favor, and avoid the pate. Your stomachs will thank me. But the cheeses are excellent. Sharaya smiles, and says Thank you for the advice. My name is Sharaya. Perhaps you would like to join us at a table? If he agrees, she gathers some food, proceeds to a table with them, and asks So, tell me how you two come to be here. If he doesn't agree, she does the same, but only with Varloo. (Neither have given their names to this point in the narrative, but she will use names if she has them.)
May I help you find whatever you are looking for my lady? You seem worried about the selection process? Maybe I can help somehow? We can go find ourselves something cool to drink in the shade and discuss it... You mistake my expression, sir. I am not at all worried. She looks at him, considering. However, as long as the shade is within the Great Hall, I would be happy to join you for a drink, non-alcoholic of course. I wouldn't want either of us to miss our interviews. My name is Sharaya.
Sharaya: Kreighton, good to see you. I'm here to sign up. I was at Almas and they denied me passage on the Liberty's Herald because I mentioned the Society. I don't intend to be denied again. Any idea why they would be Anti-Society?
After waiting for Kreighton's response, Sharaya proceeds to the Great Hall.
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