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As Erizi enters, the Lady stops sipping her coffee and listening. She holds up a hand for quiet and gets up straightening out her grey robe.
Then Almah moves round to Erizi and plumps a cushion between the Zaid and Zsithreminnni. She smiles showing perfect white teeth.
"I perceive I may have been wrong to upset you last night. Erizi, please accept my humblest apology, and join us." The smile turns into a devastating grin, "of course that mistake could have been down to the ill luck of a pugwampi."
"Your friends were extolling the reasons as to why they travelled here from Solku. Yours is a special case in that you are a slave but I think everyone would benefit more to know what happened to you in the past. This is important because one day in Kelmarane each of you may need to depend on one of the others. The trust you build today will help. A great deal."
"Erizi, try a lemon delight, they are delicious."
Almah returns to her seat and sits cross-legged waiting for each tale.
"Thank you once again for your hospitality lady Almah, you seem to be an enigma to me for when I think I have figured you out."She shakes her head giving a slight giggle.
"I must admit you serve excellent coffee the aroma is wonderful, and as for the delicacies I think I could get used to them, so if nobody wants anymore i'll have his or hers."
"I'm from a family of candlemakers from a small village outside of Solku, and every week we used to set up our stall in the market in Solku, as a young child I used to hang around with a few others and we used to cause a bit of mischief, our favourite was climbing over peoples gardens without being spotted, oh there was many a good chase.
We loved to climb buildings or trees see who could get the furthest not without risk mind you, we even pretended to be great monster slayers seeing how far we could sneak up on people with a wooden stick and attempt to tag them before we where spotted. Thats where I have honed my other talents, though not without great cost."
She looks up fists clenched and her eyes are tear filled.
"I have made a promise to myself to rid this land of every single filthy stinking Gnoll I encounter, by the great gods they shall pay."
With that she exhales deeply from her mouth, and continues to enjoy the coffee.
"Erizi, try a lemon delight, they are delicious."
Shimei relaxes when Almah receives Nombir's and Zaid's report favorably. He smiles and nods in approval at the two men. He even takes some coffee.
When Almah looks to him to tell his story he begins:
"I was raised in a village about halfway back to Solku. After Kelmarane fell, it suffered raids from the gnolls until one night they came and burned the town and enslaved all who survived." His head falls and he speaks into his lap. "I was tending the flock in the hills that night. I crept close enough to see them in the flames. Close enough to see them fight over booty. To see their hyenas and boars devour the dead. And to hear their cheers."
He raises his head, "I too have sought vengence. Long and long I have wandered the desert and hills, alone or with the nomads here, I have killed three gnolls with my bow and one with my knife, but it is too little. If I am to have true vengeance I must have comrades, a pack of hunters to scour the gnolls from the land and leave it free of their foul stench."
Using his bow as a staff he rises to his feet, "I am the chosen of the Bow-father. I have been promised a gleaming city in the desert hills. So it shall be."
"I don't know where I came from my Lady. I grew up in an orphanage run by the Priests of Abbadar. I serve him now. My service to Abbadar brought me into contact with Zaid and we've sought adventure together since then. I have no particular grudge against Knolls, but I can understand why some might". Nombir glances at Shimei.
Erizi takes the offered cushion with a slight bow not making eye contact with anyone. When the sweet is offered he takes a bite, then tries to conceal the remainder within his garments.
He dreads the time when he must speak but suddenly he takes a breath and begins.
My first memory is of being woken up in the morning before the sun rises, and carrying rocks all day. When I was a child they were small rocks, then as I grew in strength they became big rocks. When I was big enough to reach the salt veins I was given a Pick, and a Maul and commanded to dig out the crystals, and break them up into smaller pieces...Other children then carried them away. Soon I became among the strongest of the miners...I could work all day.
Then one day a man came and told me that I belonged to him now. He took me to his estate, and there I was taught to use weapons, and defend myself. I took to it rapidly, as it was easier than the salt mines...till my first combat...I lost to a pair of halflings much to the delight of the crowd...That is the last time I lost. I fought many times, and praises and gifts were showered upon me, but I had no reason to fight, except for the profit of my master...It began to show in my fights...I didn't care anymore...I would do just enough to win. Finally Jaxoran, my master decided that I wasn't a good enough draw anymore...and here I am.
Erizi seems that he is going to say more, but hesitates then returns his glance to the floor, shrugs, and remains silent.
When it is Zaid's turn to speak he bows to Alma and says:
"My name is Zaid Al-Mahaudin. I was born in Katapesh of merchant parents and spent my childhood there. When I was old enough my parents kindly paid for passage on a ship to Absalom, where I was enrolled in the Arcanamirium."
"Recently news of this expedition came to my attention, and since I am deeply interested in the region surrounding Kelmrrane, I travelled back to Katapesh with my friend Nombir, and we joined the party."
Zaid bows again and adds: "I humbly offer my services as its chronicler."
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Almah gives everyone a chance to speak then sips her coffee a little.
"The gnolls have much to fear when there are two such vengeful souls here. And you Pathfinders should know that my experiences of your Society are not always favourable. I have seen one or two of the wonderful artefacts found by the "thieves of Absalom". But as wonderful as they are the stories of magic uncovered and its power unchecked are very common. I too have seen one such instance."
"As for you, Erizi, when I gained your contract, Garavel was told that you were a sullen and stupid beast by the last master. Now is the time to prove him wrong."
Almah nods to Garavel.
He goes over to a large chest and opens it with a bright key of silver. Then he produces five scrolls of vellum and returns.
"These are your contracts. There is no magic just a formal decision by which you become my servants for a time. That time will be decided by how ever long it takes to cleanse and recover Shining Kelmarane. I shall pay you 200 gold for this task. Any equipment and treasure you take from the ruins is yours for the risks you take on my behalf."
"Is that satisfactory? If so just sign. Erizi in your case you do not receive the 200 gold but you will enjoy freedom. That is a promise." Her clear eyes show no guile or deception.
"Oh and Father Zastoran has access to magical healing to help your mission."
"That is a very noble gesture my lady, one that I will gladly sign up for, may I be the first to sign the contract."
"I am here at the behest of the Bowfather. I do not need the full measure of your reward. Give me 100 and give the other 100 to Erizi. I will be content."
Erizi, perhaps surprising everyone, reads the contract very carefully, before adding his flourishing signature...(The benefits of frequent visits to the educated "Ladies" of his previous owners estates)...
He hears the priests kind words and turns to him with a nod..."I appreciate your kind offer, but as a slave I am not allowed to have possessions". "Perhaps after I earn my freedom, we may be able to share in fortune".
He then takes the dagger he had taken from the pugwampi, and presents it to Almah. He gives her a deep bow and intones, "My life is yours to do with what you wish".
He then keeping his head down returns to his silence.
Zaid bows before Almah again. "I will sign My Lady."
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On the surface the contract is a typical piece of legalese. The clauses look to be genuine and since Abadar is one of the major faiths of Katapesh, then this is a good example of one such religious document written by the faith of merchants.
It simply agrees that you will work for Almah to clear out Kelmarane at her orders.
Almah
She motions to Garavel and he collects the signed contracts. Almah then signs at the bottom of each with Garavel acting as a witness. This goes on while Nombir is carefully reading the contract in detail.
"Well?" she asks of the priest when he finishes.
"Thank you everyone, now if you have any questions about the work ahead, please feel free to ask."
So eager is he to take up arms against the gnolls, Shimei barely glances at the contract. He signs and gives the vellum to Garavel.
***
At Almah's Q&A invitation:
Shimei replies abruptly, "Where do we strike the dogs first?"
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"Perhaps some knowledge would help you find the answer to that question, Shimei," admonishes the Lady.
"Here is a map of the area of Kelmarane and it's valley. The Sultan's Claw is to the south of the valley, just outside the lower left hand ridge. Just inside about a mile from here is the Old Monastery ruins. Beyond that the valley pretty much surrounds Kelmarane and its disused pesh fields. Next to the town runs the river that flows north to south, down the valley and out towards the city. Over the other side of the river, is meant to be a shrine to Nethys, but I do not know where for sure." Almah points out the various sites on her sketch.
"This is drawn from my memory. But it should be quite close to the truth."
Garavel joins in, "the present trade route avoids the valley entirely but we need Kelmarane so that a route north can cut straight through, saving miles and days off the journey."
FW
Satisfied of its content, Nomibir signs the contract and listens in while looking at the map.
Glancing over at the map and mention of the old monastery ruins."Well I think it may be a good idea to strike out towards the old monestary and see if any of the dogs are there, if so and once we clear the area we could use that as a base of operations against the scum."
She looks around at the group."Any ideas then folks. Oh Lady Almah who previously owned the monastery, do you happen to know ?"
"Aye, Zsithreminni, you have the wisdom of a sage. The Old Monastery looks like the best place to start. Then perhaps leapfrog to the shrine of Nethys. Depending on its location, it may offer a good view of our enemies in the town and the river may make it defensible. We should scout out the land."
After speaking Shimei looks to the others, but especially to Almah and Garavel for their opinions.
"The monastery sounds to me like a good place to start."
Knowledge (geography): 1d20+8=11
Knowledge (history): 1d20+8=19
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Almah shares a nod with Garavel at Zsithreminni's idea. The warrior's eyes glitter at the girl, "I approve. In fact, had it been my choice I would have wanted this caravan in the old monastery as a base just as you said." Garavel offers her another delightful sweetmeat.
...
Zaid
The Lady lets everyone contribute a question or two as she taps one hand under her chin then she speaks, "I only know that the monastery belonged to the worship of a holy warrior of Sarenrae by the name of Vardishal."
"As to what services Vardishal performed I do not know, but maybe the answers lie within his abandoned monastery?"
"So now that everyone has signed I am pleased with your decision. Remember that loyalty and trust is earnt in my family and that I will defend my servants if they have behaved thus."
"Lady Almah, Master Garavel, have we then your leave to scout and take the monastery for use as our base?"
"Lady Almah, do you know of anybody in your camp that has been to the monastary, or knows anything about it please?"
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Seeing that the group have no other comments to make or questions to ask, Almah swiftly rises from the rug.
"Well, it seems you have a mission and I shall not detain you from it. Good luck and I look forward to success. Garavel and I shall arrange patrols for the close vicinity to Sultan's Claw. The password will be "goat". Also I will get the wagons ready for travel to the monastery in a few days time."
Garavel himself opens the curtain gently for everyone to leave. He smiles at each person a little as they pass beside him and out.
The corners of Shimei's mouth turn down at the password, but he bows with as much grace as he possesses, thanks Garavel and Almah, departs the tent.
Outside, he tells the others he must gather his gear and will meet them momentarily. He quickly seeks out Hadrod. The wild dog follows and watches. " Father, I am sorry that Rombard died. I failed in my intention to return him to you. Please accept this weregild. ~ Shimei presses his gold piece and odd silver coins into Hadrod's hands.~ It is all I have. There will be more when Almah pays off my contract."
Shimei then hurries back to the others. The dog trailing at his heels.
Nodding to Garavel as she exits the tent she moves to get her gear together, looking around at the bustle of the camp she gives a quick chuckle and shakes her head.
Covering herself up from the morning sun, she makes sure her waterskin is filled up and everything is in order.Once that is done she looks for the rest of the group.
Erizi takes the time to gather his meager possessions, checks the bindings on his armor, and walks to the edge of camp to wait for the others.
Seeing Zsithreminni already there he walks to stand beside her saying nothing.
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The corners of Shimei's mouth turn down at the password, but he bows with as much grace as he possesses, thanks Garavel and Almah, departs the tent.
Outside, he tells the others he must gather his gear and will meet them momentarily. He quickly seeks out Hadrod. The wild dog follows and watches. " Father, I am sorry that Rombard died. I failed in my intention to return him to you. Please accept this weregild. ~ Shimei presses his gold piece and odd silver coins into Hadrod's hands.~ It is all I have. There will be more when Almah pays off my contract."
Shimei then hurries back to the others. The dog trailing at his heels.
Hadrod takes the money and swiftly pockets it. But he shakes his head, "yes, thanks from the Great One for your beneficience, but the herd needs a strong goat to father more. I would much rather you find me one.... but it is useless out here, in this dogbrush desert."
.....
As the party gathers together, people can make out most of the party are going about their business. One person stands in the shade of the burnt Claw just watching Almah's tent and the comings and goings. Dashki eventually turns away and limps off behind the charred wagon.
"I do not trust that scout." Zaid says to Nombir as he is packing his gear.
"I do not trust that scout." Zaid says to Nombir as he is packing his gear. [/QUOTE
"I know what you mean. I still think we should have let Erizi intimidate him a bit! Maybe we should talk to him about the Monastery and see if he knows anything about it? You never know he may be of help and if not, well there are other options..."
Nombir calls to Erizi. "Hey Erizi! Would you mind helping Zaid and I have a talk with the Dashki if you know what I mean? Nombir points at the wagon Dashki disappeared behind and says "he's behind that wagon.
Erizi glances over at the shout of his new companions. He takes a few steps in their direction...then realizes what this is all about.
"What". "You want your guard dog to growl and scare someone". "Scare them yourself". "We have found the thing responsible for the fire...so leave the poor man alone".
He then turns his back and walks back to the edge of camp to await departure.
Hadrod takes the money and swiftly pockets it. But he shakes his head, "yes, thanks from the Great One for your beneficience, but the herd needs a strong goat to father more. I would much rather you find me one.... but it is useless out here, in this dogbrush desert."
"There will be wild goats in the hills beyond Kelmarane. Big ones and strong. But they are wily and seldom seen. It is true, you will not find a replacement for Rombard here."
***
He then turns his back and walks back to the edge of camp to await departure.
Shimei misses the drama, but something in the big man's body language as he waits makes the adopted nomad give the slave some room. He nods at Erizi and sits on a convenient rock. "Where are the others?"
Erizi glances over at the shout of his new companions. He takes a few steps in their direction...then realizes what this is all about.
"What". "You want your guard dog to growl and scare someone". "Scare them yourself". "We have found the thing responsible for the fire...so leave the poor man alone".
He then turns his back and walks back to the edge of camp to await departure.
Nombir listens to Erizi's remarks with surprise and says angrily to Nombir "what's his problem?". "Fine! I'll resolve this problem myself". Fuming, Nombir then draws his greatsword and moves towards the wagon Dashki disappeared behind.
"Wait." Zaid says to Nombir "Perhaps we should not confront him just yet. I think we should just keep an eye on him until more evidence that he is not to be trusted comes to light."
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The morning sun just begins its ascent over the mountains, and bathes the camp in brilliance. There are three large birds floating above, circling over the valley.
From where Erizi stands he can see the pesh fields stretching out and around towards the inner river and the hidden Kelmarane.
The scrub and bushes compete with the rocks and cacti so that the journey towards the monastery may be a difficult one. The ground undulates so that line of sight is reduced to about 100 yards.
..
As Zaid and Nombir discuss the scout in the shadow of Sultan's Claw, they can see he is now 80 yards away, moving up and away from camp towards the west. The monastery is roughly to the east.
Nombir/Zaid Int check DC12
"See Nombir, what do I tell you?" Zaid points ad Dashki. "It is not possible for him to get where he is now by just walking. Things are not what they seem with that man."
Erizi glances over at the priests approach, but remains staring off in their travel direction as he speaks.
"Those Two, he nods his head in their direction of Nombir, and Zaid, are over there hassling the scout". "Zsithremmini is here, nods in her direction, and I am ready to leave".
"Well let us be off, we can worry about this Dashki later for at the moment he is of no concern to us, just yet.Our lady has tasked us, therefore let us complete the task.If this Dashki does get in our way then it would be unfortunate if something was to happen to him out in the wilds."
"Let it be so." Shimei replies to the hills-woman. "Zsithremmini, you and I are best in the wild. You take the lead. I will watch our trail. Do not outpace the city-folk."
He turns to shout back to Zaid and Nombir. "Nombir, Zaid, are you ready to go?"
"See Nombir, what do I tell you?" Zaid points ad Dashki. "It is not possible for him to get where he is now by just walking. Things are not what they seem with that man."
Nombir looks at the distance Dashki has travelled with surprise. "Yes Zaid you're right, there will be another time I suspect". Nombir sheaths his sword, finishes packing his gear and then moves over to the others when Zaid is ready.
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Part Two: The Old Monastery
The not-so-famous five head out towards the monastery. It is only a mile or two away heading roughly north-east, but the rocky scrubland slows things down.
It is a beautiful mid-morning sun that shines down. The birds have flown away. Then the group, led by Zsithreminni and with Shimei as tail end charlie reach the Monastery of St Vardishal.
Hunkering down between two large boulders that slant over the group, everyone can see the ruined edifice. The once holy repository of Sarenrae is now a fallen wreck.
The long nearside wall is cracked in several places, and two large sections (about ten foot across) have fallen revealing a wide cloistery of columns. These go towards the left hand end where they reach a massive oval chapel. This cavernous area points north so that light can shine in from the east and west.
Shimei surveys the scene. "Looks like someone's living there. We should sweep around to the right and get a look behind the building before we enter. Zsithreminni or I would be best."