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Throughout the City of Absalom and the lands of Golarion, the Pathfinder Society has made known its intent to hire skilled adventurers for an investigation of international import. The Pathfinder Society Headquarters in the City has suddenly become a busy place, with travelers arriving daily from the lands and envoys from Cheliax, Taldor, and the other imperial powers seeking an audience.
Intrigue buzzes in the air, and rumors are flying about what the Pathfinder Society could possibly need adventurers for, interested parties from every civilized nation are making inquiries. But so far, there has been no official word from the Pathfinder Society.
Adventurers from around the Inner Sea have swarmed to Absalom in response to the appeal. The Decemvirate remains unavailable, but vigorous testing of the applicants has begun.
The City of Absalom has inceased guard patrols to circumvent any potential hazards or legal issues brought about by the increased population density.
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Throughout the City of Absalom and the lands of Golarion, the Pathfinder Society has made known its intent to hire skilled adventurers for an investigation of international import. The Pathfinder Society Headquarters in the City has suddenly become a busy place, with travelers arriving daily from the lands and envoys from Cheliax, Taldor, and the other imperial powers seeking an audience.
Intrigue buzzes in the air, and rumors are flying about what the Pathfinder Society could possibly need adventurers for, interested parties from every civilized nation are making inquiries. But so far, there has been no official word from the Pathfinder Society.
Adventurers from around the Inner Sea have swarmed to Absalom in response to the appeal. The Decemvirate remains unavailable, but vigorous testing of the applicants has begun.
The City of Absalom has inceased guard patrols to circumvent any potential hazards or legal issues brought about by the increased population density.
If everyone will start roleplaying from here. Either their daily activity, or whatever they do upon first entering the city, if you're new to town.
Komana disembarked on the wharves of the Dock District after crossing the Flotsam Graveyard. She began to weave through the crowd in search of a guide, she needed to get to the Foreign Quarter where the Pathfinder Society was headquartered.
She had sent a letter ahead of her to inform them of her interest in their problem. Komana whispered a short prayer to ask for look in her endevour, then she smiled. She loved a mystery.
Dakgu wiped the blood off of his upper lip and spit the remains of a cracked tooth out onto the ground. He watched, emotionless, as the referee counted down to ten, standing over his last opponent. This was it, he was free now. Free to go where ever he wanted. He climbed out of the ring and shouldered past the booing crowd. Most had bet against him, and were not happy to have lost their money. He smirked, and for the first time in a long time, walked with his head held high. He felt lighter than air. Walking up to the managers booth, he poked his head in and spoke quickly to the hulking barbarian guard by the door, who grunted and waved him in.
Moving inside the lavishly appointed room, Dakgu eyed the one person he was here to see. The woman spun on her heel to face him and they stared at one another for a long moment. After what seemed an eternity though, the woman finally smiled. "So Dak, free at last hmm? Tell me, what will you do now that your debts are all paid. I still have an opening here, should you change your mind. Its nice to have muscle that can think as well as fight." The barbarian in the corner knit his brows together, unsure if he was the cause of that idea or not.
"No thanks Mal. I plan to get as far away from the arena as possible. I hear those Pathfinders are looking for folks with my skill set, might poke my nose in over there and see what the dish is about. I won't bother picking up my winnings. That should put us square with a lil for you on the side. Good luck Mal, I'm done here." Nodding to the woman after getting some directions, Dakgu walked out of the arena proper and into his new life.
The next morning, Dakgu made his way towards the Foreign Quarter and found the Pathfinder place just where Mal had said it would be. He was looking at the mass of people around when an attractive redhead caught his eye. She was a little taller than most humans, which meant she came up to his chin instead of his chest, and athletic looking. What caught his eye most though was the way she carried herself. He nodded appreciatively and noted her weapons. Definitely an adventurer. Probably here for the same reason he was. He dropped in behind her in the press of people and sure enough, she was heading to the Pathfinders. Catching up to her, he caught her eye and nodded with a grin and hoped his tusks did not offend her sensibilities.
He thought to actually say something, but then they were at their destination and the moment was gone. He did the only thing he could do and opened the door as a gentleman.
Absalom's hugeness boggled her mind, she may be a cleric of the god of cities, she thought to herself, but Absalom was a monster. She smiled slightly to herself, she quite liked the City at the Center of the World.
Eventually she arrived in the Foreign Quarter, where the varying race and style of the locals only became more varied. The Grand Lodge was not hard to find from there, and she cut through the crowds of adventurers like a ship, not to be slowed. An odd mauve-skinned giant of a half-orc travelling in the same direction fell into her wake, his long legs rapidly drawing him level, he nodded, and Komana noted he sported a bloodied lip.
Displaying archaic chivalry more befitting a Mendevian knight, he held the door for her, she nodded at him in acknowledgement, then strode confidantly into the vast edifice, searching for a person of authority to enquire after the great mystery she sought.
At the Pathfinder Lodge off in one of the warm rooms, Soven sits with a few instructors at the Black Blade Academy nearby the pathfinder lodge. Laying out on a plush couch near a fireplace, Soven plays a simple tune on a strange instrument thats sounds similar to a cello. He is smoking a pipe and laughing with his friends. Everyone now and then a bottle of fine fire whiskey is passed around.
Soven is dressed entirely an Taldane attire with a fashionable rugged look to it. Sitting next to him is an excessively sized wide-brimmed hat with a strong slant to it. It is adorned with three ridiculously large feathers and is occupied by small black cat batting at the aforementioned feathers.
At Sovens boots is a large pack with a sizeable peice of armor attached to it, along with a dark sword with three roses tied to the hilt.
One of the Instructors passes the whiskey to Soven upon which the cat sits up and meows.
No my friend, no more for you this hour. Maybe next... Soven smiles and takes a quick one. Grimacing in a good way, he passes the bottle to another.
The room, aptly named smoke & mirrors,is full of exotic furniture and of exotic people. On the walls are many mirrors-some magic-and on the tables are many pipes that belonged to pathfinders before his time. A cloud of rich pipesmoke fill the room at all times. Some of which Soven and his friends are contributing. The group is busily conversing about times past but are also chatting it up with anybody nearby.Soven takes it all in and thinks to himself. Now this is where I am meant to be, here before, now again, could I ask for more..
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The Grand Lodge:
A gruff looking woman is bent over a desk, scrawling notes across a long list of names.
She finally looks up, noticing the newcomers, and stands haltingly as though she were in some amount of pain.
"Welcome! Please sit down. I've dealt with nearly a hundred applicants today already, but as always we are still searching for those that we feel might meet the qualifications for this special assignment."
"I'm Venture Captain Solany, though most folks call me Sol."
Before anyone else can say anything, Sol reaches into her pocket and pulls out a wand. She holds the point to her throat and concentrates for a second or two.
"Attention, Pathfinders."
The voice is spoken in a normal tone but booms throughout the complex.
"The next interview session is about to begin. Please make your way to the central common room in an orderly fashion if you have not yet been interviewed."
She gestures towards a few rows of chairs facing the desk.
In the library of the Grand Lodge, Kaelor is busy hunting a particular piece of lore that has been evading him for quite some time. The various odd references to an old one in the different folklores of the peoples inhabiting Golarion convinces him that there must be something to it.
Then he hears the loud and booming voice of an agitated female calling for order and preparation for an interview.
Intrigued, Kaelor picks up his sword and straps it to his back, wondering all the while what this interview will bring.
A turn of luck that, she turns her eyes breifly with thanks.
Komana walks over to the row, and firmly sits down in the one at the farthest left. She puts her backpack down beneath her, then crosses her legs under the chair and her hands in her lap in perhaps her only concession to lady-like behaviour. Her face however neat and pretty is anything but ladylike, her jaw held strong, not acting tough, but possessed of a bedrock of confidence.
She waited for the call as others began to file around her and take their seats.
Kaelor goes into the room and finds a seat. He looks around but avoids making eye contact. He then pulls out some of his notes and reads them.
With the announcement, Soven smiles and apologizes to his friends for he must attend this one. Shaking their hands fiercely and saying farewells, Soven picks up his gear and hat. Deciding for now not to evict the cat, he carries the hat so as not to dump him out.
Dropping his gear on the floor, Soven finds himself a seat in the back.
Pulling out a bottle full of the ice cold water from the Lodges magical fountain, Soven sips while eying the room in a curious fascination.
this place never ceases to amaze...
Dakgu walked after the red headed woman took alook around the building, noting the windows and doors and subconsciously anything of value. He spent a few more minutes wandering around when the voice sounded throughout the building.
Nodding his head and shrugging his shoulders, he walked into the room and noted the redhead again. Thinking things were definitly looking up, he took a seat noting the other interviewees. [I]Well let's see if this will be worth my time.
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Iacobus, when you have a chance to post...
The day begins like mostly any other day, except for the increased traffic of certain parts of the City of Absalom. It's not difficult at all for you to find out what's goin on, but you are almost surprised when a golden scrollcast is pressed into your hand when you're walking in a throng of people.
The scrollcase is gold with a small red crystal glittering on the ends. The mask of Razmir is emblazoned clearly over the wax seal holding the scrollcase together.
I hate waiting. Wonder whats taking so long. They must be waiting for more people to show up or something. Lets see what do we have here so far... There's the redhead I saw earlier. Definitely won't mind sharing the ground with her in the wild. Looks like a desert dweller in the back there. Seems pretty sturdy looking, good build, quick eyes. The elf there, can't quite make him out. Book type maybe. Wizard? Time will tell I guess. Always handy to have one of those around, so long as he can keep his intelligence in check with his manners. Last elven wizard I met thought everyone and everything were playthings for his entire race. Still have his spell book somewhere. For some reason I never seem to be able to sell those very well.
Dakgu continued to scan the room and its inhabitants while waiting for the interview process to begin. Taking out a whetstone and an oil cloth he went to work honing one of his daggers that now sported a large notch in it from the last "real" fight he had been in. It was large enough to be noticeable, but not so bad as to warrant buying a new one. Besides, it had been with him a long time and he was rather fond of it. He sighed impatiently and continued to wait.
Looks like a desert dweller in the back there. Seems pretty sturdy looking, good build, quick eyes.
Looks like a desert dweller in the back there. Seems pretty sturdy looking, good build, quick eyes.
Um...thanks?
Soven looks around him and likes what he sees. A few people stand out in particular to him...... Hmmmmmm.....maybe they are waiting on someone special.
Soven looks over to a beautiful Cheliaxian female sitting beside him. The tiny horns on her forehead are overlooked, he is used to seeing those. Her raven black hair and red pouty lips are driving him mad though. And so he leans over and whispers none to softly I am wary of these Pathfinder charters, I hear the devil is in the details hahaha uhhhh hhhhmmmmmm Soven apologizes meekly, and goes back to petting the black cat while whistling a chelixian tune he is fond of.
"A lot of interviewees... must something big." Kaelor mutters to himself.
Komana looks around her, back straight, face expressionless. A big crowd, she thought to herself, hope it doesn't dilute my chances.
She spotted the strangely coloured half-orc again, sharpening a blade. There other interesting characters, a taldan princelike in demeanour and very strong looking, a reserved elven wizard, some tiefling woman, archetypical of her kind, dangerous with her looks.
Komana turned back to sit up straight. It'll be interesting, definately that.
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Iacobus is shocked to find the sealed document in his possession. His plans for the day were to investigate this Pathfinder Society recruitment, as he feels that he could only add to the acceptance of the divine Razmiran by gaining membership in that society. Which shouldn't be too hard, he thinks bitterly, since their standards are low enough to admit Chelaxian diabolists.
But perhaps this document has some special mission for him? Glancing in all directions, somewhat shaken by the occurence, he steps to a storefront and lounges in the shade of an eave, attempting to open and scan whatever the scoll-case contains where no one can attempt to read over his shoulder.
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Acolyte Gildenpalm,
In the eyes of Razmir, the Living God, be Blessed. I would be honored to meet with you to discuss your Holy Ascension. This is Not a Request.
Meet the Humble Vision of Razmir at the Leather Binding, at your earliest convenience.
The Leather Binding is a small tavern near a lesser known school in Absalom. It is frequented mostly by young people.
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Iacobus puts the message back in the case with shaking hands, and deposits it quickly into his Haversack. They've found me! his brain offers up, but he's not clear exactly why he would think that. He certainly isn't in hiding from his own superiors... Is he?
His heart is pounding and he's torn between running directly out of town, and getting on the first boat to anywhere, or following the notes directive.
His legs show no such sign of his internal struggle, and he walks at a brisk pace towards the Leather Binding, all the while thinking of ever-more-fanciful ways of avoiding the upcoming meeting, with diving into the chasm near the Cathedral being one of the more colorful options to present itself.
In less time than he would have thought possible, he arrives at the Leather Binding, and he turns his head slowly, letting his sight adjust to the darker insides of the tavern, as he searches for the red robes and golden mask of a Vision.
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The Leather Binding is not so much dark as it is cozy. It is a small establishment, a few youths poring over books as they sip light ales.
A young man and woman are enjoying each other's presence in the distant corner.
The owner looks over at the sound of the bell on the door, and pales when he sees your mask. He quickly exits the room, going into the back, and closing the heavy curtains behind him.
You find a place to sit down.
After a moment a red-robed figure fills the doorway, blocking most of the sunlight from outside. It gestures its fingers in an obscure wave, chanting a single word.
"Shalatharm..."
Without much warning, the sound of thuds against wood and the breaking of a glass warn you of something happening behind. The tavern's young customers, all of them, have slumped over exactly where they are, sleeping soundly.
"That is better."
The voice from behind the golden mask echoes mysteriously, but the red robed figure sits across from you and steeples silk-gloved hands in front of it. You notice that behind the golden mask, no eyes are visible, only a solid blackness.
"I trust you were able to find the place easily enough?"
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The mask betrays no emotion, but the echoing voice from behind it is elegant and kind.
"The Living God would have you continue to serve Him, as you have done these years. Our Eyes have Beheld a mystery. A Mystery that irks and plagues the Living God as it irks and plagues ourselves.
In all the Sight that His Vision beholds, there are dark spots on the map of Infinite Brilliance. Places where the Vision dares not seek. Places where the Vision is blinded by the Foul Corruption of a lesser world."
The Vision waves a hand and a mug of ale flies into its hand. It miraculously drinks it through its mask.
"The Great Lodge is one such location. Our Eyes have seen all, having access to even the deeper vaults of those castles. But of late, a Darkness has grown within His Vision. A perplexing Darkness, that no light can penetrate."
The Vision places the mug down again.
"The Acolyte must Pierce the Darkness. He must be the eyes and ears of Razmir, for the children of the Lesser World would prevent his Next Ascension."
The Vision stands swiftly, pulling a black velvet bag from its robe. It places it in front of you on the table, then walks out the door.
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Inside the bag is a Razmiran Mask, similar to the one you are already wearing, and a long cyllindrical object that you recognize immediately as the Token of the Final Step.
The Token of the Final Step is a small rod of pure ivory, decorated with platinum, silver and gold imbellishments. Whoever bears a Token of the Final Step to the Court of Razmir may obtain a private audience with the Living God.
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Taking advantage of the momentary privacy, which he expects will last at least a few minutes more, Iacobus changes into the new mask, placing it reverently upon his face. He places the black velvet bag and the old mask into the Haversack and takes a deep breath, before heading at a brisk walk towards the Grand Lodge.
He's not sure what sort of tests will be required to become one of those selected, but he is prepared to do whatever is needed to qualify...
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The mostly disorderly shambling into the room is a quiet chaos. But soon, the seats are mostly filled with interviewees.
Based on cultural clothing differences, here are short descriptions.
Cheliax - Robed Male Human - Imp on shoulder
Taldor - Female Human - Strange dragon eyes.
Andoran - Male Elf - leaf armor over clothing
Qadiran - Armored Female Human - two scimitars strapped to back
Osirian - Armored Male Human - savage leather armor is spiked
Qadiran - Armored Female Dwarf - A large crossbow strapped to back
Andoran - Male Human - nothing too exciting
Cheliax - Armored Female Human - Black leather armor and daggers visible
Taldor - Male Half Elf - glowing rune visible on back of hand
Cheliax - Robed Female Human - black and red robes
Andoran - Male Human - clothing a little more colorful than usual
One of the more unusual of those present is a woman dressed in a white gown with gold dragons. She seems quieter and more intelligent than most of those present.
Soven nods to the taldanes, chelixians, and the andorans. He also smiles an innocent and friendly smile to the woman in the white dress. Same friendly smile given to the strong spirited woman glancing around the room.
Komana looked around her once again, quite a crowd had gathered, an interesting and veried bunch, mostly from the Inner Sea nations. No-one from as far north as she certainly.
She prepared herself mentally, whispered a little prayer, and began carefully gauging her fellow applicants and noting the handsome smiling Taldan. Handsome indeed, if a bit too aware of it she thought breifly, before turning her mind to less frivolous things. She was ready to work for this job, and would convince her interveiwers to the utmost of her abilitys and experience. She was a force of nature with her mind set stubbornly to a task, and nothing would bar her path.
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Iacobus takes a seat abruptly, having walked in a bit later than he had hoped. Muttering sibillant words under his breath, a minor magic cools his robe and mask, and whisks away any signs of moisture from his exertion. The scent of old parchment replaces any other odor that might have arisen in his hasty journey.
His mind brought back into focus by even this simplest act of spellcraft, he takes advantage of his mask to gaze slowly about the chamber, secure that few will be able to discern exactly where his gaze lies, behind the expressionless iron facade.
The usual coastal elite, he thinks sourly, wrapped up in their navies and their trade routes, all to ready to dismiss any claim to greatness among the inner lands.
His gaze lingers somewhat on the Chelaxians, as he wonders what mischief they are going to attempt to secure advantage to their own, and the lone obvious Osirioni, who, a product of an ancient land that once served God-Kings in the flesh, may be more open-minded to the company of one who follows a similar calling.
Very peculiar, that both of the obvious Taldans present bears signs of having been marked by the forces of magic. Perhaps, with some visible oddities, they find themselves unwelcome, or, perhaps, overly welcome, among the bored sophisticates of their home?
The most interesting, of course, are those who do not wear the colors of their countries of origin so openly. The scholarly woman in the dragon-marked robes gave no indication of whose flag she served, possibly indicating that she served her own interests, whatever those might be...
Kaelor whipers a few mystical phrases and focus his arcane eye on his fellows.
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Venture Captain Solany sits down behind the massive desk facing those to be interviewed.
"Thank you, everyone, for being prompt in responding to our need."
She looks around, pen scratching on the paper across her desk.
"This is a full crew."
Sol takes up her wand and points it upward to the ceiling. After uttering a brief command word a pulse of pure energy erupts from the wand and a shield of shimmering blue transparent energy surrounds the interview area.
"Now that we have a little more privacy, we can begin."
Sol's voice seems muted, quieter somehow, and the sound is swallowed by the field of energy that surrounds the area.
"The first question of the interview is relatively simple. Your name and nationality, and list any skills you have that you think might benefit the Pathfinder Society in this investigation."
The woman in the black and red robes stands up abruptly.
"What is the nature of this investigation?!! You cannot hide these details from the public forever. And you will certainly not be able to hide them from Lord Asmodeus!"
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Kaelor whipers a few mystical phrases and focus his arcane eye on his fellows.
Solany has several moderate and one strong aura.
The Osirian with the savage spiked armor has no magical auras at all.
The woman in the white and gold gown glows with an overwhelming aura.
The shield of energy that has risen up around the group has a strong magical aura.
Giving his blade one last look, Dakgu nodded, satisfied with his work. He nodded at each person to enter the room, noting what he could about them. None of them returned the nod, some even went so far as to frown or even turn up their nose at him. He shrugged and put his things away. Most half orcs were used to that kind of treatment. He looked around and noticed that indeed he was the only one of his kind in the room.
As the last of the interviewees entered, an odd looking fellow in a mask entered and seemed to scan the room. Dakgu nodded to him as well, but was unable to decide if the greeting had even been noticed or not. Then the lady to whom the booming voice belonged to arrived and sat down. She began the proceeding, only to be rudely interrupted by some chelaxian female.
"Hey, Cheelax woman. I'm sure the Venture Captain there will get to explaining things after she's sorted through the chaff. Keep your panties on and ya might find out more than by standing there and making demands of the boss."
Shaking his head at the woman, he turned his gaze to the Venture Captain and stood up to his full height. "Names Dakgu Bonebuster. I specialize in combat and acquisitions. I was born in Qadira, though I don't really remember where. Spent the last fifteen years or so here in Absolam. Anything else, just ask."
Standing, Komana took advantage of the momentary silence after the half-orcs retort to announce her own name.
'Komana Tazurin, from the Numerian-River Kingdoms border. I am an experienced detective, both of mundane matters, but specialising in the supernatural, magical and otherworldly menace. My business is mystery, and I offer that business to the Society.'
She sat back down hoping to avoid more pettiness from the as of yet fuming but thankfully silent Chelaxian twit.
Kaelor stands to face the Venture Captain.
"I am Kaelor, previously of Kyonin, now of Absalom. I am well versed in many fields of study and languages that may be encountered during the course of this proposed investigation."
A ball of light appears in his left hand and his sword in the other, "Handy with either magic or blade."
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Iacobus feels the need to speak quickly, to assert himself before those present are inundated with the sheer number of respondents. He quickly shifts his belt around so that his rapier is prominently displayed before rising.
Standing quickly during the elf's speech, he so smoothly cuts in after the end of his last word that it almost sounds like they had rehearsed the maneuver. Thanks to the minor magic he had evoked earlier to clean himself, his voice takes on an echoing quality from behind his mask, and as he speaks his first words, he raises his hand respectfully to the Venture-Captain as he introduces himself, and a visible shimmer in the air follows his hand.
"Venture Captain, I am Iacobus, a missionary-priest from Razmiran. I am a skilled diplomat, and a scholar of matters of history, faith, nobility and the arts arcane."
He pointedly shifts the rapier to the side again before returning to his seat, "Like my elven friend, I am skilled in both swordplay and spellcraft, and find that both are only as strong as the mind they serve."
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The rest of those eager to join this investigation identify themselves, and Sol scratches something on paper after each response. She seems to take a little longer when the Chelaxian Cleric Lethandris Minrathia identifies herself (the woman in the black and red robes).
The woman in the white and gold gown stands after everyone else has spoken.
"I am Cassandra Kel Claioti'th of Hermea. I have many skills with magic, blade, and ki."
Sol raises an eyebrow at this, but continues to write.
"Welcome to you all. You have 20 seconds to break into groups of four members each."
Sol's voice continues almost in a monotone, and it takes a second or two to register her last sentence. A small hourglass appears on the desk in front of her, with precious few sands rapidly descending.
Everyone make a Reflex save. If you have Improved Initiative you can add that to the roll.
1d20+3 → [13,3] = (16)
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/2196268/
Soven snaps to move as needed. His head is clear and his mind is sharp despite the fire whiskey from earlier.
A small and audible laughter of amusement emits from Soven, as it almost always does when Soven gets a little nervous.
Looking down at the small feline still lodging in his hat...
"What have I gotten myself into,eh?"
...you have 20 seconds... It registered and Dakgu was up and moving. He wasn't sure where to at first but his eyes settled on the redhead from before. Dodging around other interviewees, he leaped a chair and landed behind the woman with a little more noise than he was used to.
"Hiya Miss, hope ya don't mind the company."
Komana nodded with a smile at the half-orc, he seemed the competent sort, and she liked useful people.
She looked around her, taking in the rest of her group and watching to see where the Razmir follower and Hermean had gone, she loved a mystery, and bringing on or two with her on this task would be a nice bonus, and there are few things that she found more interesting than the God of Lies and Mengkare's Isle.
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...you have 20 seconds... It registered and Dakgu was up and moving. He wasn't sure where to at first but his eyes settled on the redhead from before. Dodging around other interviewees, he leaped a chair and landed behind the woman with a little more noise than he was used to.
"Hiya Miss, hope ya don't mind the company."