This adventure starts in Sedeq and continues to Jirandiel’s private estate on a small island off the southwestern coast of Qadira. You can read more about Qadira in Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Qadira, Jewel of the East.
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Ezren walks through streets with his robe moving sike the sea around his old body.
His eyes shine with determination as he was thinking in the next mission.
Do you feel ready for this, old man?
This thought comes to his mind, and he slightly nodded for himself.
I am going to do what would be necessary for becoming a great wizard. Whatever, without any doubt.
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A stout woman walks beside the old wizard. She seems pretty dirty but smells of wood and moss. Splinters of wood are tangled in her dark hair. She looks at the other persons around, baring her teeth, letting out a snarl if anyone comes too close, as an animal would do.
When she does so, you see that her canines are more developed than most human's and seem to have been through a lot of whetting. She carries an Orc Double Axe in her back.
Not one for starting conversation, she's happy of the silence of the old man. She looks happy to go on another mission and drools on her armor. Noticing that, she wipes her mouth with the back of her hand. She doesn't look really attractive neither smart nor witty.
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A half orc man with a huge bow over his shoulders glides easily into the room and looks around. He absentmindedly plays with a large lock of pure white hair which looks out of place against the large mane of jet black hair covering the rest of his head.
"Greetings. I'm Arkolo. Pathfinders like myself I assume?"
That is a safe assumption on the inquisitor's behalf, for the others have a letter similar to the one in his own pocket.
Her hood casts shadows on her face, but her bright eyes shine
out as two points of light in the otherwise dimly lit tavern. She
makes a gesture as if to call a server while subtly waving you over.
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A slender figure shadows the party, stopping to speak with people where she can. A boot buff here, a dagger sharpened there, some silver and penny candies handed out the local urchins. She had little faith in published guides and redacted Pathfinder reports. In her experience, if you wanted to know something about anything, you relied on the word on the street.
With her leg-work done, she proceeded to the tavern mentioned in the letter. She entered quietly, her soft-booted feet making hardly a sound. She seems extraordinarily ordinary at first glance. Of average height with a slim frame, she is dressed simply, clad in leather boots, breeches and vest over an off-white linen shirt. Only a flash of gleaming metal peeking out from beneath the open collar of her shirt gives any hint that she is armored. Her glossy, blue-black hair is plaited into a braid that coils over her shoulder. Her sharp, angular features mark her as having elven blood, but her ears are scarred and missing the tell-tale pointed tips. A number of scars mar her face as well and her nose is slightly askew, as if it had been broken one too many times. Her only truly striking feature is her strange violet eyes that never seem to rest anywhere for long as they scan ceaselessly for trouble. She carries a plain looking backpack and wears a pair of shortswords, the belts crisscrossing over her hips.
She recognized the contact, but made a circuit of the place first. Noting the entrances and exits, possible choke points and most defensible corners... and wrinkling her sensitive nose at the horrid smell.
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Dana walks with slow steps and is not the most gracile or beautiful woman from Tian Xia.
When she meets the group she waves her hand.
"Greetings to you all." says the corpulant woman with a self conscious smile.
Her right eye has been cut in the past which has led to a scar that is clearly visible on her right eye section.
She has a Wayang bleaching exactly around the scar.
Her asymmetrically cut black hair with pink highlights looks strange and out of place. She is wearing a full plate armor that clearly encumbers her heavily and with which she walks slowly.
Her armor has gadgets and colored leather straps which are more fashion items than functional adventure gear. A small buckler is attached to her left arm. She also carries a backpack.
Resting on top of her chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
She does not really have a natural presence and unfortunately might come across as aloof or arrogant.
Facing you all she bows but more out of tradition than courtesy you believe.
“Dana Katsu is my name.“
Karisa Starlight: Karisa Starsight, was taught by Major Colson Maldris, and excelled as his aid. Over the past while, her duties have more resembled those of a steward, overseeing some of the Liberty's Edge faction's operations while Maldris traveled farther afield. As steward she has been investigating rumors that Phlegos enslaved his own Pathfinder agents. Karisa's picture
Phlegos: Phlegos Dulm is a traitor to the Pathfinders. Society agents obtained evidence that the disgraced former venture-captain was sabotaging the monetary and political power of his rival Venture-Captain Wulessa Yuul. Perhaps that was even one of you? He has poisoned his enemies, including Pathfinders and their allies, and profited heavily from his direct involvement in illegal slave trade. Phlegos attempted to poison a trio of agents at Venture-Captain Roderus’s retirement party.
Manor: "Is that the one," gestures wildly, "by the sea," moving arms up and down, "with the things?" moving arms up and down more aggressively. [b]"You know, the... things." Gesture, gesture, gesture, "Porch! the manor with the porch!?"
Karisa Starsight pulls back a fold of her cloak to reveal a pin depicting a golden longsword on blue wings, the Liberty’s Edge insignia. “Welcome to Sedeq. I hope you made it here without too much harassment from the residents. This city is as despicable and crime ridden as any I’ve seen. Everyone seems to be under the thumb of someone even more vile, so it’s difficult to find anyone to trust. This establishment has just the right amount of ill repute.”
She stops speaking as a server approaches the table. “A pitcher, please.” The server eyes Karisa with disdain, then walks towards
the bar while scratching their rear.
Karisa Starsight takes a moment to compose herself. “Venture-Captain Yuul tells me that you are fine agents and will be able to help me track down the ex-Pathfinder, Phlegos Dulm. I’ve got a lead on some missing Pathfinder agents we believe he poisoned and sold into slavery to cover his substantial debts. I can’t track both at once, so I’ll be relying on you to find Phlegos and bring him in. Meanwhile I’ll be locating our missing agents. The Decemvirate would like to question Phlegos, so bring him back alive, if possible.
“I would start by talking to Corvius Vayn, a slave merchant and genie binder. He is about as untrustworthy and despicable as they come, but he was also Phlegos’s primary contact here in Sedeq. If anyone knows where he is, it will be Vayn. I’ve managed to obtain a letter of introduction for you. He’ll know you’re Pathfinders and will likely suspect you want information on Phlegos; his spy network is extensive.
“You might also be able to obtain information on Phlegos from Khanuur, Vayn’s efreeti slave who rarely leaves his side. Normally
I’d recommend freeing Khanuur in exchange for information, but Khanuur is an evil genie, an efreeti. Freeing him would mean letting a powerful evil force free into the world but keeping him enslaved seems unfair to any creature. I trust your judgment to do what you feel is right.
“Before I depart, do you have any questions for me?”
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The half-elf merely nodded in greeting to the newcomers and spoke her own name as introduction. "Kishara." Though she did shift her stance so as to better keep an eye on the Nagaji.
Karisa Starsight takes a moment to compose herself. “Venture-Captain Yuul tells me that you are fine agents and will be able to help me track down the ex-Pathfinder, Phlegos Dulm. I’ve got a lead on some missing Pathfinder agents we believe he poisoned and sold into slavery to cover his substantial debts. I can’t track both at once, so I’ll be relying on you to find Phlegos and bring him in. Meanwhile I’ll be locating our missing agents. The Decemvirate would like to question Phlegos, so bring him back alive, if possible.
“I would start by talking to Corvius Vayn, a slave merchant and genie binder. He is about as untrustworthy and despicable as they come, but he was also Phlegos’s primary contact here in Sedeq. If anyone knows where he is, it will be Vayn. I’ve managed to obtain a letter of introduction for you. He’ll know you’re Pathfinders and will likely suspect you want information on Phlegos; his spy network is extensive.
“You might also be able to obtain information on Phlegos from Khanuur, Vayn’s efreeti slave who rarely leaves his side. Normally
I’d recommend freeing Khanuur in exchange for information, but Khanuur is an evil genie, an efreeti. Freeing him would mean letting a powerful evil force free into the world but keeping him enslaved seems unfair to any creature. I trust your judgment to do what you feel is right.
Kishara scoffed aloud and then spoke with a Chelish accent. "Your informant is a known slaver? I've heard of fighting fire with fire, but this seems excessive for Liberty's Edge, no? I suppose we should handle Vayn with kid-gloves to keep the little bird in your pocket, yes? How should we persuade him? With gold, as Ezren says? What about the genie, any angle we might approach for his aid besides freeing him? What would it take to free him? I'm handy with a lock, but he can't be much use as a slave if he is locked up, no?" She rattles off her barrage of questions at a quick clip and pauses a moment before asking the ones that ranks most important in her mind. "How important is it that Phlegos be taken alive? Will we need anything special to subdue and transport him?"
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After the meeting, Kishara hit the streets again, this time to learn more about Corvius Vayn and his Efreeti slave.
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Marduk grunts at each new pathfindery appearances, though she nods back in acknowledgement towards Kuhgron.
"Too much fancy words. If I shake merchants, merchants speak. Usually. Sometimes gold better. Maybe old magic man right."
Looking back at Starsight, Marduk shakes her head to mean she has no questions.
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Khugron listened to the plan and frowned at the mention of the efreeti, torn between freeing it and the havoc it can bring if it was loose.
"Oh yesss, here, you might want these if we get into fight." Khugron said, pulling out a bundle of ponchos from his pack. "They help your clothesss not get sprayed with blood when I hit thingsss with Doc." he added pointing to the adamantine bec de corbin.
"This is Doc. It standsss for "Death on Contact". He getsss a work out lately." An ear to ear grin can be seen coming from the nagaji at the mention of battle.
...Kishara scoffed aloud and then spoke with a Chelish accent. "Your informant is a known slaver? I've heard of fighting fire with fire, but this seems excessive for Liberty's Edge, no?...
The light in her glowing eyes dims as she narrows them before responding. "Not an informant no. We learned of him from a series of ledgers we obtained. They were encoded, but we were able to identify Corvius Vayn as Phlegos' contact in Sedeq.”
... I suppose we should handle Vayn with kid-gloves to keep the little bird in your pocket, yes? How should we persuade him? With gold, as Ezren says?
"Gold? Not so much. He’s extremely rich, powerful, vile, and a target I’ve had my eye on for a long time now. He’s a genie binder and a slaver with a staggeringly large network of contacts and ludicrously deep pockets. Those connections insulate him from reprisal and make it very difficult to prove any criminal acts that might give us an excuse to take action against him. He also has a love of rare possessions and will collect anything he finds unique: alcohol, jewelry, slaves. It might be efficient to bring a rare alcohol or other unique gift for him if you have access to such.”
...What about the genie, any angle we might approach for his aid besides freeing him? What would it take to free him? I'm handy with a lock, but he can't be much use as a slave if he is locked up, no?"
“I feel… a certain amount of sympathy for the creature. Corvius keeps the efreeti bound to him with a magical collar. I have tools that can help you break him free of it, if such appears to be necessary.” The former slave sighs, "I know nothing more about his needs or desires. Magic that can keep such a powerful creature enslaved, probably also prevents him from realizing it is a slave."
... She rattles off her barrage of questions at a quick clip and pauses a moment before asking the ones that ranks most important in her mind. "How important is it that Phlegos be taken alive? Will we need anything special to subdue and transport him?"
"The treachery of this traitor has the eyes of the Decemvirate. The will wish to question him. I have a few questions for him regarding those missing Pathfinder agents, too.” She pauses, "Questioning the dead is not beyond the realm of the Society's abilities, though my priority is finding the agents."
“I leave the decision to you but I, personally, would free Khanuur. Perhaps after his captivity he’ll have learned some temperance, as well as some value of personal liberty. Perhaps he’ll turn on his former slave-masters and help us defeat him. Either way it’s a blow against slavery in the region, which is something.”
After answering your questions, Karisa gives you a greater chime of opening and an adamantine metal file. “I’m sure you’ll find these useful one way or another. If you don’t use them to free Khanuur, then they’ll likely be useful in gaining access to Phlegos.”
After the meeting, Kishara hit the streets again, this time to learn more about Corvius Vayn and his Efreeti slave.
Re: Corvius Vayn
Re: Sadeq
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"It seems that we have to choose the lesser evil; Slave trader or devil slave. Corvius is an evil and dangerous foe.
After answering your questions, Karisa gives you a greater chime of opening (functions as a chime of opening with a caster level of 20) and an adamantine metal file. “I’m sure you’ll find these useful one way or another. If you don’t use them to free Khanuur, then they’ll likely be useful in gaining access to Phlegos.”
An object with powerful magic ... Could you tell us more about it?
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The light in her glowing eyes dims as she narrows them before responding. "Not an informant no. We learned of him from a series of ledgers we obtained. They were encoded, but we were able to identify Corvius Vayn as Phlegos' contact in Sedeq.”
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"The treachery of this traitor has the eyes of the Decemvirate. The will wish to question him. I have a few questions for him regarding those missing Pathfinder agents, too.” She pauses, "Questioning the dead is not beyond the realm of the Society's abilities, though my priority is finding the agents."
Kishara smiled and nodded, softening her tone. "That is good to hear, both about the priorities and that we need no kid-gloves. My apologies for the implication, I find I am not so trusting ever since the Shadow Lodge. The letter of introduction sounded... partnerial. You give good information. Thank you for the items, we will put them to good use."
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Later, she briefed the team on what she had learned. "So, do we have anything rare enough to tempt this 'collector'? Since gold is not going to do it?" Her violet eyes fell on the Nagaji. "He may wish to collect you if he prizes fighting slaves." She warned Khugron. "The rest of us are not so... unique."
An object with powerful magic ... Could you tell us more about it?
Chime of opening. The adamantium file ignores hardness, and can cut through anything, given time.
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Dana listens to the conversations.
She is not very talkative usually but here it is important to talk she realizes.
“I look human but I am an Ifrit. And I am a member of liberty’s edge. If the man that I later in life called ‘father’ - Xiao Katsu - would not have rescued and adopted me then I would still be a slave!“ she says with some hesitation.
“I am still suffering from amnesia because of the torture I had to endure and my mind is trying to escape... by forgetting. And do you know who wronged me? Who‘s cruelty I and thousands of others had to endure? It was an Efreeti!!“
She breathes heavily.
“I will not free Khanuur. Whatever Vayn is doing. How horrendous the man’s actions. I cannot imagine that they surpass those of an Efreeti who is free to act!!“
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Marduk tilts her head from time to time, trying her best to process the load of information. After some time, she bares her pointy teeth and begins to speak.
"Marduk be not unique. Marduk not want to free evil creature. Marduk agree with Dana."
As she says so, she pats Dana's back as empathically as she is able to.
"Marduk moved by Dana's words. Dana safe with Marduk."
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"Isss creaturesss to be enslaved due to their actionsss? If efreeti redeem self, who to say we not release it?" Khugron said, not keen for slavery in any form, having been a gladiator slave in the past.
"It could be that Vale keepsss Khanuur since if he getsss free, the efreeti might come to collect some debt that isss owed by the slaver."
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“I am still suffering from amnesia because of the torture I had to endure and my mind is trying to escape... by forgetting. And do you know who wronged me? Who‘s cruelty I and thousands of others had to endure? It was an Efreeti!!“
She breathes heavily.
“I will not free Khanuur. Whatever Vayn is doing. How horrendous the man’s actions. I cannot imagine that they surpass those of an Efreeti who is free to act!!“
Kishara frowned at the woman's outburst. "You do not serve the Society to bar one of our possible paths to success. I hope that means you will be willing to do more to help us find another avenue to save the missing Pathfinders, yes?" She tucked the items away in her pack to ensure they would have them when they were needed, no matter what was decided regarding the Efreeti.
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Ezren sights slowly.
So it begins.
"Dana, I understand you, believe me.
But Khanuur is another slave here, and he is not your torturer. Perhaps we may negotiate with him putting some conditions. Phlegos must be our priority; if we find him, we will save more easily those lost pathfinders.
I know, it is difficult, but you have to open your mind.
By the way, What are we going to offer? Slaves? Nothing?
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Dana is moved by the concern and smiles at Marduk.
She looks around and sees companions.
“You are right that the time to make a decision is possibly in the future. But those of you that have not seen Efreeti and their power ... I think you would understand if you had. If anyone here can see into the Efreeti’s heart and does not detect wickedness ... then I will aid Khanuur as I would give my life for any slave. But if it is evil then a human’s goals are easier to move in my mind!“
Corvius Vayn’s estate is an opulent palace with gardens full of exotic plants, an entry hall with rare works of art, and a sitting room the size of a townhouse. Once the Pathfinders arrive and present their letter of introduction, your’re brought to the sitting room by a suli in flowing silk robes, then offered any
manner of refreshment they desire.
Shortly after receiving refreshments, a sturdy blonde human man with long, free-flowing hair strides
confidently into the room, his fine black and white silk robes fluttering behind him. An efreeti in midnight black robes with gold trim and a black metal collar follows immediately behind.
The human addresses the room at large, “Ah, Pathfinders. I was wondering how long it would take you seek me out. My money was on a month earlier, but no matter. It only cost me a few thousand platinum.” He slowly starts to sit as several unseen servants assemble a throne of throw pillows below him.
“I am Corvius Vayn of course and need no further introduction. He sips a drink which he wasn't holding before he sat down, a servant backing away before the ice stops spinning in the class. "You however, do. Please introduce yourselves so I can start to think of you as more than a group of homicidal archeologists.”
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Dana almost smiles at the joke. But the situation is dire.
She moves her encumbered form forward and moves a pink lock from her face.
"Mr. Vayn, Dana Katsu is my name. As you knew that we Pathfinders would come then I assume that you also know why we are here. We heard that you seek rarities in exchange for information ... and she looks at Ezren and Kiashara before continuing, "... so I would like to offer you myself as a slave if the information you provide will lead to the rescue of the Pathfinders that were enslaved and the capture of the man that caused all of this!" she says and is dead serious.
"I am a rare kind of Ifrit whose fire in the blood is as strong as any Ifrit's but I also am as human as you are. Ifrit's are uncommon. But my kind is rare to find." she concludes.
She tries not to look at the Efreeti!
Vayne purses his lips making a 'tsk tsk,' and interrupting Dana. "Business can be done after introductions are finished. Hospitality demands it.
He smiles when the introduction resumes. Isn't that better? Pleasure to meet such an eclectic personage. Tell me more of this fireblood.
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Ezren tries to keep calm. Dana had decided to play a dangerous game.
Greetings. My name is Ezren. I am a lore seeker, more like an archaeologist than a homicidal.
How maybe we sure that you have relevant data for us?
Dana is a rarity, of course, but you also have a fireblood slave, yet. It seems to be a powerful creature, I am intrigued.
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Kishara had suspected the man might be persuaded to see that providing this information to the Society was in his best interest, possibly he might even have a task for a team of unattached Pathfinders to accomplish without the deed leading back to him. She was surprised to hear Dana offer herself so freely and stood by to make sure they would not end up trading one Pathfinder's freedom away completely for the information. She felt somewhat responsible given she herself had elicited the woman to be prepared to offer more.
She bowed, displaying the Qadiran manners she had picked up. "My name is Kishara Razard. My father was the Elven ambassador to Cheliax before he was murdered by infernal assassins. The Silver Crusade helped me track down the Diabolists who conspired to have him killed. Now I work for them." She opened her vest to flash her faction insignia, pinned to the interior. "Usually by pulling Pathfinder bacon out of the fire." She said with a wink to Dana. "Our apologies that we do not bring a proper guest gift. We have heard of your discerning tastes and were unable to find something suitable on short notice and did not wish to offend with a common gift. Perhaps we can offer you our services? I assure you, I am very discreet."
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Marduk is deeply puzzled by Dana's behavious and words. She tries to hide her surprise but isn't very good at it. She sighs slowly, looking around and marking in her mind the doors and windows.
If Vayne's gaze stops on her, she'll grit her teeth and let out: "Marduk Zhro'hysh, scout of society. Eyes and nose keen. Grown in orc tribe."
Ash Kishara tries to offers services Vayne again tsk, and says, "Introductions first. Formality and etiquette are paramount.”
The efreet servant keeps everyone's drinks and snacks at full, he fans anyone looking too hot, or stands near anyone seeming too cold.
After introductions, Corvius Vayne sits up straight and in a very commanding way.
“Let us cut deep. You’re here because of former Venture-Captain Phlegos Dulm. He betrayed you. You want him… dead? Captured? Something unpleasant, I’m sure. He owes me a great deal as well and I can’t be letting him get away with it—no; bad business."
"Letting you handle him is cheaper than hiring the Red Mantis to do it for me. However, I can’t be giving away something for free, even information—etiquette you know. In exchange for information on Phlegos Dulm, including where to find him, I offer you this onetime deal:”
"Dana Katsu, Fire-blooded. He looks appraisingly at the ifrit. Then turns an equal approving eye to the nagaji. "Khugron, Rage-blooded, you will become my indentured servant for one month—oh, you don’t have to do anything unseemly. I’m not a Calistrian. I just want to take you to a few lavish parties, dress you in fine clothes, show off your various talents; standard arrangement." He leans back casually, sipping again at his drink. "You don’t have to start now—I understand you’re in the middle of something. Come back when you’re done and get pampered for
a while."
Deal?”
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Dana nods but it is obvious that she shivering all over.
"If that is what I have to do to potentially save enslaved Pathfinders and find the man that is responsible for their suffering, then one month of my lifetime is nothing compared to that." she says with a quivering voice.
She bows in Tien fashion as a sign of respect and to show that she is bound by honor to this deal.
Khugron looked torn at the request. "My talentsss are killing thingsss. Standard arrangement too open ended, want specifics. Lunar month? Calendar month?, are you going to heal me if I get injuriesss, etc.?" he said.
"I assure you I have no desire to harm such a magnificent creature. I will return you to health when you're..." A clear chime rings through the room, interrupting Corvius Vayne. “Apologies, I have an engagement I must get to. "I will return you to health when your month is up and let you set the dates of the month for yourself."
He gets up to leave. "Let me leave you here to relax and deliberate—though you really don’t have a choice, do you? I’ll return in one hour. Khanuur, please draw up the contracts. And keep my guests comfortable."
Corvius chuckles to himself as he leaves the room, leaving the efreeti to stand at attention beside the door.
"He does honor his deals, so long as the deal is in his favor. Try to put too many limitations on it, he may consider it dishonorable and treat it as such," the efreet explains.
"I am bound to Corviaus will and his slave," Khannur points to the collar. "I must must perform everything he asks. Some are slaves, some are masters, Fortune decides who is strong enough to be which.
Is he kind?
He is not cruel, so long as it is in his best interest, but he is human and mostly mortal and that is cruel enough. I am not mortal, therefore fortune will see my strength soon."
"I know the information you seek. However, I can not assist you in any way. As it is valuable to my master, to do so would be akin to stealing from him."
He will provide any refreshments or entertainment you wish while you wait.
"What bindsss you to his service? Was it a debt that you owe?" Khugron asked
"It is the magic of the collar." No mortal could bind me against my will." He doesn't say, but the implication is that a more powerful entity bound him and now Corvius has control of the collar.