|
You find yourselves in the offices of Ambrus Valsin, the Venture-Captain in charge of all daily operations in and around the Grand Lodge. The VC enters the room, nods curtly to all of you, and says, "As some of you may already know, I am Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. I have much to do, so I suppose we better get the introductions over with." he sits and awaits all of you to make your introductions.
|
A large lump of a figure hunched over beneath dark, heavy robes, only a beast-like maw visible beneath a low-hanging hood, Tortella shies away from attention. He grips his longspear, a knotted pole adorned with tribal fetishes, and forces out commonspeak words. "Tortella. Sor-cerer. Warr...Ior." the words spill out amongst sounds akin to coughing and gagging as the half-orc struggles to overcome his dominant orcish background and accent.
|
You see a tall handsome Ulfen man. He has a square Jaw, broad shoulders, and long blond hair. Muscles bulge under the chain mail that takes form on his massive frame. He carries himself with a lot of confidence. He seems to favor blue and white as he bears a blue tabard trimmed in white with the symbol of the Silver Crusade on it. Over that a White hooded cloak trimmed in blue. An Iron symbol of Iomadae dangles on a chain necklace.
He Speaks in common with a heavy Ulfen accent.
I am Viheim, son of Olaf, Son of Sven. The light and glory of Iomedae has led me to the Silver Crusade. You have my sword and spear, as well as my faith. Iomedae bring glory to us all.
With that he pulls a carved horn from his belt, it has a silver fitting over the lip. With words in the celeial tounge. He pulls a skin from his bag pouring a rich dark mead into the horn. He drinks and then passes to his new pathfinder friends.
|
A thin, attractive elven woman with deeply tanned skin stands up gracefully from a secluded spot on the floor. She wears a simple belted robe and is barefoot. Her skin has a faint greenish tinge to it, and her eyes are a shade of purple you have not seen before in her kind. She wears no makeup and her straight brown hair is done in a simple style.
This woman is Yugatta. She does not smile as she speaks.
This woman is new to your lands, honest work seeking.
Seemingly at a loss for further words, she awkwardly sits back down.
|
|
When offered the horn, a deep, wicked chortle rumbles like a volcano in Tortella's throat, and he simple stares at it, smiling.
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
Unsure what is required socially, Yugatta tentatively takes the horn from the half-sized man.
She takes a quick sip, clearly not relishing the smell or the taste, and...
...manages to keep it from coming back up.
She looks around for someone to pass it off to. Not sure what is required, she passes it back to the Ulfen.
This woman thanks you for sharing thy disgusting drink with her, she says to Vilheim.
|
|
"Yes, yes, nice to meet you all, I'm sure." Ambrus waves his hand dimissively, seemingly oblivious to the events transpiring around him. "All right, Pathfinders! Listen up. I know you are new recruits eager to make names for yourselves in the organization, but first we need to make sure you are up to snuff and won't get yourself killed out there. I have a number of small assignments for you and your team, and it would be best if you could finish them before the day's end.
"Every day we get some doe-eyed hopeful or some sniveling bootlicker willing to do anything to join up with the Pathfinders. Most of them are
good kids, but not all of them have the salt to make it in a world like this. It's rough out there and I'm not just talking about the ruins, tombs, and wilderness Pathfinders find themselves in on missions. We've got people who look down their noses at us, folks who think we squander our resources, and agents who want to take everything we have collected. This wealth of knowledge and these items of lore make us the most powerful organization on the planet. That said, since we are fractured and widespread, it's difficult for that power to light on anything for too long. For every friend of the Society, there are two enemies. "Your first mission, to test your mettle and loyalties, sends you to meet a few people important to the Society living here in Absalom. These are other venture-captains or close allies of our organization, so follow their orders as you would mine. I've prepared a list of things I want you to do. They're not arranged in any particular order of importance, but I want them all completed as quickly as possible. Only report to me once you complete them all. Included in the envelope you hold in your hands is the list, complete with the name of your contact, and directions to the meeting location." He hands you a list of the tasks he needs you to complete. "Any questions?"
|
|
Vilheim laughs and nods to the others as they drink. He takes the horn back finishing the drink before stowing it again. Giving cheers to new friends.
Vilheim takes and looks the list over.
Sir, do you have a map of the city. What district are we in and what is closest. If none have more urgency than the other we might as well go to the closest one first.
|
|
As you walk into the Temple of the Shining Star, you are immediately directed to Ollysta Zadrian. She is obviously a paladin of Seranrae, and though young in years carried herself with the poise of both a queen and a warrior simultaneously. Once she notices you, she strides forward and addresses you all in a strong voice. "Thank the light of Sarenrae you have arrived! I knew Ambrus would come through for us in the Silver Crusade. I desperately need you to bring medicine to an orphanage and let me know if the headmistress, Gilga Baltwin, is deserving of our charity. Since our quest began, the needy have clamored for our aid, and I suspect some are abusing our generosity. It may sound cruel, but there are plenty of dishonest people out in the world eager for easy gold.
"Do you know of the Silver Crusade? After discovering so many factions splintered the Society, a number of us banded together to proliferate the cause of charity and kindness using the Society's resources. As it is said, ‘The Dawn brings new light' and I've made it my life's work to use our recent darkness to bring a new light to the world and to the Pathfinder Society. I apologize for straying off point. Will you bring this parcel of medicine to Auntie Baltwin's Home for Recovery in the
Eastgate district?"
|
A young man skids to a halt in the doorway, doubled up and panting. He is short and weedy, with bronze skin, and is wearing a flowing robe of gold and cream, with a cream turban upon his head. His hands and neck sparkle with jewellery, and he flashes a sheepish smile as he catches his breath.
Is... Is this... Are you the Pathfinders Ambrus sent?
Kyrani straightens up, and smiles as he looks around the group.
I'm afraid I missed you at the meeting, but Ambrus ordered me to go with you. I am Kyrani Tahnkhet, a sorcerer. May I ask what I have missed? May I assist you?
|
|
At the mention of another sorcerer, tortella claps his free hand against his spear hand and hops excitedly, insofar as a meaty half-orc might.
-Posted with Wayfinder
|
|
Well timed Kyrani, we were about to depart. I normaly share a drink with new friends, but lets just save that for when we finish. I am Viheim, son of Olaf, son of Sven. We are to take this medicine to the orphanage on behalf of the silver crusade. We need to investigate the head lady there though because she may be taking our charity for granted. Good to have you with us.
|
|
You can rest assured Lady Zadrian, we will get to the botton of it. The halfling says with a bow.
While helping Vilheim load the supplies he salutes the new arrival. Nice to meet you, I am Rufus Tealeaf. As Vilheim put it thats our mission at the moment. Venture-Captain Ambrus gave us a list of tasks to do and we are starting with that one.
On his way to the orphanage Rufus will by a sack of candy to distribute among the children.
|
|
As the group winds its way to the Eastgate district, Yugatta sidles up to Tortella. She squeezes his bicep playfully.
Thee is a large, strong man. Very...what is your word?...intimidating.
She includes the whole group in her discussion. Would be useful, perhaps, to have two members pretend to be black market medicine? She glances around to see if the group agrees.
This woman feels that small man Rufus and large toothy man Tortella may make for convincing ruse. This woman desires not to make orders. What think thee?
|
|
I can give it a shot, but I never did have a good poker face. Not sure if she would buy my BS. I am better at being unoticed. Maybe Tortella and Kyrani could be more convincing.
Anyway, whoever goes first should talk to the children too and gather their knowledge. Believe me, its amazing what small folk can learn when no one is watching. Thats why I bought this candy, to help break the ice.
|
|
Ollysta smiles as you depart, and wishes you well in your mission.
As you travel through the city from the Temple to the orphanage, you feel the hair stand up on the back of your neck, as if you are being watched. Rufus turns and thinks he sees a halfling in the crowd, but he blinks and he is gone.
Feel free to make some Diplomacy (Gather Info) or Knowledge (Local) checks.
Miltivis, who runs a nearby market, claims he's served Auntie Baltwin for over 30 years, and while a good customer, she is quite demanding and often rude to the other customers. He says she's kept his supplier of fine whiskeys in business for decades.
Gilga Baltwin's neighbors Travost and Tirelle Anthos are frankly tired of the noises the children make and the retinue of cats—though they do appreciate the latter's mousing skills. They admit to being happy when Auntie Baltwin sends the children "off into the town" during the day, as it gives them a few hours of peace and quiet before they return in the evening.
At the estate across the street, Master Trebb Bonto, a retired builder, says nothing but nice things of Lady Baltwin, as he calls her. He recounts tales of tea and games on the sitting porch, though if pressed, he lets slip that she often cheats at games and sometimes had some shady characters coming to whisper in her ear and palm her small bags of what might have been money before slinking away. "Otherwise a fine lady, indeed." he quickly adds.
And then you approach the orphanage... Nearly swarming with cats and children, this fine upper-class home appears to be clean and in good condition considering the number and ages of its inhabitants. Three young boysshoot marbles in the dirt near the side porch, and inside strewn toys and more cats lie about on the floors. A few children take care of chores, while coughs and sneezes softly erupt from the children's dormitories upstairs.
|
|
Kyrani turns to the newcomer, Welcome, friend. I am Kyrani Tahnkhet. These good people are Rufus, Vilheim, Yugatta, and Tortella. he says, pointing at each in turn.
Turning to Rufus, he smiles, and adresses the group. Rufus, I think we should go with your plans. I will take Tortella and try talk to Miss Baltwin. I'll see what she'll tell us, and if she will sell anything. Tortella, if you act as my bodyguard, that may give you a chance to snoop around the room she meets us in.
Looking away from Tortella, and towards the children, Kyrani continues, Rufus, if you and the rest of our team can talk to these boys here and convince them to tell us where they go and what they do in the day, that would be most helpful. It could be as innocent as them going off to play or run errands for the lady, but I can't be the only one with a bad feeling about this.
Kyrani takes a step back and looks up at the building. What I think we really need though, is a good look around this house. If any of you feel particularly sneaky, then I would suggest waiting until Tortella and I have gone in, and then making your way inside. Search everywhere you can think of for anything suspicious.
Kyrani points to a building a little further down the road. I suggest you all wait there until Tortella and I have gone inside, and then proceed as you think best. When you finish your task, wait back at that building, and we will regroup there before we take any further action. What do you think?
|
|
What person in there right mind would sell goods to people she doesn't know who just approach her seeming to know she has said goods. Maybe if we had a thieve and could get a contact in the local guild, but this wont do. It would probably be best to deliver the goods and then watch the place for any suspicious activity. If the lady or anyone leaves we follow if anyone comes that looks shady we storm in after. Its not great but for the life of me I don't see how the previous plan could work.