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Honorable Agent of the Lantern Lodge,
First, I must thank you for all you have done to promote our cause both in the Inner Sea region and the Dragon Empires. It is because of you that the Lantern Lodge is now known to Pathfinders on both sides of the world, and our effort to unite Pathfinders across such vast distances continue thanks to your assistance.
But we still have a steep hill to climb, for the cost of our past victory leaves me wondering if another victory with the same cost would not completely invalidate our usefulness to the Society as a whole. You see, it was I who first told the Decemvirate of the Hao Jin Tapestry, the demiplane of wonders sequestered from the world the tapestry held, and the Ruby Phoenix Tournament that ultimately allowed the Pathfinder Society access to those treasures. It was with this knowledge and the resources we of Tian Xia were able to provide to the Society that we established the Lantern Lodge in Absalom, but the cost has been high, and the Ten are not quick to forgive.
As you know, many Pathfinders lost their lives in the Hao Jin Tapestry, many to the ruthless agents of the Aspis Consortium. Whether logical or fair, there are many in power within the Pathfinder Society who put the weight of those deaths on the collective shoulders of the Lantern Lodge. We have dishonored the Society by allowing Aspis Consortium agents into the Ruby Phoenix’s realm, and we must right that wrong by further weakening the Consortium wherever we may face it, be it in Varisia, Goka, or Absalom. While the Society now controls the Consortium’s backdoor into the Hao Jin Tapestry, we must take it upon ourselves to ensure the route from Absalom through the tapestry to Varisia is safe for future Pathfinders. The Aspis Consortium must never again breach our defenses and sully the honor the tapestry should have brought to our faction.
Last year, as the Society’s gaze focused on us and on our homeland, we were honored by the attention, and relevant to the organization’s larger goals. But now, the gaze of the Ten has shifted elsewhere, and we must work doubly hard to ensure we maintain our honor and prove our worth, lest we be supplanted by others hoping to establish themselves in the Society’s good graces.
Remain ever true to your ideals,
Venture-Captain Amara Li
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I am humbled by the collective shame that Pathfinder blood was shed within the Hao Jin tapestry. These losses will not be forgiven.
I promise that the Aspis Consortium agents will not find a footing in my home city of Goka, nor will they be tolerated to pollute the Ruby Phoenix's realm with their avarices of greed, disrespect and, worst of all, disrespect for Tian Xia's history.
Kuro slowly draws his Curveblade and lays it reverentially in front of him.
I pledge my blade to the eradication of those that have sullied the name of the Lantern Lodge! Let us fight true to our ideals! CAWW!
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Last year, as the Society’s gaze focused on us and on our homeland, we were honored by the attention, and relevant to the organization’s larger goals. But now, the gaze of the Ten has shifted elsewhere, and we must work doubly hard to ensure we maintain our honor and prove our worth, lest we be supplanted by others hoping to establish themselves in the Society’s good graces.
You are fortunate, Venture Captain Li. It is true that nearly all of the other Lantern Lodge agents I have met have a strong focus on Tian Xia, but I happen to have a plethora of expertise in just the area on which the Decimvirate has now set their eyes. I will not forget your assistance in the coming days. I shall serve, then, as your secret weapon in the coming days, if knowledge is the power you require. Call on me as you see fit.
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Venture Captain Li,
My blade has been pledged in service to the society and to our lodge. The Aspis who have freely shed the blood of the members of our house will surely pay for their dishonor as I hope to redeem my own. In the coming days, I will continue to avenge our fallen and remove the Aspis from the realm of the tapestry.
Hayato Sentagawa
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Amara, it has been an honor to serve with you. While others seek vengeance in response to the Consortium's dishonor, I do not. There are greater things afoot at this moment than any one organization realizes. I can sense it. I have been to Varisia and seen what it is the Lissalans are doing. I vow to stop them for if they are not then more than just our homeland will be at risk. I, Xanatos Grey, Master in good standing with the Lantern Lodge, do swear this oath by shadow and sword.
Shadowy tendrils of electricity swirl around Xan's arm as the current arcing through his fingertips make contact with the blade he had quietly raised. The umbral spell charges the scimitar and a veil of shadow crosses the man's face. A few seconds later, the magic is gone and only silence remains. It is the vow of a Minatan Shadowcaller. It is the vow of Xanatos Grey.
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Honorable Amara Li,
I beg your forgiveness at not being a more useful servant of the Lantern Lodge this past season. It is no excuse, but I was occupied with my Confirmation duties with the Three Masters. I begged of them to let me assist my brethren in their struggle against the Aspis Consortium, but I was reminded to be patient and complete my training first. With my training now complete, I offer my services to both you and the Lodge in regaining our honor within the Society. I leave forthwith for Magnimar...
Your humble servant always,
Mingzhe Li