You arrive in the office of Venture Captain Drandle Dreng...as requested.
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Drandle Dreng
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In the heart of the Pathfinder Society’s headquarters at
Skyreach, Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a wiry old
man with a wild gray beard and glinting eyes, sits on a large
plush bench next to a finely dressed, full-figured woman
who looks as though this entire meeting isn’t worth
her time.
"Welcome, welcome. Thanks for coming...I have heard so much about most of you.
Dreng warmly greets each of youi and introduces
you to the woman, Lady Gloriana Morilla; the Taldan
woman tilts her head slightly in acknowledgement of
the introduction, but otherwise makes no move to greet
anyone. Oblivious to any social slight on the lady’s part,
Once everyone has met, Dreng goes on to explain the mission.
“Recently, a contact from the Low Azlanti embassy in Escadar
approached us with an offer. It seems they have discovered a
unique relic of Azlanti origin on the Inner Sea’s floor that we
have a unique opportunity to add to our collection for study.
In return, however, we must deliver one of our catalogued
items to Escadar in exchange. The Low Azlanti drive a hard
bargain, so we need you to escort a relics broker to Escadar so
he can authenticate the Azlanti item and mediate a fair deal
on the Ten’s behalf."
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Quillen sat perched on another of the benches in the room, his legs and feet nervously wiggling about as if he were pedaling some sort of gnomish contraption propelled by body energy.
His bright blue eyes followed the conversation back and forth from Dreng to Morilla and back again.
Nodding his head as if he has been part of meetings a thousand times before, he casually unwrapped the remnants of his lunch, and took a quick bite as crumbs dropped onto his open tunic. Clearly several particles wandered their way into his clothing and sprinkled like fairy dust onto a crudely shaped wooden holy symbol to Desna.
Being a Pathfinder will be easy... and profitable! Oh what thrills we will all have!
Quillen smiled broadly at the other strangers, several sesame seeds stuck in between his teeth, and added his first question.
"Whrmmph irpmthrm rlthrmsbrkthrr?"
Swallowing and brushing his face with a sleeve, he repeated the obviously mangled inquiry and smiled again.
"Who's this broker? What's his name?"
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From errand boy to sword fetcher and now escort guard. Ohh well it beats being a scavenger.
Eli stands there back against the wall eyes piercing as the Venture Captain talks.
Who is this broker we are escorting and what troubles do expect us to incur? I would like to at least make myself somewhat prepared.
Looking from Quillen to Eli and back...
“The broker in this case is Master Rees. He is an appraiser and relic broker and friend of the
Pathfinder Society; he is a middle-aged man of Garundi
descent who has worked with us for some time now.
While he tried going on field missions as a Pathfinder
in his youth, his weak constitution limits his ability to
travel. He has a very sharp mind, however, and the ability
to identify genuine Azlanti relics.”
Dreng warns "As to troubles and urgency, know that the Pathfinders are not the only group that looks to acquire this relic. It seems the
Aspis Consortium has also tendered an offer, and the
gillmen have decided to accept the Consortium’s deal if
the Society cannot finalize its agreement within 30 days.
An Aspis-funded warship patrols the waters just beyond
Absalom’s harbor, preventing Pathfinder agents from
sailing to Escadar unmolested. This has posed a problem, but luckily, Lady Gloriana and I have come up with a solution."
He turns to Lady Morilla, who stirs from her silence and speaks in
a strong, demanding voice.
“I have used some of
the Empire of Taldor’s most skilled operatives
to plant a false crew manifest and course plans
with the harbormaster, ensuring that the Aspis
Consortium spies who certainly keep an eye on
such matters believe we are moving our relic to
Escadar on a ship tomorrow morning. This decoy
should occupy the Consortium sufficiently for
you to travel overland to Escadar with plenty
of time to make the final agreement with
the gillmen before the Society’s window of
opportunity runs out.”
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As Dreng and Morilla continue to elaborate details about the task on-hand, Quillen seized the opportunity to size up the others about - the well-armed man with the swords, the Sarenrite, and the comely half-elven lass.
Quillen considers asking some more questions, but upon realizing his mouth is once again full of more sandwich, sits patiently giving one of the others an opportunity to ask the questions he is thinking.
The halfling nods towards the half-elf, his blue eyes sparkling, clearly entranced by her beauty.
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Archmoon stood quietly in a corner during the initial presentation. He was looking at the new found member of the group. He didn't knew either to trust him or not, despite his emotionless and non-caring persona, he did took hard the leaving of his former companions.
His focus turned to the subject matter, and so did his eyes turned to the venture-captain.
"Will this broker of yours be able to defend himself.. or do we have to do some ...well.. babysitting?"
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Hawk is late. He's been training and is a little dirty. Although the difference is subtle if you knew him from before and look closely you can tell the difference. He looks slightly stronger, but seems to have lost a touch of his spirit that he was previously known for.
Greetings friends. A couple of newcomers too I see. Ready for another romp? Hawk smiles, but it is a little less then it used to be.
Dreng laughs to himself absently, then he turns to Elindriel...
"Your first stop is to go to the Siphons in
the Puddles and meet with the Pathfinder
Society’s ally, information broker Grandmaster Torch. He’ll give you a map for a smugglers’ trail through the isle’s center that should allow for relatively easy and secret travel overland to Escadar. Discretion and tact are needed when dealing with Grandmaster Torch"
Turning back to address Archmoon's question...
"The Society has hired Nester Rees to verify the authenticity of the relic; Rees will meet up with your group after the meeting with Grandmaster Torch. behalf. I must emphasize that you are responsible for Rees’ safety and for the success of his negotiations. While Rees is not a warrior, he has been on several missions, and makes up in experience was he lacks in skill at swordplay."
Addressing the whole group...
"I have arranged lodgings for you at an Escadar tavern called the Grindylow’s Goblet, where the gillmen have agreed to meet. Once you arrive, send word to the Low Azlanti embassy, then have Master Rees conduct the negotiations at the tavern on the Society’s behalf. "
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Quillen continues to pedal his legs with nervous energy and he sizes up the rest of the Pathfinders undertaking Dreng's assignment.
The halfling then wiggles for a moment with some surprise on his face as a small furry rabbit works its way out of an interior pocket in his jacket. With practiced ease, Quillen passes the crust of his lunch to the hare, who begins to nibble enthusiastically at the offering.
"Let me see..."
"To the Siphons in the Puddles. Grandmaster Torch's map."
"Follow the map through some tunnels to Escadar."
"Meet with Master Rees at the Goblet for the negotiation."
"Bring back the relic once it's verified."
Quillen begins counting on his fingers, "check, check, check and check."
"So, introductions then?"
Effecting a half-bow from his perch on the bench, Quillen smiles.
"I'm Quillen - Pathfinder novice and luckmage of Desna."
He then looks about for one of the others to follow suit.
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Elindriel nods. "Of course, Venture-Captain Dreng. We will do as you ask."
Then, to Hawk, Eli, and Archmoon, "So, it seems we'll be working together again. I do hope not to need quite so much healing this time...". She grins, and lets her attention be drawn to Quillen.
She turns and greets him, smiling. "Greetings, Quillen. My name is Elindriel. I am a bard and swordswoman, and, as you, am only just beginning my life as a Pathfinder. I can tell you it's been quite the adventure thus far, however."
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Quillen nods and laughs - a somewhat haunting, yet not unpleasant laugh at the mention of adventure.
"Have no worries, Elindriel. You have both Hops and I to ensure things going smoothly this time out. I can assure you that we are both exceptionally lucky!"
"It's also good that you have all worked together before, having shared tactics and all that. I've been fortunate enough to spend a little time with that silent, big fellow there."
Quillen gestures to the still-silent Osiriani warrior in the room.
"He's pretty good in a fight, too."
The halfling continues to diffuse anxious energy into his legs while ruffling the snowy white fur of his long-eared familiar.
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A large Garundi carrying a falchion stands quietly in the back. His eyes narrow as he scowls at the halfling. He's currently gripping what appears to be food, tightly wrapped in a banana leaf.
"Indeed Quill, be sure to share with them the tactic of leaving one's compatriots without telling them where the meeting will be..."
He looks at the crumbs tumbling down the halfling's mouth.
"I see you've managed to eat your meal already. I assume you can fill me in on the details of what I've missed while I eat. Hmm, isn't it odd, how the smallest people seem to eat the most?"
After a pause, Sallah realizes he's ignored the others standing around the room.
"Ah, but where are my manners. I am Sallah Two Trees."
He squints, looking around the room as if sizing them up.
"Pleased to make your acquaintances."
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Finally leaping to his feet, Quillen waves at Sallah, his gesture not quite either a salutation or a dismissal. Maybe a flourish?
"Good enough. We can talk more in these smuggler tunnels. They'll be totally safe and abandoned, right?"
As Quillen approaches the Garundi, he somehow retrieves additional food stored from somewhere on his person - two slices of wheat bread. Examining them both for nibble marks from Hops, he decides that a few small dents shouldn't trouble anyone and holds them out for Sallah to complete his "sandwich".
"I think I have a salami somewhere... hold on."
The halfling makes to swing his backpack around, carefully keeping his eyes trained Sallah's reaction.
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Sallah looks skeptically at the offered bread.
"I don't know where you get your food Quill, but it tastes barely better than trail rations. I'll stick to what I've got, I'm sure Hops will gladly finish that.."
He gestures to Quill to move ahead. Looking at Dreng and Lady Morilla, he gives them a low flourishing bow as he exits after the halfling. Glancing back over his shoulder, he gives the other party members a roll of his eyes and a long suffering look.
"You get used to him after a bit. He's also not kidding about him and that rabbit being lucky.
"Ah very good. Ready to go I see. Excellent. If there are no further questions for Lady Morilla or me...then we wish you luck ( he nods to Quillen) and we will see you back here with the relic in a few weeks . "
Dreng stands and walks from his desk to the door of his office. "Safe travels, and beware the Aspis. Use force if necessary to keep them from gaining the relic."
As you are preparing to leave, Lady Gloriana starts to stand up, and reaches her arm out for assistance from one of the Pathfinders.
Dearest Pathfinders,
As you know, the people of Taldor share a proud history that traces their blood to the ancient Azlanti who founded our great nation. I have a letter that I ask you to deliver to the gillman embassy in Escadar, so my request requires no additional effort on your part other than carrying a simple envelope and delivering it when you reach your final destination. I have no hesitation in telling you the letter asks the gillmen to consider an alliance with the nation of Taldor—if the letter finds its way into an influential gillman’s hands, it would please me greatly.
A new dawn will rise over Taldor, Lady Gloriana Morilla
You group leaves to meet with Grandmaster Torch, in his subterranean tunnels beneath the water-logged Absalom district of the Puddles. Finding the Siphons requires no special skill but does takes you through the Puddles’ rough-and-tumble, flooded streets and into the sewers below.
A gruff half-orc guard stops you
"Who goes there? Oh it's you...follow me." where he grants you entry into Master Torch's audience chamber in the Siphons, a large stone room that has been magically rid of all standing water or even airborne moisture.
Torch, a dark-haired, burn-covered man in his late-middle years sits in a large bathtub, and two attendants continually pour cool water over his cursed, festering wounds. His half-orc bodyguards eyes you warily as the Grandmaster rises to greet you and speaks.
“Well met, Pathfinders. I see you have survived as the Decemvirate’s pawns thus far, and for that I commend you. This next task they have for you is more dangerous than the venture-captain may have told you, so let me give you a word of warning. I have made it my life’s work to ensure Pathfinder agents are given all the tools they need to return home from their myriad adventures, and this map is the tool I give you. Follow the directions on my map as strictly as you can. Deviate from this path and
you may encounter challenges far beyond your abilities. Many would paint me and those who believe like I do as betrayers of the Society, but it is the corps of the organization that I am completely loyal to. Each and every one of you.
“If you believe you have been mistreated by the Ten or their representatives, don’t hesitate
to let me know upon your return from Escadar. My network of agents and spies if vast, and I am a powerful ally to have on your side.
”Now be off. You have a long journey ahead of you. And remember, don’t deviate from this map—it’s designed to get you there and back safely!”
Torch holds out his hand expectantly, without taking his eyes from you, and one female attendant hands him a glass of deep red wine.
With a glance towards the half-Orc guard, the beefy warrior reaches into his vest and pulls out a map that he hands to Elindriel.
He looks at each of you as if calculating which of you will survive the mission...
"Questions?"
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Quillen gives some thought to sizing up this Grandmaster Torch, but then trusts in his own divinely infused luck to see him through and pays little attention to the inflections in the man's voice or demeanor.
With genuine innocence, Quillen wonders to Master Torch, "Betrayer? You're very much helping us with this map and the tunnels, why would they think you're a betrayer?"
As his head swims with further questions, Quillen chatters away.
"And why wouldn't Dreng have told us the full extent of the danger? What did he miss?
Grandmaster Torch considers each of your questions, takes a sip of wine and responds...
"As to tools, make sure you are well provisioned for overland travel. This is no walk in the park and the wilds could pose as much danger as any Aspis agent. If you do encounter any resistance, use as much force as needed to keep the mission safe. If they want to talk, then talk, but if they interfere with our deal in any way, I encourage the use of deadly force. Your lives may depend upon it.”
Another sip of wine...
“As for the Low Azlantis’ relic, I am not entirely sure,
but our diviners believe obtaining it is in
our best interest to obtain...at whatever cost. I want to see you all again, alive preferably. Beyond that, I am not sure I have anything more to offer than Dreng said already. Good luck...and I mean it.”
With a wave of his hand, the half-orc moves to show you the exit.
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Sure, he's not much of one to look at, but I like this one. That he is actually concerned for us is refreshing. Elindriel smiles at Torch. "Thank you for the map, and for your genuine concern, Grandmaster. I, for one, appreciate them both greatly."
"That said, has your network been made aware of any particular threats we might face along the way?"
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Quillen continues to stare at the Grandmaster for several moments after the man finishes speaking.
Did he just tell us anything we didn't already know?
The halfling shakes his head to answer his own question.
I wonder how his face became burned like that? Perhaps I should ask?
Quillen imagines several interesting scenarios which involve Grandmaster Torch experimenting with alchemist fires to somewhat explosive results.
Content that his imagination has provided a suitable answer, he forgoes any sort of formal farewell and heads out through the door, winking at the half-orc on the way.
Torch replies to Elindriel...
"Study the map in detail...without it you will surely become lost or killed. I cannot say what enemies beyond Aspis will be encountered so be prepared and stock up while you can for the long trek. Work as a group and trust to your wilderness skills to overcome natural obstacles." with the last part he nods towards Archmoon.
As you leave, the half Orc guides you back out to the streets....and looking down at the Quillen...was that a snarl or a grin?
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Quillen curls up for a quick nap while waiting for the others to prepare, having long before prepared himself for various tasks that a venture-captain might assign to him with his meager life savings.
Occasionally he stirs, stifles an unusually long yawn, and asks Sallah if the others have assembled and are ready to continue on their journey to Escadar.
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Sallah settles into a corner and begins practicing with his falchion. He stops occasionally to run his hand across the length of the blade. After repeating this for several iterations, he pauses, squints at his blade, and sits down to apply a whetstone to it's edge.
During one of the moments when the halfling stirs, Sallah whispers.
"Do you think the elf will let me take a peek at that map? I think I can do a better job this time around."
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Well I heard no mention of whether horses were being provided or not so it would not be a bad idea to purchase one. Don’t forget enough rations, clothing, supplies, and water. I need to get my stuff done and will meet back here later.
Looking over at Elindriel.
Does that map show the terrain and if a horse can travel over it?
Once getting an idea of the terrain Eli will quietly leave making sure he is not followed.
As before Eli will secretly as possible get food, supplies, candy, and toys to the children. Checking up on them from a distance of course to make sure he remains an unknown benefactor.
Purchases
2PP = Wand of Cure Light Wounds
Gold
Orphans – 47 Gold
Waterskin 1g
Rations (23) 16.5g
Composite Short Bow 2Str 225g
Arrows (40) 2g
Horse Light combat trained 110g
Bit&Briddle 2g
Harness 2g
Saggle Bags 4g
Saddle 10g
Tent 5g
Everyone is able to make their respective purchases.
Sallah is approached by a fellow Garundi man in one of the shops while purchasing supplies.
"Hail and well met countryman. Are you Sallah? I am Nestor Rees and was told I would find you here preparining for the journey. "
Rees is a man of Garundi descent who walks with a cane, claiming he suffers from a malady of the heart that has left his right side weakened. Rees struggles to keep up with Sallah and the others on the trip but never complains, and always gives a warm smile and thanks if anyone that assists him.
Rees agrees to depart whenever the group is ready to do so. " I suggest that we travel light to speed the journey across the island to the village of Pier’s End.. "
He smiles, but puts up a hand....
"Ah no, but thanks. This is something I have come to live with. I really appreciate your concern.. I will manage. "
He shoulders his pack and puts his weight on his metal capped cane as he walks.
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As Quillen comes to and spots the weakened Garundi man, the halfling springs to life and approaches Sallah.
Tugging at his loose-fitting breeches, he leans close and whispers to the Osiriani.
"Hey! Shouldn't you offer to carry his pack? I mean.. "
Quillen gives a nod to the man's hobbling.
"... there's that, and you're all strong and such."
"Hah, true enough my tall friend. I will carry my own pack and supplies and figure I can keep up with anyone in armor. I will be over here making final preparations of my gear. Please let me know when everyone is ready and we can head out. Oh, did someone have a map? I have not been on this trail we are supposed to be taking. "
Nestor Rees limps off and sets his pack down, checks his rations and a few worn books. You see a magnifying glass and other stuff you would expect from a relic expert.