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We start our adventure in Manaket, in the land of Radahoum.
Incense hangs heavy in the air in a meeting chamber of Manaket’s Swordmeet Lodge, where Venture-Captain Obo stands before a low table. “I won’t mince words,” he declares as he strokes his graying beard. “This mission is of vital importance to the Pathfinders’ success in the Worldwound. The Society has many powerful spellcasters, yet few can compare to the Riftwardens in feats of demon-banishing. That Abyssal scar spawns many demons, and the aid of capable abjurers would be a great boon in our march to Jormurdun, the newly discovered Sky Citadel . When our leaders requested the Riftwardens’ aid, we were denied; too many of their wizards are already committed to Mendev’s cause.”
Obo’s face betrays his chagrin, and he continues. “However, in saying no, they tantalized us with a means of securing their trust and alliance. Several Riftwardens led by Jahani Jodinaj and stationed in Azir were recently preparing for a dangerous task, but they recently stopped responding to magical missives. Were we Pathfinders to investigate these Riftwardens’ disappearance, we would have performed a great service to be repaid in kind. Ah,” he notes with some pleasure as two servant carry platters of drinks and fruit into the room, “We have refreshments. May you find them to your pleasure.”
As he begins peeling an orange, he frowns and adds, “We have one potential ally in this investigation, though I doubt he will leap at the chance to help. A contact of mine recently spotted the former Pathfinder Eando Kline in the sook of Azir. He has donned the guise of a copper merchant and likely prefers a degree of anonymity, but he is also a very well-connected man; if anyone knows what ills have befallen the Riftwardens, it is he. Should he not wish to speak, tell him, ‘Sasha Antif-Arah sends her regards—healthy and alive from Andoran.’
“Beyond that, be careful, Pathfinders. The sands of Rahadoum are unforgiving, and the Pure Legion is even less so.”
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A fine woman of white hairs sits in front of the Venture Captain with worried expression under the huge amount of name references she ignores "So let me see if I understood. There is a group of wizards we want as allies the Riftwardens. One of their patrols has recently disappeared in Azir, and we have to investigate what has been of their recent fate. In the research, there is a former pathfinder called Eando Kline disguised as a copper merchant who might help us in Azir."
The woman makes a pause starting to understand "Sorry if I am not familiar with the Worldwound come abouts, but... who are the Riftwardens, what is the Abyssal scar and how are they related?"
The pathfinder seems clued about what the role of the wizards is in the Pathfinder Society "Excuse me if this is part of some politics in the Society I should not discuss, but who exactly denied the Riftwardens aid? Are they not under the Decemvirate direct orders? How were they able to deny an order from our leaders? Are they not part of the Society?" with even more clued and frustrated face she adds "And... what is the Mendev cause? How is it the wizards are more committed to that than to the Society cause?"
"What troubles me more is if the problem is the wizards shortage, how securing their alliance will help us in having more wizards so they can share some to protect our work in the Worldwound?" and continuing with her gathering of information about the wizards she asks "Who is Jahani Jodinaj, and whom leadership is he following?"
"Can you tell us what is the Pure Legion and what dangers we will have to face in the Radahoum?"
Pandora tries to remember all the information she can about Azir and the Rodahoum.
She also tries to remember about Jahani Jodinaj and Eando Kline.
Pandora gets more interest about it "Sorry Obo, can we know more about the nature of the relationship of Eando and the Society. It might help us convince him to help us. Why did he left the Society and what is he doing in Azir? Why does he need a disguise there if he is no longer in active?"
Beyond Numeria and west of Mendev lies the land of Sarkoris, these days known as the world wound. The land is blighted with a scar, a direct connection between Golarion and the Abyss. From there, demons enter the land, and would roam freely if it were not for the vigilant crusader nation of Mendev, the Venture-Captain explains.
Catastrophe has befallen the crusaders, though. In their latest scheme, the demons have managed to destroy the wardstone at Nerosyan, which formed a magical barrier against the demon horde. If nothing is done, the demons will overrun Mendev, and all of Golarion.
Although the Society does not have a direct stake in the crusade, we have recently uncovered the location of an ancient Dwarven Sky Citadel, which lies deep in the nation of Sarkorian. This, and the threat the demon horde poses, has led us to mobilize allies in the fight against the demon menace.
The Riftwardens are a very promising candidate in that respect. They are an independent order of arcanists devoted to maintaining the planar boundaries and limiting the interference of outsiders. We are not certain what they were doing in Azir, but it seems as though they were preparing for a raid of some kind. Lady Jodinaj’s household knows of your impending arrival, and I have provided you with her address and supplies for the voyage.
Kline was once a Pathfinder, but his philosophies conflicted with those of the Decemvirate and inspired him to leave. It was not a pleasant parting of ways, and I understand the wounds he bears are still raw; be careful not to rub them with salt.” Obo is also able to provide the PCs with a simple sketch of Eando Kline, depicting a handsome Taldan man sporting a short beard.
Azir is the capitol of Rahadoum. The entire nation upholds the Laws of Man, which make worshipping the gods illegal. The country adopted these laws following decades of religious wars, and although this has driven away the most devout merchants, Rahadoum is nevertheless the home to many influential businesspeople.
Although often referred to as atheists, the people of Rahadoum accept that the gods exist but simply refuse to venerate them, believing that the price of worship is too great. An elite militant organization known as the Pure Legion enforces the ban on religion.
Despite the Pure Legion’s best efforts, there is nevertheless a considerable trade in smuggled religious paraphernalia. Punishment for breaking religious law ranges from a fine for possession of forbidden texts to public humiliation or deportation for proselytizing or displays of divine magic.
Rahadoum has experienced several terrible plagues and other disasters in recent memory, leading some to speculate that the gods are displeased with the nation. Additionally, while the Pure Legionnaires have a reputation outside of Rahadoum of being merciless hardliners, they are educated, humane, and far from being bloodthirsty killers.
Can you help me with a word? I have been searching through the internet but I cannot get what "Eando Kline in the sook of Azir" means.
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A well-dressed and slightly portly Halfling sits in his chair that has had additional cushions added to raise his profile somewhat. His rosy cheeks are like ripe apples when he smiles at the arrival of the food. He already has a glass of wine in his hand when it does, and he avails himself of a generous portion. His fingers are bedecked with jeweled rings, and he manages to trail the silk sleeves of his fine coat in the food as he reaches out. "Rahadoum, Demons, Riftwardens and intrigue, oh my!" he says with a belly laugh.
The Halfling, after having stuffed some patry into his mouth, raises his bushy eyebrows as he looks around at the other Pathfinders, swallows and speaks. "Ah! I must not be rude! Dingo Meadowbreeze is my name!" he exclaims, offering his (stained with jam) hand to shake. If anyone offers to shake his hand, he stops, casts a quick spell that makes the jam stain disappear, winks and continues to offer the now clean hand.
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Dressed in full oyori armor that has been lacquered black and grey and only standing just under four feet tall. The armored warrior enters the room at a brsk pace. "Apologies for being late. There were some issues at the stables." The mans voice is slightly muffed by a mask covering the lower half of his face. The dark wood mask has been carvered to look like the mouth of a roaring lion. "I am know as Shadow Lion. It is nice to meet all of you"
-Posted with Wayfinder
You may read the above spoiler intended for Pandora en Elenial.
And with those words, the pathfinders set sail for Azir. Altogether a leisurely, swift, sun-filled journey.
The heat of the midday sun accentuates the strange juxtaposition of salty sea air and dry, desert wind, just as the Rahadoumi caravans mingle with sailors from a dozen lands to make the markets of Azir a bustling, cosmopolitan hub of western Garund. The city’s edifices ranges from old constructions rejuvenated with elegant murals and exotic carvings to much newer buildings built with irregular angles and acute corners that combine to create an elegant mosaic of art and architecture. A vibrant soundscape overlays this visual effect, combining the sound of men haggling over baskets of dates, camels bleating in protest to their handlers’ commands, and the chorus of seagulls that soar overhead in search of an easy meal.
The port officials perform their routine checks as two gruff-looking legionnaires come up to the party. One says foreign arrivals. According to the laws of Man you must declare any and all religious items in your possession.
These are Legionnaires of the Pure Legion.
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"I don't even have a god, good Legionnaire. Our business in Azir do not involve any religious aspect. I suggest you spare our time and yours. But you can inspect us if you wish so." says the woman with a smile but serious expression.
Observing the reaction, Pandora adds "Before you ask us, we are interested in the copper business. Would you be nice enough to inform us whom are the best copper merchants in the town and show us how to reach them?"
Pandora is conscious they have the notes from the Captain but she uses this more as a distraction in case any companion might have trouble due to religious issues.
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"I have no need of such trinkets and we have much more important things to do then spreading religion where it is not wanted."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Dingo staggers up on deck saying loudly, "Get me onto solid land so that I may recover my appetite!" He makes his way towards the gangplank, but stops in surprise as she looks down at the Legionnaires blocking their dis-embarkation. "Ah! Gentlemen. Please know I have no truck with the divine more than is customary in my home country." he says.
Copper traders, eh? the Legionnaire says, somewhat disinterested. All trading is conducted in the Grand Sook.
Looks like you're clear, off you go. ()
The house of Jahani is an attractive home surrounded by a low wall. A woman answers the call of the pathfinders Greetings, my name is Akhina. I am the majordomo of Lady Jodinaj. What brings you here?
The mistress has not been in for a long time. She has been withdrawing from public events, appearing ever fewer and further in between. She has had only a single guest during this time. A copper merchant, named Maroc.
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Making the trip over to the ladies house on his trusty boar, Shadow Lion dismounts before speaking to the majordomo. "Are you saying she will not see us at this time? Also, this Maroc fellow, is he a nice looking man with a short beard. Possibly of taldan decent?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Hmm, yes. Yes, he did have distinctly northernly features, yes. A short beard too. Are you acquaintances of him?
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"We have some friends in common. They said we should pay him a visit while we were down here. Since the lady of the house is not taking visitors, we will be on our way." Shadow Lion climbs back in his saddle. "Looks like we are headed for the sook." He says to his companions.
-Posted with Wayfinder
I could... the majordomo says, ... I could bend the rules and allow you to visit the lady's study. Perhaps you can shed a light on her disappearance.
Exchange faction member way wish to pursue business contacts in Azir.
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"A disappearance! That is totally a different matter..." Pandora simulates to be shocked by the revelation The less this man knows about us the better "Please, take us to the study, we will do our best to solve this mystery. When do you say you saw her for the last time?"
The bard will observe the house as the party walks around towards the study.
Once at the study, Pandora will check thoroughly and methodically for every single detail.
I've last seen her about two weeks ago. She left for an errand, and never returned...
Pandora searches the study, and finds some wispy paper ashes in a charcoal brazier. Beneath a basket of cushions, she finds an envelope labelled 'From Maroc'. Inside is a set of instructions for location a particular stall in the souq.
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Pandora share her findings with the party "Look, these are instructions to find a particular stall in the souq. Do you think it is home to our copper merchant friend?"
She closes to the brazier and shows the wispy paper ashes "It seems someone tried to destroy some documents. For any chance, do you have a mending spell? Although this might be just too damaged..."
Seeing the results she casts a detect magic spell to check the papers and profits the time to scan the room.
"Ok, so she disappeared two weeks ago. Had she received any visit that day before leaving? Or perhaps a letter? What kind of errand did she told you?"
The paper is indeed burned beyond the help of a mending spell. As the pathfinders were never provided an address for the copper merchant, this letter is the best lead they have.
The Grand Sook is a vast marketplace constructed mostly of tents with the occasional brick structure for particularly well established merchants, creating a sea of canvas and commodities close to the waterfront. The envelope’s instructions lead the party to an empty stall along the southern edge of the sook, between two bakers.By all indications it seems that the space was occupied recently.
The signs of the two adjoining stalls says 'Santiago's baked goods' and 'Ishe's rolls, best in town.'
Fresh loafs, flatbreads. Straight from the oven. Can't get them any fresher then here. Say, you look hungry, been on rough travel? Fresh bread, best in town, don't let that fool Ishe tell you otherwise. All the locals are eating it, fresh and straight from the oven!
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Before leaving the house, Pandora asks to the majordomo "She disappeared two weeks ago. Had she received any visit that day before leaving? Or perhaps a letter? What kind of errand did she told you? Have you not let the town guard know about the event?"
Quite impressed by the richness the woman tells his companions "Have you seen those tapestries? She even has money for a majordomo. I am surprised we have not heard about a ransom yet."
As they advance through the market Pandora tries to avoid the group taking the attention of anybody leaving a plausible hint to the group just being copper dealers.
Once at the location the woman approaches the other keepers and ask "Sorry, I am curious about what was here before, what kind of stall was there?" she says while pointing to the now empty space.
She will also look to see if there is any remaining track of whomever dismissed the stall.
Any letters she should have received should have been in her study. I know little of milady's agenda.
Upon mentioning the town guard, she says well... the authorities around here have different priorities.
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That's Maroc's stall. He isn't in today, but he tends to his stand most of the days, yes. Ishe says Don't believe that man Santiago! His bread is stale, wait until you try some of this, he says, offering a sample of bread.
Santiago counters, not to be outdone I hear he went to the racetracks. Said he was down on his luck, so he was hoping to find the dog that had it, and then he adds best be careful, though. The Pure Legion was here only an hour ago, asking very similar questions. I don't know what he's been up to, but you better thread carefully.
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Surprised the Pure Legion has been around Pandora asks "How many legionaries came asking questions? Is Maroc at the racetracks right now?"
She also asks more questions related to Maroc "And this Maroc... what was he selling? We are looking for a copper merchant."
The woman tries to remember where and what the racetracks are...
Turning to the rest of the party "Do you think Maroc is our contact? Can you see any track that lead us to him?"
The salesman turn somewhat cold as Pandora starts asking for the legionnaires Listen, I'm a law-abiding citizen, I don't want any trouble, though he nods when the racing track question is asked. Copper, yeah, metal. All kinds of stuff. Not my thing. Are you sure you aren't hungry.
Pandora remembers that Azir is known for its swift, sleek dogs, and breeders often congregate at a racetrack near the outskirts of town to test their hounds’ speed.
Today the track has drawn a boisterous crowd of gamblers who shout bets, laugh, and occasionally curse their luck following a bad race. With so many people seeking relaxation and distraction, the track is a hotbed for gossip and news.
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Pandora adds some copper coins to Elenial request and greets on the man "Thanks good man for all the information." she ates the bread while chatting a bit with the group "I think I know about the racetracks... we can try to check for Maroc there. That was a good idea to buy some bread Elenial I am getting a bit hungry. This bazaar is so much unorganized and I am having a horrible hotness from the weather too. Look I am already sweating." the woman shows her soaked cloths to the elven ranger "Ah, this is so different to my home of origin in the North..."
After going through the crowded streets of Azir, and reaching the racetracks, the bard explains her idea to the others "We can split a bit to ask questions, but do not lose sight of each other. We don't know if there are enemies pursuing Maroc as we do."
She then starts asking questions to get more information about Maroc and his current position and problems with the legion.
Listen, the salesman says in a conspirator voice be careful around here. Don't let anybody know you're looking for this man, because he is in view of the Pure Legion. Suspect him of selling more than just copper, if you catch my drift. I'm risking a lot of trouble telling you this. He went to the racetracks, 's all I know, and that he mumbled something about being down on his luck. Thread carefully.
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It doesn't take too long for the group to find a couple of patrons that know Maroc. And who have made a good deal of coin off of him. Maroc? Yes, tries to win it all in one bet, said he needed coin for slaves. Took a big bet, that one, and lost it all in one go.
I think you'll find him in the bathhouse, cooling it off.
Have you been to the Jistkan bathhouse? It's one of the oldest places in Azir. Very popular among the local and travellers alike.
All this running around town has made the group rather dusty. How bad does a bathhouse sound?
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Pandora looks at the others "Seems our contact likes to moves fast around the city. He is probably trying to flee and conceal himself from the Pure Legion. Let's try to find him in the Jistkan bathhouse. Unless some of you want to have a drink at the inn. I start to get thristy..."
She also asks "Did he tell you what he needed the slaves for?"
If everybody agrees the bard woman follows up looking for the Jistkan bathhouse.
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Dingo thanks Elenial for the bread. He stuffs some in his mouth and nods happily at the seller. He spends the rest of the travel buying snacks from sellers and sharing them with the other Pathfinders, congratulating all on their fine wares.
At the track he seems to have finally run out of tasty treats and he sighs regretfully.