Quest 021: The Amber Emissary

Contract Summary

Benefactor: Veiled Representative (Anonymous Intermediary)
Compensation: Very Lucrative (600 ceramic pieces + rare materials)
Stated Danger: Very Dangerous (6)
Location: Tyr to Kalidnay via the Smoking Crown trade route

Mission Briefing

The Job

A veiled representative seeks guild escort for a diplomatic envoy traveling to Kalidnay. The envoy carries a sealed message and trade proposal for Ka-Tet, sorcerer-queen of Kalidnay and daughter of the legendary Kalid-ma. The client emphasizes that Kalidnay's renewed interest in outside trade is fragile, and this mission could shape relations for a generation.

Escort Details

• Principal: A half-elf diplomat named Thessan Morvale (claims to represent "concerned Tyrian interests")
• Cargo: Sealed diplomatic pouch, small chest of obsidian trade samples
• Route: Tyr → Smoking Crown Pass → Kalidnay (approximately 8 days travel)

Objectives

1. Primary: Deliver Thessan Morvale safely to Kalidnay's outer gates
2. Secondary: Ensure the diplomatic materials arrive intact and unopened
3. Tertiary: Gather intelligence on Kalidnay's current defenses and disposition (discretely)

Client Terms

• The envoy must not be harmed—even by the guild's own discipline
• Contents of the diplomatic pouch are sealed; tampering is grounds for contract nullification
• Team must present as private mercenaries, not Phoenix Dawn affiliates
• Violence against Kalidnay personnel is strictly forbidden unless in imminent mortal danger

Known Complications

• Kalidnay has been isolationist for decades; outsiders are viewed with suspicion
• Ka-Tet's templars are notoriously paranoid and psionically gifted
• The Smoking Crown route passes through raider territory
• Someone in Tyr does not want this diplomatic mission to succeed

Guild Assessment

Recommended Team Size: 4-5 members
Required Skills: Diplomatic awareness, combat readiness, psionic resistance helpful
Estimated Duration: 14-18 days (round trip)
Special Requirement: Must appear unaffiliated with any guild; Guildmaster approval required

DM Notes (Hidden)

Benefactor True Nature: Front for a powerful politician (King Tithian's interests)
Trustworthiness: Truthful but omits critical facts (the "trade proposal" includes a secret clause about mutual defense against Hamanu)
Moral Axis: Morally gray / Very lucrative
Actual Danger: +2 (assassins have been hired to ensure the mission fails)