The Pathfinders begin the scenario by meeting with Venture-Captain Alvar Hadrias in the Brevic city of Restov. Restov is a large city of over eighteen thousand souls, primarily human but with over a thousand dwarves, over nine hundred gnomes, and over eight hundred halflings. The people of Restov are primarily of Taldan blood, by appearance and speech. You pass the main church of the city, which is dedicated to Erastil, and also pass by many of the dueling schools the town is famous for. Many of the locals carry aldori dueling swords at their hips, and many of the young bravos that do so seem looking for a fight wherever they go.
You arrive at your destination, the local Pathfinder lodge. Sturdy wood paneling runs the length of Birchwood Hall’s main corridor. Framed sketches of garment designs hang along the walls beside glass-encased pieces of fine raiment. Thick shelves carry an assortment of headwear and shoes, each carefully labeled with small, engraved plaques specifying their origins and cultural significance. To the far south, the gallery opens into a circular lounge where a middle-aged Taldan man sits mending the hem of an ornate blue silk robe.
"Pathfinders, thank you for coming. Pardon me; I was just finishing up restoring a new arrival. The Six Springs Empress herself wore this garment. It’s a very exciting addition to the collection. But enough of all that—I’m afraid I must be brief. Time is of the essence."
"Tensions are rising in the local town of Zmeyka regarding the rightful ownership of the region. The main source of contention comes from the noble houses of Orlovsky and Surtova. While I would appreciate if you could gather information on the current political climate and help soothe the strain, your primary task lies elsewhere."
"The unfortunate truth is that Brevoy is likely headed toward civil war, with Zmeyka as its starting point. Such violence is sure to lead to the destruction of many valuable relics, including an ancient local site known as Hartsfall Keep. It is now little more than ruins, but most of its history has gone undocumented. I need you to explore the keep and learn as much about its history as possible for our records before it’s destroyed."
"Avoiding war would be ideal if you can discover a solution to end the current divide between Surtova and Orlovsky, but that may not be an option at this point. If you can present yourselves as neutral arbiters, you may have a chance. Your main focus should be on logging your findings and retrieving any artifacts for safekeeping. In the meantime, I am bound for the capital to see if I can convince King Noleski Surtova not to send more troops that way. Any questions?"
House Orlovsky soldiers wear yellow tabards bearing the symbol of a black eagle, while the soldiers of House Surtova wear dark tabards that bear the symbol of a gray ship sailing under a night sky.
The disappearance of former ruling Brevic family, House Rogarvia, caused a massive divide between the remaining noble houses. Despite House Surtova’s previous favored status, Rogarvia loyalists now consider them usurpers. These loyalists include House Orlovsky, which is known for its staunch fealty, even after the Vanishing.
The motto of House Orlovsky is “High Above,” while that of House Surtova is “Ours is the Right.”
Lord Poul Orlovsky’s niece, Sylvanna Orlovsky, often acts as her uncle’s emissary. She was betrothed to a scion of House Rogarvia from birth, but the Vanishing soon ended the arrangement. She is known for her keen equestrianism and is considered an accomplished jouster despite her age. Berislav Surtova is a distant cousin of King Noleski Surtova and frequently serves as his envoy. He is an eligible bachelor who is rumored to favor the company of men over women. His skill with a sword is said to be second only to his expertise with gambling and strategic games.
In Brevoy, males lead the household, with the eldest son inheriting his father's titles and estates. Other sons may receive something, but there is no law that requires this to be significant. Women can be regents for male heirs under 15 years old and often work behind the scenes to influence the lord. Noble families are relatively large, with most preferring to ensure at least two sons. Since Brevoy's founding, there have been a lot of marriages of alliance among the major houses.
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Maxime is a good looking lady, clearly of Taldan heritage. Her pretty face bore the look of those used to command and to be obeyed but softened by a warming smile.
On her neck, the symbol of Iomadae, the godess of righteous valor, justice, and honor.
Next to her, stands an Ulfen, clearly playing the role of her bodyguard.
She bowed to Venture-Captain Alvar and said Greetings everyone. It's an honor to meet you all. I am Marquise Maxime-Amélie Chanteclerc de Hénin.
May The Ineritor bless us all and help us resolve this problem without violence.
She adds with a smile My last visit here was to recover an ancient Arodenite Artifact and to save a young noble. I hope this mission will be as positive as my last.
I remember fondly of Lady Surtosa, a great Lady, a little less of her son.
She also share what she knows about the Surtova and the Orlovsky
A tiny voice can be heard coming from her belt.
My Lady, don't forget to introduce me! Hello everyone, I'm Gamin! Nice meeting you all!
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A 6'2", 200# Ulfen male walks into the room and steps to the right of the door. Clad in mithril chain shirt and carrying a cold iron morningstar at his side, the cool, pale mist that clings to his body is the most notable thing about him.
"I am Glorne. I am pleased to meet everyone."
Glorne looks over the Ulfen bodyguard and nods with modest approval.
"Do we need to have any documents that allow us access to the Hartsfall Keep? Has either side proclaimed ownership to it already or are they expected to do so soon?"
"No, I think you'll be able to access the ruin, but the main concern is that it might be destroyed in what seems to be the inevitable, upcoming civil war, especially if either side, as they're like to do, tries to fortify and hold it."
Venture-Captain Hadrias stands, carefully setting down the dress and his tools, and walks over to a map that sits on a table nearby, gesturing at it as he speaks.
"House Orlovsky and House Surtova both have ancestral claims to Zmeyka, and with House Rogarvia gone, the land’s ownership has fallen into question. Both sides seem to be trying to exercise their claims. This includes Hartsfall keep."
"The tension grows every day. I’m unsure how long until war erupts. Try to delay these hostilities to buy time for your exploration. I recommend spending a day at Zmeyka, and then another day at Hartsfall; two at the most. Be warned—even if you manage to assuage the nobles, I wouldn’t dally too long. The dragon has two heads, so any truce between nobles is often tenuous."
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A blue-skinned man, recognizable as a Samsaran, walks in the door. His head is topped with a very poor excuse for a white wig, covering up a very bald head. Beside his feet waddles a small pig, whom the man absentmindedly strokes.
"I have heard terribly interesting rumors about these two houses. Including the possibility of marriage!" He looks slyly from side-to-side and whispers, "Though I doubt the male would like that arrangement to much."
The wizard steps forward and bows slightly to the captain. "The locals, do you think they will appreciate our presence? I would hate to instigate hostilities before they would have broken out otherwise."
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An imperious looking knight in armor with the colors of a Taldane Great House listens intently as he surveys the members of the group he is travelling with. When the Venture Captain finishes, he waits for the Taldane woman to finish and then rises. "We will endeavor to entreat the Brevoyan nobles to come to reason, but should that fail, we will recover what we can of their history."
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Casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V
Effect
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target one humanoid creature
Duration 1 round
Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance yes
Description
You are able to read a person’s surface thoughts and take cues from the person’s appearance, body language, and manner of speech to infer a great deal of information about the person, even if that person is in disguise (including polymorph effects). When casting the spell, attempt a DC 20 Sense Motive check with a bonus equal to your caster level. A successful skill check reveals to you one of the following pieces of information of your choice, plus one additional piece of information for every 5 points by which your check result exceeds 20: age, alignment, class†, feats†, gender, native language, place of origin, race or ethnicity, racial traits†, religion, sexual orientation, or training in a Craft, Perform, or Profession skill. For items marked with a cross (†), if the target has more than one of these features, each one you discover counts as a piece of information.
There’s a 70% chance that all information you receive is correct. This roll is made secretly. Otherwise, on a roll of 71–80, you receive one false piece of information, on a roll of 81–90 you receive two, and on a roll of 91–100 you receive three. You can’t get more false information than the total number of pieces of information you discover.
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The Marquise is an open book, and it's relatively easy to know that she's a Lawful Good Paladin, from Taldor.
But when Uzziah casts his spell, she looks at him and with the tone of an adult toward a child she says.
It will be better to ask us before casting a spell to analize us. I hope you will not do that in front of strangers or worse in front of one of the nobles of the two families we hope to stop wage war on themselve. It could be misinterpreted by someone and result in a bad ending.
The wizard steps forward and bows slightly to the captain. "The locals, do you think they will appreciate our presence? I would hate to instigate hostilities before they would have broken out otherwise."
"Well, I don't think you can make anything worse, at least I hope not. The Pathfinder Society carries a modicum of respect in Brevoy, especially since our dealings with the Lebeda clan a few years ago. I believe Maxime and Glorne were involved in that affair," says the Venture-Captain.
"Remember though, whatever you may do involving the nobility is not the primary mission, but rather it is to study Hartsfall Keep. The more information you discover, the more of the keep’s history we will learn. Examine the structure for signs of renovation. Map the layout. Be on the lookout for any art or relics. I leave the methods of recording to your best judgment, but I would appreciate if you could retrieve any artifacts that can safely be removed without damaging the structural integrity. Be as thorough as you can in the time you have, but if it gets too dangerous, don’t overstay your welcome."
He claps his hands together, "Now! Unless there are any other questions, we will set out as soon as all are ready."
That day the Pathfinders make their final preparations in Restov, and then in the morning the group sets out on horseback. Venture-Captain Alvar Hadrias accompanies you for many days, until you reach New Stetven, the capital of Brevoy. There he departs to meet with the king, after arranging for a riverboat to take you the rest of the way to Zmeyka.
Weathered granite encircles the sloping hillside town of Zmeyka with an iron gate built into the west wall. A dirt road leads from this entrance to a market square surrounded by several wooden buildings. At the town’s northernmost point stands a white-stone building with a single tower at its center. A large, ornate gold key protrudes from atop its onion-shaped dome. To the south, a collection of modest cottages rests on an expanse of verdant grass and wildflowers.
Around town, wary-faced residents shuffle about their business, averting their eyes from the numerous armored figures keeping watch. Half of these imposing soldiers wear yellow tabards bearing the symbol of a black eagle, while the other half wear dark tabards bearing the symbol of a gray ship sailing under a night sky.
Zmeyka is a small town built near a local copper mine, which is the town’s main industry and export. Rumor has it that several nobles of high rank are currently visiting the town: Sylvanna Orlovsky, representative of her uncle Lord Poul, Berislav, distant cousin and spokesman for King Noleski Surtova, and Lander Lebeda, heir to House Lebeda.
Baron Oberion Vohonich oversaw Zmeyka’s management and skillfully mitigated the dispute between the nobles until his recent death. In his absence, the nobles resumed their rancor toward one another. While speaking to the nobles mentioned above would certainly be a good thing to do, you also know of several other important figures in town that might be able to provide more information or help diffuse the situation. These include Grandt the Marred, the local apothecary, and Idhrenniel Everguard, an elven hunter of some reknown.
In addition to speaking with the locals, it might be worthwhile to search the archives within the Church of Abadar where the late Baron Oberion Vohonich kept most of the town’s records. The clergy have attempted to mediate peace between Houses Orlovsky and Surtova in Vohonich’s absence, but their endeavor has been unsuccessful thus far.
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Barbo looks at Uzziah curiously after he casts the spell the first time. Hmmm... A curious choice, to spy on allies. I could silence him. But I'll let him have his fun. I have no secrets. When the elf gets to the samsaran, he just smiles.
I am a man who believes in the power of good. But not like she did. Not good restricted by laws and codes. Good which does it's best to fit in, except when that would not be helpful. I am a wizard by training, spending many years in libraries and universities. Unlike you, I had to work for the powers I have. A have traveled to many lands, but always within a week's ride of Absalom. After all, what good is a student far away from the center of knowledge? And it is rude to ask an old man's age, as you should know. But, if you must be so insistent, I have lived 154 years in this body.
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Barbo walks through the city in awe, not hiding his stares at the guards. So much hate, over some colors. We'll see if I can do something with that. At first he holds out his pig for people to pet, trying to win them over. However, watching Maxime use her social prowess, he stops and follows her lead. "I agree. That temple may be boring and stoic, but we will find truth there."
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At the reactions of his fellow pathfinders he merely smiles and nods, but remains silent. Even when I give them the courtesy of knowing what I was doing I am villanized. Interesting...
Uzziah follows the group with all the demeanor of a butler. He remains in the back, silent, and his posture is almost perfect. Despite his rigid appearance, his eyes scan constantly, as if analyzing everyone around.
When the group converses, Uzziah observes but says nothing, his face like a blank slate.
You arrive at the Temple of Abadar the Gold-Fisted, a large limestone building on the north side of town with a dome shaped like half an onion forming the roof. An oversized golden key, the symbol of the Master of the First Vault, protrudes from the tip top of the dome.
The Abadarian priests patiently wait while you explain why you've come. They have been trying to prevent war, while simultaneously trying to avoid appearing to side with either of the two factions, a slippery precipice to navigate. They explain that you might have better luck, and are free to peruse the archives of the temple at your leisure to try to find any documents which might help settle the situation legally.
You discover a file mentioning a missing document called The Firespeaker Accord. The baron’s notes indicate the document is signifcant to the town but do not state any further details.
If you cannot locate anything of note, a cleric will assist you for 20 gold pieces, a fee the priests insist is non-negotiable.
Over the course of several nights you cast a series of dream spells to send messages to several of the important NPCs, and then use oneiromancy and mind heist to alter their minds.
You detect anger and confusion from the king, though you are successfully able to forcefully implant the idea that he should not send more troops to the area. He doesn't appear to be aware that he has been incepted. Before you lose contact, you nonetheless get another flash of anger as the King thinks to himself that whoever this stranger is who is visiting his dreams unasked for will suffer.
As for the other three, you have pretty easily implanted in their minds the idea that they should travel from the town out to Hartsfall Keep. They are all angry and confused, the same as anyone who has had their dreams forcibly invaded by an unknown entity, but Berislav and Sylvanna do seem to be considering gathering some of their men and traveling out to the keep. Lord Poul, in your brief reading of his surface thoughts, seems to have decided that Sylvanna alone is not enough of a presence at Zmeyka, and he has decided to gather a force of troops and move on the keep himself.
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Willem looks through the documents, but gets distracted looking at a family tree and line of succession chart he finds from a thousand years ago. He mutters something about ".. two things you can trust with an Abadarian, they have money and they want yours..." If asked to help with paying for an assistant, he will fork over 4 gold coins.
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Barbo sits down, seemingly unwilling to search the library. She wouldn't have hated this place. Not enough light, to much gold. Life isn't about money, it's about justice. She loved to say that... He sighs and performs small magic tricks in his hands, summoning a paper rose then making it appear to burn away.
After providing the requisite fee to the priests, they help you with your research. You discover a file mentioning a missing document called The Firespeaker Accord. The baron’s notes indicate the document is significant to the town but do not state any further details. The priests wish you luck in your quest to stop the war.
The Pathfinders soon locate Lander Lebeda at a small, nameless tavern in the center of Zmeyka.
Lander Lebeda is the heir of House Lebeda. He is a handsome young man in his late teens with shoulder length pale hair and a trimmed goatee. His clothing appears well tailored and made of fine material but practical and weatherworn. Lander carries himself with poised gallantry.
Lander gets a funny look of recognition on his face as he sees Glorne and Maxime, and stands up, going over from the bar to greet them.
"Glorne! Maxime! Its been years, I didn't know if I'd ever see you again. We had quite an adventure together, and I learned a lot that day," says the nobleman, and then he smiles and waves at the other members of the group, "Assuming you're all Pathfinders, then you're all friends to me."
“But we should get to the business at hand. The Orlovskys and Surtovas are obstinate as only Issians can be, I’m afraid. I’ve been here a week now working alongside the clerics of Abadar to help end this feud, but neither side will budge. Sylvanna is a childhood friend of mine, and I know how much this land means to her. She used to visit a lot with her father when she was young. He told her tales about the glory of their family’s legacy and cast her little eagle figurine out of copper mined from these hills. When her father passed away, she fell into despair. Then she lost her cherished token when we were playing together outside Hartsfall Keep. This town holds a lot of memories for her, so you can see why she's so protective of it. Unfortunately, the significance this place holds for her is clouding her judgement," Lander says, frowning.
You get the sense that Lander Lebeda may have romantic feelings for Sylvanna Orlovsky.
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My dear Lander, I see you grown up well since the last time. It seems that our lessons have been put to good use. I’m proud of you. Sincerely says the Marquise.
After letting her comrades talks she adds Even if our mission is not to end the feud between the two families if we can help you and the Temple to help diffuse the tension we will do.
Like my comrades says, may be retrieving this token could help? And you know how good Pathfinders are at retrieving things. she says in a smile.
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Uzziah's face turns from stone into warm smile as he walks up to Lebeda for a handshake. "I understand now that you are the Lander from the chronicles. It is a pleasure to meet you in person. The Pathfinder Society will do all in it's power to accomplish our mission. And to attempt to remedy this feud situation." His voice is smooth and enchanting.
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Barbo stands behind, smiling, during the exchange. It is good to see old friends. I am glad my traveling companions are familiar with this man. We have never been good at diplomacy. The wizard reaches down and pats his pig on the head. "Lander, I think you and my friend Babe have something in common."
He'll totally understand that I mean a longing for peace, not that he's fat.
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Not knowing the man the others seemed to be gushing over, Willem decided that he would let the others talk and only express his opinion if needed. When they mentioned the token, he spoke up. "This token may serve in many regards, if you were to give it to the Lady Orlovsky yourself, once we retrieve it, of course."
"My dear Lander, I see you grown up well since the last time. It seems that our lessons have been put to good use. I’m proud of you."
"Thank you, though as you can see, I still bear the scars of my misspent youth. I'm glad that you Pathfinders set me on the right track," says Lander, touching his the scar.
"Do you think if we were to find and return her token it may help you to sway her to understanding that an outbreak of violence may destroy the Keep she holds so dear?"
"Well, one could hope. Though Sylvanna has always been headstrong, and she has developed into a woman not to be trifled with." he smiles, absently, before continuing, "And she loathes Berislav Surtova. He is a bit of a boor, I'll admit. But she is fairly firm in her idea that House Orlovsky, who founded the town and built the keep, has the right to it, even if Choral the Conqueror gifted the lands to House Surtova for their support in his war of conquest. I doubt she'll budge. In fact, its been all I've been able to do to convince her not to take her men up to the keep and occupy it. Apparently she had a dream... but if she did it, it would almost certainly lead to open war," says Lander, sighing, "From what I've heard Berislav has also been having strange dreams. And though I'll admit he isn't my favorite person, his argument is fairly reasonable as well. House Surtova has ruled this town for 200 years, and yet King Noleski has offered to make it a neutral territory outside of both Orlovsky and Surtovan influence for the most part. He's apparently ready to march his men up to the keep as well."
"Perhaps if we were to find this token, she could find some closure. It may also help continuing your adult relationship."
Lander blushes. "I've heard Pathfinders are good at keeping secrets, and to a romantic, that's good enough. I'll admit I'm rather fond of Sylvanna, and have been for some time. She was once betrothed to one of the Rogarvians, and I thought that was the end of it and moved on. But after the Vanishing..."
"Even if our mission is not to end the feud between the two families if we can help you and the Temple to help diffuse the tension we will do. Like my comrades says, may be retrieving this token could help? And you know how good Pathfinders are at retrieving things."
"No doubt. I think it would be wise in general if you went up and checked out the keep at some point, just in case the war does come. I've no doubt that there are some interesting things up there that should be cataloged by professionals such as yourselves. Not to mention anything with artistic value. My mother taught me that life is short, but art is long. Or at least, she says, it should be."
"I understand now that you are the Lander from the chronicles. It is a pleasure to meet you in person. The Pathfinder Society will do all in it's power to accomplish our mission. And to attempt to remedy this feud situation."
Lander reaches out to shake Uzziah's hand, not noticing the psychic read his mind as he does so, "The Chronicles! You mean to say that I'm actually in your Chronicles? That's amazing! But yes, I'm the only Lander Lebeda, as far as I know. I don't doubt you'll be just the people to end this silly feud."
You detect thoughts of childish exuberance, the thoughts of a man who has never dreamed of anything other than to be a character in some story.
The wizard reaches down and pats his pig on the head. "Lander, I think you and my friend Babe have something in common."
He'll totally understand that I mean a longing for peace, not that he's fat.
Lander steps over and scritches the pig on its ear, too caught up in the idea that he is part of the Pathfinder Chronicles to notice any possible insult, and says, "Holy smoke, you have a pig as a pet! No, wait, you're probably a wizard... so... you have a magic, intelligent pig? That is the coolest thing I've ever heard of."
"This token may serve in many regards, if you were to give it to the Lady Orlovsky yourself, once we retrieve it, of course."
"If you can get it, I'd love to be the one that gives it to her. And perhaps with that, we might be able to smooth things over."