Chaosorbit |
It's first thing in the morning and you are waiting outside the office of Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin in Skyreach, located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.
Chaosorbit |
Venture Captain Valsin arrives looking sharp and attentive despite the early hour. After opening the door, he ushers you all inside.
Come in, sit down, well met Pathfinders.
After everyone is seated Valsin looks over the group as if making mental notes of the faces in the room.
Of course, I know all about the capabilities of each of you. That's why I've chosen you for this mission. However, I don't recall from the Chronicles whether any of you have worked together in the past or not. So take a few minutes and say some words about yourself, your past exploits, and what you bring to the team. Once you've done that, I'll brief you on the assignment at hand.
He sits back eager to hear what you have to say.
Shine* |
Taking a moment to stand in her chair, a female gnome with ruddy skin and red hair greets you. She wears a breastplate emblazoned with the holy symbol of Sarenrae. Her shield is likewise adorned. He voice his high pitches and you can almost hear flames and searing as she speaks. Greetings from the church of the Dawnflower. I am Fairspindle Starshine, but my friends simply call me Shine. I am here to tend to your wounds and redeem those willing to be redeemed. She pauses for a moment before adding And to deliver swift and fiery justice to those who choose not to be redeemed.
Kelson Bard character |
A young man with blonde hair, a lute on this back and a raccoon on his shoulder speaks up. My esteemed Venture captain and fellow Pathfinders. Greetings to you all. I am Kelson, a bard from Andoran. I am here at the call of the Society, hopefully I might bring song and freedom to some folks in need of mirth or liberty.He points at the raccoon This is Chitter my friend.
Ozak Zhou |
A Tien man sits quietly in the corner looking over his companions besides the cross bow on his backpack there are no other weapons visible on his person. On the table next to him is a small tea pot and he takes a sip from the cup in front of him. After everyone else introduces themselves he follows suit, "My name is Ozak Zhau. It is nice to meet you all." He says in a heavy Tien accent, "Would anyone like tea?" He adds gesturing to the tea pot.
Onix |
Onix is a short Oread, roughly 4 1/2 feet tall, skin made of brownish and gray rock. He wears little clothing save trousers and a backpack. "Onix. I hit things. No tea." He says pointing to himself in a low gravelly voice.
Farg |
Tall and broad shouldered Farg is rather imposing, his massive tusks and oddly shaped horns as well as the dark sheen of fur that covers his face and body indicate his orcish and fiendish heritage.
The Tiefling seems momentarily distracted as the discussion goes on. Perhaps he is a bit hungover...
Farg... em bold explorer and eater of mortals! the Tiefling says with a flash of teeth.
Aramil Sionadel |
A quite half-elf is the last of the group to speak up. With sharp hazel eyes, he watches each member stand and introduce themself as he absently scratches at his well-groomed goatee. When it becomes his turn to speak, he stands, revealing a breastplate made of shining white metal with the symbol of Taldor etched into the chest. He smiles as he says "It's a pleasure to meet each of you. My name is Aramil and I'm what you might call 'a jack of all trades'. And yes, I do beleive I will have some tea."
Chaosorbit |
Valsin walks over and pours himself a cup of Ozak's tea. He returns to behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office and sits down in an oversized fine chair. He shuffles a pile of papers to one side and begins.
I had an interesting conversation with the Master of Spells Aram Zey yesterday. An old friend—Lady Darchana, Archdean of the Arcanamirium here in Absalom—contacted Master Zey. She’s a councilmember on the Low Council, as well too.
It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of one of her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When Lady Darchana learned that someone was attempting to eavesdrop on her party, she used her magic to trace the sensor back to its source. It sounds as though she didn’t learn anything conclusive, and she’s interested in bringing in an independent party to try and learn more. Master Zey agrees.
Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like—at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an up-and-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo Milana about the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins.
Questions?
Shine* |
Shine looks concerned. Oh my. She says, her high pitched voice concerned. Slavery is so wrong. I do know it is legal here in Absolom, but Sarenrae does not condone it. I expect we should start with Lady Silviana Dimora's majordomo. It would be her job to know such things, wouldn't it?
Farg |
What about the handmaiden? Why can't we speak to her peronally... Farg inquires calmly.
Chaosorbit |
Valsin looks to Ozak.
Salbus, from what we gather he's your typical Chelish solicitor, no reason to believe he's other than reputable. Where the handmaiden may have come from is what you must determine.
Turning to Shine.
Yes, while slave ownership is legal in Absalom, it's not widespread. The majordomo would be an excellent place to begin.
Farg, you may well question the handmaiden. That request should be made through the majordomo.
What other questions can I try to answer for you?
Chaosorbit |
The Venture Captain wishes you luck and you are on your way. You head to the Dimora Manor in the southeast corner of the Petals District. An 8-foot-high fieldstone wall surrounds Lady Silviana Dimora’s estate. The grounds are recently tended with thick, soft grass, several well-placed shade trees, and many species of flowering plants. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles gently.
You are admitted to the manor by an under butler and led to a nearby parlor furnished with plush blue couches and chairs. After several minutes a stern-looking Taldan woman with dark brown hair pulled back into a tight bun and hazel eyes enters the room, she is dressed in neat black dress.
I am Milana, Lady Silviana's majordomo. I apologize, Lady Silviana is not available to take unscheduled meetings at this time. If you would like I can arrange to schedule you a meeting with my Lady in the near future.
She moves toward the door as if to usher you out.
Aramil Sionadel |
As they enter the estate grounds, Aramil absently checks his raven-black ponytail to ensure that no loose strands have come out and uses his sleeve to rub out any smudges on his breastplate.
Once the majordomo has spoken, Aramil bows low and replies with a disarming smile "It is a pleasure to meet you, m'lady. I apologize for the inconvenience, but it is actually you that we've come to see. It's come to our attention that Lady Silvana had an uninvited guest at her last dinner party and has requested the help of a third party to investigate. We have come to answer that call. If you would, please tell us what you remember from that night."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Farg |
Appreciated? We are here to find out who has been spying on her mistress if she doesn't care about that she better go find herself a new job...
The Tiefling grunts as he gets ready to turn on his heel.
Aid Another 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Shine* |
shine steps forward all smiles and proper ediquite It is as my friend have explained. We need to know who sold you this young handmaiden. And if at all possible Miss Milana we would speak with this handmaiden as well. Its possible that she was an unwilling participant in all this.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Chaosorbit |
I see, that's what this visit is about. The majordomo says with a sigh.
I really shouldn't say anything without permission from my mistress.
She looks at the door, as if checking to see if any of the other staff is near by and then proceeds. Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead.
Yes, Lady Darchana’s dinner party. What an embarrassment for Lady Silviana. Can you imagine being told that your handmaiden is some sort of… well… spy? Dreadful. The woman’s name is Atlag, and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that happened in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill.
Composing herself, Milana continues, Lady Silviana retains a solicitor, a Chelish gentleman named Solvius Salbus. He works out of an office in the Coins called the Red Letter. He drew up the paperwork for my Lady to complete the transaction on Atlag with a man named...
She wags her pointer finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name.
Mahdi Mahjub. No, Mahjub Mahdi! He does his business down in Misery Row, of course. It’s a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. ‘Mahdi’s Chattel: Absalom’s Finest,’ so the sign claims. Honestly, I think every third building in Misery Row claims to be ‘Absalom’s Finest.’ I wonder how many spies like Atlag he’s sold over the years? It’s a dreadful, dreadful business. I am not sure there is anything else I can tell you, but I am sure you understand my Lady’s desire to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you.
She grows quiet, and appears lost in thought for a few moments before adding.
You seem to possess a keen understanding of how things work in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady. It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi; however, were you to secure such a deal, it would be a gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place? She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly.
Then looking stern again. If you wish, I will summon Atlag. But I doubt the girl will be help to much. She's been questioned quite a bit and doesn't seem to have any idea of how she became a spy.
Ozak Zhou |
"I think that is quite all right. We will visit this Mahjub and see what he knows on the matter. We can see what we can do on the other matter. Thank you for your time." Ozak says with a bow.
Chaosorbit |
The majordomo gets a quizzical look on her face.
I wish I could tell you more, but I don't pretend to know much about how magic works. From my understanding the handmaiden herself was made into a scrying device somehow. I can't begin to understand what that even means. I'm just repeating what I've overheard.
Aramil Sionadel |
Aramil chuckles before saying "Shaking down a slaver and demanding recompense on a bad sale is a new one in my book, but I think it's something we can handle. We'll have the money back shortly."
Chaosorbit |
Looks like we are moving on to the slaver...if you have more questions back at the Manor, post them in a spoiler and I'll respond.
From the upper crust neighborhood in the Petals you make your way to Misery Row.
Misery Row is an enormous, elevated platform that runs along the eastern edge of the Coins district, and serves as the main destination to buy and sell slaves in Absalom. Cages are set into the platform such that slavers and prospective buyers can walk over the pits to inspect the merchandise easily. Turning the stomach of any Liberty's Edge member. The massive wooden platform is well worn by foot traffic and is active as you seek out Mahdi’s Chattel.
You are able to find it easily enough, a hanging sign identifies the single-story building with large, full-length windows as “Mahdi’s Chattel—Absalom’s Finest.” Heavy curtains are drawn over all of the windows, a small painted sign that reads “Closed” hangs over the latch of the door.
Make a perception check and read all spoilers whose DC you equal or exceed.
Shine* |
This is not Shine's first trip to Misery Row, but still her stomach turns at the idea of selling sentient beings and her heart goes out to each soul she sees below the walkway.As the group draws near she notes with concern the broken window and forced door. Oh my. It seems we have arrived while intruders are inside accosting Mr. Chattel. I shall not stand for such behavior. Shine says in a low voice. Prepare yourselves.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29
Ozak Zhou |
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Oak takes a look around then draws a wand of blend and attempts to use it.
Umd: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Failing the first attempt he tries again.
umd: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
He then gets ready to move in stealthily.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 4 = 23
Chaosorbit |
Something is definitely afoot within. Let me know what preparations you are taking and when and who is entering.
Ozak Zhou |
Ozak tries to use Onixs wand.
UMD: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Then pulls out another wand and uses it.
UMD Shield: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
UMD Shield: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Once thats done he heads in.
Chaosorbit |
I've place you on the map, please feel free to rearrange yourselves. Anyone who didn't get a chance to post your buffing feel free to post it in a spoiler, you have several rounds before Ozak enters.
After the tapping of wands, Ozak, the stealthy ninja moves quietly through the door, followed by the tankish stone monk Onix, the rest are queued and ready to enter as well.
As you enter, you see that Mahdi’s Chattel is pleasantly decorated. An Andoren rug lies over the polished wooden floor of the entryway, and a small decorative table holds a curious stone statue. The eastern half of the room is in slight disarray, apparently from light renovations that are nearly complete. Another door leads to the east (on the right). To the left a work table in the center of the display parlor conceals a heavy, polished stone with a 4-inch-diameter steel ring attached to the top, providing an anchor for manacle chains. The windows have been smashed, and broken glass lies on the floor and on the desk on the west side of the room.
The room is unoccupied but the sounds of a struggle are clearly coming from the other room.
Farg |
CastHeroism. Stay put.
Farg readies his longspear as he gets his hopes up with a bit of magical spice.
Chaosorbit |
You've gained access to the first room, the sounds of conflict come from the 2nd room. Let me know if and how you plan to enter.