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Each of you receive a letter from Master of Swords, Marcos Farabellus, delivered by special courier, urgently asking you to meet him at a safe house on the outskirts of Merab in Thuvia. Traveling from all corners of the inner sea, you have miraculously arrived in Merab at virtually the same time. This allows you a short amount of time to introduce yourselves to your fellow Pathfinders before heading for your meeting with the Master of Swords.
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A straw-blonde, ice-blue-eyed elf in immaculate white physician's garb and carrying a heavy black bag, in addition to a brace of traditional Elven armaments, enters the room with barely a sound. He sits down and takes out a thick notebook filled with tight script, arcane alchemical symbols, and bizarre, sometimes macabre, sketches, and begins writing in it.
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A young, strawberry blonde, human female strides into the room with the grace and demeanor of nobility. She is dressed fashionability, even for a young women on the go. A pair of scimitars rest easily at her hips and she drops a travel bag on the floor next to a chair.
"Greetings one and all, I am Dame Holly Day. You may address me as Dame Day if you wish. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance this day." Just once I would like to have one of these trips start in a royal court rather than an office or commoners home. Why can't I get the fairy tale just once?
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A small butterfly winged dragon blinks into existence and proclaims telepathically to all in attendance - the small dragon continues slowly beating its butterfly wings regally.
An elven aristocrat appears moments later. His attire is of fine silken robes with the cut and trim styled in the latest court fashion, a fine quality longsword worn at his hip, on his cloak a Blakros family crest brooch pin is prominently displayed - along with another more subtle pin with an Ulfen rune.
The Elf appears quite friendly and obviously interested in the companions gathered "Well it's a jolly good day for an adventure, I wonder what the Society has planned for us eh?" he offers by way of friendly and polite conversation.
"Esteemed company nonetheless! Dame Day, lovely to meet you - such a shame to meet a fellow aristocrat in as...fine establishment as this. Next time we should start adventures in my lovely estate in the Petals District of Absalom, at least we could ensure privacy. So what of everyone else, I see we have at least one other fellow scholar judging by the books - excellent, I am a fond of scholarly pursuits myself"
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Never one to waste a good distraction, Fek glides glides past the woman and quickly riffles through her backpack, Lots of weapons . . . a fighter? No, a thief! and quickly returns the lock picks, then wanders over to check the quiet elf's black bag Ooh, lots of pretty liquids. I bet he's one of those alchemists.
"Umm, hi. Hi. Nice to meet you, Mr. Blakros." Hmm, not many weapons. Lots of scrolls and bottles. "Are you, are you a wizard? I, uh, bought some scrolls and wands, but umm, I'm not good with magic. Are you a wizard?"
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"I dabble in a little magic I learnt from a Mwangi witch doctor in my early travels during my field expeditions - as a rather curious young and upcoming Professor I was always keen for fieldwork. I would be delighted to look at your items for you, as would Boffins here who is no slouch at using the magical arts himself", he gestures to the Faerie Dragon.
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Fek deftly scratches the scales behind Boffins' ears. "It can read spells? And make magic, too? Here!" A half dozen scrolls instantly appear. "Wands too?" Three wooden sticks spin around Fek's claws.
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A tight lipped young elven man, soon arrives to guide you through the urban sprawl of Merab to a small estate just a stone’s throw from the city docks. Once there, an estate guard escorts you inside.
Please wait here is the study. He waves his hand in the direction of a small, cozy room with a lit fireplace and several comfortable looking settees and overstuffed chairs, of a style you would expect to see in an Absalom parlor rather than, a Thuvian cottage.
Shortly thereafter, Marcos Farabellus, Master of Swords and Lady Gloriana Morilla enter the room. The Master of Swords stands before the fireplace, while Lady Morilla takes a seat in one of the large, comfortable chairs. The Master of Swords motions toward the remaining seats in the room, urging anyone still standing to make themselves more comfortable.
Pathfinders, I thank you for coming on such short notice. Every year, one of Thuvia’s city-states gets to auction doses of the magnificent sun orchid elixir, and this year Pashow has the privilege. That city misplaced its elixirs the past two times, to its treasury’s detriment. In order to ensure nothing went wrong this year, Emir Guldis has retained the Society’s services to assist with security.
He made the right choice. We stymied an attempt on Pashow’s caravans and found evidence that the Korholm Agenda—a nefarious faction of the Aspis Consortium—was collaborating with Prince Zinlo of Aspenthar to ensure Pashow’s shipment would never arrive. The ringleader is named Kitio Aspenthi, and he’s the ranking Aspis gold agent who coordinates Thuvia. It seemed the plan was to steal the elixirs and trigger a coup to overthrow Emir Guldis, at which point Prince Zinlo’s daughter, Princess Ziralia, could take control and thus annex the neighboring city-state. Thankfully, we’ve built some rapport with the princess, and it is she who pointed us to the Korholm Agenda’s latest plan.
Yes, we should be quite thankful, declares Lady Gloriana, rising from her chair.
According to the princess, the Korholm Agenda has been coordinating mischief with the guards of Aspenthar. Having failed to deprive the emir economically, it appears the Korholm Agenda aims to frame Pashow for an attack on Prince Zinlo’s city. These false-flag operations would be the catalyst for Zinlo to declare war and conquer Pashow by force. She pauses a moment to let that sink in then continues.
We are expecting the attacks several days hence during the Sun Orchid Festival that Prince Zinlo recently established in Aspenthar. Along with the standard fare of food and music, the church of Sarenrae will commemorate a local hero, and the prince is permitting the temporary release of Aspenthar-born prisoners to enjoy the festivities. We expect Zinlo to make a speech later that day.
Princess Ziralia expects these three events to be the focus of the Korholm Agenda’s attacks, which in turn could endanger the people of Aspenthar. On top of preventing harm to innocents, averting these plots could allow us to stop the Korholm Agenda and the agent Kitio Aspenthi for good. Additionally, any evidence you can find linking Prince Zinlo to the Korholm Agenda would benefit us and discourage him from attempting such a stunt in the future. A ship waits at the docks to take you to Aspenthar when you’re ready.
Farabellus glances around at the assembled talent, then adds, Now who has questions?
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"An eclectic though practical set of items"
The aristocrat divides the piles, one small and one larger - "Boffins, see to those. I have parcelled off some that I will carry - not all eggs in one basket eh?"
Wand of CLW
Scroll of Invisibility
Scroll of Silence (2)
Scroll of Spider Climb
Wand of Infernal Heal
Wand of Reduce Person
Scroll of Darkvision (2)
Scroll of Invisibility (2)
Scroll of Silence (2)
Scroll of Spider Climb (2)
"One of these is for our Druidic cousins. Boffins I am sure you can trick it to do our bidding easily enough."
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"Well summed up Brother Theo"
"Lady Gloriana" the elf bows gently, as both a gentleman and a due reverence for her station within the Court.
He then regards Farabellus "So if it is gold ranked Aspis stirring things up, a group of Pathfinders roaming about might create a bit of a scene"
"Do you suggest we travel without identifying ourselves? A Lord Blakros and Dame Day, in company with a trusty physician for any ailments in such an unfamiliar climate, a religious adviser who is a Sarenrite,and of course we have a trusty manservant...that seems a reasonable bunch in the circumstances"
"What do we know of any attackers and what force they may be able to bring to bear?"
"Do we have tickets to the Commemoration?"
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Farabellus nods at Brother Theo, Well we already stopped the theft; that's why I guess the Prince is uping the his efforts. So stop a war and stop Kitio is correct.
Lady Morilla addresses Dame Day's questions.
While I could not say for certain my belief is the Korholm Agenda is likely motivated by money, and I think even more importantly a place to establish a foothold for itself, a base of operations; especially with all the set backs we've caused them of late. As for Prince Zinlo, he certainly seems a man of ambition, he's long had his eye on Pashow. Should he be successful in establishing himself as ruler of Pashow, how long until he sets his sights on the rest of the city states of Thuvia? Lady Gloriana asks rhetorically.
Do we have the name of the local hero, Marcos? asks the lady.
Farabellus glances at some notes and adds, Ah-Misehp
When Lord Blakros calls to attention the need for discretion, Lady Gloriana responds.
Indeed, the information we received leads us to believe the Korholm Agenda is already in Aspenthar and actively searching for us. We have to make sure we do not play our hand too early and give away the fact that we are aware of the upcoming attacks. Doing so could encourage the Korholm Agenda agents to change their plans and leave us completely in the dark. So I think your cover story will do nicely. And take care to keep in wayfinders out of sight, until the plot is foiled.
Farabellus responds to the next inquiry, Unfortunately, we don’t know. Our best guess is that the Korholm Agenda intends to harm the citizens of Aspenthar, but they might aim to demolish city property. My suspicion for the prison is that the Agenda’s agents will perform a jailbreak, goad the criminals to harm others, and blame it on Pashow. It’s very likely the attacks will occur on the morning of the Sun Orchid Festival. Prince Zinlo is scheduled to deliver his speech at noon, and we believe the Korholm Agenda wants to use that as a capstone to the day’s attacks.
The Commemoration is at Ruins of Ah-Misehp, I believe it's an open area and no tickets are required.
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Know History --The city-states of Thuvia regularly fend off vicious fiends known as divs. These creatures have tormented the region for millennia. The folk hero Ah-Misehp features strongly in Aspenthar’s local lore. The famed Sarenite dervish wielded the Dawnflower’s sacred flames to fight off the divs assaulting Aspenthar three centuries ago.
Know Local -- In celebration of the sun orchid elixirs emerging from the Citadel of the Alchemist once more, Aspenthar has begun a Sun Orchid Festival. The city is decked out in the city’s colors: orange, blue, and black. There are also appearances of Pashow’s colors—pale yellow, black, and maroon—in recognition of that city-state’s right to auction the elixir this year. Prince Zinlo’s grand palace is in a secluded part of Aspenthar. A smaller palace used for public announcements and events rests at the heart of the city. A large plaza lies to the south of this palace. A small ruin outside of the city marks the location of an important battle. Local legend holds that it was where the great dervish Ah-Misehp defeated at great evil centuries ago.
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Dame Day shares the following information with her fellow pathfinders.
Know History --The city-states of Thuvia regularly fend off vicious fiends known as divs. These creatures have tormented the region for millennia. The folk hero Ah-Misehp features strongly in Aspenthar’s local lore. The famed Sarenite dervish wielded the Dawnflower’s sacred flames to fight off the divs assaulting Aspenthar three centuries ago.
Know Local -- In celebration of the sun orchid elixirs emerging from the Citadel of the Alchemist once more, Aspenthar has begun a Sun Orchid Festival. The city is decked out in the city’s colors: orange, blue, and black. There are also appearances of Pashow’s colors—pale yellow, black, and maroon—in recognition of that city-state’s right to auction the elixir this year. Prince Zinlo’s grand palace is in a secluded part of Aspenthar. A smaller palace used for public announcements and events rests at the heart of the city. A large plaza lies to the south of this palace. A small ruin outside of the city marks the location of an important battle. Local legend holds that it was where the great dervish Ah-Misehp defeated at great evil centuries ago.
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Fek moves around the room, mostly unoticed.
As Dame Day reveals what she knows to the group and then goes on to share what she knows about divs to the group.
Divs are a type of fiend born from corrupted genies that are now intent on despoiling the works of mortals. Each kind of div has a specific compulsion or weakness that draws its ire, such as a certain color or sound. Canny warriors can lure divs into dangerous situations or goad them to make poor tactical choices by exploiting these compulsions.
Knows the same for history and local and then also know this from Planes.
Divs are especially hardy, but attacks from cold iron weapons or weapons blessed with good energies— sometimes both against the more powerful varieties— are particularly effective.
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Percy and Boffins become quite animated as the conversation flows, seemingly very keen to get involved in the various facts and figures being shared - the small dragon pips in "Oh what fun, trivia and general knowledge!"
Immediately the small faeries dragon and Lord Blakros begin challenging each other on obscure facts and figures, history, customs and traditions and a conversation on Divs.
Boffins:
Knowledge (History):
Knowledge (Local):
Knowledge (Planes):
Percy:
Knowledge (History):
Knowledge (Local):
Knowledge (Planes):
Boffins gets outclassed on all but the last, "Well your 'Lordship', I happen to know more about Divs than you it seems..." the small dragon takes big delight in the minor victory.
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Lord Blakros shares a few things the others, including Boffins, don't know.
First, The site of Ah-Misehp’s battle lies just outside Aspenthar, and the ruins are considered a holy site for the church of Sarenrae. Priests celebrate the anniversary of the battle by reconsecrating the site—partly a symbolic gesture to keep any divs from tormenting the city again.
Then, Aspenthar’s prison lies just inside the city walls, secluded in one of the less prosperous districts. Celebrations for the Sun Orchid Festival are likely to draw many of the residents to the central districts, leaving behind only a skeleton crew to watch over the other prisoners.
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From Lady Gloriana you have obtained a delicate silk handkerchief, hand embroidered with the initials GM.
From the Master of Swords you pocketed a small well-used pocket knife.
As the meeting is about to concludes Lady Gloriana calls her Sovereign Court members together for a quick word.
I've taken a special interest in Princess Ziralia, whose willingness to prioritize her people’s safety and defy her father’s tyrannical ambitions speaks well of her character. I'd like to nurture this relationship. I hope that we can help Princess Ziralia and, in doing so, make a case for the princess joining us in the Sovereign Court and then she could guide our interests in Thuvia. Because Princess Ziralia cares deeply for her people, take special care to shield Aspenthar’s citizens from harm while thwarting the Korholm Agenda’s schemes. Also, take any opportunity to demonstrate leadership in dangerous times, helping to guide innocents away from the conflict or organize bystanders to cooperate if the worst happens. Finally, we must continue to pursue our objectives quietly or risk retaliation from oppressive regimes across Avistan and Garund. Instead let our actions actions trickle back to Princess Ziralia. She's bright and will understand we were behind them. Lady Gloriana gives you all a bright confident smile.
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Onto the boat it's a quick trip to Aspenthar. You arrive on the morning of the Sun Orchid Festival. The city is filled with the sounds of joyful music, scents of food, and thousands of smiling faces. Vendors line the streets to sell exotic wares, and the streets are crowded with strange beasts on display from all over Garund. Even though Garundi humans comprise most of the population, the busy port and festival have brought in a wide variety of visitors.
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Vrald, a young knight had stood rigidly to attention during the briefing, declining the kind offer of a seat from the Master of swords. As he listened to the others, he considered what he also may know of the area and of the threats faced.
"Perhaps I shall arrange for a shirt of orange, blue and black to help blend in with the local scene." he notes.
Vrald nods his head at the request. "My body shall shield those who are in danger Lady. And my voice will provide direction."
He checks his understanding of the situation with the master of swords and the rest of the team.
"We are to travel to Aspenthar? Where we expect an attack from the city's own guards, disguised as guards from Pashow. The guards may also be aided by prisoners who have been released inside the city as part of a festival."
"Do we have any clue as to how the jail break may be coordinated with the general prisoner release for the festival?"
He directs a keen eye at Dame Day. "I shall be happy to provide orders, however it may be that they don't take them from me - in fact as an outsider I would be more than surprised to have them do so. I think we need to understand the situation a bit before we try any direct action and possibly draw attention to ourselves."
Speaking of which..
Vrald makes sure his wayfinder is hidden before disembarking into the city. He respectfully allows the Baron and Dame to lead the way into the city, but stands ready in case either is accounted any disrespect.
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"Indeed we should be cautious in our approach, but give little warning or signal to our arrival - the best way to catch a conspirator is to take them unawares - lest they be prompted to rash and dangerous action. Perhaps the prisoners can be reasoned or bargained with, perhaps if we move early and decisively they will be stuck firmly in their cells - regardless - we likely need more detail"
"Should it come to orders and speaking, I am also fluent in the native tongue here - Osiriani - anyone else?"
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Vrald shrugs. "Taldane has always proved sufficient for my needs." after a pause he adds "But I am aware that the needs of lords and ladies are more than that of a common knight. One day I might dedicate my time to learning another language. However I struggle mightily with my studies of lore at the moment. My mind is sadly not one drawn to academic pursuits, though they be one of a gentleman."
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We don't know what's planned for the prison break. But if you manage to slip in early, you might be able to relocate the remaining prisoners before the attack. In that case, we have another safe house in Aspenthar that can hold the prisoners until the Korholm Agenda threat is over. The Master of Swords says while scrtaching his chin.
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Ageless Prison
With the prison as your destination, you head to the city's southwest side, you arrive to find the prison has 20 foot high strong masonry walls. The only visible entrance is a gate in the southeast wall; a slightly elevated guard tower sits in the southwest corner of the building; and wisps of smoke seem to rise from a hearth on the western wall. High narrow, barred windows line the northern wall; as well as, several more along the eastern wall.
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Boffins flies above the prison bringing back this report. An open air courtyard with a dirt surface, contains a rickety stage but is current empty, there are two sets of closed double doors in the yard. The observation tower has a wooden porch and an enclosed guard room with a door accessed by a latter in the yard, but does not seem to be occupied. The smoke rises from a hearth that Boffins believes is likely the kitchen. It's difficult to see much with the way the windows are designed, but Boffins thinks he could hear what was likely inmates along the northern wall.