EndlessForms |
It isn’t every day that one receives an invitation to the Karcau Opera House, with the ticket prices being what they are—not to mention the cost of seats in a private box. Of course, as soon as the usher leads you to your seats, it becomes obvious why the Society has sent you to enjoy a night at the opera. . . . [/i]
Jaysin Deckert |
The opera, you say? I've been to some of the finest establishments in Taldor and the world, even Cheliax. But I have heard that the Karcau Opera House is a treat in of itself... if you are into that sort of thing, naturally.
A Taldan man sporting a fine bow and leather armor enters the building. This must be of great importance to the Society if I have been summoned to this... place. Very important indeed.
Cyrinda Wix |
The gnome's eyes go wide as dinner plates, "The opera!? Oh that sounds simply wonderful!"
She shakes as she giggles in anticipation and her shock of orange hair comes a bit loose from her pony tail.
Filios Philandril |
Filios steps into the Opera House and consults his ticket briefly before moving among the outskirts of the patrons until he arrives at his seat. He is a tall, well-muscled elf, with the hilt of a Curveblade sticking out above his shoulder. He gracefully enters the private box.
Good evening all, Filios is the name, fine night for some culture.
EndlessForms |
Ok, we'll start. Most definitely low-tier if that's alright with everyone.
As soon as the usher leads you to your seats, it becomes obvious why the Society has sent you to enjoy a night at the opera.
Already seated within the private booth, a lean Ustalavic noblewoman waits, watching the show with detached enthusiasm. She turns slowly, the crimson of her elegant gown a contrasting starkly with her dark hair, pale skin, and sharp features. She motions to nearby seats and dismisses the attending usher.
“Thank you for coming. I am Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff, currently without a home lodge. The Decemvirate requested that I speak with you here, in private, to discuss a problem that needs sorted out. I trust you’ve heard of Skeldon Miregrold?”
After a pause, she continues, "No? Let me fill you in. Miregrold is a disreputable and duplicitous rogue of my own, noble, Ustalavic blood—my second cousin, in fact, though I’m loathe to admit it. He’s also quite renowned in our little Society, though again, few would boast of associating with him. When his father passed, Skeldon invested most of his sizable inheritance in illicit trade operations with the dark denizens that dwell below this city. Though he is valuable as a font of knowledge about the subterranean passages below—and the Darklands in general—he’d sell out his dying mother if he thought he could profit from it.
"Despite my personal warnings, the Decemvirate granted him permission to open a lodge in Karcau, though this grant came with several stipulations. As I’d suspected, none of these conditions have been met. The Society requested Skeldon send them his research notes along with some samples of a rare mineral he’s being experimenting with called aureolyte. Neither the notes nor the samples ever arrived. Furthermore, it’s been a month since Skeldon contacted the Decemvirate, who are increasingly concerned about the additional finances they granted him to conduct his research. Other sources have led us to believe he has squandered this money for his own purposes and owes significant sums to one of Karcau’s most influential crime families.
"“That’s what we need you for. Make your way to the Karcau Lodge and present Skeldon with these transfer orders.” She slides a stack of sealed envelopes across the table. “Once inside, try to collect whatever information you can about Skeldon, his side deals, and the kind of trouble he’s in. It would be even better if you could procure copies of his research and a sample of aureolyte. The Manor sits on a sizable hillside property just south of town. Any questions?”
Jaysin Deckert |
How would we recognize this Ustalav? Jaysin asks with a hint of superiority in his voice when he says "Ustalav". And would we encounter any resistance to entering the lodge for some reason?
Senjin Alatriste |
Senjin wasn't exactly the fine arts type. His idea of a grand evening out consisted of him firing arrow after arrow into a target at any range he could find. He swallowed his pride and slicked back his wild hair, and proceeded to the Opera House with his orders.
"What if he refuses to cooperate with us? Are we to restrain him, or use stronger measures if he is indeed stealing from the Society?"
Cyrinda Wix |
Cyrinda finds it hard to concentrate on Kalistoff's instruction with the opera being performed. "Oh, what a beautiful aria. Linnea would love to see this..."
She turns her head quickly with a question, "Do you think we'll be met in a friendly manner at the lodge? Like, are they accustomed to having visitors regularly?"
Filios Philandril |
Good question, Cyrinda. I concur that Linnea would enjoy this place. But, what exactly are we walking into here, Basia? Should we consider everyone in the lodge as hostiles?
Jaysin Deckert |
I believe I already asked that question. Please pay attention next time. Jaysin is clearly perturbed that he was apparently ignored while asked a valid question.
Filios Philandril |
Relax, friend, we are here as a team, no? It does not hurt to repeat the same question if we have yet to receive an answer. It simply means that we are thinking alike, and that is a good thing if your necks will be at stake togerther in the near future. Trust me...I know.
EndlessForms |
How would we recognize this Ustalavi?
"He's a fairly young man of good heritage. He’s very bright and extremely suspicious (which accounts for much of his success to this point), so you should be careful in his presence. As much as it pains me to say it, though, Miregrold is a venture-captain, and as pathfinders, you should give him the same respect you would give to anyone in of that rank."
"What if he refuses to cooperate with us? Are we to restrain him, or use stronger measures if he is indeed stealing from the Society?"
"Hopefully that will not occur. Just retrieve any implicating information you can find and report it back to me. It isn’t your place as pathfinders to convict Miregrold, or even let him know we’re investigating him. Leave that to Society leadership."
And would we encounter any resistance to entering the lodge for some reason?
"Do you think we'll be met in a friendly manner at the lodge? Like, are they accustomed to having visitors regularly?"
But, what exactly are we walking into here, Basia? Should we consider everyone in the lodge as hostiles?
"We have no reason yet to think there should be any resistance or hostility from any Pathfinders remaining at the Lodge or Miregold himself. He's still a Pathfinder but the Decemvirate are unhappy with some of his extracurricular activities and they need the evidence to convict him and rub out the sore spot that he has been."
"Now Miregrold founded the lodge about a decade ago in his ancestral family home. Most of the Society’s operations actually take place beneath the manor house proper in a series of underground chambers, which also provide access to the Darklands beneath the city. If you want to be worried about anything, be worried about what may crawl up from those tunnels."
---
EndlessForms |
Unless you have more questions:
Before you leave, Venture-Captain Kalistoff leans forward and in a hushed voice says: “On a personal note, I was the initial candidate for venture-captain of the Karcau Lodge. Behind my back, Miregrold went to the Decemvirate and bid me out of the position while his agents traveled throughout this city, slandering my reputation. I would love to restore the damage he’s done to my tarnished family name, but he precluded this through his bribes and blackmail. Thus, I have a strong personal interest in seeing the Decemvirate bring him to his knees. If you succeed in this endeavor, you will earn my eternal gratitude. I hope to soon be in a position to make it worth your while. Godspeed.”
Senjin Alatriste |
Senjin looked at the others, all the questions in his mind answered. So far.
Jaysin Deckert |
Jaysin nods in understanding. If there is anything to be found, we will find it. A family name is to be honored, not destroyed. Jaysin looks as if he is speaking from experience but its hard to tell for sure.
Filios, yes, perhaps you are correct. I have it on good word from a blue-haired gnome I know that you are a good man. I'm sure we'll get along just fine. Looking at Cyrinda as she admires the performance he mutters, As for the rest of us, the book's still out.
Filios Philandril |
Aye, Jaysin, you must be speaking of Bizzle. I am also certain that I will enjoy your company as much as I did his. I look forward to us handling any threat that comes our way.
Cyrinda Wix |
Cyrinda is too enamored of the music to pay Jaysin any mind. But the conversation around her manages to get her attention somewhat. "Oh, we don't have to go yet do we?" She pleads with Kalistoff, "Can't we stay through the end of this? I simply must know how things turn out for our heroine."
She looks at the faces of her fellow pathfinders. "Of course, if we must leave at once, I will perform my duty."
EndlessForms |
At Cyrinda's bidding, the party stays for the rest of the opera, although Venture-Captain Kalistoff slips out early, only shortly after her last words to you.
---
The Karcau Lodge is located in the manor of a modest hillside estate just south of the city that overlooks Karcau’s opulent spires and vaulted roofs. A lone cobbled path traverses the property, weaving through copses of dully-colored, gangly trees and overgrown grass. Eventually, the path makes its way toward a small two-story manor house built in the classic Ustalavic style. Its steep roof is shingled with dark slate, and elaborately carved bargeboard highlights its high cross gables. Its lead framed windows rise in slender, cathedral-like arches. A pair of pointed turrets flanks the manor’s thick, iron-shod front doors (which are locked).
Senjin Alatriste |
"I assume we don't need any stories about our backgrounds...simply being Pathfinders presenting him with the transfer orders should be enough, correct," the inexperienced Pathfinder asks his more experienced group members.
Filios Philandril |
I am assuming that we don't, provided that we can even get in. Shall we knock?
Filios approaches the door and raises his hand to announce their arrival, but awaits a consensus before proceeding.
Jaysin Deckert |
The direct approach seems proper in this case. Perhaps he has even heard of us and would welcome us with open arms before he realizes our task. Jaysin then takes up a dignified stance and look upon his face, as if he were that of royalty or some fame... deserved or not.
Whoever it is that will be doing the negotiating, please remember to introduce me properly. Deckert, Jaysin Deckert, thank you.
Cyrinda Wix |
"Oh, we definitely want to ensure we are properly introduced, Deckert Jaysin Deckert. I'm Cyrinda Wix, by the way, Deckert." She smiles at Jaysin, unaware that she does not have the name down correctly.
Cyrinda adjusts her tunic carefully before giving Filios a nod. "Oh, I'm ready - feel free to knock. Do you want me up front at all? I find sometimes my small stature puts people at ease. Get treated like a human child..."
Jaysin Deckert |
Yes, Jaysin Deckert. You've got it, I think. The fighter looks at the gnome sideways, not convinced she's got it at all.
EndlessForms |
Ok, I'm back! Finishing touches on the thesis completed and sent away to the committee for approval!
The party's knock at the door is met with silence from inside.
Filios Philandril |
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Filios checks the door handle after receiving no response, and he discovers that it is locked. He takes an oiled piece of rolled-up leather from his belt, and he selects acouple of well-made tools from the unrolled leather. He sets to work on the lock, whispering to the others as he works. He first checks for traps, and then he attepts to pick the lock, or remove said traps if any exist.
Since they care not to answer, I suggest that we let ourselves in to deliver the transfer papers.
Perception Traps: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Disable Device: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Cyrinda Wix |
"Breaking and entering?" Cyrinda asks with a worried look on her face. Her expression quickly changes to a wide grin, "Sounds like fun to me! Don't you think so, Senjin? And what about you, Deckert Jaysin Deckert?"
Congrats on the thesis completion Endless.
Senjin Alatriste |
Perception 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
"You don't think we will get in trouble, do you? I mean we are supposed to be here and all, but I don't want for us to get in trouble. I hope this doesn't count as breaking and entering, Cyrinda!"
Jaysin Deckert |
Errr, ummm... yes, Cylindra. Good times. Jaysin sighs as he waits for the rogue to complete the task of unlocking the door. Today, please.
EndlessForms |
Filios is easily able to pick the lock of the door. When the door swings open and the party steps into the foyer, three men come around the corner, clearly waiting for you to enter. All three wear adventuring clothes and wayfinders around their necks. "Oy!" one of them says angrily, "What do you think you're doing? Trespassing, this is! What'd you think you'd get by barging in here on our premises? Who are you folk anyways and what do you want?"
Jaysin Deckert |
Jaysin Deckert. Perhaps you've heard of me? I was crucial to the cause during the incident at the Blakros wedding as well as being instrmental to House Thrune at the Cheliax embassy some time back. In any case, the good elf is correct. We have business with the lodge.
Cyrinda Wix |
Cyrinda snaps her fingers and exclaims, "Aha! I knew I heard that name before. My buddy Maaarv told me all about the Blakros wedding. You remember him, don't you Deckert? Kinda sickly and thin - messes around with a lot of potions and chemicals?" She smacks her forehead, "Oh, excuse me. Yes, we are Pathfinders - just like Filios said. I'm Cyrinda - I'm a little new, but I've simply found this life of adventure to be a blast!"
"May we come in?"
Jaysin Deckert |
How could I forget...
Yeah, that adventure didn't exactly play to Jaysin's strengths, LOL.
Senjin Alatriste |
Senjin manages to croak out his name nervously, as a flop sweat began to form on his forehead. I wonder if they can tell I don't know what I'm doing...
EndlessForms |
"Pathfinders? Eh? We weren't expecting company. Well, would you like a drink and a meal? You can stay the night in the room upstairs if you'd like."
EndlessForms |
Ok, I'm back. What's the plan? What do you guys do? I'll update tomorrow.
Jaysin Deckert |
Yes, we would appreciate the hospitality I'd think. Jaysin then looks to someone to take care of the mundane task of actually making the inquiries that they were sent to do.
Cyrinda Wix |
Cyrinda looks around at her fellow companions, then finally faces back to their greeters. "Well, we're also hoping to meet Venture Captain Miregold as well. Is he in?" Cyrinda walks into the door and takes in the décor of the furnishings.
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
EndlessForms |
"Who? Oh, ah. . . no, no he's not in."
Cyrinda Wix |
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"Oh drat. We were really hoping to talk with him." Cyrinda walks in and notes, "This place is nice. You know, have you ever been to the Flaxseed Lodge? You could teach them a thing or two about decoration. I like the dignified understatement of the antiques and décor. Oh, which way to the dining area? I believe you mentioned a meal?" Cyrinda walks through the quarters, exploring.
"So, where is the Venture Captain?" She asks as she looks for the dining room.
Jaysin Deckert |
Yes, where is he? We were very much hoping to speak with him. Jaysin takes a casual look around as Cyrinda gives her opinions on the decor. What is it that you do here?
Senjin Alatriste |
Senjin sits mostly quietly, not terribly confident enough to ask the probation questions without saying something to jeopardize the mission. He does however, take a look around the common areas to see if there are any other pathfinders in the area. Maybe he could find others to talk to and find out the information without having to try and talk to a real venture captain.
EndlessForms |
One of the men points you towards a room with a long table that seems to be serving as a dining room or mess hall. The other continues, "Oh, you know, he's about doing business I suppose. We're just holding down the place, doing much the same as you folks I guess."
The other says, "I'll go get some food and drink for everyone."
Senjin doesn't see signs of anyone besides the three men who have been talking to you.
Senjin Alatriste |
Lulz, am I the only Sense Motive guy in the party? If so, can we amend the prior posts a bit, and have Senjin hang out to hear the talks between the group?
Sense Motive 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25