The Pathfinder Society’s Master of Blades, Marcos Farabellus, rarely assigns missions himself. Rarer still do those orders come directly from the Decemvirate.
“You bold few are in for a journey,” the towering wall of a man states. He rubs his beard for a few moments, as if physically searching it for the right words. [b]“There’s a problem in Ustalav. An embarrassing one. Most of you have probably met Vonran Vilk, the old man who used to work in the library. He was the Master of Blades well before my time; the man lived more stories than you or I have even read. A few months back he returned to his homeland of Ustalav to write his memoirs for the Society. Something happened along the way. Now, a serial killer stalks Vilk’s hometown of Ardis, killing off all his old enemies. Under the full moon. I think you get the drift.
“Look. I’m not going to blow you a lot of smoke. Vilk defined what it meant to be a good man in his day. More importantly, he’s still got secrets buried up in that geriatric head of his that the Decemvirate doesn’t want spilled on the cobblestones by some superstitious Ardisian’s silver ax. Even worse, Ustalav sees the Pathfinder Society as a band of mercenaries and grave robbers. If anyone finds out that as prominent a Pathfinder as Vilk stalks their streets and murders their nobles as the man they’re calling the ‘Midnight Mauler,’ that might be enough excuse to have the entire Society expelled from Ardis’s borders without any debate.
“Ideally, you are to stop the murders without killing Vilk. But if push comes to shove, access to all the history of Ustalav outweighs any one man. Stop Vilk, whatever it takes. Our man in Ardis will meet you at the docks.”
True to the Master of Blades’s word, an excited young man strains for a view from behind a row of dull, bored, gray-clad observers on the docks of Ardis’s modest harbor. His face beams with equal parts excitement and relief as the gangplank drops.
“Well met, my brothers and sisters. Thank you for coming so quickly! I am Ryado Erudyta.” Despite his youth, Ryado approaches with a limp in his left leg. “I have a coach waiting to take us back to the safe house. We can speak more freely away from these crowds.”
The rented cab is small but well appointed, and after a moment of securing the luggage, Erudyta continues. “By now you know the unfortunate circumstances of Master Vilk’s… condition. I ran into him by chance six weeks ago at the library of a mutual friend. I was researching the Dracora family’s lineage, but that’s neither here nor there.” He glances out the window, peering at the long, orange shadows cast by the late afternoon sun. “To my shame, I didn’t put all the clues together until the most recent round of murders, but now I see it all… Vilk’s overland journey into Ustalav under cover of darkness, the low profile he maintains, and the identities of the seemingly random victims.” He shakes his head, showing more years than his rosy cheeks would suggest. “I wish I could stop him myself, but fighting a werewolf would’ve been well beyond my skills even before the ghouls got to me.” He knocks gently on his left leg.
“The full moon starts tonight, along with Vilk’s next round of murders. I beg you to cure our wayward master if at all possible. You’ll find curative magics scarce in Ardis, but I believe a powerful dose of wolfsbane may reverse his condition, should he survive it. There might even be enough humanity left in his bestial soul to reason with. The guard grows wise to the beast, and the locals are on edge as well—if the guard or an angry mob beat us to Vilk, the Society’s relationship to the Midnight Mauler will be exposed. We can’t let that happen. One way or another, Vilk’s rampage must end tonight.”
You have some time to question Erudyta on their ride back to the Pathfinder Society’s nearly abandoned Ardis safe house. You may also make the follow knowledge checks to see what you know:
of dark forests, high mountains, and superstitious locals.
[spoiler=DC 20 KN (geo)]When the seat of government moved to Caliphas, Ardis’s glory and wealth steadily faded. Today, nobles with long lineages but little money or influence squabble over their desire to rise to positions in the courts that only they care about. Many estates and city blocks lie empty and crumbling.
Erudyta responds, "Well, all the evidence points to the fact that it's him but no, I have not seen him while he has been under the curse. That’s been a bit of a problem. I spent six weeks trying to track him down without any luck; too many of his records were simply wiped clean after his exile. If anyone in Ardis knows Vilk well enough to predict his actions, it would be his ex-lover: a half-elf courtesan named Markov Rutowski. Despite the urban decay, Ardis’s courtesans remain well insulated, and I lack the social skills to even gain an audience with him. I understand Vilk’s exile was something of a black mark on Rutowski’s own career, and it likely remains a sensitive topic.”
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"Well, I hope we're able to safely capture this Vilk. I'd hate to think he may be infecting others with lycanthropy."
Maaarv chats up the Dhampir. "Are you Vasilios? My good friend Linnea recently served with you on an assignment along the Silken Road. Terrible business that... She said you've got a way with words."
"Well, what more can you tell us about the area, Erudyta?"
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Danyn frowns at the conversation being tossed about based on assumed trivia knowledge.
"Nida gittusum wuffbayyyyyyne." Danyn declares emphatically.
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Yes! Linnea! She was marvelous, side splitting humor. The desert was not a pleasant place. I prefer home good old Ustalav, I grew up more in the mountain highlands a few days from Carrion Hill. Strange folk in that area, fishy looking, but actually fish looking, you would have to see them. Beautiful land Ustalav, after we complete the task at hand allow me to show you the beauty of this country in the light of day. A word of caution about the people, they cast a curious eye on outsiders, and Sczarni are a curious people. Watch your pockets and your promises around them, they have been know to pick both clean without much thought.
To Erudyta:
Could you tell us more on the Rutowski family. And if it would not trouble you too much escort us there so we lose no further time. Would his ex lover be a possible target for a mauling? Also wolvesbane could you please show a place to acquire a generous amount.
Just noticed it was a Diplomancy or Knowledge Local check.
Erudyta responds to Maarv, "Master Vasilios here has captured the area quite well. It's a lovely country but the folk are suspicious and rightfully so; seems that strange stuff happens more often in Ustalav than in other places. Ardis actually used to be the capital of Ustalav and when the government moves to Caliphas, Ardis's glory and wealth steadily faded. Today we still have nobles with long lineages but little money or influence squabbling over their desire to rise to positions in the courts that only they care about. You'll notice that many estates and city blocks in this city lie empty and crumbling."
Erudyta makes Danyn repeat his questions a few times but eventually deciphers what the man means. "Alas, wolfsbane has been difficult to come by. The peasants know lycanthrope attacks when they see them, and the local shops sell out as soon as it arrives. You may have better luck tracking it than I, though. I'm sure there are still unpicked patches out there."
Prompted by Vasilios' questions, Erudyta thinks for a moment. "I'm afraid I don't really know much more about the Rutowski family. I've recovered the address of the half-elf courtesan: 313 Milosc Avenue. I hear that she rarely sees anyone without a name backed by 12 generations of history but I suppose I could arrange the carriage to take you there if you wanted."
The carriage pulls up to the Ardis safe house and Erudyta exits and welcomes you inside. "I know it's not much but feel free to use this space as your headquarters and safe-house for the time being. You might need some rest after your travels. Just ask anything of me and I will be of assistance."
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Please tell me of the Dracora family’s lineage, I have only briefly heard of them. In Riddleport there was a ruse the society put me up to infiltrate the Aspis headquarters as one of their own. I was able to play the part of Shadowtongue, it was such fun. If I must get information from Markov Rutowski with a long noble line the ruse may be on again!
Vasilios shows a bit of excitement ready to play the actor role again.
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"Ah, Danyn and my new friend Vasilios, it is good to see you again. . ." as he walks up and grabs the two in a bear hug.
"I have long wanted to travel to Ustalav. Such an intriguing place. I am told that I have some ancestry from there, and, well as I said, I've always wanted to explore, but never had the opportunity."
As he typically does, Yanos will take out his journal and make notes of the briefing.
Towards the newcomers he is not so familiar with, Lord Baron Yanos, Huscarl of Taldor likewise approaches and gives a hearty handshake, introducing himself and states "I look forward to earing your respect in the field, and seeing what you can do, my friends."
Erudyta does not know much about nobility in Ustalav, not being a noble himself. He is impressed by Vasilios' knowledge, though.
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Yanos! Good to see you!. The last word is slightly lost from the crushing bear hug.
I plan to visit the Rutowskis tonight, will someone accompany me? Lord Yanos how deep do your noble roots grow? Markov may find it difficult to turn away two nobles calling on her doorstep at this late hour. Also let us discuss what we want to learn from her, we may only get a short audience.
Vasilios gives instructions to the cab driver to continue on to the Rutowski's manor.
I would like to know of Vonran Vilk's enimies, and why he was exiled from Ustalav. Maybe places he visited normally, or property he owed. Maybe if we can make a good impression she could tell us any dark secrets he held. With the way he seems to be motivated to kill it may not be a stretch of the mind to think that Markov could be on his short list.
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"Just Yanos, my friends, or if it please you, "brother"." he says, waving away the propriety.
"Not to far. The Empire asked my help in martialing troops and allies for this business in the Worldwound. I agreed and the Empire knighted me and other titles and ranks. But he does not need to know that." with a slight smile.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Do we know just how long the Mauler has been at it? Or how many victims? Are we certain it is indeed Mr Vonran Vilk? Can you explain these clues. Especially the "random victims" you mention, Mr. Erudyta. Why are you so certain he is not being set up?"
"I find it curious, I spoke to some people on the way here, and they suggested that for some reason the Varisian "pilgrims" where being herded out of the city at night recently?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Wild-haired and shabby, Ackuda smiles and squints at the other Pathfinders. "Ackuda Joab is my name. Humble is my beginning. But why care I for titles, for a simple life of learning is all I ever want." he says. "I am happy to join you on your interview of the fine lady if you do not think my humbleness will harm the cause." he adds, winking.
Before you head out, Erudyta confirms to Yanos, "There have been fourteen murders over the past four months. He began with Wanda Oteski, the granddaughter of one of Vilk’s old adventuring rivals. Afterward he slew an elderly merchant and his son who bore witness at Vilk’s trial. The next month saw the death of an elven information broker; apparently he directed Vilk and his band to that ill-fated tomb. The list goes on, but all of them bear some connection to Vilk.”
"As you can see, the evidence is not foolproof but it is certainly damning. I you indeed find that it has been a setup, then all the better! But I fear the worst and must plan for that situation."
Responding to Yanos' claim about the Varisian pilgrims, Erudyta sighs, "Yes, I have heard the same sad rumors. Like I said, the people of Ustalav can be overly. . . mistrusting. The last full moon saw a young Sczarni boy lynched, and the coming moon will likely bring more mob violence. All the more reason for haste."
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At Vasilios' prompty, the carriage arrives at the Rutowski manor. A scraggly hedgerow and a thousand storms’ worth of water stains mar the otherwise beautiful townhouse squatting at 313 Milosc Avenue. Well-worn marble steps lead to oaken double doors and an ornate, yellow bell pull.
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Vasilios pauses before getting out of the cab.
Why was he exiled in the first place?
Vasilios takes all his gear and places it in his handy haversack, and places a clean set of more proper clothing from his bag.
Someone will need to carry my bag. I am playing up my noble roots that have been long abandoned. Who will be my servant for the meeting?
Just before leaving Erudyta Vasilios asks one last question. "I don’t know many of the details; most of the records have been destroyed or moved to Caliphas over the past fifty years. Rumor has it he lost four fellow adventurers looting a noble family tomb. The family has since relocated, or else I’d say they’re our prime target. I know nothing else about the trial or the parties involved. Not many remain in Ardis with memories that long."
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The party readies themselves at the front of the countryhouse. The oaken double doors with an ornate, yellow bell pull stand in front of you.
Ringing the bell summons a man welldressed in coattails and powdered wig. He looks down his nose at the rag-tag bunch of adventurers on the door and simply says, "I am sorry to inform you that Lady Rutowski is not currently seeing visitors."
The man looks up and down at Vasilios before responding, "Hm, you seem like a noble enough chap. But it's going to cost you for your time with her. For fifty gold I can arrange an audience with the Lady."
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"And the good Count is in the company of Lord Baron Yanos St Germain, Huscarl of the Empire of Taldor, who in honor and respect, ceeded these lands to the natives for their parts in the war against the Whispering Tyrrant, and still aids this noble and enduring bastion in its eternal vigil."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Sense motive, is he going to pocket the money?
You insult me! Tread lightly servant! I will be talking to the lady about your greedy palms! Is this how you treat all with Noble titles that knock on your door! I am here in a matter of urgency and have not found lodging. I am dirty and tired from a long journey and the first greeting at a civilized home is greedy for a bribe! You will go to your lady NOW and you will tell her she has guests on her front door. .
At Vasilios' question, the man replies, "No, not as such. But the Markov's time is valuable." After receiving payment he throws the door open wider and holds out his arm in welcome. "My name is Almoch. Pleased to meet all of you. I will show you to Master Mutowski."
Almoch shows you to the study, where Rutowski is inside reviewing Taldan poetry. A fine-featured gentleman of mixed Taldan and Ustalavic descent reclines on a fainting couch, though his pointed ears and upturned eyes betray an even more exotic ancestry. He gently lays aside the book in his hand.
As soon as Almoch closes the door to the study, Markov begins, “You’re clearly not locals, nor are you expected. I know only Pathfinders to be so bold. Your fearless little Society has already taken enough from me. Leave or I will call the guards. The real guards, not just Almoch.”
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You are half right, I am Count Vasilios Darcora native to Ustalav, my family's roots run deep in this land. Master Rutowski, we are here on a matter of urgency and seek your assistance. Vonran Vilk has returned, many people think he is to blame for the recent murders during the full moon. We want to find him and keep him safe so he cannot kill again. If he has become afflicted with lycanthropy we wish to cure him, that is a horrible fate no one should be forced to endure. Any information you would allow could help to keep him and others safe. Fourteen murders and counting. Who else sent your ex-lover to that tomb of horrors?
Pause for effect.
I do not want to see the scared gutterlings form another lynch mob and cause havoc. Sczarni have a way of revenge that is curious, the last thing we need is a horrible curse to fall on this city because of another one of theirs killed.
Rutowski sighs and retakes his seat, gesturing to the other overstuffed chairs and divans that fill the room. “Forgive me. I sometimes forget that it was Ardis’s machinations that took my beloved away from me, and not the Pathfinder Society itself. I shall try to help you however I can.”
"Vilk was banished from Ustalav for one reason: Politics. He turned a son of the Moulot family into a Pathfinder, and then the boy died on one of those damnable adventures of his. Graverobbing is a crime in Ustalav, but banishment is a sentence reserved for those with enemies."
Rutowski sets his book of poetry on a side table and continues. "I have heard the stories of the murders and I'm well aware of the reasons that the Society suspects Vilk. Many of the murders have been curiously connected to his enemies. There are a few poor souls left in Ardis I’m sure Vonran bears a grudge toward, though the worst offenders moved on decades ago to Caliphas. Of all his remaining accusers, Judge Cevianna Pradowca is the worst. She bore a grudge against Vonran for refusing to wed her and so turned her courtroom into a weapon against him. She’s the one who handed down his banishment. I wager he’ll hunt her next. Frankly, I'm surprised she's still around."
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The nervous alchemist tries to keep on Rutowski's good side. "I'm terribly sorry for your loss Master Rutowski. I myself have not found a soulmate, but I cannot imagine how it must feel to be separated from one so important. Please, sir, when was the last time that you saw Vonran? And, where may we find this Judge Pradowca?"
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Thank you very much for your help. Is there any message you would want us to pass on if we can find Vonran? The night is short and time is a commodity we cannot spare. Unless there is any last minute advice or details you can recollect we must make haste.
If he says nothing more Vasilios gives him a firm handshake and will go to the cab.
To the judge then?. He checks in with the group.
Thank you for holding my bag, I felt foolish having to ask you.
Vasilios will armor back up and get his gear back together.
Rutowski nods at Maaarv's comments. "He was here, you know. Not five days ago he stood where you are now, ranting and raving about Judge Pradowca and her lofty position. He was ... so different from the Vonran I loved. So cold—hate just roiling off of him. Help him. Please."
Rutowski tells you that in Ardis, as in many cities around here, judges lodge in their courthouses.
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Thinking to himself "Hmm that doesnt sound good." still nor ready to assume it is him just yet. "We will do what we can. Our first priority is to protect the innocent people and to save the mans soul, but we will try, I promise, to save the man as well."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Before ushering you out, Markov says, "No, I don't think anyone else heard him. At least, let's hope that they didn't."
With the sun finally setting, two hunts begin: Vonran Vilk—now transformed into the bloodthirsty beast within known as the Midnight Mauler—stalks Judge Pradowca, while you stalk the Midnight Mauler to prevent his next murder. Even worse, the town guard and Ardis's beleaguered citizens stand ready to kill anyone and anything they suspect to be responsible for the murders, be it monster or Pathfinder.
Judge Pradowca's courtroom lies in the city center, halfway across the city from Rutowski's townhouse.
The black granite edifice of the courthouse looms high above its enclosing wall, though a gate ahead stands ajar. A scream breaks the evening's silence, and upon the wide, stone steps two figures fall prone. A third, hulking form unleashes a furious howl before leaping into an open second-story window. The courthouse door stands agape, and a low growling echoes from somewhere within.
As the party rushes up the stairs after the beast, a woman's scream rolls out from the darkness and the growling raises to yelping and hostile barking.
The dark courtroom unfolds like a nightmare. A young woman, perhaps twenty, lies cold on the floor with her throat torn out. Across the room, a well-preserved older woman stands atop her bench, supporting a bleeding arm and swinging a ceremonial blade erratically. Four slobbering mongrels, each as much dog as wild wolf, circle her makeshift tower.
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On my turn, Ill move forward drawing my spear and will channel to heal the living so I can catch both the wounded woman.
And instruct Drop to go guard the other woman clutching her arm.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Ackuda, seeing the wolves menacing the woman on the desk, growls a little in his throat and reaches into a pouch at his belt. He draws forth a pinch of some glittering powder and throws it towards the wolves, calling out an arcane phrase, causing the powder to begin glowing as it settles in an area over all the wolves and the woman.