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Within the next day, hundreds of Ridonport’s concerned citizens surround the earl’s manor and demand answers for what he did. For a time, it seems as though he’s shouting from inside to negotiate some kind of truce. During the tense standoff, however, a wainwright spots the earl trying to sneak out of his estate by climbing down a chimney, only for the nobleman to slip and tear his jacket.
The group finish their business in Ridonport, making sure to secure lines of communication with newly-made allies or friends before departing for the Taldan capital city. A request comes quickly once the group returns to Oppara for a formal mission debrief at Venture-Captain Muesello's place.
The group arrives again at the mundane-appearing bait and tackle shop in the docks sector a few days after their successful defence of the Arnisant Home and Museum in Ridonport. You don't see the 'Gone Fishing' sign on the front door of the shop, and therefore head right in.
Inside, Venture-Captain Muesello bustles about, placing crystal goblets that seem ridiculously out of place in the mean-appearing shop. A large round table dressed with a tablecloth that looks suspiciously like a patched sail has been placed in the centre of the room. As your group enters, Muesello turns around with a start followed by a gregarious smile. "Huzzah! The Humiliating Heroes come Hence!"
He settles the group around the table, pouring each of you a healthy drop of Taldan brandy ("The good stuff," Muesello reassures you.) Once served, the Venture-Captain drops into a seat and raises a glass in toast.
"For Taldor!" he pronounces, then quaffs the goblet in one swallow. "Now," he says with an excited glint in his eye, "you tell me what really happened and I'll tell you what I've heard."
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Kita enters the room in the middle of the group, stopping to salute the Venture Captain before taking a seat.
With a murmured thanks for the brandy, he swirls the liquid and inhales the bouquet as the rest of the cups are handed out. As Musello makes his toast, he responds with "For Taldor!" and takes a small sip.
With a smile, he raises his cup, looking each of the group in the eyes as he talks "This is quite the team you have assembled, Venture-Captain. Every one of these fine Pathfinders brought something unique to the group, and all of their skills were needed for the completion of the mission.
I salute each of you, and know that I am a better Pathfinder today than I was a week ago thanks to the lessons I have learned from each of you."
Taking another sip, he pauses briefly to let the taste and warmth of the brandy spread. Setting the cup down, he takes on a more serious tone as he reports on the activities of the last few days, making sure to highlight the contributions that each member brought to the table.
He highlights especially Uzziah's engineering knowledge, and skill as an investigator, Segray's charm and ability to defuse party conflicts, Mercutio's knowledge, research skills, and uncanny diplomatic skills, Chelk's knowledge of local politics and martial prowess, and Remmy's keen senses and bravery.
"At the end, with the aid of the contacts we made in the town, we were able to bring the misdeeds of the Earl to light and to convince the people of the truth of our findings.
Uzziah's speech at the end was eloquent and forceful, leaving the Earl with no room to challenge the truth. Unfortunately, the fool then unwittingly released undead minions of the Whispering Tyrant, who killed several guards before we were able to intervene."
With the report concluded, Kita finishes his brandy and waits for questions.
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Venture-Captain Muesello enjoys the recap, saluting each team member as they are celebrated by Kita (requiring two separate refills of his brandy cup). Sometime during the debriefing session, he pulls out two unsealed scrolls.
"I've received these both within the past few hours," he begins, fixing a small pair of spectacles at the end of his nose and unfurling the first letter. "This comes from Curator Cincia Reviamo at the Arnisant House and Museum, Ridonport." He clears his throat.
"Dear Muesello, Please forgive the brevity of this missive as there is much work to do here in Ridonport at the present, though our burdens are buoyed by the natural Taldan lust for justice and honour. Your agents left our city as honoured heroes in many citizens' eyes - mine included - and I simply wanted to applaud you and your organisation for your help during this trying time. Now that the earl is no longer meddling, I can properly restore this museum to its rightful state, and as you may interested in hearing, I have commissioned a new display piece for the Arnisant House: a commemorative plaque to honour the bravery of Pathfinders Segray Starnon, Chelk, "Remmy" Colo, Mercutio Menschjaeger, Kita Kyuichi, and...Threndalil Narethain in defending Ridonport and the true legacy of General Arnisant. We would consider your agents as honoured patrons of our museum - please pass on my fondest of well-wishes to your most-excellent team. Many thanks. -Cincia Reviamo, Curator of Arnisant House, Ridonport."
He cocks an eyebrow at Uzziah. "Threndalil, eh?," he murmurs as he unrolls the second scroll.
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"This second missive is equally impressive," the Venture-Captain continues.
"Dear Venture-Captain Muesello, I would like to express my gratitude for solving the piracy plaguing the ships, many of which were mine, passing through the canals of Ridonport. I have also heard rumour of how your agents were involved in the humiliation of Earl Vernisant. I can only add my admiration of the efforts to accolades you have no doubt already received. For Taldor! -Count Orlundo Zespire."
Venture-Captain Muesello assures you that Lady Morilla has heard word of your success, and she and her agents are already acting on your achievements.
"The wind of change seems to be blowing through Taldor, Pathfinders," he concludes, pouring you each another healthy plug of brandy. "Best be sure to prepare yourselves to continue making history, not just uncovering it."