|
Your voyage from Absalom to Oppara on a ship provided by Lady Morilla herself is thankfully uneventful, despite the huge, black clouds ammassing to the east. Once in Oppara a light drizzle welcomes you, making even the paved roads treacherous and muddy. In the end you convene at the clandestine lodge of Venture-Captain Muesello, who maintains his operation in the back rooms of a bait and tackle shop. His pockmarked face creases with concern as he nods in greeting, checks outside, closes the door, and posts a “Gone Fishing” sign out front. From there, he ushers you into a
concealed room where Lady Gloriana Morilla waits in a chair near the fireplace.
“I appreciate your answering my call,” Venture-Captain Muesello says with a subdued smile as he closes the room’s curtains and clears away an unfinished wayfinder to make space. “Some of you may already know Lady Gloriana Morilla, and I shall explain why she’s joined us momentarily. First, let us remember that General Arnisant, hero of the Shining Crusade, is one of the most highly regarded figures in Taldor’s history. Arnisant’s hometown of Ridonport has always been especially proud of him, and nearly nine centuries since his death, his home’s still preserved as a museum. The Society regularly submits requests to the museum to examine the historical artifacts there. Usually we get a polite and curt ‘no.’ Most recently, though?” Muesello tilts his head from side to side as if considering his words. “This time the curator, Cincia Reviamo, wrote that she cannot help because the local lord, Earl Calhadion Vernisant, has been taking undue liberties with the museum and its collection—apparently taking whatever he wants from it, claiming he has the right because he’s a direct descendant of General Arnisant. Taking priceless relics is one thing, but there’s another angle that Lady Morilla can explain better.”
Gloriana Morilla picks up where Muesello left off. “Taldor has many great legacies, but there are some traditions better left in the past. The practice of primogeniture dictates that Taldor’s crown only passes to male heirs, yet the laws have been amended over time to allow women to inherit land and titles in some circumstances”.
“Even so, the Lion,” Morilla states, motioning that the animal has special significance, “has no male heir and seems utterly against his young Lioness leading the pride. It’s a stubborn stance that could condemn Taldor to civil war. I have spoken to many senators who also believe it’s time to update the empire’s inheritance laws. The Lion and his loyalists view this growing equality movement as a personal attack, even a coup. Among these is the Earl Vernisant, who would readily vote against reform just to become part of the Lion’s inner circle”.
“Count Orlundo Zespire, however, is an undecided senator. Exports from his lands travel through Vernisant’s region, yet along the way many of the goods go missing as a result of canal piracy. Zespire suspects his colleague is at least negligent in allowing these crimes to transpire in his town—and possibly worse. It seems this isn’t the first misunderstanding between the two, and the count has informed me that he would be in the Lioness’s debt were she able to arrange someone to resolve the matter. If that also involves finding evidence that ties Vernisant to criminal elements, making that evidence public would cause the earl considerable distress and bring the count considerable joy. Just keep in mind that no matter what evidence you find, you’ll need to convince Ridonport’s citizens to trust you before they’ll take your word over that of General Arnisant’s descendant.”
Muesello clears his throat before adding, “Just to be clear, the Society’s interest is in stopping Vernisant’s relic-pilfering and getting in the curator’s good graces. It so happens that Lady Morilla’s and the Society’s aims overlap nicely. Visit the museum, talk to the curator, figure out how to protect the collection, and investigate the earl’s alleged misdeeds. Any questions?”
|
Q'lack steps forward and offers a short bow. "Prince Q'lack, at your service."
He stands only a couple of feet tall, and wears fashionable leathers and had a bow slung over his shoulder. In spite of the slightly rustic appearance he projects an aura of calm authority.
"My lady!" he says, sweeping up her hand in a kiss. "I understand our primary aim is the preservation of the relics."
Then, standing as tall as he can. "And a secondary aim is to work towards ensuring the preservation of the state of Taldor! Primarily this may be through the gathering of evidence of maleficence on the part of their lord. However whatever we can do to ingratiate ourselves with the people of Ridonport would be helpful."
He pauses for a moment. "Should we find this evidence, to what authority would we be expected to bring it? Surely as the local lord, Vernisant would be above any local authority?"
He thinks a bit longer. "What more can you tell us of him and his history? Is there any chance he may not be of the line he claims? And what of the curator? Who is he and what do we know about him?"
His piece said, the prince steps back.
|
|
A tengu in a green kimomo is also in the room. At his belt he has a katana. On that same belt you can also see two pouches in green color that matches the kimono. He also offers a short bow
"Myrd Sharpclaw, I can see why you requested my service. We will get to the bottom of this matter. In addition to the questions raised by Price Q'Lack I would like to know whether there is anything that underpins these suspicions by Count Zespire"
|
|
Henry is a good locking man of middle age with a greesed moustache and a stern face. He wore an old officer uniform of the Taldor's army.
At his side a beautiful rapier with an elaborate guard.
Good to be back at home!
He makes a military salute to the Venture Captain and bows graciously to Lady Morilla.
I'm at your service my Lady. Taldor History need to be protected as well as its integrity.
You can count on me.
|
|
The man that steps forward bows his clean-shaven head. A dragon tattoo, stylized after the wayang culture, adorns his chiseled chest, exposed through his monk’s gi. His well-toned and muscular body has a slight hue to it, as if his blood were green instead of red. His almond-shaped eyes also seem unnaturally green.
”Lady Morilla. Venture-captain Muesello. I am honored to have been selected to aid the Society in this endeavor.” He acknowledges the others in the room. ”It is good to see so many fellow faction members here. Too rare are the occasions to work with so many individuals with like-minded goals. I am Nei-lung, monk of the Scaled Fist of the Xa Hoi province. I look forward to working with you all.
Turning back to Muesello, he asks, ”Obviously we do not want to incite a civil war. Is there anything you can tell us about Ridonport or their laws so we can avoid unnecessary unpleasantries as we seek information?”
|
|
A elderly man dressed in qadiran noble fashion but bearing shoanti tattoos enters late. His hair is grey and his face is scarred from past battles and too long in sun. He takes in each attendee with sharp intelligent eyes.
"Like trout in deep water the Sovereign Court meets in clandestine halls. This is good, bears feast on jumping salmon."
"Lady Morilla; we should speak of your intentions with Avistan. I have spent time with the cohorts of Major Maldris and found them... naive. I to leave their herd and join one that will protect its young during the coming winter. I would speak to your warriors and hunters also of this."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After listening to your questions Lady Morilla tries to answer some of them.
She takes a moment to consider Q'lack other questions then speaks again:"I think I know where your line of thinking leads. Unfortunately all evidence points to Earl Vernisant being a direct descendant of General Arnisant. This does not mean he's as worthy as his ancestor was, of course. Although he takes immense pride in his lineage, the Earl has yet to prove himself in any kind of way. As much as he likes to claim he's Arnisant reborn that seems far from being true. As for the curator, she's a woman but I think Master Muesello can answer that questione better than I can"
"Cincia Reviamo" The Venture Captain interjects "Is by all accounts a dedicated professional who takes her job documenting Taldor’s history seriously. In the past she's never been very forthcoming towards our requests to examine her museum's relics. For her to change her tune this way must mean she's in pretty dire straits dealing with the earl. I believe giving her a hand may prove a great boon for the Society in the future"
The subject seems to intrigue Lady Morilla who clears her throat and speaks after Muesello finishes talking:"“I want to stress that we must operate legitimately and within the law. We have the moral high ground and I trust you to hold it. It would do terrible and lasting damage to our cause if you resorted to, for example, assassinating a public figure.”
|
|
|
|
"Do we know who the movers and shakers in the town might be, that we would want to influence?" smiles Q'lack.
"And, good lady, knowest thou whether the Society is held in high steed in the town, or shouldst we keep our affiliation quiet on the main."
Think about the area the Grippli notes "Ridonport is the only good habour in the area, and mostly used for restocking the navy. I suspect that means that smugglers also find it a handy location."
|
|
“I want to stress that we must operate legitimately and within the law. We have the moral high ground and I trust you to hold it. It would do terrible and lasting damage to our cause if you resorted to, for example, assassinating a public figure.”
Bowing his head again, Nei-lung acquiesces to Lady Morilla’s comment. ”Rest assured, my Lady, we will not perform any such heinous act. I am merely concerned there may be some…strange laws of the land that, if we are unaware of them, may draw undue attention. It is said ‘Those who fail to prepare are preparing to fail’. Have no doubt of our intent to be as discreet as possible in this matter.”
|
|
Zomo nods respectfully to Lady Morilla's words. They were wise and appreciated, she knows that, to tell her so would be like saying fire burns.
"Nei-lung. Has the end justified your means within the Sovereign Court? From what you've witnesses has the Sovereign Court brought stability and prosperity with it's actions? Or is it one of many rabid dogs fighting over a hare's carcass, putting more energy into the fight than they will recover from the measly scraps of meat remaining?"
|
|
Nei-lung looks thoughtful for a moment before replying. "Indeed, while I acknowledge the fact that not everything the Society has done has resulted in… bettering our relationships with other nations, I must admit that Lady Marilla’s faction has bettered me as a diplomat. I have been personally involved on more than one occasion in events that have led to diplomatic success with other entities. One of my first missions actually led to my death, but the end result furthered our ‘friendship’ with the Plane of Air.”
He thinks a bit more about Zomo’s question. ”I can appreciate your concern, Zomo. Many different factions with differing goals can sometimes lead to chaos.” He shudders at the thought. ”But I have seen nothing to tell me that Lady Marilla’s intentions and goals are anything but for the betterment of all.” He shakes his head and smiles as he realizes what he just said. ” Although, I will freely admit the same can be argued for any number of organizations by their members.”
|
|
The Venture Captain sighs as he considers Henry's words:"That's a common misconception, fostered in no small part by the fact we don't have an official Lodge in Oppara. That's not because we are not welcome in Taldor but rather because we don't want our activities to be subjected to too much scrutiny. Taldor is an ancient nation that takes inordinate pride from its glorious, if distant, past. As a result real political power stems from the study and sometimes the manipulation of history. Nobles like to claim they descend from glorious ancestors, have accomplished heroic deeds and to boast about possessing powerful relics from Taldor's golden age. All these things make them popular with their subjects and their peers alike because deep down, most Taldans believe those are symbols of greatness. As an organization dealing with uncovering the past on a regular basis our position in Taldor is rather peculiar: nobles court us when they think we can increase their standing, and try to manipulate us to suit their ends. At the same time they tend to react badly when the truth we uncover proves inconvenient for them. For these reasons the Pathfinder's Society doesn't enjoy a sterling reputation in Taldor, with many universities, libraries and museums closed to us. Conversely that's also why we try to keep a low profile in Taldor and I suggest you keep up with this time honoured tradition of ours!"
As Muesello finishes speaking Lady Morilla's face stays unreadable as if not willing to give her opinion on the matter. She concentrates on answering Q'lack questions instead:"I can't give you any names yet, but I'm sure Miss Reviamo will provide you with a few worthy leads. As for smugglers I cannot say. The earl claims no crime blemishes his town, yet facts seems to suggest a different story...".
She then smiles at Nei-lung:"Your line of thinking shows wisdom my friend. Discretion is often the key for success"
|
|
After answering all of your questions, and making sure you are well aware of your mission's deatils, Muesello and Lady Morilla give you the information you need to move on with it. You need to travel to Ridonport, ancestral home of legendary General Arnisant to start your investigation, and the head of the Sovereign Court and the Venture Captain provide you with passage on an unassuming coach destined for that town.
The journey proceeds without inconveniences and in a couple of days you reach your destination, eager to start with your duty as Pathfinders and members of the Sovereign Court, both.
|
|
The journey by coach from Oppara to Ridonport passes uneventfully. The museum is a short walk from the docks, where it stands surrounded by numerous old homes and within view of the 200-foot-tall statue of General Arnisant in the city’s main square.
The museum is a spacious, singlestory stone house that has undergone dozens of renovations over the years. Even so, some parts look overdue for repairs. The entrance opens to a large sitting room. The furnishings are aging, albeit clean and free of dust. The walls are crowded with portraits, framed letters, and genealogical charts. Several glass cases protect more fragile items, and at least a dozen of the pieces carry an aura of faint transmutation magic from the unguent of timelessness used to preserve them. On the wall just to the right of the front doors hangs a 4-by-6-foot painting of someone the plate below it names as the Earl Calhadion Vernisant. He's drawn looking dramatically into the distance with the crown-and-lion standard of Taldor waving behind him, and the flag actually moves, while the painted earl nods stately at anyone who meets its gaze!
After a few minutes you spend inspecting the main gallery, the museum curator Cincia Reviamo emerges from another room to greet you. The woman is in her late twenties and has dark black curly hair, dark eyes, and an olive complexion. She wears reading glasses and occasionally walks with a cane.
"Well met, travellers" Cincia says as she approaches you "As the curator of general Arnisant Museum and Historical Residence it's my honour to welcome you inside these storied halls. I hope your understanding of Taldor's history and General's Arnisant's noble figure will increase after your visit and you'll find what you are searching for. While you are here you can sign our guest book, and perhaps tell me what interests you the most. I'd be glad to guide you through the exposition and answer any inquiries you might have..."
|
|
Zomo takes the few minutes before the curator arrives to inspect the main gallery, looking for curious gaps in the the collection that would suggest missing items.
"Ah, a guided tour would be great. We are scholars of history as well." Zomo looks up at the the painting of Earl Calhadion Vernisant and then at the rest of the group including Cincia, unwilling to speak freely in front of an obviously magical representation of the Earl.
|
|
Henry bows graciously to Cincia and says Well meet my Lady, I'm Henry de Karthis, former Lieutnant in the Grand Prince Army. We are, like my friend just says scholars of history and well as friends. We hope to know more about General's Arnisant's noble figure and what he meens to people here. Rich and poors.
|
|
Nei-lung motions toward the mural of Earl Vernisant. ”Can anyone determine what kind of magic is being used on this painting? I can detect it is magic, but little else.”
Oh, look! Nice carpeting!
Nei-lung approaches the guest-book and signs his name in draconic. "Well met, Miss Reviamo, is it? I am Nei-lung. I am travelling abroad from the Xa-hoi province in Tien Xia. My king, Pham Duc Quan, believes in friendly, beneficial relations with other nations. I have travelled here with my companions in the interest of learning more of the nobles of Taldor and their rich history. For instance, what can you tell us about this Earl Verniseant?”
|
|
Zomo notices how one of the mannequins bearing the insignia of the Knights of Ozem lacks its helmet while all the other mannequins have theirs. He also considers the walls and notices a couple of empty spots on them which obviously were occupied by paintings before those were taken away.
Slade keeps his eyes open for potential danger, but nothing suggests the party is in any kind of danger at the moment.
Henry, Nei-lung and Q'lack engage in polite conversation with Cincia, whose eyes spark as they mention their occupation as scholars.
Cincia leads you through several halls full of historical memorabilia, letters, suits of armor, weapons, paintings depicting famous battles, explaining their significance in vivid detail and showing a great deal of professional competence.
Once the tour is over she gives you a quizzical look before asking:"Escuse me but I couldn't avoid noticing a recurring pattern in your questions and a few peculiarities in your attires... Could it be that you are pathfinders?"
|
|
"You have a most impressive collection of artefacts. And one maintained under ...trying... conditions" notes Q'lack.
"Yes, we are pathfinders" he admits.
"And this would explain some of the "Gaps" in your collection. What more can you tell us about the Earl? Do you think we could play to his vanity somehow in order to secure your collection?"
He ponders a little more the matter of the helmet. "Cursed helmets would also be magical, would they not? And the man who wore it is most certainly dead... Is the Earl at all superstitious?"
|
|
Following Q'lack exemple, Henry continues to show interest in Cincia's work.
Clearly an impressive collection. I'm proud that some in mother land are still maintaining the proud past of our nation.
Henry tries to path along some hint to his comrade that complimenting or showing interest of the curator's work could be of help.
Yes, we are all Pathfinders. As for stopping Lord Vernisant to draw from your collection we have several possibility.
As my comrade suggest, we can make him fear to take hold on a cursed magical object, we can also tries to find a way to make public his take from the museum or find a way to make him stop.
What do you know of the man himself? His ennemies, his allies?
|
|
Briefly distracted by memories of past lives, Zome inspects the armor; "The different styling of the armies armor is fascinating, four pups from the same litter, but all with different stripes."
Remembering the mission at hand Zomo returns his attention to Cincia. "You are funded by donations largely? I think the key here is the people's will. He will be forgiven much by many as long as he is considered the worthy descendant of General Arnisan. We need a way to shake the people's faith in the Earl while gaining their trust."
|
|
Cincia seems very pleased with your compliments and sighs:"Yes... and it used to be so much more before this last unfortunate turn of events..." she murmurs before focusing on your suggested lines of action:"I don't really know that much about the Earl. I suppose his talking painting could tell you more about him. I've never bothered to engage in conversation with the thing but it could prove useful at last. Anyway the helmet is only one of many invaluable treasures the Earl took for himself and we need returned. You'll need to do more than just kindling his supposed fears in order to get everything beack and stopping his looting I think. As for making his behaviour publicly known... I'm ashamed to say it won't do much unless you can also prove he's unworthy of his ancestor's legacy. Despite his many faults Earl Varnisant is in fact the heir of a long and prestigious line and around here people tend to believe he has some sort of right to the museum's artifacts even if by law he has not. Besides Varnisant is an accomplished demagogue, good at swaying people to his side with words. No... as I said, in order to turn the crowds against him you'll need solid proof of misdeeds or the like"
Cincia stops talking for a moment, considering your options before adding:”If you’re looking for evidence of Vernisant’s misdeeds beyond his disrespect for history, I can recommend a few people you’d do well to meet. There’s Rasvelg, the head of the shipwright’s guild. You’ll find him at the wharf most days. Patrician Neffery Adimare is a minor noble who owns the ship’s chandlery that supplies the navy. He likes to sit in there and listen to the naval officers’ stories. Joleana Tantriano is our senior magistrate. If you find out Vernisant’s doing anything illegal, you can take it to her at the courthouse.”
Then the curator sighs again:"Listen... I've prepared several rooms
for you to use while you stay here in Ridonport. It isn’t something I normally do for visitors, but under the current circumstances it seemed like the right thing to do... that said, try to behave yourselves while investigating the Earl and Rindonport.. I know I've asked you here and I'm grateful for your help but I've heard more than a few pathfinders are a bit... unruly when it comes to research. Your venture captain Muesello was very polite, but you must know the Pathfinders have a mixed reputation. How can I be sure you’ll respect the historical significance of this collection? Also... I don’t want the city guard knocking on the door asking if I know you. Promise you won’t get me in trouble with the law."
|
|
Q'lack puts a shocked expression on his face.
"On my honor good lady Cincia, you may be assured that I will do nothing to bring you, your museum or your profession into disrepute. We will be as discrete as possible in our investigations. And thank you very much for the board and information. Are there alternate accommodations available? I hesitate to inflict our numbers upon your good charity."
|
|
"Good lady, thank you once more, and we will be of utmost assistance" croaks Q'lack.
"Come my friends. Let us be off. This Sasvelg knave sounds like a good fellow to interview. Surely a stout fellow, we should perhaps be on our guard and conceal our allegiances lest we attract unfortunate attention."
Unless others object or suggest one of the others, he hops off toward the wharf.
|
|
"The Sovereign court is a noble endeavour to ensure that those skilled in ruling are allowed to do so." says Q'lack seriously.
"And those who abuse the privileges of rank... do not sully the institution. To join the Court is simple, to be worthy of remaining... is harder. I'm sure any one of my companions will be able to vouch for your credentials after we finish this task."
As he hops down the street, Q'lack will keep his ears open and ask about Rasvelg, Neffery Adimare and Joleana Tantriano .
"I find myself thirsty. We may overhear some more in a sailors establishment."
|
|
Ridonport’s wharf boasts numerous smokehouses, warehouses, dry docks, and more, though this is a relatively quaint operation compared to the busy docks and shipyards of Cassomir to the north.
Q'lack asks around and has no problem learning where to find Rasvelg Coalbraid. A tall and broad man in his early thirties, despite being head of Ridonport’s shipwright’s guild, Rasvelg dresses simply in a plain shirt, vest, and sturdy trousers. As you find him, Rasvelg is assessing a dry-docked ship for overdue maintenance and doesn't seem pleased with being interrupted:"Well met strangers" he says sounding polite if curt "As you can see I’m very busy working out how I’m going to repair this carrack without just building a whole new ship. These captains don’t come to me until the only thing that’s fixed is their budget. I don’t suppose you know anything about sailing or carpentry?" he says doubiously before adding:"“Vernisant will talk your ear off about his heroic ancestry. Well, I’m half Ulfen, but does that make me a linnorm king? Unlike Vernisant, I’m only worth what I can do. I keep the ships afloat. So what can you do?”