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An excitable young gnome alchemist bounces into the room, "I am ready!"
After saving the Pathfinder's Artifacts in the Kingdom of Impossible, Eleanor purchases an Portable Alchemist's Lab (75 gold), which she sets up in her room at the Pathfinder Grand Lodge before spending a couple weeks crafting:
3x Tanglefoot bag (DC 25) 50 gold
3x Acid (DC 15) 10 Gold
3x Alchemist's Fire (Craft DC 20) 20 gold
Eponine has an alchemy skill of 11, 13 to create items. +5 from Crafter's Fortune +1 from lab = +20. Taking 10 results in 30, beating the highest DC by 5.
Total spent: 300+50+10+20 = 380 gold
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A white tiger leaps through the doorway and lands in the middle of the room, just as the gnome riding him slides...falls?...out of the saddle. "Fluffy! I have told you time and time again that you must not run in the halls" He straightens his clothes and pats at his hair briefly, as he murmurs, "Sometimes I wonder if you even understand what I'm saying anymore..."
The agitated gnome looks around, surprised that he and his companion are not alone. "Oh! I thought for sure that Fluffy and I would be the first ones here, what with his running at breakneck speed through the Lodge. I wouldn't have been surprised if mine had, in fact." He pauses. "Neck, that is. Break." Another pause. "No matter. My name is Grimbli Fizzwhizzle, illusionist and conjurer extraordinaire!" He bows deeply and begins moving over to an empty chair.
Before he's taken more than a few steps, however, he notices the large cat following closely behind and wheels to face him. "No, Fluffy, you will go sit over there, in the corner." He points to the nearest corner of the room, and the tiger merely turns his head to see what the gnome finds so interesting. After several seconds, the gnome's arm falls to his side and his shoulders slump in defeat. He turns again and makes his way to his intended chair and sits down. The tiger lies down next to the chair, and the gnome's hand instinctively moves to scratch the large cat's head behind the ears. A loud, rumbling purr quickly fills the room.
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Ser Willem had seen many things in his short time in the Society, but this was new and somewhat amusing. Two gnomes? I'm missing something here."Grimbli is it? Ser Willem Targerion, as you please. Is the cat purring another one of your illusions? My understanding is that large cats do not purr, only roar. While in smaller cats, it is quite the opposite."
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Grimbli looks up as Willem addresses him. Then, as he refers to the purring sound, he realizes that his hand has migrated to the big cat's head, and snatches it back. "What? Oh! Right! I hadn't even noticed he was doing it again." He loses some of his dejected posture and his voice takes on a lecturing tone as he continues.
"Well, obviously Fluffy does purr - I don't think Fluffy would forgive me if I used magic to put a purr in his throat - but there are some that would disagree." He rolls his eyes briefly as he says, "They would point out that the sound only emanates when he's breathing out, as opposed to smaller cats, who purr during both inhalation and exhalation, so it's not a true purr." He sets his shoulders back, and continues, "I, however, disagree; we've had several conversations on the topic, and he assures me that that sound is his own peculiar purr."
Suddenly, his expression takes on a thoughtful look, and he briefly taps his finger against his cheek. "Of course, there was also that time when he was injured fairly grievously by some undead during my Confirmation, but when I spoke to him about it later, he didn't want to discuss it. I might need to ply him with something after this mission so we can discuss it more fully."
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A tall blonde elf wearing forester's garb and a chain shirt quietly steps into the room. Her expression suggests disdain for the room's intricate wood paneling. Not venturing far in she stands by the doorway and looks the other occupants over carefully before solemnly saying to the assemblage: "Shonne." Indicating herself, she bows slightly not taking her eyes off of them.
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Willem nods at the gnome. "Of course. I have had similar conversations with my horse, Destrier, though they are admittedly one sided. "
Willem's hand goes to his sword when he hears the new voice, as he hadn't realized another had joined them. He relaxes as the elf introduces herself. Bowing his head in her direction, "Ser Willem Targerion, as it please my lady. "
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Ser Willem curls up one side of his mouth in a half smile. While he understood what she previously meant, it was comical that she went to correct herself. "Of course you are, "he says as he bows his head in her direction. "Again, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
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A tall human male with Taldan features, dressed in leather armour and armed up with a longsword, dagger and a new kind of firearm strapped to his back.
He is quite tall and slim with a air of authority about him as he looks around the room.
"Interesting group." he states openly and then stands to attention. "Private Jan Westhaven, formally of Alkenstar military reporting for service!" he then stands at ease, until told to relax. Once given the option he begins to load his musket to prepare it for the day ahead.
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Willem regards the newcomer with admiration. Though the Alkenstar military was far from knight training, the discipline showed through in this man's actions. "Good morrow, Private. Ser Willem Targerion. How do you mean formerly of military service? Your actions speak otherwise. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Willem regards the newcomer with admiration. Though the Alkenstar military was far from knight training, the discipline showed through in this man's actions. "Good morrow, Private. Ser Willem Targerion. How do you mean formerly of military service? Your actions speak otherwise. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Well, I was under command until during a patrol of the Mana Wastes I assisted in taking down a monstrous abomination when a portal had opened and the next thing I knew, I was outside Lastwall, torn up and my weapon destroyed." he looks to his gun "I've only just fixed it up to a workable condition, but it's nothing more than scrap in the hands of anyone else."
It should be obvious that the weapon he has does look very makeshift.
"I joined the Society and pledged my life to bettering the world through the society. My musket is at the service of the Society." he gives a smile and puts out his hand to shake. "Ser William? Are you a knight or from some loyal linage?"
---
Where were we? Oh yes, the Mendevian crusade. The wardstones that encompass the Worldwound have failed, and with demons invading Mendev, things are getting a little hot for the Pathfinder society. Let’s see, what little operation shall we turn our attention to? The effort in Absalom? No, that would be boring. Politics in Taldor? Maybe. Andoran perhaps? Yes, Andoran, let’s see what is going in Almas, in the Cathedral of Aroden.
---
Morning light streams in through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, where Venture-Captain Brackett sits behind a large, antique desk replete with hair- thin lines that mar its surface like nearly healed scars. He scans a handful of papers before speaking to you and the other assembled guests, among them the no-nonsense wizard Wystorn Telfyr and Major Colson Maldris.
“I recently received news of a kidnapping in Sauerton, up in the northern wine country. Thalia Andares, heir to the Sauerton Red wine fortune and daughter of Consul Tercio Andares, vanished during the Silverglazer Sunday celebration and has not been seen since.”
With a meaningful look, Maldris catches Brackett’s attention, and the two nod in understanding as the major contributes. “Tercio Andares is powerful and widely respected; not only has he been the mayor of the large town for many years, but he is also a strong voice in the Andoren military—even for a consul. The Sauerton Red winery has made him extremely wealthy, and his financial support could be a considerable asset to the Pathfinders’ important work in and around the Worldwound. He seems uninterested in foreign affairs, though, perhaps because it’s politically safer to focus on domestic matters. Even so, he is known to help those who help him.”
“I appreciate the summary, major,” says Brackett. “I am convinced that the Andares’s gratitude would do much to refill our war chest for a struggle that is unlikely to end quickly. When you track down Thalia, as I trust you will do quickly, it is important not only to the Pathfinder Society but perhaps to the whole world that you request funding for the military campaign against the Worldwound. Of course, convincing Tercio to contribute troops and military aid would be even better, but aim for finances first.”
With a sigh, Major Maldris picks up his tricorne hat and prepares to depart. “I would stay longer, but I must make final preparations to travel,” he states in a quiet voice. “While I hope that the Andares family agrees to help the society, I am also wary of this political practice of mutual backscratching. As all of you are in Sauerton—especially those who care for this fine country—remain vigilant for signs of short-sighted corruption and abandonment of Andoran’s founding principles: freedom and democracy. Follow what you believe to be the best course of action, as I will not be available to advise you. Nonetheless, I would appreciate any reports of corruption after the situation is resolved.” After sharing a quick handshake with Brackett and a nod of farewell to the rest of you, he departs, closing the door behind him.
Telfyr breaks the moment of silence that follows by reporting, “My scrying indicates that the young Andares is being held in a building with high ceilings and once-elegant adornments in a style popular in this nation before the People’s Revolt. The structure seems to have sustained extensive fire damage which has not been repaired. Thalia is alive and unhurt, at least for now. She was reading a fresh copy of the essays of Alysande Benedict when I saw her.”
Brackett begins to bring the briefing to a close by concluding, “We have transportation ready to take you to Sauerton as quickly as possible. When you arrive, present this letter to Consul Andares before you begin your investigation. It introduces you and offers the condolences and assistance of the Pathfinder Society. Not only is this proper etiquette to announce your intentions to the mayor, but Thalia vanished from the Andares manor. Someone there should be able to make sense of Telfyr’s visions.
Telfyr frowns at Brackett’s diction. “Scrying, Brackett, is diff–“
“Alright, yes, scrying,” the venture-captain concedes as he pushes a sealed letter across the table. “Introductions, rescue operation, then negotiation for funding and possible military support. Make any questions quick; you’ve got a boat to catch.”
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The elf steps forward from the shadowed edge at the back and speaks in clear resolute though strangely inflected tones . It seems odd that one so tall and striking might remain so out of sight, but such is the way of the elves.
"Venture-Captain, of the victim, Thalia Andares, what do we know?
[dice=Knowledge Not-on-her-beaten-path-but-"Saueton" (unskilled geography)]1d20+3[/dice]
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Ser Willem regards and listens to the soldier intently, waiting until he is finished to speak. "Well, it seems fortuitous that you are with us today. I welcome your company. I am what you may call a knight errant. Though of noble birth, I am on my own until I claim a title of my own."
Tercio
Sauerton
Ser Willem looks curiously at Eponine. "I don't believe that's quite right. Though my knowledge of Sauerton is admittedly limited, such a place as Brackett has described would certainly not harbor gillmen. This Tercio however, I may know of some people that have had contact with him and would be able to tell us more regarding her disappearance."
Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems.
Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It has become immortalized in an Andoren proverb that something of poor quality “must be down from Sauerton.”
Just as the adventurers are about to leave, a courier comes up and delivers a letter to Ser Willem ()
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Willem reads the missive and nods, giving the messenger a silver coin before sending him on his way and pocketing the letter. Noticing the eyes of is new companions, he smiles. "A letter from an old friend, reminding me of an old debt. Nothing to be concerned with."
Without skipping a beat, he adds. "I think we should visit with Tercio himself first, find out what he knows and go from there. He would probably know more about who might have the audacity to take something precious from him."
Tercio Andares is mayor of Sauerton, one of the
consuls who administer Andoran’s military, and owner of the extremely successful Sauerton Red winery.
Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems.
A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town.
Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It has become immortalized in an Andoren proverb that something of
poor quality “must be down from Sauerton.”
"Venture-Captain, of the victim, Thalia Andares, what do we know?
Thalia is the daughter of Tercio Andares. As far as we know, there are no other relatives.
The voyage up Adoshen river is swift, and the sun seems eager to travel along. Up to the last hour that is, as a slight drizzle sets in. Arriving at Sauerton, the adventurers find a well-maintained town among the rolling hills.
Shortly after setting the first steps in town, the adventurers are greeted by a halfling wearing light armour and a rain-splattered helmet: Greetings, I don't recall seeing you here before. The name's Demrick, Captain Merton Demrick of the nation of Andoran. What business brings you to Sauerton?
Well, I can show you around if you let me. the halfling blurts out, refusing to take no for an answer. It's a bit quiet here now. We get a lot of seasonal workers when the grapes have to be picked, but most of them have left by now.
You see, there's still some presses on the town square, he points, but with this rain, you'll not see much activity. They'll probably return once the weather gets better, so if you want to see how the fine Sauerton wine gets made, you have to return when the sky clears up.
Ah, you didn't come for that. Let me take you to the Andares manor -it would be good to get inside with this weather going on, eh?
There it is, you see, it's one of the few old-fashioned manors we have left in this town. Hard to miss, isn't it?
The architecture of the building is old Chelish, but the many columns are a recent, largely ornamental addition.
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Ser Willem shakes the hand of the halfling. "We are just as excited to be here as you are to have us, Captain. Perhaps later we can enjoy the tour. For now, if you would be so kind as to announce us? "
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"Sauerton Red, sounds like a wine I'm willing to try." Jan smiles as he explains to everyone what he knows about Sauerton and how the family owns the town and employs everyone either directly and indirectly, but also how it seems there are nasty whispers about what's going on.
"Chelish in design. Good architecture." Jan approves and he takes a good look at it. "Are the family of Chelish descent as well?" as he asks this he is honestly curious and not out to insult anyone.
Of course I will introduce you to Mr Andares. He's a good mayor, Mr Andares. He's very understanding of the problems we've been having with the wildlife around here, he pauses for moment, as if he hesitates, then continues
Oh, you should meet him really, let me lead you.
As swift as he talks, he make his move toward the manor and knocks on the door. A thin, hook-nosed woman - her grating brown hair held in a tight bun - opens the door. Good afternoon, captain Demrick. Why are you here?
-Good-day to you, Dora, I was wondering if you could introduce these fine gentlemen to mister Andares?
Oh, my she answers. I'm afraid not. You see, mister Andares said he was not to be disturbed. I'm afraid I can't let you in.
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Giving a look to the Captain, as if to say my turn, Ser Willem steps forward. "Gentlemen and ladies, ", he sweeps his arm to indicate the rest of his party. "Dora, is it? It is a pleasure to meet one of such obvious nobility and forthright. I am Ser Willem Targerion and these are my companions. We have come specifically to speak with Mayor Andares regarding his daughter. I am sure he is expecting us."
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'Wait, what problems with the wild-life?" Eleanor asks.
Once she has answer, she asks, "Out of curiosity, have you ever heard of Alysande Benedict? I heard the name mentioned regarding this area, and I must admit I know nothing about his philosophies. I was told some building about his teaching may have burned around here a long time ago. Any ideas?"
Well, there's bad tongues in the People's Council, who have been criticising the major of being unable to do something against the wolves coming from the Verduran forest. Of course, right now nobody is willing to entertain their criticism of a man whose daughter is missing. Demrick explains, then adds naively, It’s funny. Anytime things seem to go badly for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events.
Well, the mayor's indisposed, he has an important meeting right now. Dorabeth says, but then quickly falls for the charm of Ser Willem. Aw shucks, I suppose I could you just let you in, perhaps he has a brief moment for you.
She guides the adventurers into the parlour, to wait for Tercio, then starts talking about the kidnapping. It's such a horrible thing what happened, and such a mystery too. I personally think it might have been Kyonin elves, or pixies that abducted Thalia. Perhaps to sacrifice her to the forest gods. Or perhaps a Chelish spy took her, and hid her in a wine cask. Or perhaps....
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Dorabeth says: I personally think it might have been Kyonin elves, or pixies that abducted Thalia. Perhaps to sacrifice her to the forest gods. Or perhaps a Chelish spy took her, and hid her in a wine cask. Or perhaps....
"Doubtful 'twas elves," Shonne says. Again appearing as if out of nowhere--at least (apparently) from Dorabeth's perspective. "Still the 'forest gods' must have their meal." She says, with utmost seriousness, her strange elvish eyes coming to rest on the smaller woman.
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Jan raises his eyebrown at Shonne curiously at the mention of this. He wonders if she is being sarcastic
Shaking his head he looks to Dorabeth.
"Problems with wolves? What kind of wolves could be causing such a issue? I'm sure we'd be more then obligated to take care of these creatures." at the mention of the kidnapping he nods "We could ask the Mayor about what happened. I'd like to find out what happened to her. I also apologise for our companion. Elves have a strange sense of humour."
Dorabeth looks positively shaken, but Demrick, captain of the town guard, is less impressed at Shonne's action. If you have just come here to hard-hand your way through, I must warn that is not how things are done around here. he says in a stern contrast with his previous mood. Master elf, I must ask you to wait outside now. I do not feel comfortable guaranteeing the safety of our good mayor with you around.
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"I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding, good Captain. ", Ser Willem intercedes. "It won't happen again. " He looks at Shonne with a raised eyebrow. Will it?
"Thank you so much, Dora for your enlightening thoughts. Perhaps after we find the mayor's daughter, we will be able to also help with the local wolf problem. Shonne would be most knowledgeable about that and the mayor would need to hear what she has to say on the matter. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Demrick recognises the name, and responds enthousiastically Yes, Lady Liberty as we call her around here. She was one of the leading philosophers behind the revolution. Her writings are very popular in this area, you know!
Demrick accepts the apology that Ser Willem offers, and nods for Shone to stay, just be warned, that is all.
Dora just keeps talking: I'm terribly worried about, Thalia. She's nothing like her father. Unlike him, she's always been very interesting in books and reading about Lady Liberty. She could always be found up in her bedroom, reading. In fact, now that I mention it, there was a fellow with a Galtan accent purchasing some books here in town...
Just at that moment, a man who has aged gracefully, with curly, graying black hair, opens the drawing room and says, to a yet unseen other man:
I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the eagle knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia's life in such a bold manner.
He then pauses for a moment, quickly suppresses his exasperation as he greets Demrick, then says I was not expecting any more visitors today. To what do I owe the pleasure?, sounding a bit standoffish.
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Ser Willem gracefully bows towards the mayor. "My Lord Mayor, it is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Ser Willem Targerion and these are my companions, Shonne, Grimbli, Eponine and Jan.", he waves a hand to each one. "Your friends in the Pathfinder Society have heard of your terrible plight and we have come to offer our discreet assistance on the matter."
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Grimbli stands by watching this whole exchange of information, confused by the responses of the locals. Odd, indeed, that the daughter goes missing as the mayor is being criticized for issues around the wolves. Odd, too, that he would refuse help from a local force, if it was made available to him. "Right, master Mayor. How can we be of service? Fluffy and I," he indicates the large cat standing near the door, a small puddle forming around him, "are more than ready to help however we can."
Sander Bryton is a consul, one of the elected officials responsible for directing Andoran’s military.
Although the consul General Reginald Cormoth is the head of the Eagle Knights, Sander Bryton often assists the general directly in deciding Eagle Knight actions and policy.
Ah, welcome, society members. Andares says somewhat halfway between warm and glib. It is always a pleasure to welcome the followers of the open road, a relief from worry in these troubling times. May I ask how Venture-Captain Brackett is doing these days? Or Major Maldris himself.
Andares seems to pass a glance of understanding to Bryton, as if to say that he is alright with the sudden visitors, and that there is nothing to worry about.
Upon the topic of Thalia, his face turns a bit more serious. That is a grave thing indeed. I must ask you, however, and I cannot be more serious about this, that you do not assist in this manner. I have received the most alarming of letters, warning me against procuring the aid of either the society or even the Eagle knights, lest the life of my dear Thalia be in danger.
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"That is a shame about these letters. Would it be possible if we could possibly see them?" he asks kindly, not wanting to give up on a missing girl "I am not too skilled in these things, but I am sure one of my regiment- I mean companions here may have somekind of skill. If we cannot interfer directly, we could always find a clue to who took her and from the sounds of it, it most certainly wasn't Fairies."