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"Sander Bryton?" Aiden gives a low whistle. He steps away from the Captain and Dorabeth to speak to the others.
"We're dealing with the top tier of the Andoran military administration. The Bryton family has been at the head of military affairs since the Revolt. Word is that he also cleared the way for Sauerton Red Wine to be a household name, reversing himself suddenly when Andares joined the council. He might be in Andares' pocket, taking bribes or getting a cut from the business. It would seem that Freedom and Democracy doesn't prevent corruption and greed." The Chelaxian smiles, amused.
"But if Andares has that kind of leverage, then he certainly can get us military support for the Worldwound. This is an angle we can try to exploit."
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I am glad we have some companions who seem to be well acquainted with the area and much of the politics. We have seemed to of walked in a web of potential corruption and politics that would have me lost with out the knowledge of you guys. We seem to have a lot of places to look and honestly, I have no idea of where to begin. Hopefully this meeting will help shed some light on where to go next. This politics thing is not my strong suit. The only politics I got involved in back home was the occasional necessary bribing.
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"Yes" croaks Q'lack. "These are two of the most important men in the country. In another country they would be noblemen, surely. Here, here they wield the power of the people."
He hops up and down excitedly. "This is an excellent opportunity to bend the ear of the consul to provide military aid to the society's expedition."
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I'm not much for politics myself, Nigel, Persephone adds. Maybe I'd be better off looking for anything else we can discover. Physical clues - footprints, something the kidnappers may have dropped, anything. And we do have the advantage of knowing it's an older-style building she's been taken to - there can only be so many of them around. It might be smart to wander town a bit, see if if we can find any buildings like Telfyr said he saw in his scrying.
Excuse me? she calls to Dorabeth. Do we know what room Thalia was in before she was taken? Has it been disturbed since then, or is it still as it was when she disappeared?
Dorabeth looks at Persephone and shakes her head.
I believe she would have been taken from her room... and no, no one has touched it since that night. But until the Consul speaks to, you, I'm not at liberty...
As she is speaking, Tercio Andares—a tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair—opens the drawing room door for Sander Bryton, saying, “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 safety in such a bold manner.”
He pauses, and looks at the team, his smile stretched thin with a hint of quickly suppressed exasperation.
Why Captain, good morning... who are these fellows?
The Captain stands and shakes the Consul's hand.
Pathfinders Sir. Specialize in getting things done, like finding your daughter. I... May have let it slip to a contact about the situation.
The consul frowns a little, taking the introductory letter from one of the pathfinders. He reads the introduction letter and nods for a moment before turning to the pathfinders.
Thank you, Pathfinders, for coming, but I'm afraid your travels are for nothing. I received a letter stating that if I provide any help to investigators, eagle knights, town guard, or anyone else, Thalia will lose her life. I simply will not risk my daughter's safety for any reason... I'm wealthy enough to pay just about any demand they eventually come up with, and will happily pay it once they make it. I, of course, cannot command you to leave, but I ask that you do so that you do not put my daughter at risk.
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Myth senses there's something Consul Andares is not telling the party...
He ponders a bit before speaking. "Sir, we would never put your daughter's safety at risk...if we were going to investigate, we would have made it known that we were operating on our own. Thank you for your time."
He gives a curt bow to the Consul.
[dice=Sense Motive 1]1d20 + 5
[dice=Sense Motive 2]1d20 + 5
Myth senses there's something Consul Andares is not telling the party...
He ponders a bit before speaking. "Sir, we would never put your daughter's safety at risk...if we were going to investigate, we would have made it known that we were operating on our own. Thank you for your time."
He gives a curt bow to the Consul.
The Consul nods back and gives a strained smile.
IF you investigate, make sure you do. I would not have any harm come to my daughter.
Consul Bryton places a hand on his fellow Consul's shoulder.
Let us know if there is anything I and the eagle knights can do, anything at all.
Consul Andares gives a strained smile back at him and rubs his temples.
I'm sorry... but as I cannot, and will not answer any further questions, I have other business to attend to.
He turns and walks away, his head bowed and his face full of concern. Consul Bryton swears softly.
Damnit.... I can't exactly send the Eagle Knights in with him resisting like this. Without his cooperation, our hands are just to tied.
The Captain nods in agreement.
I know the feeling sir... the guard is short handed enough as it is with the wild beasts roaming the countryside, we can't spare the manpower to help in any meaningful way.
The captain turns and gives the pathfinders a sly grin.
Of course, last time I checked, the best way to get a pathfinder to do anything was to tell them they couldn't. I've worked with your lot before, and we'll be counting on you, for Thalia and the Consul's sake.
Dorabeth holds a hand up to her mouth, her face looking far more concerned than it did before.
Oh... Poor Ms. Thalia... please Pathfinders, I'll do whatever I can to help, just bring Ms. Thalia home!
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Judging Demrick and Dorabeth as sincerely wishing to help in finding Thalia, indeed the only two since the party has landed, he nods in their direction.
Speaking softly, he says, "If you are sincere in wishing to aid us, let me share a little information. A Pathfinder mage scrying Thalia indicated that she's being held in a building with high ceilings and once-elegant adornments in a style popular here before the People’s Revolt. The structure seems to have sustained extensive fire damage which has not been repaired. Thalia was alive and unhurt, at least at that time. She was reading a fresh copy of the essays of one Alysande Benedict...
Does this mean anything to either of you? Do you know where this building might be or if those essays might play a part in this?"
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Nigel still is concerned about continuing this quest. I don't know how I would live if I am part of the reason Thalia.
Speaking to Dorabeth Don't worry, I will do whatever I can to bring her back.
To his party Nigel says We must proceed with caution. I am not wanting to give up yet, but... If who ever the bad guy catches wind of us tinkering around, we could end an innocent life. I think Persephone has a good plan of checking Thalia's room for clues.
Deborah and the Captain look at each other, musing for a moment. The Captain speaks first.
I know that place I think. I'll give you directions for when you leave here... it's a old Vineyard Villa. When the nobles ran rather than give up their titles, they burned the place down and salted the earth. Place is kinda spooky now, so most folks avoid it.
Deborah follows up...
As for the book she was reading, unlike her father, Ms. Thalia has always loved her books, ever since she was a small child. She especially loved anything written by Ms. Lady Liberty! I was just talking with the lady's in the market the other day... they mentioned a Galtan man of all things bought several of them from the bookshop. Paid in Andoran coin though, so the shopkeep didn't think nothing of it.
At Nigel's mention of the bedroom, Deborah looks decidedly uncomfortable.
Oh dear, I couldn't just let a bunch of strangers go rooting about in Ms. Thalia's room! It's a complete invasion of her privacy! And the Consul would certainly object.
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The Grippli nods at the two mens hand signals. They obviously work well together
He hops up and down in agitation as Deborah says they cannot inspect the crime scene.
"Good Ms Deborah. " he starts.
"I know you must miss having the lady around. But if there were a clue there as to her whereabouts, surely you would not want us to miss it. If you were to supervise and make sure nobody did any inappropriate there... what harm could there be?"
Deborah bites her lip in thought and then sighs.
Your right of course... Just... I can't have your whole crew coming upstairs and tossing her room... just... oh, two of you, yes, two to come take a look through her room, and you'll need to be quick and quite about it.
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Aiden nods. "Myth, Persephone. See what you can find. Help each other."
He looks in the direction Andares has gone. "I would like to see that letter. Perhaps there's something on there that could help us. But I doubt he'll allow us to see it. Maybe if we find more evidence about where his daughter is."
He turns to the Captain. "Once Myth and Persephone are done, can you show us to the villa? With luck, she'll be there. Maybe they moved her though, or maybe it's the wrong place."
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Q'lack hops after the general.
"Excuse me, consul... May I have a moment of your time?" asks Q'lack.
"Once this sorry business is resolved and your friend's daughter restored... I was hoping we may be able to discuss Androan military assistance at the world wound. Keeping the people safe is obvious a prime consideration for you. And surely demons would be much more easily corralled well away from your sovereign territory, than here on your peaceful lands. The pathfinder society can help with this. Several other important people in other nations are likewise engaged in collective efforts.."
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I can do that, Persephone replies to Aiden's suggestion before turning to Deborah. Don't worry, ma'am - I wouldn't dream of invading Thalia's privacy, or disturbing any of her things. Well...maybe I'd dream of disturbing her things...but that's not going to help the Society gain the Consul's investment. We'll be quick and quiet. It's a good thing you're doing - there's no telling how much information this could give us, and anything we can know going in is that much more chance that Thalia comes home.
Mythryndyr and Persephone are brought up to Thalia's bedroom, a large, well appointed affair made to feel much smaller by the sheer density of books that line every surface, making towering stacks everywhere. The two move gingerly about, careful not to knock over any of the towering stacks. Mythryndyr's sharp eyes notice after a few moments that the mirror of her vanity isn't aligned properly, and after a few moments inspection, realizes that it disguises a small cubby hidden behind the silver and glass. As he peels back the mirror, a small, well loved notebook falls to the vanity with a soft thump. He unties the cord keeping it closed and flips it open to reveal precise tiny handwriting.
It doesn't take long to get the gist of the book. Meeting times, clandestine appointments and transactions, accounting reviews, all pointing to Terico working with the other supposedly democratically elected leaders to create political dynasties. There is nothing concrete, but Thalia's scribbled notes make it clear her opinion on the matter...
"Directly contradicts the common rule!"
"A subversion of Democratic Ideals!"
"No way it's coincidence, it must be collusion!"
and on it goes. It could just as easily be the ravings of a madwoman as anything concrete, but just from Mythryndyr's initial review, it looks solid. Powerful, but incomplete, evidence of corruption.
Deborath hisses at the two, waiving them away back downstairs as she scurries off down a hallway, speaking a little overly loudly.
Consul! I... I... I believe you must simply see this THING I found! It's most... um... Fascinating!
As Deborath distracts the Consul, the duo is able to make it back downstairs to the others, who have just received a quick hand drawn map to the vineyard.
Sorry I can't go with you, but he is the Mayor, as well as a Consul, and I'm stretched thin as can be as is. I've already got a dozen cases on my desk, and I can't let them lie while I run around chasing Thalia. I'll leave that to you.
He to the team and leaves to go back to his station, leaving the pathfinders alone in empty front lounge of the manor, the rain still softly pouring down outside.
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Well that is interesting. More political corruption. This is the sort of thing that the pathfinder wanted us to report is it not? Also this could be a motive for her disappearance. Either way, I think the vineyard is our next most solid lead. I vote to go check out the building that she was seen in for clues.
Q'lack hops after the general.
"Excuse me, consul... May I have a moment of your time?" asks Q'lack.
"Once this sorry business is resolved and your friend's daughter restored... I was hoping we may be able to discuss Androan military assistance at the world wound. Keeping the people safe is obvious a prime consideration for you. And surely demons would be much more easily corralled well away from your sovereign territory, than here on your peaceful lands. The pathfinder society can help with this. Several other important people in other nations are likewise engaged in collective efforts.."
[dice=diplomacy]1d20+7
The man nods for a moment.
Yes, we will need to speak more on it, certainly. I'll be staying at the Gorgon's Eye while I'm in town... If you want to stop by and discuss it further, feel free to do so.
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When Myth and Persephone come back downstairs and hear of Q'lack's discussion with Consul Bryton, Myth nods and reveals what they found in Thalia's room. "Seeing as to how close he and Consul Andares are, perhaps this might give you some leverage in the next meeting...
Shall we stop by to see Consul Bryton on the way to the Vineyard Villa? Or straight on to the Villa?
Whenever we choose to head to the Villa, I'd recommend we try to do so as stealthily as possible...the kidnappers are bound to have lookouts..."
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Nigel is very happy to see Myth come back with some valuable information. I think going to the Villa is our best bet. We know she was there. If it doesn't turn out to be where she is now, we can go back and talk with Consul Bryton. And I do agree that we should use stealth for as long as we can when we go to the Villa. What does everyone else think?
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"I wondered the same thing...may be more of an inside job than I first thought...
As for where to go to first, I would normally say go to the Villa. However, one thing to consider is the notebook and the leverage it might provide to our negotiators..." Myth looks towards Q'Lack and Eroil "...in requesting military troops from Consul Bryton. For if we rescue the mayor's daughter first, she might want her notebook back and that would preclude us from using it in talks with the consul. As distasteful as it may be, the Venture-Captain made it plain that our mission is to secure military funding and troops for the Mendevian Crusades; rescuing the girl is apparently a means to that end. Hopefully we can do both...
Q'lack, Eroil...both of you are the most practiced at diplomacy amongst us, and Q'lack has already made inroads with the consul. Do you think the notebook will help our cause in negotiations? And do you think it best to see the consul now or later?"
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Nigel looks appalled at Myth. I don't give a hoot about if this book is leverage for the politics of some war. There is a innocent life on the line. And I can't think it right to turn over her journal without any consent on her part. If we give that journal away and then rescue her, we may be changing her life in a way that we, or at least I, can not fathom. Nigel takes a deep breath trying to get his composure back.
I joined this society to be a hero, to advance the good name of the Flit family. But selling a lady's secrets to give them a military advantage is not a very heroic thing to do. I understand our boss laid it out as the goal is to get the military support is our priority and saving the girl if we can. But to me that is rubbish and those priorities are backwards.
Nigel makes another deep breath and looks down shaking his head. If the rest of our companions think it best to go use the journal as leverage, I will follow along. But I think I will need to talk to the boss about what future I have in a shady organization such as this.
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Q'lack nods to the others. "A rescue of his cousin is likely to also prove helpful to our cause with the general - unless he too is involved in her disappearance."
He thinks "I cannot believe a man of honor would do such, and he seemed genuine in his offer of assistance to her father. Let us rescue her first. And the most solid lead does seem to be the old house."
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Myth arches an eyebrow in an amused look at Nigel. "You openly mention bribing local officials back home...if our negotiators think we can use this notebook for leverage, we'll, in effect, be bribing the Consul for military aide...what's the difference? If we use the notebook in this way, we will not forget about the girl, we'll still attempt to rescue her...
Do not be offended at my words my friend...I, by trade, am a thief and have done worse than bribes. In my last mission, which was my first as a Pathfinder, I had to lie, steal, insult, fight, and kill to complete the mission my party was given. I imagine this mission will be no different...especially considering I already stole this notebook. I can live with it because the Pathfinders do far more good than most in this world...you must decide on your own if you can live with it..."
To Q'lack, Myth says, "While I may not have as much faith in his honor as you, you know better by far than I when it comes to matters of diplomacy.
It would appear we're off to the Villa then..."
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Nigel looks at Myth with an odd look. There is a difference between bribing local officials to keep your store open. As much as I hate to admit it but my home is a corrupt place. To keep a business running, you need to fill some people's purse. This would be bribing someone with someone else's life potentially. I have no problem bribing with my own money, and under the right reasons maybe my own life. But I couldn't imagine selling off someone else's secrets and endangering them. I can do a lot of questionable actions, but not selling out the person we are supposed to save. I believe we can accomplish both goals with out giving over the journal. It's the lady's right to do with that as she pleases.
Nigel looks more optimistic now. I know what I am willing to do. I know we are in a war right now, and that it is important to win. But there must be a way to win without ruining innocent lives. I am sorry, I might be an idealist. Father told me that would change about me then I spend sometime out in the real world. But I don't want it to change. I'll do my best to support the Pathfinder Society, but doing so in the most ethical way I can.
Nigel looks at Q'lack with hope and appreciation I am glad you agree Q'lack.
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Aiden smirks as Nigel and Myth debate the morality of how to use a journal. "We were told to find a way to to secure the military support. While we might be able to do it without finding the girl, it seems that would cement it. The journal is...interesting. Perhaps Andares isn't quite the fool I thought he was. Now, nothing says we have to reveal the journal to the girl once we find her. We can cross the bridge when we come to it. Frankly, if she is being held by a Galtan, I fear for her safety. They seem to just enjoy killing people because the sun went down."
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Nigel looks at Aiden with the same look he gave Myth. I thought we were supposed to be the heroes? Would giving her her own journal not be the noble thing to do? But regardless, as you said, that bridge could be crossed at a later point. Does that mean you are in favor of going to the villa first, Aiden?
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"Did I claim to be a hero? I doubt there would be many, especially in this country, who would call me one. We were given a job to do. We'll do it. If we can make friends while doing it, so be it. That's always preferred. If we make enemies while doing it, well, hopefully we cut them down before they become a problem. A sense of nobility won't put food in your stomach, keep you warm, or protect you from a knife. If you want nobility, at least go to Taldor. In Andoran it's illegal. In Galt, it'll get your throat slit."
"But, yes, I say we go to the villa first. If there's a chance she's in danger, we shouldn't waste anymore time."
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Myth nods in agreement with Aiden. "I agree 'bout the journal; I don't think using it will endanger the girl, if it comes to that. I'm all for rescuing the girl as it's the right thing to do...but I don't necessarily know if that alone will secure the support we need..."
He then turns to Nigel. "I don't consider myself a hero either, and didn't join the Society to become one, just trying to help them as best I can. The Crusades they're raising money and troops for is to fight and contain the Demons from breaking out of the Worldwound and reeking havoc on thousands of people...is that not a noble purpose as well? Is the fate of the folk suffering from the depredations of demons less important than Thalia Andares' abduction?
But enough talk...looks like most want to head to the Villa so best we depart before the Consul notices we're still in his foyer..."
The team travels to the outskirts of town as the rain finally let's up, though the path is muddy and slick. Soon enough, they arrive at their destination. This barren stretch of land is a sharp contrast to the surrounding fields of well-tended grapevines. At the center of the waste, at the end of an ill-kept path, sits a large stone villa in the old Chelish style that has partially collapsed as the result of fires long-since extinguished. Rotted timbers and soot flank scorched bone-white walls, and collapsed piles of blackened wood are all that remain of additions to the north and south ends of the main hall. Rain-slicked bare earth extends approximately three hundred feet away from the house in all directions.
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Q'lack hops happily down the road, pausing when he gets up to the barren stretch of land.
"I wonder if this house was once twin to the one we visited?" he croaks
"It it hard to see in this bright light." he adds "But if Thalia is being held here, we should expect trouble."
He readies his longbow and checks its string.
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Aiden draws his longsword from over his shoulder. "Well, this looks like a mess. But it could very well be the place in the scrying." He nods to Q'lack and Myth. "Perhaps a few of us should check it out quietly." Aiden begins to move towards the scorched building slowly, trying not to draw any attention.
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Nigel starts to look nervous at the idea of getting read for the first fight. This house looks dangerous. I have some experience sneaking but probably not as much as you two. I can summon my friend, Christina. She has a very good nose and might help detect danger. She isn't the best in a fight. For combat, I am better off with a different summoning ability. Does Struggler have a good scence of smell?