Thod runs Cyphermage Dilemma (Inactive)
Game Master Thod

Priscilla enters struggling somewhat with the door and an odd assortment of straw hats.
“Well you are all here already! Don’t you see enough of each other on the ship? By the way what ship are we on next it looks like Riddleport is to good for our dear captain talkative.”

All you find out is that the Pathfinder Lodge in Magnimar is responsible for your further journey.

The time on land seems to pass very quickly and sooner as you would like you ate back on the ship.

The travel is uneventful. Glorious sun shine and dolphins following the ship are interspersed by storm and cramped days in your room. But finally you arrive in Magnimar.

more to follow in a moment.

Tal leans in close to his companions and whisper You don't think she expects us to wear those hats...do you?

You arrive in Magnimar in the very early hours of the morning.

The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch's Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee. Her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.

"Welcome - Aran has told me I should expect a group of fresh Pathfinders."

She eyes each of you for a moment as if trying to form an opinion about each of you.

“As I'm sure you're well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”

Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. 

“Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven't arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia's ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far. "

She pauses for a moment to let the information sink in

“I needn't explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact's mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn't done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if  not anarchy."

 “In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia's next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako's safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia's cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”

"Please let me know if you have any questions before I send you on the last part of your journey."

From beneath a rather large awkward looking straw hat, Chanix listens to the Venture-Captain's words. He takes note of the important names and especially the part about the Wharf District.

To no one in particular
"I may have been on a boat too long, but if I were Cromarcky, I would be paying this pirate lady to kidnap scholars rather than kill them. Use them to unlock the secrets of this 'Thassilonian monument' for myself. That is, if I weren't capable. Chanix displays a slender lock pick seemingly from between fingers and begins to clean under his fingernails.

To Heidmarch
"Who's to say he hasn't subjugated your Tammerhawk as well? Forcing him to bring in more scholars."

That does raise an interesting point...are we certain the scholars are dead? Have their bodies been identified...or are we assuming they weren't spared the fate of the ship's crew? I guess what I'm trying to puzzle out is...is someone simply trying to prevent Elias or anyone else from discovering these ancient secrets, or is someone trying to steal the key to those secrets for themselves?

As he finishes asking his question Tal has to lean his neck back in an effort to make eye contact with the Venture-Captain, as his straw hat is just a bit too big for his head.

Toren's straw hat is so big on him that the edges almost touch the ground. He was a short dwarf to begin with, and now he looked like a waist high hatrack with a beard. "Once we even knew that kind of information, how would we propose getting on a ship that's scheduled to land at Riddleport in a few days?"

Priscilla is still perplexed as to why her companions chose to wear those silly hats at a business meeting or why they appropriated themselves of them in the first place. Oh well to each his own. As old baba would say “you can’t debat tastes and colors!” Must focus…. That coffee sure looks good…

Timidly Pricilla interjects ”Thank you for the assignment and confidence Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch. Perhaps my companions are right. As old baba would say: “If you are looking for the cat, you don’t send the dogs.”

Prisclla ponders to herself. Forgetting where she is, she helps herself to a cup of jo, and says proudly:

“You send the mouse!”

"About getting to Riidleport - hasnt the captain mentioned it?"

" “Trade between Magnimar and Riddleport is strong at present, and there are ships leaving several times a day to traverse the Varisian Gulf for the City of Cyphers. I have arranged passage for you on a Taldan cargo ship called the Opparan Opal that will be leaving within the hour. You'll be in Riddleport before you know it.”

"In Eljas I trust. He is the main contact for the Pathfinder Society in Riddleport. Well - lets rephrase it - he is the one who wields most political influence.
We don't know if the scholars are truly dead. But dead or missing - the longer this goes on - the more Eljas position of power is jeopardised. And I don't have to tell you how difficult and time consuming it would be for the society to build up connections to anyone else who wold replace Eljas.
It is therefore in our interest to help him."

"And about the Cyphergate - it will be the first structure you see when you arrive in Riddleport as you will sail through it. It has defeated deciphering for hundreds of years. We would know if it is suddenly close to be solved.
Having said this - we can never rule out that some lesser secrets of the gate have suddenly been solved."

Markus listens in silence to the Venture Captain's story. Once it is done the huge scarred man nods.

"Thieves that make themselves a nuisance have to be dealt with", he growls. "We will see to it that Alejia is culled."

"Will we be meeting Hirako face to face?"

"So basically this all boils down to politics. We keep the scholar safe, you keep your puppet in Riddleport?"

Artemis states flatly, from under a very large sombrero-like hat.

Chanix has started to cut slits through the brim of his hat so he can better see without falling backwards out of his chair.

Well we have 3 days to investigate the wharf, find/identify the pirate ship and protect the Tian scholar. Might as well be on our way.

He faces the Venture-Captain.
"Any chance we'll be able to easily identify the Topaz Titan?"

Once everyone is done questioning
Chanix thanks the Venture-Captain for the information and opportunity and heads back to the ship.

”So much for old baba’s mouse analogies… While we should investigate, we might be short on time. So why not set a trap upon arrival? One of us could be a famed scholar brought on by Hirako Gurukaza to bring him a uniquley designed contraption vital in his research. If the proper channels can get some rumors started, then we could just be the bait!”

”What more can you tell us of Alejia Netrav? May we meet secretly with the illustrious Elias Tammerhawk to discuss with his him, which scholars may have the ambition and knowledge to participate in such a scheme?”

"Luckily you already have a renowned scholar and pathfinder with you, not so sure I like the bait part though."

Sheila turns to Priscilla

"Meeting up directly with Elias could be a problem.
Elias is a powerful figurehead in Riddleport, but his rivalry with Overlord Cromarcky is well known, and few would seek to get involved in their complicated feud. Cromarcky's direct underlings and the peacekeepers of the town, the Riddleport Gendarmes, know of the troubles the Order of the Cyphers has been facing as of late, but they are hesitant to do anything about it, as they fear punishment for helping Elias. Elias himself wishes to keep this investigation as discreet as possible, and have it dealt with immediately.
So if possible - try to use your own wits. There is a reason he has contacted me and the Pathfinder society instead of trying to slave it using local muscle.
Politics are dangerous - what I'm able to tell you here openly could cause a scandal if not backed up by solid proof - something you are surely aware doesn't exist."

"The Tian Topaz is difficult to miss. It is a two master from Tian and has distinctive blue sails."

"Not that much is known about Aleja. While she is a lowly pirate, Alejia possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport, having backstabbed many business partners to get to where she is now.
Her sudden disappearance and recent activities that seem to coincide have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don't be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates.
Use whatever help you can get - but be ruthless if someone if in your way. Off course I don't have to tell you to be careful - Riddleport might be a pirate haven - but they tend to be able to look quite well to ensure their own interest and I'm too far away to help you out if you get into trouble.”

"Well then, I'll have to put my shield to good use, protecting Arty here if he's bait, then protecting our other scholar on the Titan. I could probably get some sort of information down in the wharves if I'm just the lowly gemcutter that I am, and maybe I'd be able to help spread some rumors to people about Arty the scholar." Toren grins at the bard. "Course I do have just one last question...this Cyphergate...any precious stones on or around it?" This last question is accompanied by a slight glint in his eyes.

"Gems, there is something much more important and valuable in the Cyphergate - knowledge. And it seems to be more difficult to pry out of the stone as any gem would long been gone."

In reference to the info about Alejia

"I'm starting to like this piratess more and more."

Chanix exits and heads back towards the docks.

You find yourself soon on the Opparan Opal. A fast ship that crosses over to Riddleport.

One of the sailor - proud to be born in Riddleport - supplies you with some more information.

Riddleport: This city is a solution for those who find law of any sort oppressive, and serves as a safe harbor for mercenaries, thieves, bandits, and pirates of all cuts. Tales of bandits ruling the streets, of muggings and murder taking place in full light of day, and of riots and anarchy are popular among the nobles of Korvosa, yet there is little truth to these tales, for the Overlords of Riddleport are undeniably harsh in punishing those who would attempt to disrupt civic function. While Riddleport is not a place for the timid, it draws a surprising number of scholars and intellectuals, for the city of Riddleport is host to one of the most intriguing and well-preserved Thassilonian monuments—the cryptic Cyphergate, a ring of stone that arches gracefully over the entrance to the city's harbor. The Cyphergate has long intrigued wizards, sages, and their like, enough so that these stereotypically meek folk have become a strong and tempering force in Riddleport's society.

And indeed - the Cyphergate is a view to behold. It spans across the whole entrance to the port. All in all - maybe 800 feet wide you would guess.
And each inch of it seems coveted in runes.

But you remember - you aren't here for sightseeing but for a job to be done.

I will catch up tomorrow morning again. I had the feeling some people here were keen to move on as they already discussed straw hats in detail.

I'm hoping Priscilla will buy us all eyepatches once we disembark.

The large Varisian looks to his peers as he finishes securing the last buckles on his breastplate.

"We search the Wharf District for signs of the stolen good first, no?", he asks.

"Sounds like a plan, but I am going to need a more fitting hat to be a believable scholar"

Artemis winks at the halfling.

"Good idea. Thanks, lass, for the hat use, but I don't think a scholar's bodyguard would wear it." He hands the hat back to Priscilla. "In the meantime, I'll walk slightly in front of yeh Arty. Shield at the ready a course."

Chanix secures his leather armor and checks to see that all his knives and scabbard are in place. "I am rather fond of this hat now but I don't think it improves my stealthiness.

Chanix hangs his hat on a hook and turns to Talhaearn and says:
Mind if I take left flank?"

By all means... Tal replies to Chanix as he hangs his hat on the adjacent hook. You think these will be safe here until we get back?

"Considering I slit holes into mine I dare say it will be much use to the fool who dares steal from me."

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Chanix takes a look around the wharf.

"Where should we start?"

Several inns around - frequented by sailors - seem a good place for enquiries.
It is still early in the day - so less drunkenness is observed as might be encountered late evening.
The area looks rough - but not threatening. At least not to a well armed group of adventurers.

Markus follows along reading the name of each inn carefully.

This place is riddled with filth. I love it!

Chanix scans the waterfront while keeping pace with the group.

Tal canvases the area and attempts to gather information about Alejia.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

As they are walking along the harbor and wharves, Toren keeps his eye out for any merchant stalls, looking at what is being offered, and maybe secretly trying to learn how to be a better salesman...er salesdwarf.

Perception looking and listening at what's being sold or said

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Chanix pauses while looking off towards a pier.

"Toren, you ever heard of a dwarf who could fish? Follow me, let me introduce you to someone."

Chanix wraps his fingers under the shoulder strap of his pack and slides them up as if readjusting but in actuality thumbing towards the direction of the pier.

Artemis has a few drinks along the harbor, and begins to discreetly ask and look into this Aleja.

Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

After noting anything of interest my previous roll gets me

"A fisherdwarf?! 'Twould be a first I've heard. We barely like a bathtub let alone an ocean!" In a less boisterous voice, "You comin' behind Arty? Wouldn't want to look like your guards just left you."

Artemis holds a up a finger towards Toren to hold on a moment as he continues to speak with someone.

Chanix takes note of Markus, Tal and Priscilla's whereabouts and starts across the street for the pier. He turns and stops to wait for Toren who seems to be waiting for Artemis as he works his charm on the locals.

Knowledge: Local (if this is an applicable check)on the wharf in general or the economy of the pier
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Priscilla either follows the others or chit chats at variois tavern.s "Oh no, we don't know how long we will be in town. We are in service of Sir Artemis a famed scholar here to bring his much needed assistance of to the famed Gurukasa here to provide knowledge of the gate."
Checks for those paying attention .
perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Toren

Indeed - nothing you see seems to look like what you search for.

Everything here just looks ordInary.

Haven't forgotten anyone else but I'm on the road with bad reception. Will need the scenario for Artemis and Chanix for more details.

Artemis seems to be in luck. Going for an already down on his luck drunkard it only takes a mention of the name Al, Alij, Allla - well you know whom - that wins him an embrace from the stranger and a story about wverything he knows.

Meanwhile the one legged dwarf seems not to have much luck getting any fish to bite.

DON'T GAME AND DRIVE

Chanix gets impatient but suspects the others can find him easily enough if they need him. He turns and heads down the pier.

Not having much luck gathering information Tal has a look around...hoping to see some sign of pirate-looking types doing something suspicious.

Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27