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It isn’t every day that one receives an invitation to the Karcau Opera House, with the ticket prices being what they are—not to mention the cost of seats in a private box. Of course, as soon as the usher leads you to your seats, it becomes obvious why the Society has sent them
to enjoy a night at the opera.
Already seated within the private booth, a lean Ustalavic noblewoman waits, watching the show with detached enthusiasm. She turns slowly, the crimson of her elegant gown a contrasting starkly with her dark hair, pale skin, and sharp features. She motions to nearby seats and dismisses the attending usher.
“Thank you for coming. I am Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff, currently without a home lodge. The Decemvirate requested that I speak with you here, in private, to discuss a problem that needs sorted out. I trust you’ve heard of Skeldon Miregrold?”
Without waiting for you to answer, she continues: “Miregrold is a disreputable and duplicitous rogue of my own, noble, Ustalavic blood—my second cousin, in fact, though I’m loathe to admit it. He’s also quite renowned in our little Society, though again, few would boast of associating with him.”
“When his father passed, Skeldon invested most of his sizable inheritance in illicit trade operations with the dark denizens that dwell below this city. Though he is valuable as a font of knowledge about the subterranean passages below—and the Darklands in general—he would sell out his dying mother if he thought he could profit from it.”
“Despite my personal warnings, the Decemvirate granted him permission to open a lodge in Karcau, though this grant came with several stipulations. As I’d suspected, none of these
conditions have been met. The Society requested Skeldon send them his research notes along with some samples of a rare mineral he’s being experimenting with called aureolyte.
Neither the notes nor the samples ever arrived. Furthermore, it’s been a month since Skeldon contacted the Decemvirate for the last time. They are increasingly concerned about the additional finances they granted him to conduct his research. Other sources have led us to believe he has squandered this money for his own purposes and owes significant sums to one of Karcau’s most influential crime families.”
“That’s what we need you for. Make your way to the Karcau Lodge and present Skeldon with these transfer orders.” She slides a stack of sealed envelopes across the table. “Once inside, . It would be even better if you could . The lodge lies in the basements of Skeldon’s family Manor, which sits on a sizable hillside property just south of town. Any questions?”
I don't see any reason why Skeldon shall not allow you to go into the manor. There are no guards as long as I am concerned. Skeldon was doing business with the dark denizens below to get into the aureolyte. What kind of business is something we want to discover as well.
We haven't had news on him that's why we want you to go and check. We fear he can has gone on trouble or flight with the money. So answering the question, no, no one I know has seen him lately.
Skeldon Miregrold is known throughout the Society for his many discoveries in the dangerous Darklands when he was an active pathfinder. He now operates the Karcau Lodge below of his ancestral manor house.
The Lodge contains a network of subterranean chambers that house most of the Society’s assets at the location and provide access to even larger caverns that stretch out below Karcau.
Within the Society, Miregrold has a reputation for sending more pathfinders to their deaths than any other venture-captain. Some rumors speak of him abusing his privileges and embezzling the Society’s wealth.
Miregrold is an accomplished inventor and alchemist and uses many of the resources at his disposal to experiment on personal pet projects. Pathfinders who recently returned from the Karcau Lodge speak of a strange device he is currently constructing in his secret laboratory.
"We don't know the exact nature of his contacts. But we know he used them during his adventuring career to size darkfolk, drow and serpentfolk settlements, and know he was using them to get the aureolyte. Of course we would like to know if you discover more information about the nature of his friendships. But your duties here is to give him the transfer notes and discover what are his deals, and if you can, get copies of his research, and a sample of the aureolyte. Explor, report and cooperate."
Ketil you know under Utsalav there is a vast network of subterranean lakes and rivers that cuts a labyrinth into the bedrock. You don't know much about their inhabitants though.
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Knowledge (geography) untrained
To the Venture Captain: It sounds like you are just as much in the dark as we are. Very well, I am ready to deliver the transfer orders and investigate this Skeldon Miregold.
To the other Pathfinders: I am Rufus Rufinus by name, master of reality by profession. Pleased to meet you, I am sure. I say with an absentminded air.
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A small gnome dressed in brightly coloured clothes, wearing a large hat with plumes of feathers, he coughs. "So confusing a Lodge that is not a Lodge. Might I introduce myself as Norman, friends. Do I have time to research this man and his family in the library here?" asks the little man blinking his eyes, as he twirls his bushy black stained moustache.
"I suppose that no-one has seen fit to draw maps of the underground world. Finding a map might be useful, if we're about to go there. And this .... Skeldon, if you know him, do you know the layout of his house, that might help too. Is that possible Lady Kalistoff." his eyes look deep into the Venture Captain's eyes.
He winks to his companions, "I hope we can all have a fun time, this sounds a marvellous adventure. We can become heroes for the Society, make our mark. Gosh, my first time to do the Society's bidding and already it seems a lot of fun.. His words tumble out of his mouth, in a torrent of excited babble.
"There is not that much more I know about the lodge, but from times I've been in the family manor, I recall a big dinning room in the main floor, crowded with stuffed animals, and there was a rest room and bedroom in the first floor. Sir Norman, I pledge you to not delay your mission but I guess you can try to get some information in your way to the manor."
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As the Lady offers Norman the title of Sir Norman, he puffs his chest out, in what he hopes is a military manner. He bows, "Your wish, my Lady, is my command. Your help in this matter is most welcome." With a jaunty step and smile, he looks ready to leave. "Donneld, my dragon steed, and I will be on our way at the double." he salutes badly to the Lady Kalistoff and looks expectantly at the others.
Basia Kalistof thinks a bit, like not totally satisfied about her previous answer. “There's a bit more I can tell you about the lodge. Miregrold founded it about a decade ago in his ancestral family home. Most of the Society’s operations take place beneath the manor house proper in a series of underground chambers, which also provide access to the Darklands beneath the city.”
Before you leave, Venture-Captain Kalistoff leans forward and in a hushed voice says: “On a personal note, I was the initial candidate for venture-captain of the Karcau Lodge. Behind my back, Miregrold went to the Decemvirate and bid me out of the position while his agents traveled throughout this city, slandering my reputation. I would love to restore the damage he’s done to my tarnished family name, but he precluded this through his bribes and blackmail. Thus, I have a strong personal interest in seeing the Decemvirate bring him to his knees. If you succeed in this endeavor, you will earn my eternal gratitude. I hope to soon be in a position to make it worth your while. Godspeed.”
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AS you leave the opera house, a gruff voice barks out from behind. "'ey! Yae bae t'pathfinders I'm sup'ose t'bae a'joinin'?" Behind the gruff voice is a red bearded, sturdy dwarf. A large shield slung on his back, he steps forward. Name's Orik, goot a bit delayed oon t'trip, yae ken, but mae VC sez I'm t'join yae. If'n yae need a stroong axe an' beeg shield, then I'm yer man. Now, where wae ooff too, eh?"
The Karcau Lodge is located in the manor of a modest hillside estate just south of the city that overlooks Karcau’s opulent spires and vaulted roofs. A lone cobbled path traverses the property, weaving through copses of dully-colored, gangly trees and overgrown grass. Eventually, the path makes its way toward a small two-story manor house built in the classic Ustalavic style. Its steep roof is shingled with dark slate, and elaborately carved bargeboard highlights its high cross gables.
Its lead framed windows rise in slender, cathedral-like arches. A pair of pointed turrets flanks the manor’s thick, iron-shod front doors.
There’s where you are Pathfinders, just in front of the path that leads to Miregrold Manor.
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We should move in disciplined formation. Meatsh... er, noble warriors in front--Orik, Seinto. I will travel in the second rank. You three should arrange yourselves appropriately. I wave to the remaining Pathfinders. [/b]Miregrold is a scoundrel and there is no telling what he will do if he suspects that we're spying on him. Keep your eyes open and be discreet. Let us approach when everyone is ready.[/b]
I arrange myself in formation and scan the surrounding area for suspicious activity. Perception:
As you take a better sight of the manor the party gets into a brief silence. You are about 50 feet of the doors where a couple of everburning torches sheds light into the entrance doors. The scene is quite, only broken by the frequent chant of some crow in the garden surrounding the two floors building.
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"I will walk next to you Rufus. Can you translate what the dwarf is saying? His pronunciation of Taldane is awful" Ketill says. Once they have left the private lodge in the theater he has hidden his face in the hood of his cape again.
After he moment he speaks up again "They certainly do not want anyone to peek inside, do you see that all the curtains are closed? Anyway, let's approach and knock on the door."
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As the others stop and look, Norman pipes up, "Don't be afraid, I'll call my dragon." He starts to chants in an ancient language, often mentioning the names of celestial bodies in the sky. Until a moment later a small multicoloured creature appears, with a big beaming smile and row of white teeth. Its eyes large and white with black pupils, on a face of yellow, red and orange designs.
Norman nods to the creature and addresses it, "Welcome Donneld, meet my friends." Norman then proceeds to mount and sit astride the dragon. "We are ready to protect and defend the Society and our good lady Venture Captain." He waves in a flourish a small morningstar, continuing with a over confidence, "Let us announce ourselves " It is obvious that the gnome has no idea what he's doing, but acting out some childhood story of legendary heroes, about to attack some castle keep.
Bolger conceals himself in the shadows of the trees while the rest of the party stay still in the entrance path trying to decide if knocking the door is a good decision or not.
As he moves ahead Seinto gets a closer look at the door. Made in iron, the front door is deceptively ornate; it is covered with elaborate filigree and possesses a matching lionheaded knocker and a massive handle, both of tarnished bronze.
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@Seinto in a soft murmur: "I agree completely Seinto, will you knock? I am afraid that I scare anyone that opens the door. Most people do not react that friendly to me when they first meet me."
@Norman, in a sudden, strong and commanding tone: Keep that weapon sheathed! We do not know if it comes to hostilities, but we are Pathfinders. We should not knock at a door with weapons out."
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Bolger, still hiding in the shadows whispers "They have already spotted you. If you don't want to knock at the door with a sword in your hand, then go and know with a dagger behind your back."
If you can see in the dark you can see Bolger smiling.
"No, just joking."
If the party moves on to the door he will also move as far as he can while hiding in the shadows.
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"Oh right, yes Ketill." the gnome says as he easily unmounts and his face shows a little confusion. "Sorry, its just what the Lady .... " his voice trails into his own soft murmurs. In a few seconds his voice brightens, "But I can take my dragon can't I? He won't hurt and he's very house trained, you are aren't you Donneld?" as he leads the dragon forward.
In response Donneld smiles knowingly at Norman and nods in confirmation, his mane a flashing colours through the lantern light. The dragon, looks around suddenly, when he hears Bolger speak, checking him over before he continues to be led by Norman.
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As the gnome summons a real live dragon, Orik gives a start and the old squint eye at the wee fellow. You hear him mumbling something about gnomes cavorting with dragons, but all you can really make out is "Unnat'ral" and some dwarvish curses.
"Aye lad, rap oon t'door an' if there's any trooble, Au'll rap t'rascal oon 'is wee noggin w'mae trusty shielt 'ere."
Orik moves up to stand beside whichever of the others moves to open the door, his shield poised either to defend his ally, or rap said rascal on the noggin.
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Well, what are you all waiting for? If we've been spotted by someone who means us harm, we best be quick on our feet. The longer we wait, the longer they can prepare. If someone can give me a boost, I'll knock myself.
I lead my donkey up the path with Seinto and Orik and knock on the door.
Someone help me get these everburning torches out of their sconces. I'm sure our host won't mind if we borrow them for awhile.
I grab one of the torches.
As Rufus takes one of the torches, its light suddenly turns off.
One minute pass after he has knocked the door, but still nothing happens. No one comes to open the door, nor you hear any noise inside the house.
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Orik sniffs as the door remains unopened.
"Reck'n, nae boodies hoom, eh? P'haps wae shou' aull shuffle doon tae t'local poob an' 'ave a pint er two while wae wait fer tere return, eh? Cain leave t' wee gnoome an' 'is wee pet dragoon 'ere tae keep t'watch oot."
"Firs' roond is oon mae! Whot sae yae?"
He slaps Rufus on the back hard enough for the little fellow to stagger a bit.
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"Sure Norman, you can keep your dragon around. We are already a freak show, so one more won't matter"
Ketill obviously ignores what he could understand from Orik's remark
"Ok, let's check whether this door is locked. And Rufus, put that back. I do not think the lady would appreciate it if we behave like some robbers"
Ketill tries the door.
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To Ketill: I thought behaving like robbers is exactly what the Lady wants us to do. She told us to "procure" copies of his research and a sample of the aureolyte.
To Bolger: I agree. We knocked to announce our presence and received no reply. Whether the door is locked or not, we ought to circle around the manor as a group and study the lay of the land.
Ketill places his hand over the door and tries to open it just to discover it is locked.
Meanwhile Bolguer peeks through one of the windows just to discover the interior of the turret. It seems a richly ornate interior with fine curtains and porcelain.
As you walk around the house, the only thing Ramon your attention a part from the sturdy back door, is the porch next to it. The open-air porch is closed off with iron lattice covered with thorny vines. It holds a long stack of split firewood. Three sealed barrels have been pushed into the far corner.
The Manor’s rear door is made of sturdy wood and stands firmly in its jamb. Its lock seems of normal quality.
As Bolger inspects also the front door, he realises it is easier to pick than expected for a door of this quality, like if it has been manipulated.
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"Rufus, let's see which door is the easiest to open. And on the topic of robbers; we are here to see why Skelton has not reported back to the Society, although I am not that naive that I think it is all a big misunderstanding there could be forces at play we do not understand yet."
Almost as an afterthought Ketill adds "After all, one who deals with denizens of the dark lands is asking for trouble"