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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 hairthin 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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”Good day...good day one and all. So fortunate am I to be included in such s good looking and capable gathering of adventurers! A quick question if I may...what more do we know of this Andares family? Surely such a wealthy family must have hired security of some sort for such a public event? Are we sure the heir hasn’t taken a lover, perhaps someone of whom the family disapproves?”
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A weathered, battle-hardened Dwarf stands on the left side of the group as they are briefed by the three human men. He wears the usual trappings of what one would imagine a Dwarven warrior to bring to battle: a thick breastplate, partially concealed beneath an impressive, if slightly graying, brown beard. All manner of weapons dangle from his heavy leather belt and across his back a bow and large wooden shield are perched.
As the briefing continues, and Maldris leaves, the Dwarf remains silent, his eyes moving about the VC and his mage, paying close attention to the mission description. When finally the call for questions is raised, he speaks up and introduces himself. "Ironshanks Magee at yer service Sir." He nods ever so slightly, looking up at the taller humans.
"So this bein' a trade of services more than a rescue mission am I right here? This 'Stolen Heir' just a bargainin' chip fer supplies of war?" He says matter of factly.
Before the Captain or his mage can answer, Ironshanks waves off the question as not important "This been happenin since time begun. Clans seek help for war, ain't no better way to get that help then savin' someone's family er friends." He pauses for a brief moment before adding "Count me in."
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"Not much more to be asked, at least here. We'd do best at the manor," another brawny half-elf puts in. His skin is tanned, yet blotchy in places, and he wears bulky armor emblazoned with Cayden's tankard over a strange spiral. Despite this businesslike manner, he grins widely. "We'll rescue her if she needs rescuing, get the silly haggling over with as quick as we can, and hopefully get some Sauerton Red out of the deal."
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A tall slender human with long golden hair and dusky skin has been sat next to the window aimlessly staring out at the city, clearly her mind miles away. She wears a multi layered silk affair in green and gold which seems to have an inordinate number of pockets and hiding places for a variety of scrolls and wands.
As Dolgath suggests they get started she jerks round, Sorry, what, err, I'm afraid I was a little distracted. Did someone say a princess needed rescuing?
She jumps up and readies her pack, shivering as she does so. Why is it always so cold and dreary here in the north? How do you people stand not seeing he sun from one day to the next?
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"Mr. Andares has publicly stated that he has not received any official demands yet. Vivianna Talwin is the only major political rival Andares has to our knowledge. He has no obvious bad blood in the business of cheap wine. Regarding security, you would have to ask around the Andares manor for more information, but I have heard the manor was empty aside from Thalia because her father, the servants, and town guards were out attending the Silverglazer Sunday celebration." Venture-Captain Brackett answers.
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.
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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.”
Sauerton is a large town located in wine country in northeast Andoran, about equally distant from the Andoshen River, which is used to ship wine to Andoran’s southern ports for export, and the Verduran Forest, which occupies much of the tense border with Taldor and Galt.
Sauerton has been a site of productive vineyards for centuries, and the once-noble Andares family has been a major owner of those vineyards since long before the People’s Revolt. Although the Andares family chose to give up their noble privileges during the revolt, nearly every mayor of Sauerton in the 44 years since has been a member or close relative of the Andares family.
The local captain of the guard Merton Demrick has publicly petitioned for more funds to hire additional guards, claiming the current numbers are too few, but he has not received enough support from Mayor Andares or the townspeople to implement the change.
A local vineyard’s villa was burned down in a then-famous fire about the time of the People’s Revolt by a spiteful noble belonging to the Sauer family. It seems likely to fit the description given by Wystorn Telfyr.
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"Can't say I've ever been ta Sauerton. Ain't heard of this Andares and his wine neither. Dwarves drink ale. Elves drink wine." He says with a hint of disdain at the thought of drinking wine.
Seeing the Cayden Cailean holy symbol on the Half Elf's armor, Ironshanks turns to her "I see ya follow the drunken God eh? I think we be gettin' 'long fine! Maybe we need ta stop fer some of yer religious 'holy water' before we set sail eh?"
He looks around at everyone else in the group and clears his throat a bit. "All you young lads and lasses need ta learn some manners! Not one of ye introduced yerselves proper to yer elders here..." Kids these days...
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"My understanding is that there are a handful of unsavory folks around Sauerton claiming that the Andares family is dirty and those who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town. My sources are unclear as to what form this "encouragement" takes but its not to difficult to read between the lines."
The mention of Cayden Cailean perks up Tal's ears. "I too follow the way of The Lucky Drunk. Some may even say I closely resemble both the noun and the adjective in that title." Tal gives the side eye to the Venture-Captain. "But of course I never imbibe on company time, sir."
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"Lots of wine. They are well connected, and well liked, that's for sure. The political pressure on those who oppose the family are quite immense."
He looks at Talhaearn. "Maybe after this mission you and I can sample some of their wine. You are a performer, yes? I've been meaning to learn more about the performing arts. Perhaps you can show me a thing or two."
"Although if we plan to buy the fancier wines, we should avoid Sauerton Red. It's the cheap brand they distribute everywhere. Among Andorens, they often say if it's poor quality, it 'must be down from Sauerton.'" He laughs.
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Argenta smiles at Ironshanks, Oh, apologies my elderly friend. I should have introduced myself although I felt sure everyone must have known who I was. She bats her long eyelashes at the burly dwarf.
My name is Argenta Ibn Jad, lately of Katapesh by way of Absalom. I am so looking forward to getting to know all of you.
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"I know about as much as the lot of you. Andares has a huge amount of power, employs a lot of people. There've been attacks by wild animals lately." Not coming up with anything else, the half-elf notices the others introducing themselves. "Dolgarth's the name. I'm a fighter by trade - well, a holy hand of Cayden now, I guess. I keep forgetting. A friend - acquaintance - of mine decided to give me either a helping hand or the world's cruelest prank and now I have powers."
At the mention of ale, though, Dolgarth manages to perk up. "There's always time for a bit of holy water. Shame if what you said 'bout Sauerton is true-" he nods to Agon, "-I was looking forward to tasting it."
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"Andares power indeed disturbs me. With that show of affection, it's no surprise that their locals appear shady in nature. The raids of the beasts make it no less easier."
"As for the wine, I may endorse that the half-elf's tongue speaks true. My latest memory was from an annual hunting party that I and my brothers would celebrate. The wine shared there was brought from Sauerton and let me say that the taste leaves the stomach with an unwanted feeling that can last for hours!" He finishes with a wince.
Chugat watches after Argenta and Dologarth introduces themselves and settles that he'd be next. He grunts as he heaves himself from the table. His dreadlocks swing side to side but cease as he places his thick leather top on his head. "My kin calls me Chugat, as you may all as well. Gat would be enough."
Obvious to what blood he comes from, Chugat stands a firm structure. Metal shines and clashes against his chest as the chainmail coats him. You can perceive the weapons that he carries. A kukri is sheathed at his hip and bow hung at his back. A set of what seems to be a hundred arrows rests within the quiver behind. "I hunt for a living if the bow wasn't clear enough. At first animals, but now many others for I owe the Society a debt." He nods acknowledgment towards the others at end.
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With no more questions to be answered, Venture-Captain Brackett wishes you good luck and you head to the boat waiting to take you to Sauerton.
Your voyage up the Andoshen River is swift, and you have good weather until the last hour, when a light rain begins to fall. Most of Sauerton appears well maintained, and although the seasonal workers who arrived a few months earlier to help pick the grapes have since departed, several presses are still set up in the town square — the residents await the return of fairer weather so they can resume their wine production.
As you navigate Sauerton, a halfling wearing light armor and a rain-spattered helmet hails you. "Welcome to Sauerton, I'm Captain Merton Demrik of the nation of Andoran. May I ask your business in the city?"
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"I can take you to his manor, if you like. It would be nice to get inside and out of the weather. Apart from Mayor Andares' missing daughter, there's everything alright. It's odd that he does not want any official investigation in this case, but that's not my decision." Captain Demrik answers. "Now follow me."
The Andares's manor is not difficult to find and Demrik cheerfully points out different features of the town while he guides you to the building. Being one of several dozen stately homes still standing in the town as functional reminders of a past age’s nobility. The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars.
The architecture is old Chelish but that the many columns are a recent, largely ornamental addition.
"Let me ring the door bell for you." Captain Demrik says and moves up to the door to ring the bell. A servant, a hin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held in a tight bun, answers the door. She politely but firmly insists that the master of the house is not to be disturbed.
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"Why of course." Chugat politely smiles back to the servant. Before going, he slightly jerks his body and waves his leather hat in a general direction to shake off the water that still clings to him. "What a grand palace the master dwells in!" He places back his hat and steps in. "Concern's me a little," mumbling to himself and his party.
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The servant thinks for a moment and finally decides to let you in. She leads you to the drawing room. "Please sit down, I'll tell master Andares that you are waiting."
Captin Demrik comes with you.
The servant tries to start a conversation. "You are here to help him finding his daughter? I think I know what happened. I'm sure a Chelish spy stole her away and has hidden her body in one of the wine casks. What do you think? Do you have any idea where Thalia could be?"
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"Oh, I'm Dorabeth. House servant of the family Andares. I heard rumors about strangers who appeared in town shortly before Thalia disappeared. A friend from our Wednesday coffee party group thinks that a bunch of elves took her to sacrifice the poor girl to their forest god."
Ironshanks thinks that the woman has no idea about what happened and makes up her own ideas from the rumors.
When Dolgarth mentions sources of information, Demrik asks "How do you know that? Did you find something about Thalia? How do you know she's alive? Have you heard from the kidnappers?" and after thinking for a moment he adds "I'm glad his rivals in the People’s Council stopped criticizing his failure to keep the countryside and town’s perimeter safe from wildlife dangers coming out from the Verduran Forest. At least noobody is willing to criticise a man whose daughter is missing."
And, laughing, Demrik observes that, "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."
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"The Andares once were a powerful, noble family. They had to rivals: the Sauer family and another one, I forgot the name. Somehow, when the revolutionaries arrived in the region, the two other families went into exile and the Andares stayed and survived. They lost their noble status, but live as ordinary citizens in Sauerton since then. This is how they became wine producers. Since then, the Andares family has gobbled up its local competition and obtained not only its ancestral holdings but also those of its former rivals. In the past four decades, thanks to their political training, economic power, and subtle alliances with other wealthy families, scions of the Andares family have dominated the mayoral elections and maintained an unofficial degree of nobility in the republic of Andoran. Somehow they always manage to stay on top, rivals sometimes step back shortly before election time. Sometimes they just move to another city, one guy got cought smuggling and trading rare artifacts from Osirion. Lucky guys. I think it's not a guardian angel, it's just that the other candidates are bad guys." Demrik answers.
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Ironshanks nods in thanks as Dorabeth introduces herself, then he sits quietly as the questions are rattled off from the others. Good crew here, kinda chatty, but better they than me. Seems like this family has this town by the short n curlies.
After a few minutes of back and forth with the others, Ironshanks finally throws in a question of his own, but its for the Halfling. "So what's this about wildlife attacking people in town? Isn't that your job Demrik? Or's that somethin' that falls in another lap?" He asks with more than a hint of accusation.
"You'd think some local hunters and trappers would deal with animals from the woods eh? Just put a bounty on 'em and problem solved!" He says with conviction.
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Dolgarth confines a scowl to his mind, having heard tales of Andoran, a bastion of liberty and equality. This is exactly what I hadn't wished to see here. But the family doesn't seem to be working towards corruption, as far as I can tell. Perhaps we'll see.
Aloud he says, "Thank you, such a wealth of information will no doubt prove useful. But we need all the time that can be spared, surely the Mayor can be bothered for a short while?"
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"Our duty? Yes, maybe, no. I mean. We have a lot of stuff to handle in this town." Demrik answers to Ironshank's hint.
Dorabeth mentions that the mayor's meeting Sander Bryton to talk about business.
Just in the moment when you finished questioning Demrik and Dorabeth the door to the next room opens. A tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair — opens the drawing room door for another man, 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 upon noticing you, greets the captain of the guard, and with a hint of quickly suppressed exasperation asks you to introduce yourselves.