5-04: The Stolen Heir (CORE) (Inactive)

Game Master Baerlie

”Uncivilized violence is the furthest thing from our minds as well. I apologize if my efforts to be honest about our intentions was taken as rudeness. As a businesswoman I’m sure you have more important things to do than wag tongues with the likes of us so I figured the direct approach was best. Why, ask any of my companions here and they will agree that I am nothing if not a succinct communicator!” Tal pauses for affirmation that is sure to never arrive,

”The Society’s goals are the same as always; solve the mystery and then secure finances and favors from those with more power and money than sense. In the moment, however, these missions always seem to become personal. As such our immediate interests are the health and safety of Ms. Andares.”

Ironshanks nods as the woman doesn't seem to want to start a ruckus. He takes a step back and crosses his arms in front of himself underneath his beard. "Everybody's got a boss and everyone wants a favor for down the line. How 'bout you tell us why that young Lady was nappered and we can get outta yer shop."

Succinct? Agon chuckles as he hears the word. "Any information you can give us will be extremely helpful- it's clear we stepped into a very large conspiracy."

Diplomacy(Aid): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 3

"No harm need come to anyone so long as we all cooperate and tell the truth to each other. And we're prepared to do just that."

Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"That is true, you stepped into something really big here. Believe me, I'm with you. Lady Thalia's safety is the highest priority. This is the reason why she got kidnapped. Follow me." Koriana answers and asks you to follow her into her lab.

"Something to drink?" she asks while she pours juice into a cup.

"You expected financal help from Tercio in exchange for rescuing her daughter, right? Well, I can help you secure Tercio's finances if you leave Thalia with me. If you do so, she has the best chances to live a long life. I'm afraid a direct approach will not be successful." she continues.

Argenta follows the woman into the back room.

Now, hold on a minute. Why don't you start from the beginning and fill us in on what the hell is happening here?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Tal refuses the offer of refreshment. ”Thanks just the same my lady; but without fermentation juice is just, well, juice. As for leaving Ms. Andares with you? I’m afraid I don’t traffic in humans. She can speak for herself and is free to remain with you if that is her choice. Should her choice be to leave I intend to see that she does so without impediment.”

Agon scratches his chin. "Could you explain the entire situation? Why is her life in danger?"

Agon doesn't like the idea of leaving her here, either.

"From the beginning, ok. I assume Thalia deserves to know the truth. I'm sure she already knows what's going on. We are in Andoran. Andoran is known for it's political correctness, every man gets a voice, freedom for everyone. But behind the curtains it's not what it seems." Koriana pauses for a moment to take a sip from the juice. "Her father is involved in corrupt doings. Tercio knows that Thalia is suspicious about some things she found out in the past."

Thalia nods. "Even, if it were to cost me my life, I am willing to pay that price in the name of liberty and justice. I have to tell everybody about the corruption that is going on in Andoran. And if my father is locked up, I can give you financial aid!" the young woman says.

"And you will get killed sooner or later, I'm afraid." Koriana answers. "Supporting Thalia in this case will risk the stability of the entire region. A witch hunt for corrupt politicians that would harm innocent leaders will be the outcome. It's very likely that also scions of the noble families will be on the list. This would direct attention away from the Worldwound instead of toward it. In fact, convicting Tercio could indirectly put the entire world at risk. My plan is to take Thalia away from Andoran. She will not be hurt."

Tallaern knows that the half-elf is telling the truth.

Argenta looks shocked at the revelations. She turns to Thalia, did you arrange your own kidnapping then as some sort of cover for what you were doing?

Agon listens to the women converse. "I see now...My parents were quite... well, I disagreed with who they were and what they were doing. I think we need to help you get somewhere safe. Even this kidnapping will make you a target."

"No, of course not!" Thalia answers, a bit surprised. "But I do have an assumption who is behind all this."

"What will happen if I stay with you?" Thalia asks Koriana.

"Imagine, that news comes of a dashing Qadiran prince rescuing you from the kidnappers as they took you to their employer in Absalom, and you chooses to marry him straightaway and live out your days in his distant homeland surrounded by luxury. Or it turns out that you were taken by slavers to Thuvia, where you were freed by an order of monks that you then decided to join. We did not orchestrate your ultimate destination, so this kidnapping is merely a temporary solution. Although there is no denying you will no longer be a part of the Andares family, I promise that I will do my best to ensure that no harm will come to you wherever you go." Koriana answers.

I know dialogues between NPCs are kind of boring, but you gave Thalia the chance to speak and decide for herself ;)

Argenta scowls as the conversation continues. I have never liked politics, and this seems like the worst kind. Thalia, you need to decide for yourself what you want to do. I am sure we can help you with whatever you choose but, if you go with this woman what would you have us tell your father?

”Thalia...I’m afraid you have an important decision to make. Seems unfair considering the ordeal you’ve already gone through; but then again being born into a powerful family does have its challenges as well as its privileges.” Tal spares a look at Koriana before continuing. ”While I may not know if this woman speaks the truth, I am confident that she believes it to be true. Should you wish to remain here with her we will not prevent it; after all that would make us kidnappers and hypocrites. However should you wish to leave we will ensure your safety.” Tal makes a show of putting his hand on the hilt of his rapier. ”Whatever it takes.”

"Her father did not seem confident we would return her to him, so we will simply hang our heads and announce we failed at the task." Agon grins.

"Now then, something about financing the War at the Worldwound?" Agon shrugs. "Supposedly we also had to get his financial support. This, I'm not too sure about."

Ironshanks thinks about the juice then decides to refuse the offer "Eh, too late in the day fer juice. Not good for the insides after lunch." He says rubbing his stomach a bit.

He stands there with the others, listening to the back and forth, especially when Thalia speaks about what she wants to do. "Guess we wait on yer mind Thalia. But just like Agon said, we got bosses too and finances need be 'ranged for that World Wound business."

Just checking in....

"I think I will stay with Koriana and see where my fate takes me. It sounds cruel, but I hope my father will get what he deserves." Thalia answers.

Koriana nods and compliments your discretion and wisdom as she writes out a letter to Tercio Andares apprising him of recent developments. She then asks Jyrnas to accompany you as you leave for the Andares residence while she and Thalia stay in the shop.

"This letter should be enough to receive aid for the Society." and hands you the letter.

later at the Andares residence
Tercio Andares initially scowls at you prying into his affairs and then profiting as a result, but he resigns himself to supporting the Pathfinder Society as much to build another professional alliance as to secure a peaceful resolution.

Tercio also delivers a passionate speech calling Andoran to send more troops north to Mendev.

The End...

Ironshanks keeps his temper in check during the meeting with Tercio, but is obviously furious once they board the ship to head back to Absalom "Slimy, self servin' coward of a man! Tradin' off his daughter to cover up his sneaky politics!" He gives the side of the ship a good kick with his boot.

"This better be fer the greater good, I don't like it one bit!" He takes a seat and cracks open a growler of ale, muttering something about terrible wine.

Agon nods "As you wish. Remember, you will form your own destiny now." Agon bows and proceeds to leave.

---

Several weeks later, Agon gives a standard clap after hearing his speech. "I can't blame her, you know." He turns to Tal. "Now, Tal. I want to hear more about your drunken adventures. Tell me how you perform like that under stress. I have much to learn."

Dolgarth is similarly disgusted by Tercio's machinations, barely containing his anger as the plan unravels. Still, he grins at the end of it all. "Thalia's safe, Tercio has to change his ways or face comeuppance. That could have gone much worse."

After finishing his tale of the misplaced heiress Tal recognizes a familiar face as he collects his tankard full of coins. ”Agon my good friend! And here I thought I was going to have to drink alone! Come help me spend some of this coin! Say...did I ever tell you about the time I battled giant ape I found in a museum? It was about three years ago...”

"A giant ape, eh? It wasn't Blakros, was it?" Agon grins. "When I got there, shadowy creatures from another realm of existence were kidnapping daughters of Blakros to whisk them away and do who knows what."