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The occasional unexplained disappearance is common enough in Ustalav, yet a rash of unexplained abductions has led to fearful speculation on the verge of panic in the streets. Hoping to improve the Pathfinder Society’s reputation in Ustalav, Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff has offered her lodge’s services in putting an end to this crime wave. But in a city where countless terrors haunt its underworld and institutions, can the PCs unveil the true culprit without unleashing an even darker fate on Karcau?
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Before you is a halfling bedecked in mithral breastplate and with eyes that glow dimly with a hint of redness. He wears has 5 rings, 2 on the left hand and and 3 on the right. He wears spectacles and carries numerous wands and scrolls. He carries a buckler in one hand and a cestus in the other when he is ready for battle. He wears a blue robe underneath his armor.
In an excited voice, "Hi! I'm Queth! It's nice to meet you guys!"
His voice mellows some. "First thing you should know about me is I have a... slight disability. You see, I've never been able to see very far. I can see super well close up - better than most halflings - but if things are too far away I have no idea what's going on. Because of this, I've never seen the sky or the mountains. I've only seen vague swathes of coloration in the distance. Anyway, that's why I have the red tint to my eyes.
He perks up a bit again. "I'm here to keep you all safe with my protective spells. Well, the best I can anyway."
The halfling finishes with a curious look and a smile. "I'm curious about who you all are."
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"Me Rognak!" said the half-orc with a grin. "We are always looking for prospective members for the Dark Archive so if you would like, I can keep my eyes open and see if we can use your talents."
Rognak wears no armor, carrys a dagger in his boot and a masterwork cold iron long sword at his side. A wayfinder is next to two belt pouches and he has a bandolier packed with various alchemical items.
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A dark haired man with striking eyes enters the chamber wearing a long travelling cloak. He takes in a breath before looking about the room at the gathered agents. The man of obvious Chelaxian descent lets out an exaggerated sigh.
"So this is Ustalav. Shockingly more drab than I imagined. Oh well, guess I will try to persevere as I always do, though I am certain there will be no decent wine here." He looks about, suddenly realizing he is once again talking to himself out loud and offers the group a wide cheering grin. "My but where are my manners? Greetings all, Heccan Abraxi, the one and only, at your service. Anyone up for drinks?"
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Wordlessly, Herodotus opens the cap on a flagon of Irriseni mead and draws two delicate earthenware cups from a ball of cloths they were wrapped in inside of his worn travel bag.
"It isn't wine Master Abraxi, but it's taste is pleasing I suppose. The creature I purchased it from assured me that there was none like it in the lands of the south. Regardless of the drink's exact quality, it is remarkable to be meeting you again."
The humanoid who speaks has his long dark hair in a tight ponytail, neatly groomed behind his knife-blade ears. Looking very much ill at ease in gleaming armor, one might wonder why, until a voice pops up.
"Oh yeah, I remember that guy. He was us when the grand lodge got attacked. Again. Don't recognize anyone else here. Hey everyone, I'm Gamin the helpful sword! And this bag of stuffy..."
"Shut it Gamin. I am Herodotus Vanatir Krezla."
"Well fine; hells, you've become a mouthy a#+!**&. Gods damn you Vinnie" mutters the voice grumpily.
"And your condition saddens me good Queth" he continues unperturbed. "In all of my travels, both for the society and before , the sky is both a source of eternal wonder yet a constant companion. I do not give homage to Shelyn as I do the Inheritor, but I do share her appreciation for things of beauty."
He stops, ponders his next words carefully before continuing. "If your sight is impaired, I would request you stay close by; my allies no longer hinder me from getting my arrows into the unclean and the unholy but I have never had to consider having a Pathfinder who cannot see my arrows when I fired them."
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"I have traveled with many of the Dark Archives. Useful lot, but you guys have one scary vault!"
"I'd love a drink! Wine or not, no matter, as long as it's good. I've been to Ustalav a couple times. Went to a haunted house, in fact. And when I say haunted, I mean haunted. It was an interesting introduction to Ustalav, I assure you."
"An archer, huh? I'm a little jealous of your vision now, but I'll never mind working alongside those who venerate Iomedae."
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Queth reaches into his pocket and pulls out 5 platinum rings. "Here, each of you take one and put it on. It is a focus component for my spell where I can take some of your damage. I typically use this spell in combat when someone is in a rough spot. Last time, I used it when a zealous hand-to-hand paladin got flanked by four powerful enemies at once. It saved his life when he hit twice by warhammers, and then a third time squarely in the head. It hurt me as much as it hurt him. I'll want these back after we have finished our quest together." You notice that Queth is wearing 5 platinum rings, each of which forms a matching pair with one of the rings he is handing out. He keeps a mental track of which ring he hands out to each person. You find each one has a simple design of an animal (lion, bear, snake, wolf, boar).
He reaches into another pocket and pulls out a bottle of oil. "I also have this oil, which shines like Daylight. I got this from the Grand Lodge for a previous adventure... right before I found a Wand of Daylight in that same mission. Useful to have someone else carry it as I now carry the wand. Use it when the lights, both magical and mundane, turn out completely." He hands it out to whoever will take it.
He takes a wand off of his belt. "I have this wand which I have no skill using, but thought it would be useful to carry along with me. It is a Wand of Improved Invisibility. It only has 8 charges left, so use it sparingly. I just found that wand last adventure! Doesn't appear we have any of those backstabbing types, do we though?" He hands the wand to someone who can use it.
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While Rognak listened to the introductions from the others, a flaming scroll appeared before him. Taking it, he started to read the message before shaking his head.
"I regret to inform you that an emergency has cropped up and I have been summoned to assist with the matter. Good luck to you in your endeavors. he said before teleporting away from the office
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A knock is heard at the entrance before another being entered to join the group.
An average sized Aasimar entered wearing full plate and shield. Around his neck is the holy symbol of Sarenrae. At his side, a masterwork scimitar rests along with a pouch and his free hand wears a spiked gauntlet.
"Good day everyone. I am Brother Theo, I have been sent to assist in this matter. he said. "I serve the temple by hunting down undead in whatever form they might appear." he added with a flashing smile
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"I never turn down good wine among friends."
Takes the wand of Greater Invisibility.
"I can use it at your behest, Just say the word."
looks around.
"Greetings Herodotus, Brother Theo, and of course Gamin."
"If I may ask, Who or what is Gamin? Which reminds me. Brother Theo this flying creature is my friend Padrig."
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"What is Gamin? Why only the BEST SWORD to have ever been forged!!!! Not only that but REFORGED into an EVEN BETTER SWORD!"
Herodotus narrows his eyes and lets a tired sigh escape his lips. "Gamin" he explains to Balthazar and Padrig "was once the sword of agent Kalkamedes. It is a sentient sword with a desire to be helpful, but can be unhelpfully blunt. Agent Kalkamedes gifted it to the Society and a number of copies were made, one of which I acquired in the event I must engage in hand-to-hand combat or that I must provide aid to someone."
"Copies. Pff, you can't copy AWESOME. I am unique among my fellow sentient sword. A prime specimen of Bad-Ass."
Herodotus unsheathes the blade, a masterfully worked weapon of mithril and gold with a well-worn wooden handle of rare wood and fine leather.
"I do believe the method used by the Society to copy Gamin has given them all slightly different personalities. Nonetheless, it is an honor to bear this blade. In fact, he may have opened my eyes" he concludes soberly, letting the others handle Gamin at their leisure before sheathing him back.
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"Pleased to meet you Padrig." Brother Theo said to the flying snakelike creature. "Anything I should be aware of if I need to patch you up?" he asked.
Brother Theo then cocked an eyebrow towards the sword at its behavior. "Am I going to have to wash your mouth out with holy water Gamin? he said "or in your case wash you with it." he added, reaching for a flask of holy water on his chest.
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Kudor nods at the other assembled Pathfinders, adjust his Taldan high fashion and finally introduces himself.
"Greetings fellow Pathfinders. I am Kudor, it is refreshing to see such an accomplished group of Pathfinders. I won't bother you with my lineage and such as this juncture, but you may call my Kudor."
While the platinum ring isn't quite up to Kudor's standards he understands the magic and will wear it.
Kudor eyes the talking sword with some suspicion but doesn't comment on it.
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Pre-empting Gamin's retort, Herodotus chimes in. "I do not believe washing him with anything will abate the powers that compel him to talk Brother Theo. In any case I believe him to be a reminder of the hubris that could take hold of any of us, and a symbol of the behavior one should strive to cast away."
"... reminder of the hubris of eat my ass Herodotus."
Ignoring the sword, the paladin continues. "My point is, while his tongue is astray, his intent is pure. And considering the events that brought him into Pathfinder Kalkamedes' hands, I cannot help but find it in myself to forgive his misguided words."
And with Gamin back in his hands, Herodotus grins mischievously, something rather unexpected for such a dour person, and rather unceremoniously sheathes the sword back. "Aw c'mon Herodotus, don't be like that! You know you've sheathed me backwards! I can't see!"
"And like I said. He has opened my eyes. On many things" he finishes, before composing himself back to a rather more somber expression, with the sword continuing on faintly from inside of it's sheath: "C'mon man... You know I was kidding around! Gods damn it. You guys out there, have a heart for a poor sword! Tell him to put me in right."
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Brother Theo smiled a bit at the sword making noises. "If you want, I can see about silencing him for a while." he said. "It would be easier for you to lay it on the ground so I can cast a spell that will silence it. The sheath will do the job nicely. I might even try for a longer duration since it has such a blasphemous mouth on it." he added reaching for a rod that appeared in easy reach from his backpack.
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Herodotus raises a hand, bowing his head slightly. "My thanks to you brother Theo for offering your service but I am sure Gamin feels properly chastised. I am sure he will be on his best behavior."
And with that said, he changes the way in which the sword is sheathed, eliciting a sigh of relief from Gamin. "Shelyn's little mercies. Yeah, let's not do the whole "make the sword quiet" thing. I'll shut it."
Once the man has moved away, the sword whispers:
Hey Herod? Sometimes you're an ass, but that guy's a dick. Keep me away from him dude. Dirty sword silencer."
"Enough now Gamin. We're all Pathfinders here and your behavior was unbecoming. Don't worry; I won't let another holy man fondle you."
"Ok well... Wayddaminute, did you just make a joke?"
"The mysteries we have inherited are many and infinitely complex Gamin."
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Heccan offers Herodotus a wide grin. "Ah yes, good master Krezla, fine to see again. Hopefully out time together in Ustalav will be less troublesome than Absalom, eh?"
Heccan takes the proffered items and looks about before settling his gaze on the mead, licking his lips tentatively. "By the laws! I do not beleive my forturns have fallen so low. I think I will hold out for wine...if just a bit longer."
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You enter to find the lobby of the Cloisoi Theater is the epitome of aristocratic refinement. Marble statues of noteworthy Ustalavic nobles are on display throughout the room, and the swell of a large orchestra reverberates from the theater beyond. The lobby is empty, save for Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff, who sits in a velvet chair beneath a large portrait of a young singer. The raven-haired adventurer smooths her dark silk gown, and motions invitingly to several nearby settees.
“Thank you for joining me this evening, and welcome to Karcau. As you may know, Pathfinders do not enjoy a kind reputation in Ustalav, and the rather brief command of my cousin Skeldon Miregrold did little to help that before nearly being killed by the dark folk years ago; he murdered, betrayed, and stole from many, and he eventually paid the price for it. I have done what I can since then to convince the locals that we are not murderous, grave-robbing vigilantes."
“Over the past few months, a rash of disappearances has plagued Karcau. At first the victims were shopkeepers and stable boys—tragic, but easily relegated to the guards to investigate. However, last week someone abducted a noblewoman from this very theater.”
Basia Kalistoff gestures to the portrait above her, which features a stunningly beautiful woman with a mass of curly red hair and a mischievous grin.
“Olivina Sharnau is the darling of the Karcau theater scene and the heiress to a substantial fortune. Her disappearance has piqued concern among the city’s nobility, and it won’t be long until fingers begin pointing at the Pathfinder Society. My hope is that by solving this mystery ourselves, we’ll be seen as heroes and not suspects. Any evidence you can gather to strengthen our case can only help.”
A thunderous round of applause explodes from beyond the theater’s doors, and Kalistoff raises her voice to be heard above the din.
“I recently received a request from Countess Sasandra Livgrace, who inquired about our doing exactly that. She is one of the few and finest nobles who truly trusts the Society, so keeping her vote of confidence—and that of any other noble we can manage—during this investigation is critical. Do you have any questions?”
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Kudor nods politely to Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff as he thinks to himself.
Well, it's no Oppara but that Shelley play did come from here, a bit gauche but interesting at least.
Kudor asks "What has been most recently showing here? Any rumors we should be aware of other than the normal tawdry theater gossip."
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Looking first to Queth, Other than Olivina, the most notable of those to disappear is Liand Erumont, a judge on the Palatine Council of Vieland. A shopkeeper, apothecary, named Edmond Mathers; another shopkeeper, Vivian Lutho, a clothier I believe. Two stable hands, Arno and Ludvar, no Lunvar. There may be others as well.
Pausing a moment, You can go to the guard if you like, my guess is you won't get much from them. The countess has deputized you to make inquiries, though this does not equate to a universal search warrant. You also have provisional permission to make an arrest and use lethal force, but keep in mind that you may have to defend such actions later—especially regarding any nobility or other influential figures in the city. The countess is trustworthy, you'll have the chance to meet her soon. She is the unmarried daughter of the elderly Count Birmienon Livgrace, who still lives with her in the Starling House, their estate. She received extensive training in the arts before leading the county. Most consider her a fair and well-intentioned ruler.
As for for Olivina, she's the darling of the stage, city’s most acclaimed virtuoso. She's beloved, and doesn't seem to have any known enemies.
Then looking to Brother Theo, She wasn't with anyone at the time as far as I know. And no know threats. And really sadly, no leads, based on the efficiency with which Olivina Sharnau was snatched, it’s safe to say that the perpetrators are trained infiltrators. I suggest beginning your investigation here to see if you notice anything the city watch missed.
As for the Society's standing in the city. Skeldon Miregrold’s dirty dealings with the dark folk did little to help the Pathfinders’ cause in Ustalav, but the city distrusted the Society long before his time. The nobility see us as petty grave robbers and troublemakers. After all, many of the artifacts in our vaults once belonged to aristocrats like them. I hate being under their thumbs like this, but we need their support. We must convince them we’re trustworthy.
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Addressing Kudor, Tonight's performance is "Disorder" by Jada van Lizario; it's a tragedy about a young Hellknight, who is lead astray by Galtan revolutionaries, despite his noble birthright. It takes itself too seriously in my opinion, but the performances are good. No other rumors I've heard, perhaps the countess will have heard something.
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Kudor knows that "Disorder" is popular with the nobles as the protagonist meets what they consider a fitting end, death at the hands of the same red revolutionaries that lead him astray in the first place. But, at it's heart it is a decidedly anti-aristocratic, but is done in a subtle manner that most nobles miss or choose to ignore. The author Jada van Lizario is a former Chelixian slave and it's thought much of her writing is at least semi-autobiographical.
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"A night at the theater, eh? Perhaps this place is more cultured than I gave credit, though I am certain this...Disorder...is far from a proper Chelish opera. I wonder, was there any commonality among the victims thus far? Anything left at the site of the various abductions? Any physical clues at all?"
When Heccan haas a moment, he will begin the process of trying to find out any local rumor or gossip surrounding the disappearances or the area in general.
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The venture captain nods affirmation, After a performance, she was last seen in her dressing room, several people came and went and reported that she was there when they left and was in good spirits. No one noticed her leave, and when she did not show up for rehearsal the next day, the worst was feared. I don't think this building has been anything but a theater.
Looking to Balazar, Vieland is a small county on the north-western tip of Ustalav, they are not ruled by Ustalav's hereditary nobles, and are instead ruled by a council elected by the county.
As Basia finishes answering Balazar the doors to the theater swing open, and the audience streams out. Scores of the Ustalavic elite bedecked in embroidered silks, bejeweled collars, gold broaches, and colorful sashes emerge, most engaging in lively discussions about the performance. Many frown, turn up their noses, or flick open lacy fans to conceal looks of distaste as they pass by Basia Kalistoff. The venture-captain politely acknowledges terse greetings while much of the crowd disperses, most likely to attend stylish afterparties.
Basia stands announcing, We have another appointment—one better held in private. She then motions for you to follow as she ascends one of the grand staircases, and enters one of the private boxes.
Basia Kalistoff motions toward a regal woman strategically seated where she can watch both her theater box’s entrance and the stage as assistants clean up after the performance.
Allow me to introduce Countess Sasandra Livgrace, ruler of Karcau, the venture-captain announces softly.
The countess rises and offers her hand in friendship. I appreciate your and your associates’ willingness to assist in this matter, Basia. Karcau is no stranger to crime, but what has occurred of late goes beyond what the guards can handle. With the recent disappearance of Olivina Sharnau, the citizens have become especially fearful, and if the perpetrators feel they can get away with one high-profile abduction, they will no doubt attempt more. I doubt there is much time before they strike again.
Olivina disappeared from this theater only a few nights ago. I have requested that the dressing room she used remain undisturbed until you inspect it, and I have also arranged for you to have access to the theater this evening to conduct your investigation.
Countess Livgrace turns to the venture-captain and offers a gentle smile. We have other matters to discuss in the meantime, Basia, so perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce me to those to whom I am entrusting my city’s safety.
Basia Kalistoff inclines her head and responds, They have accomplished so much that I could not do their credentials justice. She then looks to the assembled agents and adds, Please be so kind as to introduce yourselves and your qualifications to the Countess Livgrace.
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"My name is Queth, born and raised in the metropolis of Absalom. It is a pleasure to meet you, mi lady." Queth bows.
"There are two missions I wish to enlighten you of that are directly relevant to this case."
"The first mission took place in Ustalav at the town of Ravengro. The prison of Harrowstone there was haunted and causing havoc and chaos in the town. We went into that place and got rid of all the scariness and spookiness within, hence saving the town from that trouble."
"The second mission of which took place in Andoran where I helped directly solving a kidnapping of the daughter to one of the consul of Andoran. We solved that case quickly and efficiently, and got everyone home safe."
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Kudor, being much more familiar with Taldan nobility severely messes up the proper local terms and goes on too long about himself.
"Yes Countessa, I am Kudor IV. 3rd cousin to Exarch Pheldrein, who draws his noble linneage from the Second Great Emperor of Taldor, may his eternal spirit rest in peace."
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"Good Day Countess, I am Brother Theo, servant of the Dawnflower." he said taking taking her hand in greeting. "Let us hope this situation will be resolved quickly and with as little disruption to your fair land so that those that are missing are back at their respective professions safely and the culprit or culprits face judgement for their crimes. he said.
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Heccan quirks a brow and a sly smirk forms on hsi face as he turns hsi attention to Kudor. He lets out a small laugh "Perhaps you are right, but while a few mentions of my homeland may catch my interest, I am quite confident they will fail to satisfy by desire for a good Chellish opera."
Heccan lets forth a beaming charming grin as he is introduced to Countess Livgrace. The sly sorcerer bows deeply and speaks in a reverent tone. [/b]"My dear Countess, tis' my honor. I am Heccan Abraxi, most formerly of the House Abraxi of Egorian."[/b] He pulls up straight and fixes the countess with an intense but playful look and smiles brighter. "Please, I know you must be very distressed but be assured that we, in particular myself, are quite capable and we shall uncover this mystery. You would do me a great honor if you would allow me to also exact proper vengeance on behalf of you and your house once we find these transgressors."
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Herodotus waits for the others to finish their introductions before intoning gravely: "It is my honor as well my lady. I am Herodotus Vanatir Krezla, a humble servant of the Inheritor. While I find it unbecoming to brag of my past accomplishments I am honored to accede to your request. I too was involved in the retrieval of the kidnapped daughter of an Andoran Councilor and it is my pleasure to state that I did not falter when the time came to do what was just and right. Earlier in my time as a Pathfinder agent I was also successful in protecting Pathfinder Kalkamedes who himself was the victim of a curse. But beyond these paltry efforts I can proudly state that I was involved in the rescue of our Society's once-Master of Spells Aram Zey."
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Even though the counts are subservient to Ustalav’s prince, he relies on them, their people, and their wealth to enforce his mandates. As a result, the counts hold considerable sway in the capitol of Caliphas, and commanding a count’s ear could ultimately influence the decisions of the entire nation.
Karcau is a cultural hub of Ustalav, famous for its opera, theaters, and orchestras. As a result, it also attracts hundreds of aspiring performers who flock to its conservatories and practice in every plaza. Nearby Graidmere Swamp lies just north of the city, and it is the source of countless insects that plague Karcau during the spring and summer. It is common for well-to-do citizens to don veils or masks to ward off these swarms. A series of naturally occurring tunnels riddles the ground beneath Karcau. Some are part of the city’s sewer system, though many more remain unused and largely uncharted. Over the centuries, these tunnels have hosted countless, often short-lived cults. They remain a popular refuge for ransients, criminals, and many of the superstitious rural folk known as “swampers.”
Other than perhaps Kudor, you feel you've done well at making a great first impression with the Countess. After Brother Theo finishes up, the countess speaks.
Excellent, excellent! I'm so glad you are all here. Well no need to hold you up any longer the theater is yours to explore. Good luck Pathfinders.
Basia also nods approval.
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Kudor notes outloud to his companions "While this town is famous for its performing arts and is full of aspiring up and comers, it's littered with tunnels, some for sewage, others for who knows what. Mostly uncharted and home to plenty of vagrants, criminals and the occasional cult. Also the Graidmere swamp nearby seems surprizingly populated and its rural 'swampers' sometimes play 'house' in the tunnels when they need to visit the city and don't feel like paying for lodging."
After Kudor finishes he sighs and makes a side note "I don't think she truly appreciated the importance of my family line in the history of Taldor..."