I am going to chop up the intro into smaller posts so that I don't lose things in case something freezes up.
You arrive in Oppara, the capital Taldan city.
In the middle of the night, the PCs are summoned to
the Grand Lodge. It is abuzz with rumors of something
monumental happening in Oppara. In the formal briefing,
the PCs are informed that transport has been arranged
and the team of agents is being sent to the Oppara Lodge.
A swift boat ride, a quick trip through Taldor’s gilded
capital, and a coded knock at the front door lead to the
unassuming, windowless Pathfinder Society lodge
masquerading as a bait and tackle shop called Rods and
Reels. The strong smell of old fish permeates the dwelling,
which has somewhat of a ill cared-for, haphazard
appearance. The light of a single, whale-oil lantern forms
strange shadows on the floor among the nets and buckets
that fill the lodge’s ground floor.
The middle-aged venture-captain who runs the
lodge—a ruddy-skinned and pockmark-faced man named
Muesello—emerges from the narrow spiral stairs to the
lodge’s second floor and addresses the PCs.
The VC begins:
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Pathfinders. Let
me bring you all up to speed. It seems that I may have gotten
myself, and by extension the Society, into a bit of hot water. You
see, lately the Taldan government has been growing particularly
protective of what it considers its national treasures. Grand
Prince Stavian seems to have taken a personal interest in
anything older than last week’s fish stew, imposing heavy tariffs
on any antiquities being sent out of the country.”
The grey-haired man lets out a deep sigh and his shoulders
slump. “This is where my own idiocy comes in. I thought that
I could save the Society a few pieces of gold by smuggling
items out of the city, using my contacts in a secret cult of local
Sarenites known as the Dawnflower Blossoms. They receive
significant support from people in Qadira, and oversee regular
shipments to and from Katheer.
“Everything went very smoothly until last night. A group of
local guards known as the Porthmos Militia conducted a violent
raid on one of the cult’s safe houses here in the neighborhood
of Westport. A man named Chalfon Dalsine, a minor noble who was himself nearly a Pathfinder in his youth, led the attack. This
gang slaughtered half the members of the cult, even those who
didn’t fight back—it was horrible. A few members were able to
escape, but the rest were either slain or captured and dragged
away for interrogation.
Muesello goes on to explain that while the deaths
were tragic, his primary concern is that he had given the
Sarenites several parcels for transport just last week. The
parcels included a number of notes written in a personal
cypher, but anything involving codes eventually makes
its way to the Lion Blades, the secret spies of the Taldan
government. It’s only a matter of time before they crack
the code or use some divination magic to track him down.
Now that you know a little bit about what is going on here, why don't you introduce yourself to me and tell us about your skill sets.
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A thin elven man adorn with robes stands in the corner, an oversize centipede scurrying about his feet.
With a slight bow, he speaks softly "I too am skilled in the arcane. Name's Manathiel and my friend Sly aids me in my travels. Though my skill set leans towards research, I have been known to dabble in..." The man pauses a moment, a smile slowly growing on his face, he continues. "shall we say...covert affairs. I've managed to acquire some traits that could come in handy, including the ability to teleport through an occasional wall."
Turning to Karolina, he finishes with "Though, I'll certainly leave the public speaking to those more inclined."
The VC nods at the two casters.
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A tall very pale woman in an ankle length black dress enters the room. "I am Karolina a Pathfinder from Ustalov. I use the arcane arts. I also have charm and wit
"She's incredibly modest too." Says Rilia sidling up next to the Dhampir courtesan. "And look at her skin, it's so fair."
Rilia herself is partially dressed in skintight studded leather and translucent silk veils, that seems to frame more more of her golden-hued skin than it conceals. In particular it invites the viewer to look upon her smooth arms, long legs, and flat midriff with her pierced dimple of a navel encircled by a Calistrian tattoo. From beneath a luxurious mane of honey-colored hair her smoldering amber eyes take in the Venture-Captain, weighing his motives, and passion. Is this one who would seek justice of the Unquenchable Fire?
Her wide, full-lipped mouth quirks in a smile.
Turning to Karolina, he finishes with "Though, I'll certainly leave the public speaking to those more inclined."
"I'm sure you will." She winks at her fellow elf noting the direction of his eyes. "Maybe when this is all over." She adds with a teasing smile.
"I am Rilia, sacred hetaira of the Savored Sting, and your servant in this affair." She does a low curtsy before Muesello, showing off her lean frame, and ample elven bosom.
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A large, foul smelling man with a huge axe strapped to his back steps forward.
"Iso Soturi greets you!"
He smiles a broad, friendly, but somewhat intimidating smile.
Looking around he leers at the women present. "Iso has saved many ladies in distress! Iso has even saved valuable documents in distress. To be fair, said documents request has accompanied with request from beautiful Antonella."
He sighs, a happy memory playing across his face.
"Iso will one day Marry Antonella. She is Friend of Iso Soturi. Light of his life!"
Slowly he looks around his companions for the mission, his eyes returning to the alluring form of Rila and Karolina. "Iso is pleased to see these documents too are accompanied by lovely ladies."
He moves forward to embrace members of the team one by one, in formal ritual greeting. Those not quick enough to escape might notice a plethora of wildlife in his clothes and beard that take the opportunity to make an escape from his body.
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Looking around he leers at the women present. "Iso has saved many ladies in distress!"
"Oh, is that what the kids are calling it nowadays." Rilia says wryly.
He moves forward to embrace members of the team one by one, in formal ritual greeting. Those not quick enough to escape might notice a plethora of wildlife in his clothes and beard that take the opportunity to make an escape from his body.
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The sound of metal could be heard when the door was pushed open. Ember glowing eyes took in his companions before he made his way to stand with the rest. His skin was a deep red color and claws marked his hands. When he turned to the rest he gave each of them a nod. "I am Farith Redloss, Inquisitor." Crossing his arms over his chest one could the tapping of claws on metal could be heard when he nails tapped the armor beneath it. "I will ensure that the those who caused harm will be brought to justice..."
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Iso nods firmly and seriously to Rila.
"Children from all over known world know Iso as savior of ladies in distress."
His nose twitches, perhaps a site not seen before.
"Ugh, what is disgusting smell that assaults Iso? Beware! Iso has heard of zombies and their disgusting smell. Iso suspects undead in the area."
He looks around with caution, but not alarm.
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"Iso takes blades from bad people frequently. Iso is not sure if Manathiel looks like he is capable of taking blade off bad man. If Manthiel wants help, Iso is fine instructor in battle. Iso recommends roaring loudly at start to draw best warriors to cross steel."
Then realizing he may have misunderstood, Iso adds.
"If Manathiel needs blade, Iso can lend one. Iso recommends axe over sword. More reliable. Good for hewing trees as well as men and demons."
The Venture Captain nods to those who are here and a less worried look apprears on his face, he begins to say something when a loud knock on the shop’s front door interrupts the venture-
captain mid-sentence. A strong voice calls out from the other
side, “Open this door! This is the Porthmos Militia. Open this
door in the name of the Grand Prince!”
The VC calls to the guards outside
the door that he must find the key, motioning for the PCs
to remain quiet. As he loudly fumbles around the shop to
make it sound as though he’s searching for something, he
whispers to the gathered Pathfinders. “Ten of the escaped
Dawnflower Blossoms members are hidden here in the
lodge. I was able to rescue them after the raid. They’re
all upstairs—five in my bedroom and another five in my
supply room.”
He knocks over three hay bales along the
room’s east wall, revealing a trap door beneath.
He flings it open to reveal a ladder descending into darkness.
“You’ve got to get those people out of here,” he pleads,
gesturing frantically at the hatch. “In my basement there
is a staircase leading down to the ancient catacombs under
the city. At the bottom of that staircase, there is a large
lever on the right, just a few feet down the connecting
corridor. Once everyone is clear of the staircase, pull it
down and it will collapse behind you. That should keep
anyone from following you. Once you’re in the catacombs,
just ask the cult members for directions; they should
know their way around. Ask them to take you to the Vault
of Sarenrae—it’s their last hiding place. Oh, and track
down this Chalfon Dalsine, and see if you can find my
parcels: two beautiful sets of armor crafted by the fey of
the Verduran Forest. Last I heard, the Porthmos Militia
had taken them back to Dalsine’s home.”
The pounding on the door increases in volume and an annoyed
voice calls out again. “We don’t want to break the door down,
old man. Hurry up!”
“Yes, yes, I heard you. Hold on, I’ve got to find a candle.”
Muesello turns back and whispers once more, “I’ll hold them
off as best I can. Please get the cult members out of here,
or they’re all as good as dead, and please don’t try to kill the
guards! This is a large group of serious guards who obviously
mean business. Any lethal attacks or, gods forefend, a death
could spell doom for the Society! These are city guards acting
on the authority of the Grand Prince himself!”
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"You brought them here?!" exclaims the elf in a hushed whisper. "Would you guys grab the cultists quickly? I'll see what we're up against here and join you shortly. If it's needed, I can help slow them down."
Without another word, the man hurries to the door and places both hands, palm out on the surface. Closing his eyes, he mumbles "Reveal".
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The Venture Captain nods to those who are here and a less worried look apprears on his face, he begins to say something when a loud knock on the shop’s front door interrupts the venture-
captain mid-sentence. A strong voice calls out from the other
side, “Open this door! This is the Porthmos Militia. Open this
door in the name of the Grand Prince!”
"He's not that grand." Rilia says candidly.
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He was about to speak up when the door was nearly knocked down by the eager guards. A shake of his head and a hiss slipped through his lips. "I will take the ones up stairs..." And with that the Tiefling moved upwards to gather the people there. "quick, let's go, no time to waste, we need to move" there was a sense of urgency in his voice...
The Venture Captain nods to those who are here and a less worried look apprears on his face, he begins to say something when a loud knock on the shop’s front door interrupts the venture-
captain mid-sentence. A strong voice calls out from the other
side, “Open this door! This is the Porthmos Militia. Open this
door in the name of the Grand Prince!”"He's not that grand." Rilia says candidly.
The pounding on the door increases in volume and an annoyed
voice calls out again. “We don’t want to break the door down,
old man. Hurry up!”
“Yes, yes, I heard you. Hold on, I’ve got to find a candle.”
Muesello turns back and whispers once more, “I’ll hold them
off as best I can. Please get the cult members out of here,
or they’re all as good as dead, and please don’t try to kill the
guards! This is a large group of serious guards who obviously
mean business. Any lethal attacks or, gods forefend, a death
could spell doom for the Society! These are city guards acting
on the authority of the Grand Prince himself!”
There are 5 guards, 4 in regular looking uniforms and one with a bit more grand of a uniform.
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Slowly, quietly the elven man removes his hands from the door. Turning to his remaining companions, he announces in a hushed voice, "The man speaks the truth. A number of guards and likely one of rank are outside. We must hurry."
Scurrying across the room, he notes Iso heading down. Turning to the stairs he quickly finds his way heading up. "If need need help, squawk like a tengu, and I'll aid you. You won't see me, but you'll know I'm there....unless we're already gone of course."
Without another word, he disappears into the room at the second floor.
According to the module it will take 12 rounds to get all the cultists down which will be lessened the more people that help encourage them to move faster or might use magic to do this.
It takes a while to get everyone down the stairs in a more or less organized fashion.
As the last person climbs down
the ladder, Muesello casts arcane lock on the trapdoor,
after which he loudly surrenders to the guards.
Following Muesello’s instructions and descending
down the tight spiral staircase takes the PCs and cultists
to a narrow tunnel that connects to the ancient catacombs
below Oppara. Just as the venture-captain promised, there
is a lever a few feet down this hallway. Pulling it triggers
the stairway to collapse with a reverberating rumble, filling
the chamber with dust, but sealing off the way up. The PCs
must leave through the catacombs, and the only ones who
know how to navigate them are the surviving members of
the Dawnflower Blossoms.
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Iso flicks a glowing light into the air so it can circle his head.
"Iso is not scared of the dark, but does not enjoy banging his head." he proclaims.
Axe in hand he leads the group down the tunnel, once a choice of directions is reached he looks to the prettiest of the blossoms and asks
"Iso is hoping that lovely blossom can help guide him."