The continuing story of Pathfinder Adventurers.
From your rooms at the Pathfinder Headquarters in Absalom, you are sent far to the West, to the city of Magnimar. There you arrived with others in the local lodge of the stunning Sheila Heidmarch. The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee. Her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice:
As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”
Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit
before continuing.
Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far. I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy.
In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan. Any questions Pathfinders?
"I'm not ...exactly sure. Trade between Magnimar and Riddleport is strong at present, and there are ships leaving several times a day to traverse the Varisian Gulf for the City of Cyphers. I have arranged passage for you on a Taldan cargo ship called the Opparan Opal that will be leaving within the hour. Hurry to the docks, and you’ll be in Riddleport before you know it. Once there I trust in your abilities to get an accurate estimate.”
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The halfling happily sits forward as the servant sets down the tray of food. He takes a piece of fruit and a delicate pastry. Afterwards he reaches forward for a heavier, not so delicate pastry. He pockets it as a treat for Grip later.
The young druid listens carefully to the Venture Captain. Though he often finds cities interesting, he knows it is not the environment where he excels. Fel and perhaps Azdak seem to be city folk. Also this new fellow Obyrn might prove well usefull in the urban jungle. Sumac vows to watch them closely and see if he can pick up a few tricks.
Not being able to think up any good questions, his mouth is freed up for another snack while he is still sitting here. Besides it would be rude not to eat it. "Waste not, want not" his father used to say.
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"I beg your pardon, Mam, but are you absolutely certain that the attacks are coming from Alejia Netrav? I mean, if we found this pirate, are we expected to dispatch the thug, or simply arrest him and bring him to justice? Is Netrav a wanted criminal anywhere, or do you think he sails with immunity and the full support of Riddleport?"
Our intelligence is pretty good, but I trust you'll make sure when you get to the city...
"When I spoke to Elias, he was very cryptic about why someone would want to hinder his efforts as Speaker of the Order of Cyphers so much, but if I had to take a guess, I’d say this is a direct attack against Elias, rather than the scholars themselves. I doubt that the Topaz Titan’s crew is aware of the threat Alejia poses. As for what to do with the scalywag. I care not, so long as he is NEVER an issue again."
"Elias is a powerful figurehead in Riddleport, but his rivalry with Overlord Cromarcky is well known; few would seek to get involved in their complicated feud. Cromarcky’s direct underlings and the peacekeepers of the town, the Riddleport Gendarmes, know of the troubles the Order of the Cyphers has been facing as of late, but they are hesitant to do anything about it, as they fear punishment for helping Elias. Elias himself wishes to keep this investigation as discreet as possible, and have it dealt with immediately.”
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Speakin' fer meself, I'd much rather deal with this problem with me two feet on the ground. Were I to fall in the drink, I'd be sinkin' like an anvil, and tha's no mistake! Cap'n Heidmarch, do ye have any kind of description on any o' Aljia's lackeys, or of the pirate herself? The faster we can spot 'er, the faster we can deal with 'er...
The Venture captain raises a single eyebrow. The expression speaks volumes, unless you have any other pertinent questions get yourselves to the ship before it heads out
I don't, but as usual I expect the typical inconspicuous brush passes to occur on your way... and she is not wrong:
"While she is a lowly pirate, Alejia possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport, having backstabbed many business partners to get to where she is now. Her sudden disappearance and recent activities have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don’t be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates.”
The venture-captain then produces a portrait of the rather striking pirate...
"As for her crew, they change like the tide my good dwarf.
The trip to Riddleport is quiet and uneventful. The harbor is an amazing array of the ancient mixed with the modern.
you disembark on the western edge of town... now what?
Diplomacy (Gather Information) checks, include the subject for which you are poking around, as there is more than one active thread out there.
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Fel spends some time poking around the waterfront area with Sumac and Gripper as escorts. He is friendly and engaging to those he meets in an earnest and disarmingly likable way without appearing fawning or ingratiating. His charismatic approach has always brought success before, and he has no reason to doubt the tactic now. Fel takes pains to note any odd behavior or suspicious answers he might receive.
FInally, if he has time Fel would like to ask around for information relating to why someone would want to hinder Elias' efforts as Speaker of the Order of Cyphers.
I'm skipping the spoilers tag for this research:
Finding crew, past or present proves difficult. Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Alejia’s recent crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts. This way it's easy to deny being a part of her crew.
Though the dockside Wharf District was once one of the most prosperous parts of Riddleport, in recent years the district has declined into a state of shabbiness, and crime is rampant throughout many of the run-down shops and warehouses. Shady folk have been paying locals in the Wharf District to keep quiet about anything they might see or hear, and some mercenary dockhands have found work hauling oddly-shaped cargo to what was thought to be a derelict building. Recently, some pirates paid dockworkers to look the other way as they led a gagged and blindfolded person from a large crate into a derelict warehouse on the edge of the Wharf District. No one has heard of the Theologian. In fact, most people you talk to have never heard of the WORD theologian.
Yes. The information includes pointing and directions
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I set myself up at an inconspicuous vantage point near the entry to said warehouse, observing any activity thereabouts (Perception: ) and waiting for the others to arrive. I pretend to idle myself by inquiring about mundane wares from nearby commonfolk, but always asking for prices too low for anyone to sell to me.