You have all been recalled from wherever you have managed to land since last together, and asked to make your way to Magnimar, the City of Monuments. Nella's hometown.
It will take a while to get there for most.
It has been quite some time since you left the frozen north of Avistan, sailing southwards aboard the Grinning Pixie. Hopes had been high, and emotions running hot, as you finally managed to escape the cold, finally en route back to Absalom.
But, as is the fate of most Pathfinders, and despite your best intentions, what happened next was not entirely under your control.
Nella and Jones never made it past Magnimar, both tasked to stay in the area, working out of the Lodge there under Sheila Heidmarch. Only Masym, Malusha, Phoebee, and Wei Tchak made it all the way back to Absalom where it all started... and Malusha almost immediately got reassigned to the Lodge in Sothis... finally able to return to the country of his birth... but alone. Not long thereafter, Phoebee was sent north, leaving only Masym and Wei Tchak operating out of the Grand Lodge.
Until the day you all received new orders, sending everyone that was not already there, back to Magnimar on special assignment, not aware that the others have received similar instruction.
You all arrive by different routes and at different times, though eventually, all six of you are reunited once more, in the guest houses at Heidmarch Manor. How much time and distance has affected things... only time will tell!
You are unsure on the specifics of that need.
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Curious as to why she was called to the Grand Lodge, maybe they wanted her to write a song about something, since she was the best song writer and singer that she knew, Phoebee entered the Lodge and looked around.
How dull, no one is here she said out loud as she went to find a couch to sit at and begin to pluck at her mandolin, trying to make sure it was in tune.
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"Hello pretty Phoebee!" Tchak says has he strikes in... Your fingers are as nimble as ever, and you pluck out a merry tune still." He settles himself into a chair, relaxing.. "Yep, it's me... Falataima! Back from the frigid north again. Just got done helping a Kellid tribe reclaim it's ancestral heritage. Was headed back toward Absalom when I got a summons to come here instead. Does Mistress Heidmarch have another task for us, do you think? or is this just a reunion?"
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Nella had impatiently waited most of the morning, pacing about Heidmarch Manor and occasionally peeking outside to see if anyone was approaching up the walkway. Finally, just as she's about to go up to her room and fiddle with her equipment for the 10th time that day, she hears the front door to the small guest lodge open and shut in quick succession - and then familiar voices.
They're here, they're here!
Unable to contain her excitement, she races out into the foyer. "You're here! It's so good to see everyone again!" she squeals as she practically tackles Phoebee, Tchak, and Masym each in turn, hugging them tightly.
"I've missed you all! What have you been up to since we had to part ways?"
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"Not too much, Nella... yes a drink would be great, Jones!... I traveled to Mendev and helped with defense of the wardstones... well kinda sorta helped... in a roundabout sort of way... not directly. Helped a fellow there who'd seen and experienced far too much and wasn't handling it well, too. Then it was back to Varisia in the mountains though, answer the call of the Shoanti Axe Clan. They found an ancient ruin in their territory and wanted the Society to follow the priest who went in and rescue him. That's how I got this." he holds up one arm, which is half covered in chestnut brown fur instead of feathers. "... and as is typical for Varisia, there were lots of goblins to deal with one way or another. I must say it's really good to be back here among friends and ready to defy death with you all one more time!"
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Looking up from her playing, she smiles and stands up and hugs the bird man and Nella. Feeling someone grab her from behind she looks and it is Masym with tears in her eyes, tears of joy and happiness, she returns the kiss and moves herself into a better part of the embrace. The kiss goes on to the point of awkardness and then after a moment of composure she talks about how she killed a gravewight, which was exciting, about as exciting as killing the white dragon.
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Masym spends his time embracing Phoebee and reluctantly pulls away. Seeing the others brings a smile to his lips and he warmly returns Nella's hug. "It is also good to see you Nella."
He gladly accepts the drink proffered by Jones and answers the priestess' query, "I have not done much, to be honest. Apparently the masters of the Grand Lodge deemed it necesary to keep me on a short leash. This be my first assignment since we last parted."
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Nella smiles as she watches Phoebee and Masym embrace...and then her smile widens to a grin. "Hey, do we need to rent you two a room or something?" she teases. Whatever her feelings had been for Masym when they'd all parted ways nearly a year ago, it seems that time and distance has helped her to mend and to move on.
"And sure, I'll take a drink," she adds to Jones as she plops down in a nearby chair. "Sounds like I'll need it to forget my shame at having done a whole lot of nothing this past year compared to the rest of you!"
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Malusha pauses just outside the manor. The voices inside carry through the door. Tchak's distinctive voice, Jones' low growl, Masym's strong voice, and even Phoebee's little half-elf lilting voice. His heart races when he hears the smooth, melodious voice of Nella. She is here, he says to himself. Will she remember me? Will it be the same? What if she's changed? What if I've changed? A thousand questions fill his mind almost convincing him to leave. But the hope of seeing her pushes him on. With a tentative pull he opens the door and slips into the main room.
He hoped to slip in quietly and make a slow and non-intrusive appearance but the door slips out of his hand as he walks in. It slams shut behind him with a loud bang.
Sheepishly he waves and starts to look at everyone. "Hello everyone. I'm so happy to see all of ..." His eyes finally come to Nella. His eyes lock onto her green eyes. "... Nella."
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Nella jumps a little as the door suddenly bangs shut behind them. She turns around and her eyes instantly light up at the sight of Malusha. "There you are! I was starting to worry that something had happened," she gushes as she hustles forward and gives him a hug. She lingers just a touch longer than she had with the others before releasing him and stepping back.
"It's...good to see you again. I missed you," she smiles.
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As the door slams behind Malusha Jones looks up and poors another tankard of ale, "Ha Ha, Malusha! Still light on your feet as always!" He looks around the room a huge grin peering through his unkempt beard, "It's good to see some friendly faces again. I've traveled with some interesting folk since we've parted ways, but none as special as this group here." He starts to raise his tankard, then realizing it's empty, he refills and raises it, "To reunions, and warmer climate."
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Masym gladly accepts the proffered mug, nearly dropping it as Phoebee demonstrates her...affection for him. He decides to forestall any further displays, leaning forward to whisper in her ear, "Later.
Settling in upon the table he notes the arrival of Malusha with a smile, "Aye be good ta see you again Malusha. Yes a warmer climate is good, yet bein' stuck in Absalom is not what I had in mind. Still I hope this assignment doesn't lead to Azlant!" He jokes, albeit somewhat nervously.
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Malusha gladly accepts Nella into his arms. He pulls her in tightly, absorbing her embrace like water onto dry sand. Reluctantly he lets go as she steps back.
"I've missed you too. Terribly." Then he notices, again, the others in the room. He smiles and walks towards the table where the others are sitting. As he walks past Nella he reaches for her hand.
"Hello everyone." He waves down the barkeep and mimes holding a mug. "How has everyone been?"
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Nella seems a little surprised as Malusha reaches for her hand, but after a moment's hesitation she slips her hand inside of his and moves to join him at the table.
"Well, it uh...it's been...it's been okay," she responds, trying not to let his warm grip distract her from the conversation and only achieving partial success. "They've pretty much kept me here since we all got split up," she sighs. "Jones too sometimes, so at least there's been a familiar face from time to time."
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As you all get reacquainted, sharing a few stories of what you've been up to... or not been up to, as the case may be... you hear the sounds of hurried footsteps approaching.
Shortly thereafter, a tall, dark-haired regal-looking middle aged woman sweeps into the room like she owns the place... which you soon find out, she actually does. She is followed by a couple of servants, both of whom bear large silver trays, one with what appears to be coffee, the other holding various pastries and fruits.
She nods towards Nella and Jones, then observes the rest of you for a moment.
"So these are your companions from the Irrisen mission?" She says thoughtfully, as she sits down, and pauses while she prepares herself a cup of coffee.
Most of you recognize her of course, Sheila Heidmarch, one of the two Venture-Captains of Heidmarch manor, along with her husband Canayven. Neither had been present when you stopped in on the way through last time, so for some, this is your first meeting.
"Ragna has spoken highly of all of you." She continues "Nella of course, may have mentioned you on occasion too." She smiles slightly
She gives Jones and his tankard of ale an odd look. "Mr. Jones... it's not even noon." She shakes head with feigned exasperation, and you get the impression it is not the first time she's made that particular statement to him.
"Please, help yourselves." She continues, indicating the two trays. "And we can get down to why you've all been called in from far reaches of Avistan."
She sits back, sipping her coffee.
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Tchak eagerly gets a mug of coffee and sweet pastries to go with it.. "Mmm... very tasty.... and a great pick-me-up... sugar and caffeine... nice combination. thank you." He sits to listen to the mission briefing, careful to pull the sleeve of his white dragon skin jacket down to cover the fur on one arm.
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"As you have proven, from you work in Irrisen." Sheila continues. "You have knack for infiltrating places that might be a little hostile to the Society. Which is why I've decided to try to reassemble you all here now. After traveling the streets of Whitethrone, I'm sure the wretched hive of scum and villainy that is Riddleport will be a walk in the park."
She nods as she watches your reactions. "For that is where we are sending you next."
She takes a moment, one hand poised over the tray of pastries, as if making a very important decision, before plucking one off of with an elegant motion.
"As I’m sure some of you are aware," She continues, "Much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was, is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate" She seems to emphasis the later attraction. "The very Thassilonian monument of course, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the it as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire."
Again the faint smile. "Now, we are not looking for you to discover the secrets of the Cyphergate. No, that honor has been the task of the Order of the Cyphers. They have been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid the head of that organization, Elias Tammerhawk, and the rest of 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."
She frowns, as she dabs a bit of chocolate off her lip with a emboidered napkin. "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," She adds with some concern, "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... and all the attacks have taken 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." Her tone turns quite serious. "These 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. The town is very far from it to begin with."
She puts down her biscuit, and concentrates on her coffee once more. "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."
Sheilla watches you all for a moment, thoughtful once more. "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." She says, before reitterating, "That is the main reason I asked to use this team once more. Try to avoid pulling any of the crime lords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible, and turning other crime lords on him would strain any tenuous good-will we might otherwise acrue. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan."
With that, she picks up her biscuit again, taking dainty bites as she waits any inevitable questions.
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"I never thought I'd be saying this, but I think you're right - this does sound easier than getting into Whitethrone," Nella responds after taking a moment to digest everything the Venture-Captain has shared with them. "Still doesn't sound like it'll be a walk in the park though. Is there any information about Alejia herself or how she carries out these ship attacks?"
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Masym raises his eyebrows at Phoebee's request while he drawls, "Yeahhh, this sounds easier than getting into Whitethrone but still a dangerous path. Also would like to know more of these stolen goods. If she is solely interested in profit then why is she so bloodthirsty about it? Slaughtering these crews would dry up the supply of plunder available for her. Can you tell us more of her? May give us a clue as to what motivates her."
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Jones takes one of the snacks and takes another drink of his ale and smiles at Sheila Heidmarch, "It's after noon in Minkai."
He listens to the briefing and shakes his head absent-mindedly. "Yep, subtle is my middle name. Do we have any contacts in the Warf District or are we just supposed to go up to the first dock worker we see and ask for Alejia? Anything that distinguishes Alejia's crew from everyone else?"
"What little information we have indicates Alejia is little more then a lowly pirate." Sheila responds, shrugging slightly. "Apparently possessing more enemies then friends in Riddleport at the moment, which in and of itself is a wonder. She has apparently backstabbed more then a few business partners to get where she is. There are many in the city who would love to see her dead."
She smiles ironically. "Learning of her latest treachery will probably be far easier then such things normally are. So don't be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates."
"As for the attacks, any stolen goods are incidental, I think... " Sheila frowns slightly. "She's been scuttling all of the ships, and leaving no survivors, so we have no information at all about the reasons. I suspect this is more about a direct attack on Elias, then any goods the ships might carry, or the scholars themselves. He was somewhat cryptic when last we spoke, about why someone would be trying to hinder the Speaker of the Order of Cyphers to such a degree. But I doubt the crew of the Topaz Titan has any idea of the threat Alejia poses, they would not have been able to receive word. So protecting our own asset is critical."
"Elias is a powerful figurehead in Riddleport." She adds, at Masym's question. "Though he is the head of the Cypermages, he is also one of the many crime bosses in the city. He apparently has some sort of deep-rooted rivalry with Overlord Cromarcky himself, so the local peacekeepers, the Riddleport Gendarmes, are hesitant to do anything for fear of punishment from the Overlord. You will have to investigate things yourselves."
She shrugs again. "Politics in that town is complicated. Elias himself is trying to keep the investigation as discreet as possible. Which gives us even more leverage to try to make an ally of him. So do try to get on his good side by helping without drawing too much attention."
She merely glances at Phoebee, when the half-elf asks about oysters, shaking her head slightly and frowning.
"Yes, that would be optimal." Sheila responds with a cheerful laugh.
"Luckily, though the town is home to nefarious entities of all sorts, it still maintains a strong trade relationship with Magnimar." She says, as servants appear once more, with no apparent signal, and start to clear away the trays and cups. "I have arranged for passage on a Taldan cargo vessel called the Opparan Opal. It should be leaving within the hour, so you might need to hurry to the docks."
She nods towards Nella. "Ms. Tabor will know the way."
"It should only be a couple of days to Riddleport, and a couple more after that before the Titan is due to arrive."
"Good luck."
She gets up quickly, gives you a respectful nod, then departs through the same door she entered.
Although you don't have a great deal of time after your briefing, you manage to reach the Magnimar docks, and board the Opparan Opal before it casts off. The captain seems to be expecting you, and no one asks too many questions.
The voyage across the Varisian Gulf to Riddleport is entirely uneventful, even the weather cooperating, to create a rather pleasant, if not entirely comfortable trip, the ship designed more for cargo then passengers.
So it is, two days later, a shout goes up, and off in the distance you see a massive arch, well over three hundred and fifty feet high. The Cyphergate itself, that straddles the entrance to the city of Riddleport at the mouth of the Velashu River.
Once you see it, its not hard to guess how a city consisting largely of pirates and scoundrels has managed to prosper here on the coast of Varisia. On both sides of the city, huge bluffs rise up almost as high as the Cyphergate, bracketing the river and the city on both sides, giving very little access to the port outside of the ocean itself and inhospitable swampland further inland.
As the Opal sails under the large span of the Cyphergate, you see that its entire surface is covered in runes and appears a perfect arc, perhaps the upper half of a circle that continues beneath the surface. Just a few of the many mysteries that have scholars of all sorts flocking to the town to study it.
Your goal, to make sure, in two days, Hirako Gurukaza survives to be one of them!
A few pointed questions will indicate a few run-down inns just off the docks where the Opparan Opal tied up. Though the grimed over windows and peeling paint seem to indicate all the ones you see in the Wharf district are well passed their heydays... if they ever had them.
Malusha has heard that the it is also possible to stay at the Cypher Lodge, in the Windward District overlooking the harbor... though the price is likely to be quite steep for non-scholars.
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"Well, if we stay down here in the Wharf District we'll be close to the action we're looking for...but I'm not sure how much I like the idea of maybe needing to keep a dagger under my pillow at night," Nella frowns. "On the other hand, it could be pretty steep to stay at the Cypher Lodge. What do you guys think?"