Venture-Captain Hestia Themis, a small, unassuming woman of Taldan heritage with dark hair and eyes, holds a large sheaf of papers in her small hands and clears her throat. Her booming voice, the antithesis of her stature, fills the main hall of the small Pathfinder Lodge in the Taldan city of Cassomir.
“One of our own has been kidnapped. Pathfinder Cestis was taken just days ago from a relics auction in the Imperial Naval Shipyards, and we believe his dissapearance to be related to the six dozen or so kidnappings of the last several months. Now that one of our own is missing, this has become a Society matter—something we’ll get to the bottom of.”
Themis gestures to a teenage boy standing beside her, who nervously regards his surroundings and sweats profusely, his thick brown hair matted and wet against his head. “This is Nefti, the assistant to the biggest thorn in my side in Cassomir—an agent of the Aspis Consortium named Kafar. Kafar is also missing, taken from the same relics auction along with Pathfinder Cestis and a dozen other citizens of Cassomir. Nefti was at the auction, saw where a small group of the kidnapped victims were taken, and his handlers in Cassomir have give us access to him so that he might guide us to our missing Pathfinder. If you happen to find Kafar...” Themis grinds her teeth. “Let him go, per the agreement I’ve just made with his superiors. Your priority is Cestis, and I think Nefti can lead you to him. Any questions?”
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"Mass kidnappings and cooperating with the Aspis. This isn't another death cult thing, is it? I can't stand those types."
A gaunt man in well worn travel gear takes notes in a small notebook. A holy symbol of Sarenrae is displayed prominently on his chest.
"Any idea what Cestis was trying to obtain from the auction? That might give us a clue as to who is behind this."
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Mariel listens intently to the venture-captain's words. The mixture of excitement and apprehension on her face speaks clearly of the fact that this is her first assignment as a pathfinder.
She looks horrified at the mention of the amount of kidnappings. "Six dozen, just missing? Why haven't the Taldans stopped whoever's been doing this?"
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A skinny, gaunt looking elf, wild hair erupts from his head, whilst a somewhat sinister black mask covers the lower half of his face. More unpleasant still, there's a faint aroma of cooked flesh. Despite all this this, his words are smooth and pleasing.
I am delighted to be assigned to this mission and team, especially when it involves a relics auction... I'm sure that there's something interesting there that we'll just have to investigate in the course of this case.
Looking around at the others gathered
Greetings my name is Evaladane Tsalion, but most folks at the library just called me Ev. I look forward to adventuring alongside you, I'm just back from my first mission in Absalom where we investigated a fallen fortress. I'm a mage by training, particularly the more dramatic kinds of magic.
A small thrush flutters out of his pocket, chirrping loudly.
Ah, yes, this is my friend sorril. Say hello won't you?
Hello, bipeds, pleased to meet you.
Another question, what can you tell us about those performing the kidnappings, and for that matter what kind of people and places where the other abductions from?
Raevin and Conlaoch, please report to the Discussion thread to post a little PFS stuff for me!
Everyone has posted in this campaign, thus we are looking good for a clean June 15th start!
The Venture-Captain tries her best to answer you questions. “They’ve been unable to recover the dozens of other Cassomir citizens who’ve gone missing in recent months. What makes you think they’ll get our Pathfinder back? Besides, Cestis has some... knowledge I’d rather the local authorities not get, and so I need you to get him for me.”
"The kidnappings started a few months ago. Cassomir has always had some trouble with its citizens going missing, but this was different. Only those associated with the Imperial Naval Shipyards were taken—shipwrights, carpenters, navy guards, and so on. This recent kidnapping, where they took Cestis, was brash and bold. They grabbed more than a dozen people in one attack, neglecting to grab Nefti. Their mistake is our fortune.”
“As to who the captors are, there are... rumors of twisted men from the Darklands who climb up through Cassomir’s Locker, the sewers, catacombs, and older ruins below the city. Alas, they are only rumors. We don’t know who’s doing it.” Themis says warily.
“Difficult situations sometimes call for difficult choices. The Aspis have the information we need about where to start in this mystery, and if it takes dirtying our hands with them to get Cestis back, I think it’s worth it.”
"Now get going. We don't have much time." Themis insists as she ushers you out the door.
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Perched precariously overhanging the dirty harbor water stands the Inn of the Unlucky Sailor. A fresh coat of white paint glistens on half the inn’s outside walls, and most of the windows are boarded up. The roof leans slightly toward the harbor, as if at any moment the entire thing could come off and slide into the ocean. The dock leading up to the inn is made of rotting wood connected to thick, rank-smelling pilings. Several small rowboats are currently tied up along its length.
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Mariel looks at the rickety building, unsure what to think of it. ”I could summon some fog near the building, so we can take a look through the windows without being spotted. How does that sound?”
She regards the teenager that is with their group. So he is with the Aspis... I’ve heard the stories, of course. Could he really be that bad? Look at him, he’s still a kid. ”Nefti, what can you tell us about this building? Is this where you saw the kidnappers take Cestis and the others?”
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Fingalad greets each if his companions with a friendly smile, genuinely pleased to meet and be adventuring with each of them.
An Elf with a pleasing face and a ready laugh, he has white-blonde hair that hangs just past his shoulders.
He is dressed in finely crafted studded leather and carries a beautifully made Longbow. A well-made Rapier hangs from his belt.
After the briefing he asks no questions, but gives an Elven bow and says "I'm sure we will find Cestis, Captain."
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"An unnatural fog might do more to reveal our presence than conceal it. Let me see what i can see..."
Fingalad quietly sneaks up to the inn and tries to peak through some of the windows that are not boarded up.
-Posted with Wayfinder
All of the windows are boarded up as you circle the building, inside you hear some squeaking and the low tones of a humanoid voice.
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I am here to provide some muscle. My sister was the smart one.
"Just let me know when you want a grand entrance. I just hope we aren't going to be traipsing through the sewers again on this one. I really prefer the open air!"
Conlaoch stays back, letting Fingalad do his thing, and watches their backs to make sure trouble doesn't sneak up on them.
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Do we have any idea why there might be this sudden interest in the ship yards? And do we think it has anything to do with the relics auction, or was that simply when the kidnappings happened?
Looks like we have plenty of stealthy types. Sorril, please fly up and see if you can spot anything from above.
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Mariel blushes at Fingalad's reaction to her proposal, seeming very ill at ease with the elf. She keeps her distance from the inn, alongside Conloach. "If there's anything I'm not, it's stealthy.", she offers by way of explanation.
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Looking over the group, Bevek muses to himself: Great. A bunch of rookies. Dawnflower help me. Let’s just hope none of them takes a pick to the head.
Not wanting to spook the current occupants of the inn, Bevek will hang back and let the rest of the team handle the reconnaissance. He keeps an eye open for anyone who may be sneaking up behind the group.
The sound of casting inside the building is evident to Amon and Fingalad.
Sorrel circles up and finds the roof mostly intact before landing next to Eveladane. "Lots of birds up there!" it chirps to him.
Fingalad did see a few doors on the left side of the building, but only one was unboarded at the very rear of the pier.
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Fingalad tries to identify the spells, then returns to the party.
"The back door there is not boarded up, and there's a double doorway on the other side that I think is the main entrance. I hear spell casting inside."
"Shall we attempt a two-pronged approach? Those of us with less skill in melee might attempt an entrance through the rear, while the others break down the main door?"
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"They're casting spells? Does that mean they've spotted us, and are preparing?" She looks around, wary of an imminent battle, then realizes something and seems shocked. "Or we've caught them in some kind or ritual, perhaps. I think we have to be fast, anyway."
She nods as Fingalad puts forth his plan. "I could join the party at the rear. Do we have anyone who might be able to get us in, if we find the door locked?"
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Ev rolls his eyes at Sorril's report Yes, but what about those inside? And don't tell me they're all bipeds again, you'd been doing so well at identifying the different races!
Turning to the party and addressing Fingalad's suggestion.
Yes, a two prong approach would be well in fitting with what Drakguld suggests in his excellent 'an introduction to adventuring.' One ammendment to your plan might be to intermix the more martially inclined with those leaning towards the mystic arts - that way we might complement each others strengths, yes? If Mariel is keen to go through the rear, then i could come with the expedition through the front door...
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"Maybe Ev could help with the timing. Can you have your birdie fly over when you're ready to go, so the other group knows?"
When everyone is ready, Mariel moves along the inn to the back entrance. She's extremely careful on the pier and tries her best to act quietly, despite being known as a klutz. Oh, you silly girl. So anxious to get away from the fighting, that you actually choose to walk a rickety pier? You know how you get in these kinds of situations...
"This is where they took Cestis. It is why I brought you. I know nothing of the inside." Nefti answers Mariel.
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There is no lock. The doors are boarded up. It will probably take a few rounds to break down the boards to get into the building.
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Yes, good idea Mariel, when the group going through the back door get in position they count to 10 by which time Sorril arrives with us and we make a dramatic entrance... Fingalad do you want to join the team at the front or the back? Looks like we know where everyone else is going...
Assuming thats agreed upon Ev sends sorrel with Mariel. Do be polite, and remember we're being quiet sorrel, i know how curious you can be about other bipeds, but save the questions for later... Once that's sorted Ev moves into position alongside the front door gang.
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"Actually, those of you going through the front should enter first, so we catch them by surprise from the rear."
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Good point Fingalad. Conlaoch, I believe it's time for a display of brute force...
There's a tinge of excitement and even a slightly unnerving glow in Evaldane's eyes at the prospect of steel and spells.
I've just picked up some alchaemical accelerants and i can't wait to see what effect they'll have in a live situation!
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Mariel waits anxiously near the door, a loaded sling in one hand and Sorril perched on the other.
When she feels as if the other team should be in place, she moves Sorril close to her face and whispers to him. "Fly to Ev, little one. Hurry."
One, two three, four, five.
Mariel then recites an ancient Elven battle hymn and opens the door for her companions.
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Raevin doesn't find any traps at the rear door as the groups try to act as simultaneously as possible.
Conlaoch slams his foot into the boarded up door as a large boom echoes across the docks. Bevek tries to pry some boards off the entrance, but he just ends up hanging off his crowbar. The boarded up door seems unfazed.
At the same time, Mariel opens the rear door and Blesses her compatriots. They see a disused kitchen area with a set of closed double doors 20' inside.
Initiative:
1st: Conlaoch; Raevin; Fingalad
2nd: ???
3rd: Amon; Eveladane; Bevek; Mariel
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Fingalad approaches the double door and puts his ear to it, trying to judge how close the foes are to it.
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You hear moaning and a couple squeaks. Raevin doesn't seem to find any traps on the doors.
Initiative:
1st: Conlaoch; Raevin; Fingalad
2nd: ???
3rd: Amon; Eveladane; Bevek; Mariel