Zahaz and Sameon rush up to the balcony. Iluvia shouts back, "Truly you are not as fearful as you think!" but the quavering of her voice gives away her true feelings.
"Oh my dears, you just don't learn!" the Signifier exclaims. She aims a sickly green ray at The Dandy Hobo.
The Son misses but The Dandy Hobo's whip puts the Hellknight on the ground, allowing Zahaz to connect with her. Atanxi continues his nap.
Iluvia tries to casting something but her position on the ground is not exactly advantageous to magical combat.
With the Signifer on the ground, Zahaz and the Son quickly knock her unconscious.
Iluvia has a letter that details her orders to arrest Zefiro and search the museum for any unlawful histories:
By the authority vested in the Imperial Ministry of Historical Accuracy by Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, Signifer Iluvia Thorn is hereby authorized to apprehend the suspected traitor Zefiro Balinger, to question his known associates, and to confiscate any unlawful items found within the Museum of History in Corentyn. Zefiro Balinger and any evidence are to be delivered into the custody of the Sirmium bureau of the Imperial Ministry of Historical Accuracy.
– Inspector Lusarious Deckland
Behind Iluvia is Zefiro's office. Bookshelves and display cases stand in the corners of this large office. An oaken desk sits in the middle of the room with large windows set in the wall on either side of it. Doors to the south open to a raised terrace, and a large painting of Abrogail II hangs on the north wall.
With a bit of searching you discover that the painting is not affixed to the wall but actually hinges out to reveal a door and a small secret room. Several bookshelves, a desk, and a display case crowd this cramped room. To the left stands a statue of Aroden.
This hidden room behind the painting holds most of Zefiro’s secret research and illicit projects. Among other things, you can find an early (and now publicly redacted) diary filled with tales of infernal war crimes committed by Thrune, an Aspis Consortium cargo manifest for a shipment from Taldor to Khari, and Zefiro’s holy Arodenite scriptures.
---
Zefiro Balinger’s arrest and imprisonment casts a dark shadow over Cheliax’s new relationship with the Pathfinder Society, especially as you have brought to light new ways in which the infernal empire hoped to reshape their national narrative by falsifying its past. If Taldor ever founded a colony so deep into Rahadoum, Ibhir is not it. You need to board a ship out of Corentyn before authorities are able to connect you to the museum incident.
Back in Absalom, Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus can barely restrain his fury at Cheliax’s duplicity and use of the Society as a cat’s paw to validate Chelish lies. He sends for Ianareth Alazario, the new liaison from Cheliax, only to find that she has slipped away from the Grand Lodge to “attend to pressing business abroad.” Farabellus assures you that although Cheliax may be more powerful than your organization, the Society won’t suffer this indignity with a smile. He cryptically advises you to remain in Absalom and await further word about a daring mission he has only just begun to plan—one to save the Society’s ally who has paid the greatest price for Cheliax’s villainy: Zefiro Balinger.
The captain’s quarters aboard the Hornet’s Nest sits in uncomfortable silence. The normally composed Zarta Dralneen awkwardly shifts in her chair, repeatedly glancing across the room at a stocky halfling with short salt-and-pepper hair and practical black clothing. Between them stands Venture-Captain Dennel Hamshanks, the ship’s captain, who seems relieved to have other visitors.
“Welcome, agents,” Hamshanks announces. “My other guests have already skipped the social niceties, so I don’t see why we need to start now. As you know, Zefiro Balinger has been abducted by agents of House Thrune on charges of ‘treasonous misinformation’—which is to say the heretical preservation of unedited Chelish histories. I'm sure you caught whiff of these tendencies when you met the man; I hear you even helped him hide a wanted criminal? Never mind that now. The Decemvirate cannot afford to lose such a valuable asset, nor can it allow these documents to be thrown onto a ‘clarity pyre,’ but Cheliax would love nothing more than to do exactly that.”[/] Hamshanks pauses as if waiting for someone else to pick up the conversation, then clears his throat at the distracted Zarta. Zarta snaps to attention. [b]“Pathfinders discovered that Zefiro has been taken to Ostenso. His prison is called the Bloody Nail, a facility where political enemies disappear for interrogation and punishment. Trying to spring a captive from a high-profile prison in the heart of a major Chelish city would normally be suicide, yet that is our only remaining option.” Zarta’s expression sours slightly, and she glances at the halfling again before muttering, “Fortunately, I know someone who specializes in such suicide missions, yet curiously always seems to come back alive.”
The halfling smirks at Zarta, hopping to his feet. “Please, Zarta, the pleasure is all mine. The name’s Tamrin Credence, longtime Bellflower and master of coming back alive. The lovely paracountess laid out your situation for me. Luckily enough, liberating Chelish prisoners is a favorite hobby of mine, so it looks like we’ll be working together on this project.
“Infiltrating the Bloody Nail won’t be a picnic, but it seems my luck hasn’t deserted me yet. Turns out tomorrow is Loyalty Day, a national holiday celebrating House Thrune’s oppressive regime and those who willingly agree to be oppressed by it. Citizens are required to attend the festivities, and since Ostensons aren’t exactly known for their docility, that means lots of guards in the streets keeping order. Those extra guards have to come from somewhere, meaning we’re looking at a short-staffed prison detail stuck working a holiday.
“So here’s the plan: we march up to the Bloody Nail looking all intimidating. I’ve still got some clout with Ostenso’s guards from back when I worked for the Consortium, so I’ll convince the lead interrogator to bring some of his guards with me to deal with a Loyalty Day ‘emergency.’ Fortunately for him, I’ve brought some of my own agents—that’s you—to cover for him and his soldiers while we’re away. Knowing Chelish prison administration, he’ll agree as long as one of his lackeys can supervise you. I’ll keep the interrogator distracted long enough for you to get the lay of the land, ditch your babysitter, break in, get what we came for, and get out before anyone smells a rat. We’ll meet back at the southernmost docks of the Custodisce Break and sail for Andoran. Easy enough?”
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"Why not just lure him away, slit his neck and then have a real Loyalty Day emergency that needs to be dealt with as we toss his body into a crowd and let the Bloody Nail guards completely drop their defenses?" asks the Mother, relishing the thought as she thumbs her blade, drawing a few drops of crimson blood.
"Oh! So inelegant!" the halfling say. "So brusque and harsh! No, I have not been in this game for as long as I have because I am ruthless but rather because I am clever... and more than a bit lucky, to be honest. When do we leave? Why, we can start right away."
Before concluding the meeting, Zarta and Tamrin make additional requests.
liaison to the Society—Ianareth Alazario, whom you met earlier—is somehow behind Zefiro’s abduction, and she wants you to uncover whatever damning evidence about Ianareth you can find in the Bloody Nail. She specifically wants anything that ties Ianareth to House Thrune (or another rival organization) and anything that connects her to opposing the Society’s interests or harming its agents.
---
After outfitting you with bronze Aspis Consortium badges, Tamrin leads you aboard the Queen Gale, a merchant vessel that sometimes assists the Bellflower Network in transporting both people and goods. The Queen Gale smuggles you into Ostenso Harbor the next day, where Tamrin hastily leads you through Dockside’s winding streets. Dozens of guards oversee the construction of stages, the hanging of banners, and the steering of extravagantly decorated floats in preparation for the upcoming Loyalty Day events.
Despite the spectacle, Tamrin wastes no time bringing the PCs to a rectangular stone building capped with an octagonal pyramid. Each side of the pyramid bears the painted image of a red nail, though rain has made the paint run, so rivulets of red stain the roof and make the image appear to be bleeding. As is common with many state buildings, Asmodean symbols are common here but many tend to overlay a symbol of a red-crowned spike piercing a golden ring.
[spoiler=20 Knowledge (planes or religion) check identifies the symbol as that of Dispater, Hell’s greatest jailor and lord of that plane’s second layer.[/spoiler]
Tamrin instructs you to wait outside, then disappears into the building for nearly half an hour. He returns accompanied by a retinue of soldiers, led by a lanky interrogator with manacles at his belt. Tamrin gestures to you, prompting the interrogator to size you up. The interrogator beckons to one of his guards and then asserts that you are to help watch the facility while he tends to Tamrin’s emergency, and that Galvar—the guard he summoned—is in charge during his absence. You are not to go anywhere or touch anything without Galvar’s permission and supervision. Tamrin flashes you a subtle wink before leading the interrogator and his soldiers into the city.
Once the interrogator departs, Galvar visibly relaxes and
welcomes you inside. Galvar acknowledges, "Of course, I don't need to supervise you during your stay and I'm confident that you are just as unhappy about having to 'play security guard' on a holiday as I am about needing to chaperone you. But today the guards are just keeping their heads down until they can go enjoy the festivities in town. I think we should just do the same."
Inside the entrance, four statues of snarling hounds stand in the corners of the Nail’s entrance hall. A red rug covers much of the floor, although stone peeks through the holes worn in the severely
trodden carpet. Another guard stands inside, introducing himself as Straven.
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Zahaz has little to offer during the mission briefing. Lies and intrigue are expected where he comes from. The only sin is getting caught. Still, there were certain rules one could not break.
Samaeon stood quietly behind his master, his eyes darting about nervously, looking everywhere but at the Paracountess. She was the only reason his master served the Society.
***
Zahaz walks the streets of Ostenso with confidence. Playing the role of a jailer came easier to him then that of a Pathfinder. A sneering grin twists his mouth upon seeing the symbol of Asmodeus displayed upon the prison. The Prince of Darkness always brings cheer his fiendish heart.
Samaeon notices something else, and whispers to his companions. "The spiked crown and ring represent Dispater, Hell’s greatest jailor."
"Dispater bows to the will of The Prince." Zahaz grumbles, his confidence not quite as firm as it was.
***
Inside the Prison, Zahaz is all business. "You may take this duty lightly, but Dispater does not, and neither do we. I suggest you give us a thorough tour of this cage. Immediately."
Samaeon nods, supporting his master with a real sense of fear.
|
"But of course, we'll do our best for the cause of freedom.", Dandy cheers with Tamrin.
At the prison, Dandy tucks away his hat, aiming to be more presentable. He also leaves his wayfinder at the boat.
To Stravan, Dandy nods. "While my fellow was quite brusque, he is right that we should get a survey of the area, to better decide what our duties should be."
"Very well," Galvar replies. He leads you past the entrance chamber to the hallway snaking around the building. Iron bars separate the Nail’s southern hallways from the northern ones. Basic lanterns hang from the ceiling in each corner surrounding the central prison, lighting the halls. Four guards stand watch throughout the southern hallways. They eye you curiously at first, but soon return to their conversations once Galvar introduces you (their names are Asma, Brai, Tesante, and Zir) and the novelty fades.
"I am sure you will be diligent during your stay with us, but just in case you need some rest you may find this room useful." Galvar leads you through the southwestern door into the lounge area. This cozy chamber features wooden chairs arranged casually around two tables. Two blazing fireplaces warm the room—a western one facing in toward an open door and a southern one furnished with kitchen utensils and cook pots. Playing cards, dice, and other diversions litter the tables. A gamey smell wafts through the room.
Five guards presently occupy the room and are introduced to you: Cormyn, Inetra, Usul, and Valtym, while Thrick is busy preparing a rabbit stew at the southern cook pot. These guards seem quite relaxed and willing to chat. Thrick announces, "The stew will be ready in fifteen minutes if you haven't eaten yet."
Galvar points out the barracks, where three more guards are currently sleeping or just getting up and dressed. There is also an attached storage area with personal belongings and some spare uniforms.
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Atanxi's stomach rumbles violently as it has been many hours since a decent meal. The vast aroma makes his mouth water.
At least if we have to miss the festivities we may as well eat good.
There are so many guards. How can we possibly be able to sneak away from all of them unnoticed?
Grabbing a chair Atanxi looks about to see if his associates might have an alternative outside of force.
|
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The Mother looks at Atanxi. "You can eat later, idiot." she says with a scowl to the airheaded man. "We should relieve Asma, Brai, Tesante and Zir so they can recover and eat. We are only here until the other guards return from the emergency. You can stuff your face with moon pies at the festival after we are relieved!"
Galvar waves his hand at the Mother. "Oh, I wouldn't expect you to take over on their shifts. The generosity would be appreciated but their shifts will be finished soon enough. Come, I'll show you the archives though."
Galvar accompanies you across the hall to the southeast corner. First he leads you into an area which stores crates containing various odds and ends necessary for running a prison: food, manacles, parchment, ink, and other supplies. Two cages for minor offenders, animals, or valuables stand against the east wall, and an interior door leads into another room.
Through this door hundreds of manuscripts and prison records fill this room’s shelves, many bearing labels such as “Accounting,” “Calendars,” and “Discharge Logs.” One guard, introduced to you as Krima, is reviewing and organizing the documents in the shelves.
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"So what's the word on Ianareth? Seems quite obnoxious to be the new liason to the Society. Expected a higher-ranking Hellknight to be appointed after Zarta's failure and abduction." remarks the Mother offhandedly as they are shown the archives. "He got some dirt on Thrune? Only way that a#%#$#~ would ever make it anywhere..." she mutters.
Galvar shrugs at the mother. "I can't imagine it was a sought-after position. It may have been that Ianareth was the first to volunteer. To be honest, I haven't been following the politics around that particular position."
Krima shrugs but gives the Dandy Hobo a subtle nod. "Oh, it's not so bad. But my eyes are crossing from looking at numbers all day. I could use some exercise and a breath of free air; maybe I could finish showing them around, Galvar?"
Galvar seems reluctant to give up his job to Krima...
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Zahaz looks curiously at the Hobo, not quite understanding his intentions, but he follows his lead regardless. "Cheliax is politics." He says to Galvar. "To advance, one must play, or at least observe the ritual. I sense you have little interest in such games - an admirable trait in one who would serve. I would prefer instead to administer. Krima here seems the sort who may better field my questions. Let us not waste them upon you while the stew is still fresh."
Galvar bristles a bit at the rebuke but nods curtly and leaves you with Krima to act as your new guide. As soon as the door closes leaving you in the storage area alone with Krima, the man turns to you. "So, what news do you bring? What's the plan?"
"Prisoners? Well, I think the interrogator was in the middle of a
torture session when he was called away; the poor man and his ridiculous mustache are probably still strapped to whatever machines they have inside, along with people I suspect are fellow Bellflower agents but can't be sure."
"I don't know what the traps and secrets are for accessing that part of the building but I suspect the interrogator keeps some kind of written memo for accessing the vault in his office." She produces a key. "It's a copy, albeit crudely made. I can 'supervise' you while you explore the rest of this place. Perhaps together we can find a way to secure the prisoners and get them out of here."
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"Well done all!", Dandy pleased that the party is now with the friendly Krima. "Yes, there should be a few prisoners to save, if you all will assist me in freeing some other unfortunates besides Zefiro."
To Krima, he asks, "Have you seen the other agents? If so, can you give me a description of them... and what machine are you talking about?"
Before concluding the briefing, Tamrin has two gifts for you. First is a bag of equipment to help bypass the Nail’s guards: two doses of oil of taggit, two elixirs of hiding, an elixir of love, a scroll of silence, and a potion of eagle’s splendor.
---
"I'm not an interrogator, so I don't know the specifics. I know there are chains laced about the room, whipping about and constricting those locked in. Zefiro, did you say? Yes, that must be your man, the one with the mustache. Dyrom, Laila, and Opheri are the other agents and as far as I know they were in the interrogation room as well. If my information is up-to-date, there are at least thirty six other prisoners of lower-priority locked away in the prison."
"I could show you to the prison, maybe even the vaults. If we are sneaky we can get into the office and perhaps the interrogation chamber. Getting everyone out though, that's the problem. We need a way to get at least four, maybe as many as forty, people out of here without the guards slaughtering us and them. What do you have in mind?"