Arriving as instructed by your superior, you quickly find a seat. Morning light streams in through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, where Venture-Captain Brackett sits behind a large, antique desk replete with hair-thin lines that mar its surface like nearly healed scars. He scans a handful of papers before speaking to you and the other assembled guests, among them the no-nonsense wizard Wystorn Telfyr and Major Colson Maldris.
“I recently received news of a kidnapping in Sauerton, up in the northern wine country. Thalia Andares, heir to the Sauerton Red wine fortune and daughter of Consul Tercio Andares, vanished during the Silverglazer Sunday celebration and has not been seen since.”
With a meaningful look, Maldris catches Brackett’s attention, and the two nod in understanding as the major contributes. “Tercio Andares is powerful and widely respected; not only has he been the mayor of the large town for many years, but he is also a strong voice in the Andoren military—even for a consul. The Sauerton Red winery has made him extremely wealthy, and his financial support could be a considerable asset to the Pathfinders’ important work in and around the Worldwound. He seems uninterested in foreign affairs, though, perhaps because it’s politically safer to focus on domestic matters. Even so, he is known to help those who help him.”
“I appreciate the summary, major,” says Brackett. “I am convinced that the Andares’s gratitude would do much to refill our war chest for a struggle that is unlikely to end quickly. When you track down Thalia, as I trust you will do quickly, it is important not only to the Pathfinder Society but perhaps to the whole world that you request funding for the military campaign against the Worldwound. Of course, convincing Tercio to contribute troops and military aid would be even better, but aim for finances first.”
With a sigh, Major Maldris picks up his tricorne hat and prepares to depart. “I would stay longer, but I must make final preparations to travel,” he states in a quiet voice. “While I hope that the Andares family agrees to help the society, I am also wary of this political practice of mutual backscratching. As all of you are in Sauerton—especially those who care for this fine country—remain vigilant for signs of short-sighted corruption and abandonment of Andoran’s founding principles: freedom and democracy. Follow what you believe to be the best course of action, as I will not be available to advise you. Nonetheless, I would appreciate any reports of corruption after the situation is resolved.” After sharing a quick handshake with Brackett and a nod of farewell to the rest of you, he departs, closing the door behind him.
Telfyr breaks the moment of silence that follows by reporting, “My scrying indicates that the young Andares is being held in a building with high
ceilings and once-elegant adornments in a style popular in this nation before the People’s Revolt. The structure seems to have sustained extensive fire damage which has not been repaired. Thalia is alive and unhurt, at least for now. She was reading a fresh copy of the essays of Alysande Benedict when I saw her.”
Brackett begins to bring the briefing to a close by concluding, “We have transportation ready to take you to Sauerton as quickly as possible. When you arrive, present this letter to Consul Andares before you begin your investigation. It introduces you and offers the condolences and assistance of the Pathfinder Society. Not only is this proper etiquette to announce your intentions to the mayor, but Thalia vanished from the Andares manor. Someone there should be able to make sense of Telfyr’s visions."
Telfyr frowns at Brackett’s diction. “Scrying, Brackett, is diff–“
“Alright, yes, 'scrying,'” the venture-captain concedes as he pushes a sealed letter across the table. “Introductions, rescue operation, then negotiation for funding and possible military support. Make any questions quick; you’ve got a boat to catch.”
Tercio Andares is mayor of Sauerton, one of the consuls who administer Andoran’s military, and owner of the extremely successful Sauerton Red winery.
Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems.
A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town.
Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It has become immortalized in an Andoren proverb that something of poor quality “must be down from Sauerton.”
Sauerton is a large town located in wine country in northeast Andoran, about equally distant from the Andoshen River, which is used to ship wine to Andoran’s southern ports for export, and the Verduran Forest, which occupies much of the tense border with Taldor and Galt.
Sauerton has been a site of productive vineyards for centuries, and the once-noble Andares family has been a major owner of those vineyards since long before the People’s Revolt. Although the Andares family chose to give up their noble privileges during the revolt, nearly every mayor of Sauerton in the 44 years since has been a member or close relative of the Andares family.
The local captain of the guard Merton Demrick has publicly petitioned for more funds to hire additional guards, claiming the current numbers are too few, but he has not received enough support from Mayor Andares or the townspeople to implement the change.
A local vineyard’s villa was burned down in a then-famous fire about the time of the People’s Revolt by a spiteful noble belonging to the Sauer family. It seems likely to fit the description given by Wystorn Telfyr.
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Glenn answers the call, dressed in the mostly-swap mud outfit from his deep forest ministrations and experiments, with seemingly no mind to the fact the smells distinctly of brackish water and frog slime. He has a couple large fishing nets and a veritable menagerie of glass vials hanging from his body and a small, mostly ceremonial looking sickle.
Oh yes Sauerton Red Wine - that makes an excellent solvent! The froggy man will comment.
He listens with a distinct lack of interest to Colson Maldris' plea to be the corruption police force for Andoran. People helping other people because it was in their own best interests was just nature. Colson Maldris' crusade was doomed to failure so long as he insisted on fighting nature.
Ah right, funding for our war on the wound! I would much rather be here doing that than on the front line...its too cold up north for me!
Does this mean that you have no further information on the girl? Are we sure she has been kidnapped? That sounds like a nice place she is at. Maybe she has just absconded with a lover or something - happens all the time in nature. Its all just hormones and pheremones after all!
Glenn knows nothing of Andoren or these Sauertons beyond their cheap, but well-balanced for use in experiments wine.
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A cloaked figure steps into the cathedral, pulls back his hood and a male human gives a beaming smile to everyone as he quietly finds a seat.
He listens intently as the political powder keg is expounded upon, gonna have to walk on eggshells on this one...
After the briefing wraps up he chuckles, "ah Saurton Red... I've lost a few nights to that beverage."
He thinks for a moment about rumors he has heard from the northern wine country, then stands up to introduce himself as he looks at the motley crew assembled. "Hello all, I am John Carlos. It seems like we are walking into a tricky little situation up there. I'd advise that we be careful what we say. Rumor has it anyone that opposes the Andares clan ends up 'disappeared.' I don't know a ton about the specifics, but I'm pretty good at reading people and saying what they want to hear so I'm happy to take a front seat on the introductions and negotiations. I'll certainly cede to pretty much anyone else though on the whole rescue op."
He pauses a moment then adds as he takes his seat again, "oh yes, there have been some oddly timed wild animal attacks in the town that we should be both wary about and possibly investigate."
Eyeing the green 'man' with disdain, Venture-Captain Brackett replies with a dismissive "We are certain she has been kidnapped. As Tercio and Thalia Andares are each the other’s only close living relatives in the area, it wouldn't make sense for her to disappear without at least letting him know where she were going."
"Are there any other questions before you set off?"
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"No, I suppose not," the white haired young man says with a soft voice. "And we're sure she hasn't been carted off to Galt? The way you describe the room reminds me of Galt, and the town isn't very far from the border."
He turns to the others after the questions have been asked and answered. "I am Kazimir. I dabble in a little of everything, but I am specialized in recovery--information, objects, and, I suppose, people."
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The little Halfing brushes by Major Maldris upon his exit a little packet changes hands as they pass each other.
Looking shocked at the Alchemist with his proposed use of such a fine wine as Saurton Red as nothing more than a solvent. He is replete with ease as others seems to understand what a truly fantastic wine is good for.
The rather muscular halfling dressed in a naval blue sleeveless duster trimmed in gold. Atop the back is a depiction of the Andoran crest made use of now by the Liberty's Edge Faction. Around the crest is a flora depiction appearing subtle with the images of Bellflowers around it. The one thing that is immediately noticeable though is the manacle scars that surround his wrists. Clearly this halfling has had a very unfortunate past life. He greets his fellow pathfinders in a quick manner, "Names Sunnendel Needlefeet" "As in sewing needle." "Call me Sunny." "Sounds like fun!" "If you need subtly that's me." "I have made a few rescues." "So one question." "This Tercio... any good ways to Kiss his get into good graces." "Aside from not opposing him of course it sounds like." Sunnendel adjusts himself into his seat and then perks up. "Oh yes." "I nearly forgot." "Can we take a stop off to go pickup a few things?" "I think they finished working on my Wayfinder."
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As they ready to leave a memory is triggered for John. He speaks up quickly, "yes sir, what is the general attitude towards pathfinders in this area? I've been in a few missions to places where we were treated with noticeable disdain. I don't want to cause an incident by merely saying the wrong thing to the wrong person." Before they leave John will collect the sealed letter provided and slip it into his scroll case.
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"Oi John." "Can you cast that..." "umm..." "What was it called." "Armor something?"
Sunnendel ponders some more, not quite recalling the spell in question.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I don't know that for sure, sir. We have not had any luck narrowing it down yet, but it is very likely to be near Sauerton, since there is was no sign of the kidnappers using magic.” he replies to Kazimir's inquiry regarding Galt.
"I know it's not much to work with." he snears "But it's what we've got. Whomever took the heir hasn't made any demands yet. You would have to ask around the Andares manor for more information, but I have heard the manor was empty aside from Thalia because her father, the servants, and town guards were out attending the Silverglazer Sunday celebration.”
"As for their feelings on the Pathfinders? I suppose that'll depend on how your task here turns out. Currently...we aren't particularly hated. It's not like Irrisen with the nasty business there...." he replies. Shaking his head, as if to clear a bad memory. The man stands abruptly. "I must ask you to scurry on. That boat won't last for ever, and neither with the poor girls luck."
"Oh, don't worry about the locals guards. They have admitted they would welcome your assistance." Turning, the man leaves.
Your voyage up the Andoshen River is swift, and the weather remains quite pleasant up until the last hour of your journey. A light rain begins to fall. The town of Sauerton seems well maintained, and though the migrants workers have left a few grape presses still stand in town. A reminder of the recent harvest. Andares’s manor is not difficult to find, being one of several dozen stately homes still standing in the town as functional reminders of a past age’s nobility.
As you navigate the town, a halfling wearing light armor and a rain-spattered helmet hails you. "Why hello there! I'm Captain Merton Demrick of the nation of Andoran. You are, no offense, obviously not from around here. Might I inquire your business?"
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John answers the small Halfling with an affirmative and adds with a smile, "do you wish me to hold on to them as well for the time being? If so, just give the word and I'll use one on you... if able."
While they travel John spends most of his time enjoying the fresh air saying, "it's good to take a boat ride where I don't have to huddle under 12 layers of furs hoping to not freeze to death." He also asks his teammates if any are capable of using a wand he owns, explaining that it has curative magic and he hasn't quite yet worked out the command word.
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A man of Taldan descent stumbles in to the meeting.
Terribly sorry for the delay...my ship got hit by a storm on the way here. My apologies. I am Konner, happy to be of service. the young man says, his long blonde hair in a tail, with some loose ends creeping about from his hurriedness. His weapon and tunic bearing tassels in the colours of Taldor. His step is light, but has a definite deadly agility about him. His blade shows he practices the Taldan style of Rondelero fighting...
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"No. I imagine not much is like Irrisen," the jadwiga chuckles at the venture-captain.
"Your wand should prove not difficult for me to use," Kazimir answers John. "I find the air a bit stifling down here, sometimes. On the sea, it is not too bad until the breeze fades. Then I long for the crisp, cold air of home."
"Hello," he greets the guardsman halfling. "We're on our way to the estate of Consul Andares. He should be expecting us."
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With a large smile John adds, "Hello there. I am John Carlos at your service. As my friends have mentioned, we were requested by Consul Tercio Andares to assist in the search for his daughter. If you could be so kind as to give us directions or maybe even an escort to his estate we would be quite grateful."
The halfling's smile broadens at the sound of the news. "Ah. Understood. Might I offer my services as your guide then?" He inquires. Looking over the group, his eyes stop on Kazimir. "I suspect it's a bit warm for you here, eh? Yes, that poor girl. I hope you are able to find her and she's unharmed."
"Now, you just missed the big grape harvest, but there'll be another next year. Here in a bit, once the weather brightens up a bit, they'll dive back in to production mode of the wine." he offers. "This way please." And the captain begins leading you through the city proper.
As you continue on, he points out some of the sites. "Now, over there is where my brother-in-law twice removed met Iskar the Great when he was in town for a mission once...had a few unexplained deaths a few days later...but he was quite a nice man... That over there, that's the great communal Grape Mashing tank. Once a year we have a festival here in town and all us commoners get to join in on the wine crafting. It's quite fun! The squishy grape bits between our toes...it's just devine!" and the man continues to cheerfully tell you useless information about the amazing sites in Sauerton. "Ah, here we are. The Andares Manor. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to come find me." With a bow, he heads back the way you came.
The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars.
The architecture of the building quite obviously resembles that of a Cheliax design.
A thin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held up in a tight-bun answers the door almost immediately. Looking over your group, she offers a tight lipped smile. "The master of the house is not to be disturbed. This is a trying time." She advises you.
A familiar voice calls out from behind you, "Dorabeth, these are not the local rabble-rousers, I promise you. These are professional pathfinders. They've come to help." Looking back you see the captain has returned. "I'm sorry, just this is so out of the ordinary. And with you being from out of town...I just want to help." he offers sheepishly.
The woman eyes you all sternly, before opening the door wider. "You can wait in the foyer. I'll check with my master, he's currently with Sander Bryton." Once all are situated in the entry room, she heads deeper into the manor and disappears from sight.
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"Thank you John" "Yes if you wouldn't mind holding the." "
The little stout halfling greets the Captain in a shirefolk like fashion.
[b]"Agreed!" "Catch-up can be quite daunting" "I for one prefer to stay ahead" "If I am able." "Pleasure to see you again." "Captain." Sunnendel finds a cozy chair in the entry room and promptly finds a seat pulling out some smoked fish. He begins picking off pieces eating some while offering to others who wish to partake.
A few minutes later, Dorabeth returns. "He'll be ready for us in a moment. In the meantime, I've been considering the kidnapping. What to hear my theories?" she asks.
Before any have a chance to reply, she dives in. "So, ya know them shaky elves across the way? Well, I was wondering if maybe those Kyonin elves crossed the boarder to nab her. Then they can sacrifice her to the their forest gods!"
"Or maybe, a Chelish spy split her in two and shoved the body into a wine cask for us to find later? Or maybe it was one of them shady orc tribes? Or a goblin?!" pausing, she takes a deep breath. "Well, you know. At this point, it's hard to say."
Barely able to hide his amusement as the womans mind runs off on her, Captain Demrick mentions "Something that might interest you guys, the mayor has received a massive boost in popularity lately. The close election we were anticipating is going to be a landslide at this point. The People's Council have been criticizing his ability to keep the perimeter safe from wildlife dangers of the Verduran Forest. Well, they were. Since his daughter has gone missing, they've backed off."
Cocking his head to one side, he muses "Huh, it's a funny thing. Anytime something goes horribly wrong for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events...."
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The froggy man licks his eyes as the Captain runs through his crazy theories.
You could have just admitted that you have no idea whats going. He says flatly, a bit frustrated.
Glenn considers Any chance his daughter is living it up in some country cottage only to be 'miraculously' recovered in a few months when the Andares family fortunes have turned?
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John smiles as Dorabeth starts off with her thoughts, hoping to gain good information. As it quickly devulges into batty ranting he keeps the smile on his face with force of will and as she wraps up he simply says with 'sincerity', "we will look into every possibility. That I assure you."
He turns to the Captain as he is realizing the coincidences and hopes to distract him with a question. "Captain, do you know of any really old Chelish buildings in town that aren't being used? Maybe because of a fire, flooding or other damage?
You don't sense anything malicious - she seems sincere.
"Huh? Oh. Uh....I don't know. I mean...a while back, before Tercio was in charge a drought hit at just the worst time...but somehow they ended up making their deadlines. I think a traveling caravan showed up and had a way of...." Trailing off, the man's hand twirls about, as if searching for the memory. "I'm sorry. I'm not that great at history." he admits.
"Oh, but there's no reason to suspect he's in on it. I mean, the Andares have always been upright citizens. They have helped this town it too many ways to mentions." he adds.
A slight Ting can be heard from the other room. Dorabeth leaps to her feet immediately. "He's ready. Come. Come." she barks. Leading you deeper into the abode, you find yourselves standing in a formal drawing room. Tercio Andares, a tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair is found bowing to another many.
"I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but ther services of the Eagle Kinghts are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia's safety in such a bold manner." Pausing, as he notices Dorabeth standing in the dorrway, with you in tow, he smiles. "Ah, Captain Demrick. Good of you to come." Eyeing the rest of you, he sighs "Oh, alright....who might you lot be?"
The Eagle Knight, obviously prepared to leave, stops halfway to the door. Standing to one side, arms crossed, he watches you intently.
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John steps forward, "Consul Tercio Andares, I am John Carlos and these are my companions. We represent the Pathfinder Society and have come to offer our assistance in this time of need. If I may?" He points to his scroll box and if allowed will pull out the letter of introduction, offering it to the gentleman. "This letter may clear up any questions you have."
With but a nod, Dorabeth snatches the letter and scurries over to Consul Tercio Andares. The man skims the letter quickly, before responding.
"Ah let me be the first..." pausing as he glances to the Captain, he continues. "Second rather, to welcome you to town. I appreciate all the assistance offered in the safe return of my daughter. However, as I just informed my cousin here, I can not help in this matter. Weather it be the Eagle Knights, the town guard, or the pathfinders."
"Before you think me callous...or uncaring, allow me to explain. I refuse to help, not for my image. I do so for Thalia's safety. Just last night, I received a letter from the kidnappers warning me against helping you. I won't go into the gory details, but it stated if I were to help the investigators in any way, she would be returned in pieces."
"Though I will not explicitly forbid your aid, I will not help you either. I am sorry for this."
You notice the Consul Sander Bryton is nonverbally ensuring Andares is alright with the strange visitors.
Andares in like fashion, assures him, the pathfinders are fine.
You get a hunch Andares knows more than he's letting on, though you believe he is being honest
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John replies sincerely, "I completely understand, Sir. I can't even begin to know what you are going through, but I do feel that in the same situation I would likely react the same."
He looks over at Sander Bryton, "May I ask your permission to speak with this gentleman? I believe you said he was an Eagle Knight? If he or his organization is also attempting to find your daughter, then we should at least confer so as to not work at odds with each other."
Eyeing the frog a moment, he replies with a practiced calm "No. That is certainly not a preferable outcome. I do hope she is returned safely."
To the Jadwiga, he adds "So far, they have not advised me. With the opening of a dialogue, even a gruesome one, I would expect a demand to be coming."
"John was it? Yes, that would make sense. And I do appreciate your concerns. If you'll excuse me a moment..." With a bow, the man steps from the room.
The Eagle Knight watches him go before eyeing the watch captain and the servant. "I am fine with speaking with you pathfinders, but believe it would be best done in private."
Glaring at Sander Bryton, Captain Demrick states flatly, "I'll give you the room. I do ask to speak with you all before you continue."
Without expressing any emotions, the servant curtsys "Certainly sir." and the pair step out.
"Sir, I was here to offer aid, but was given the same news you were." states Bryton once they are alone.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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John walks over and offers a handshake to Bryton, "as you may have heard, I am John Carlos. These are my allies and it looks like we are in a similar boat. As time seems to be of significant importance shall we just get down to it? Do you know anything, anything at all that might help us find Thalia or figure out what exactly is going on with Consul Tercio Andares?"
"I assure you, my cousin is not involved in anything improper." he replies. "And unfortunately, I do not know anything about this abduction that you don't already know. For now, I will respect his wishes and stay out of it."
"If you find anything worth discussing, you can contact me at the local inn."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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John takes a deep breath, "woah, don't go anywhere yet. We do have some information that we are a bit reticent to share... but since we have no leads at this point we have no choice."
He looks around at the group before continuing, "a scrying was done on Thalia. I don't know how it was completed but I trust the results. It showed her reading a book in an old burned out building. Chelaxian architecture if I recall correctly. Do you have any thoughts as to what that might be? We think she is still in the area. Please help us."
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"Yes Sir Bryton." "Might you have any insight." "Possibly the location of the building." "Or the District." "You and I both agree that holding someone captive is..." "Is... wrong!" "I wont stand for it!" subconsciously Sunnendel rubs the scars on his wrists. "Sorry." "I got a little worked up." "Its just.." "...its personal."