"A man, dark hair, late thirties I'd guess." He says.
You also notice a trap door you think might lead to the cellar.
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"Would you mind terribly if you remained here a bit longer, it seems I've spotted a trap door to the cellar." Sebastian requests of the man as he examines the door for traps or sounds.
(+1 if trapped)
If not trapped, he then looks over to gauge the reaction of 'Thalia' before opening the secret door.
The lockbox contains several silver and gold bars stamped with the insignia of a Chelish noble house. In addition, there are three carefully folded pieces of parchment: a scroll of blood biography, a scroll of seek thoughts, and a brittle contract promising aid from House Morilla of Taldor to the Sauer family in return for future favors.
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"There are two scrolls and an old contract that we may be able to utilize for aid in our organization's foray into the Worldwound." The investigator replies, handing the scrolls over to whichever party members wish to see them. He handles the contract extremely carefully, however.
"So, Ms. Andares, how did you occupy your time while you were abducted? Did they treat you well? Did they allow you to read anything?"
"Home? No I must accompany you. I need to figure this out. It will answer some questions that I have. Plus I know where we can find an alchemist." Thalia says insistently. She continues "And I was treated very well. I have spent my time reading new works from some of my favorite authors."
Broad country roads lead in four directions away from a crossroad.
To the north, the road to the Sauer Vineyard cuts among golden fields and lush vineyards. To the south, the road into Sauerton is flanked by sparse and apparently abandoned houses. To the west, the road to the Andares manor winds through a grove of apple trees whose leaves have begun to yellow. To the east, fields stretch among rolling hills as far as the eye can see, with long autumn wheat lolling in the wind. On the southeast corner, an empty shop sits boarded up with broken windows. On the southwest corner, a sign advertises Koriana’s Exotic Tonics and Remedies and boasts of “long forgotten delights from all across the Inner Sea.”
As you come out of the fields you pass a farmer leading a cow. He gives you a jovial wave as you pass each other. Moments later you hear a scream and barking, when you look back the farmer is being attacked by dogs!
You quickly overcome the hounds.
"Why thank ye. Thought I was a gonna there. Ever since Tercio was elected mayor, the town guard has been more concerned with preparing his parades and doing favors for his friends than with keeping the town safe from wild threats, like these here wolves." The man says.
Thalia, sagely quoting from the works of her favorite political philosophers, remarks on how dangerous it can be for a leader to focus on politics over the needs of the people. The farmer nods his agreement and then is on his way.
Soon after the fight, an apprentice emerges from the southeastern building and advertises that the shop sells healing potions. So long as no one is critically injured, he even half-jokes that the shop gets more business when trouble’s nearby.
"No I'm not. I heard she got kidnapped. You didnt.... Ill go get the boss!" He says and vanishes back into the store. You follow...
This shop is spacious and lined with rack upon wooden rack of exotic herbs, spices, tonics, smoking paraphernalia, and a smattering of glass vials of brightly colored liquids. More such vials stand in display inside a glass-fronted countertop. Strange and smoky odors waft from a back room past a mostly closed door.
Koriana Verdothia, a middle-aged half-elf woman with platinum blonde hair, gray-green apothecary’s robes, and huge goggles come out of the back room as you enter. "What remedy or tonic they might be looking for?" She asks.
"And what does the pathfinder society hope to gain from all of this?" Koriana asks.
"Interesting." She says with a small smile to Ella. "Let me tell you what I think. I think the society wants money and troops for their efforts in Mendev. And Tercio can give you both of those things so you thought you would come and rescue his daughter, in an attempt to gain his favor. Unfortunately you went and did the exact opposite of his wishes. That little girl is sticking her nose where it doesn't belong. So he made it so she would disappear and end up somewhere safe but very far away. Now you have ruined that. If you want the money and aid leave the girl with me and I will inform Tercio that he will be helping the society as they are his allies. You get the money and he wont have to deal with an awkward situation." She offers.
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Hania's face darkens as she hears this unbelievable proposal. She does not trust herself to speak because she is so angry that anyone would think that she would be part of something so dishonorable. Her companions can all clearly see how angry she is, and know that she does not approve of this suggestion.
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"I'm afraid that, despite my desire to aid my organization for the greater good, I cannot in good conscience turn the girl into you and have you do who knows what to her. I had left Taldor to avoid these sort of messy political altercations, but it would appear that the same disease has infected Andoran." Sebastian says sincerely with some melancholy.
"Its not I who would do anything to her. Its her fathers decision. And she would never be harmed in any way. If that 'disease' is good governors keeping their appointments and protecting the people, then we are guilty. She would try to ruin this system and start a witch hunt throughout the country. Which would not only hurt us but make us unable to aid at the world wound. In fact it may even draw all Andoran attention away. Making it harder for your society." She says.
"What you are doing is against everything that Andoran stands for! Once my father is arrested and tried, I will inherit his estates and fund them." Thalia says.
"Girl there is no guarantee that you would get a pence of your father money. The state could easily confiscate everything. And funds are all well and good but I think these people need soldiers. Where would you find an army? Tercio only needs to give a speech and Andorans everywhere would be up in arms to aid in Mendev. Do you want what is happening in Galt to happen here too girl?" Koriana counters.
"You two just cant see how the world works. Leave the girl with me and both parties win. Its for the greater good here. And even Thalia will grow to enjoy her life." Koriana says.