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We're in Karcau, Ustalav.
The lobby of the Cloisoi Theater is the epitome of aristocratic refinement. Marble statues of noteworthy Ustalavic nobles are on display throughout the room, and the swell of a large orchestra reverberates from the theater beyond. The lobby is empty, save for Venture-Captain Basia Kalistoff, who sits in a velvet chair beneath a large portrait of a young singer. The raven-haired adventurer smooths her dark silk gown, and motions invitingly to several nearby settees.
“Thank you for joining me this evening, and welcome to Karcau. As you may know, Pathfinders do not enjoy a kind reputation in Ustalav, and the rather brief command of my cousin Skeldon Miregrold did little to help that before nearly being killed by the dark folk years ago; he murdered, betrayed, and stole from many, and he eventually paid the price for it. I have done what I can since then to convince the locals that we are not murderous, grave-robbing vigilantes.
“Over the past few months, a rash of disappearances has plagued Karcau. At first the victims were shopkeepers and stable boys—tragic, but easily relegated to the guards to investigate. However, last week someone abducted a noblewoman from this very theater.”
Basia Kalistoff gestures to the portrait above her, which features a stunningly beautiful woman with a mass of curly red hair and a mischievous grin. “Olivina Sharnau is the darling of the Karcau theater scene and the heiress to a substantial fortune. Her disappearance has piqued concern among the city’s nobility, and it won’t be long until fingers begin pointing at the Pathfinder Society. My hope is that by solving this mystery ourselves, we’ll be seen as heroes and not suspects. Any evidence you can gather to strengthen our case can only help.”
A thunderous round of applause explodes from beyond the theater’s doors, and Kalistoff raises her voice to be heard above the din. “I recently received a request from Countess Sasandra Livgrace, who inquired about our doing exactly that. She is one of the few and finest nobles who truly trusts the Society, so keeping her vote of confidence—and that of any other noble we can manage—during this investigation is critical. Do you have any questions?”
Karcau is a cultural hub of Ustalav, famous for its opera, theaters, and orchestras. As a result, it also attracts hundreds of aspiring performers who flock to its conservatories and practice in every plaza. Nearby Graidmere Swamp lies just north of the city, and it is the source of countless insects that plague Karcau during the spring and summer. It is common for well-to-do citizens to don veils or masks to ward off these swarms.
A series of naturally occurring tunnels riddles the ground beneath Karcau. Some are part of the city’s sewer system, though many more remain unused and largely uncharted. Over the centuries, these tunnels have hosted countless, often short-lived cults. They remain a popular refuge for transients, criminals, and many of the superstitious rural folk known as “swampers.”
Sharnau is one of the artists in the theater, she was taken from her dressing room. Based on the efficiency with which they snatched her, it’s safe to say that the perpetrators are trained infiltrators. I suggest beginning your investigation in this theater to see if you notice anything the city watch missed.
"Do you have any reason to think these disappearances are connected? Seems like messing with with the upper crust is quite a change in M.O.," the shieldmarshal inquires. Thinking a moment more, she continues, "Who had access to the dressing rooms? Any sign of a struggle in hers? Had she been acting differently recently? Wouldn't be the first time I tracked a 'missing person' that turned out to be a runaway, usually young women with good reasons to run."
I have seen no evidence that the disappearances are connected, but we must consider the possibility very real. As for the dressing room, I haven't been able to inspect it, that is what I called you in for.
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A young woman of otherworldly looks stands in the room, her gaze lost in the vague as if she was contemplating something invisible to the eye. She doesn't acknowledge your presence at once. Her physical appearance is weird to say the least. Despite her typical Varisian traits, her skin is ebony black. Her hair is medium-length and white with purple shades and wisps of longer hair. Yet the strangest thing about her is her eyes - purple iris surrounded in pure black. The young woman's clothes are Varisian in style, despite a few Mwangi lucky charms around her neck or wrist. She has a kapenia scarf wrapped around her waist.
"Interesting. Do we have any suspects in mind? Why would that actress be abducted, apart from the fact that she's popular and that her abduction could lead to a witch hunt on the Society?"
Hagnar discusses various bits of lore and memory he has with Ouroboreia, comparing notes and attempting to discern what might be happening behind the scenes, so to speak...
Countess Sasandra Livgrace is the unmarried daughter of the elderly Count Birmienon Livgrace, who still lives with her in the Starling House, their estate. She received extensive training in the arts before leading the county. Most consider her a fair and well-intentioned ruler.
Even though the counts are subservient to Ustalav’s prince, he relies on them, their people, and their wealth to enforce his mandates. As a result, the counts hold considerable sway in the capitol of Caliphas, and commanding a count’s ear could ultimately influence the decisions of the entire nation.
Karcau is a cultural hub of Ustalav, famous for its opera, theaters, and orchestras. As a result, it also attracts hundreds of aspiring performers who flock to its conservatories and practice in every plaza. Nearby Graidmere Swamp lies just north of the city, and it is the source of countless insects that plague Karcau during the spring and summer. It is common for well-to-do citizens to don veils or masks to ward off these swarms.
A series of naturally occurring tunnels riddles the ground beneath Karcau. Some are part of the city’s sewer system, though many more remain unused and largely uncharted. Over the centuries, these tunnels have hosted countless, often short-lived cults. They remain a popular refuge for transients, criminals, and many of the superstitious rural folk known as “swampers.”
A series of murders shook this theater decades ago, and the building is rumored to be haunted.
The murderer was a makeup artist driven mad by envy. She killed every member of the chorus line before emerging on stage drenched in blood.
The murderer was named Mad Mad Margaret, and she killed the chorus members with a pair of sewing scissors. Reports of Margaret describe a wide variety of hauntings, ranging from shrieking rage to sorrowfully watching actors as they rush toward the stage. It is said she especially loathes the beautiful.
On the surface, Karcau is a totally respectable town. However, the sewers beneath the city are extensive and shelter all manner of transients, cults, fugitives, and swampers. These are the usual suspects for any crime in this county. If the perpetrator is hiding down there, you could be looking for a long time before stumbling across the right hidey-hole.
The the doors to the theater swing open, and the audience streams out. Scores of the Ustalavic elite bedecked in embroidered silks, bejeweled collars, gold broaches, and colorful sashes emerge, most engaging in lively discussions about the performance. Many frown, turn up their noses, or flick open lacy fans to conceal looks of distaste as they pass by Basia Kalistoff.
The venture-captain politely acknowledges terse greetings while much of the crowd disperses to attend stylish afterparties. Then, she stands and announces, “We
have another appointment—one better held in private.”
With that she motions for the party to follow, ascends one of the grand staircases, and enters one of the private boxes.
Basia Kalistoff motions toward a regal woman strategically seated where she can watch both her theater box’s entrance and the stage as assistants clean up after the performance.
“Allow me to introduce Countess Sasandra Livgrace, ruler of Karcau,” the venture-captain announces softly.
The countess rises and offers her hand in friendship. “I appreciate your and your associates’ willingness to assist in this matter, Basia. Karcau is no stranger to crime, but what has occurred of late goes beyond what the guards can handle. With the recent disappearance of Olivina Sharnau, the citizens have become especially fearful, and if the perpetrators feel they can get away with one high-profile abduction, they will no doubt attempt more. I doubt there is much time before they strike again.
“Olivina disappeared from this theater only a few nights ago. I have requested that the dressing room she used remain undisturbed until you inspect it, and I have also arranged for you to have access to the theater this evening to conduct your investigation.” Countess Livgrace turns to the venture-captain and offers a gentle smile. “We have other matters to discuss in the meantime, Basia, so perhaps you would be so kind as to introduce me to those to whom I am entrusting my city’s safety.”
Basia Kalistoff inclines her head and responds, “They have accomplished so much that I could not do their credentials justice.” She then looks to the assembled agents and adds, “Please be so kind as to introduce yourselves and your qualifications to the
Countess Livgrace.”
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Ouroboreia steps forward, curtsies in the manner well-educated people do, then declares with and uncertain, almost stuttering voice, but with well-chosen words:
"I am honored, Countess. My name is Ouroboreia, wizardess and investigator of all things arcane or veiled with mystery. I am no stranger to investigations such as this one, for I contributed to solve the murder of a Mordant Spire ambassador aboard the Throaty Mermaid, as the tides of fate would swallow us whole for we, the Pathfinder Society, were unjustly accused. I will do my best to find out the heart of this matter at hand, and save your people from a grim future."
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Ceobryn's armor and weapons makes some noise as he gives an unpracticed bow, "Countess, I am Ceobryrn a ranger that specializes in tracking people within cities and underground. I have dealt with other situations where a cult was kidnapping the citizens of Cassomir and taking them into the tunnels below that city. We, the group of pathfinder that I had the pleasure to work with at the time, successfully recovered the citizens and put an end to that cult plaguing Cassomir. I believe we can find your missing noblewoman and the other citizens as well."
Lokie, Ceobryrn's dog companion barks in agreement or just because.
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Svetlana likewise steps forward, dressed for a night at the Opera in the latest Chelish high fashion in classic blacks and reds, and well coiffured to fit in with the crowd, a silver necklace sets off the ensemble, featuring a pendant of a swirling vortex with an infernal eye.
"Your Grace, Hellknight Svetlana, of the Order of the Gate. Friend of the House of Thrune, and in the good graces of Para-Countess Dralneen. I have been involved in many investigations, from helping locate the Para-Countess when she was wrongfully abducted, through to investigating missing persons in Riddleport and breaking up some of the worst pirate gangs in that city as an agent of the Society. Milady, the Hellknights seek to forge order and stability out of the chaos around us that we may all live in peaceful and productive times, and I believe the Pathfinders are a key to attaining that righteous goal; we will demonstrate that for you here, by your good grace, and we will return Olivina to you"
Diplomacy
Hagnar smiles a little and bows to the Countess. "I can attest to the tales and bravery of Svetlana, and I have travelled many months with Elindriel and Ceobryn. We make an effective team! ALso, I am driven to find the truth of things. We will fully investigate this matter - you may count on it!"
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Elindriel smiles and curtsies to the Countess. "My name is Elindriel. My skills include those of spellcaster, performer, and duelist. Before I began my missions with these others, those same skills had cleared the dungeons of Thornkeep and protected the town of Nesting Swallow from being overrun." She spreads her arms to include her comrades. "Since we began travelling together these many months ago, we have accomplished much more besides. We will get to the bottom of this disappearance, rest assured."
The half-elf raises her hand to touch the tip of her hat, saying, "Lirianne, ma'am. In my homeland I was a shieldmarshal, an agent of justice and law - in that order - and as fine a markswoman as you're like to find in these lands. Since some magical tomfoolery brought me here, I've traded blows with both the Apis Consortium and Technic League and come out unscathed, as well as tracking down a piece of the legendary Sky Key. A straight-up manhunt ought to be a refreshing change of pace!"
Impressive. It's good to see that the Society does not hold back on resources in this serious matter. She then nods, and Basia Kalistoff guides the adventurers back out of the box. The theater, now deserted, is open for the team to explore.
There are alarmed voices coming from backstage
Hagnar also hears the alarmed voices and moves quickly towards the sound.
Lirianne follows the others backstage, pistol at the ready.
The party moves up the stage to enter the backstage area. As soon as they step onto the elevated platform, the sound ceases.
Beyond the backstage doors is a prop storage area, packed full of props, extraneous set pieces, and costumes. Fake swords hang from pegs on the walls, dozens of elaborate costumes hang on racks, and rows of crude wooden busts support myriad wigs.
The door to the main dressing room is locked and partly covered with a knee-high pile of bouquets and notes, all of which express some variation of “Olivina— We miss you! Come home safely!” One of the keys that Basia provided to the party can unlock the door.
Svetlana is determined to move backstage, and notices little on the stage itself, but Elindriel finds several strands of curly red hair wrapped around a nail head at about ankle height.
Elindriel also notices that the collection of costumes backstage seems to be missing several that are staples for a theatre like this: there's no costumes for beggar, city guard or merchant.
"Suspicious...but are they merely decoys to distract us from the real truth? Let us check out the dressing room!" the grizzled investigator mumbles to himself. He then takes out a flask and drinks the contents, belching loudly after finishing the contents.
The dressing room Olivina used a few nights ago is crammed full of vanity mirrors, makeup kits, and discarded bits of clothing. Some of the mirrors are adorned with favorable reviews, trinkets, and script pages.
At first, it seems like a woman is sitting behind the mirror, but as she turns her head, the truth becomes apparent: an apparition - a frumpy woman in her mid 30s, wearing a blood spattered gown, and carrying a pair of gore-covered scissors.
Oh, you need your hair done for the piece, dear? the woman apparition says to Hagnar as he opens the door, trim that beard, straighten those strands, and you can go right on stage as a nobleman. Not much time, though, not much time.
Taking it in stride, and seeing a possible witness, Hagnar answers without hesitation, "Yes, dear, that would be perfect. What a fuss about Olivina. It simply has me in distress...Did you, by chance, see or hear anything about it? I mean, you must know everything that happens here!"
You ask me if I know something about Olivina? the woman says, the voice apparently breaking into something of a rage.
Svetlana hears the staccato snipping sound of scissors, as the room fills with a ghastly vision. The vision shows a bedraggled woman splattered in blood, her face painted in a garish caricature of a chorus girl. Around her are several corpses, each featuring a mess of ragged puncture wounds. Berating the girls for their vanity, the woman stabs an already dead girl saying you're not so pretty now, are you, dear!
The haunting visions have their effect of Ceobryrn and Svetlana, even though Elindriel shakes it off. Svetlana sees is filled with envy of the good looks of Elindriel, the steady hand of Ceobryrn, the Varisian elegance of Ourboreia. And she's quite had enough of it. Similarly, Ceobryrn suddenly is filled with anger over the quick wits of Hagnar and the steady shot of Lirianne.
You are affected by a [url=http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/spells/songOfDiscord.htmlsong of discord[/url]
--- Round 1
Hagnar (Will save?)
Lirianne (Will save?)
Ouroboreia (Will save?)
Svetlana (Failed save)
Ceobryrn (Failed save)
Elindriel (Succeeded at save)
---
Haunt
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--- Round 1
Hagnar (Succeeded at save)
Lirianne (Succeeded at save)
Ouroboreia (Failed save)
Svetlana (Protected)
Ceobryrn (Failed save)
Elindriel (Succeeded at save)
---
Haunt
---