Seated behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin looks up from the pile of papers before him and shuffles them to one side. “Perfect timing! Welcome Pathfinders!
“I had an interesting conversation with the Master of Spells Aram Zey yesterday. An old friend—Lady Darchana, Archdean of the Arcanamirium here in Absalom—contacted Master Zey. She’s a councilmember on the Low Council, too. It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When Lady Darchana learned that someone was attempting to eavesdrop on her party, she used her magic to trace the sensor back to its source. It sounds as though she didn’t learn anything conclusive, and she’s interested in bringing in an independent party to try and learn more. Master Zey agrees.
“Make no mistake, this is an excellent opportunity for you to impress a well-connected friend of the Society. Lady Darchana requested that the Pathfinders call upon her at her estate in the Petal District once they learn something of the origins of this servant. The owner of the handmaiden is named Lady Silviana Dimora. Lady Silviana isn’t a councilmember or the like—at least not yet. From what I understand, though, she is an up- and-comer who is rubbing elbows with all of the right people, and she likely has little knowledge of where the slave was purchased. I recommend speaking to her majordomo Milana about the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a Chelish fellow named Salbus over in the Coins. Questions?”
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A man cloaked in black, with several expensive rings on his fingers, mostly keeps his face hooded in shadows. You can see from his hands, however, that he is quite pale and when his face does show itself there are dark rings around his eyes. His bejeweled right hands holds an upright scythe, towering in the air over everyone in the room. He bows his head and introduces himself, "Khamul, former Blood Lord of Geb. Upon my extradition from that foul country I sought asylum in the Sothis Pathfinder Lodge and was granted a place among the Society's ranks. It is a pleasure to be serving with you all and I offer you my gratitude and service."
Khamul listens to the briefing with interest. "A quite ingenious way to spy on a party, to be honest. Someone clever is behind this, no doubt. I suppose our first order of business shall be to speak with this Milana about the handmaiden, unless you have any further information or advice."
Venture-Captain Valsin faces Khamul, "Clever indeed! You magic types have your own sneaky ways don't you? My advice? Do not disappoint Lady Darchana, or me by doing something stupid. The solicitor may be used to dealing with more adventurous types, but I doubt the majordomo is used to having heavily armed visitors."
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A man, who had been listening at the doorway, steps into the room. He has sharp, aquiline features, and his eyes dart around the room, taking in every detail. "I am Nikomedes Diogenes. It's my honor to work with you on this mission." Niko says with a stiff bow.
Thinking for a moment, he looks at Valsin, as he begins pacing the room. "Am I to understand correctly that the sensor was confiscated? Has there been any effort to discern its manufacturer? You mention that Lady Silviana is an "up and comer". Is there any chance Lady Darchana would be threatened politically by the upstart? Does Lady Silviana hail from Absalom? Does Lady Darchana, for that matter?" Steepling his fingers to the bridge of his nose, he continues to pace as he listens to any forthcoming answers.
Venture-Captain Valsin points to Khamul in response to Nikomedes' question. "He's probably better qualified to explain the senor than me. It's a real thing, but it's magic. If you understand me. Like an arcane link I think. As Archdean of the Arcanamirium, Lady Darchana is no slouch herself in the ways of the arcane herself. I believe she was able to discern some information from the sensor, but you'll have to ask her for the details."
Scratching his chin, he considers Nikomedes' other questions, "I doubt Lady Silviana threatens Lady Darchana in any way, or she wouldn't invite her over for dinner. Though Absalom's politicking can be a viper's nest, so...I suppose anything is possible. Lady Silviana's family originally hails from Taldor, but Dimora Manor has stood in the Petals for a few generations. Lady Darchana is also from Absalom."
"My understanding is that Lady Silviana left for Oppara two days ago. It seems Lady Darchana is trying to avoid turning this into a public debacle by working through intermediaries and not alarming other nobles, and Lady Silviana’s recent departure may even be to ensure her safety and silence on the matter. Of course, that’s an educated guess. Viper's nest." Venture-Captain Valsin snorts.
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Seeming to read Kilian's mind, Khamul gestures to a wand on his belt. "This will help your own body heal itself, although the spell uses a drop of demon's blood in its creation and some people find it unwholesome. I am willing to share it but let me know if it makes you uncomfortable and I will refrain."
The Venture-Captain looks at the four of you, "Any other questions? No? Then scoot! I've got deviants to see and a novel to write."
Still an early morning in Ablsalom, it is a pleasant, peaceful walk from the Foreign Quarter, across the Ascendant Court into the Petal District. The city at the center of the world shows more and more signs of daily activity as the sun rises with your travels. Heading across the flower lined streets of the Petal the group of Pathfinders head toward the eastern wall of Absalom and Dimora Manor. The manor's and estates in the Petal District are opulent and the grounds all well tended.
Reaching Dimora Manor, it is surrounded by an 8-ft high fieldstone wall, as are many of the surrounding estates, and the grounds have been recently tended. The grass underfoot is thick and soft, there are several recently planted shade trees, and a wide assortment of flowering plants. The grounds appear unguarded and the gate stands open, a smooth, cobblestone path leading you to the manor house. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles soothingly.
You explain to the doorman that you are here to see the majordomo. He explains that Milana is very busy, but he shows you to a sitting room where you may wait for her. The room is richly decorated with a painting depicting the massive Grand Bridge of the Empire in Oppara and several plush, blue couches and chairs. Excusing himself, he returns after several minutes with a tray of breakfast rolls, fresh fruit and several types of refreshment. "Milana will be along shortly," as he closes the doors again.
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It is nearly midday when Milana finally arrives to see you. Milana is a stern-looking woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She is well dressed, but is clearly not of the nobility. She explains again that Lady Silviana is not in Absalom and departed 2 days ago.
"I really must apologize to have kept you for so long only to see you leave again," she says in an even, calm and commanding voice, "However, Lady Silviana is unavailable for unscheduled meetings at this time. I can schedule an appointment for you in approximately two weeks' time, when Her Ladyship is expected to return. Would that suit?"
Milana's raised eyebrow as she speak gives you the impression that she expects a 'yes' in answer to her question.
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Actually... we came to talk to you. Jerrik says with a smile. We were curious about a handmaiden that is in your Lady's employ, the one that that accompanied Lady Silviana to a dinner party a short time ago. Oh, what was her name, it escapes me suddenly... Jerrik is hoping the lady will now give us the woman's name.
Jerrik notices the slightest of eyeroll as Milana gestures toward the door, "I really am very busy..."
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Niko smiles thinly at the majordomo. "Surely you are not too busy to speak about your Lady's future, no? We have come to inquire about the Lady's handmaiden, as my colleague has stated. If it we're to come out that the House was....less than amiacable to our inquires, can you not see how that could effect your Lady's standing in some circles.?"
There is no mistaking this time that Milana rolls her eyes. Muttering to herself, "Showing up ..." She stops herself, takes a deep breath and puts on a fake smile the likes of which you've never seen. Moving toward the door and gesturing, she says "I really must thank you for your visit. Please call again when Lady Silviana has returned from her stay in Taldor."
As Niko moves closer to block the door, the majordomo gets a closer look at the man. "You are right, of course. I do provide my Lady outstanding service. I'll bet you could even...nevermind that right now..." she turns and heads back into the room, taking a seat on one of the couches. She gently pats the cushion next to her, "Please, sit. I can give you a few minutes of my time, but little more than that I fear."
Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead. “Certainly you flatter me by noticing how much effort it takes to keep this manor running." She smiles at Niko, "Lady Darchana’s dinner party. What an embarrassment for Lady Silviana. Can you imagine being told that your handmaiden is some sort of… well… spy? Dreadful. The woman’s name is Atlag, and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that happened in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill.”
Composing herself, Milana continues, “Lady Silviana retains a solicitor, a Chelish gentleman named Solvius Salbus. He works out of an office in the Coins called the Red Letter. He drew up the paperwork for my Lady to complete the transaction on Atlag with a man named...” She wags her pointer finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name. “Mahdi Mahjub. No, Mahjub Mahdi! He does his business down in Misery Row, of course. It’s a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. ‘Mahdi’s Chattel: Absalom’s Finest,’ so the sign claims. Honestly, I think every third building in Misery Row claims to be ‘Absalom’s Finest.’ I wonder how many spies like Atlag he’s sold over the years? It’s a dreadful, dreadful business. I am not sure there is anything else I can tell you, but I am sure you understand my Lady’s desire to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you.”
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At the description of the shop, Kilian looks as though he's eaten something that disagreed with him, but continues to keep quiet.
ETA: Then he speaks up, a little hesitantly at first, but with growing passion. "Maybe...maybe Lady Silviana should hire people instead of buying them? I mean, you still have to be careful, but you're not bringing someone into your household who's already resentful before they even step through the door."
“You seem to possess a keen understanding of how things work in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady. It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi; however, were you to secure such a deal, it would be gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place?” She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly.
"You certainly have some interesting ideas about how things work in Absalom," she says in a somewhat condescending tone to Kilian. "But still, perhaps you can help my Lady learn the error of her ways. It would be unheard of for Lady Silviana to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahjub Mahdi; however, were you to secure such a deal, it would be gracious gesture that might even lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think? And should he refuse you, who were you to ask in the first place?” She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly. Standing and smoothing out her outfit she asks, "Anything else, Pathfinders? I really must return to my planning."
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Niko stands and bows deeply to the majordomo, taking her hand and kissing it. "You have been more than generous with your time. I would be remiss, if I were to allow you to be detained any longer." Moving toward the door, he stops and turns. "If we have any other questions, would it be agreeable if we were to call on you again?"
Unless his companions have any other questions, Niko shows himself out.
Heading through the Eastgate district, you approach the Coins and Misery Row.
Misery Row is an enormous, elevated platform that runs along the eastern edge of the Coins district, and serves as the main destination to buy and sell slaves in Absalom. The cages are set into the platform such that slavers and prospective buyers can walk over the pits to inspect the merchandise easily. The massive wooden platform is well worn by foot traffic, and is active all hours of the day and night. The Token Guard, the guards responsible for patrolling this part of the city, are notorious for intervening only in particularly egregious crimes or those they’re paid to investigate. As a result, petty criminals have numerous opportunities to ply their craft. Asking around for Mahdi's Chattel yields you many conflicting answers, and many offers for better prices, better quality chattel or both. Each merchant in Misery Row seems bent on undercutting their rivals and making new friends of the group of Pathfinders. Eventually you find yourselves in front of the shop you seek.
Mahdi’s Chattel is located along the platform, where his many-windowed storefront can catch the eye of discerning buyers. A hanging sign identifies the single-story building with large, full-length windows as “Mahdi’s Chattel— Absalom’s Finest.” Heavy curtains are drawn over all of the windows—one of which has been smashed—and a small painted sign that reads “Closed” hangs over the latch of the door.
Jerrik is able to peek around the curtain a little, but notices not activity inside. There is some broken glass on a desk just inside the window, and some kind of large polished stone in the middle of the room sitting on a table.
Upon Niko's closer inspection, he realizes the door is not completely closed and shows signs of scratches and damage to the wood around the latch.
Kilian watches out for trouble, and Khamul take a moment to look around before trying to conceal himself from view should anyone inside be looking out.
Jerrik feels like he could climb in through the broken window, but the pane still has a fair amount of jagged glass in it. A successful application of Acrobatics would probably get you though without being cut up.
Mahdi’s Chattel is pleasantly decorated. An Andoren rug lies over the polished wooden floor of the entryway, and a small decorative table holds a curious stone statue. The eastern half of the room is in slight disarray, apparently from light renovations that are nearly complete. A heavy wooden door in the eastern wall is closed.