Attending to various matters around the grounds of Grand Lodge, the sunlight wanes as the day nears its end. Returning to the Grand Lodge of Absalom is usually a flurry of activity catching up on the latest news and reports from all over the Inner Sea and across Golarion, catching up with other Pathfinders, and occasionally visiting the Wall to remember those who will never return.
Returning to the dormitory halls for the evening, you are approached by a small, wiry grey-skinned woman dressed in studded leather and a hat adorned with several brightly colored feathers. Her long, slender fingers holds out a flat envelope, its wax seal bearing the Glyph of the Open Road. "Chào buổi tối, xin vui lòng chấp nhận thông báo này từ Ambrus Valsin.*"
"Good evening, please accept this message from esteemed Chamberlain of the Grand Lodge Ambrus Valsin."
After a moment she shakes her head, slapin herself on the forehead, and in broken common says, "Well eve Pathfinder fellows. Venture Valsin has message to you."
Pathfinder, I hope this message finds you well. Please join me at my office in Skyreach Tower following breakfast the morning of Oathday 26 Rova, 4714, I have an important opportunity to discuss with you.
--Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
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Ragnar tends to his buisness for most of the day, wandering around Absalom and looking for anything interesting to pass his time before getting his first Pathfinder assignment. He wasn't particularly excited, he told himself, but just wanted to be sure that he isn't missing anything big by not applying to the Society. The city itself seemed rather boring, and many of its inhabitants were hopelessly uncivilized to a cultured Taldan such as himself. Their barbarous dress, their shouting in the streets, the stench of their shops, all annoyed him so much that he returned to the Pathfinder Lodge earlier than he'd expected. As he opened the door to his assigned dormitory, he was a little surprised to find it empty and that he was the first to show up.
Ragnar lied down on his bed, dozing off and waking up when the strange women showed up. As he took her letter, he courteously thanked her despite her ridiculous hat and the fact that she couldn't even speak common. "Where did they manage to find these people?" he asked himself as he read the letter. Memorizing its contents, he tore it to pieces and threw them into the fireplace.
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Kaylee is intimately familiar with Absalom, as she grew up there. She spends most of her day flitting from shop to shop in the market, pining for items that she cannot yet afford.
One day... one day I'll be a venture captain like Nalshene! Then people will really respect me! she thinks to herself.
She has recently sewn a new patch onto the scarf she keeps wrapped around her shoulders, and she keeps that patch prominently displayed, proud of its intricate detail. It shows a green-skinned, ugly fey creature, seemingly covered in patches of brown filth.
Other than her scarf, Kaylee wears a revealing yet practical explorer's outfit over an armored corset, a silver holy symbol of Arshea prominently displayed around her neck (anyone keen in observation notices that the symbol has been subtlely shaped in such a way that it purposely brings attention to her ample chest), strapped to her back is a beautifully-wrought butterfly sword pair along with a shortbow, and hanging from her belt is a bladed fan. Finally, a curious bundle of metal and canvas sticks out of a backpack she wears. On her back, you can see a wide tattoo of arcane sigils... anyone trained in Spellcraft may recognize it as a Varisian tattoo meant to enhance enchantment spells.
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Hrothgar has never been much of a city folk. He is usually far more interested in open fields or mountain passes. He is again joined by his companion whom he simply calls Rhino. His companion shares many characteristics with him. Tough skin, stout heart and usually gets right to the point. He offers some sort of grass to his companion who begins to chew. Once he has made sure his companion is well he walks over.
It is good to meet you all, I suppose we will be spending some time together.
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After another day in the woods, Belven returns near dawn and heads for the dormitory. The half-elf was at peace outside the city, but he knew that as a Pathfinder he needed to be prepared to go on a mission at any time so he always returned to the city. As he walked through the city with his forest green cloak wrapped around him, and the hood drawn overhead, Belven kept a constant eye on everyone and everything around him. The noise and smells were never something he looked forward to but he adjusted.
As the dorm comes within view, Belven does his typical inventory of items to ensure he didn't forget anything. Even if he did, the items available in the city were numerous so he knew he could replace anything he may have lost.
Bow...check, Belven said as he reached overhead to ensure the longbow was still situated on his back. Sword, pack, belt...check, check, and check he thought to himself. Looks like everything is all here.
Once inside, Belven notices the old woman approaching in his direction. He watches her carefully as she extends an envelope to him. "Thanks." Belven says to the lady as he takes the envelope and continues past her. Inside his room, Belven removes his cloak revealing a thick mop of black hair tied back in a ponytail. He reads the note and then discards it into the fireplace. "Looks like I won't be returning to the forest tomorrow" he mutters to himself. "Best I get some sleep, going to be an early morning." Belven proceeds to light a fire and prepare himself for bed, wondering what Venture-Captain Valsin has in store in the morning.
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Mathurin smiled as he entered the room. His high, polished boots and short green cape were of above verage quality, but still typical for most of Absalom. The rapier at his side had a polished hilt and leather sheath.
He smiled at the young girl and nodded in greeting to the others in the room. He quietly sat down off to the side and observed.
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"Oh my GOSH it's so nice to meet all of you! I'm Kaylee, and it's my job to make you really super AWESOME versions of your already super AWESOME selves! Ooh, and if you want to know anything about Absalom, like, just ask me! I've lived here all my life, and it's super AWESOME!"
As a demonstration of her talents, Kaylee finds a clear spot on the floor, sets up her portable trampoline, and starts bouncing up and down and cheering about each of her new allies in turn.
After her performance, she looks unhappy. "That wasn't my best work, guys! I must be rusty! Why don't you each tell me some really exciting story about yourself that I can make into a great cheer, okay? OKAY!"
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Ragnar sits on his bed as the others move in. He remains silent and observes each of them, studying the way they move and behave. The girl looks good, but those Varisian tattoos are simply horrendous. She probably belongs in a brothel rather than here. She does seem to be well armed, although she's obviously not strong enough for a real fight. The dwarf. I never liked dwarfs, each one of them seems greedier than the rest; the half-elf, another tainted half-blood who is never going to belong to either race. The man is probably the most decent of the bunch. Garundi can sometimes dress strangely and have various bizzare customs, but the ones I've met have represented their ancient people at least decently. Well, this bunch isn't a good beginning to my first mission here, although to say the truth I probably can't expect much more from a cesspool melting-pot like this.
Ragnar shows little hint of his thoughts, however, and nods as courteously as he can - more towards the humans, less towards the others - to each person entering the door. Once Kaylee starts her show I wonder if that's what she's planning to do for the whole mission. If so, I should put an end to it rather soon. "I have a few stories of my own, but they're often more bloody than exciting. Wouldn't want to distress you with telling them."
The Pathfinders sleep in the comfort of the Grand Lodge, and in the morning have a quick breakfast before heading off to Skyreach Tower and the office of the gruff but efficient Venture-Captain Valsin.
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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Hrothgar knew that coming to the city he would be tested in ways not seen in the wild. Perhaps that was why he was chosen for this assignment. He knew precious little of city ways and was not very good at intrigue. His race had always been a straight forward sort and he was no exception. Hopefully he would learn from this experience and in the future would be granted missions more suited to his skill set. While still at the grand lodge he will take advantage of the opportunity to cash in on a favor the lodge owes him and pick up a wand of cure light wounds (2 pp). Thinking to himself. My words might not be useful but at least if someone gets hurt I can help them out.
To Kaylee he says, My deeds are not yet worthy of telling. But the deeds of my fathers are. Do you know of the deeds of Stend Hammerhand? Speak of them and I shall have a furnace burn in my heart.
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Kaylee looks to be concentrating hard, then she says "I don't think I've heard that name before, but mister Hammerhand sounds super exciting! Did he actually have a HAMMER for a hand? That would be SOOOO cool! Although... it might make some things difficult... oh well as long as he had ONE hand, I'm sure his lovers could be perfectly satisfied! I know that's all I need! Ooooh, that reminds me, I've got to go give Arshea my deference for the night... anyone care to join me?"
Kaylee winks seductively at Mathurian first, as he gave her the warmest greeting, but it is easy to tell that the invitation is for any of her new friends. You can tell that for Kaylee, sexual release is a core part of her belief system, and it doesn't matter a bit to her who she achieves it with, male, female, dwarf or nagaji, all are welcome.
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25 Rova
Mathurin smiled and took a large drink from his mug as he sat and listened to the exchange with Hrothgar and Kaylee. His expression was one of concern and confusion. "I'm not familiar with Arshea. I've always given my devotion searching for the Dawnflower's blessings. Perhaps we should discuss the benefits or your approach? " He smiled and winked at her then.
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26 Rova
Mat sat forward on his seat and was visibly concerned as the term 'slave' was used. He forced himself to relax for he knew that slavery was the way of things in Absalom as much as he might prefer otherwise. This was obviously an opportunity to perhaps fix that in some small way.
As the Venture-Captain asked about questions, one did come to mind that he voiced. "Sir, have there been any other similar instances that we are aware of? Also, is there any reason for Lady Silviana to have conflict with Lady Darchana herself?"
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Ragnar enters Venture-Captain Valsin with the others and listens to his short briefing. As Valsin tells the group about both ladies, he smiles to himself, recognizing the almost inevitable struggles among old nobility and newcomers, some of which he experienced in his own house. As the slave's role in the story becomes clear - at least in Valsin's narrative - Ragnar snorts quietly and shakes his head. Some people have to take firmer control of their slaves. This Milana might be more knowledgable about these things. Turning to Valsin after the briefing, Ragnar had his own question. "Am I correct to understand that Lady Darchana is interested in quiet information gathering at the moment rather than any noisier operation?"
Lady Darchana's been actively researching better ways to get trade goods into Absalom for quite some time. She's got some kind of long standing feud with the First Harbormaster Hugen.
"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." the Venture-Captain says to Ragnar in response. "This little mess could quickly turn into a giant, paranoid game of who-do-you-trust, so Lady Darchana came to some people she knew she could trust."
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Ragnar nods back at the Venture-Captain. "I understand. No one wants this to turn into a larger mess.". He then turns to the others and says matter-of-factly. "We might want to visit Salbus later, once we've spoken to Milana - she might give us relevant information we could approach Salbus with, and could add some details about whatever is going on She should be the first person we speak with."
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I hate agreeing with elves but this one seems acceptable. This whole thing must be some sort of trial on cooperation, there is simply no other reasonable explanation why I this group was assigned together. Could be worse though, hard to see how, but could be worse. I suppose I could have been sent to one of those dinner parties and that would have been worse.
"Lady Darchana is expecting you, and with solid information. Do not disappoint her, or embarrass me by showing up empty-handed." Venture-Captain Valsin says putting his fists on the desktop as he stands up.
"Any other questions? No? Then scoot! I've got deviants to see and a novel to write. Scoot!" the Venture-Captain makes a shoo-ing motion…
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 higher 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 extremely 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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"Oh, like, we aren't even here to see your boss, miss! We're here to talk to you! I bet you don't hear that a lot, do you? Yeah, we really need to know some information, and it sounds like you're the one that would know it! Would you be willing to sit down with us for a little while, pleeeeeease? We're really AWESOME people, I promise!"
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Mat smiled and shook his head with regards to Kaylee's exuberance. He stepped up beside her, placing his hand on her back in an attempt to calm her down a bit. He spoke to Milana with a slightly more serious expression. "Kaylee expresses our reason for being here with the enthusiasm of getting started on solving a mystery and the journey ahead. We mean no disrespect, only ask for your indulgence so that we can ensure that the end result does not reflect poorly upon her ladyship and her house."
Milana looks at Kaylee and she catches the briefest glint of in her eyes, which vanishes in a pleasing smile that goes on for miles, "Here to see me? With Lady Siviana's sudden departure to Oppara, I simply do not have the time for social engagements at the moment dear."
Turning in response to Mathurin words, the majordomo faces him, her features relax a little more. Then with Hrothgar's proclamation, "Please Pathfinders, my apologies." Looking again to Kaylee, "Lady Silviana's unexpected trip has tripled my already hectic workload around Dimora Manor." She gestures to the comfortable looking furniture and and herself sits down in one of the chairs. "I can spare a few minutes I suppose..."
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"Ooh, this house is so beautiful! And these chairs, wonderful! You must work very hard to keep it looking so nice in here!" Kaylee sits down in one of the more comfortable-looking chairs, preferably a loveseat to give others the opportunity to sit with her. "I'm Kaylee, and these fine Pathfinders are Hrothgar, Mathurin, Belven, and Ragnar! We're, like, TOTALLY happy to meet you! We've only got a few little questions for you, it really won't take any time at all!"
For some reason, though she's complimenting the household, Kaylee's tone is a bit sarcastic, so she's not as helpful as she hoped to be.
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Ragnar has little patience for the majordomo, so he speaks more bluntly than the others although he tries to keep his voice calm and not to offend Milana. We need her information, there's no use in getting her upset or she'd simply refuse to speak. "To keep things short, we are interested in learning more about one of your female slaves, who might have something to do with our employer." he says and describes the handmaiden to the best of his ability. "What could you tell us about her?"
Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead "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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"Ooh, see? This is why we came to ask you! You're AWESOME! Where is that Atlag lady now? Is she locked up? Can we question her too??" Kaylee's obviously extremely excited that they've gotten a clue, but she doesn't want to just rush off to Mahdi's shop without checking on Atlag as well, if possible.
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Ragnar nods at Milana and speaks after Kaylee's question with a slow voice which makes it clear he is expecting answers. "Thank you for the information. I do have a few follow-up questions however. Did Lady Silviana buy any other slaves from this Mahdi Mahjub fellow in the past? How long have you been working with Salbus? For all we know, he might also be a part in this conspiracy. Finally, is there any reason you can think of someone would want to spy on Lady Silviana at the moment? Is she getting involved in anything unusual? I know these questions might be personal and difficult to answer, but I believe we have shared interests on this matter - help us rectify your lady's sullen reputation instead of having this story spread further.
Milana shakes her head at Kaylee's questions, closing her eyes in a long, exhausted blink. "She is not locked up, but she has been...reassigned. You are free to speak to her on your way out, that would be AWESOME. You'll find her working with the gardener."
Turning to Ragnar, "Well now, you are a direct one aren't you? Lady Silviana does not maintain many...servants like Atlag. Salbus arranges many types of transactions for my lady so the particulars are not always known to me. If I recall correctly, Salbus has been on retainer by my lady for the last three years. As far as spying on my lady? I've been thinking about that a lot myself. The most out of the ordinary thing though, was her sudden departure to Oppara after all this happened. Otherwise? Just typical chaos and drama."
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Strange that she says the particulars aren't known to her as Silviana's majordomo; she might herself be involved somehow - especially as she wants to get rid of us as soon as possible. Not the most helpful approach from a woman whose boss' reputation has been damaged so recently by a problem we are trying to solve. Ragnar frowns a bit: Yes, I understand. And why, if we may ask, did Lady Silviana leave now? Also, although Atlag was caught now, she might have been part of a larger plot. And following up on that, how can you know there are no other spies among Lady Silviana's household? Have you investigated the others - servants or slaves?
"I can share with you, that the following day Lady Darchana herself came calling here to Dimora Manor. The two met for several hours, during which time they enjoyed a fine lunch. After Lady Darchana's departure, Lady Silvana requested me to arrange her passage to Oppara that evening. I did the best I could, of course, but she wouldn't even wait two days to book passage on the Golden Lion if you can believe it! As for ...other spies, when Lady Darchana came to visit she was attended by several students of the Arcanamirium who investigated the rest of the household and grounds staff. 'Practical coursework' she called it." Milana answers Ragnar.
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The uncomfortable looking dwarf stands impatiently rubbing the inside of his left arm, almost a nervous tick. Perhaps we should talk with Atlag in the garden.
He offers the best advice he can but understands that this working with high society stuff is not his forte and is willing to let others overrule him on the matter.
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Kaylee looks slightly hurt by the woman's obvious derision of the way she speaks, but she quickly recovers. "Alright then, thank you SO MUCH for your time! We'll go talk to Atlag and figure this whole thing out! I hope you have an AWESOME day!"
Kaylee gives the woman a sort curtsy.
Kaylee sneaks in a rude gesture as she walks away from Milana, though it could be interpreted as a hand tremor or something like that.
Milana rings a small bell she takes from her pocket.
A few moments later the doorman enters, "Yes ma'am?"
"Please escort our guests to the gardener's shed, they are to speak with the girl." Milana instructs him. "I will say good day to you now Pathfinders and wish you well on my Lady's behalf in your investigation."
You are lead across the grounds to the gardener's workshed, where a young Keleshite woman is cleaning gardening implements. "Atlag, these people wish to speak with you," the doorman says finding a shaded spot to stand in, crossing his arms.
The young woman looks up from her work, her eyes cold and distant. "Blessings of the Dawnflower upon you. How may I serve you?"
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[b]"This woman should be in jail if not punished even more severely rather than continuing her service in the garden as if nothing happened"[b], Ragnar mutters while the group approaches Atlag in her workshed. He looks at Atlag and her manual labor with obvious distate, preferring to remain outside the shed. Investigating slaves - and spy-slaves in that. How low can they expect me to go?
Turning to face Kaylee, but not making direct eye contact, Atlag say "I was to accompany m'lady as I was her handmaiden and attendant. At least until I became her new gardener. I can't really tell you much about the dinner party. Shortly after we arrived, before Lady Silviana could be announced to the other guests I was rushed into a side room. After a while Lady Silviana entered with another woman, Lady Darchana I am to understand now. Lady Darchana was very upset, she performed some magic and we returned here to Dimora manor not long after that."
Atlag shakes her head gently, "I am sorry, m'lady, but I have a very poor understanding of such things in the first place."