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When the knock at the door came, it was an unexpected surprise. Opening the door, a boy not yet a man simply asked your name, and when you answered, he reached into his travelling satchel and produced a missive emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society wax seal of the Grand Lodge.
You broke the seal and unfurled the scroll, only to have found a terse message: "Tomorrow. First dawn. My office." looking at bottom, you saw it was signed by the Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin.
Today, you find yourself at Skyreach, home of Valsin's personal office located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.
Upon arrival, an attendant leads you to a sitting room, where a table lies adorned with tea, bread, various meats and cheeses.
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Half past dawn, a green and brown skinned Nagaji walks into the sitting room and raises a slender hand in greeting. He is dressed in fine blue silk and light trousers with a sash tied tightly against his waist. He also wears high, soft leather boots and a crossbow is slung across his back. His features are handsome for his kind, but his eyes seem to have a darkness flitting behind them. He pulls back his silken hood and you see what must be extra skin piled in neat formations around his face.
"Well met, my fellow Pathfinders. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Tata Sisbil. I hope you are looking as forward to this as I am." His voice is smooth and measured, though you can detect a coldness in it as he finishes. "Ah, meat and fine cheese. That will do quite nicely this morning. Are you all familiar with Venture Captain Valsin?" he says grabbing a handful of the offered foodstuffs and sitting in wait.
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Good morning gentlemen my name is Kiaru and it is the first time that I am going to work with you, I congratulate you because I have good references of yours if on the contrary you had of me something wrong I would be doing a stretched elf of skin different from that of other elves that you have seen previously.
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Hanzi approaches the party wearing his trademark - emerald green armor that appears to be severeal years old, gathering imperfections and much of its original parade quality. The style is that of the Jade Regent in Minkai.
Rather than a traditional samurai mask and helmet, he wears a scholar's hat, the type that the instructors at the grand lodge wear.
Well met everyone. My name is Hanzi Logain, and I am a veteran pathfinder, I work full time at the Lantern Lodge in Goka for Venture Captain Amara Li, it is my pleasure to meet you. For those of you who are junior agents, if you would, I think I could teach you a thing or two
+1 to AC
+1 to Saves
+1 hp/level
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An aide enters the sitting room and makes a quick calculation. "Hmm. We appear to be short one, there was supposed to be six agents..." she scrawls a note on her ledger, then clears her throat. "... no matter, time is of the essence. The Venture-Captain will see you now."
She opens a broad door, then motions you to enter. Beyond the door, behind a large, antique desk in his wood-paneled office, sits Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin. He looks up from the pile of papers before him and shuffles them to one side.
"Perfect timing! Welcome Pathfinders!" he pushes his chair back, and rises to greet you. "I had an... interesting conversation with the yesterday. An old friend -- here in Absalom contacted Master Zey with a matter of discretion."
He comes around the corner of his desk, then sits on the edge. "You see, she’s also a member on the Low Council. It seems her dinner party last week had an unexpected guest: a handmaiden of one her fancy guest’s had picked up a scrying sensor somewhere. When the 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 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, regarding the handmaiden, or you can pay a visit to her solicitor, a over in the Coins. Questions?"
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"This seems to be too easy..." Tata thinks to himself.
"Sounds interesting. I am ready to set out when everyone is ready. I spent some of my time in the Coins in the past but cannot say that will be useful in this particular situation."
Tata flips another bite of cheese into his mouth, swallows quickly and rubs his hands together.
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"Can't we speak to Lady Silvana? and if not where are the slaves sold from?"
Valsin folds his arms and his posture slumps slightly. "Well, my understanding is that she already left for Oppara, in Taldor 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." the Venture-Captain rubs the back of his neck, then offers a shrug. "Of course, that's merely an educated guess. As for the purchasing of slaves? Misery Row is the only place in the city where it's legal to conduct that sort of business."
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Hanzi considers the briefing very slowly. Thw society did need its political friends and thia very much seemed worth doing.
He worried briefly however about one thing If slavery is legal are we being asked to break the law by doing all of this? If the slavers acts here are illegal, how common is this sort of thing?
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"If slavery is legal are we being asked to break the law by doing all of this? If the slavers acts here are illegal, how common is this sort of thing?
Valsin shifts his posture, then offers an open hand in a comforting gesture. "While slavery is legal, the act of supplanting a scrying sensor in an unwilling individual, especially someone who has little no to recourse-- like a handmaiden bound to servitude? I would think that the city council and its courts would find that to be quite outside the normal rule of law."
"As with most things, there is always shades of grey. Our patron came to us with confidentiality in mind, and as such, did not wish to go straight to the authorities-that-be."
After hearing Naruhito and Alani discuss their first lead, the Venture-Captain chimes in. "Either one would be a good place to start. I'll leave you all to that decision."
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Hanzi nods sagely at Valsins words. I just hope you have something good in mind for when you call in that favor we are about to earn, my captain
With that Hanzi collects his things and places his teaching cap on a peg and slaps on his faded jade green helmet. I think we have our mission straight then.
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You make your way to the Petal District asking the locals directions to Dimora Manor. As you approach, you immediately notice the 8-foot-high fieldstone wall that surrounds Lady Silviana Dimora’s estate.
The grounds are recently tended with thick, soft grass, several well-placed shade trees, and many species of flowering plants. Directly in front of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marble fountain that bubbles gently. A servant in what appears to be a middle class outfit looks over several loaves of bread that a baker has approached the gate with, nods, then scrawls something in a ledger. He waves the baker through, then lifts his gaze to see you all.
”Can I... help you? If you’re some sort of mummers’ band, we’ve no inclinations to accept such solicitations.”
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A mummer's band? I don't even know what this is...Some kind of beggars maybe? Or traveling artists?
The attendant looks a touch shocked, then offers in a conciliatory tone; "Oh, how unfortunate that you don't experience such entertainment* where-ever it is you come from."
"Can we speak with Lady Silviana Dimora?"
The servant sighs, but waves you all in. "Ah, yes. You must be the contingent of Pathfinders I was told might be stopping by... I’m certain that Lady Silviana would want nothing more to come to some sort of resolution to this nasty business, but she is not present at the moment."
Seeing that this news is not a shock to you all, he continues; "Surely you're aware that she’s left for Taldor two days ago? You can certainly attempt to discuss any issues with the majordomo." He looks over his shoulder, then says in a lower tone. "I wouldn’t push your luck though, she’s a bit... steely, that one."
The servant waves over other members of the household staff, who entreat you to relax in a parlor furnished with plush blue couches and chairs. They bow graciously, then exit the room.
Moments later, Lady Silviana’s majordomo , a stern-looking woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, enters the room and speaks in a formally apologetic tone. "Why, esteemed members of the Pathfinder Society! I regret to inform you that the Lady Silviana is not present, and as such, cannot participate in any investigation - to take such an… unscheduled meeting... it certainly does not befit her important and dutiful business at this time." Her tone of voice absolutely drips with condescension.
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Tata stares at the woman for a moment, opens his mouth, the thinking better of it, closes it again. After a quick moment passes, he speaks evenly in response: "We'd like to find out all we can about the handmaiden. It is why we are here, but I am sure you have guessed as much. We are aware, quite, in fact, that Lady Silvana is not here, but we were told we might speak with you about the matter. Were we told incorrectly?"
"By the way, I really like this place. Good color choices. Especially the couches. Really brings out the color in your eyes." Tata smirks as he rises to his feet.
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Kiaru gets the impression that Milana has little time to spare and little inclination to sacrifice the time she does have to deal with private investigators. "Well, "as soon as possible" would mean some time in the near future, as all correspondence and meetings would certainly have to be through the Lady Silviana..." she says with a modicum of grace.
You get the feeling that as she hasn't sat down like the rest of you, and that any pause in conversation may be met with directing you off the couches and towards the door so she can return to whatever she was doing before.
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Hanzi finally speaks up. This is a very well run household. It's the very talk of Absalom. After all, how else would talk of a member of the staff you lead be so central to the gossip dominating the town. Surely you have a moment to brag on your staff to some very well connected members of a global organization....that runs a quarterly journal where inches of column space can lead to untold fortune and fame. How was your name spelled again? I do just happen to be on the editorial board this month
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Tata continues: "Those draperies are exquisite. Imported from Tian Xia, maybe? Anyway, it seems that you may be able to help us with that information. Surely, we don't need to wait until your..ahem..keeper...I mean, Lady returns? I'm sure you're the one who really runs things around here, am I right?"
Tata winks at the Lady and waits for her response.
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Hanzi, DC 15 Diplomacy = 30 (22+2+2+2+2) - PASS
- PASS
Milana's eyes widen at Hanzi's small bluff of the allure of fame. With the rest of the party helping the lie with their honeyed words, she brushes off the praise with a surprising amount of humility given her staunch attitude. "Oh I assure you, the staff of this manor are expected to act in such a professional manner because of the Lady herself. She expects nothing but the best, so we aim to please... I suppose I can grant you a moment of my time."
She finds a seat on one of the exotic pillowed chairs, then looks from side to side. She then shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead. "Which is why I'm aghast at what transpired at 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 , and she has been here for almost three weeks! Three weeks! When I think of the private conversations that were had in front of Atlag? It makes me ill, honestly ill."
She darts her eyes about the room once more, then speaks in a softer tone. 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 finger a few times, shaking her head as she tries to recall the name. "Mahdi... Mahjub? No, dear me... it was ! He does his business down in of course. It's a small shop with several large windows to allow passersby to see into his display parlor from the street. " so the sign claims." her face turns to one of disgust. "I mean, referring to humanoids as chattel? Ugh, how positively gauche. 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 that there's nothing my Lady desires more than to move on from this embarrassment? Good? Yes? Thank you."
With that, she motions you to the door, then as you depart, she grabs Hanzi's forearm. "So this article... when exactly will it be published?"
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Hanzi grins grateful for all the information Well I suppose it all depends on when this information you gave us bears fruit. We shall have it be known that you were exceedingly helpful and your hosehold impeccably run.
Once they have stepped out, Hanzi gives a grimace Not my favorite part of the job. Anyway it seems as though our goose chase is still wild. To the lawyer?
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Before the party departs, Milana has one last thing on her mind. "Forgive me, but you all seem to possess a keen understanding of how things tend to work in Absalom, so perhaps you might be willing to perform a small service for my Lady?" She smiles, and gestures while looking to the side. "It would be most unheard of for someone of Lady Silviana's stature to demand recompense for her handmaiden purchased from Mahdi's... however... were you to secure such a deal? It would be a most gracious gesture that might lead to a budding friendship, don’t you think?" she darts her eyes fleetingly, then continues. "... and should he refuse you? Well, who were you to ask in the first place?" She shrugs her shoulders and frowns slightly. "Just something to consider," she says over her shoulder while walking away.
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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. Mahdi’s Chattel is located along the platform, where his many-windowed storefront can catch the eye of discerning buyers.
Mahdi’s Chattel is located along the platform, where his many-windowed storefront can catch the eye of discerning buyers. As you approach the store, a hanging sign sure enough 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 clearly having been smashed) and a small painted sign that reads “Closed” hangs over the latch of the door.
The door itself is not completely closed and shows signs of scratches and damage to the wood around the latch.
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Naruhito, Eredur, and Kiaru enter through the door left ajar.
They find that 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 stone statue stands almost 2 feet tall, has simian features, massive horns, and a long tail. The eastern half of the room is in slight disarray, apparently from light renovations that are nearly complete.
Once inside, they see that each of the two windows (one north, the other west) have been smashed, and broken glass lies on the floor to the west and on a desk under the northern window.
Lastly, there is a large work table in the center of the room with an attached iron bar bolted to the surface, running the length of the middle of the tabletop. One would surmise that it is used as an anchoring point for manacles and chains.
To the east lies an interior door to another room, and they can see a wash of lantern-light bleeding under the bottom of it. And more curiously, they can barely hear a muffled conversation between two voices beyond it.