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Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin has sent word for you and some others to meet him first thing this morning in his office in Skyreach, located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.
As you arrive but before you knock on the door to let him know you arrived you notice the others who had gotten the same invitation you did.
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Sahba steps purposefully into the lodge. Still a young and petite 16 years of age, she walks with a recovered confidence of her former station. Her clothing of lightweight silk suggest a Qadiran heritage, which is confirmed by her dark skin and hair.
Her eyes flash with fire, and she dances flames across her fingers as she sits, waiting for the others.
There is a small tattoo on the back of her neck.
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Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin has sent word for you to meet him first thing this morning in his office in Skyreach, located on the grounds of the Grand Lodge in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter.
As you arrive in front of his office you notice several other people, who also seem to have received the same invite you did.
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A tall Varasian man with a slicked pointed beard and a loose, half-open shirt wanders in. He spots Sahba and smiles at the young woman in a way that makes her remember the market sellers in Qadira. "Either Ambrus has picked up some bad habits or you're here for this little task as well. I'm Teric Cain, master of spells and liar extraordinaire. The question is whether you can believe that or not!" He grins and bows to her.
He studies her for a moment. "Now, where might you be from, miss? Osiron perhaps? Katapesh? I've had some wonderful adventures there. I tapped into power untold before!"
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"Ah, Qadira. I know many a trader from there. I have several assets which traverse the markets in Katheer. My business helps support my exploits for the Pathfinders."
Teric shrugs when asked about spells. "Many, though I enjoy subjecting those who oppose me to the bite of cold magic. But I have spells to harm undead, heal, protect, burn, and freeze." He smiles and flourishes his hand much like a carnival magician. Sahba can see scars criss-crossing and running up his arms.
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Y'serid walks around a corner, heading towards the Venture-Captains office door, hearing some voices, and seeing unfamiliar individuals, the kitsune puts on a slight smirk, and twinkle in his eyes, as he stuffs his hands into the folds of his loose fitting clothes.
Stepping up to the two individuals, various effigies, tokens, and weapons rattle around his figure as he takes a relaxed, but interested posture, not bothering to increase his slight 5'4" posture in the least, his ears cocking and fidgeting around.
"Konichiwa, friends. I assume the esteemed Venture-Captain called on you two as well. This must be a...DANGEROUS mission indeed."
Eyeing up the man and woman, he cocks a mischievous grin, "You should relax. It would be a shame to die all stressed out."
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Prospero nonchalantly strolls down the corridor of Skyreach, his left hand resting lightly on the hilt of his rapier. Despite the new appearance of his chain shirt, Prospero displays an easy confidence in his bearing and a mischievous light in his green eyes. Reaching the Venture-Captain's door, Prospero leans against the wall and regards the others waiting nearby. He nods to Teric and Sahba in turn. His gaze rests on Y'serid for a moment before he nods to him as well.
"Good day to you all."
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After you politely knock on the door and are given permission to enter you walk in on;
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 upand-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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Davien walks down the hallway in a good mood and pushes open the doors.
apologies on being late, it was such a nice day I lost track of time enjoying it.
On his back are strapped two blades, with several smaller daggers on his belt and a flute attached to his belt dangling as well.
His brown hair is fairly curly and hr stands 6'1" with bright verdant eyes.
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"Oh interesting. An arcane eavesdropper. I would assume that good Council woman has a few enemies. One does not get to such a position without some enemies. Is there any idea where we could start besides this Salbus fellow?"
Running a hand through his hair Y'serid thinks for a moment before asking another question, "Who is this Salbus anyways? Just a solicitor?"
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Teric strokes his beard. "Interesting. A scrying sensor to learn a possible rival's secrets..." You realize the Varasian is admiring the daring and possibly filing the tidbit away for his own use later.
"Where is the handmaiden now? Back with Lady Dimora? Has the scrying sensor been dispelled or is it still intact?"
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The Venture-Captain answers:
"I do not know where the hand maiden is right now, or if the sensor has been dispelled"
"All I know about Salbus is that he has a soliciting business operating out of the Coins"
"And as for where to start, other then my earlier suggestion of starting with either Salbus or talking to the Major domo Milana of Lady Silviana I leave it up to you on how you will handle this"
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"It seems we will need to uncover much of the informaiton ourselves then. A little bit of an investigation and mystery. How fun!" Y'serid says with a grin and chuckle.
Looking around the group, he taps his chin, "I am Y'serid by the way."
Taking a long bow, he straightens and continues, "I am a conduit for the spirits as it were. I can call on them for aid or their expertise. Because of this I can do fairly well at anything really! Who are the rest of you? Any type of specializations?"
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Venture-Captain, I am Prospero Brabant
Prospero bows with a flourish
Your pardon, Sir. Allow me to ensure I understand the situation correctly. During a dinner party hosted by Lady Darchana, Lady Darchana discovered an uninvited guest with a scry upon her, who turned out to be a slave of Lady Silvania. Was lady Silvania at this party?
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The Venture-Captain nods at Prospero
"Indeed she was present"
"And before anyone suggests anything of the sort.."
At this point he raises a crooked eye brow towards Jaxal
"..my understanding is that Lady Silviana already 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."
"Now if you have no further questions, I suggest you get going. We want to have this handled discreetly and quickly"
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"Very well. Give me one hour, and I will catch up with you all at the Majordomo's. I need some time to speak with some of my ancestors."
Following this, Y'serid hops up and exits the room. Finding a quiet area he can contemplate he pulls out the dulled blade shard, and reaches out to Hajimoko Jukotu, and opens himself up tot he Spirit of Champions.
"Hajimoko Jukotu, I am glad to see you in good...spirits."
"Ah it has been too long, time for some fun!"
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As you inquire about the adres of Lady Silviana Dimora's estate you easly get directions, when you arrive you see;
An 8-foot-high fieldstone wall surrounds the estate. The grounds ae recently tended with a thick, soft grass, several well-placed shade trees, and many species of flowering plants. Directly infrot of the manor house is a pond with several large lilies and a lion-shaped marbel fountain that bubbles gently.
As you knock on the door a servant answers your knocking and inquires about your bussines.
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Teric smiles at the man. "Yes, I am Teric Cain. We are here to speak to the majordomo Milana about certain recent events. We are here on behalf of the Lady Darchana who asked that we look into this matter."
"If necessary we can wait in a sitting room for her. My friends and I would appreciate some wine and refreshments."
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The servant adresses you;"If you would be so kind as to follow me. I will alert the Majordomo to your presence"
You are led inside to a parlor furnished with plush blue couches and stairs to await the Majordomo. There is a decanter of water brought in for you, but no wine.
It takes a while before the Majordomo shows up.
"So you are the people who showed up unannounced without having a appointment. I suggest you make an appointment for what ever it is that you wish to discus and we'll meet again at that time. My suggestion if for..2 weeks from now, Tuesday..around 11.30. If that will be all, I'll have one of the servants escort you back outside, so I can return to my current duties. I wish you a pleasent day and goodbye for now"
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"Hold a moment, please." Sahba stands, to intercept Milana. "Our business is urgent, and concerns the safety of your employer. Surely the honor of your position requires you take such a discussion seriously."
"It seems a servant under your direction—here in the employ of Lady Darchana —was caught scrying in a place she should not. As things stand it reflects poorly on you and your household. However, it is possible that you and Lady Darchana are innocent and being framed. Someone it treating you as patsies. You can see then why it's in your interest to assist our inquiry."
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[b]"Yes, as I mentioned to the servant, we are here to inquire about the events at Lady Darchana's estates recently. We want to help dispel any rumors which might be going around as to the guilt of Lady Silvana or her house staff. We would hate for her or you to be implicated in eavesdropping on a Councilwoman undeservedly.
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Together Sahba and Teric manage to convince the Major Domo to talk to you a bit longer, she seems a bit ruffled by Sahba interception at first, but Teric's smooth talking gets her to reconsider sending you out straight away
Milana shakes her head, touching her hand to her forehead.
“Yes, 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.”
Impressed by Teric's skill at talking she adds;
“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.
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The Major Domo looks at Teric and raises one of her her eyebrows
"You don't think that being in the good favor on one such as Lady Silviana is enough reward on it's own merrits?"
"And one of the standing the Lady has in society always has..rivals.But none that I know of that might do something like this"
At Prospero's question;
"Yes, Atlag is still in the household. And I guess it makes sense for you to see her..since she is part of your...ivestigation. I will have a servant escort you to her"
If you have no further questions the Major Domo leaves and a servant shows up to escort you to Atlag.
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Teric taps his lips, thinking about the prospects of being owed a favor by Lady Silviana. He bows his head. "Fair. Should I do this, I hope the Lady Silviana would see to help me with an item or two at some point. I know she's looking to grow in her standing here. We can't have a minor incident like this putting her reputation in jeopardy, can we?" He smiles at the majordomo.
"Ah, yes let's speak to Atlag!" He claps his hands together in anticipation.
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Prospero contemplates Atlag for a moment, his chin resting on his right hand and his left hand resting n his rapier hilt. After a moment he says, Atlag you have been in your mistress' service for three weeks, correct? Do you recall accompanying your mistress to Lady Dalchana's party last week?
Prospero continues It appears that someone used you as a scrying sensor. Do you know what that means? Someone cast a spell on you so they could spy on Lady Dalchana's party. Do you know who did this to you? Do you remember meeting anyone strange here in this household or at the chattel merchant's pen where you were purchased?
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At Prospero's question Atlag nods
"That is correct. Yes, I went with the Lady to the party to tend to her needs there. I don't know anything about magic and I have no idea who would do this to me...or to the lady..I don't know anything.There were lots of strange men at the merchants pen, I didn't like any of them"
Atlag breaks down in sobs
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Teric shakes his head. "It's ok, my dear. We'll work this all out. You just stay here with the majordomo and we'll try to find out who did this to you." The Varasian smiles at her. He softly casts his own detection spell to examine the magical energies.
Afterwards, outside the room, he says, "I doubt she knows anything. It was probably done when she was sleeping. Let's find Mahjub and see what he knows."
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Salbus’s solicitation business is located in a rented office space in the Coins. The office is located on the ground floor of a recently rebuilt two story building that houses several different professional
offices and merchants. A small plaque with an Asmodean pentacle and an inscription reading “Red Letter—Solicitor Salbus” hangs outside
When you enter:
As the office door opens, a small bell chimes overhead. Inside, the cramped space holds a meticulously organized bookshelf and a rosewood desk.
Seated at the desk, a middle-aged Chelish man with short red hair and a widow’s peak peers intently at a sheaf of legal documents as he carefully copies out key clauses, then acknowledges his visitors. He looks up from his work with a slight smirk on his thin lips and introduces himself. “Solicitor Solvius Salbus. What brings you across my threshold this glorious day? Though I must warn you, given my current workload, accepting new clients may not be possible at this time.”
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"Well, good sir, my least pressing question is what deliciously scandalous thing did you do to get to wear your red letter? If we had time, I might be inclined to show you mine."
"More important matters are before us, however. Lady Silviana's majordomo gave us leave to inquire after her purchase of Atlag, in the hope you would be able to assist us further. The servant is implicated in a devious subterfuge, and we seek to avoid disparaging her owner. Perhaps you can shed some light?"
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At Sahba's question he responds; "I have no time to spare for answering idle questions."
Then when Teric takes over the line of questions Salbus seems to be paying a bit more attention; I'm sure a fine spoken man like yourself understand that I can't with in the letter of the law talk about such details of a previous purchase, it would break client privilege."