Most of the party makes it across the outdoor garden with no issues, either hiding or confidently strolling as if they belong there. The only exceptin is Okuru, who stands out in any crowd. One of the guests from the outdoor patio points at the fox-like Pathfinder crying, "What is that thing? Someone should call security!"
Acting as a security guard, Ebert thinks quickly and calls back. "It's well in hand, ma'am. Security is removing this troublemaker."
What that said, the guests nod and return to their party, no one caring or considering the Pathfinders any longer. The far door leads to a hallway near the kitchen, but here the serving staff is busy going about their tasks and doesn't seem to notice the group.
It's not long before they have their hands on the doorknob to the waiting room where they supposedly have been patiently sitting, biding time until the Ambassador can join them.
Less than a minute after the heroes slide into chairs, the door opens, and a well-guarded ambassador sweeps into the room. He looks you up and down with a typical Chelish sneer. "I heard you have urgent information regarding our assets in Sargava? Hand it over. I don't have time to deal with messengers." He snaps his fingers impatiently waiting for you to produce the sealed envelope that you brought in as cover story.
When that is delivered up, the ambassador sweeps from the room without another word to you. The secretary follows quickly on his heels, escorting you to the exit quickly. Making sure the information about Zarta Dralneen is in hand, you acquiesce and leave the Embassy, headed back to the Grand Lodge.
Venture Captain Valsin is pleased with your work. "We have had our eyes on Tancred Desmire for some time. Knowing he was involved in the disappearance of the Paracountess, and worse, may have falsified evidence to get her imprisoned, we will be watching all hte more. It appears our fair VC is in Castle Vraid, a stronghold of the feared Hellknights. We will be working on a way to rescue or free her as well. Couldn't do either without the information you obtained."
He hands you a token stamped with House Thrune's seal. "These Tokens will allow you some bargaining room with House Thrune, the Chelish government, or any of the orders of Hellknights. Use it well, especially if we need you for one of the missions above."
If you don't have further questions, the VC excuses himself, ad you are dismissed to further endeavors.
End of Scenario
As the specially chosen team of pathfinders arrive the light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee. Her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.
“As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”
Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. “Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far.
“I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy.
“In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”
"I have sent a request to the Grand Lodge in Absalom asking for another Pathfinder to help with shoring up where your team is lacking in its skills and abilities you mentioned in previous reports. " the Venture-Captain looks over to the side of the room gesturing for a rather jovial and happy-go-lucky young halfling to come forward. In an almost lack luster tone Sheila remarks "They sent me Wilen Proudbrew, please introduce yourselves and Wilen I will let you introduce yourself."
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Juis smiles at the new member of their group, "Wilen Proudbrew... hmmm... I seem to remember that name somewhere. Perhaps one of my friends mentioned you before. Either way. Welcome to our group, Wilen."
His face turns serious as he gets to the matter at hand. "Low profile investigation on pirates in attempt to prevent them from targeting our next ship. Right. I suggest we start our investigation in the Wharf District. There is bound to be a few sailors or street youths that have knowledge of where the stolen goods are. Then maybe we can find clues or capture some of the cronies to get more information about Alejia and her whereabouts."
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Greetings everyone. I am Wilen Proudbrew. For many years I was a brewmaster-in-training to take over my parents' ale brewery in Absalom. I like ale, but running a business does not really fulfill me. If they were with us, this is when they would say "whatever that means." Well for the past year, for me it has meant throwing a portion of that halfling caution and good-sense out the window and seeing where roads lead me with the Pathfinder society. Normally one thinks of ancient evils, and recovering lost artifacts, but my very first mission saw me trekking all over Taldor, being nearly chased off from a talking tree, and nearly dying in a spike-pit trap. To be honest I'm not sure why I didn't walk away after that incident, but I guess the short of it is that I've become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
He turns to Juis. Interesting. I have made many acquaintances in my short time as an agent, but no closely formed bonds. I would be curious who remembered me.
He smiles sheepishly and holds out his hand warmly for the Human.
And you are?
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Duncan grimaces noticeably when he hears that its another stealth mission in the pirate'd den. He aches for an outdoor adventure where his woodcraft can be put to better use, but doesn't complain aloud.
As Wilem is introduced, he nods to the halfling. Duncan has been around long enough to know that while the halfling may not look like much, he likely has an iron toughness to him. If he could brew some beer then even better. "Well met," the slayer mumbles, half under his breath.
Duncan thinks back on what he has heard about Riddleport in general or any of the names mentioned by Sheila in particular, as the others start to generate the beginnings of a plan.
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A couple moments after Okuru staggers into the study, Marianna, in street clothes, hurries in struggling a little with a rather hefty armor chest. She quickly sets the chest down before turning to her current superior. "My apologies, Venture-Captain," she directs to Lady Heidmarch, "but I was held up at the docks, waiting for this from home. It took the crew far too long to find it, in addition to double-checking that it was all there. It holds alot of value to me, and so I was reluctant to let it sit for any length of time." Then, she finally recognizes that the group has a new face among the usual crew. "Ah," She extends her hand toward Wilen courteously. "Marianna Nicos, from Korvosa. My pleasure."
After the others get her and the fox of many vices caught up to the mission and going over with Duncan what can be pulled out of the group's mind , Marianna nods in agreement to Juis' plan. "That should be a good place to start. Do we have passage on a ship to Riddleport then?"
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I didnt know you wore regular clothes, Mariana he says.
Marianna gives Okuru a knowing look, and shakes her head slightly with a grin. "I don't have armor as a second skin, my dear troublemaker." she rubs the extensive scars along the left side of her face before continuing. "Although, I did have to sell off that armor in order to get this here."
"Besides, Okuru, We're returning to Riddleport. After our business is done, you can pay Madam Pamodae and the House of the Silken Veil another visit. It took a little insistence last time we were there to get you to leave, if I remember correctly."
Sheila looks aboiut the group as each in their own way great the newest member to the assembled Pathfinder team. Noding in approval and she see Duncan and Marianna exchange note and information back and forth while creating a list of information that they receit off for the present company
With this information in hand and with the groups preparations complete the Pathfinder Set out towards the Wharf District. The brine of the sea fills the air and your nostrals as you walk down the cobbled streets that shift in to shifting walk ways made of wood and nail. You see many folk walking about hurridly opening box and moving shipments, plent to speak with available inorder to find your way along.
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Duncan is not the most diplomatic person in the world, but his knowledge and contacts in Riddleport prove worthwhile and he is able to add on to the information provided by Okuru.
"In addition to the strangers hauling in odd cargo, I learned that a gagged and blindfolded person was taken into a derelict warehouse on the edge of the Wharf District as well. Sounds like the place to begin investigations, does it not?"
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Marianna keeps the chest closed as the entourage crosses the Varisian Gulf, but as they approach Riddleport, she turns to Nylthe. "Can I ask for a little assistance? Plate tends to be a pain without a second pair of hands," she requests, gesturing toward the sleeping quarters that they stayed in.
Just before the ship docks into Riddleport, Marianna returns to the deck, dressed in the distinctive red and silver plate armor of the Grey Maidens, with the plumed faceless helm under her arm and a new sword at her side. "Shall we?" she asks as the gang plank is dropped, so they can head into the Wharf District. After Duncan brings up the warehouse, she nods in agreement. "Sounds like a good place to start then."
The foul, mucky weather is enough to make any possible source of refuge look at least a little more hospitable, but the tattered sides of this rundown building have clearly seen better days. The waterlogged boards that hold it up have numerous holes that have been boarded over with newer planks. The warehouse’s few windows are high off the ground and intermittently broken; those still intact are far too grimy to see through anyway.
While the building itself hardly looks like a viable base of operations, a flicker of light can be seen from within. The sounds of movement such as workers moving about boxes or sorting debris can be heard from within the confines of the building as well as muffled voices can be heard conversing back and forth. The east and west loading doors are closed, as well as the narrower south door, which has a sliding peep hole built into it at eye level.
As Marianna, Okuru and Juis review some of the best options to continue the mission both Duncan and Wilen look about the warehouse attempting to find the best location for entry.
While looking about the warehouse they are able to locate no other entries regular or secret. They come up with the same conclusion, The loading doors on the East and West are closed and locked tightly. A door on the south of the building is also locked but looks to have a sliding peep hole one might expect to see at secret clubs or speakeasy's. Although the building does seem under disrepair all three doors are very sturdy and may require some excess strength to bust them down.
Now the party waits with eager anticipation in the decision to be made of going in Clock and Dagger or will they go in bombs flying, fireballs bursting.
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"If those doors are locked, we'll need someone with some finesse to jimmy the locks. I never learned that trick myself, but maybe our halfling friends knows something about picks?"
Duncan expresses his thoughts that the direct approach is probably best. "Only some much sneaking a group of folks can do. Our best bet is to hit them hard, and all at once, overwhelming them with numbers."