Attending to various matters around the grounds of Grand Lodge, the sunlight wanes as the day nears its end. 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, slaping 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
The Orphans 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. In the morning, however, Gert and Old Lace are nowhere to be found. Thinking they will turn up in the Venture-Captain's office, the rest of hte Orphans continue 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! Excellent work rescuing Eleanir and Michellia Blackros. The stronger the ties between their family and the Society, the better!
"Now onto something new. 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?"
Venture-Captain Valsin address Ic's question first, "Couldn't tell ya. That's what you are here for. Slave probably came though Misery Row, but that pit is too big to play slave in the haystack."
Turning to Anaristiel, "If I had to guess I'd say Lady Silviana's clueless in all this. But I'd rather not guess, which is why you are here. 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 to Oppara may even be to ensure her safety and silence on the matter. "
Liam knows that Lady Silviana's family emigrated from Taldor several generations ago, and have been mid-level players in the Absalom social and political scene. She is a social butterfly, someone on everyone's invite list. She has a fair bit of access, which would make her an ideal target for this kind of second-hand eavesdropping.
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Valsin's right, guessing is not proper work. We'd better get to the bottom of this.
Veviane remains silent for a moment, listening to and mentally recording every piece of information. Then one simple question comes out.
"Venture-Captain, if I may? It seems to me that most crimes are dictated by motive, and this one - though seemingly harmless for now - is no exception, I trust. Consequently, who would have an interest in spying on Lady Darchana? Do we have a list of usual suspects?"
Nodding at Veviane and cracking a smile, "Now there is an interesting question. Who would want to spy on the woman in charge of the Arcanamirium? The woman ultimately responsible for the magical defense of Absalom itself? Someone who's up to no good, that's who!"
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"Up to no good, eh? That doesn't exactly narrow the list as much as I'd hoped. But we'll get to the bottom of it, sir. "
Turning to the others:
"Which place should we check first?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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.
The Orphans approach the manor and knock on the door. The doorman, a stuffy looking Taldan gentleman looks at you with expressionless eyes. "Welcome to Dimora Manor, may I help you?"
"Yes, of course. Miss Milana is very, very busy, but if you will please follow me..." the doorman says. He leads you to a sitting room where you will be comfortable while you 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. "Miss Milana will be along shortly." as he closes the doors again.
...
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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"If we were here to see her, then yes, I'm sure that would suit just fine. However, as we are not, but are, in fact, here to see you, it seems that, well, now is as good a time as any."
Anaristiel smiles and continues, knowing that this woman is not used to being contradicted, nor would she appreciate being taken away from her duties any longer than absolutely necessary. "We won't be long, of course. We need information on a particular handmaiden of Lady Silviana's. She accompanied Her Ladyship to a gathering at Lady Darchana's recently?"
Milana pauses, thinking about her response...
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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Wulfren's expression grows sour as the discussion turns to the slave trade, but he holds his tongue on that subject.
"Thank you for the information, ma'am. I do not mean to pry, but can you think of anyone who might profit by spying on Lady Darchana or your mistress? Perhaps someone who's given either of them trouble lately?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Milana thinks for a moment on Wulfren's question. "Lately? No. Well, I can't really speak for Lady Darchana of course." she scrunches up her lips. "There was an incident at Lady Neltado's summer barbaque where Lady Silviana accidentally ruined the Lady's dress but surely that can't be a motive. Even Lady Neltado isn't that petty."
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"Well, thank you for your time, Milana; you've been very helpful." With that, Anaristiel takes her leave.
As she passes through the gate, Anaristiel turns to the others. "Do you think that's enough information for Lady Darchana? We were asked to find her origins, and we know that she was purchased from that Mahdi person, but it's not clear if we should see him before we make our way to her...or perhaps there is more information we need from the solicitor?"
As the Orphans head out, Milana motions to Wulfren to get his attention. As he pauses to turn and she is already standing next to him, really closely in his personal space. She looks directly into his eyes and says in a low, breathy voice, "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 brushes against Wulfren's hand with her own as she walks out of the sitting room.
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Crossing back into the Coins, the Orphans find their way to The Red Letter.
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.
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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Anaristiel smiles. "As you are so busy, I will keep this brief. Lady Silviana Dimora engaged your services several weeks ago to draw up papers relating to the purchase of a handmaiden, who goes by the name Atlag, from Mahjub Mahdi." She pauses briefly to let him get his thoughts in order, then continues. "This particular handmaiden has been caught committing crimes, and the nature of these crimes is such that it's possible you might be implicated. As such, we need any information you have regarding that sale, the girl's origins, and anything else that might be pertinent, so that we may clear you of any wrongdoing."
Solvius smiles, a wicked, wicked grin. "How very thoughtful of you. I assure you, however, that all of my contracts provide the proper indemnification to protect me from any...confusion. I am no more liable for the crimes committed by this woman than...you are. The woman, Atlag, fit the general requirements provided to me by Lady Silviana and Mahdi has proven he is worth the visit. As to her origins etcetera I really have no interest in that information. It is not a particular detail that was required in Lady Silviana's requirements, nor is it a bookkeeping matter I need to trouble myself with. "
"Ordinarily I would not speak of privately executed contracts with an unaffiliated third party, Solvius says before patting a folded paper on his desk. "However Lady Silviana had a letter delivered to me prior to her departure for Taldor, authorizing me to disclose to the deputized agents of Lady Darchana the identity of the chattel merchant. Mahjub Mahdi is the purveyor in question, as you already know, and can be found at the northern end of Misery Row. His private shop is called Mahdi’s Chattel. It’s a step up from the Slave Pits to be sure—a much more orderly experience, a very fine display parlor with excellent lighting, and he always keeps excellent wines on hand. I trust you will treat him with the respect that he deserves."
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Ic has a seldom moment of lucidity, and seems to be able to communicate with the laser quite well
Pertaining to the business requirements of aforementioned procurement, enumerate the specifications at which the original tender was drafted. Specifically we aim to elucidate the cognitive, tangible and goodwill-based arguments underscoring the appropriateness of this specimen, validating the procedures that have led to the selection in question.
He wants to know why he chose this girl.
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Wulfren listens to Ic, the sudden burst of speech surprising him even from a lifelong friend. He adds a bit as well.
"I've got a question on a matter of law as well, sir. What recourse does Lady Silviana have under the contract, or Absalom law generally? Is there any provision by which she can be "made whole", or compensated for the harm this has caused her?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Solvius looks to Ic "Sadly, the writ of disclosure from my employer does not authorize such an enumeration."
"As you your question sir, if Lady Silviana indeed suffered a tangible loss of assets at this...dinner party...she would be well within her rights to pursue legal recompense. Though I doubt missing a free meal and the snickering behind her back of busy bodies hardly qualifies."
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"A fair point. I doubt any damage to the Lady's reputation or pride would count as tangible. Still, if the slave in question was stealing information, perhaps we would have some grounds...Thank you for the advice. "
-Posted with Wayfinder
Solvius arches an eyebrow at the Orphans, "If that is all then...?"
Heading east across the Coins the Orphans approach 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. The door is not completely closed and
shows signs of scratches and damage to the wood around the latch.
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Liam idly fiddles with some earplugs. He looks like he's rather tempted to put them in and try to retreat from this unpleasant place by pulling out a book. However, a memory of tripping and falling on top of a certain young lad resulting in a rather compromising position and a rather angry boyfriend seems to stay his hand.
When he sees the destruction of the shop face, he puts the earplugs away, instead drawing his dagger. "Wouldn't surprise me, Vev, luv. These don't really seem like the most honorable sort. Although whomever smashed that there window prob'ly weren't the same one who broke in, so maybe multiple people with grievances?"
Nope, the door is slightly open.
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.
The stone statue stands almost 2 feet tall, weighs 15 pounds, and has simian features, massive horns, and a long tail. The windows have been smashed, and broken glass lies on the floor and on the desk on the opposite side. The work table in the center of the display parlor conceals a heavy, polished stone with a 4-inch-diameter steel ring attached to the top, providing an anchor for manacle chains.
The statute as a Mwangi (Bekyar) tribal representation of the Demon Lord, Angazhan.
Wulfren hears faint words punctuated by a thud against the wall and the shattering of glass from the eastern room.