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The gala inside the Chelish embassy appears to be in full swing, and as the faint light from the building falls upon the alleyway outside, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin’s mission briefing is hard to forget.
“Pathfinders,” Valsin boomed but hours earlier in the briefing chamber within the Grand Lodge, “Zarta Dralneen no longer exists. She never existed. She’s never worked for the Chelish embassy here in Absalom, and she’s never been in charge of the Chelish Pathfinders. At least that’s what I was told, repeatedly, to my face, through three layers of Chelish bureaucrats. I know those people, and they all knew Zarta.
They didn’t just forget about her. She’s been ‘disappeared.’
“I don’t know where she went and I don’t know who took her. What I need you to do for me is to go into the Chelish embassy and find out as much as you can by snooping around for a bit. I want to know where Zarta is, I want to know who took her, and I want to know why she was taken.
"We can’t afford to offend Cheliax, so you’ll have to infiltrate their embassy quietly. I’ve devised a cover story that should get you in the side door with orders to see the new Chelish ambassador. An ongoing diplomatic gala scheduled for the same time and a clever ruse by Venture-Captain Amara Li— who is also attending the gala—will keep the ambassador busy, but you’ll have to act quickly if you want to secure the information we need before he arrives to meet you. You must get into the embassy, get what we need, and get back out of the embassy without the Chelaxians ever catching on that we’ve been rooting around."
"Here is a packet of information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava. It’s legitimate intelligence that we probably would have passed on to Zarta eventually anyway and that we’re willing to give up for free as our ticket into the building."
"You’ll enter the embassy through the north entrance of the residential wing, where Chelish imperial security receives all of their informants. Even if you have a good cover story, you might have difficulty getting past the guards there—if necessary, you’ll have to resort to bribing your way through. Once you’re in, the guards will likely make you wait for the ambassador when you tell them you have important information for him. Don’t give it to anyone else, since once they have the information there will be no reason for them not to show you the door."
"Amara Li will keep the ambassador pinned down at the gala while you break out of the waiting room and snoop around. She will also meet you just before you enter the gala to cast a message spell on you, just in case you need to keep in touch during your mission. You just need to make your way to Zarta’s chambers—they’re in the southwest corner of the residential wing, but you’ll have to find a route that doesn’t intersect with the gala’s attendees or residents of the embassy. Try to get in and out in less than an hour. That’s my best estimate at how long the gala and Li can keep the ambassador preoccupied. Once you’ve got the information and made it back to the waiting area, you just have to wait for the ambassador to find time to see you."
"My informants tell me that Ailenia Hospar, one of the clerks you’ll likely run into at the embassy, is addicted to shiver. I’ve procured some of the drug for you to slip her if she initially proves less than accommodating. You may also have to deal with Anstrella Trelax, the pompous night-duty officer."
"Beyond that, what you’ll face is beyond my knowledge. I’ve ordered for you to receive several tools that might help you in your mission. Good luck, Pathfinders."
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I've dealt with Chelish officials before. Unfortunately, they are generally unwilling to forgive even the mildest perceived slight. I don't hold out much hope for finding your friend in one piece. But we will do the best that we can.
This comes from a average human in plain brown traveling clothes. He has been furiously scribbling notes in a small notebook during VC Valsin's briefing.
I've had some experience in appearing as other than I am. So the scrolls and potions may be more useful for someone else. The shiver may prove very effective, though. For those who are hooked on it, the only thing they want is to find the next high. Sad, really.
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Vanya shows no emotion whatsoever as she listens to the Venture-Captain tale. Her swarthy complexion made apparent by the rooms light she tilts her head slightly to her left allowing her dark hair to dance and fall on her shoulders in a cascade of black. When the captain's finished she smiles and nods at Bevek:"Yeah... Chelaxians can be downright nasty... but I find they tend not to be too bright, so infiltrating the embassy might actually be doable as long as we manage not to make fools of ourselves"
She then greceflully approaches the captain taking one of the elixirs:"I can disguise myself if needed but one of these might actually come in handy anyway..."
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The head of the Cheliax Pathfinder Faction, Paracountess Zarta Dralneen relishes her role in Absalom. She's always found the city rife with sins-in-the-making, and takes pleasure in what she regards as "Golarion's largest cesspool of corruption." She uses her beauty and diabolic power in equal measure to corrupt the souls of her enemies. Zarta paints the veneer of a cultured aristocratic lady on her outside, especially when appearing on official Chelish business, but the promise of soul-blasting sin is an ever-present dance in her sultry eyes, and the orgies of excess she holds at her private villa are legendary affairs that most scorn with curses, even as they secretly yearn for invitations. Despite her reputation as a strict taskmaster, Zarta's known hedonistic tendencies have fueled rumors that agents of House Thrune are unhappy with her performance and that her famous lash may be turned against her if she can't generate real results in the struggle for control and influence in Absalom.
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The blue-eyed, blonde-haired elven girl listens intently to Valsin, arms crossed and head cocked.
Briefing finished, she glances around the room, as if to remind herself who else is on the infiltration team.
Listening to Bevek and Vanya's words she adds
Well I can't disguise myself, so I'll take an elixir if no-one else wants the last one. I'm happy to lead the talking when we get there, anyone any ideas on why the guards might want to have as little to do with us as possible? Just trying to think ahead so we can avoid bribing them if possible!
She stows the elixir in a belt pouch.
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Sitting a bit further in the back is a hooded man. From under his hood he glares with his black eyes at the captain. His cloak and long black hair giving him an ominous look.
When the briefing finishes he looks towards the group. He talks when everyone has finished talking.
"I'm terrible at disguising, sneaking on the other hand is more my game."
He said with a evil grin.
"Pleased to meet you by the way, my name is Boderus."
A tail comes from under his cloak and makes a theatrical wave.
"I would like a scroll to disguise myself actually, that I might really need to get inside the embassy."
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A tiefling woman with pink skin, red lips and two large horns on her head scans her allies for this mission. While her red eyes move from person to person, her heart-shaped tail moves playfully. She tucks a strand of long black hair behind a pointed ear and opens her mouth to speak, revealing several unusually long and sharp canine teeth. "My name's Saera," the tiefling says with a surprisingly gently voice, "I'm absolutely awful at disguising myself or hiding, but feel free to take the items if you also need them."
"Did I hear someone say something about Cheliaxians not being too bright? Thank you..." Saera's voice drips with sarcasm when she speaks the last two words.
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You are in a dark alley in sight of a nondescript side entrance to the Chelish Embassy - used by informants you have been told. The only thing that distinguishes this door from all the others along the alley is the presence of a single guard dressed in Chelish imperial livery.
On the main street some distance away a Tian woman dressed in a beautiful, but rather stern, gown passes accompanied by several servants, she does not look your way, but her fingers flicker discretely in your direction and you each hear a whisper in your ear,
"This is Venture Captain Amara Li. Know that I have my own ends here this night, I am not here for you. I will keep the Ambassador distracted for an hour, so you need to convince them your information is for his eyes only and make use of your waiting time. This is a message spell, do not contact me unless it is extremely urgent."
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I'm surprised they are trying to 'disappear' someone that high profile. That kind of thing is bound to leave a lot of loose ends. I'm sure we'll find some of them.
Later, at the rendezvous point, the group sees a dirty, dissheveled old man limp his way toward them. He moves rather slowly, and his overcoat has not only seen better days, but it could use a good laundering as well.
Greetings, party goers... wheeze... I guess we have our instructions... wheeze... Starlene, why don't you see if you can sweet talk us into this shindig?...wheeze
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Pleased to meet and work with you Boderus, Saera
She turns to each of you in turn with a smile.
Apologies, my manners have evidently disappeared along with Ms Dralneen, I'm Starlene.
Starlene nods almost imperceptibly towards the Venture Captain Instructions received.
She strides up to the guard in front of the door and addresses him in a quiet but confident tone, looking at him calmly and directly.
Good evening guard, we have need of your assistance as quickly as possible.
She steps in slightly closer to create the air of a secret shared between them
We are informants for Cheliax security, and have intelligence of a time-sensitive nature for the Ambassador. You are best served by escorting us to a private area inside, away from prying eyes whilst we wait for the ambassador to see us.
She smiles briefly at him, but with concern on her face
I'm sure your quick action and careful handling of this situation would be appreciated by those of higher rank that are involved.
She leaves the double-edged carrot and stick hanging in the air, hoping the promise of a reward in addition to the potential scrutiny for any failure on the guard's part will have the desired effect of getting them inside quickly and without fuss.
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Starlene narrows her own eyes in turn.
Whilst I appreciate your door needs attention, we don't get paid until the info gets placed in the right hands. We'll get you some oil for those squeaky hinges, but you'll have to wait till after we see the ambassador.
She drops her friendly facade.
I did mention this was time-sensitive didn't I?
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Vanya smiles sweetly at the tiefling:"Well... in my experience most are not. But I'm sure you'll prove to be the exception to that rule... right?
The Taldan pathfinder goes on with a more serious tone, but just a little:"You can't deny that paracountess - what does that even mean??? - of yours is a really nasty piece of work with all that emphasis on corruption and sin... And from what I hear it's not like you chelaxians are all happy with her anyway... And I'd like to present our current assignment as proof of that by the way" she finishes with a wink
Later Vanya joins the others in front of the embassy looking somehow different from her previous self: gone is the jewelry she wore, gone the bandana replaced with a wide brimmed hat, her outfit is similar but it's obvious she took care to hide the more piratical aspects of her previous garb. And when she speaks, noting Starlene's plight, she sounds nothing like she did back when the pathfinders first met as her tone assumes an icy and imperious quality :"Better for you to stop bothering us and let us in... you don't really want us to tell your employer about this little stunt your tried to pull right now... don't you?
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The guards beady eyes narrow further and he sighs heavily, "Fine, fine, in you go. I'll be here when you get your reward, or else you can give it to the guard and tell them its for Vanius," he does not sound very hopeful.
The guard opens the door for you and ushers you through to a high ceilinged chamber where red paint does little to hide ancient religious mosaics which have been painted over. Behind the chamber's large and imposing desk sits a severe looking woman in clerk's clothing,
"Can I help you? I am sure you do not have an appointment," she snaps frostily giving the guard a glower as he closes the door behind you.
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Starlene looks the clerk directly in the eyes as if completely surprised by her tone and words.
Appointment or not, is that really how you greet all the ambassador's visitors without even knowing their station, importance or rank?
She leaves that hanging in the air for a moment
If you like I'll be sure to mention your even-handedness and fair treatment of all visitors to your superior, I'm sure they'll be interested in the information. Alternatively I may forget to do so in my rush to deliver important intelligence in to the ambassador's hands. Would you care to go and fetch them whilst we wait here?
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"No, no I would not care to go and fetch them. You had best tell me why I should not call the guards and have you thrown from the premises. Was I supposed to assume you were nobles dressed like ragamuffins entering through the The Spy's entrance? I think I have a good enough idea of your rank thank you." The woman says, scowling down her nose at Starlene.
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Vanya makes uffs, clearly annoyed:"Very well, let's start from the basics:who are you... and do you have the rank to question us? You don't seem to have been informed about our arrival which means tyou are not important enough to know... so let's estabilish rank first and talk later", when she's finished Vanya points her sights on the woman almost as if daring hr to refuse her request.
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The woman looks outraged and hisses, "I am Ailenia Hospar, how dare you come in here dressed like an urchin in those rags and make demands of me. I don't know who you think you are, but if you really were important I would know about you. I am going to enjoy watching the guards toss you out of your ears!"
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Bevek limps forward, his hands raised placatingly.
Whoa, whoa, everyone calm down a minute...wheeze...
To Ailenia:Please excuse my companions. They tend to get a bit cranky when they haven't eaten...wheeze...Had we known we were speaking with the esteemed Ms. Hospar, I'm sure we would have shown the proper respect...wheeze... Bevek glares reprovingly at the rest of the party.
In fact, we were instructed to speak with you, Ms. Hospar, ...wheeze... and present you with this official pass ...wheeze...
Bevek hands over the packet of shiver with the words 'Official Pass' written on the front.
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The clerk takes the packet and opens it carefully, licking her lips before glancing inside it,
"Well I suppose there is no need for guards... I cannot call the Ambassador away from his Gala, but I suppose I can fetch my superior. Wait here."
Tucking the package away in her jacket she exits the room returning quickly with an older woman who wears a striking red and black Imperial dress uniform and scowls down her nose at the Pathfinders.
"Really Ailenia you could not have dealt with these... "Individuals" yourself? I am disappointed in you," the woman says imperiously, "I am Anstrella Trelax the Embassy Duty Officer, you may hand your information to me and I shall see it properly disposed of. Leave your names with Ailenia and you will be contacted once the information is accessed and a suitable reward determined - should one be warranted."
She extends a hand for the papers one eyebrow raised.
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Boderus changed his cloak in a more suitable one for the locations, with some fine edges, and a lot of dirty spots, and very well trimmed. He changed his leggins for more stylish ones also, but they misfit if only a bit.
He follows the others into the building, trying to stay out of sight as much as possible.
After waiting for the others to deal with the clerk, Boderus steps in when Trelax joins them.
"We are to give this to the ambassador only. We cannot trust this information with anyone else. I presume that you will lead us to his waiting room?"
He said with a very serious tone, unlike his normal dark one.
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"No. I am afraid the Ambassador is very busy and shall not be able to see anyone tonight. You may leave it with me I assure you I will not cheat you, if you information is valuable you will be appropriately reimbursed, but the Ambassador himself would tell you I have his complete trust. Come along."
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Cough...cough...hack...wheeze
Bevek makes a lot of rather rough and disgusting coughing noises. He then starts patting the various pockets of his overcoat, looking for the papers.
We were told this information is for the ambassador's eyes only. We are more than happy to wait for a spare moment of his time ...wheeze...
HACK...COUGH
Please excuse my cough. The healers said I'm probably not contaigous anymore.
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"Ah, well perhaps it would be better if you waited for the Ambassador, though he will be some time. I shall have you wait in the waiting room for the time being. And in the meantime keep the documents away from the coughing gentleman here. Now I need to be about my business I shall have a servant escort you."
A liveried servant is ushered in and you are guided a few feet to a sparsely furnished room with a few old chairs and couches. Two doors, one to the east and the other to the west lead elsewhere in the embassy. the servant steps out of the room shutting the door behind him and locking you in.
A few seconds pass and there is the sound of a key turning in the same western door and the door opens a crack revealing a set of keys hanging in the lock.
Venture Captain Amara Li's whispering voice reaches you all again, "The Ambassador has been informed, I will make sure you have an hour. Hurry and be discrete!"
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Saera had kept her disguise rather simple, wearing a brown cloak over her usual clothes. The brown color masked the flashy lilac shirt and purple pants she wore underneath.
Silently following the others up till now, Saera figured now was the time for her to take the initiative. "We just entered through that door, let's check what's behind the other."
I wonder of these are all the keys we'll need...?
After taking the keys out of the lock, Seare tries several of them on the east door. If the door unlocks, Saera opens it just enough to see what, or who, is behind it.
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The keys include the keys to both doors in this room, another regular looking door key, and an odd key that ends in the shape of an Asmodean cross.
When Saera opens the eastern door she sees a small empty hallway. The other door appears to be locked, but at the southern end of the corridor are a set of heavy crimson draperies.
Beyond the draperies can occasionally be heard the bustle of movement.
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Hmm, I don't think our current clothes would help us to navigate the kitchen very well, we'd stick out like sore thumbs. We're pressed for time so finding clothes to blend in just for one room seems a bit needless. How about we wait till the coast is clear then go through the draperies and see if we can work our way around that way?
Starlene listens to make sure no one is using the corridor then bolts out quickly and quietly along the corridor.
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Once inside the waiting room, Bevek takes off his overcoat, brushes the powder out of his hair, and runs a cloth over his face to remove the grease he used as part of his disguise. He is dressed in a plain outfit of subdued colors.
Those of you using the elixirs, I suggest you take them now.
We need to get to the Paracountess's quarters in the southwest corner of the embassy. Down the corridor to cut through the garden is probably our best bet for making it there unseen.
Bevek follows the others into the corridor.
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Bevek and Vanya peer out into the corridor, but see that stealth will not serve there simply being nowhere to hide. Past the crimson draperies is a long corridor which seems to be separated from the ballroom by a much longer set of crimson curtain. Servants make continual use of this space to take food, drink, etc., into the gala.
To get past the group will either need to brazen it out, or use careful timing to avoid the servants. Though the corridor is usually bustling with servants there do seem to be lulls where the group might be able to hurry through.
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"Ah, yes. West might not be best."
Boderus follows everyone into the corridor.
"I think it best for us if we bluff through this part. I myself though am not really good at bluffing"
He says with a dark look.
"One of you lead the way. Once we're in the garden we have higher chances of being able to sneak, the going will be faster then."
He begins to move towards the next set of doors, hoping that everyone will follow.
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Whatever you say, you're the man with a plan!
Starlene winks at Boderus
OK follow me then!
Her demeanor alters completely as she steps through the draperies and leads the rest of the group in a deliberately slow walk down the corridor, she appears to be completely confident, walking like she owns the place and completely ignoring the servants like she does not expect to be bothered by them.
...and as you'll find, the internal architecture of the embassy is rather reminiscent of the Azlanti aesthetic, whereby care is taken that each arch or angle not exceed a given number of degrees, and the total number of masonry bricks used in the formation of the building should not exceed the height divided by the total number of rooms, the mortar utilised is also of a sufficient water quantity that the resonant frequency of any instrument played here is bolstered by several octaves, an interesting by-product of the structure I'm sure you'll agree...
she titters at her own joke
...and now we lead on to the gardens where you will have the rare opportunity to observe the blooming of the night flowers which only serve to enhance the night sky which will be bathing them in its lunar light...
She trails off as they get through the door to the garden.
she gestures around her as she leads the group down the corridor, looking and sounding like she's done this tour a thousand times before.
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The few servants who dare to glance at the group evidence no concern or surprise and Starlene is able to lead everyone through to the gardens.
These gardens shine in the moonlight, but dark shadows hug the lower reaches of the bushes, topiary, and trees. Two marble staircases wrap around a balcony where revellers are silhouetted against the light shining from the ballrooms stained glass windows. A tall wrought-iron fence divides the gardens from the city beyond and below. Small servants doors enter the garden from the north and the south.
It would be possible to cross the gardens with stealth, but there are many exposed areas well lit from the ballroom above and plenty of potential observers on the balcony.
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Speaking in a low voice Boderus says with a laugh.
"Well that was very well done."
A frown comes from under his hood.
"But I do hope we don't have to return this way."
After seeing the possibilities of crossing the garden, Boderus chooses to use stealth. Not wanting to be seen and noticed too much.
"Sneaky Sneaky time!"
Boderus says with a evil tone as he charges off.
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Starlene takes one look at the situation and swears under her breath.
So...we're up against it, so crossing as quickly as possible seems the right thing to do...
She swears again as she realises she's been whispering to herself, her companions have already started making their way across. She unstoppers the elixir and downs it, shuddering at the chalky taste, then marvelling at how her skin tones now mute and distort her outline against the ground and surrounding bushes. She starts to make her way across, flitting from bush to statue, to tree to pillar, and finally to her fellow pathfinders on the other side of the garden.
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The entire group manages to make it across with nobody else appearing to spot them. Slipping through the southern door.
What likely was once used as a chapel is now serving as a staging area for the gala. Magnificent stained-glass windows look down on the racks of platters, dishes, wine bottles, and glasses stacked neatly on long wooden tables.
The large double doors seem to lead to a busy area and servants are hurriedly entering to snatch up trays of hors d'oeuvres. The single door to the south west shows no signs of activity.
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"Yes, you do that. I told you my lord wants those crab puffs."
Saera throws back the hood of her cloak, and drapes the cloak over her shoulders in a manner that reveals her flashy clothes. She follows Bevek as he walks off with the tray. "You really disappoint me, servant. You should've thought of bringing more crab puffs in the first place, hmpf!"
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Boderus follows Bevek, head down and shoulder a bit slumped. He whispers in his ear.
"Can you spare me one? Those look delicious and I haven't eaten that well in a while."
He suddenly turns to Saera's comment and responds looking a bit stricken.
"Yes mistress, sorry mistress."
He hurries after Bevek.
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Seeing the party assemble in to a retinue brings a smile to Starlene's face, and then she realises she has not a clue who else might be accompanying them, and they were already off making their way across the room. Biting her lip she considers that she'll have to rely on the elixir's effects plus some well placed tables, pillars and statues.
She hunkers down and scuttles under a nearby table, from thence she moves using the cover of a waiter with his back turned, then dropping prone and wriggling like a snake around a pillar. At one stage she freezes completely still, for all the world looking like a painted over statue or mural, going completely unnoticed by the waitress passing by. Finally she sidles along the wall by the southern exit to join the rest of her team.
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Bevek deftly swings a tray up to his shoulder, balancing it on one hand, and hiding his face from the other staff in the room. As he meanders his way over to the door, he reaches up with his free hand, grabs a crab puff, and pops it into his mouth. He chews about three times, then spits it out.
Pfawh...bleh...they always put too much salt in these things.