Morning light streams in through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, where Venture-Captain Brackett sits behind a large, antique desk replete with hair- thin lines that mar its surface like nearly healed scars. He scans a handful of papers before speaking to you and the other assembled guests, among them the no-nonsense wizard Wystorn Telfyr and Major Colson Maldris.
I recently received news of a kidnapping in Sauerton, up in the northern wine country. Thalia Andares, heir to the Sauerton Red wine fortune and daughter of Consul Tercio Andares, vanished during the Silverglazer Sunday celebration and has not been seen since.
With a meaningful look, Maldris catches Brackett’s attention, and the two nod in understanding as the major contributes. Tercio Andares is powerful and widely respected; not only has he been the mayor of the large town for many years, but he is also a strong voice in the Andoren military—even for a consul. The Sauerton Red winery has made him extremely wealthy, and his financial support could be a considerable asset to the Pathfinders’ important work in and around the Worldwound. He seems uninterested in foreign affairs, though, perhaps because it’s politically safer to focus on domestic matters. Even so, he is known to help those who help him.
I appreciate the summary, major, says Brackett. I am convinced that the Andares’s gratitude would do much to refill our war chest for a struggle that is unlikely to end quickly. When you track down Thalia, as I trust you will do quickly, it is important not only to the Pathfinder Society but perhaps to the whole world that you request funding for the military campaign against the Worldwound. Of course, convincing Terico to contribute troops and military aid would be even better, but aim for finances first.
With a sigh, Major Maldris picks up his tricorne hat and prepares to depart. I would stay longer, but I must make final preparations to travel, he states in a quiet voice. While I hope that the Andares family agrees to help the society, I am also wary of this political practice of mutual backscratching. As all of you are in Sauerton—especially those who care for this fine country—remain vigilant for signs of short-sighted corruption and abandonment of Andoran’s founding principles: freedom and democracy. Follow what you believe to be the best course of action, as I will not be available to advise you. Nonetheless, I would appreciate any reports of corruption after the situation is resolved. After sharing a quick handshake with Brackett and a nod of farewell to the rest of you, he departs, closing the door behind him.
Telfyr breaks the moment of silence that follows by reporting, My scrying indicates that the young Andares is being held in a building with high ceilings and once-elegant adornments in
a style popular in this nation before the People’s Revolt. The structure seems to have sustained extensive fire damage which has not been repaired. Thalia is alive and unhurt, at least for now. She was reading a fresh copy of the essays of Alysande Benedict when I saw her.
Brackett begins to bring the briefing to a close by concluding, We have transportation ready to take you to Sauerton as quickly as possible. When you arrive, present this letter to Consul Andares before you begin your investigation. It introduces you and offers the condolences
and assistance of the Pathfinder Society. Not only is this proper etiquette to announce your intentions to the mayor, but Thalia vanished from the Andares manor. Someone there should be able to make sense of Telfyr’s visions. Telfyr frowns at Brackett’s diction. Scrying, Brackett, is diff–
Alright, yes, scrying, the venture-captain concedes as he pushes a sealed letter across the table. Introductions, rescue operation, then negotiation for funding and possible military support. Make any questions quick; you’ve got a boat to catch.
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Tarek straightens out the folds in his clothing as he stands to address the men before him. I am Tarek Delrin and I am honored to have been called before you. I will do everything in my power to bring Thalia safely home. I do have a few questions, if I may be allowed to present them? Tarek pauses for a moment before beginning You mentioned that the heiress is unharmed and reading essays. If this was a vengeful kidnapping then I am certain Thalia would have been seen in a much more dire situation. Are there any known enemies of the Andares Family or a competitor in trade that may benefit from kidnapping the heiress? Has any demand for a ransom been made? I am wondering if the heiress has been abducted or perhaps found herself trapped in a long forgotten part of the city? I am certain we shall learn more upon our arrival to Sauerton, but any information we can gather, prior to our arrival, will be invaluable. Tarek sits himself back in his chair and waits for a response
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Surprised at the lack of questions so far, she nods in Tarek's direction. On that note, what do we know of the missing heiress herself? If she is busy reading essays, is she a scholar? Perhaps even a closet-scholar or would she be reading them to stave off boredom? What do we know about Alysande Benedict and / or what the essays may contain? Do we know if any sort of ransom or demand has been placed affirming that she has indeed been kidnapped and not just lost in any of several ways?
She waits to see if the answers yield more questions.
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Well, I have a couple of questions. Who are the regional power brokers and would any gain from a kidnapping of such a pretty and valuable young woman? Is Thalia the type of woman that is free spirited and either opposes her father's or presents political views that other would be threatened by once she inherits the family fortune? My guess is the girl's father may have made a few enemies in his day. With that I take of sip, from the obvious Sauerton Vintage that has been served to us for such an esteemed meeting.
Venture-Captain Brackett listens with as much patience as he can muster as the group inquires. He nods curtly and answers the various answers in kind.
As to any ransom or other demands, Mr. Andares has publicly stated that he has not received any official demands yet.
The Andares family has some rivals, yes but Viviana Talwin is the only major political rival Andares has to our knowledge. He has no obvious bad blood in the business of cheap wine.
We have not had any luck narrowing it down yet, but it is very likely to be near Sauerton, since there is no sign of the kidnappers using magic.
The Venture-Captain straightens his hat and nods toward Kat. As for the heiress herself, I cannot begin to speculate as to the type of person she is. Unfortunately, I am pressed for time and cannot engage in a historical dialogue about Lady Liberty. The Captain looks pointedly at Havelock, then to his wine. I honestly have yet to meet the lady, so I am not even sure she is as pretty or valuable as some may think. The Captain abruptly turns, salutes his major and heads for the door.
I must be off. Good fortune Pathfinders. Make what purchases you may need in town then head directly for the docks. I appreciate your hectic schedule of late, but time is of the essence. The captain tips his hat and disappears from the room.
Regarding the Andares family:
Tercio Andares is mayor of Sauerton, one of the consuls who administer Andoran’s military, and owner of the extremely successful Sauerton Red winery.
Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems.
A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town.
Regarding Sauerton:
Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It has become immortalized in an Andoren proverb that something of
poor quality “must be down from Sauerton.”
Sauerton is a large town located in wine country in northeast Andoran, about equally distant from the Andoshen River, which is used to ship wine to Andoran’s southern ports for export, and the Verduran Forest, which occupies much of the tense border with Taldor
and Galt.
Sauerton has been a site of productive vineyards for centuries, and the once-noble Andares family has been a major owner of those vineyards since long before the People’s Revolt. Although the Andares family chose to give up their noble privileges during the revolt, nearly every mayor of Sauerton in the 44 years since has been a member or close relative of the Andares family.
The local captain of the guard Merton Demrick has publicly petitioned for more funds to hire additional guards, claiming the current numbers are too few, but he has not received enough support from Mayor Andares or the townspeople to implement the change.
Alysande Benedict: A deceased Andoren revolutionary who wrote passionately in favor of peace, freedom, and justice. She is lovingly known throughout Andoran as Lady Liberty.
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Tarek my silly, silly, silly, silly, young, silly, silly friend. Caoilte says behind a spreading grin. When the goal is to hold a captive for either ransom or influence over their family you don't want to harm them. In fact, you want them very healthy and happy. Remember, you have them because they are worth a damn. Ideally the situation resolves itself in your favor, and by 'favor' I don't mean every noble 3rd cousin and their household guard looking for your head. Not that I've ever had experience in these things, you understand. Let's just say the extended family tree grows a few bad apples.
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Tarek prepares himself to leave and responds to Caoilte I agree my burly friend. I do not think she is being held for vengeful purposes or retribution for some past deed of her family. If she is, then I would think the wizard would have seen her in far worse condition. I think we can assume she is being held captive and demands will be made or she is lost. These socialites sometimes have their head in the clouds and are not mindful of their surroundings. Either way another adventure awaits us and we will hopefully learn more upon our arrival to Sauerton. I think I have everything I need. I received the shipment of my father's items, back at the lodge and will look forward to testing my skills with them. I think we will be relying heavily on Eloriand's tracking skills on this outing.
Tarek gives a respectful nod to the other men in the room and follows the Captain's order of getting his gear to the docks and preparing for travel.
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Well, I guess it is best to get on our way then. I will pick up a few things along the way. I wish I could be as optimistic at Caoilte on hostage taking, but powerful men like Andares have a way of attracting attention and enemies, who may simply wish to see Andares' or the great world burn. Standing up, I nod grimly and look around the beautiful Cathedral of Aroden and smile. By Aroden, its nice to see a grand place of worship for him.
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Tarek will stop at a supply shop to purchase 1 bandolier for 5 sp.
After a quick supply excursion, the party sets forth for the docks and board the vessel provided to travel to Sauerton.
The Archon's voyage up the Andoshen River is swift, and they enjoy good weather until the last hour, when a light rain begins to fall. The Andares’s manor is not difficult to find, being one of several dozen stately homes still standing in the town as functional reminders of a past age’s nobility. Most of Sauerton appears well maintained, and although the seasonal workers who arrived a few months earlier to help pick the grapes have since departed, several presses are still set up in the town square—the residents await the return of fairer weather so they can resume their wine production.
As the agents navigate Sauerton, a halfling wearing light armor and a rain-spattered helmet hails them, introduces himself as Captain Merton Demrick of the nation of Andoran, and inquires as to their business in the city.
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Stepping off the boat an on the dock, nodding to Caoilte.. Aye ...Looking down and the "slip" I smile through the hood of my cloak.
CPT Demrick, a pleasure to meet a fellow military officer. We have business with the Andares' family and we have this letter ..I produce the letter with the seal before tucking it back into one of my water proof satchels... to validate the sincerity and the legitimacy of our purpose here. We bear you or anyone here no ill will or harm. By Aroden I can promise you this. Looking around in the liquid sunshine. Which way to the family estate?
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Tarek nods respectfully to the halfling Greetings to you Captain. I wish the weather was more welcoming, but I am sure it will improve during our stay. I will be sure to tell Major Colson Maldris and Venture-Captain Brackett of your pleasant welcome into the fine city of Sauerton, when we return to Almas with news of our visit. I do hope Mayor Andares is available? As Havelockk has stressed, our business here is quite urgent. Tarek gives a slight smile as he prepares to depart the vessel
Captain Demrick eyes Havelock warily, sensing something in his demeanor. He looks over the letter and nods crisply and the party notes that is armor and uniform are both well kept and sharp. Very well good sirs. Allow me to welcome you all to Sauerton. I would be honored if you would let me show you about town on our way and to the Andares Manor. He clicks his plated heels and spins, leading the Archons on a brief walking tour of Sauerton. Demrick cheerfully points out a few features of the town before remarking how pleasant it would be to escape from the weather.
After awhile, Demrick brings the party to their destination. The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars. The Guard Captain turns to regard the party once they reach the edge of the grounds. Shall I see you to the door?
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A splendid town that is full of history. I thank you captain for showing us around. Tarek takes another look at the town before looking to the mansion There is one thing if I can take just a few more moments of your time, Captain. I am fascinated about history and cultures of all the lands that I visit. Are there any ruins or buildings of interest that speak more of Sauerton's history?
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I look the short slip over again and while his equipment is spotless, it is precisely why it is spotless that annoys me. No rub marks or signs of use and maintenance. The grips on all of his weapons are arms room issue perfect, no slight variations in the color of his wool and leather clothing or equipment that would be the tell tale signs of being out in the elements for more than a few months, or on a single campaign.
I frown and prepare to enter the household, taking a glance down to watch how the water beads off my boots/calcae from the fresh soaking of treated olive oil, along with the wool lambs' skin inserts keep my feet dry and comfortable.
The halfling captain quirks a brow as a few of the party tries to dismiss him. He stands a bit stiffer and is about to turn away when he is addressed by Tarek and Isador. Yes, I do happen to know the Andares family rather well. I am certainly prepared to aid you in your quest for an audience with the mayor. Please, allow me to at least make an introduction. He glances at Havelock and Caoilte as he leads the party to the front door of the manor. He speaks to Tarek as they walk. I think I know of a place that matches that description. We can speak more of it once your business with the mayor is concluded.
The party is met at the door by a a thin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held in a tight bun. She introduces herself as Dorabeth and informs the group that the mayor is not to be disturbed. She goes on to inform the party that the mayor is in fact, at this very moment, meeting with fellow consul Sander Bryton and wishes to prevent any member of the public from snooping around the kidnapping case. Captain Demrick intercedes and informs Dorabeth that the party's business with the Mayor is indeed urgent and vouches for the group's credibility.
Upon hearing Demrick's endorsement, she allows the party to enter the manor and takes them to see Terrico Andares. On the way, she looks about conspiratorially and leans in to whisper to Tarek. Thank goodness someone is doing something about this horrible ordeal. I am convinced there is something larger at work here. It's the elves I tell you. Those confounded creatures from Kyonin have stolen her for some dark ritual, I am sure of it.
As the party waits for Terrico's meeting to finish, Demrick, Dorabeth and the party discuss the information the party has already learned. Demrick confirms the authenticity of most of the relevant information gleaned. Captain Demrick also shares that the mayor has received a huge surge in popularity, turning what was going to be a rough election into what looks to be a landslide. His rivals in the People’s Council had been criticizing his failure to keep the countryside and town’s perimeter safe from wildlife dangers coming out from the Verduran Forest, but nobody is willing to entertain their criticism of a man whose daughter is missing. Demrick further states, It’s funny. Anytime things seem to go badly for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events.
As the party finishes their discussion with Demrick and Dorabeth, Tercio Andares—a tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair—opens the drawing room door for Sander Bryton, saying, I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the Eagle Knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia’s safety in such a bold manner. He pauses upon noticing the party. Why, hello and well met Captain Demrick. It seems you have brought something from out of the rain. He turns his attention to the group and with a hint of exasperation addresses them directly. Very well then, with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking to?
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Greetings Mayor Andares. I am Tarek Delrin, a representative of the Society of Pathfinders. Tarek gives a bow of respect. We are honored to be callled before you and provide our assistance. Let me be the first to offer my deepest concerns for your family as you are dealing with your missing daughter. My companion here Tarek motions to Havelockk carries a sealed document that will better explain our visit. Tarek steps to the side to allow Havelockk to present the document.
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Thank you Tarek. Nodding to Tarek, I talk a step forward and produce the sealed letter.
Mayor Andares, my sincere condolences with you in this challenging time. The Pathfinder Society, my comrades and I are prepared to assist whatever ways we can. Venture-Captain Brackett, spoke very highly of you and asked that we present to you this sealed letter. I hand him the sealed letter and step back.
Tercio Andares takes the letter from Havelock and opens it with little ceremony. He peruses the letter, nods once with a quirked brow and once again addresses the party. Well, let me begin my offering my sincere welcome to the town of Sauerton, though I am sorry it is this grisly business that brings you. I am afraid, however, that I simply cannot assist your efforts. I am grateful to the Pathfinder Society for this gesture, but as I have just informed my colleague, the honorable Sander Bryton, the kidnappers have sent a letter informing me that any action on my part to locate or aid to locate be beloved daughter will result in harm to her. As I am sure you understand, I simply cannot risk it. Though I cannot forbid your involvement, nor can I aid it. I say agin, this goes not only for these fine representatives of the Pathfinder Society, but to your Eagle Knights, and even the town guard as well.
Tercio looks to the group apologetically. Captain Demrick, Dorabeth and Sander Bryton regard the agents before them.
Sander Bryton is a consul, one of the elected officials responsible for directing Andoran’s military.
Although the consul General Reginald Cormoth is the head of the Eagle Knights, Sander Bryton
often assists the directly in deciding Eagle Knight actions and policy.
The Bryton family—all successful military leaders going back four generations—has been prominent ever since the People’s Revolt. At no time has the elected national government
not included a Bryton.
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Understood Mayor Andares. It is a most unfortunate matter and I pray that the party responsible for your daughter's disappearance are half as honorable as you are. It does not sit well me that a innocent is at risk, perhaps with the town guard and the Eagle Knights a opportunity will present itself. May Aroden and Iomeade smile upon you in these difficult times.
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Caoilte says I can only believe that the Pathfinder Society sent us here with some understanding of the ...um... sensitivities of the situation. We are expected to be resourceful when left to our own devices. If your position is that you cannot aid us then do we have the liberty to look into this ourselves?
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I thank you for your generous hospitality during such trying times. I understand you are placed in an extremely difficult position and we would not want our actions to jeopardize the well being of your daughter. As Caoilte just mentioned if we are given free reign to investigate, then it may be best for us to start here. We have information that the manor was the last place she had been seen. If our presence here may be misconstrued as you providing us assistance, then we will understand if you refuse this request. I am certain we can obtain what information we need from Captain Demrick and begin our search elsewhere.
If the mayor agrees to let the party search the manor then Tarek will explain that looking about may reveal how his daughter was removed without being seen and in which direction she may have been taken
Tercio listens stiffly to the questions of the party. With a wave of his hand, he summarily, but politely, dismisses the Pathfinders. I am truly sorry, but as I said I cannot be seen as helping in any investigation. My daughter's life is at stake and I fear that allowing you to search my premises would certainly be considered aiding the investigation. Now if you would excuse me, as difficult as it is I do need to see to the business of running the town. Good day Pathfinders.. the mayor hangs his head a bit and says much more softly and good fortune. A visibly distraught Tercio leaves with Sander Bryton and begin to discuss pressing military affairs.
Demrick and Dorabeth begin to lead the group from the manner. Dorabeth takes Tarek aside and speaks to him in hushed tones. I am terribly worried about Thalia. Unlike the master of the house, I am under no obligation and will gladly aid you in any way I can. Tarek mentions the information that was gathered in the earlier scrying regarding Thalia reading. Dorabeth nods in understanding. That does not surprise me one whit! Thalia was always more interested in reading up on Lady Liberty, unlike her father. In fact, I remember seeing a young Galtan fellow purchasing that same book just the other day. Tarek makes an impassioned plea to search the manor, but Dorabeth flatly refuses. After some coaxing, she allows Tarek and one other agent to examine Thalia's room, but insists they be quick or else costing Dorabeth her employment. Tarek decides to take Kat and examine the room. They try to quickly look through the room without disturbing it, but their time constraints limit their effectiveness and they are unable to turn up any valuable information.
As Tarek and Kat rifle through Thalia's room, Isador and Captain Demrick discuss the investigation. Demrick mentions to Isador that Tarek had asked him about ruins earlier and inquires if it somehow related to the investigation. Isador, sensing he could trust the small guard captain, shares that they have it on good authority the type of place Thalia is being held. Isador describes the scene revealed in the scrying. Demrick nods empahtically. Yes, yes, I know that location precisely. It must be the old Sauer vineyard. Yes, I am sure of it. He gives Isador directions on how to get to the old vineyard. He adds Please, do not delay. If she is in fact being held there, then you must help her. The halfing gives Isador a somber look before once again resuming his duties and escorting the group from the manor.
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Tarek rejoins the group with a look of dissatisfaction on his face. When he feels that the Archons are out of ear shot, he shares what is on his mind. Kat and I were unable to uncover anything that may help us in our investigation. I agree that it seems that the captain is sincere in helping. I say we make our way to this vineyard. Anyone know anything about Galts? Seems one of them may have had a hand in Thalia's disappearance.
Tarek pauses for a moment and looks around to be sure nobody is listening. Maybe it is just me, but the Mayor seems to be hiding something from us. I had the feeling there is much more to this abduction than he is willing to share. Somebody close to him must have a hand in this or how else would somebody know that he is providing aid? We should also keep our eyes open for anyone shadowing us. I am sure there are watchful eyes on the manor Tarek scans the area once more for any signs of someone watching them