A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 3-7.
The Society believes that a powerful relic lies in the depths of the Plane of Water, yet the most recent expedition to retrieve it failed for mysteriously tragic reasons. It's up to the PCs to travel to the aquatic metropolis of Vialesk to investigate that ill-fated mission and overcome the forces determined to keep the truth from coming to light.
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A broad coral structure dozens of stories tall emerges from the boundless sea. A steady stream of submersibles dock and depart, while dockworkers unload goods and carry them to carefully protected glass tunnels. Water mephits swim and flit about, surveying the new arrivals. The turtle-drawn carriage swims up to one of the tunnels. As the carriage’s bubble of air meets the tunnel’s mouth, fresh air flows into the carriage, carrying with it the smell of fish. Within the glass passage, an elf with teal hair, webbed fingers, and gills stares out at the sea. As the turtles come to a stop, she raises her pale blue hands in an unfamiliar greeting. A golden wayfinder is secured tightly to her wrist, and a pair of long coral daggers is strapped to her back.
”So, she actually did it,” the elf comments, tilting her head and giving a small smirk. ”I had heard Zahra was threatening to summon agents to investigate what happened, but I thought it might merely be bluster to save face. Still, whatever cause has brought you here, you are welcome in our city. I am Lileone Blacktide, and I wish you luck, but I warn you that there is no culprit for you to find beyond Zahra herself.”
Truth be told, none of you are entirely certain of the cause that’s brought you to the Plane of Water. All of you received the summons from a fellow Pathfinder agent identifying herself as Zahra, requesting urgent aid in investigating some sort of mishap that befell her expedition. Transportation was arranged to the Plane of Water and you arrived without incident, with the turtle-drawn carriage there and waiting for you. Beyond that, you have little idea of just what sort of investigation you’ll be delving into - but you're sure you're about to find out!
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The tattooed man who introduced himself as Karabo from the Sharrowsmith Lodge runs his dark skinned hands nervously along the shaft of his well crafted spear as they travel within the bubble-carriage. While his expression is stoic, the fidgeting belies his discomfort. He says little beyond the barest requirements of decorum during the transport.
He relaxes measurably upon stepping onto the strange dock-like structure. "Thank you, Lileone," he says. "Could you guide us to Zahra? Our instructions were sparse."
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You see a blurr of fur flip through the air from the carriage.
"Yarr... Never been to this watery place!" A male rat wearing piratesque clothing remarks, looking around for a sign of a Pathfinder. He looks at Lileone. "Ya got a wayfinder, you MUST know Zahra.. Most Pathfinders have those, 'cept for me. Get in the way of things, ya know."
He strikes a pose with his beautifully crafted rapier pointed out in front of him, scruffy head held high. "The name's Baronet Guerro de la Mouser, swashbuckler extraordinaire! I fight for liberty, justice..... and the pretty ladies, of course." He winks at the last remark.
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Coming out of the carriage, a man with slicked back brown hair, wearing a very nice, almost dressy, coat that shines with metal, steps down onto the dock. He brushes himself off, revealing an almost open, frilly white shirt, and a very nice rapier attached at the hip with a buckler on the other side. He seems to be in his late teens to early twenties, but his eyes would tell a different tale... But that is for later.
"Well met everyone! I received this missive and travelled to the Plane of Water for what seems to be a mission requiring... Finesse, guile, and charm..." He looks down to the rat-like swashbuckler and chuckles, "Well, I will try and be like this one here." He smiles, his shiny white teeth almost hinting at an almost too wide of a grin.
"Almost forgot to introduce myself, and that would be in such poor manners. The name is Frank Seamoor, merchant extraordinaire from the Shackles, and I have come to make a few deals here in the Plane of Water."
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A woman clad in a distinct set of meticulously clean, but battle weary, full-plate steps forward. On her hip is a longsword, while a bow and shield adorn her back. "Imperia Rex. I get the job done," she says, flatly. Her voice sounds almost hollow as it reverberates through her faceless helmet. Soon I will be recruited to the Erinyes Company, there is little left for me to do to prove my worth.
"Where is Zahra?"
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He looks at the party and sighs before pulling out his monocle and resting it on his right eye, "That is a good question, Imperia Rex. Where is the supposed host?" He took a quick look around and moves a hand to stroke over the hilt of the rapier. "I am a man of time, so if we could go meet our host, and what is your relation to our host, Lileone?"
'Half of these... Well none of them seem like real pirates.... Thankfully or it might get a little... Bloody. And an investigation where two people seem to be at odds... Will have to be careful around here. Can't spoil the surprise too early.' He shook his head as he moved forward towards Lileone, "Well, lets not stand here, lets move to a more proper place."
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Guerro quickly looks down from Imperia. "I'm good today! Thanks! Maybe.... some... other.. yeah, no." He nervously trails off, poking his claws together. 'Wish I could see what's under that suit... Bet she's more butch than pretty...'
After thinking, he quickly perks her head up after Frank's remark. "Right! Don't wanna blow our cover! Wait.. do we have a cover?" He looks around quickly, as if someone were listening. He then unsheaths his rapier and points it to a nearby building. "Behold! A tavern! That should be a fine place to talk!" He mutters under his breath, "Wouldn't exactly call it proper.."
Lileone watches the group's rather unusual and prickly dynamics with grim amusement. "Well, I'm glad to see you're all so ready and willing to get to whatever wild goose chase Zahra has planned for you because I've certainly got too much to do to ferry you about the city myself."
She sighs heavily, with irritation. "Still, since she hasn't even deigned to give you details of her little blunder, I suppose I can fill you in. A week ago, Zahra set out on an expedition towards a sea of jellyfish known as the Lambent Bloom," Lileone begins. "She believed she had made an incredible discovery - the remnants of one of the lost elemental lord Lysianassa’s servants, which might still hold a fragment of Lysianassa’s power. I was skeptical of her claims, but I joined her. If there was any chance she was correct, I thought it was worth investigating, you see."
The elven woman sighs again, shaking her head. "Turns out I should have thought better of it. Not two days into our journey, Zahra steered our caravan too close to a patch of the Carmine Scourge, a poisonous red algae that drifts through the plane on the tides. They say it blooms in places where the elemental lord Kelizandri has passed, and it certainly shares his hunger if nothing else. It sprung upon our caravan as if drawn by a magnet, sending everything into chaos and killing most of our precious whale sharks. Several members of our expedition are still violently ill, and I only survived myself because I was scouting when the incident occurred. Worse yet, though we managed to escape, the algae clung to us as we fled back to Vialesk. It broke off and settled among the coral reefs, and now the reefs have begun to die."
"Zahra has managed to convince herself some great conspiracy is to blame, rather than her poor navigation decisions and her inability to listen to anyone else," Lileone concludes with a scowl. "I have no doubt she truly believes she’s innocent; she has always been stubborn and arrogant, and it has always led her into trouble. The Society may have overlooked her errors in the past due to her superb mind and her talent for damage control, but this time, I will not allow them to slide! I warned her that the waters ahead didn’t seem right to me, but she couldn’t be troubled to listen. She has no excuse for the damage she has done and I will see to it that she is held accountable for her negligence."
Lileone offers all of you a smile, but there's no real warmth to it. "I look forward to your attempts to prove me wrong."
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A lithe, handsome man steps towards the gathering pathfinders. The light that pierces through from the sea into the glass halls dances on his metallic golden skin. His hair shines like platinum and fall behind his shoulders in a loose braid. A wayfinder dangles on the belt of his outfit of layered blue silks and a light crossbow is strapped across his back. He offers a slight bow as he introduces himself with a voice surpisingly powerful yet soothing. "Greetings everyone. My name is Orym, and I too was guided here by this purpose. I don't believe in coincedences, either in our being summoned here today or the number of troubles that befell your efforts previous. My heart hurts for the innocent lives lost, and I will do my part to discover if it was the pride of Zahra or something more sinister that is responsible for such slaughter." Orym looks to the party with a geniune curiosity. "Where would be the smartest place for us to start our puzzle?"
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Finally, a still Young half elf descend from the carriage, still a little pale and one wobbly legs. She will be probably forever remembered as the one who got sea-sick while going in the Plane of Water.
She wears the symbol of Abadar, displayed on her chest, and a fine chain armor of the finest gleaming metal.She sports a silver mane of hair, and her eyes are an uncommon shade of yellow, as if the pupils were made of gold.
Her name, as you heard before the sea-sickness settled in, is Baied Eldourha. Now that you have reached your destination, she looks around, in awe and marvel. Listening quietly as Lileone gives some information, she tries to remember anything interesting about the elemental gods mentioned
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Pleased with Guerro's shift in focus, she returns her gaze to their host. Always two sides to a story. "Your story is damning. Zahra likely has an alternative version. When we are through speaking with you, she will be next. Our investigation shall shake the truth loose."
As Karabo continues his questioning, Imperia rests her hand comfortably on her sword and stands patiently at the ready to move out.
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Guadaloupe watches the party back and forth as each individual speaks, trying to keep his mouth shut. A few times he will perk up and begin to utter a sound, only to be cut-off by someone with a sentence.
After Frank concludes, he strikes a pose with his magical rapier in a random direction. "To interrogate Zahra!" He stays in the pose for a minute before he adds, "But what direction is she........ " .
"Indeed it will," Lileone replies to Karabo; there's no malice in her tone but neither is there any softness. "And what warned me? My connection to the creatures of this realm and to the currents that flow near and through the Lambent Bloom grant me insight. When a fire threatens, the animals of the land flee. It's the same principle here, as well."
As the rest of the group piles out of the turtle-drawn carriage, quiet, still-somewhat-seasick Baied tries to remember if she's learned of anything about some of the names Lileone mentioned during her explanation of events. Meanwhile, Imperia stands ready to depart and Frank gives Lileone the hairy eyeball as he ponders whether or not she's being truthful about what befell the expedition.
You know that wicked Kelizandri is said to be the semi-divine offspring of a brine dragon and a minor godling, and is one of the four powerful beings collectively known as the elemental lords. He rules over his realm of Kelizandrika, located on the Elemental Plane of Water where it borders the dark Plane of Earth. He generally takes the form of an immense dragon-like creature made of earth, metal, and crystal, and vacillates between periods of intense, violent activity and apparent torpor.
Of benign Lysianassa you know that she was once one of the elemental lords until she was deposed and imprisoned within a powerful prison known as the Gasping Pearl...same as the other good-aligned elemental lords, though each one was placed within their own personal prison.
Lileone doesn't seem to be keeping anything from you that you can tell and seems quite confident of her interpretation of who is at fault for the failed expedition.
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With everyone now gathered and several of you anxious to get down to business (or just exit Lileone's company), you bid her farewell and set off. Your summons have brought you to the city of Vialesk, known as the City of Splendid Waves and the independent trade city of the maridar. Unaffiliated with the greater powers of the Plane of Water, Vialesk has positioned itself as a place for open trade and neutral negotiations. The city is built on an enormous block of granite and topped by an air bubble, allowing both water-breathing and air-breathing species to easily cohabitate. Some of its oldest stone and shell towers resemble Azlanti architecture, leading scholars to speculate that the maridar are related to the ancient humans of that realm.
Using the directions given to you in your initial summons, you make your way through the city of Vialesk to Zahra’s residence, located in the air-district. The undine woman is there to meet you though as you might have expected, she seems quite distraught as well as angered by recent events.
"Welcome, please, come in," she greets you, offering a tense smile as she opens the door and invites you all inside. "I’m sorry, the place is a bit of a mess, I haven’t had much time to tidy up and all…" Zahra murmurs, running one hand through her hair distractedly. "You got my missive and I’m sure Lileone already gave you her two coppers on the matter....but this disaster was not my doing! It was all due to foul play, I’m certain of it!"
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"Baied, right? Given our location, I have made some preparations, but they require your divine proclivities to work," she says as she pulls out a large bundle of scrolls. "Should you accept, the duplicates can be used at your discretion while the singles are to be used at mine," she explains as she hands over the bundle.
"Then speak your mind and not excuses," Imperia responds neutrally as she makes her way into the room. It is too soon to determine who is at fault. Everyone will want to be our friend for now, it is best to set them on the defensive so they bring the truth to us.
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He looked around the residence, then back to their now host as he found himself a place to sit, taking out a cloth to clean his monocle. He looked at the undine and said, "Well, I think we would all like to know what happened out there if we have to follow in your foot steps. Please tell us what happened and how we can figure this situation out."
He continued to watch the undine, his eyes looking over the Pathfinder as he began to think, 'So this is the other one. Seems like we will have two sides to the story... Though it seems more like a natural mess that caused this issue... But wouldn't they have known that it was coming in? Misinformation perhaps?'
"Well, I'm sure you heard what Lileone had to say about the matter...she has always challenged my authority over the smallest details and has the nerve to call me the arrogant one!"
Clearly starting to get even more worked up, Zahra pauses to take a deep breath and then slowly breathes out. "What she says is true - our expedition into the Lambent Bloom encountered a patch of the Carmine Scourge and we were forced to flee back here, to the city. I'm sure Lileone feels vindicated by this disaster...no. I must be more charitable," Zahra sighs. "You see, Lileone has a great love for sharks and she was enamored of our caravan beasts. Most of the creatures died from the poison and she's no doubt lashing out at me in her grief."
"But that aside, yes, I do think this was a result of sabotage," Zahra nods at Baied. "I heard a rhythmic clanging in the distance, half an hour before the caravan encountered the algae bloom. I am confident this was a signal, though I have yet to ascertain who was signaling. As I have double checked my navigation and know I was not at fault, the noise must have been related to the disaster."
Zahra's voice grows strained. "Please, I wish you to investigate the failure of my expedition. All of the on-site evidence has been lost to the tides and the algae, but I know foul play had a hand in this disaster. I’ve been trying to track down the remaining members of the expedition that have left the city as well as searching for signs of external forces that might be responsible for the attack. I have a list," she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper, offering it to one of you, "of names. Investigate each of them but try and be subtle if you can, in case one of them is a saboteur."
As you listen to Zahra, she too seems to be telling the truth - and much like Lileone, seems quite convinced of her theories behind the expedition's failure.
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"I didn't know we needed things. Never been to the plane of water.. If we want to split the cost for the resources for the party, I'm game." He scratches his ear with his claw, embarassed at being such an unprepared Pathfinder.
Guerro watches as everyone else does the talking. He knows when to shut up when others are more gifted to words than he is.... sometimes. Luckily, today is one of those days.
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"My work for the Society has given me some strings to pull, so I did. Companions in my care do not get left behind or die needlessly. There is no sum worth a companion's life," Imperia responds to Baied. Turning to Guerro she adds, "I wear full-plate. Water is not my friend. I have researched available precautions. There are plenty of knowledgable people in the Grand Lodge, perhaps instead of touching them or considering their looks you might think to speak to them as people." While certainly a terse comment, you get the strange feeling that she is warming up to the group.
"Very well," Imperia responds shortly as her allies finish up their questions.
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"Well, it is very much appreciated. Might have to talk to someone next time I'm at the Lodge." the rat says, looking down at the ground instead of at Imperia, afraid of being scolded at again. His eyes drift up, but he quickly catches himself and continues to look down.
Guerro snatches up the note from its current holder. "Where we goin' first? I would say the current-chasers and their lady! But then again I might be a little biased..." he says the last part under his breath.
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"Where would we go to examine the submersibles?" Karabo asks. To the engineer? Or are they held elsewhere? It would seem expedient to try to determine if the material was sabotaged before trying to determine who sabotaged them to prevent running in circles chasing our tails if they were not tampered with."
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He thinks for a little bit and then says, "I agree with Karabo, that checking the submersibles would be a good start, and if we can get him on our side, maybe we could borrow one if needed." He nodded to himself as he looked over the list, making mental notes of the specific characteristcs of the members on the list.
"I like the way you two think," Zahra remarks, the barest hint of a real smile tugging at her lips. "Checking the submersibles first does seem to be the most sensible place to start. To do that, you'll need to visit Yuka's workshop but I can give you directions to get there, at least."
"Vialesk is quite the big city so it might take you a while to get there," she adds as she takes a piece of parchment and jots down some directions for you, "unless you have any special means of getting about in a hurry."
With directions given, Zahra sees you to the door. "If you learn anything of interest or have need of anything, I'll be here at my home. And..." the undine hesitates for a moment, as if struggling with something, but then gives a grudging sigh. "And if you appeal to her sentiments, Lileone might be willing to offer you help too - she's quite knowledgeable about this plane's flora and fauna and she also has connections with the Vialesk guard. You might have to ask around a bit to track her down but it shouldn't be too hard to do."
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After leaving Zahra's you make your way through the streets of Vialesk, following her written directions. Though much of the city is encased within enormous pockets of air, you can still see the water currents swirling far above you and various colorful fish as they swim about. If one were to describe the experience, it might be best described as being within an enormous snow globe - just without the snow.
Nearly an hour after bidding Zahra goodbye you finally arrive at Yuka's Superb Submersibles, a large workshop painted with dazzling hues of orange and blue. When you knock on the door it takes only a few moments before it opens to reveal a tall, handsome dark-skinned man dressed in work clothes as well as heavy gloves and a thick eelskin jacket lined with many pockets. A pair of goggles are pushed up atop his head and from within the workshop you catch the scent of smoke.
"Well! What have the waters brought me today?" he smiles, revealing a set of white, slightly pointed teeth. "Flotsam and jetsam or something more...intriguing?" His eyes flicker across each of your faces, though they seem to linger on Baied and Imperia for just a little big longer. "I'm Yuka, crafter of the finest submersibles this side of Vialesk. What brings you to my workshop today?"
It's subtle but based on the teeth as well as what seems to be a slight but purposeful shift in Yuka's tone, becoming more pleasing as he speaks, you're fairly certain that you're speaking with a selkie in his 'human' form.
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He looks at the shop as they walk closer, trying to see if there are any other means of entrance or exit into the building. But he puts on his smile and walks up to the owner and says, “Well met sir, we are a group of travelers not from the Plane of Water and would like to inquire about your submersibles. We have heard a good many things about them and would like to look for one for our journey. Would you mind if we came in to take a look and possibly hash over a deal?”
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Guadaloupe looks extremely excited before the door opens, but his face quickly changes when he sees the dark-skinned man behind the door. Then, it takes almost all of his will power to keep himself from sneezing as his ever-sensitive nose twitches from the powerful smell of smoke.
He watches Yuka carefully, noting his eyeing of Imperia. He nods his head to the side that Imperia is on as a visual cue. "She doesn't handle flirting well.... So I'd better be careful if I were you..." Muttering the last part a bit quieter, he quickly looks to see if he needs to dodge a blow from Imperia.
Yuka's eyes light up as Frank explains the reason for the group's visit - or at least part of it. "Yes, yes, of course! Please, come in," he says, bowing with a bit of a flourish to welcome everyone inside.
Inside the workshop sit a number of yellow submersibles; a few appear to be in various stages of construction but many more sit upon great metal rails that lead to a large door on the workshop's western wall. You suspect that said rails are used to guide the submersibles into the waters of the canals that run all through the city's air-breathing districts. The rest of the workshop is dotted by tables of nuts, bolts, and gears, as well as bookshelves packed full of various and sundry engineering manuals.
"Aren't they beauts?" Yuka asks, grinning amiably as you take in the sight of the submersibles. "Not sure who your sources were, but...they were right on the money, if I do say so myself."
He casually leans against a nearby table, still smiling - though it does falter slightly as Guadaloupe warns him away from Imperia. "I see, I see. Well! I certainly can't fault one for choosing duty above frivolity. It's not a life for me of course, but I can respect that not everyone sees life through the same lens that I do."
Yuka then gives Imperia a wink. "In fact, some might even find such drive alluring, in its own way."
Closer inspection of the submersibles reveals them to be in good working order. Nothing seems suspicious or out of the ordinary about them.
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Imperia brushes off Guadaloupe's little jab, but then there is Yuka. "Then respect it enough to at least pretend you're a professional," she responds with steel in her voice. By the Queens of the Night, am I merely sport to them?
The iron-clad woman then puts space between herself and the group and looks about the room, making a point to close the door if it isn't already so.
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"How do they work?" Yuka repeats, seeming absolutely delighted that someone asked. "Well my dear, these submersibles operate by a technology called ambient pressure. You see, it maintains the same pressure both inside and outside the vessel and reduces the pressure that the hull has to withstand," he explains, casually sliding up to Baied. "Their range is sadly shorter than I'd like, but they're excellent little vehicles for conducting studies of the local flora and fauna...as well as sightseeing the reefs," he smiles.
Yuka does pause for a moment, feigning hurt at Imperia's chastisement. "But I am a professional, Prickly One. Just because I enjoy a bit of fun with my customers doesn't make it any less true." Here, Yuka's smile finally does fade and his tone becomes quite serious. "You may examine my craftsmanship or have another versed in similar trade do it for you - you will find that I take the utmost care in the construction of my vehicles."
Quickly turning to Karabo he frowns, looking rather puzzled. "No, my submersibles don't use iron but that's a strange thing to say since I wasn't aware that iron attracts anything besides rust. Are you talking about the Carmine Scourge?" Yuka shudders. "That was unfortunate but had nothing to do with my vehicles, I assure you."
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Guadaloupe watches Yuka with interest, sometimes losing his attention towards him and making sure Imperia is still in the room only to turn his gaze quickly back to Yuka, afraid of being caught peering at her.
He looks around the room, amazed by the submersibles. 'These are strange... Never been under the water before... '
He hears Yuka's reaction to Karabo, feeling a bit of a hunch at his remark.
He continues to listen to his party members talk, afraid of saying something that might cause an issue or keep the party from progressing as he looks around the room more.
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He moves into the shop to look around. He was more or less looking to see if there was any change of iron in the make, as he has been around ships most of his life. If it wasn’t the submersibles, then what could have caused the Scourge to attack?
He shakes his head before moving back towards the shop owner, “And how much would it cost for us to rent/buy one of these in case we needed to travel?”
Yuka seems to be quite sincere when he says that he (and his submersibles) had nothing to do with the expedition's accident.
Yuka sighs as he finally seems to realize that none of you are inclined to humor him. "They're very secure - this, I promise you. My livelihood and my reputation as a craftsman depend on it, after all. When I'm not here, these doors are locked so tightly that you'd be better off trying to use gunpowder to break in than crack the locks."
"Judging by your questions you're probably investigating what happened to Zahra's expedition, yes?" he continues, giving the group a shrewd look. "I'm afraid that all I can tell you is that I was napping inside one of the submersibles when the algae fell upon the group, so I didn't see what happened - only the aftermath as we fled back here to Vialesk."
"Normally, my fee would be 50 gold pieces for the day but for you..." Yuka strokes his chin thoughtfully, "...for you, good-hearted samaritans, I will give you use of one for free." He quickly raises his hand to halt any objections or questions you might have. "Why such generosity, you might ask? Well! In spite of your rather dreary single-mindedness, I don't think the accident was Zahra's fault. And so if my submersibles can help you in your investigation then how could I sleep at night if I were to charge you for their use?"
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He gave a pleasant nod of his head to the owner and fixed his monocle before heading out the door. He felt like progress was made in securing a submersible for the party, as he wouldn’t need one.
“So lovelies, where off to next? I say we head to the caravan master, the one who lost his whale sharks next. If he lost so much to his, he might be more willing to talk.”
And also I will be able to talk to them to make sure that he treats them right and to see if they know anything else…..