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Jaegar searches the room and finds the hidden door behind the book shelf. The unconscious gnolls carry a potion, two wands, two bottles of liquid ice, leather armor, a +1 heavy wooden shield, a mwk flindbar, a shortspear, and a cloak.
Chau also carrys a clay unholy symbol of Lamashtu and 289 gp. Rothur carrys a braid of dried pugwampi hide and 178gp.
Behind the rotating bookshelf is a small, unlit room carved out of the hill. The room is unadorned and contains only a mirror.
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Jaegar opens the secret door and reveals as much as he can to his friends. "Molos, what can you determine about that mirror?"
After quickly sketching the diagram of the room and the map itself, he turns to Tory saying, "I think your finesse will be perfect for the map. I will do my best to assist you, and I think Gilfroy and Gima might be able to assist you as well."
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Molos knows that the mirror is magic, although he does not know exactly what kind of magic object it is. The rest of the group rolls up the map, leaving most of the pins in place.
Suddenly Tori hears a voice "What is your status? Have you accomplished your objectives? Please reply in no more than twenty-five words." Darchana asks.
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Vrald scratches his head.
"They can talk over hundreds of miles, but only 25 words. Who comes up with these spells?"
He thinks.
"Well, we were supposed to find the slaves, we have done that. We have stopped the slaver ring, but the head of them seems to have got away. Maybe we should lie in wait for her?"
He pauses, casting his mind back.
"Now I think of it, we were asked to find the spymaster, who may be Muhlia and their mirror. Well, we have the mirror and what maybe the plan, but not the spymaster."
Writing words he thinks.
"Have scrying mirror. Have map and plans. Spymaster not sited."
He looks pleased. "That is only ten. Maybe we should add something about the chest they had us try?"
Slowly he adds:
"Chest and shrinking spell worked well. Have captives to return to Absalom for debrief."
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With Chau defeated and the mirror of treacherous sight in your hands, the remaining members of the Red Ridge tribe scatter into the wilds of Stonespine Island and gradually regroup over the course of several weeks.
Jairo informs you as you leave that he remains bound to perform al’Jakri’s will but hopes to meet them again under pleasant circumstances. A day after you depart the fortress, Jairo returns to his home plane and awaits the pasha’s summons.
You have little difficulty securing enough basic provisions to get yourselves and any liberated slaves to Okeno. There, a ship awaits you to take you back to Absalom.
Once you return to the Grand Lodge, Ambrus Valsin debriefs you and lets you know that they have accomplished a great deal despite al’Jakri’s escape. He then debriefs you for several minutes about how the enchanted cedar chest performed in the field before concluding the meeting. He advises everyone to remain in Absalom for the next several days as he works with Lady Darchana to ensure she has all of the information she needs to predict the pasha’s next step.
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Does this adventure count as
"Recovering blackmail or incriminating evidence against a named NPC aristocrat, noble or similar figure?"
The whole premise of the adventure seems to be getting the dirty on the noble families of Absalom.
Alternatively
"Complete a mission tied directly to enhancing or preserving the reputation of the PF society in the eyes of another nation or organisation"
Vrald will try to recruit Lady Darchana to the Soverign Court.
And fail.
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Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir inclines his head in welcome as he opens the door and welcomes everyone into a modest office. "I’m glad you are on time — and with little to spare," he says as checks outside and then closes the door. "Your ship leaves soon, and I’ve taken care of the details." He places a neat stack of travel papers on the small desk and sits down.
"I’m pleased that you volunteered to visit the remote monastery of Tar Kuata on the Society’s behalf. As you may already know, the Society seeks pieces of the Sky Key, a strange relic broken into multiple pieces by dwarves long ago. It seems one of the descendants may have found her way to Tar Kuata, and we believe the Ouat monks that also reside there still have a piece of the key. Travel there, meet with them, confirm our intelligence, and barter for the relic as needed. Do aim to be respectful; few Pathfinders have traveled to Tar Kuata, so you’ll need to earn the monks’ goodwill — and perhaps even pave the way for future collaboration."
"To that end, I am sending you with this." Balentiir lifts a heavy bag and adds it to the desk. "You may be familiar with bags able to hold more than seems possible, and this one is filled with grain. I understand Tar Kuata has had a poor harvest this year, and this should help you get off on the right foot in negotiations. Any questions?"
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Claire nods to her new cohorts, extending her right hand to each in turn. "Claire Lee-O'Blivyus, pleased to meet your acquaintance."
Once inside the room she takes a place off to the side, but still adjacent to the party. Once Venture-Captain Balentiir mentions negotiations, Claire asks a few questions, "What is the society willing to offer the Monks in exchange for the key? It seems difficult to negotiate without appreciating the value expected from either side."
She glances around the room again and continues, "Furthermore, what if the monks refuse to barter? Is theft or conflict an acceptable alternative? Sending us with a bag of grain and asking them for an artifact seems disproportionate."
In an effort to gather herself, she looks again at the Venture-Captain, "Culturally, what else can you tell us of these Monks? What race are they, what language do they speak? What religion do they practice? How are we to find them to engage in negotiations? I have many more..."
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"Tar Kuata is an isolated monastery village in the Barrier Wall Mountains, in a region commonly called the Footprints of Rovagug. It’s also considered the most important Iroran site in all Osirion. The Ouat monks are a contemplative order of dwarven monks who renounced their racial identity to focus on self-perfection. Technically, they are distinct from the other monks in Tar Kuata, but the two groups work together so closely that it’s hard to tell the difference. The monks are austere but polite, and I have already contacted them to let them know representatives are on the way. They’ll be very hospitable, yet earning their respect will no doubt involve proof of your worth. Like most who follow the Iroran faith, the monks of Tar Kuata no doubt value knowledge, discipline, and self-perfection. Menkha Helg is their leader. The Sky Key is a relic once housed in a dwarven sky citadel the Pathfinder Society rediscovered recently. Exactly what it does is still up for debate, but those who discovered the first piece reported it allowed one to look into the past. Our findings demonstrate the last of the citadel’s rulers broke it into multiple pieces and sent them away with his children, and the Society’s research suggests Logyra, one of the king’s daughters, likely retired in Tar Kuata." Balentiir answers to the questions. "The monks don't expect any valuables. You have to earn their respect and show them that you are worth to take the Sky Key fragment. Most likely you have to undergo trials designed to test your wits, mettle, and spirit. The Ouat monks worship Irori, a Sothan priest named Narmek Tar Kuata founded the monastery more than 3000 years ago. The monks speak Common and Osiriani."
Merchants are refusing to travel into the Footprints of Rovagug. The most recent two caravans to return from there were both attacked by bandits.
Weeks ago, a priest gave a passionate sermon praising the church of Sarenrae for dismantling an illegal cult of Rovagug. Despite this sermon being old news, many people still talk about it.
The cult referred to itself as the Doomsday Knights, a force of heavily armored warriors wielding divine power. Although Sarenrae’s faithful destroyed much of the cult, some survivors escaped.
A Sothan priest of Irori named Narmek Tar Kuata founded the monastery more than 3,000 years ago. It is among the oldest continuously used schools in Osirion.
Most people in Tar Kuata are humans of Garundi ancestry, but the monastery also houses the Ouat monks, an order of dwarves that shave their heads and beards and eschew dwarven traditions in favor of discovering their own path to perfection.
Not all citizens of Tar Kuata are monks; pilgrims who fail admission to the monastery often settle in the village and take up everyday occupations.
The monks are experts in the scriptures of Irori.
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"Thank you captain. And did the monks indicate their willingness to trade the key for the grain, should the bearers prove worthy?"
He looks around the group.
"I don't suppose anyone speaks Dwarven, or Osiriani? They may speak Taldane, but surely they would prefer to be addressed in their own language?"
Wandering over to a map on the wall he traces a finger.
"That is a long way... how long do you expect the voyage to take?"
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Claire clears her throat as her compatriots begin discussing clothing options. "Might I recommend the Sleeves of Many Garments? I happen to be wearing some right now, and I can demonstrate their efficiency." With a brushing motion to her forearms, Claire activates her Sleeves of Many Garments several times in succession.
"Regal outfit, suited for any formal occasion," with a brush, she is in a beautiful sleeveless emerald empire dress, with broquet shamrock trim around the bodice and hemline, with matching elbow-length silk gloves.
In another flick of her wrist her dress transforms into multiple layers of leather and burlap, with a broad hat and netting across her face. "Swarmsuit, at the ready"
"Or if you are in the mountains..." Her multiple layers turn to furs and bulky wool, instantly transforming to a cold weather outfit.
"For 200 gold you can always have what you need, when you need it, without having to pack in advance. Always clean, and always appropriate!", her eyes glint with joy as she shares her clothing as though it were a vital discovery. "On that note, I am ready to travel any time. I suspect we could buy horses after the journey." As she speaks, she transforms her cold weather gear into loose white linens and muslin, with a head wrap balaclava for the desert travel.
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Vrald looks somewhat distrustingly at the garments.
"What happens if a wizard neagetes their magic? Would you be suddenly... bare... perhaps in the midst of the mountains?"
He shakes his head.
"They seem so much like...cheating..." he adds weakly.
But very convenient
A casual glance at Vrald does reveal that be has a very nice outfit that he takes some pride in.
"But clothes that are always clean... that would be something. Especially if we are on a diplomatic mission..."
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"I think the monks are going to test your skills as well as your mental and physical strength. Be prepared for everything. You won't need mounts, but climbing equipment might come in handy if the monks are going to test your climbing skills." Balentiir answers.
After a tiring, days-long journey, you reach Tar Kuata in the morning. Perched at the base of a high mountain valley, the monastery, the tiny village to its west, and a series of terraced fields are sheltered from the harsh winds and weather.
At the base of a high mountain valley, the monastery of Tar Kuata perches atop a rocky outcropping that overlooks a tiny village and terraced fields. The steep cliffs to either side shelter the small structures from the wind, and a tall, thin spire Towers over the settlement.
As you approach, Menkha Helg, leader of the Ouat monks, assumes that you are the expected Pathfinders and welcomes them into the Hall of Aspirants. "Welcome to Tar Kuata. Did you have a pleasent journey? My Name is Menkha Helg. Itephta, the head of the monastery, is currently busy, but should be available to meet you later in the afternoon." a dwarven woman welcomes you. You can see that she's shaved completely. "If you like you can use the time to explore the village and join us for a modest lunch in the Pahmet Heights."
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Claire is noticeably excited for the tour, and says "I would love to see your village and better understand your culture. What a wonderful opportunity! I look forward to eating with you as well."
In what kind of condition are the fields? If we have been sent with grain as a peace offering, it would be foolish to offer if their fields are robust and bountiful. However, if they are scorched, dry, or desolate we have certainly brought the right trade resource.
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Gilfroy, realizing that his typical fake monk outfit would be and idea this time, and uses the sleeves to adopt a simple craftsman outfit.
"We would also like to extend the thanks and appreciation of the Pathfinder Society for opening your doors to us," Gilfroy says, and unless Claire makes a frantic gesture to wave him off, continues, "Please accept this token of the Society's esteem and wishes for a positive and fruitful relationship." He gestures toward the sack of grain.