The door to the front door of the Inn opened abruptly and a skinny youth stumbles over the entryway as he is ushered, somewhat roughly, into the room by a hulking man with a sour look on his face. A woman with a similar expression and a quick, determined step follows behind them. She gives the innkeeper a brief smile and then surveys the room with a critical eye.
"Good, most of you have arrived. Please, take your seats where you find your names."
Namecards on a long table dictate your seats:
Team - Beta
1) Odo the Bold - Paladin 2
2) Dietrich Wenger - Fighter 1/Rogue 1
3) Selter Sago de'Morcaine PFS - Druid 2
4) Marla Gunddur - Summoner 2
5) Tanselle Bashar - Gunslinger 1
6) Tresca Versei - Alchemist 1
7) Gaius Pellandir - Sorcerer 1
Venture-Captain Hestia Themis, a small, unassuming woman of Taldan heritage with dark hair and eyes, holds a large sheaf of papers in her small hands and clears her throat. Her booming voice, the antithesis of her stature, fills the sprawling common room of the quaint Inn in the Taldan city of Cassomir.
“One of our own has been kidnapped. Pathfinder Cestis was taken just days ago from a relics auction in the Imperial Naval Shipyards, and we believe his disappearance to be related to the six dozen or so kidnappings of the last several months. Now that one of our own is missing, this has become a Society matter—something we’ll get to the bottom of.”
Themis gestures to a teenage boy standing beside her, who nervously regards his surroundings and sweats profusely, his thick brown hair matted and wet against his head.
“This is Nefti, the assistant to the biggest thorn in my side in Cassomir—an agent of the Aspis Consortium named Kafar.
Kafar is also missing, taken from the same relics auction along with Pathfinder Cestis and a dozen other citizens of Cassomir. Nefti was at the auction, saw where a small group of the kidnapped victims were taken, and his handlers in Cassomir have give us access to him so that he might guide us to our missing Pathfinder. If you happen to find Kafar...” Themis grinds her teeth. “Let him go, per the agreement I’ve just made with his superiors. Your priority is Cestis, and I think Nefti can lead you to him. Any questions?”
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Dietrich strides into the Inn and takes his place at the table. Tall and brawny, he pushes his chair back to give himself plenty of room. He scratches idly at the stubble on his chin as the Venture-Captian delivers her briefing,
"Well, Captain Themis, what makes you think all these kidnappings are related? Something similar about the crimes? And who could have done this? Stealing away a dozen citizens at a single event would require a good deal of planning and resources."
"Well, Captain Themis, what makes you think all these kidnappings are related? Something similar about the crimes? And who could have done this? Stealing away a dozen citizens at a single event would require a good deal of planning and resources."
Themis gives Dietrich an appraising look, "Oh yes, Mr. Wenger quite similar. The kidnappings started a few months ago. Cassomir has always had some trouble with its citizens going missing, but this was different. Only those associated with the Imperial Naval Shipyards were taken—shipwrights, carpenters, navy guards, and so on. This recent kidnapping, where they took Cestis, was brash and bold. They grabbed more than a dozen people in one attack, neglecting to grab Nefti. Their mistake is our fortune.”
"Who kidnapped these people? There are... rumors of twisted men from the Darklands who climb up through Cassomir’s Locker, the sewers, catacombs, and older ruins below the city. Alas, they are only rumors. We don’t know who’s doing it. Discovering that is your job, if you can.”
The surprise is evident in Odo's voice as he speaks up. "Seventy or more kidnappings in recent months! A dozen being taken at a naval shipyard auction! That's a shocking turn of events. What have the authorities in Cassomir being doing about this problem?"
“They’ve been unable to recover the dozens of other Cassomir citizens who’ve gone missing in recent months. I see no reason to believe they’ll get our Pathfinder back. Besides, Cestis has some... knowledge I’d rather the local authorities not get, and so I need you to extract him for me. Are you up to the task, Pathfinder?”
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The inn's doors opened to admit a sunburnt, windburnt half-elf, struggling under the weight of her backpack. Taking her seat, she dropped the bag with a thump that implied it was not as heavy as might be thought. Between her pale complexion and her struggles with the bag, it was clear that she was more accustomed to lodgework than adventuring.
Tresca listened intently as the Venture Captain spoke, her expression sober. This was not the first time she had attempted a rescue one of her colleagues, but her previous attempt had been tragically unsuccessful. Perhaps this was an opportunity to redeem herself for past failure. Can Cestis' mission before his capture be disclosed? the alchemist inquired, The information may give us an idea of where to start looking.
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Tanselle takes her appointed seat and lowers her keffiyeh. She watches the boy's face intently as the venture-captain speaks, seeking any hint of emotion beyond the anxiety one would expect in such a situation.
Having grown up among the caravans and merchants of Qadira, the idea of such treachery taking place at the auction of valuable relics was not outrageous. The fact that whatever force was able to abscond with a dozen people, including prominent agents of organizations as far-reaching as the Society and the Consortium, however, was unnerving.
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Approaching the group is a Dwarf maiden and a heavily-armored Dwarf warrior with a voluminous white beard and an antique-looking Greataxe. A glowing rune floats over both their brows.
"No seat for my Uncle?" the young woman asks.
"Ferget it, Marla. I'll stand." the older Dwarf says.
The woman nods and takes her seat. She wears a battleaxe on her belt, and a pack full of gear which she drops behind her chair. She draws forth a large book and a quill and ink and begins to make notes on the briefing. At the mention of Dark Folk, the older Dwarf says, "Sounds like them Dark Folk we saw during our last mission, Marla."
Marla nods. "Yes, Uncle."
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A tall, thin man walks into the room, he seems slightly bored and quite accustomed to arriving late. He has white-blonde hair and there is a small, intricate tattoo is on his forehead. However, it is barely visible in a light, faint ink. He is wearing collared blue and black robes with high leather boots. As he approaches the group he says "Gaius Pellandir, at your service." and makes a graceful bow.
He leans against the side of a wall during the captain's address and shows polite concern for the kidnappings but doesn't say anymore at present.
Can Cestis' mission before his capture be disclosed? the alchemist inquired, The information may give us an idea of where to start looking.
"No, I'm sorry. That's a high-level Society matter and none of your concern." Hestia's manner is not cold, precisely but it is clear she will not budge on the subject.
The young Nagaji sits and listens quietly pondering the information given. Then rises to speak, Yesss. It ssseemssss we are the bessst sssuited for thisss endeavor.
He turns to young Nefti, Sssmall mammal, isss sssaid you have ssseen victimsss location. What have you obssserved?
Nefti blanches visibly as the snake-man stretches to his full height and addresses him. He had the look of a man who had been told that a room full of Pathfinders would eat him alive... and was suddenly realizing that might be a statement of fact rather than metaphor. He looked to Themis and she nodded, giving him an impatient, encouraging gesture.
"I-I jumped into the harbor and pretended to drown to escape the kidnappers, but I hid and saw where they took the captives. It's a place called 'The Inn of the Unlucky Sailor'. It makes sense too because the place has been closed for remodeling the past several weeks."The young man appeared Chelxian by decent and accent. He had quick eyes that darted around the crowded room. His body language spoke of his reluctance to be here, but he was also resolved. He seemed both guarded and sincere.
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"Yes, I agree Odo. Let's see if our villains are still at the Inn. Maybe we can even catch them napping! Ahem... Napping! Get it? Oh... sorry..."
Dietrich realizes that his pun is not only bad, but probably in poor taste as well. He stares hard at his coffee mug, trying to avoid the eyes of his fellows.
"Enh? We have to babysit this... baby?" the older Dwarf says. "Very well. Let's get going."
As far as you can tell, Nefti is being truthful. He frowns at being called a baby and straightens himself from his cower, jutting his chin toward the old dwarf.
"I will lead you to the Inn. We both have people to recover." Nefti says with a touch of defiance in his voice, not waiting for Themis to answer.
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Tresca let out a slight groan at Deitrich's pun. It was so bad, it was almost physically painful. She might have chided him for his poor taste - one of their own was in serious danger - but he seemed to have realized this on his own, and there was no good reason to embarrass him over it.
"This wouldn't be the first inn I've seen used as a front for something more sinister." Tresca mused aloud "Smugglers, slave traffickers and the like are often fond of them. All the good ones tend to have a hidden exit or two - I wouldn't be surprised if they use one to smuggle their victims out of the inn."
Nefti squirms under the gaze of the Nagaji, seeming anxious to get on with this task.
"They were dirty looking men with shaggy, matted looking hair and beards, the one that came near me stunk. I think most of them carried clubs, but I'm not sure how many there were. Six or eight, maybe? Are we ready to go? It's not very far."
Selter recalls enough about the Inn to suppose Nefti is being truthful about the renovations. The only story he has heard about it was one tale of a gentleman injuring his leg after his foot broke through the rotted entryway.
Once everyone is ready to leave, Nefti leads the group of Pathfinders through the dockyards, and soon stops a short distance away from a rickety looking Inn.
"That's it there."
Map of approach to Inn of the Unlucky Sailor
Perched precariously overhanging the dirty harbor water stands the Inn of the Unlucky Sailor. A fresh coat of white paint glistens on half the inn’s outside walls, and most of the windows are boarded up. The roof leans slightly toward the harbor, as if at any moment the entire thing could come off and slide into the ocean. The dock leading up to the inn looks to be built of now rotting wood connected to thick, rank-smelling pilings. Several small rowboats are currently tied up along its length.
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As her companions make themselves ready to leave, Tresca takes a minute for her own preparations. From a satchel at her waist, hanging cross-shoulder, she removes several phials and pouches. Into an empty phial, she mixes a dash of this, a drop of that, and a pinch of a sweet smelling powder that hisses as it touches liquid. In a short minute, she gives the phial a satisfied look, stoppers it, and slips it her left sleeve. A second phial containing a liquid catalyst follows up her right sleeve.
- - - - - - -
As they make their way to the Inn of the Unlucky Sailor, Tresca frowns at the sight of the boarded up windows. It would be so easy for somebody inside to secretly peek out at them, but so difficult for the reverse. A thought hits the alchemist, which she shares with the group. "Perhaps we may try a direct approach? I could mix an extract to disguise me as one of them. One or two of you could act as my 'prisoners'. Alternatively, I could make myself look just like Nefti, and some of you tougher looking folks could take the role of kidnappers. They already know his face, and they may have even seen him sneaking around." .
"Perhaps they would lead us straight to our target. Of course, I'm not an excellent actor. The disguise would help, but that plan would take a fair bit of luck - I'm fine with sneaking around if you think that's the better option."
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Odo surveys the scene, a scowl across his face. He was concerned there could still be prisoners or other innocents inside who could be used as hostages if the fight wasn't ended quickly enough.
"Looks like three different doors. We could approach from more than one direction. That could offer some tactical advantage but risks one group or the other getting isolated."
"Nefti, which entry did the kidnappers use?"
The skies are stormy and overcast so that the afternoon light is dappled and diffused. A light drizzle is keeping a goodly portion of people off the dock ways and thoroughfares, but there is still a stream of travelers and locals still going about the days business.
A bleak look comes across Nefti's face at the Halfling knight's question, and he points to the front entrance, which looks recently boarded up with a rough sign that says "Closed for Renovations".
1- Afternoon
2- Overcast, only slightly drizzly but it has been raining.
3- Yes, the Inn is elevated above the water on pilings.
4- No one is visible outside the Inn.
5- No visible activity, it is boarded up pretty tight.
6- Yes, Sithiss could potentially swim near/underneath.
Brak eyes the shambles of a structure dubiously. "Never understood why you surface-dwellers choose to build so appallingly poorly." he grumbles.
"Not everyone can be a Dwarf." Marla says.
"Fine, Marla. Let's prepare an assault plan." Brak replies.
Faction Missions- optional, but let me know if you accept them.
The Andoran mission, should you choose to accept it.
The Osirion mission, should you choose to accept it. (Alternate for Grand Lodge)
The Qadiran mission, should you choose to accept it.
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Tanselle considers her fellow agents' suggestions for a moment before speaking.
"Tresca, if we were to fail at such deception, we risk become hostages ourselves," she says. "We need to take them unawares. The best way to do that might be to do as Odo said - come at them from different points and catch them in a crossfire."
Anticipating the need, Tanselle loads a paper cartridge into her pistol and gives her weapon a final inspection.
Sithiss slips into the water to look around and under the inn, then report back.
Sithiss slips into the harbor and swims a quick and quiet circuit, reporting back. She returns to Selter, her wet scales glistening and seems much more eager for the errand, flicking her tongue out and holding her mouth open as if savoring a scent she has trapped there. Something furry... warm and tangy... rats... big ones!
EDIT:
Editable Map of Approach.
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Tresca nodded at Tanselle. "Agreed. I think Odo has the better idea here." she admitted. There was no room for pride in a tactics discussion among fellow pathfinders. "So two to three of us per door then, I assume? I'll take one of the far doors - I think I stand to be a bit sneakier than one of you heavily armored types - but I'd suggest that I pair up with a front line fighter. I'm a great shot given a bit of distance, but I'm not quite so confident in my hand-to-hand combat." Tresca didn't even own a melee weapon, for all the good they did her. She'd purchased a dagger once, though it only lasted a week before she spilled a reagent on it that ate through the metal. It had been bothersome enough trying to use it that she never got around to replacing it.
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"I'll go with one of the armored types. I'm no good at skulking around and equally poor in a brawl, let alone single combat. I'll support you with my crossbow and spell-work." said Gaius, eying the dagger at his belt which he generally only used to chop up spell ingredients. He drew his Wand of Mage Armor and cast it upon himself before loading up his crossbow with a bolt.
"Let's get this over with, I'd rather have 'giant rat party' out of my mind by the time dinner comes around."
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Before leaving the Inn, Dietrich makes arrangements for his breastplate and extra belongings to be stored until his return. He slips on his chain shirt and joins the party dockside.
Hearing the plans form, Dietrich chimes in.
"Well, I left my best armor behind so I can sneak better, but I'm pretty good when it comes time to face an enemy head-on. I'll go with you ladies, if that's agreeable. In fact, I'd be happy to scout ahead if you like."
Dietrich creeps along the dock, but can't seem to move with any grace at all, nearly stumbling on several occasions.
An especially rotten board creaks and snaps under Dietrich's feet with a loud report. Inside the Inn you hear some answering commotion and sense with a sinking feeling that you no longer have the element of surprise n your side.
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Odo readies himself for the inevitable fight through the front door. He winces as he hears the crack of the breaking board and realizes that any leisure they had in getting to position is probably gone.
"Looks like we need to move out now! I'll take the front," he calls out as he dashes for left side of the front doors.
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Tanselle follows Dietrich, giving the man enough room so as to not spoil his stealthy movements with her own less deft steps. She holds her pistol upright, ready to fire at the first sign of trouble, while placing her free hand flat against her belt pouch to stifle the jangling of her ammo and tools.
Brak looks back to the others when the stealth fails, and says, "We soldier on. Full assault. Let them prepare if they have the time. Now we fight!" He moves to the front of the group and advances on the doors.
Initiative Order - Round 1
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Selter and Sithiss
Dietrich
Odo
Gaius and Owl?(can't find sheet on your familiar)
Tresca
Tanselle
Enemies
Marla and Brak