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Mayor Sandra Trilleni has made an plea for help to the Pathfinder Society for aid. More details to be given upon the arrival of assistance. You are being called upon to travel to the town of Saringallow in the region of Isger, alongside some companions.
Perhaps you should get acquainted and introduce yourselves.
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Fen walks down the trail leading to Saringallow with the rest of the Pathfinders he has been sent out with.
"Did you know this town is a thrall for Cheliax? My Goddess isn't so liked there any longer, maybe a tryst or two with Asmodeous that went wrong? Maybe he just wanted more and fell in love?" A smile and laugh come to Fen's face. "I could be hung just for talking ill of their Dark Prince."
Fen pats the whip on his hip, making sure all his weaponry is ready just in case, "Do we know what this mayor would like? What the trouble is?"
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"Yes, well, it's a mark of insecurity, I suppose, all these proclamations and whatnot." She pauses for a second, "although, I have met some delightful Chelaxians. Why, I had dance classes with Roshelian Slenzir. She was a minor Thrune, 74th in line to the throne or somesuch!"
Mivvy's tinkling laughter shows what she thinks of her erstwhile dance partners place in the Thrune hierarchy.
"Lovely girl, good posture. A squint, I'm afraid, but you can't have everything..."
Mivvy checks the condition of her new hat, ensuring the arching ostrich-feather is in good condition.
...and she lacked the poise to wear something like this. Poor deb.
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Kasumi's eyes sparkle with mischief, among other things.
"I'm certain Calistria still sneaks in at night, when Asmodeous is lonely and can't sleep," she grins. She's rather short and solidly built, with almost dwarf-like proportions-- or one might say that, if they had never seen an actual dwarf to compare.
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Eventually the party arrives in Saringallow, and finding the mayor doesn’t take very long. Though most of the denizens in town are quiet, and look at you with a slight suspicion. You overhear rumors of disappeared individuals.
Heading into the town hall, a receptionist shows you to the mayor’s office. The plush red carpet and oak furniture upholstered with velvet lend this room an air of comfort, but it’s also clearly a place of official business, with several layers of administrative papers, staff memos, maps, and charts covering the wide surface of the solid desk in the center. From her tall-backed chair behind her desk, Mayor Sandra Trinelli looks up, shaking herself out of a deep concentration. A subtle look of relief flashes across her face as she motions to the oversized chairs in front of her.
“Normally, I’d exchange more pleasantries with my guests, but I fear there is no time,” she says. “The business that brought you here is quite urgent—it may actually be a matter of life and death.”
“Let me explain. You may have heard that several young apprentices from various establishments in Saringallow have disappeared in the last couple of weeks. Every one of them has failed to show up to work, and nobody seems to know where they’ve gone.”
“That’s not all. Rumors are spreading about sightings of enormous insects roaming about town. So far, the townspeople have chalked up such rumors to overactive imaginations, but I fear they might be real, and that they might have something to do with the missing apprentices. I have no proof that the situations are connected, but if folks get that notion into their heads, things are bound to spiral out of control.”
She shifts nervously, as if avoiding an uncomfortable implication, before continuing. “Please, I implore you to look into this matter quietly and thoroughly—find out where our apprentices have gone and discover the cause of our vermin problem. until you have investigated every possible angle; we need to be ABSOLUTELY sure that we know who or what is responsible before we take any necessary law-enforcement actions.”
“I suggest you start by interviewing the masters of every missing apprentice on this list I’ve compiled. I suspect that, collectively, they might shed some light on the youngsters’ whereabouts. That could in turn illuminate our vermin problem, but until we have more information, I caution you against suggesting to anyone that the two situations are connected. Beyond that, though, you have my full cooperation in this matter. If anyone gives you guff about your line of questioning, show them this letter.”
The mayor pushes a scrap of paper with several names scribbled on it across her desk, as well as a rolled-up, ribbon-bound letter written on thick parchment.
My Fellow Esteemed Citizens,
The bearers of this letter have embarked on a matter of official Saringallow business on my behalf. As such, it is my deepest hope that you will treat them judiciously and conscientiously, and that you will trust that any questions they ask are in the interest of furthering this urgent errand. Please answer their inquiries completely and to the best of your knowledge, as you would answer questions from me personally. Should you be aware of another citizen who may have the information they desire, I implore you to disclose those details, as well as anything else that might be of use. Should you aid my proxies in completing their task, rest assured that you will earn my profound gratitude, as well as any small favor from my office.
Your Humble Mayor,
Sandra Trinelli
List of Missing Apprentices
Betrona Pindlion—apprentice of haberdasher Petrellano Pindlion
Gellion Vazarro—apprentice at Pricknettle’s Potions and Poultices
Morvinarr Albusin—apprentice at Witch’s End tavern
Noemi Tauralio—apprentice at Gunty’s Hearty Breads
Nolaria Wintren—apprentice of the temple and Father Ildris Ruvarra
Pavolus Laterna—apprentice of cobbler Dependable Drummady
”Ofcourse, you will receive payment for each missing apprentice found, and additional for stopping the insect infestations. Do we have a deal?”
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"To answer both of your questions, from what I gather, their masters mostly think they’ve just momentarily run off. The longer they’re missing, however, the more worried the townsfolk will become. If you have some capabilities with discretion, you can try to question the townsfolk for some more details.”
Two old folks playing dice near Merchant’s Square ruminate about the town’s younger generation, including the apprentices.
“Youngsters today are so amiable and carefree with everyone. They aren’t cautious, like we were back in our day. If any of them have done anything other than run off of their own accord, it’s probably because they were too trusting of the wrong person.”
A group of peddlers scurrying through the streets knows many of the apprentices, if only in passing.
“They seem like they’re all friends. In fact, it’s almost like they run in a pack. One or two of them probably convinced the others to all skip work at once, the lazy kids.”
A crowd of trade workers is closely acquainted with Majara Pricknettle, the town’s apothecary, from whom they often purchase home remedies and other supplies.
“Most of the shop owners see their apprentices like workers-in-training. Majara, though, she’s different. She tries to hide it, but that apprentice boy of hers is more like a son to the gnome. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her raise her voice to him.”
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Keene would never be mistaken for a diplomat, however no one else had any luck, so he had to try. He headed to the closest watering hole as people seemed to open up the more spirits they had consumed. He showed the letter around, asking for any rumors.
Diplomacy with letter and aid another from Kasumi
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"I thought maybe you meant magical apprentices at first but I see general labours as well. Can you tell us the ages of these apprentices? maybe they are off cavorting? " Fen says, waiting his turn to look the letter over. "Do you think any of the Masters will give us problems?"
"I truly don’t. From what I gather, their masters mostly think they’ve just momentarily run off. The longer they’re missing, however, the more worried the townsfolk will become. I do hope you find them safe and sound soon.”
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The adventurers make their way to the Witch's End Tavern .
A sign depicting a dark-haired figure burning at the stake hangs over the door of this building. Alcie Kruptin is the imposing proprietor of the Witch’s End Tavern. Well over 6 feet tall, she makes a point of learning the name and occupation of every visitor to her establishment, and holds great distrust for adventurers and spellcasters; the only reason the tavern is so popular with travelers is because its food is phenomenal.
The owner, Alcie, seems to be in a foul mood. "If you are looking for food, speak those orders up now or shut up." Perhaps you can try to impress her by either showing your knowledge of the town, or by showing some bluster that will lend to keeping peace in her tavern.
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"We're looking into a few things for the Mayor, and it's possible that some of the younger folk about town might know something of it-- we were given a list of names to look after. Do you have any idea where we might find a-- and excuse me if I'm mispronouncing this, Taldan isn't my native tongue-- 'Betrona Pindlion,' or any of her friends?" She goes ahead and takes a seat. "I should specify that she's not in trouble, of course. She just happens to move in the right circles."
"Oh-- and if you have anything of a poultry variety, that would be amazing."
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"I know of the apprentice of the haberdasher, but not that much. I know she disappeared like my own apprentice, Morvinarr..."
"Morvinarr, as the biggest and strongest of his friends, saw himself as their protector. Where they went, he went, always making sure to keep them out of harm’s way. Most often it was Nolaria who led them on wild adventures outside of town; they would often return to the tavern to boast about their exploits. Recently, however, they seem to have been avoiding the Witch’s End, and Morvinarr has been taking more time off. Something tells me they have been getting involved in something I would not approve of." She scowls a bit. "And I suspect it may have something to do with magic."
Kruptin reaches into her pocket. "Furthermore, when Morvinarr disappeared, I found this up in his room. Before you ask, no, I do not know where the usual place is. Hopefully one of the other masters will." Kruptin leaves after that comment. Some time later she comes back out with a roasted quill coated in spices and seasonings that would make any mouth water.
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Kasumi smiles upon her return. "Not only have you been very helpful, but this looks and smells amazing. I'm not around here often... but I may just make the trip just to eat here again-- and I'll certainly have to bring my wife. Thank you very much, Ma'am." With that, she digs in, seeming quite pleased with how things have gone.
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List of Missing Apprentices
Betrona Pindlion—apprentice of haberdasher Petrellano Pindlion
Gellion Vazarro—apprentice at Pricknettle’s Potions and Poultices
Noemi Tauralio—apprentice at Gunty’s Hearty Breads
Nolaria Wintren—apprentice of the temple and Father Ildris Ruvarra
Pavolus Laterna—apprentice of cobbler Dependable Drummady
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The peasants brought in by House Sarini built this temple to Erastil in the early days of the settlement, and it is now one of the largest
and oldest structures in town. The space is dedicated to the needs of the people, rather than the needs of the temple’s staff: the infirmary and housing areas for the poor dwarf the priests’ modest chambers. Many people pass through on a daily basis, seeking blessings and prayers before traveling or interacting with outsiders.
The current head priest is Ildris Ruvarra. Though he has lived in Saringallow for only a decade or so, he is well respected for his selflessness as a healer. Ruvarra’s adopted daughter, Nolaria Wintren, is also his apprentice, and has gone missing.
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Finding Ildris Ruvarra does not take long. He is at work treating injured and infirmed. When you arrive, he bows his head in greeting. "Hail, newcomers. What ails you?"
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Suddenly rushing up to join the group is a striking young woman, with pale blue skin and solid white eyes that somehow give her both a youthful appearance and yet the strange sense that she possesses wisdom and knowledge well beyond her years. She wears a simple breastplate over her robes and carries only light weapons. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry I'm late. I misread the instructions as to where to report and ended up in a briefing room with another group of Pathfinders. I've caught up with what our mission is now and would be very interested to hear what else you've found on your own! Oh, and my name is Prakriti, or just Riti if you prefer!"
Joining in then to the conversation with the priest, Riti speaks up, trying to get his help in this matter. "Oh, I am very sorry. It seems that you are extraordinarily busy and no doubt very tired. We have heard about the recent disappearance of your adopted daughter Nolaria and are conducting a search for her and others who have also gone missing. We intend to do everything in our power to find out where she has gone. Is there anything you might be able to tell us that could help in our search?"
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”Ah yes. My apologies, but my duties have prevented me from searching myself. If you can help, I would be most appreciative.”
”Noralia was an orphan of the Goblinblood Wars, and her tendency to bend rules got her into trouble every now and then. I sincerely do not believe, however, that she would knowingly or willingly endanger her friends… Though she has sometimes overestimated her abilities.”
”She was last seen at the Old Graveyard along with her loyal pet raven.”
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"Only that her and her friends have not returned. I'm sorry, but that is all I know myself."
Illdris seems to be getting depressed by this topic, and returns to tending to the injured. It appears you have gotten everything you can from him.
List of Missing Apprentices
Betrona Pindlion—apprentice of haberdasher Petrellano Pindlion
Gellion Vazarro—apprentice at Pricknettle’s Potions and Poultices
Noemi Tauralio—apprentice at Gunty’s Hearty Breads
Pavolus Laterna—apprentice of cobbler Dependable Drummady
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"Let's see what we can find out from the masters before we head after the apprentices. I'll head to Pricknettle's. If someone well spoken wants to join me, excellent. Otherwise, I'll take the writ and hope it's as helpful as it was before. Let's all stay in town and regroup at the mayor's in an hour.
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The town’s foremost apothecary, Majara Pricknettle, hails from the Isgeri gnome settlement of Umok. Tragedy struck her family during the Goblinblood Wars, and she fled Umok to distance herself from those painful memories.
Saringallow, with its high walls and townsfolk who keep their distance, in addition to its small but established gnome population, suited her needs quite well. She settled there permanently, vowing never to return home.
After several years, as the townsfolk finally warmed toward her, Majara decided to take on Gellion as her apprentice, seeing the benefit of passing her skills on to other locals. What started as a strictly businesslike master-apprentice relationship turned friendly as Gellion charmed the gnome with his inquisitiveness and quirky gregariousness. This friendship blossomed as time passed, and now Majara is as fond and protective of Gellion as a she would be toward her own child, though she does not often let it show to the young man, let alone to others.
Majara is relatively curt but friendly, and extols the virtues of the alchemical wares she has for sale, answering any questions you might have about that topic. However, she tries to change the subject if you bring up Gellion, and she professes disinterest about any other missing apprentices you might mention.
She reveals that she has not seen Gellion in several days, and that she suspects that Nolaria Wintren, the apprentice at the temple of Erastil, might have something to do with his disappearance. Majara views the priest’s apprentice as a meddler who puts dangerous ideas into Gellion’s head.
The haberdashery owned by
Petrello Pindlion (LN male human expert 2) is nowhere near the most prominent or successful in the town, but it is the only one with a missing apprentice. Petrello started this business to support himself and his daughter Betrona when he and Drummady separated. He was a terrible cobbler, and he is no better as a haberdasher; the people of Saringallow cruelly comment that his hats look more like shoes than his shoes ever did.
The place is a mess, and he is disinclined to speak with visitors; and all he’ll say to you is, “It’s that apothecary boy’s fault. He’s a bad influence, that one!”
His grouchy mood will require some smoothing over. If you can calm him down he may be more willing to talk.
Petrello shares that he suspects Gellion and Nolaria of getting the other apprentices into some sort of trouble. Despite strictly forbidding it, he suspects that Betrona met with her friends anyway— perhaps in the town’s orchard or graveyard—and that if she had only listened to her father, none of this would have happened.
The five apprentices at the largest bakery in Saringallow are afraid of nothing more than their stern master, Gunty Keronna (LN male human expert 2/warrior 2). A veteran of the Goblinblood Wars, his severe leg injury only soured his already surly disposition. After the war, rather than begging for his livelihood like so many of his former comrades-in-arms, he devoted himself to making “the heartiest damn breads this side o’ the river.”
One of Keronna’s apprentices, Noemi, has been absent since her abduction 2 days ago by Gellion, though Gunty believes she’s simply sulking after receiving a particularly vicious upbraiding for burning a pan of rolls.
If you present yourself as helpful with displays of strength, he may open up to you . If you discuss the topic of the Goblinblood Wars and a past battle he may also be interested in talking .
The baker grouses about the time Noemi spends with her “no-good friends,” and reveals that he believes Noemi and the other apprentices are planning some sort of trick in retaliation for his strict rules. On recent nights, the baker has been hearing buzzing noises and seeing strange flickering lights, “like torches flying through the sky,” near the town’s central orchard. Whatever the apprentices are planning, Keronna is convinced that the orchard is their staging ground. He’s tried to investigate, but all he’s found so far is a bunch of trampled fruit.
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Saringallow’s most successful cobbler, “Dependable” Drummady Laterna (NG female human expert 4), has a reputation for making the sturdiest footwear in town at reasonable prices, and is willing to repair any shoe purchased from her store at a steep discount. Her business truly took off 3 years ago when she split with her husband Petrello, who tried to exercise control over the business even though he is a far inferior crafter than Drummady.
Petrello and Drummady also bumped heads over their children, Pavolus and Betrona. Pavolus is Drummady’s apprentice, and Betrona is Petrello’s apprentice. Their father is terribly strict with them, while their mother is far more permissive. The largest point of contention between the parents is Petrello’s disapproval of Pavolus’s interest in Gellion, who the haberdasher believes is a distraction and not nearly good enough for his son.
When you approach the cobbler’s shop, you find Drummady in a state of grim resolve. She refuses to allow her business to falter because her children are missing. She is practical and avoids engaging in chitchat with you.
Drummady reveals that Gellion was certainly the most charismatic
of the missing apprentices, and usually acted as the group’s de facto leader. She also reveals that Pavolus recently made Gellion a pair of bright yellow boots as a gift—a fact. that she emphasizes to display her son’s kindness, and to criticize her ex-husband’s disapproval of him.
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"Good morrow-- Drummady, correct? Heavens, that is a sturdy-looking boot you're working on! I know no more than a layperson about cobbling, but I know a shoe I'd like to put my foot in when I see it."
After introducing herself, she turns to matters of her official capacity.
"He sounds like a fine young lad. My Sayuki and I find that strict rules only form craftier liars. It sounds like your way is proving to form a good heart... but of course, the heart wants what it wants." She doesn't presume to impress any further parenting advice on the woman, of course.
"Do you know where you last saw your son, or any of his friends?"