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Lovissa brazenly ignores the pirate in blue, boldly striding past him straight towards Alejia while the pirate strikes at her...
...and the blue pirate's blade again cuts deeply into Lovissa, but she soldiers onward. She brings her mighty blade down, cleaving through the pirate captain's shoulderblade and Alejia drops, no longer dazed but dead, leaving Lovissa as the Scourge of Pirates indeed...
Enraged at seeing their captain fall, the blue pirate, temporarily ignoring the cold of his cutlass, strikes again at Lovissa while red retaliates against Toban...
...but both attacks miss badly...
COMBAT! End Round 2 / Begin Round 3 - The bold may post!
Alejia (dead)
Cerryl
Toban (-2)
Lovissa (-19)
Jastrokan
Pirates (Red -9, Blue -4)
Rosie
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As the last pirate falls, Lovissa searches their belongings for anything of use. On Alejia's body, she finds 2 potions of cure light wounds (2), masterwork studded leather, hand crossbow with 20 bolts, masterwork cutlass, spell component pouch, and a spellbook. On the bodies of the other two pirates, she finds a smokestick, tanglefoot bag, thunderstone, masterwork studded leather, light crossbow with 10 bolts, cutlass, thieves' tools , and 35 gp on each of the two...
The always generous Toban immediately sees to the hostage, ungagging and unbinding him...
"Thank you for rescuing me! I am Hirako Gurukaza, a scholar from the east; I was on my way to Riddleport to see the head of the Cyphermages when my ship was waylaid and I was kidnapped. I cannot tell you how grateful I am..."
He pauses briefly, sniffing the air...smelling the smoke followed by seeing it, the scholar cries out in alarm, "Is that my ship that's on fire? I have important papers and luggage on board!"
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Jastrokan grins. "Sorry. I said I'd light it on fire if she tried to hurt you and she did. I am not a liar. But, I guess she didn't believe me. Well, I only started it now. If we hurry maybe we can get your stuff off. Come on!"
Jastrokan hurries aboard the Topaz Titan to save the mans luggage and papers!
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Rosie hurries into the room to see the fight's over. "Whoops." She cuddles her bunny. "Well, Lily, I thought that would take longer."
She sneaks over to Lovissa and takes the smokestick, tanglefoot bag, and thunderstone from her loot pile. Then she goes over to the Topaz Titan to see if she can put out her brother's fire before she has to hear that guy whine about it more.
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With the help of Cerryl's ray of frost spells, Toban's effort at quenching the fire are eventually successful as the others pitch in; while there's a good deal of surface damage on part of the ship, she'll still sail...
Gathering your loot, in addition to freeing the other hostages whom the scholar leads you to, you sail back to Riddleport; after a brief stay there to recover, you report back to Lady Heidmarch.
The defeat of Alejia and her band of pirates brings the assault on the Order of Cyphers to an end and business returns to normal rather quickly for Tammerhawk and his academic associates. Word spreads quickly through Riddleport of the your beatdown of of Alejia's gang, and the Pathfinders develop a reputation as a formidable force within the town.
Venture-Captain Heidmarch expresses her thanks, for not only ending Alejia's reign of terror but for rescuing the scholar as well...
As for the scholar, while initially miffed that his ship was set on fire instead of the pirate ship, Hirako Gurukaza promises the PCs any aid he can offer should they ever be in need of his assistance in the City of Cyphers and vows to do his best to ensure that Tammerhawk and any allied to the crime boss know the extent of your deeds.
This ends the Cyphermage Dilemma; good job guys and gals!
The Cyphermage Dilemma Debrief:
Primary Goal: The PCs either rescue Gurukaza OR put an end to Alejia’s piracy. SUCCESS! Each character earns 1 Prestige Point!
Secondary Goal: The PCs both rescue Gurukaza AND put an end to Alejia’s piracy.SUCCESS! Each character earns 1 Prestige Point!
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Enjoying the cooking from Toban again, Cerryl is continuing to look over Alejia's spellbook trying to see if there was anything useful that he should add to his own before trying to decide what to buy before the next mission is handed down...Though hoping that the group can stay together considering how successful they have been so far.
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The Disappeared
The gala inside the Chelish embassy appears to be in full swing, and as the faint light from the building falls upon the alleyway outside, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin’s mission briefing is hard to forget…
“Pathfinders,” Valsin boomed but hours earlier in the briefing chamber within the Grand Lodge, “Zarta Dralneen no longer exists. She never existed. She’s never worked for the Chelish embassy here in Absalom, and she’s never been in charge of the Chelish Pathfinders. At least that’s what I was told, repeatedly, to my face, through three layers of Chelish bureaucrats. I know those people, and they all knew Zarta. They didn’t just forget about her. She’s been ‘disappeared.’
“I don’t know where she went and I don’t know who took her. What I need you to do for me is to go into the Chelish embassy and find out as much as you can by snooping around for a bit. I want to know where Zarta is, I want to know who took her, and I want to know why she was taken.
“We can’t afford to offend Cheliax, so you’ll have to infiltrate their embassy quietly. I’ve devised a cover story that should get you in the side door with orders to see the new Chelish ambassador. An ongoing diplomatic gala scheduled for the same time and a clever ruse by Venture-Captain Amara Li— who is also attending the gala—will keep the ambassador busy, but you’ll have to act quickly if you want to secure the information we need before he arrives to meet you. You must get into the embassy, get what we need, and get back out of the embassy without the Chelaxians ever catching on that we’ve been rooting around.
“Here is a packet of information that bears on Chelish interests in Sargava. It’s legitimate intelligence that we probably would have passed on to Zarta eventually anyway and that we’re willing to give up for free as our ticket into the building.
“You’ll enter the embassy through the north entrance of the residential wing, where Chelish imperial security receives all of their informants. Even if you have a good cover story, you might have difficulty getting past the guards there—if necessary, you’ll have to resort to bribing your way through. Once you’re in, the guards will likely make you wait for the ambassador when you tell them you have important information for him. Don’t give it to anyone else, since once they have the information there will be no reason for them not to show you the door. Once they put you in the waiting area, await for a ‘sign’ from a contact we have on the inside before proceeding…
“Amara Li will keep the ambassador pinned down at the gala while you break out of the waiting room and snoop around. She will also meet you just before you enter the gala to cast a message spell on you, just in case you need to keep in touch during your mission. You just need to make your way to Zarta’s chambers—they’re in the southwest corner of the residential wing, but you’ll have to find a route that doesn’t intersect with the gala’s attendees or residents of the embassy. Try to get in and out in less than an hour. That’s my best estimate at how long the gala and Li can keep the ambassador preoccupied. Once you’ve got the information and made it back to the waiting area, you just have to wait for the ambassador to find time to see you.
“My informants tell me that Ailenia Hospar, one of the clerks you’ll likely run into at the embassy, is addicted to shiver. I’ve procured some of the drug for you to slip her if she initially proves less than accommodating. You may also have to deal with Anstrella Trelax, the pompous night-duty officer.
Beyond that, what you’ll face is beyond my knowledge. I’ve ordered for you to receive several tools that might help you in your mission. Good luck, Pathfinders.”
The tools Valsin give you are two scrolls of disguise self as well as two elixirs of hiding from the Pathfinder Society, as well as the aforementioned dose of shiver…
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From a hidden vantage point, as you look at the spy’s entrance you were told to enter, Amara Li suddenly appears behind you…
”No time to waste…I’ll cast a message spell upon you so that we may communicate, if needed…please use it sparsely and only in case of an emergency. I’ll try to stall the ambassador as long as I can and keep you updated on the time you have left to complete your mission. Remember, your cover story to get inside is that you have important intelligence to deliver to the ambassador only. No time for questions as I need to return to the gala. Be swift but silent...good luck…”
She targets the party and casts the spell…and then she vanishes as suddenly as she appeared…
The so-called “spy’s entrance” is a nondescript entrance in an alley that runs along the north side of the Chelish embassy. The only feature distinguishing the spy’s entrance from other doors piercing the alley walls is the presence of a guard in Chelish imperial livery…
Upon your approach, the guard snaps to attention. ”Halt! Who goes there? What business do you have with the Chelish embassy?”
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Remembering how much she helped the Lantern Lodge a few months ago, Lovissa gives Amara Li a nod and a grin.
At the sight of the guard, Lovissa grin.
"Hail and well met! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!" She gives the guard a nod. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! You may have heard the songs they sing of me in Absalom's bars. I am the saviour of Janira Gavix, Balenor Forsend, Amara Li, and Iko Tsuneo, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum! Scourge of pirates, befriender of beasts, plunderer of treasure troves, and slayer of the evils that stalk the dark. I am chronicler of the Battle of Dehu Inu, imprisoner of the shadow demon Camazotz, Honourary Sister of the Ekujae, forger of an alliance between the Lantern Lodge and the Way of the Kirin, and Liberator of the Magnifiecent Guardian and Ancient Consciousness: Glorymane!"
With a deep bow she adds, "My companions and I have been selected personally, from among the honoured agents of the Pathfinder Society, to deliver a packet of very important intelligence to your new ambassador."
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The guard is taken aback at Lovissa's many accomplishments. After gathering himself, he states, "Well met, Lovissa Halenbane! I am Vanius Gestanian, guard of the Chelish Embassy. Alas, I am just a poor soldier and cannot let you pass while the gala is going on...at least not without good reason, that is." He grins roguishly.
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Jastrokan bows deeply. "I am the famous Varisian painter Jastrokan Tangletop!" Jastrokan says with a deep bow. "A pleasure to meet you!"
Jastrokan grandly pulls a small painting of a ancient statue covered in moss from his backpack and presents it grandly to the guard, slipping a few gold coins into his hand at the same time.
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Vanius gives a warm and knowing smile to Jastrokan as he accepts the painting and adeptly pockets the coin. "Ah, a gnome who knows the plight of a common soldier. Come with me and you can tell of your task to the head clerk."
The guard leads all of you into the reception room. The red paint that covers the walls of this high-ceilinged chamber does little to hide the raised outlines of ancient religious mosaics that once decorated this former temple. Behind the chamber’s large and imposing desk sits a woman in clerk’s clothing.
”Ailena, these people claim they have important intelligence to share with the ambassador,” the guard says and then immediately leaves to return to his post.
The woman scowls at the party, exclaiming, ”What? I was not told of this,” as she checks her calendar. ”You do not have an appointment…and the ambassador is much too busy at the moment. Give me the intelligence and I’ll make sure the ambassador receives it.” You notice the woman shivers slightly and sniffles after she speaks…
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Lovissa claps the guard on the shoulder in farewell, then introduces herself to the clerk.
"Hail and well met! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!" She gives the clerk a nod of her head. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! You may have heard the songs they sing of me in Absalom's bars. I am the saviour of Janira Gavix, Balenor Forsend, Amara Li, and Iko Tsuneo, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum! Scourge of pirates, befriender of beasts, plunderer of treasure troves, and slayer of the evils that stalk the dark. I am chronicler of the Battle of Dehu Inu, imprisoner of the shadow demon Camazotz, Honourary Sister of the Ekujae, forger of an alliance between the Lantern Lodge and the Way of the Kirin, and Liberator of the Magnifiecent Guardian and Ancient Consciousness: Glorymane!"
"You cannot summon the ambassador?!" Lovissa exclaims in surprise. "Is that not your duty? My companions and I have been selected personally, from among the honoured agents of the Pathfinder Society, to deliver a packet of very important intelligence to your new ambassador. It must be delivered right into his hands."
Noticing the woman's behaviour, Lovissa leans over her desk and grins. In a quiet voice she tells the clerk, "I recognize that... shiver. I have some I'd be willing to share... If you would be so kind as to show us to the waiting room."
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The desk clerk's eyes widen for just a second and then she nods, smiling at Lovissa as she quickly takes the shiver and conceals it on her person. "Why, yes of course, I can see now the import of your task. While I cannot directly summon the ambassador, I can call forth the duty officer as she has that authority..."
Ailena calls a functionary to her desk. "Antrus, please inform Anstrella that a matter of the utmost import requires her presence here."
Anstrella Trelax enters the room a few moments later. She is dressed much more finely than the lower functionaries, and wears an imperial dress uniform. She is striking in red and black and looks down her nose at the party.
”What is this, Ailena? Why couldn’t you deal with this yourself?”
As Ailena explains the matter, Anstrella shakes her head. ”He’s much too busy to be disturbed right now to deal with...common folk. Give me your documents and I’ll pass them on personally to the ambassador when he is free of his present engagement.”
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Toban fiddles with his moustache while the others speak.
At the sight of the guard Toban bows deeply. "Hail Officer Trelax! It's a pleasure to meet you! Yes, yes, yes, the honour is mine! Thank you for your time in this matter! It's incredibly important and imperative we hand the intelligence to the ambassador personally. We don't mind waiting."
He looks at her with a grand smile. "You're simply stunning this evening! A picture of stern perfection! Isn't she Jastrokan?"
Toban looks to Jastrokan then back to the guard, "Oh, beg your pardon. Jastrokan is a famous painter. I'm sure he wishes he could capture your portrait. Another time perhaps..."
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"Hail and well met, Antrus of the line of Trelax! I am Lovissa, of the line of Halenbane! Daughter of Mergerice, and Granddaughter of Abrenica and Ferdinand! Famous Pathfinders, all!" She gives the woman a bow. "I am a wanderer at heart, and explorer! A discoverer of history, both epic and small! My deeds are many and my legend is great! You may have heard the songs they sing of me in Absalom's bars. I am the saviour of Janira Gavix, Balenor Forsend, Amara Li, and Iko Tsuneo, Slayer of the Minotaur of the Kortos Caverns, Hero of Diobel, Investigator for the city of Ridonport, as well as it's Hero and Saviour, Victor of the Battle of Arnisant House, and Honoured Patron of Arnisant House Museum! Scourge of pirates, befriender of beasts, plunderer of treasure troves, and slayer of the evils that stalk the dark. I am chronicler of the Battle of Dehu Inu, imprisoner of the shadow demon Camazotz, Honourary Sister of the Ekujae, forger of an alliance between the Lantern Lodge and the Way of the Kirin, and Liberator of the Magnifiecent Guardian and Ancient Consciousness: Glorymane!"
"I would be honoured to hear your legend!"
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She is obviously pleased with your flattery which, along with your diplomatic words, is just enough to please her vanity...and then Lovissa's speech and Rosie's cookie seals the deal. Anstrella smiles condescendingly, though she appears very impressed with the Ulfen woman's heritage and feats. ”At least you know your place…I’ll see what I can do, but it’ll likely be an hour or so before the ambassador can see you.”
Before she returns to the gala, she summons a functionary to take you to a waiting area. The functionary leads you there and locks you in.
The room is sparsely furnished with only a few old chairs and a couch. Two doors—one to the east and another to the west—lead elsewhere within the embassy.
Shortly after you are placed in the room, you can hear the interior door, the one to the east, unlock and open a crack…
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Toban whispers, "Well, I do believe that is the sign we're waiting for." He points to the door. He hands Rosie an elixir of hiding. "Drink this." He drinks the second one himself.
Then he hands Jastrokan and Cerryl the scrolls for future use.
He walks over to the door and listens carefully...
...If he doesn't hear anyone he peeks into the hallway.
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Jastrokan finds the door to the east locked...but he can hear activity and some banging and clanging of what he thinks are pots and pans...he thinks the adjoining room must be the kitchen...
Rosie and Toban peek through the drapes, they see a hallway bustling with servant activity. Directly south of them are heavy red curtains; from the servants going in and out of that curtain in various places, they can tell this must be the ballroom, where the gala is taking being held. To the west, they see a set of double doors that are heavily barred; you feel that you would definitely be noticed if you tried to go this way. To the east another set of double doors that appears to be accessible. They also see a door on the north wall of the hallway that probably leads to the same room as the door by which Jastrokan is listening at; from the number of servants carrying refreshment trays to and from, they too can ascertain that this must be the kitchen...
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Prompted by Lovissa, Rosie and Jastrokan make a dash through the double doors to the east and make it through unseen. They find themselves on a screened in balcony overlooking a large garden...
These gardens shine in the moonlight, but dark shadows hug the lower reaches of the bushes, topiary, and trees. Two marble staircases wrap around a balcony where revelers are silhouetted against the light shining from the ballroom’s stained-glass windows. A tall wrought-iron fence divides the garden from the city beyond and below. Small servant’s doors enter the garden from the north and the south.
Jastrokan and Rosie notice the garden can be seen from a large and elaborate deck extending from the ballroom; they see a few folk from the gala milling about the deck now. They think they'll have to be stealthy if they want to cross the garden unseen...luckily, there is a lot of foliage that should provide good cover...
In the meantime, Toban and Cerryl await their cue from Lovissa...