The sound of footsteps echoes down the hallway outside of Heidmarch Manor’s cozy dining room. Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch sets down his fork and rises from his chair by the hearth. The stern Venture-Captain’s eyes brighten a bit as he says, “Sheila’s footsteps.” Moments later, the door to the dining room swings open, and Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch enters the room, taking a seat at the head of the table opposite the hearth. Canayven pours her a cup of hot tea as he addresses her, “Welcome back. The Pathfinder agents you requested have been fed and are ready for their briefing.”
“Splendid,” Sheila replies as she sets a folded piece of parchment down on the table. She smiles and gracefully takes a small sip of the steaming tea, savoring the flavor. “Thank you, Canayven. And Pathfinders, thank you all for coming to Magnimar on such short notice. I’ve specifically requested your presence here because I believe that you’re uniquely suited to helping the city of Magnimar with a problem that seems to be spreading in recent weeks. As you’re likely aware, Magnimar is known across the Inner Sea region as the City of Monuments for the dozens of monuments within city itself and the surrounding region. These monuments are well known for their sacred properties—performing any number of respectful acts at their bases provides a pilgrim with a minor boon. Adventurers and mystery cultists by the droves make pilgrimages to Magnimar for a chance to experience the touch of the divine. But recently, something appears to have changed with several of these structures.
“A friend of mine in the Varisian Council, one of Magnimar’s governing bodies, has alerted me that several key monuments—namely, the Mistress of Angels in Ordellia, the Founder’s Flame in Naos, and the Cenotaph in the Capital District—have all been sites of strange supernatural occurrences ranging from eerie wailing and spectral lights to magical conflagrations. Lord-Mayor Grobaras appointed a sleuth specializing in the supernatural, a man named Theodorus Ichonvarde, to investigate. However, my contact reports that Ichonvarde’s attempts have borne little fruit thus far, and the council has accused Theodorus of badgering Varisian witnesses. Moreover, several innocents have been harmed in the occurrences at the Founder’s Flame. The implication that someone—or something—has tampered with Magnimar’s legacy leads me to believe that this is a case best suited to our interests and your abilities.”
Sheila picks up the folded piece of parchment next to her teacup, “I’ve secured an official writ from the Varisian Council to grant you legal permission to investigate. If you’re willing to help Magnimar, I can also lend you some supplies.”
Thread looks back up and running, will make a pretty post as you encounter a wall of text.
The sound of footsteps echoes down the hallway outside of Heidmarch Manor’s cozy dining room. Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch sets down his fork and rises from his chair by the hearth. The stern Venture-Captain’s eyes brighten a bit as he says, “Sheila’s footsteps.” Moments later, the door to the dining room swings open, and Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch enters the room, taking a seat at the head of the table opposite the hearth. Canayven pours her a cup of hot tea as he addresses her, “Welcome back. The Pathfinder agents you requested have been fed and are ready for their briefing.”
“Splendid,” Sheila replies as she sets a folded piece of parchment down on the table. She smiles and gracefully takes a small sip of the steaming tea, savoring the flavor. “Thank you, Canayven. And Pathfinders, thank you all for coming to Magnimar on such short notice. I’ve specifically requested your presence here because I believe that you’re uniquely suited to helping the city of Magnimar with a problem that seems to be spreading in recent weeks. As you’re likely aware, Magnimar is known across the Inner Sea region as the City of Monuments for the dozens of monuments within city itself and the surrounding region. These monuments are well known for their sacred properties—performing any number of respectful acts at their bases provides a pilgrim with a minor boon. Adventurers and mystery cultists by the droves make pilgrimages to Magnimar for a chance to experience the touch of the divine. But recently, something appears to have changed with several of these structures.
“A friend of mine in the Varisian Council, one of Magnimar’s governing bodies, has alerted me that several key monuments—namely, the Mistress of Angels in Ordellia, the Founder’s Flame in Naos, and the Cenotaph in the Capital District—have all been sites of strange supernatural occurrences ranging from eerie wailing and spectral lights to magical conflagrations. Lord-Mayor Grobaras appointed a sleuth specializing in the supernatural, a man named Theodorus Ichonvarde, to investigate. However, my contact reports that Ichonvarde’s attempts have borne little fruit thus far, and the council has accused Theodorus of badgering Varisian witnesses. Moreover, several innocents have been harmed in the occurrences at the Founder’s Flame. The implication that someone—or something—has tampered with Magnimar’s legacy leads me to believe that this is a case best suited to our interests and your abilities.”
Sheila picks up the folded piece of parchment next to her teacup, “I’ve secured an official writ from the Varisian Council to grant you legal permission to investigate. If you’re willing to help Magnimar, I can also lend you some supplies.”
"Is the 'official' investigator likely to be annoyed by our involvement?"
Shelia ponders the question a moment before responding. “I have heard of Ichonvarde before. He’s closed several cases attributed to occult phenomena over the past few months, and in so doing earned the trust of the lord-mayor. Whether or not you choose to work with Theodorus is up to your discretion and his willingness, I suppose. Regardless, it would be unwise to antagonize him.”
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"Perhaps we should meet with him and exchange pleasantries and see what he has to offer." suggests an elderly scholar.
"Ahh, tis good to be back in Varisa again. " he smiles.
"What details can you tell us about the monuments that have been affected. Can you show us them on a map? Are there any themes that connect them?"
"What details can you tell us about the monuments that have been affected. Can you show us them on a map? Are there any themes that connect them?"
Sheila tells you some information and you all learn some more things.
As its moniker implies, Magnimar is home to dozens of monuments, typically erected to honor Magnimarian deities, folk heroes, and historic events. Most monuments can grant a unique boon to those who pray before them.
The Cenotaph is a memorial to Alcaydian Indros, one of Magnimar’s founders. Originally designed as an empty tomb, residents of Magnimar pay significant sums of money to be entombed near or within the Cenotaph, as doing so is seen as a postmortem status symbol.
Countless famous personalities have been entombed within the Cenotaph. While under the official care of the Church of Pharasma, its catacombs are open to the public. Over the past few years, Sheila Heidmarch has been entombing fallen Pathfinder agents from all walks of life in the Cenotaph out of respect for their sacrifices, to the displeasure of some local elites.
The Founder’s Flame is in Naos, home to many of Magnimar’s prosperous merchants. Erected by Antholus Kaddren shortly after the city’s founding, the monument is said to sport a constant halo of multicolored fire.
The Founder’s Flame’s truest marvel lies not within its impressive pyroclastic displays, but in its endless supply of fuel. The monument stays ablaze via a mysterious green oil that never seems to deteriorate or deplete and is capable of creating flames in a scintillating array of colors.
The Mistress of Angels is in Ordellia, a district located on an island on the Yondabakari River. It was built in honor of Ordellia Whilwren, one of Magnimar’s most beloved founders, just outside of her former townhouse.
The Mistress of Angels was erected following Ordellia’s murder several years after Magnimar’s founding. In the years since, countless locals claim to have seen Ordellia’s ghost, who has a reputation for helping the meek and persecuted throughout the Ordellia District.
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Tatiana is a young woman with raven hairs and pale skin. She has the holy symbol of Pharasma around her neck and black and gray clothes, but clearly well designed and cut at the latest of fashion.
The spirits need to rest and not interfere in the life of the living. says Tatiana.
I will help of course, and I think talking to the official investigator could help us get on track more rapidly. With a new eye, we could find something he have missed.
Being that first time in Magnimar, Tatiana carefully listen to the description of different monuments.
Canayven adds, “Davorge. If anyone would know what’s been going in the district of Ordellia, it’d be him. He’s a mystery cultist. He’s also an expert in supernatural matters, particularly those tied to Ordellia. Look for him in the tavern next to the Rose and Rake Theatre. He eats lunch there often. If he’s not there when you arrive, you might find someone who knows where to find him.”
Sheila says, "Any further questions?
"You said something about supplies, what type of supplies are you talking about?"
The Heidmarches provides each PC with a potion of cure moderate wounds. They also supply the group with two potions of protection from evil, three oils of magic weapon, and a wand of lesser restoration (7 charges).
Sheila adds "If you are successful, I’ll consider these items part of your compensation."
"Are you expecting trouble?"
Sheila replies, "Well I'm not the one expecting trouble but I have a theory."
Sheila furrows her brow as she speaks, “Currently, my best guess is that this is some sort of supernatural haunting. The bouts of supernatural activity and the ghostly wailing coming from the Cenotaph seem to support this theory, but ultimately no one’s truly sure what’s going on.”
“But if you do run into trouble, you’ve been deputized by the Varisian Council, and that will be enough to earn at least a measure of cooperation from the average citizen. That being said, the lord-mayor has officially cast his lot with Theodorus, and as a result there’s the possibility that some authorities might not recognize you as an official legal presence in the matter.”
"If there are no more questions, I expect you all have a bit of an investigation on your hands and should get to it."
Just before you leave, Sheila hands you a paper.
A DECREE BY THE VARISIAN COUNCIL AND ITS RIGHT AND HONORABLE SPEAKER, HASTOFF MARAMEZ.
To the Honorable Lady Sheila Heidmarch, Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society:
Whereas, by this Council’s commission, under the seal of Magnimar bearing this day’s date, the 26th of Rova in the year 4718 by Absalom Reckoning and 110th year since the Founding, do appoint and Charge Lady Sheila Heidmarch as Executor of the Council’s law and do authorize her and require her to go forth, with any deputies she shall see fit to appoint, and investigate the occult happenings of Magnimar’s monuments or any structure or property deemed associated with these occurrences. Lady Heidmarch and her deputies shall possess the full force and authority to act in this manner, including and limited to the following: search any monument or public property housing a monument, to question witnesses who are amenable to serving their fair city, and to detain any persons found to be engaged in the defilement of our city’s beloved legacy.
Signed and warranted this day by Remeria Callinova, Leader of the Council
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Stirring from the corner of the room, where she has being quietly observing the proceedings, comes another voice.
"How friendly is this Theodorus Ichonvarde towards the society?" the speaker is an half orc in clean yet serviceable travel clothes. Her weapon leans towards her side and an engraved book secured to her belt.
"Also you mentioned authorities who might not recognize us as an official legal presence in the matter. Do we have a few suspects to that?"
"How friendly is this Theodorus Ichonvarde towards the society?"
"Also you mentioned authorities who might not recognize us as an official legal presence in the matter. Do we have a few suspects to that?"
Sheila replies.
"As I mentioned before, I've heard of Ichonvarde before and it is up to your discretion to choose to work with him or not.""As to the authorities, you've been deputized by the Council not the Lord-Mayor. The primary duty of the Varisian Council is to protect the rights and traditions of native Varisian people. They’re likely seeking to ensure that no Varisian is unjustly blamed for what is transpiring across the city. Beyond that, the council knows that it is in no one’s best interest to allow these dangerous events to continue."
Although Ordellia lies on the opposite side of Magnimar from Heidmarch Manor, it’s relatively simple for you all to find the Rose and Rake Theatre. The Rose and Rake is a large, open-air playhouse which frequently hosts town hall meetings and other large gatherings. In the playhouse’s shadow is a well-kept tavern known for its dashing waitstaff and their slick, trimmed uniforms. A sign above the tavern depicts a rose and a small garden rake.
Sitting near the back of the tavern is Davorge (male human), a dark-haired Varisian man wearing a flowing tunic and trousers, both with silver embroidery. When the PCs enter the establishment, he waves them over and introduces himself, inquiring whether they have any ghost stories they’d be willing to share with him.
You can attempt a DC 10 Perform (oratory) or Perform (sing) check to tell a story with grandeur.
You recognize Davorge as a chaotic good aligned Cleric though you're not sure of which deity.
You recognize Davorge as a chaotic good aligned Cleric though you're not sure of which deity.
You recognize Davorge as a chaotic good aligned Cleric of Ashava.
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"I have a ghost story and a half my friend" starts Khellek, who tells of a haunted festivil, a planar rift and possessed puppets.
He finishes with a bow.
"I am Khellek, a native of Varisa, scholar, and sometimes storyteller. Which I find is the only way to get the attention of some of my dimmer students."
Davorge is a cheerful fellow who moves and speaks with a melodic rhythm, as if he were constantly dancing.
"Well met Khellek and a fantastic story. I did not expect the twist at the end with the puppets. Let me buy you a drink."
Davorage purchases a drink for you.
"Does anyone else have a ghost story to share?"
A picture of Davorge is on the map (see link in header) if you're interested in what he looks like.
In between mouthfuls "I have a story for you. It's about a zombie, no no, it's about a ghost I think or was it a mummy. Anyway there was this cabin by a lake and.....
Still pushing food into his face.
"And so he got his head crushed by the rock. The end, do you buy me drink now?"
"Deligtful! Tell me, after the rest of the party died, why did the lone girl survivor go out into the woods all alone instead of just hiding in the cabin? Sometimes the living do the dumbest things."
Jarlaxle, with a flourish, tells the tale of a haunted school in Absalom, where the spirits of students and teachers killed in a terrible cataclysm still attend school...
"I've heard tell of the School of Spirits but I have not seen it for myself, do the students truly believe they are still in school? Fascinating, I'll will hope to see that some day."
"Yes, let me buy you both a drink for your excellent tales."
"And so the tale tells that she had always being there to aid her beloved younger sister whenever she has had need of her power."
"Tragic but happy in the end. Fantastic! Let me buy you a drink."
"I'm so glad I ran into you all here and heard your stories. What has brought you to this fine tavern?"
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Once everyone is finished with their stories, and it is Yabatha's turn, she smiles subtly. She weaves a slight incantation, as she casts's Magic Mouth to aid her in the tale. She starts to explain how when she was little, her father passed away, and left her mother to fend for herself and the seven brothers and sisters she had. Her mother used to tell her a story...
"When I am a ghost.
Those that weren't around, will say
They were there the most."
"Where were you when I needed you most?
Only around for the good times.
the long days,
And the toast."
, and hopefully the spell could help add to the illusion.
...in response to the question.
We are actually here because we ourselves have heard of strange supernatural occurrences around these parts. Davorge, you wouldn't happen to know anything about such claims?
"When I am a ghost. ... And the toast."
"That was ... unique." While he appeared to be pretty happy with the others tales, you can tell that your story fell flat and didn't meet his standards.
We are actually here because we ourselves have heard of strange supernatural occurrences around these parts. Davorge, you wouldn't happen to know anything about such claims?
“You say you’re looking for strange happenings here, in Ordellia?” Davorge laughs, a merry ringing with no hint of malice. “My friend, what’s strange to you is commonplace here! After all, we happen to have our own resident ghost—the ghost of one Ordellia Whilwren, in fact, whose mortal abode happens to be ‘round the corner from where we sit. You see, I’m something of an aficionado of Ordellia. I’d love nothing more to see that poor, lost soul move peacefully from our life to the next. But lately, I’ve heard strange reports about her. She appears lost, scared, desperate even. I was going to investigate the matter myself, yet now that you’re here I wonder if our dances are, in fact, a duet. What do you say? Care to investigate the matter together?”
...could you tell me about your deity? It seems that you are a cleric of some sort?
"Oh you have a keen eye to have recognized my nature just as I recognize the same spark in you. But it is understandable that you don't recognize a follower of the True Spark. My goddess is the one True Spark and the reason we dance in the light of the full moon."
Davorge tells you a little bit about the Empyreal Lord Ashava the lord of dancers, lonely spirits, and moonlight. You now understand the reason his clothes are midnight blue with silver embroidery as those are the sacred colors of his goddess. You also gain an understanding of his fascination with ghosts and spirits as Ashava is the guide for lost spirits and helps to lead them to their peaceful graves."I too would be interested to hear more about the ghost you speak off. ..."
Davorge shares some background information about Ordellia as he greatly admires her for her role in founding the city and her continued vigil over the city.
Established just over a century ago, Magnimar is well known as the City of Monuments. The metropolis earned this nickname with the completion of the Arvensoar, a grand tower that commemorates a miracle that spared the town from destruction during its early days. According to legend, founder Ordellia Whilwren called out to an angel who was said to watch over the local Varisians for protection from a mighty storm. Her prayers were answered with a dramatic flash of light that parted the clouds and cleared the skies. In the intervening years, Magnimar’s people have constructed over a dozen additional monuments in and around the city, many of them commemorating historic moments or honoring the celestial beings who watch over them. Included among these monuments is the Glade of Silver Sparks, a humble dancing field dedicated to Ashava, empyreal lord of dancers, wayward spirits, and moonlight. Nestled deep within the Mushfens swamp to the south of Magnimar, this monument sees few visitors.
He also shares the gist of how Ordellia died—"two Chelaxian merchants associated with a Skinsaw cult murdered her as part of a failed conspiracy to discredit local Sczarni merchants."
"Ahh, a dancer! I know a step of two from my youth."
"Does the spirit of Ordellia power the monuments that provider the wonders to the city?" asks the scholar.
"As we have heard they also are... behaving oddly."
"That dance was entrancing, you would fit right in at our monthly full moon hoe-down."
"But alas as I mentioned, our dances may in fact be a duet and as Tatiana agreed, we should head out and investigate this matter together."
Davorge eagerly leaps from his table and walks the PCs out of the tavern, dropping some coins on the counter for his drinks as he goes. He leads you to the Mistress of Angels.
A small crowd has gathered in front of the Mistress of Angels, a marble statue of a Chelaxian woman with flowing hair and plain clothing. The statue carries a butterfly emblem in her right hand and a starknife in her left, and her eyes stare out over the sea to the north. Behind the statue is a large wooden townhouse. A brass plaque labeled “Ordellia’s Townhouse” marks the building’s southernmost entrance.
When the PCs arrive at the Mistress of Angels, a man has lined up five witnesses and is in the process of interrogating them for information regarding the disturbances. Among them are a pair of women—one Chelaxian and the other Varisian—holding hands, a Chelaxian man who appears bored with the exchange, a young Varisian man who looks close to tears, and a Varisian woman in dancer’s garb glancing impatiently at a nearby sundial.
Davorge's attention immediately goes to the Mistress of Angels.
Replying to Khellek. "Why yes I am Theodorus, who are you?" As Tatiana butts into the conversation. "Pathfinders you say ... what do you mean deputized by the Council?" One of you produces the writ and you see his demeanor change a bit. "Ah I see, well ... ah you said you have heard of my work ... I didn't know my deeds have become know to the Pathfinders, you flatter me."
After seeing the writ, he offers the PCs the assistance he feels professionally obligated to give. He informs them of the general timetable of the hauntings—first the Mistress of Angels 2 weeks ago, followed by the Founder’s Flame last week and the Cenotaph 4 days ago—and allows them to question his witnesses under his supervision.
He quietly addresses Khellek and Tatiana and reveals that he has seen signs of vampire attacks in the area over the last few days: bloodless bodies turning up with characteristic puncture wounds on the neck. He believes that these attacks are connected to the disturbances at the monuments. However, he also believes that vampires play a larger role in the plot to use the monuments. He asserts that some citizens are actively impeding his investigation, whether because they are under the vampire’s influence or because they simply don’t respect the concept of law and order (a stereotype typically attributed to ethnic Varisians). After sharing this information, he asks PCs to keep his statements about vampires secret from the public to avoid inciting panic.
On to the investigation (aka lots of skill checks), there are 5 witnesses and a monument. We'll just go in order for witnesses then the monument. For each subject, each PC can attempt a single check. The skills that can be used to question an NPC or investigate the monument will be listed for each subject. PCs can attempt to assist each other using aid another, but a PC who aids another cannot attempt her own skill check for the same task. Creativity is rewarded so don't feel like you can't help with some of these checks, I hope you try all of them.