You make your way to the city of Oppoara in Taldor and arrive at Venture Captain Muesello's Lodge. It appears to be a simple bait and tackle shop, and one of the Venture Captain's assistants works the desk.
You meet Muesello in a back room, crowding around a table. Venture-Captain Muesello straddles a turned-around wooden chair,
resting his arms atop the back. He looks around with a wide
smile on his face, nodding with satisfaction at the group assembled before him.
"Good, good. You all made it through the crowds gathered for the
Grand Day of Exaltation. Be sure to keep a hand on your coin purses during these festivities; there’s an abundance of pickpockets out there. All the big nobility is at the senate building, including our own Lady Morilla. That’s where the exaltation ceremony is set to take place: the grand prince is going to elevate a commoner into the ranks of the nobility. It’s all real charming, not to mention a great boon for business. Heck, that’s why I’m keeping the shop open even while we meet!"
Muesello lets out a raucous laugh before continuing. “All right,
while all the nobles are enjoying their fancy party, it’s up to you to do some important work for Lady Morilla. The Society’s recent accomplishments in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings have gained us support from a member of the Ulfen Guard: a man by the name of Bjarte Trolltooth. Now, it seems that Bjarte wanted to talk to the Society abo—”
Muesello’s overview is suddenly interrupted by the forceful slamming of the tackle shop’s front door. A bellowing string of foreign words resonates through the shop, followed by tramping footsteps.
The door to the back room swings open, knocked partially off its hinges by the force of the slam. A bear of an Ulfen man stands in the open doorway, silhouetted by the sunshine from the storefront. A greataxe is strapped along his back, and animal furs cover a set of tanned hide armor. He looks around the back room, a sense of barely restrained fury in his eyes.
“Where is the fancy woman who calls herself Morilla? I, Bjarte Trolltooth of the Ulfen Guard, made an oath to her, and now I uphold that vow. By the gods, this is a dark time. The Grand Prince will soon mete out a bloody culling of the senate. I am honor-bound not to interfere, but I can warn those who might be able to stop it.”
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A halfling girl stands up as the Ulfen enters the room. She is an absurd sight: clad foot to chin in mithral plate armor, but hers is not bright and shiny like other knights. Instead, she seems to be absolutely covered in chimney soot, and as she walks across the room to greet the large man, she leaves a trail of sooty footprints behind her, which are then spread out by her much-too-long cape.
When the halfling reaches the towering human filling the doorframe, she extends an outstretched hand with a chipper smile. "Hello there! I'm Juniper Berrythwaite — of the Westcrown Berrythwaites. It is a pleasure to meet you! Captain Muesello was just talking about you."
She looks at the man, and when he doesn't immediately return the greeting, she looks slightly wounded, then looks at her outstretched hand. "Oh my. How rude of me. I just came from a job straight here. My apologies." She spits into the palms of her hands and begins rubbing them together to loosen the soot, then, lacking a towel, Juniper wipes her hands clean on the knees of the man's trousers. "There. That's better." She extends her hand again with an even bigger smile than before.
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A young human woman strides in shortly before the Ulfen, the last to arrive before the VC began speaking.
She is of average height, blue eyes, mid length black hair, looks to be in her mid to late 20s, and is reasonably attractive. She is wearing black breeches and a dark red sleeveless tunic with scarlet trimmings under a long light leather coat that is clearly designed to turn away rain drops and wind gusts rather than swords or arrows.
At first glace there is little about her of remark but that impression doesn't last long.
Her hair may be black but as it moves there is occasionally a glow like hot coals on the underside of a burnt log. When the gaze of those blue eyes is met it is clearly not the blue of water or the sky but instead seems to shimmer like the blue of the hottest flame.
As she takes a seat she takes off her coat to get comfortable and there is a sudden glow as from a torch. Once the eyes adjust you can see that her arms, shoulders, legs, and chest are heavily tattooed. The lines are quite delicate and there are no blocks of colour but some sections glow like there is fire running under her skin.
As she sit back in the chair one of the tattoos, a stylized rabbit with dragon wings, on her collarbone begins to move. The ink lines come together and details being to appear. In the space of a couple of seconds the image is becomes hyper realistic. It looks like it could hop right off her skin. Which it then does.
Sitting on her lap is a strange creature. It looks like a cross between a rabbit and a dragon. The educated or experienced may recognise the butterfly like wings as those of a faerie dragon. This matches the row of small spikes down the spine and the horns that sit just behind the ears. However those ears are those of a rabbit, as is the whole head. Except rabbit's don't typically have horns or send tiny puff of smoke from their nostrils.
The body is draconic in shape but covered in fur rather than scales and its tail is like a rabbit rather than a dragon though it seems to be made of tiny flames instead of the normal ball of fluff.
Bjarte continues, looking at each of you in turn, sizing you up, "We have little time to spare! The Grand Prince Stavian intends to attack the Senate during the ascension ceremony! He has gathered, many allies to aide him in his purge!"
Muesello adds, "As skilled as your Pathfinders are, barging into the chamber would be a disastrous breach of protocol even in a situation this dire, like to cause as many problems as it solves- we must engage the Lions Blades- only that organization can handle this so as delicately as required!"
Bjarte nods, "Aye, I can arrange a meeting between these Pathfinders and a Lion Blades representative. It shall be done. What questions do you have, Pathfinders?"
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Juniper, seemingly indifferent to the fact that Bjarte has ignored her and walked past without returning her greeting, returns to her seat next to Petra.
The halfling takes notice of the bunny-faerie-dragon. She begins petting its ears, and says to it in a baby-talk voice in draconic:
"మీరు అందమైన చిన్న విషయం కాదా? మరియు మీరు చాలా మృదువుగా ఉన్నారు! నేను మీతో గట్టిగా కౌగిలించుకోవాలనుకుంటున్నాను."
She turns to Petra in excitement, "Have you seen his little tail?! It's a teeny tiny fireball! He's so CUTE!"
Juniper suddenly remembers where she is and turns back to Muesello and Bjerta, and asks "Who is Grand Prince Stavian? Who are his allies? Who are the Lion Blades? How can we get them to help the Pathfinder Society?", all while still stroking the faerie dragon, absent-mindedly rubbing chimney soot into its soft silky fur.
"Who is Stavian!?"Bjerta bellows a laugh, "Why, the Illustrious Grand Prince Stavian is the ruler of Taldor!' he thinks for a minute, "But even a monarch must follow the law, and in Taldor the Grand Prince is only part of the law- the Senate is the other."
He continues more pensively, "“I’ve pledged myself to the grand prince, but I’m also a man with principles. What Stavian intends to do is vile. It must be stopped, even if the axe that falls is not my own. Many of my fellow Ulfen Guards are opposed to this, but the grand prince has been selective in deciding which of us will join him at the ceremony and which were left behind to defend the palace. Those with him will not take a stand against this madness.”
"Who are the Lion Blades? They are Taldor's spies," he continues, "I am a killer of warriors. I am not a diplomat or a spy. The Lion Blades know how to walk these paths better than I. We would not make it up the hundred steps to the senate before being stopped. Even witch magic to bring us within the building would only cast us as assassins or traitors. No, the Lion Blades must be convinced of Stavian’s madness.”
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"Oh, that explains what I had heard from the nice barkeeps down the street whose chimneys I just cleaned. Here's what they told me:"
"The week before the Grand Day of Exaltation is an immense celebration in Oppara. The city almost doubles in size as visitors cram into the capital to be part of the historic event. The exaltation ceremony involves the grand prince elevating a commoner into the ranks of the nobility."
"A historic vote of the senate is set to take place before this year’s exaltation ceremony, determining whether to end primogeniture, which mandates only a male heir can ascend the Taldan throne. Stavian’s sole heir, Princess Eutropia, has amassed strong support in the senate to overturn this law. The nation anxiously awaits the result of the vote."
"The recipient of this year’s exaltation is a simple man from a hamlet called Breezy Creek. He is Kalbio, and his story is one of family sacrifice: his parents accrued considerable debts to educate their son and ensure he had the requisite coin to make the journey to Oppara and secure appropriate attire for the important event."
"Stavian has put Earl Calhadion Vernisant in charge of preparing the security for the exaltation events at the senate building. Calhadion arrived 2 months ago and has been working intently to ensure that the security for the event meets Stavian’s rigorous demands."
Juniper ponders all of this for a minute, then adds "We must go to the Lion Blades and convince them to help us stop the prince. The senate is the just and rightful representation of the people! If the Lion Blades won't help us, maybe we can appeal to Earl Calhadion Vernisant, however unlikely that might be. I also fear for the safety of this man, Kalbio. I have a hunch he might be an unwitting pawn in the prince's plans."
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Emberkin allows Juniper to pat him for a moment before speaking in a voice you would more expect from a senior librarian.
"I appreciate your affection Juniper of Westcrown but I am more than a pretty face. While I am ashamed to say have not heard of these Lion Blades I do know a little extra about this ceremony. More than any previous exaltation event, a great number of foreign dignitaries are in attendance. Even envoys from former provinces, such as Cheliax. One particular Chelish attendee is a noblewoman from the Deckland family. She’s an accomplished spellcaster and swordswoman as well as a devout servant of Asmodeus. Her presence here is somewhat mysterious and as such worthy on note."
Emberkin gives Juniper a pat on the hand with a soft paw furred with heatless flame. "With the exception of missing oddity in presence of the Chelish woman you did very well. All your information was spot on."
Kelvor and Juniper hear a voice in their heads "I can hear you by the way."
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"I'm with Kelvor. Its a room full of jumped up politicians. I'll d-door us in, we hit anyone who moves with a fireball or a very big hammer and the self-important pricks can resurrect anyone important." Petra chips in without standing up. "I like the hammer Kelvor, my mentor uses one very similar. Though his is covered in holy symbols."
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"I'm with Kelvor. Its a room full of jumped up politicians. I'll d-door us in, we hit anyone who moves with a fireball or a very big hammer and the self-important pricks can resurrect anyone important." Petra chips in without standing up. "I like the hammer Kelvor, my mentor uses one very similar. Though his is covered in holy symbols."
I like this woman. Clear, straight thinking, thinks Kelvor to himself.
Bjerte escorts you to the Kithoreadan Academy, where after 15 minutes you are led into an underground Library.
Two rows of tall bookshelves flank the imposing yet beautiful wooden desk that presides over this room. Over the door hangs a portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III wearing an especially smug grin. A brass plaque on the frame of the portrait reads, “A cunning lie is never told twice.”
After a few minutes, a Taldan woman enters, and introduces herself only as "a Lion Blade". She listens to you story then nods:
"We will need definitive proof if the Lion Blades are to get involves in this affair. One of Stavian's closest allies, Calhadion
Vernisant has been receiving guests in Opparan villa- both members of Taldan nobility and foreign dignitaries. With Calhadion away at the events surrounding the ceremony, you could sneak into his villa and bring proof of treacherous negotiations. Then we will bring a contingent of Lion Blades to avert Stavian's plan."
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Ajax follows along with his companiona Ara. Ajax had been quiet perhaps he was consumed with his recent trip the Gallowswpire, or maybe he was thinking about all the arrows he had to buy and replace and blanche. Either way, the dark-skinned white-haired Garundi Ranger seemed distracted.
Ara was also distracted by the bunny-dragon. Perhaps waiting for it to run so she could chase it down. Ajax would periodically nod in the negative to the small black panther.
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When the Taldan woman enters the room, Juniper turns and sets down on a table the book she was reading — entitled The History of Duplicity — its pages now smudged in the upper corner with little black fingerprints.
"It has been my experience that often the best way to get in someplace is through the front door."
"I mean, other than the cute bunny-dragon and Ajax..." Juniper turns to look at Ajax. "Oh. Hi Ajax. I didn't see you there. You're so quiet.."
She puts a finger to her chin, somehow making a dirty face even dirtier, "Where was I? Oh yes. Other than Ajax, Ara, and Mr. Emberkin, we're probably not the sneaky sneaky tip-toe team." She finishes with a meaningful look at Kelvor.
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"I contribute much to the sneaky team," objects Kelvor. "When we are inevitably heard, I can crush the person who heard us quickly and with some minor squishing noises."
Kelvor smiles at his joke. He knows stealth isn't his strong suit and accepts his role. A tribe needs all sorts and, when working together, can accomplish much.
"Perhaps a lie or some forged paperwork that can get us in the door?" asks Kelvor of the Lion Blade.
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Grel doesn't quite go to rub the bridge of his now but sees this group is more hammer than chisel. I can transform into a small animal and scout ahead. Ajax seems the quiet type as well so we can do some reconnaissance. The rest of you hang back and teleport in at the first sign of danger. Petra, would be able to aid us with magical communication of some kind?
A voice speaks into the minds of all the Pathfinders "Should you stay within 100ft of me I can relay all communication in absolute silence though the use of my innate telepathy."
Emberkin continues aloud, "I am also quite capable in the ways of stealth."
@Grel- no there aren't known patrols or guards, though he is known to have a staff of halfling servants.
@Ajax- You do not think they have been informed of it- or this Lion Blade in any case did not know before this conversation.
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Juniper begins breaking out her arsenal of chimney brooms while explaining her plan to her friends.
"...Grel can transform himself, Ajax, and Ara..."
"...Petra and Kolvar are my newest employees of Berrythwaite Chimney Services." She looks at the two Pathfinders, "Hmm, we will need to dirty you up a bit if anyone is going to believe that you sweep chimneys..."
"...while Grel, Ajax, and Emberkin fly these sacks up to the roof and cover the chimneys, which will cause smoke to back up into the kitchen..."
"...Berrythwaite Chimney Services will just so happen to be in the area offering their expertise..."
You set forth the preparations for the plan and begin, the initial phases going easily enough- sacks deposited, you are greeted at the door by a halfling servant.
"Greetings, fellows. What brings ye to mine master's estate?"
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"Hello good sir. I am Juniper Berrythwaite — of the Westcrown Berrythwaites — and I am the owner, proprietor, and chief executive of Berrythwaite Chimney Services, and these are my associates," she gestures with a broad sweep of her arm at the Pathfinders standing behind her carrying chimney brooms and drop cloths, before extending a soot-covered hand in greeting.
"We happen to be walking by, having just departed another job down yonder lane, when we noticed from the street that your chimneys seem to be in dreadful shape, and you are most likely in terrible need of our professional services."
"Now now," she continues, "no need to discuss payment for this repair at this time — it looks like you are having some kind of fancy party in there, wouldn't want to see it all ruined because of a smoking flue, would we? As I was saying, no need to discuss payment. We offer our services pro gratis. When we are finished with our work, if you are satisfied, you can pay us whatever amount you feel is fair."
"Oh, for this you will need to speak to the chamberlain, Ionnia Eckhart."
He leads you through the courtyard to the large main room in the center where Ionnia greets you.
Lavish rugs and velvet couches fill this large, square entry chamber. Sturdy oak doors open to the north, and curtains cover adjoining hallways to the east and west that lead off into separate areas of the villa. A central brazier burns with magical fire, filling the room with cheerful light.
"Ah, hello. What business then?"
As you begin to speak with her, the halfling servants bring in several trays with small cakes and refreshments.
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Grel shifts shape into that of a bat. I'll carry one payload of smoke-making material.
Grel takes flight and inspects the vents on the roof and drops one into a chimney to cause a disruption.
If smoke becomes apparent, Kelvor sniffs and coughs. ”Eh, Miss Juniper, I can uh smell sumthin. You uh smell it uh too? Flues crusted maybe?”
Ionna nods, and agrees to the fee. "One of the servants can show you to the locations of the chimneys."
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Juniper guides the group to the first room and lays out her equipment in front of the fireplace and begins to work on the flue, pulling out some material that a bird must've dropped into the chimney.
While directing the action around the fireplace, the halfling also assists Ajax's search of the room.
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Meanwhile, Juniper begins whistling her favorite chimney-sweeping tune, "♪♩♫♬♬♫♪♩♪♫♬..."
Hidden from sight Emberkin follow Petra quietly and joins the search.
Fox--Pantom
Ajax Arrowhawk
Grel Veldgott
Juniper Berrythwaite
Kelvor of the Shundar-Quah
Petra Orlovsky