Kiboko's laughter subsides, and he becomes serious. "Aric. Kiboko told Zaliex that he would make a window into her cavern so that she may feel the sun on her feathers once more. If you are to remain here, you must do this. Kiboko will return to ensure it has been done. It will be woe for you if agree and then renege.
If you come with us, then Kiboko will return later to make the window for Zaliex. Perhaps, if circumstance warrants it, we shall return and do this together."
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Perhaps Flynn is right - the elf has paid for his crimes already. Kramac sees no need for you to return with us. Should our Venture Captain want to ask some questions herself, would you be willing to speak with her? I'm sure she will be very interested in Hestram's activities, and may wish to hear what you have told us herself.
"Why was Montrose such a hero in Galt?“
Aric shrugs. "Perhaps he had friends in high places," he suggests.
"Aric, you need to join us if for no other reason than to put Geppa at ease."
The noble nods once. "I can accompany you back to the roost. Unless you wish to put me in chains though, I must stay here and secure the manor."
"If you are to remain here, you must do this."
"...and to start demolishing that hill over there." Aric points out the window to a rocky protrusion. "And it'll need some way to keep people from falling in, so it can't just be a simple hole in the ground. I will admit, this would certainly proceed much faster with your assistance." He bows to the hippo. "After all, I can't very well hire the local townsfolk to dig a skylight into my underground stronghold. I don't suppose you know how to make illusions to cover it? Nevermind - I'll figure something out with Geppa."
"Should our Venture Captain want to ask some questions herself, would you be willing to speak with her?"
"Knowing now that the rot does not extend to all of the Society, I would be happy to do so." Aric nods at Alondais. "She could send this fellow again if so. He's certainly proven himself resourceful enough." The servant shrinks back as if trying to disappear.
The return to the Maze is uneventful, and with the Raven's map in hand the group quickly finds their way back to the statuary courtyard and beyond to the Woodsedge Lodge. The stars twinkle blissfully in the sky as masked servants escort the Seekers to the Great Room. The destroyed furniture has been pushed to the side, while much of the floor has been converted into what appears to be an infirmary. Osprey sits on the ground next to one motionless servant, soft light falling from his hand onto a severed arm that is slowly reattaching itself to its owner. Eliza emerges from the intact hallway, her skin pale and drained of much of its earlier color. Her eyes though light up as she sees the group, and she steps forward eagerly to greet them. "You're back! I trust you tracked the murderers to their lair?"
Osprey continues to sit until his spell finishes, then staggers to his feet as well. "Well," he asks simply, "What have you learned?"
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Flyn bows curtly to the Venture-Captain, ignoring Osprey. ”Aye...but not all of them proved to be murderers...the Red Raven was justified in killing Adril Hestram...let me explain...
“After a rugged pursuit through the Maze, we came upon the entrance to the Montrose estate...but we had to pass through a cavern where the Red Raven’s cohorts awaited us in ambush; after a tough fight, we prevailed. We killed most of them, including the Elf that was responsible for the murder of your servants...and we freed the Phoenix that was previously bound to Montrose. Moving on to the estate, we rescued the Red Raven from a confrontation with Gray Gardeners and a mob so we could question him...
“He said he killed Hestram because of what he learned after speaking with the spirit of the slain Teppin Montrose; Montrose identified Adril Hestram as the man responsible for his murder. Since Hestram was a high official in the Pathfinder Society, he felt the Society was corrupt at its highest levels. He attacked here with the purpose of bringing Hestram to justice...”
Flyn pauses long enough to show them the damning evidence and to reveal the Pale Maiden and present it once again to VC Petulengro...
“After talking with him, he admitted that he had misjudged us. He showed us the undeniable evidence he had against Hestram, which you now hold, and he returned the Pale Maiden to us. He also said he would answer any questions you might have. Considering the circumstances, we decided not to bring him in...
“Oh, and we also found one of your servants at the Estate, Alondais I believe, and brought him back with us...he may be able to tell you more...”
Taking a deep breath, he continues, ”Now I’ll tell you what we think. Teppin Montrose was a Pathfinder; and not being one we had heard of previously, we assume he was one of Ten. We also believe the others noted on the map, as well as in the evidence you have, are members of the Decemvirate as well; they may be dead already but, if not, they are likely targeted to be so. But perhaps both of you already know that, m’Lady.”
Flyn bows again and steps back...
Kiboko shakes his massive hippo head at the sight of servants still wearing masks after the Lodge was so comprehensively infiltrated, but keeps silent until Flyn finishes.
"Montrose was not a good man. Good men do not imprison and command phoenixes. But he had the support of Galt's Revolutionary Council. And as you see, it was they who set the Red Raven on the trail of Montrose's killer.
The Raven is not a good man either. But... Kiboko will not call him an enemy today. He is as infected with the Galtan madness as all the rest, but he can best make restitution for his attack upon us by remaining where he is. Until the Mob tries for him again, which Kiboko has no doubt that they will."
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Eliza doesn't say a word until after Flyn finishes speaking. "The Ten..." she whispers.
"Well done." Osprey's observation is simple and unpretentious. "The threat of this 'Shadow Lodge' can no longer be ignored, and by your actions you have proven where your loyalties lie. In this time of doubt and suspicion, we will be relying on you to carry out missions we dare not entrust to anyone else."
"Osprey is right." Eliza finds her voice again. "As to your question Zaarah, I've only heard of these other venture-captains in general reports. I don't think I've ever met any of them in person. But I'll see what I can find out while you all get some well-deserved rest. Oh, but first..." She points up the grand staircase. "I secured Adril's body in my study. There may still be something we can learn from it now that we know the truth of his actions." Carefully she leads the way and unlocks the door. As she peers into the room, the venture-captain's breath catches once again. On the other side of the door stands a cluttered desk behind a small pool of blood - and no body to be seen.
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Zaarah just shakes her head and looks at her black blade and then at Master Flyn.
"You have to be freaking kidding me!" she says with shock.
She turns to the venture captain.
"I really thought that Kiboko was exaggerating when he was complaining about your security but this ... I mean this ... " she shakes her head and slaps her own face and looks at the scene again.
"Ha ha ... just wanted to be sure I was not dreaming this ... " she says and closes her eyes.
A few days later...
Eliza Petulengro welcomes the Seekers to the Woodsedge Lodge’s meeting room, still undergoing repairs after the Red Raven’s assault. She motions for everyone to have a seat (except for Beak and Mvumbu) before muttering an arcane incantation under her breath and gesturing deliberately at the doors and windows. The Venture-Captain sighs heavily, nods to herself, and looks up at her guests.
"Flyn. Fendel. Kramac. Kiboko. Zaarah." Eliza's gaze falls on each Pathfinder in turn, pausing on each one for a few seconds before continuing to the next. "Thanks to your actions, the Lodge still stands and the truth of Adril Hestram's actions is known to us. You have my gratitude." She stops for a moment to take a deep breath before continuing.
“As you know, the very fabric of the Pathfinder Society is under attack. Though your efforts were instrumental in protecting this lodge and a member of the Decemvirate, our task is far from done. You are already intimately involved in this affair, so it falls to you to see it through. Secrecy is of the upmost importance in this regard, so rather than involve more people in this... embarrassing debacle, we trust you to take care of everything. These are among the most momentous events in our organization’s long history, and our very survival depends on your success."
“What I ask of you now is even more dangerous than your previous involvement, but I trust that you will not let the Society down. I need you to return to the Maze of the Open Road and discover what you can about Adril’s use of the portals within to further his devious plans. Find Condria, the Maze’s medusa guardian, and gather from her any information you can on Hestram’s recent comings and goings in the Maze. While we have a general idea of who his targets are, we don’t yet know how or when he plans to assassinate them."
“Should you discover any hints as to the identity or location of his next target, do not delay in traveling there and ensuring their safety. May the gods be with you; if they don’t favor your efforts, the Pathfinder Society is doomed.”
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Flyn bows to the Venture-Captain. ”We will try to get that information from her, m’Lady, if you deem it best; it rather looks like we don’t have much choice. Let’s hope she’s reasonable this time...”
He then nods to Kiboko. ”Aye, she did indeed; we killed her once, we can kill her again if we have to; let’s hope we don’t. She might feel vulnerable as I doubt she’s had time to rebuild her stone army since our recent encounter...”
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Zaarah comes back from her shopping trip with 5 brand new smoked googles!
She is already giggling when she sees the rest of the team.
"Guys! I know! You are tooooooo coooool for this world. Especially Fendel of course! But every cool guy needs sun glasses! And they help against the gaze of the snake hair lady! So here you go!" she says and presents the team with their own smoked goggles.
The first step into the hedge maze behind the Woodsedge Lodge again conjures the feeling of being pulled in all directions simultaneously before the world snaps back into place. Overhead is the hazy light that seems to come from everywhere. Underfoot is the grass and broken stone flagstones of a ruined path. The green walls twist and turn, but the Seekers have no problems retracing their steps to the open courtyard.
Ssssssssoooooo... You have returned...
The medusa's telepathic voice slithers through the Pathfinders' minds again. Ahead, a figure in white robes walks from one of the northern alcoves to the ruined gazebo in the courtyard's center. She does not look at her guests, but instead stares at the ground. The bow in her left hand drops to the ground with a clatter, as does the rapier in her right.
What bringssssssss you back to my prissssssson, sssssssstrangerssssss?
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"You do not wish to fight us this time, Condria? That is well. We have no need to fight with you, if you answer our questions truthfully." Though Kiboko's own sword is drawn in anticipation of a fight, he keeps the blade lowered.
"We know a man named Hestram came through here, probably many times. He is a very large human with red hair. We want to know where he went, and who with. Speak true, and we will leave you in peace."
Condria hisses angrily. That bear of a man isn't eassssssssily forgotten. He'ssssssssss been quite active in the Mazzzzzzzzzze ssssssssssincccccccccce you and I lassssssssst met. In each casssssssssse when I confronted him, it alwayssssssssss ended badly for me. It's difficult to read her face as she averts her gaze, but it seems to be twisting in rage and frustration. In fact, I can't recall more agonizzzzzzzing deathssssssss that thossssssssse he granted me in all my cccccccccccenturiesssssssssss in the Mazzzzzzzzze. She falls silent for a moment.
While he travelsssssssss often through the Abssssssssalom, Galt, and Mwangi Exxxxxxxpanssssssse gatesssssssss, hisssssssss mossssssssssst recccccccccent movementssssssssss ccccccccccccentered around the Chelissssssssssssh portal - taking placccccccccce under the cover of night. Mosssssssst of the time he movesssssss alone, but I have sssssssssseen him with othersssssssss on a few occasssssssssionsssssss. He met and ssssssssssssspoke with a Mwangi tribessssssssssman one evening. I could not overhear what they disssssssssscussssssed. He led a finely-dressssssssssed man with him on hisssssssss lassssssssst journey through a portal.
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As the others make preparations, Fendel once again works to sharpen his mind with the puzzle box.
He also goes through a booklet filled with games for nearly an hour.
We were so eager to end the enslavement of the phoenix. Yet, there has yet to be any talk of freeing the medusa from her prison. Interesting.
Ever alert, the detective continues to scan the area for threats.
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Kramac will go ahead and use discen lies as she speaks. She needs a DC 17 will save - if she fails Kramac can tell if she is lying. If she makes her save, Kramac will use good old fashioned sense motive.
Which portal to first? Kramac thinks the Chelish one is the best choice. Hestram has probably already completed his work at the other portals - perhaps his assassins have not yet found their target in the most recent portal.
"How long ago did Hestram access the Chelish portal? And where in Cheliax does that portal lead?"
The brute went through the Chelisssssssh gate three nightsssssss ago and hassssssss yet to reemerge. That portal connectssssssss to Habermorrow, home of one Venture-Captain Eddington Keel in Corentyn. The medusa pauses for a moment. I have never been there mysssssself - or through any other portal, mind you. Attempting to do sssssssso sssssssimply bringssssss me back to the ccccccccenter of the Maze. I can never leave thissssssss damned placcccce through any meansssssssss. Her serpentine hair grows increasingly agitated as she speaks, writhing and twitching.
"...why are you helping us now?"
What good would it do anyone for me to die at your handssssss again? she hisses back telepathically. You have already proven yourssssselvesssssss my betterssssss, and I would rather not ssssssssuffer another pointlesssssssssss death.
I am here becaussssssse I cannot leave! Condria's hair writhes in response to the anger in her voice. I am bound, body and ssssssssoul, to thissssssss placcccccce - to guard it until the powerful druidic magicssssssss binding me are broken, or perhapsssssss when ssssssssome unknown conditionsssssss are met. Curssssssssssse the damnable Foresssssssst King Narven! I would gladly die another thoussssssssand timesssssss for the chancccccccce to put an arrow in hisssssssssss wretched heart! Her serpentine locks hiss sympathetically.
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Flyn bows deeply to the Medusa. ”Thank you again for the information, m’Lady...it is much appreciated. Perhaps in our journey, we might stumble across a way to break this magic or meet its conditions. Excuse our swift departure, time is of the essence and we must follow after that bastard, Adril Hestram...”
He turns to his friends. ”As Kiboko has spoken, we must take the Chelish portal...and I suggest we do so quickly. Perhaps Kiboko can tell us what he knows of this Eddington Keel as we go, as I have not heard of him...”
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"Show us the Chelish portal, Condria. We assure you, we will give Hestram a measure of payment for his crimes against you."
As they approach the portal Kiboko tells the others what he knows.
"Kiboko is gravely concerned about the nature of this mission, and of the Pathfinder Society's leaders. We know that Teppin Montrose enslaved a phoenix. Eddington Keel is also a slaver, the head of an organisation of slavers. The Pathfinders of Liberty's Edge discovered this, though not Keel's status as one of the Decemvirate.
Kiboko feels conflicted. Kiboko would kill such a man as Keel, but we are sent to prevent his murder and stop Hestram." Kiboko shakes his head. "There are no good men in this equation. Kiboko can only resolve to find information that can be used to break Keel's slaving operation, and asks for your help in this."
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Flyn nods at Kiboko. ”Aye, I have no love for slavers; you can count me in. Keel sounds even worse than Montrose...”
He shakes his head. ”I was practically raised in the Grand Lodge; my mentor was a Ranger who rescued me from Orcs and, as my parents were both slain, adopted me. He was a Pathfinder and belonged to the Lodge and he taught me everything I know; I freelanced for a while to gain experience and when I came of age, I joined the Society, and the Grand Lodge, just as my Master had...
“I was taught to be loyal to the Decemvirate and I followed their tenets and pursued their goals; they were good tenets...good goals. But now I find my lodge master, whom I esteemed and respected, is a murdering bastard...and the only two Decemvirate members whom I now have information on, are, or were, not good men. I don’t know what to think any more...hopefully the rest of the target list will be worthy of rescue...”
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Zaarah wearily bows to the Medusa with no sign of craziness in her voice.
"Thank you."
She then joins the discussion and it is clear that she feels conflicted.
"Aye, Kiboko is right. We have to help to prevent slavery from blossoming as Chaldira does not want anybody to live in chains. My step-sister Dana was a slave once on the plane of fire and the torment she suffered shattered her mind so she forgets the suffering. I will help where I can ... " and then she looks at Flyn and Fendel, "... but Fendel is right that the lines are blurred. I very much hope that the trust that Master Flyn and also I always put into the Society can be restored!" she says while they walk to Chelish gate
Condria points towards a side path. There isssssssss your dessssssstination, she directs.
After making their way through the winding walls of the Maze, the Pathfinders find another wooden doorway out of place at the end of a corridor. As they step through the portal, each of them feel a light tugging on their entire body as if they were being pulled in every direction at once. Whether in limbo for only moments or an eternity is impossible to tell - but as they step unscathed from the portal's other half, they find themselves in the shadow of a red and black gazebo before the ominous shape of the portal behind them (a simple ebony archway covered in bloodstone carvings in the shape of thick, thorny branches). On the left side of the portal, hidden amid the intricate vine relief, is carved half of the Glyph of the Open Road.
A traditional Chelish garden surrounds the structure, and the form of a sizable manor house rises from behind the row of topiary bushes. The grounds appear to be completely enclosed by a high granite wall. Half a dozen gardeners of mixed ancestry are rigorously tending to the grounds, most halflings accompanied by a human and what can only be a tiefling. The servants all focus very intently on their work - too intently to have not noticed the sudden appearance of five people, a large bird, and a hippo in their garden. Nobody says anything, leaving only the soft sounds of pruning shears and small shovels to fill the midday air.
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As Flyn steps out of the portal, he notices something peculiar...
He points to the right side of the portal. ”Look there...appears the corresponding carving on the right side of the portal has been hewn from the stone, leaving only a rough surface behind...”
Flyn shakes his head as he continues. ”Seems likely that this portal is secured and can only be activated by pressing both sides of the gylph - but with one side missing, there’s no way to enter the Maze from this side...it’s been sabotaged. We’ll have to find another way back to the lodge...”
Seeing something’s odd about the workers, Flyn glances warily around the area before approaching...
...if nothing’s hinky, he proceeds to the nearest worker and bows. ”We seek your master, Eddington Keel; can you tell us if he’s here? If so, where would we go to meet him?”
The halfling man turns to face Flyn and the rest of the Pathfinders, but keeps his gaze on the archer's feet. "If'n it pleases yer Lordships, Master Keel is inside," he mumbles fearfully. "Please, sirs, I need t' get back t' me work or it'll be th' lash fer me." He glances at the topiary nearby, clearly judging if a punishment he might receive for abandoning his work would be worse than one for ignoring visitors of the master. The rest of the gardeners continue to silently focus intensely on their work.
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Seething with anger at this Master Keel, Flyn bows to the halfling, saying, "Aye, thank you for your time...sorry for the disturbance..."
Looking to his friends, he nods towards the manor and warily approaches it, staying alert to any signs of ambush or traps...upon reaching the door, he'll knock...
...if no one answers after a reasonable time he'll enter any way, albeit quietly...
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Kiboko bristles and clenches his jaw. Slavers. Different than the Bekyar, but no better. They will be fortunate if they escape with their lives today...
Before his urge to destroy the slavers can overcome him, Kiboko pulls a large bone from his pack and begins gnawing on it. He imagines the bone is still attached to Eddington Keel...
Flyn doesn't spot anything dangerous in his surroundings as he knocks on one of the large double doors. After almost a minute of silence, the archer pushes the unlocked entry open to reveal a marble-tiled entryway under an elaborate, flameless chandelier. A massive painting on the northern wall depicts a host of what can only be devils bowing before what must be a towering aspect of Asmodeus. The south wall features a portrait of a proud-looking man aboard a ship. The placard underneath reads, "Durvin Gest, Pathfinder Extraordinaire, aboard The Silken Purse". Two sets of wooden double doors flank a wide staircase to the west that ascends to an upper floor.
A tired-looking halfling man in red livery kneels at the foot of the stairs, polishing the floor with a small brush. He too seems to be too focused on his work to have not noticed the strangers at the door, face averted and eyes on his work.
The halfling man shrinks away as Flyn begins to speak. "Yessir right away sirs," he replies, voice barely audible. Carefully he sets down the brush, then gets to his feet and softly hurries to the southern door. He knocks three times, then opens the door. "Pathfinders here to see you on urgent Society business, Master Keel!" he announces smartly before bowing almost to the floor and gesturing for the Seekers to enter.
Ceiling-high bookshelves line the walls of the room beyond the doorway. Several rows of lower shelves take up half of the center of the room, giving it the air of a library or study. The room is brightly lit with flameless torches spread evenly around the walls. A stylized portrait of a tall, dark-skinned man with thick, slanted eyebrows and a slightly crooked nose hangs over an unlit fireplace. Lush couches look to provide a comfortable place for readers to lounge, such as the man who appears to be a mirror image of the portrait on the wall. He looks up and tucks a book between his leg and the side of the couch before squinting at his guests. "Eh, who's this? What're you all doing here? Who are you anyway? Speak up!"
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Flyn hides a frown as he notices the cover of the book Keel is reading. He curtly bows and then speaks...
”Venture-Captain Keel, Flyndyngylyn, at your service. We were sent by the Society to ensure your safety. Adril Hestram has turned rogue and has assassinated at least one high-ranking Society member, perhaps more. We have word he is in this area, or has been recently...and it appears he has sabotaged the portal to the Open Road. We are here for your protection...”
He watches Keel warily, as the book cover bothers the Elf, and he tries to get a read on the man...