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Hearing the commotion coming from the room, Sheila and Koriah burst into the room. Concern flashes from Sheila’s face and turns to anger when she sees the ripped notes and destruction to her table; “What is going on in here?”
Koriah draws her Aklys, but stands down when she sees the two tied up creatures.
Looking from the Pudgewampi's back to the door and the two ladies. Iradyiel, sheepishly points to the puzzle box. "Um the box had a couple of Pudgewmapi's in it. We thought Lady Azmeren, being an expert in the darklands, may be able to speak with them, maybe find out how they got inside."
As Iradyiel says this and points to the puzzle box, all of you come to the realization that the interior of the box is rather small... not large enough for two pugwampis. You also see something within the box.
three garnets, a masterfully worked silver dagger, and a ring.
Kuno wakes up and looks just as dreary as ever. He sees Sheila and Koriah's dismay at the mayhem surrounding them. Looking at the box, he wonders what kind of magic allowed two whole Pudgewmapi's to stuff themselves inside.
"You said this was a test," Kuno rumbled."Were these creatures not part of it?"
Rosalyn walks over to the table and peers into the box. ”Oh, there’s something inside!” She carefully removes three garnets, a ring, and a beautifully crafted silver dagger, lining them up in front of the box. ”Let’s see if any of these are magical.” The wizard utters a few mystic words, gesturing toward the treasure with one hand.
Curious about the answer to Khyron's question. Iradiel moves back to the table. Pushing the pugwampi he had tied up to the far end of the table, He leans on the table looking in the now empty box and then at the garnets, dagger and ring. "Good Catch Rosalyn."
Those who look closer to the items within the box notice that the ring is crafted with a feather pattern all around its edge. The other items have no distinctive features.
Both the Paradox Box and the Ring detects as magical.
The Paradox Box has a lingering conjuration magics, but it is slowly fading. You get the sense that something from within the box cast a summoning spell that brought the pugwampis to this world. You have heard of magical traps that do this kind of thing.
The ring detects as faint transutation, you know it to be a Ring of Feather Falling
Sheila glances at the Paradox Box. Then addresses Kuno; “Yes, it was a test.” Turning to Koriah; “We will catch up soon, I must see to this.” the half-elf smiles and bows to the party as she leave; “Good luck on your endeavors.” and Koriah takes her leave.
After Koriah leaves, the two Pugwampi creatures are no more, as if they magically dissipated. Sheila cocks her head slightly; "mmm, that's interesting. Please, take your seats once more."
“First, allow me to apologize for that unpleasantness regarding the gremlins – but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right – you’re the perfect group for the job I have in mind.”
“You see – I’ve recently had trouble with one of my informants here in Magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerkin. She’s a half-Varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a street informant. She runs with the Sczarni – I’m not sure with which group. A week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis’ methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into somebody’s personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss this find three days ago.”
You have heard rumors of these Sczarni gangs in the city. You have heard of six different factions across the city. They are: the Creepers, Doolun’s Lads, the Gallowed, the Tower Girls, the Washside Wringers, and the Wreckwash Blades.
“She never kept that promise – instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I’m hearing rumors that the Sczarni are looking for her as well.”
“It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she’s discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I’m more interested in that than in what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I’d like to keep all of this quiet – if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was also working for me as an informant, that would be preferable – that’s a big part of why I’m coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don’t yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk.”
“So… go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better – bring it back to me and I’ll have a reward of 500 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I’ll double that!”
Rosalyn grins at whatever her spell is showing her, but before she can say anything, Lady Heidmarch starts speaking. The wizard sits down at the table once more, joined by her curious cat.
Ugh, Sczarni. This is going to be a pain, Rosalyn just knows it. The minute she opens her mouth they'll have her pegged as a noble and thus either an easy mark or a potential source of ransom money. But the Varisian criminal families often learn things well before more law-abiding citizens, so it makes sense to have an informant among them.
"We will do our best, Venture-Captain. Do you have any idea where in Magnimar she usually spent her time?" Rosalyn holds up the ring. "Also, this is a ring of feather falling. Neither the dagger nor the gems are magical; the conjuration magic on the box is fading. I suspect a magical trap summoned the pugwampis. That would explain why they vanished."
"I must have missed a magical trap. They were too big to be in the box, so they must have been summoned, but I never saw the trap."
Sczarni? Sounds Varisian. Street gangs, maybe? Estal thinks to himself.
"A Thassallonian artifact would indeed be an important find!"
As Rosalyn accepts the assignment, Estel listens with a minor smile on his face. "Gems have a magic all their own. One that can solve other problems. Don't judge them too hastily." Finding this woman sounds like it would have been a problem before she vanished. This is probably going to be a problem.
Watching Koriah leave, Iradyiel unintentionally jumps when the pugwampi's disappear, but takes a seat as Sheila bids them, winding his rope up as she speaks.
Surprised the pathfinder captain apologizes for the 'gremlins,' Iradyiel was sure she didn't put them there herself. But believes Estel is right that they must have been summoned. He nods in agreement with Sheila's truism and smiles, looking at the others as she declares them perfect for the job. Iradyiels eyes widen as she describes the woman Natalya, the local crime syndicate, the likely stolen artifact and the now missing Natalya.
Once the background was set, Sheila describes the 'job.' And what a job it is, find the girl, find the artifact. Do them both quietly and discreetly. Iradyiel's smile widens as he realizes he gets the opportunity to penetrate the underbelly of Magnimar.
Nodding in agreement with Rosalyn, "Yes we will do our best." Realizing he knows nothing about the city or the local low-life's, he asks "Could you describe this Natalya? Her features, style of dress, any accent or particular odor? Did she mention anything else we may use to find her?" He pauses for a moment. "What part of towns are the Sczarni more active in?" He looks around the table, "Or who night we speak to to learn about them?"
Chuckling at Estel's observation of Gems having a magic all their own, he asks, "The items in the puzzle box, are they ours to keep?"
Sheila looks to Kuno; "Yes this was a test, but I had no knowledge of what was inside the box or any possible traps laid by its original owner."
Looking over the four of you, Sheila is pleased with her selection as the four of you agree to this secretive mission; “You are correct Estel, a Thassallonian artifact would be an important find! It would not gain whomever found it fame and prestige, but if one of the Sczarni gangs found it that artifact could tip the hold of power in their favor over the others.”
When Iradyiel ask about what parts of towns are the Sczarni gangs located; “That is an excellent question. The Scarnie have been part of Magnimar from the start. They’re not the most dangerous or powerful of the city’s criminal organizations, but they are the most visible. They generally don’t involve themselves in particularly violent crimes, and in many cases in Magnimar, they actually help to protect and police less fortunate neighborhoods, and as such are often well regarded by the lower class.”
“That being said, they can be found throughout the city. There are six major Sczarni gangs in the city: the Creepers, Doolun’s Lads, the Gallowed, the Tower Girls, the Washside Wringers, and the Wreckwash Blades. But, the Gallowed are the most powerful Sczarni family in the city.”
“When Natalya first approached me with the offer, she engaged the aid of a man known as the Amazing Zograthy, a Varisian who keeps a permanent tent and fortune-telling business in Washer’s Row in Dockway. It is a narrow alley that serves as a permanent street fair.”
The Amazing Zograthy often works as sort of a middle-man between Sczarni and outsiders, but he expects gold in payment for his services.
“One last bit of information that could prove helpful. Unfortunately, there are rumors of Nidalese slavers prowling the streets of late, and if these are true, being abducted by a slaver in the middle of the night would certainly explain Natalya’s absence. She might even have been picked up by the city guard for some reason, if that were the case a visit to the Arvesoar, the garrison for the city’s watch might yield some clues. But beyond that I have no more insights to offer.”
As Iradyiel mentions the items that were within the box, Sheila moves and picks up the paradox box; “This is all that I need, you can keep all that was within it. I do thank you for your aid in opening it, and wish you luck on this endeavor.”
Mentally taking notes as Sheila discusses the different Sczarni, Iradyiel hopes that none of the groups have gotten their hands on what they were looking for, Hearing about the fortune teller he's relieved that they will have a place to start. Though he's surprised about Slavers being permitted to work inside the city, wondering if the guard knew something about that as well. Picking up the garnets Iradiel holds them up. "We can use these to loosen lips."
Turning to the others he asks, "So start with the guard or the fortune teller?"
"The Fortune teller I say," declares Kuno. "Either he is a true diviner who can offer us a clue or he's otherwise involved and can lead us to more information,"
”He sounds like a good place to start, providing that we can afford his prices.” Rosalyn fiddles nervously with the dagger. ”Ah... it would probably be a good idea if someone other than me did the talking with Zograthy and any of the other Sczarni. My accent won’t do us any favors in the seedier parts of Magnimar.”
"I'm not so sure. A visit to . . . Arvesoar, was it? . . . will eliminate a possibility completely, quickly, and could also teach us more about these gangs. Even if it proves the dead end we expect, we could come out of it with more information that could make the rest easier. Couldn't we?"
He looks to his companions, then to Sheila.
"Also, I don't think any of us knows how to tell if we've found Natalya. Is there anything you can tell us that will help with a positive identification?"
----
Once the group is settling things down and preparing to move on . . ..
"Iradyiel? Can I see the garnets? Try to estimate their quality?"
Chuckling at Khyron's assessment of 'the amazing Zograthy' Iradyiel nods in agreement with Rosalyn, "Then the 'fortune teller it is." Surprised that Rosalyn was concerned about her Chelish accent he shrugs. "Maybe they will like it. Your at least good talking to people. When I talk to people I don't know my stomach is in knots.."
Mentally agreeing that a physical description of Natalya would be beneficial Iradyiel hands the garnets to Estel telling him, "Good question Estel." He nods towards the knife, "I'm like Rosalyn/" realizing that sounded funny, he quickly adds, "um I probably won't use the knife either, why don't you take it." He nods towards the ring, "Rosalyn, you understand magic better you take the ring."
Rising from the table gathering his gear, Iradyiel pauses for a moment hoping Sheila is able to give a physical description of Natalya. Once she is done speaking he looks from Estel to Rosalyn, "So who wants to lead the way to Washer's row in Dockway."
As Iradyiel and Estel both ask about Natalya, Sheila gives a vivid description of the Half-Varisian female, Natalya Vancaskerkin.
Walking over to the bookshelf, Sheila opens a small trinket door on the wall. Pulling a leather satchel out she returns to the table. “I also want to leave each of you with one of these. If you were to be injured while on this investigation these magical potions will come in handy.” she pulls four glass potions free from the pouch and places them on the table in front of you. “Also, if you ever need a place to regroup or rest for the night you can call this Pathfinder Lodge your home.”
“If you need more time to discuss your plans I can have lunch brought in here for you, otherwise I have a few matters to tend to and I will be in my office. I wish you luck!”
Kuno was grateful for the healing potions. While could use his connection to nature for healing, he had his limits. He also appreciated the hospitality of the Lodge.
"Home?" he said quietly. The concept had become fuzzy of late. Kuno was unlike other Dwarves. His family loved him but never understood him. His peers avoided him. Could the Pathfinders be the community that had always eluded him?
As the Venture Captain speaks, offering them space in the lodge, Estel simply nods, acknowledging the offer without comment. When she offers lunch, though, Estel breaks into a big smile. "Mom always told me to accept any meal a Venture officer offers! I try to be a good son." He's not laughing, but he's obviously having fun with it.
-----
The elf nods. "Really good quality garnets, but smaller than the normal cut, so they won't fetch as much as the normal, larger stones. Still a small fortune. Probably get 150 for them in a fair deal." He bounces them in has hand before looking back to Iradyiel and extending that hand towards him. "Sill want them?"
Rising from the table gathering his gear, Iradyiel pauses for a moment hoping Sheila is able to give a physical description of Natalya. Once she is done speaking he looks from Estel to Rosalyn, "So who wants to lead the way to Washer's row in Dockway."
Accepting the potion from Sheila, Iradyiel nods politely. "Thank you." He had assumed there would be rooms to stay in, but notes Khyron softly repeating the word 'home.' When Estel begins to smile and speak of his mother, Iradyiel realizes it is about lunch time and returns to his seat, he often got so interested in what he was doing that he would skip eating, so being reminded occasionally wasn't a bad thing.
As the elf begins speaking about the garnets, he nods when he hears the amount. Surprised Estel would ask him if he still wanted them, he looks at the others, then shrugs. "I don't care who carries them, I assumed they would be used for bribes and the teams expenses." He gestures towards the knife and ring. "But someone should use those. No reason for them to sit here on the table."
”Lunch sounds wonderful, and I’m sure these potions will come in handy. Thank you.” Rosalyn smiles up at Lady Heidmarch, tucking one of the vials into her belt pouch.
Once she’s left, the wizard turns to her teammates. ”I thought the same as Iradyiel about the garnets. Perhaps we should sell them before talking with Zograthy, it will probably take gold to loosen his tongue. As for the dagger and ring, well, I don’t think we’ve told each other what skills we have. That would help in determining who can make best use of the items.” Rosalyn leans back in her chair. ”I am a wizard, an evoker to be exact. I specialize in spells that deal direct damage. Aside from that, I’m a pretty good shot and an amateur scholar in several different fields.”
Nodding in agreement with Rosalyn, "Selling the garnets is a good idea, though I have no idea how much the information will cost." He looks at Estel hoping the elf's knowledge about gems extends to bribes as well. Surprised when Rozalyn recommends they share a little bit about themselves, he listens as she goes first. Raising an eyebrow when she shares she's a wizard. Not really sure what an evoker was he just nods again, chuckling to himself to learn the 'wizard' was also an amateur scholar.
Deciding to go next he speaks up, "I was trained by the Nirmathi Rangers to be a skirmisher. I prefer a heavier weapon." Gesturing towards the dagger on the table. "So a dagger, even a silver one, won't see much use unless were fighting some kind of lycanthrope." he shrugs, "Maybe not even then."
Smiling at Rosalyn, "I'm also a pretty good shot. But I'll need to buy a good bow, I left mine at home. Figured I'd look less like a Nirmathi Ranger with out it." He pauses thinking, "Other than being pretty good in the woods." He pauses again. "Well, I pick up languages pretty easy, that's about it."
When it seems that a meal will be welcomed Sheila begins making her way out of the room; “I will have a lunch sent in right away. If you make any headway with this investigation please take good notes and report back what you find. Explore, report cooperate.”
Sometime passes before two servants make their way into the room each holding a tray that have a light lunch on it with some ale and wine. The two servants leave it on the table where Koriah’s notes and the paradox box are sitting.
Magnimar District Map
You know it will take almost an hour to reach the Dockway. You know that the Seacleft cuts Magnimar into two major sections. The Summit on the cliff’s top making up the Alabaster District, Capital District and the Noas. And the Shore below making up the Dockway, Lowcleft, Beacon’s Point, Keystone, and Ordellia.
Where at in the Dockway Washer’s Row is located is a different matter.
"Almost an hour to reach the Dockway," said Kuno, his voice like gravel. "Remember, the Seacleft cuts Magnimar in two. The Summit on the cliff’s top makes up the Alabaster District, Capital District and the Noas. And the Shore below makes up the Dockway, Lowcleft, Beacon’s Point, Keystone, and Ordellia,"
"Well, is the jail closer? I'm not sure why you are all set to wander an area none of us know, trying to find people we don't know how to identify, while also trying to keep our mission a secret. I think more information would do us good. Maybe there's somewhere else we should go to learn more about these gangs before we move into their turf? Maybe not, but research is always part of the job, right?"
"As for what I do . . .. I've been trained to get permission to enter sacred ruins and sites, to work my way through these ruins and deserted catacombs, to find what still lies within, and to hopefully bring the best pieces of it back for further study. I know, that's what were all supposed to do, but, I mean I've been trained for specifically those bits. I can fight, but I'm not a warrior. I don't have magic or healing of note. My knowledge of history and the cultures which came before is more accidental than useful. I'm best at dealing with the things left behind, in the moment they are discovered."
"I can heal," says Kuno. "A little. I've been learning how to use my connection to the natural world to manipulate vital and material essences. But I'm ... not good with relating to people,"
Rosalyn helps herself to some lunch (including a dish of chicken for her pampered familiar) and a glass of wine. ”Excellent! It sounds like we have a wide variety of skills to draw upon.” She sets the chicken down on the floor, where Marius eagerly starts devouring it. ”I believe that the jail and courthouse are in the Capital District, just south of the Alabaster District where we are right now. You’re right, Estel, it will probably be more efficient to stop there first. As for wandering around asking questions, well, we do have the fortune teller as a possible lead.”
The wizard pauses briefly to take a bite of her sandwich. ”As for the dagger and ring, it sounds like nobody would use the dagger as their main weapon. It may come in handy against lycanthropes or devils, though, so I vote we keep it just in case.” As far as Rosalyn is concerned, there is no such thing as over prepared. ”Estel, you sound like the agile sort. The ring would be good if you have to go climbing on narrow ledges or something of that nature.”
As Estel and Khyron talk about their individual skills, Iradiel helps himself to some of the grilled chicken, placing it on one of the crusty rolls he eats it like a sandwich. Having no real idea where any of the parts of the city is. He listens, trying to remember the different spots, stopping to pour himself a small ale. As the group determines that since the jail was closer it may be better to start there, between mouthfuls of chicken and bread, he adds, "I'm fine with that."
Gesturing towards Estel, "Estel, go ahead and take the ring." Having been around pathfinders long enough to know that 'bringing the best pieces back' was a euphemism for 'burglar' he adds "and the dagger as well. You'll more likely use it than I." After finished his impromptu sandwich and small ale, not really interested in the greens or the rice and with neither his mother or father there to tell him he should eat them any way, he watches the others, waiting until they are finished.
Estel looks at Iradyiel with an obvious question in his face, then glances around the room at the others. Hesitantly, he responds "O-okay. If anyone thinks they'll need these at some point, please, speak up."
The elf simply nibbles, picking up individual items from the plate, apparently at random, and enjoying each before moving on to the next piece.
The party decides to make their way to the Arvensoar and see what information you can discover from the local authorities. Leaving Heidmarch Manor, you find yourselves walking down the Lord-Mayor’s March. The main street splitting the Capital District and the Naos.
You come across a large structure as you first start walking down Lord-Mayor’s March with the sign naming it the Triodea Opera House. There are a few playbills left out from the previous night, the recent play is titled “The Inconsistand Nymph.”
As you continue down the Lord-Mayor’s March, you notice that the Naos is a well-kept district full of high-class shops, restaurants, and businesses. The road is crowded, being midday, but everyone is welcoming and courteous not to run into one another.
Just before arriving at the Arvensoar you come across two stand out features of the Naos, the Temple of Iomedae, and the Founder’s Flame.
The Temple of Iomedae is a fortresslike temple sounding the daily call to glory and preaching of honor, sacrifice, and the spiritual rewards to the layman.
The Founder’s Flame is a bronze bowl that is perpetually on fire. The colors flare in the fire, cycling from yellow to orange, to violet, to blue.
Continuing on you arrive at the Arvensoar. This is the tallest structure in Magnimar and a wonder in a city of architectural feats. Standing over 400 feet tall, climbing the entire length of the Seacleft and extending nearly a hundred feat above the Naos itself.
Entering into the Arvensoar you see the watch officers busy at work. Reading reports, shuffling files from one cabinet to another, taking a person in manacles from a holding cell through an archway that leads to a set of stairs deeper into the Arvensoar.
The four of you enter and no one pays much mind to the party as you enter. Quickly overlooked and bumped passed as the watch officers are hard at work.
Leaving the puzzle box on the table, Iradyiel recovers his pack as the group leaves the 'Pathfinder mansion' on their way to the Arvensoar. Happy to keep the slower pace of the dwarf, it allows Iradyiel to look at the homes and shops. Tamran was build of wood, most of the buildings new compared to Magnimar. As he wondered how long it took to drag all the stones there, they stop in front of the Opera house. Pausing to stare, such a large building, so many different doors, the huge sign up top magically illuminated. "The Inconsistent Nymph" he read aloud as he bent over to pick up a playbill. turning to his two reasonably local companions he ask. "Has anyone seen the play?"
As they continue down the Lord-Mayor's March, Iradyiel keeps an eye open looking for a shop where he may purchase a longbow. Not used to the large city, Iradyiel, walking with his eyes focused on the stores around him, accidently bumps into a fat man in bright clothing. Blurting out "Oh, pardon me! I'm sorry." The man harrumphs at him then hurries on his way blurting out in a heavy Varisian accent "Tourist."
After they pass the temple of Iomedae, Iradyiel sees the fountain like thing, pausing for a moment to watch the flames change colors. He see's the plaque identifying it as 'the Founder's Flame' again asking. "So what's the story on the fountain. I wonder if the flames change color due to magic or a change in temperature, like real flame."
Once again staring like someone who just got off of the turnip wagon. Iradyiel pauses for a moment looking up at the Arvensoar. Shaking his head, "I hope we don't have to go clear to the top." As they walk in he grows deathly silent, watching where he's going so as not to run into someone again. Letting the more civilized members of the group do the talking.
Rosalyn leads the group through the streets with the careless ease of a native. It's obvious that not only is she from Magnimar, she is very familiar with the expensive parts of town. "I've seen it, but to be honest, it's not their best offering. If you want to see an opera, I would wait for something else."
The wizard brightens as Iradyiel brings up one of her favorite topics- the famous monuments of Magnimar. "Oh, it's magical! The flame never goes out. Beautiful, isn't it? They say that if a spellcaster meditates on the Founder's Flame, they can cast fire spells more strongly."
Looking from one fellow Pathfinder to another, Rosalyn decides that she might as well speak up here. They really need a bard or someone who knows the art of diplomacy. She flags down a passing watch officer, giving him her best smile. "Excuse me! Who should we talk to about a missing person?"
"Even so, those of us who haven't seen an opera performed before would probably have loved to be here last night. New experiences and all." He sighs. "Don't know the next time we'll have time, now."
[1]
Estel worries about not running people over, but he is looking at the buildings, the architecture, trying to understand the artistic style which has been developed in Magnimar.
[2]
Looking at the flame, the elf wonders aloud. "Hot, or illusionary? No, I'm NOT sticking my hand in it to find out. Just curious. Either way, that's powerful enough magic if it never goes out."
[3]
"Can't be a good sign if the constabulary has the largest building, can it?" As the Pathfinders have ensured he knows SOMETHING about red tape, the elf looks for a front or reception desk, or some signage indicating where to find different departments.
1) Kuno doesn't like crowds. His resting facial expression is nightmarish enough to get people to move aside hen they're in his way. He just assumes they're being polite. But he still doesn't like crowds...
2) "I reckon it's both. Can illusions be hot?" says Kuno.
2)