, summoned via Missive (see below) at the behest of Venture-Captain Brackett.
Character Introductions:
When introducing yourselves in your opening post, choose one or more Intro Questions below to answer (first spoiler). Then, at your option, please post your Proficiency and Modifier (plus any relevant Skill Feats) in the following skills that represent your Background Knowledge (second spoiler). Finally, the third spoiler is the Missive sent you by your Venture Captain.
Q) How did you arrive to Sauerton? Where are you coming from? Describe your long journey here!
Q) In the Downtime that occurred before this adventure, what did you do? How does it tie into joining this mission?
Q) When it comes to Investigation, are you better with People or with with Other Clues? What skills do you bring towards that end?
Q) If you have played it, what knowledge do you bring about Kerinha Napsunar from (#1-08) "Revolution on the Riverside"?
Q) What is more important to you, Integrity or Power? Which would you sacrifice one for in order to obtain the other? How might you similarly advise an ally?
Forest Lore
Galt Lore
Nature
Pathfinder Society Lore
Plains Lore
Society
Spirit Lore
Survival
To my illustrious associates,
I hope this missive finds you in good health. Recent news from out of the River Kingdoms has made the Society aware of important histories that may have been resting directly under our noses for the past several centuries. One of the founding Pathfinders, a woman named Kerinha Napsunar, whose exploits in the Chronicles have often had curious gaps and omissions, appears to have once had a temporary lodge in or near what is today the town of Sauerton. I implore you to travel there and speak to the locals. See if you can track down any documents or records of Napsunar’s time in the area or the purpose of her lodge.
You should find an ally in Sauerton in the form of the town’s mayor, Thalia Andares. Several years ago, the Society assisted Thalia in navigating a difficult situation with her father, and she has remained a trusted and reliable ally ever since. Her knowledge of the town and its families should quicken your investigations immensely. If you discover that the lodge still stands or any of its contents have been preserved, please do your best to obtain any documents or possessions of the Society that remain. Once you have obtained whatever evidence there is to obtain, please report back to me hear in Almas.
Yours most sincerely,
Venture-Captain Brackett
...
If you haven't already, please proceed to Discussion to complete the Check In.
Finally, without further ado, let us fan the
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As an Absalom native the kobold known as Emoubu was quite used to traveling long distances from Society missions. That was fine with him however, as it gave him time to work on some of his own projects.
Emoubu spent most of the trip to the vineyards in reading old legal thesis's. To be completely honest, it was busy work, and Emoubu knew it, the older laws were no longer relevant, but seeing how they applied could be useful for modern cases. Unfortunately, this particular collection was poorly written and even more poorly stored, and nothing relevant was found.
Emoubu knew his people skills were what probably got him selected for this mission, not his book smarts. Or maybe it was his skill in getting into places he wasn't wanted? Emoubu was good at both.
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Ned spent the last several weeks wandering Absalom, looking for mediums and those willing to speak with the dead. Charlatans, every last one. Tasya, Mordin, Lili, Mack, Terram, Vaya... and Edna, sweet Edna. The light of his life. All gone, and not one of these two-bit acts had any real ghost-whispering among them so he could speak to his family again.
He mostly answered the summons from Venture-Captain Brackett for something to do to take his mind off things. His knowledge of the occult has come in handy for the Society before, but this sounds like a slightly different job. And then there's the... visitor... who has been meddling with his brain. Filling it with whispered promises half-understood.
Ned's not stupid. He knows whatever it is, it's using him for some other purpose. But until he knows what that purpose is, he may as well enjoy the "gifts" it gives. And why not put them to use at the Society to pay for supper? Can't eat termites and rats all the time.
He spent the long ship ride staring across the ocean's shimmering bed and muttering to the ugly, gnarled walking stick he carries everywhere. The sailors all gave the ragged old man a wide berth. Now they've docked, and he's ready for the next leg of his journey that will take him from Almas up the Andoshen River to Sauerton.
"Mebbe," he mutters to himself as he steps off the boarding plank and onto the dock, taking in the salty air, "mebbe this one's it. This one'll send me ta see Edna." He glares at the walking stick. "Or at least be innerestin'. Las' one didn't even have no scarecrows! It said scarecrows right on tha dang bounty! Now I'll prolly never git ta taste scarecrow meat." He sighs wistfully. "Bet it's terrible."
Most of the sailors avoid Nedri, what for perhaps the smell or perhaps (more likely) his propensity for mumbling, save one.
"Last chance for ale" she says smiling at him, handing him a draught-filled cup "Wine Country ahead - ne'er developed much a taste for it meself" contorting her face into the expression of mild disgust "Who's your friend. He talk?" Pointing crassly to Emoubu "Spends mosta his time readin' below the deck - surprised haint seen 'em heavin' over the gunwale yet!"
It's night out, and a billion stars twinkle in the sky. The nameless sailor points to one and says "Aha! Can you tell me what this constellation foretells? I seen you old one, know you know something or other. Come on: Let us git!"
At her dare, a couple other sailors gather round...
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You are unable to recall any background knowledge about Sauerton or the surrounding area...
You recall two things primarily about Sauerton and the surrounding country - which is indeed "wine country"!
Firstly, that there used to be a Pathfinder lodge that was staged there, but was moved when the border of Cheliax expanded some time ago, and relocated some 100 miles east of the town.
But the second "recollection" comes in a strange dream - a really - which involves a battle fought at night, with both sides nearly slaughtering the other completely to the point that it is unclear which side has "won", all to a backdrop of terrible howling and screams that echo in the distance. Worse still, this recurs nightly and seems to grow in intensity the closer you get to Sauerton!
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Khaul Irontoe, refugee from the Tapestry was having a hard time fitting into the "real" world. He knew about forests. He liked forests. Well, he knew [/b] forest, and he liked [b]tht forest.
The forests outside the tapestry somehow felt wrong, like he was off balance. The birds and wildlife was right... but the variety was too much. And everything was so... big.
Still, he was out now, and he was just going to have to get used to it. But it was taking time. Khaul hated feeling less than competent. Especially in an area that he felt he was competent. So when the call came to join another society mission the dwarf leapt at the chance.
Joining the others, the dwarf introduces himself to the rest of the group.
"Khaul, champion of Torag. Shield of of the weak and hammer of the unrighteous. Oh, and member of The Society. If we strike trouble, stick behind me and me shield, and you'll be fine."
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As is his way, Aurelien travelled from scholar to scholar, college to college, across from Absalom (where he had been visiting the Society). The whispers of the ancestors kept him company as he went. He traded knowledge and teaching for board and lodgings. A young and quietly charming elf did not have to worry if people would be good to him.
The spirits had been speaking to him since he was a child and they helped him develop his divine gifts in adolescence. Not long after, he left his home and started to travel far and wide, listening to stories of the Azlanti, Earthfall and Sovyrian.
The Pathfinder Society was amazing at researching the past and through adventure knew more than most groups. Joining made complete sense. The company of other intrepid souls was also welcome. Aurelien realised that he needed to understand more than just the history of the elves to help forge a better future. He has not spent much time in Andoran before and is looking forward to experiencing this young nation.
Q) When it comes to Investigation, are you better with People or with with Other Clues? What skills do you bring towards that end?
Q) What is more important to you, Integrity or Power? Which would you sacrifice one for in order to obtain the other? How might you similarly advise an ally?
Background rolls
The tall Vourinoi Elf walks slowly towards the group already gathered. As he does, his dark red hair tucks itself behind his ear and his leather armour straightens. He looks youthful but focused.
'You must be my fellow Pathfinders. An eclectic group in an unfamiliar place. I am Aurelien, student of mysteries, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance.'
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Ned stares up at the stars with the stranger. When she points out the object he was just talking to, he gives her an odd look. "Talk? Whatcha mean, talk? 's jes' a stick!" He cackles, showing a mouthful of pretty darn awful teeth, yellowing and cracked; a few are mostly missing, just the stumps of their roots left where they once sat.
When she points to Emoubu, he shrugs. "Do lizards get seasick? They's always wigglin'. I'da thought motion don't bother 'em none." He scratches his wild, matted shock of gray hair in confusion, coming back with something on his finger--a bug, maybe?--that he absently sticks into his pocket for later.
He finally joins the other Pathfinders, leaning on his battered, gnarled walking stick. "Ned Thistle, an' this 'ere's muh stick!" He waggles the walking stick momentarily. "Y'think this 'ere venture'll have scarecrows? Las' boun'y I wuz on promised scarecrows, an' never delivered. Wine coun'ry though, so tha's alright. Always liked a good Chelish red. Couldn' git no good wine in Osirion, whole time I wuz there. The coffee, though! Oooeee!" He spits over the side. "But we's on tha job an whutnot. I reckon we might get a chance ta try the local brews after the job's done."
Ned hobbles over to the dwarf, Khaul, and peers down at him, getting uncomfortably close. The old man smells about as good as he looks. After a long, uncomfortable pause, he mutters, "You 'ad tha dreams yet?"
"This one seems to be holding his guts in - be a fine seaman, you"
The unnamed sailor talks between Nedri and Emoubu, telegraphing the conversation in one direction before triangulating "All formalities, these two" including Khaul and Aurelien now, then veering one last time "Ain't you got some fancy-pants with your company too? Using big words and whatnot?"
She looks across the deck expectantly.
...
...
You recall that there used to be a Pathfinder lodge that was staged there, but was moved when the border of Cheliax expanded some time ago, and relocated some 100 miles east of the town.
Your "recollection" comes in a strange dream - a nightmare really - which involves a battle fought at night, with both sides nearly slaughtering the other completely to the point that it is unclear which side has "won", all to a backdrop of terrible howling and screams that echo in the distance. Worse still, this recurs nightly and seems to grow in intensity the closer you get to Sauerton!
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A fine fop of a Chelaxian strides across the deck, tapping his cane along the way. He is as clean and well dressed as Ned is filthy.
Boats, boats, always boats, it seems like Captain Benarry always wants me sailing somewhere. The land has horizons too. Back to the River Kingdoms? Let's skip Artume. I broke a few hearts last time I was there and would rather not face those consequences. You know? We were looking for an old lodge there too.
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"We're reading for Sauerton." admits Khaul to the sailer.
"Got a job that needs doing down there."
Turning to the other pathfinders he adds in "[pb]I recall from me training that there used to be a lodge down there. Got moved when Cheliax grew. Seem to recall from me lessons that it got moved east a few days travel.[/b]"
For a dwarf he seems to cope with the ship reasonably well.
He offers a light punch to Duncan. "Just don't go breaking any of us hearts."
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Receiving no response from the dwarf, Ned sighs and settles back. "Nobody cares 'bout dreams no more," he mutters. "They'll tell ye whatcha need ta know. There wuz war here. Bad. All kindsa screamin'. No winners. 's what they call a 'pyrrhic victory.' Ha!" He snorts. It sounds wet. "En't they all, though..."
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Aurelien shifts his gaze to the old man.
'I've been dreaming too, my friend. Not a natural dream but a recurring nightmare filled with blood. Of a battle, fought in darkness. It was a slaughter and I couldn't tell who won. Maybe neither side. There was an edge to it. Howling and screaming echoing through my mind, possibly in the battle, possibly in the distance from it. The dream happens every night and it's getting stronger. Sauerton holds the answers, I'm sure.'
His soft voice grows more insistent as he speaks and his outfit shifts uncomfortably.
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"I dunnie remember me dreams laddie" sighs 'the dwarf'.
"Tis a sore point with me and that's the truth. When I were but a wee thing, I dreamed big. And then I found the world was not what I thought it was, but much, much bigger. And now... now I don't dream. Or if I do be dreaming, Torag keeps me from doing the remembering of them."
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"Ent right. Yer aughter have yer dreams. Even the bad'ns. Especially the bad'ns." Ned shakes an angry fist at the sky overhead. "Ent enough ye take our loved ones, ye gotta take our dreams too??"
Ned sighs and leans on his stick. "Bah. Gods. Don't much care fer 'em. We's jes' pawns to 'em. Little ants on a big hill." He scowls at the floor. "An' pawns always git sacrificed first. 's a rigged game."
Inland along the river, the boat passes through the coastline docks and a couple days journey north, docking finally at Sauerton during the late morning.
The town itself is primarily comprised of row upon row of neatly kept vineyards, interspersed with old stone villas built in the Chelaxian style. Each plot of grapevines is accompanied by vats for crushing grapes and extruding their juice, along with a large warehouse for storing and aging the wine. The vineyards bustle with the busy hands of numerous workers, though the packed dirt and cobblestone roads have few other travelers during these industrious hours.
The unnamed sailor bids farewell "May or may not catch yeh on the way back. So as they say: May the wind and the waves blow in your direction!"
And with that, having traded some boxes here and there, the ship upon which the party arrived departs for commerce further upstream.
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The night before this morning, your recurring dreams Worsen - and become Personal!
Roll or Choose, then Describe, the outcome of the subject whose fate you have witnessed hence:
Who? (1d10):
1-2 @ Aurelien
3-4 @ Duncan
5-6 @ Emoubu
7-8 @ Khaul
9-10 @ Nedri
What? (1d8)
1 @ Died horribly in battle
2 @ Died horribly but valiantly in battle
3 @ Survived the battle, but with terrible physical wounds
4 @ Survived the battle, but with terrible psychological wounds
5 @ Made a Dark Pact, but died anyway, dooming their Soul to an Eternity of Suffering
6 @ Made a Dark Pact, and survived, but at some Terrible Cost that robs them of Humanity
7 @ Offered but Declined to make a Dark Pact, then died in battle
8 @ Roll Twice (and somehow reconcile any inconsistencies!)
...
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Duncan accepts Khaul's punch.
Don't worry so much about the big dreams. It's the little ones that keep you going, a new place to see, new people to meet, new friends to make, new stories to tell. The big ones are too far away.
Once they arrive in town...
There must be a tavern around here. Let's grab a drink.
Duncan attempts to gather information...
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Khaul, upon exiting the ship spends some time securing his armour.
"Ya never know when trouble might strike." he says.,
"And I like the feel of iron on me skin. But not so much when there be water beneath me feet."
He follows Duncan into the nearest tavern. However, wanting to keep his wits about him, restricts himself to a single ale - dwarven if it is available.
"Yes.. I know it be a wine growing area. Never had the head for the stuff myself."
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'Let him get his drink. Last night my dream warped and I saw his untimely demise, torn apart in the darkness. We must stop this from coming to pass.'
He surveys the scene before he follows, trying to figure out where the mayor might live.
'We should find the mayor and ask around about famous battles in the area. I wonder if the folk here are having these nightmares too.'
Aurelian starts asking around to see if his nightmares are also a local occurance...
Aurelien to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Nightmares
Duncan to to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about ???
Emoubu to ???
Khaul to ???
Nedri to ???
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Ned watches Khaul with an unusually intense stare the next morning. All through their travel into Sauerton that day, the dwarf catches the old man watching him curiously.
Finally, when they reach the town, and everyone is determining where to go, he leans into the dwarf's personal space and mutters so only he can hear, "Khaul. Don't go makin' no choices ye'll regret. All we do, even the little things, got a price. Some prices're steeper'n others."
He then (thankfully) leans back, makes a noise like wet rocks being ground at the back of his throat, and says, "Well, the letter said ta meet with..." He digs out his missive and double-checks the name. "... Kerinha Napsunar. Mebbe we aughter go find 'er first? She kin help us git the lay o' th'land an' whatnot."
An auspicious warning Nedri imparts upon Khaul, as they briefly part ways: Ned to ask around for directions to Kerinha Napsunar, and Khaul to visit the local (dwarven?) shrine to ask about Odd Occurances...
Aurelien to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Nightmares
Duncan to to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about ???
Emoubu to ???
Khaul to Gather Info (Diplomacy or maybe Religion) about Odd Occurances
Nedri to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Kerinha Napsunar
Splitting up for about an hour, the party attempt to put their disparate threads of gleaned gossip together!
It quickly becomes apparent to you that the locals here are mostly unawares of any ancient battles, but you do turn up two facts. First, that there is in fact an old graveyard about 60 miles East of town. And second, asking about the Mayor, whose name is Thalia Andares, you discover she resides within the Old Sauer Estate, deeper in the sprawling settlement, surrounded by vineyards.
The people are open and friendly - in fact, you discover that your beers are purchased for you! - as they seem as curious about the outside world as you are about this settlement. That said, they share stories with you about how the Mayor, whose name is Thalia Andares, is actually Thalia Andares Thrune, a woman of Chelaxian nobility, but whose outward politeness conceals a cruel malice.
Furthermore, they share rumors with you that she has traded her Soul in an Infernal Contract, keeping her in power indefinitely in this town, and warn against provoking her fury!
The people are open and friendly, happy to pause for a moment, remove their soil-stained gloves, and offer a vigorous handshake.
Admittedly, some of them, upon witnessing your person up close, exhibit momentary pause, and yet others ignore or avoid you, and you are able to contrast this with, say, Duncan, with whom none of these villagers pause or avoid in a similar way, indeed, leaning into him for introductions, completely frictionless!
There are no dwarven temples here - perhaps the town is too small or remote? - and not too many dwarves here either - but you are welcome to take your pick among Abadar, Cayden Cailean, Erastil, Iomedae, and/or Shelyn.
In any case, you learn about an Old Pathfinder - one Kerinha Napsunar - who by her actions is responsible for the retaining of the many old religious relics on display at this temple, for during a period of turmoil, she established a smuggling ring to preserve the culture of this temple (and others - even as far as from Rahadoum!) from anticipated destruction as a casualty of political upheaval.
Three possible accounts of Kerinha Napsunar:
1) Some claim her body is buried in the graveyard 60 miles East
2) One passerby swears she is a local Butcher and sells meats at the Farmer's Market (later today)
3) Yet others claim never to have heard of the name - perhaps you are mispronouncing it?
...
Nedri and Aurelien - you may either bestow a Hero Point upon yourselves, or, upon those whose visions you forsaw - which shall it be, each of you?
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Aurelien to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Nightmares, Mayor
Duncan to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Local Buzz
Emoubu to Gather Info (Diplomacy) about Local Buzz
Khaul to Gather Info (Religion) about Odd Occurances
Nedri to Gather Info (Diplomacy, Untrained) about Kerinha Napsunar
...
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Khaul meets back with the rest of the group in the evening.
"Well, this down be dwarf deprived if ever I saw one. But Torag, he is a god of crafting - and he makes objects of beauty if ever there be one. So I took meself down to the temple to Shelyn to be surrounded by objects that would be pleasing to the Forgemaster. " explains Khaul.
"While there, I did hear tell of a Pathfinder of old. Kerinha Napsunar recused many of the relics they be keeping for their beauty. Apparently they got smuggled into the temple during the Times of Trouble. And Shelyn's shrine not be the only one to benefit. Sounds like Kerinha was an apt hand at moving goods under the eyes of authority, if ye be getting what I mean. I be thinking that if any of you be having contacts of that sort, it might be worth following them up."
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At Khaul's response, Ned frowns and shakes his head. "Hope yer right, fella. 's ugly times ahead."
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After asking around, Ned returns to the group in a huff. "Couldn' find a durned thing about 'er! Some o' these ninnies tryin' ta tell me en't nobody by that name in town. One lad said she's the local butcher!" He snorts. "Boy smelled sauced as all gitout. But might as well check out th'market when it opens in a bit. A creepy girl wit' dead eyes an' a ragdoll tol' me Kerinha's buried some sixty miles east o' town. Nice kid, def'nitely gonna go places. Not college, but places."
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'It appears the locals know very little of their own history, which is a shame. The closest I have to anything useful is that I have also heard tell of an old graveyard sixty miles to the east. I'm sure the human who told me was twice my age, so I'm sure he has the knowledge of a lifetime spent in these parts. The Mayor, Thalia Andares, lives in luxury within the Old Sauer Estate, surrounded by vineyards. The envy of those who spoke of her oozed out of every pore. The dreams seem confined to us, so far, Ned.'
Aurelien looks pensive, as if weighing something in his mind.
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It seems no matter how far you roam the Homeland is never far away. The locals were quite impressed with my tales of exploration, particularly through a mountain pass. Once I mentioned we set out from Cheliax for that bit of exploration it got quiet for a minute. Turns out our mayor is not simply an Andares. Her full name is Thalia Andares Thrune and if the bar crowd is to be believed we best not get on her bad side.
And Ned, I'd believe the creepy girl, considering Kerinha adventured with Durvin Gest himself.
After hitting the town, the hour approaches noon, and having put their heads together, with a few ideas on the table, the party decides what to do next, and...
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"Ooh, dinner sounds lovely!" Ned coos. "I wunner if 'ey'll be servin' monkey brains? I heard some fancy pants types eat monkey brains. Sounds gross. I wanna try it."
He scratches at something caked to the side of his nose. Whatever it is, he plucks it off and sticks it in his pocket, which rustles for a moment. A small rat tail flops out of the opening before slithering back in. "Mebbe I could have another chitty-chat wit' the locals? I dunno what else I kin do ta be o' service right now."
The party spends the afternoon exploring the lovely town, trying to learn more about Kerinha Napsunar, shopping for a potential 60-mile trek, enjoying more drinks with the locals, or other matter of business, but are unable to learn anything more than they have already.
Around sunset, the heads towards The Old Sauer Estate, following the easy directions Aurelien was able to chat from a local.
The estate looms ominously in the dusklight!
“Hey there, strangers!”
The call comes from a human woman in her mid‑thirties with long, dark hair and an open, friendly face. She opens the mighty estate door as you approach. “You must be the Pathfinders Brackett told me to expect. I’ve done a little digging on your behalf but haven’t turned up much yet. Why don’t you all join me on the veranda for a glass of wine while we talk about your mission here?”
Thalia leads you to the veranda and pouring several glasses of wine... ...while she does so:
...
The wine is a sour red whose best quality seems to be that there’s a plentiful supply of it!
The wine is a sour red whose best quality seems to be that there’s a plentiful supply of it!
The estate itself has clearly been rebuilt recently.
The estate itself has clearly been rebuilt recently.
The vineyards around it are sparse and covered with fresh loam and soil.
The vineyards around it are sparse and covered with fresh loam and soil.
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Khaul sighs quietly to himself at the offer of more wine. Why does the Society send me to missions in the middle of vinyards, rather than a brewery?
He nods however in acceptance of the glass. "Your wines be famous. T'would be a shame to not sample from the Mayor's own cellar" he says.
"I've been a hearing of a pathfinder of old Kerinha Napsunar. I'm a keen ear for tales you may have heard of them. " he gestures with the wine glass. "It's always nice to pick up a little history"
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Duncan notes that the fields look fresh, whether they're new or just at the beginning of the season he isn't sure.
Not just Kerinha herself, but her old lodge as well. Rumor has it her grave is a couple days travel away, but I'm hoping we might find evidence of the building a bit closer to town. Are there any older sections of town we should start looking around in first?
To Duncan “The Strickmund winery was built long before I was born, but from what I was able to find in old records about Sauerton, the land the lodge was built on was bought by Ven Strickmund’s great‑great‑grandfather about 100 years ago. Apparently Ven’s ancestor was a Pathfinder, so he might be able to tell you more"
She pours Duncan, Khaul, and Aurelien a glass, and moves towards Emoubu and Nedri next.
"As to Kerinha Napsunar being burried 60 miles east, I'm afraid I'm not well versed in her life, beyond knowing she was an early Pathfinder active in the area who moved around a lot. There is a plot I believe, right around there"
After pouring out the five glasses, she reclines into a chaise longue, and lifts her own glass to her lips.
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Ned shakes his head at the offered glass. "I don' touch the stuff no more. Rots m'brain, y'see." He gives her a wide-eyed, solemn nod, as if she too must see that yes, brain rot is definitely a concern here.
Ned cocks his head at the room. The decor, the paneling, the fresh wood of the floors. That, plus the fresh loam in the fields...
He turns to Thalia. "There a fire recently? Mebbe a big fight, wrecked the house an' the area? I jes' noticed this place is recently rebuilt, an' yer fields is fresh soil."
Having critically failed in your "Alcohol Lore" check, you are under the impression that what you are being served is of inferior quality - but a mere cooking wine - meant to convey that your company here is valued proportionally!