Ensconced in a private meeting room at the famous Farseer Tower in exotic Katapesh, Venture-Captain Wulessa Yuul wastes no time commencing her briefing. “This has all the makings of a magnificent embarrassment,” she begins sourly. “The Grand Lodge recently sent a delegation to the mansion house of Temel Passad in Kerse. Passad is an enormously wealthy devotee of the Prophecies of Kalistrade, and he happens to possess the only known copy of the Mutani Manual of Martial Mastery in the Inner Sea region. The delegates were tasked with obtaining this rare tome, by either purchasing or leasing it."
“By all accounts Passad is a difficult man, but the delegation proved… stupendously inadequate to the task. Not only did they fail to secure the manual, but they also managed to grossly insult the merchant. Two of the representatives were manhandled off the property and taunted by Passad that under no circumstances would he part with the Mutani Manual unless the Society could earn it, challenging us to take it from a hidden location among his many holdings throughout the region. The third delegate, who happens to be one of the foremost experts on all things Tian, was detained by Passad for what he termed ‘an extended conversation on the finer points of ambassadorial etiquette.’ He’s invoked an obscure Druman statute involving foreign embassies, making this kidnapping perfectly legal in his government’s eyes."
She is pissed, obviously at the ineptitude of the prior group, but adds a bit of background detail, "If you don't know, the Mutani Manual holds information essential to the society's goals. And naturally we would also like our agent, Harmidio Besai, rescued as well. But frankly this whole Charlie Foxtrot is a mess and we are just stabbing at the dark. We don't know with certainly which of Passad's holdings has the tome or Besai, nor if they are even in the same place. But of the twelve estates likely, one is near here so that is where I am sending you all. Ghenett Manor, fifty miles west."
She continues, "Do as little damage to the property as possible—we’re not vandals, after all. Also, take nothing else of worth from the place. We’re not common thieves. I cannot stress this strongly enough. Given our already ample embarrassment with Passad, please don’t add to that dishonor by making off with the man’s silverware or his grandmother’s brooch, for Abadar’s bloody sake. No doubt the villa is a sumptuous and tempting target, but you must keep this in the forefront of your minds: The tome and the scholar are all that matter. Everything else is a distraction. The Decemvirate will take a special interest in your conduct on this assignment."
“Lastly, we have reason to believe that others are in pursuit of the Mutani Manual, including agents of the Aspis Consortium. Be wary! Under no circumstances can the book fall into the hands of a rival organization. Now, do you have any questions?"
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"He's really just challenged us to steal from him? Bold! I like it." The elf laughs. His hair freshly-dyed a brilliant greenish blue, the elf seems suffused with joy at the long-distance taunt from this Kalistocrat.
"I'm Ahmande," he points out to the others. "And the telling of this little adventure will likely be fun whether we succeed or not," he adds with a smirk. "In the interests of actually trying to succeed, though, what can you tell of the Manor itself, and the grounds. Any chance anyone had the foresight to pull an architectural drawing or anything of the like? What can we expect in terms of defenses, that you know of?"
"In the interests of actually trying to succeed, though, what can you tell of the Manor itself, and the grounds. Any chance anyone had the foresight to pull an architectural drawing or anything of the like? What can we expect in terms of defenses, that you know of?"
She nods, happy you are asking important questions.
"The manor is a modest affair—by Druman standards at least: an ornate stone structure that overlooks the River Scorpius. It’s one or two stories tall at the most, built around a central atrium, like many Katapeshi villas. The grounds are surrounded by a wall. We don’t know the scale or nature of its security. Proceed with caution."
Seoni seems to have done her job looking nice as she gets a simple 'hello' back and is otherwise ignored by the Venture Captain.
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An elderly scholar with thick glasses steps forward. "How are we to identify both the scholar and the tome?" he enquires.
Looking around the youthful and energetic group, he sighs, feeling his age as weariness passes over him for a moment.
"Are there any other laws that might be of interest to us in the area? And I assume that we are also to use non lethal means of dealing with any guards that might be around?"
Then, picking up on Ahmande's question he asks "Do you have access to any similar villas that we might see the plans to, to get a feel for what may be inside. What sort of protections are common? Magical wards? Secret doors?"
An elderly scholar with thick glasses steps forward. "How are we to identify both the scholar and the tome?" he enquires.
She quickly answers the two questions, "The manual would be written in Tien. It is an exhaustive compendium of eastern fighting styles and combat games. It is supposed to be copiously illustrated and the cover bears an embossed representation of a Tian weapon known as a nunchaku-two rods of wood connected by a cord or chain. The scholar is well..." she eyes the elder scholarly looking human asking the question "...probably looks similarly to you. He has an extensive knowledge regarding Tian Xia, with few equals within the society this side of the Crown of the world. He began his pathfinding career as an active agent, a wizard I believe, but soon found his true calling in pure scholarship. He is known to be a cantankerous man-certainly his inclusion in the delegation was an epic error. We have no reason to believe he has been seriously harmed, but it's probable that Passad has made an effort to injure the man's dignity."
She smiles playfully, "So look for a cranky old man that won't shut up and probably avoid mirrors."
"Are there any other laws that might be of interest to us in the area? And I assume that we are also to use non lethal means of dealing with any guards that might be around?"
She nods, "Yes, do your best to keep things non-lethal, at least with guards. But I would not be surprised if the traps and dangers are quite lethal, so just use your best judgement on anything else. Avoid destruction of property obviously as well. Law wise... I would say just don't get caught doing anything generally considered illegal? We honestly don't know what you will face, but doing things without violence as a first option is always smiled upon by me, at least."
Then, picking up on Ahmande's question he asks "Do you have access to any similar villas that we might see the plans to, to get a feel for what may be inside. What sort of protections are common? Magical wards? Secret doors?"
"Sadly I have none of that information available nor information about other villas. You will simply have to be careful."
Kyra nods, echoing Khellek's questions "We understand you are unaware of the details on the Mansion's security, but yes, are there city guards patrolling the area or is the manse isolated in the wilderness? a team of halfling infiltrators could have been more effective here, but since we are the next best thing and that we'll most likely have to use the front door, perhaps we need to equip ourselves with magic that can break in without leaving permanent destruction. Venture-Captain, would the Society be able to lend us scrolls of knock or a chime of opening perhaps? Finally, could you expand on your last statement during the initial briefing? 'The Decemvirate will take a special interest in your conduct on this assignment,' sounds like a particularly important detail for our gathering here..."
Kyra is blissfully oblivious to the eye rolling happening behind her.
Kyra nods, echoing Khellek's questions "We understand you are unaware of the details on the Mansion's security, but yes, are there city guards patrolling the area or is the manse isolated in the wilderness? a team of halfling infiltrators could have been more effective here, but since we are the next best thing and that we'll most likely have to use the front door, perhaps we need to equip ourselves with magic that can break in without leaving permanent destruction. Venture-Captain, would the Society be able to lend us scrolls of knock or a chime of opening perhaps? Finally, could you expand on your last statement during the initial briefing? 'The Decemvirate will take a special interest in your conduct on this assignment,' sounds like a particularly important detail for our gathering here..."
She shrugs at the first question, "Considering the location is quite a ways up the river and near no towns, there should be plenty of cover while approaching and no city guards. As to private guards, I have no clue. There are none on any public record. I have no spare equipment to lend, unfortunately. This was not a mission we had any forewarning about. But the City of Katapesh does have about anything one would want to buy. As to the decemvirate's interest, it is purely because this may be our best, possibly only shot at getting a copy of the manuscript. So obviously if you do well, you will gain their favor. If that is a thing you seek."
"Favors are always good to have in the balance owing column... very well, thanks for your answers Venture-Captain. We shall hit the markets of Katapesh shortly unless anyone else has any further questions?" says Kyra, with half a bow, looking around to her fellow agents with her question hanging in the air.
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The little gnome trotted in a bit late as usual. She gives a quick look around the room and waves at Khellek. ”Hope this is easier than our last mission, Khellek,” she whispers as she arranges her spear so that she can sit comfortably and listen to the venture captain. She smiles and doesn’t ask any questions.
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The scholar peers over his glasses, looking around for where the latest voice comes from. Eventually his gaze drops do the height of Doodle. His face pales and he looks around the room anxietiously.
"Ms Prisim? Please tell me you and your sisters are not also joining us? I don't think I've fully recovered from Ms Apollyanna's last contribution to my history class."
Taking off his glasses, he polishes them again, and peers around the room suspiciously before it rests again on Doodle. A look of surprise crosses his face and he peers closer. "Oh Ms Montafescue!" he says, relief in his voice.
"Why, why yes. I do hope so. However I must admit to being relieved to see you on this mission. While it hardly is likely to end up in Chronicles, I do recall hearing about this tome in my earlier readings. "
Leaning closer he confesses "And I was hoping I might catch a chance to peruse it myself while we travel back with it!"
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The woman who had introduced herself earlier as Talevia Windthorne sat silently as the Venture-Captain had gone over the details of their assignment. Mentions of 'Stealing' provoke an odd twitch of distaste in her expression which was followed by a hand touching the symbol of Erastil that she wore around her neck.
She looks around at her new companions. "I have no further questions.
I think that our task and challenges have been well laid before us."
The venture captain waves you out the door, "If nothing else, I'll leave you to your prep and just wish you good luck."
Khellek knows a few things about the area and travel options. The easiest route there would be to hitch a ride on a barge headed upriver. At most it would cost a couple copper, but pretty much any barge driver that isn't an idiot usually happily allows well armed travelers to hitch rides for free. No bandit would dare attack a group such as this, right?
Khellek's best guess is it would take between 8-15 hours to get that far up the river. You could also hire horses, simply walk it or even use magical means, if the group has them.
A lazy ride up the river is just what the doctor ordered. Khellek is easily able to get a good way into his new book.
About twelve hours later (with no incident, I said it would be safe, right?) the barge slips over close enough to the shore for the group to disembark. The Captain grunts his thanks for the extra sets of eyeballs and continues to pull the set of rafts until they disappear around the bend.
The walls of the manor can be seen through the trees from the river's edge, capping a low, flat hill to the immediate north. The sun has just set and the sounds of nightlife begins droning in the background. Moonlight provides enough visibility to not fall on your face, but those without the advantage of improved vision will need light to see anything important.
The stone walls, once anyone is close enough to see them, are fifteen feet high and made of a highly polished grey stone with shallow geometric etchings covering every inch of their surface, in the style of a quadiran palace. Their is only one entrance to the east.
The flowers and butterflies are especially pleasing to Kyra this time of the year. The building's design and geometries somewhat bored her, being so close to her own homeland's style...
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"We have no hurry to get in while the light is bad do we?" asks the scholar hopefully.
Though, given how close he was holding his book, it is doubtful whether the lack of sun makes a noticeable difference in his ability to spot anything other than his nose.
He does inspect the walls, taking out a notebook and sketching the designs. And hwile doing so, he takes the time to sense any enchantments in the area.
"This is more the size of a small castle than a manor.." he notes with surprise.
The two 'K' party members take a leisurely stroll around the complex but note nothing important...
...wait. Is that a person sitting on a small chair by the front gate? Could be. Could definitely be, but it is a bit dark. Maybe just a statue.
As the group approaches the front gate, the statue stands. A middling aged muscular male (slides page 3) looks the group over with a blank expression, "No need for deceptions, you are expected. Pathfinders I presume?"
He pulls out a key and opens the gate, heading inside, "If you would join me for tea before beginning your search for the book, I will answer any questions I have been allowed to answer."
He gives a small frown, "Courtesy, then questions please. The only information I will give before completing my duties as a host is my name. I am Gamaradim Po."
Pushing the gate open he leads everyone inside. The paving stones from outside the gate lead up to the villa's great double doors. There is a turnaround for carriages and other forms of conveyance to the south.
As the fellow leads the way he does add a suggestion, "Please stay off the grass. The guard dogs are vicious."
The front doors are made of a thick teak and carved with scenes of... Khellek easily recognizes them to be scenes depicting principles of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. A pair of fat, gold rings hangs suspended from the of djinn-like heads firmly affixed to each portal-they appear to be extraordinarily expensive door knockers. There is no lock and Gamaradim moves to push the doors open.
Kyra nods to the man upon hearing his warnings about the dogs. She follows but keeps a respectful distance with her host. "The doors. Do you know what these scenes represent, Gamaradim?"
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"And I am Khellek. Scholar and historian" he says, joining the introduction.
Khellek, eager as ever to show off, explains "These highly the principles of the Prophecies of Kalistrade. Essentially a doctrine of wealth by self denial."
He looks around the grounds, eyes slightly widened at the thought of the guard dogs. "I do hope the dogs are well trained to not attack guests. Which areas precisely do they guard?" he enquires.
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Talevia looked over at Doodle and gave her a surprised look. Being invited in to the manor, or rather castle, and provided with refreshments was unexpected. Pleasant, but unexpected.
She walked swiftly to catch up to the others, her eyes sweeping their surroundings with an experienced ease. "We are grateful for your hospitality. I must admit to being somewhat surprised by it. Do you often entertain Pathfinders in this manner?"
He pauses, about to open the doors, "They are incredibly well trained. Guests who do not stray into the grass have nothing to fear from them. And no, I have never hosted pathfinders before. But I have hosted guests. And you are to be considered guests, per my master's orders. Therefore, you shall be treated as such. This way please."
He pulls on the wrought iron handles and the doors swing open with barely a whisper. He begins walking through a large room... is this a foyer? It's bigger than most people's houses!!!
This opulent entry hall was once a proudly appointed place, with detailed and realistic murals of a marketplace on the walls, carved mahogany benches, ancient statues of red stone—each bearing distinctly Tian features—and a pair of huge fur rugs assembled from the pelts of unusual and exotic animals. Clear signs of violence now mar the room: four of the benches are overturned and one to the southwest is charred, a statue has been reduced to rubble, and both rugs are torn and ragged as if hacked at with knives.
"What happened here, Gamaradim?" asks Kyra as she sees the broken statue.
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Talevia had begun to relax somewhat as they started to walk along but upon seeing the state of this new room, that calm was replaced by a more cautious wariness. Was this a trap?
Her pace slowed, as Talevia lagged behind the others. If something were to happen then she would need to be able to cover the others with her bow.
Kyra asked the question that she wanted to ask so Talevia waited to hear what the answer would be.
He dismisses the question with a wave, "Some unpleasantness. My wife and I haven’t had a proper opportunity yet to tidy up. I do apologize."
He pushes open the next set of doors and heads inside.
A rich green rug of Qadiran manufacture with dizzying geometric patterns filling its thick pile runs down the middle of this charming room. To the north and south are finely carved mahogany benches, before which sit exquisite tables hewn from the same wood. The stone walls are painted in subtly shifting shades of green, so that the color grows lighter the further up the surface it proceeds—clearly the work of an artisan of considerable talent.
A demure woman stands in the corner with a steaming tray of tea ready to serve. She holds a platinum tray that holds a steaming porcelain teapot of delicate manufacture, a number of matching cups equal to members of the party, and linen napkins with the initials 'TP' embroidered on them in fancy lettering.
Po waves at the chairs, "Please be seated. Would you like some spiced tea?"
Once the tea has been served or declined, Po speaks again, "I believe you had questions?"
The gnome accepts the courtesy offered without question and takes a sip. It has an excellent spicy flavor, perfect for the current season.
Khellek remains standing and continues his inquisition.
Po replies, "Technically speaking, there are none. I would hope rampant destruction is not an outcome, but I am paid the same stipend to keep up this property regardless. But of course you may question why I am being helpful. Though your organization greatly offended my master, he nevertheless wishes to extend all the courtesy as is customary for guests in his home. My hospitality ends here, though, and you’ll be on your own to survive the challenges he’s placed before you and leave with what you came for. I and my wife simply plan to stay out of your way after this point."
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Seeing the others sit, Khellek certainly joins them, even though he doesn't drink the tea.
"I met your master once... he was a very focused man. Or maybe I will meet him, my tangling with the timeline leaves things in an unusual situation from time to time."
He pauses.
"Apart from the dogs, are there any other hazards you can warn us about - to save your own cleaning up as much as anything else."
He points back to the previous room. "And what did happen there?"
Po gives a semi-smile shrug, "Please understand that I can hardly be specific about the hazards here. I’m afraid some of it may prove lethal, but the master did ask that your retrieval of the book not be easy. As to the issue in the previous room, other mercenaries such as yourselves caused the damage. They were obviously a less cordial grouping than you, but I was less prepared to greet them up front. And please do not ask further about them, my master forbids me to say more on the subject."
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Talevia takes a seat, took some of the tea, and listened. Khellek was asking good questions and the answers were...enlightening.
"So as I understand what you are saying..." she started, looking up from her tea. "You are caretakers of this property, cleaning up after the groups of mercenaries who are trying to retrieve your Master's book. You do not assist those seeking the book, nor do you hinder them, merely facilitate the challenge. Is that correct?"