Venture-Captain Hestia Themis put out a call to Pathfinder agents to solve the recent troubles threatening Cassomir’s resurgence. The PCs meet Hestia at the modest Pathfinder lodge in Cassomir, but as soon as the PCs arrive, she instructs them to follow her into the streets. Her speaking voice is commanding and fills the space around her. She keeps her dark black hair pinned back and wears fashionably functional clothing.
Hestia guides the PCs through the bustling streets of her hometown, the Taldan port city of Cassomir. She makes several stops during the tour, taking her time to explain niche local history, and proudly boasts over the city’s current economic upswing. She showcases the efficient ship production line, with each new building and busy construction site. Hestia happily introduces the PCs to the sights Cassomir until the group reaches the southeast district, a muddy slum known as Admiral’s Fen. She sighs deeply before speaking to the PCs.
"Welcome to Admiral’s Fen. I know it doesn’t seem like much, but not too long ago this was the best part of the city. I spent my childhood running up and down these streets, but it has been years since the streets of Admiral’s Fen were clear of mud. Some bad years and poor city planning strangled the life out of this place. Each year, more and more of the neighborhood sinks into Blackwood Swamp. Even my childhood home has been swallowed up by the hungry bog.
But something here is amiss, more dangerous than the common petty crime and vandalism. The rest of the city is enjoying a remarkable turnaround, but mysteriously, Admiral’s Fen is growing only more dangerous. Recently, a wave of violent attacks and murders have plagued the neighborhood, far more than could be considered normal. I have my suspicions, but no definite proof.
The citizens of Admiral’s Fen deserve better. If these attacks can be stopped, perhaps the district can finally make a real comeback. It also wouldn’t hurt to strengthen the relationship between the Pathfinder Society and the new Taldan regime by quelling the derelict district’s woes. I want you to find out who or what is behind these attacks and put a stop to them. I’ve arranged for your lodgings at The Sinking Ship, one of the few remaining inns still operating in Admiral’s Fen. Blend in, get to know the people, and ask around. Someone knows something, we just have to find them."
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"Ahh, to serve the greater good of Taldor is all I wanted as a child." sighs the big man with a slightly greenish tinge to his skin.
"Alas when my time came, they chose another. Still, this is but one step on the path, and my time may come again."
Turning to Hestia he offers a small bow. "Did anything else of note happen around the time the attacks started, or shortly before it?"
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Before you stands a lean elf, almost dainty with sharp features. There is no hair on his head. He speaks intentionally, almost "at you" making two-way communication the exception. His eye contact seems to be almost looking "through" you, as if conducting some deep assessment of your intentions instead of letting you explain them.
He nods briefly to Ulvard before he begins in his booming, stern voice. I suppose a sinking neighborhood is just the place to mount a nefarious, organized plan of crime. Has there been any sign of known organizations about, such as the Aspis Consortium or the Sczarni?
I suppose a sinking neighborhood is just the place to mount a nefarious, organized plan of crime. Has there been any sign of known organizations about, such as the Aspis Consortium or the Sczarni?
Hestia pauses to think for a moment before speaking, "I am not sure about them, but several years ago, I subdued a dangerous cult devoted to Groetus, God of the End Times, with the aid of capable Pathfinder agents. I thought the cult had been destroyed, but now I’m not so sure.”
"Did anything else of note happen around the time the attacks started, or shortly before it?"
Nothing I know of seemed to cost this. And what's worse, is these crimes do not seem to be connected at all. The attacks are limited to Admiral’s Fen and the outskirts of the neighboring districts. Old or young, rich or poor, Taldan or guest. Anyone could be next.”
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"I would like to see any investigative reports that have been done regarding the unusual. If there is none, maybe we can begin one of our own. We just need to know where to start."
A tall large-built bearded human appeared among those that are discussing an important matter. He wears a simple uncollared garb that is fitted to his body and a khaki pants. He holds a simple wooden staff and a silver religious symbol, and adorned with his backpack and healer's tools.
"I'm sorry, I think I am late. What did I miss?" he asks those who are already present.
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The quietest member (so far) of the group, an athletic-looking Alijae Elf with coffee-coloured skin and red streaks in her dark hair speaks up "The crimes might not seem connected, but there is enough in your mind to mention them together. We need to find whatever tenuous link there is. Are there any usual sites in the neighbourhood? Ancient burial locations?
Her voice is soft but firm and there seems to be a little fire in her amber eyes. She wears plain-looking studded leather but her clothes are a variety of bright colours underneath. A carved wooden mask and a variety of tools and weapons on on her belt.
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Another elf joins the conversation, this time a copper-skinned one with blonde hair. "Or has something happened within Admiral Fen which could have resulted in these attacks? Stolen merchandise? Kidnap for ransom? Anything that you may have heard of?"
A white falcon perched on the elf's shoulder squawks as if joining the conversation as well.
"Can you tell us anything more about the attacks? Why do you think they are related? What types of weapons were used?"
"It is just a gut feeling to be honest. As far as the weapons, I do no have the reports in front of me."
"I would like to see any investigative reports that have been done regarding the unusual. If there is none, maybe we can begin one of our own. We just need to know where to start."
Begin with the Sinking Ship. It is the local lodging house. Any notes you take would be great. We will be expecting a full report as always.
Are there any usual sites in the neighbourhood? Ancient burial locations?
"Who knows what the swamps hold. There could be complete civilizations hidden under the muck."
"Or has something happened within Admiral Fen which could have resulted in these attacks? Stolen merchandise? Kidnap for ransom? Anything that you may have heard of?"
"No news of thefts or burglaries of any kind."
You all recall that many of Cassomir’s residents continue to worship Aroden, decades after the god’s disappearance. They hope their continued prayers will reach the absent god.
Voron recalls that Groteus is the god of the end times. Edicts are preach of the upcoming end times, destroy that which has outlived its usefulness, put the suffering out of their misery.
You know that the influx of new residents into Cassomir has created a tension among the established residents. The most downtrodden receive no financial benefit from the Taldor’s revitalization.
Also, the greatest export of Admiral’s Fen is an artisanal drink made using the unique fungi in the swamp.
Hestia points to a large establishment with a prominent lean, the front of the inn built to resemble a ship’s bow. "This is the Sinking Ship. Your lodging and meals have paid in full for the next three days. Report will be expected upon your return."
Hestia’s choice of inn, the Sinking Ship, was once a must see attraction in Cassomir. Originally constructed as an homage to Cassomir’s shipbuilding tradition by an eccentric architect from Wispil, the building has traded hands several times. The once-grand interior is now thoroughly marred by years of muddy boots and lack of care. The rooms are sparse, but the drinks are strong, and the owner serves hot fish stew to guests every night. The inn is one of the few remaining establishments in the neighborhood where residents can congregate.
It is just after noon when the PCs enter The Sinking Ship, and a crowd has gathered for the lunch rush. Tamara Reed, the proprietor of the establishment, darts among the residents, taking orders and commanding her staff. Noticing the new arrivals, she calls out. "Sit wherever you like. Be with ya shortly."
You all find a table and a few questionable "chairs" to sit in. About 10 minutes pass before Tamara can make her way to you. "What would you be having. We have the famous fish stew. A thin tomato based soup with the fish from the market for a copper. The special today is the cavedano al forno, a flaky baked fish served on a bed of noodles for 1 silver."
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Ulvard smiles at Tamara. "I am Ulvard!" he declares, perhaps a little too loudly. "I have a room here. And I would like ale and fish. Special fish is good!"
He gestures around the room. "Is Sinking Ship always so busy?" he asks. , before leaning forward a little and lowering his voice a notch. "Some people look worried. Why is that?"
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"You have a thriving business, lady. Might I ask a few questions? I'm Ehlanna, by the way, you can call me Lana. I'm one of your guests for the next three days." says Ehlanna politely. "The first thing I must ask is what is the flaky fish? I'm not sure I've seen that before. Secondly, have you or any of your regulars lost a friend or a loved one to these murders? We'd like to get to the bottom of it quickly, before more lives are lost."
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The wizard starts to grunt and sigh as every order comes with a new question. This makes him start to feel self-conscious for the party.
Oh my, maybe let the lady take our food orders and then we can pepper her with questions about the goings-on in this neighborhood.
I'll have the flaked fish as well. No ale for me, please. I must retain my wits.
Tamara jots down the orders and attempts to answer as many questions as she can.
"Is Sinking Ship always so busy?" he asks. , before leaning forward a little and lowering his voice a notch. "Some people look worried. Why is that?"
Not worried about the topic of conversation, Tamara answers at a normal tone. "Must be new in town. Their has been some people ending up dead."
"The first thing I must ask is what is the flaky fish? I'm not sure I've seen that before. Secondly, have you or any of your regulars lost a friend or a loved one to these murders? We'd like to get to the bottom of it quickly, before more lives are lost."
"Ah...um...it is most likely catfish or trout, dusted in a flour mixture and fired in some lard. As for the killin's and missing folk. Why don't I get you orders in and I will get back to you on that"
"I apologize if I may sound rude, but are these chairs? I mean, what are with these chairs?"
Well, it wouldn't be a tavern without a brawl once in a while, eh? We fix what we can, grabbing parts from here and then.
Once the orders are collected, she attaches the slip of paper to a wheel clipped full of orders. Tamara pulls some tickets off, slaps them on some plates on the window and expertly stacks six plates on her arms. With the grace of a dancer, she moves between the tables, plopping down plates of fish and bowls of stew.
Once making her rounds, she pulls up a "stool" and leans in over the table. "I believe you are here to help. We need that around here. It's not just murders though. An old clothes shop was burned down, The King's Closet. Not too odd and out of place right...wrong. If you haven't notice the moisture in the air from the surrounding swamps. Hardly anything burns that fast."
She then leans back to check on the window, where a set of plates appeared. "If that isn't enough, then there is this doom and gloom guy, Dalimus, I think. He's been speaking about the end of times coming, really unnerving a lot of locals and tourist alike. And to be honest. Bad for business."
Tamara stands and makes her back to the plates that have multiplied in a matter of seconds. She once again takes up the plates and brings them back through the crowd to the PC's. "Here you all Admiral Fen's finest. Enjoy"
She then leaves the PC's to eat and go through what information they have shared.
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A Tian-Shu human with long white hair on first glance wanders casually in, just as Tamara is sharing on the troubles the town has been facing.
He stands quietly at the back and waits for her to finish, the usual smirk on his face gradually fading the more he hears, punctuating her sharing with a soft sigh under his breath. As soon as she finishes though, he pastes his smirk back on and approaches the Pathfinders.
"A good day to you. Or as good a day as could be had in a town sinking into the swamp, I guess. Oh, my name is Hui Kong. Apologies for the tardiness, but um yeah, that's a problem I have. But no worries, the Hestia lady brought me up to speed."
Upon a closer look, you realises that Hui Kong is an aasimar. Although white hair is unsurprising on a middle-aged man, it is a tad too white to be almost glimmering. And of course, no human would have eyes of silver pupils. If not for all that, Hui Kong would look rather nondescript, if rather well-built. Under his dust-covered long cloak and robes appears to be a breastplate, but other than a long and stout walking stick and a dagger by his belt, he doesn't seem particularly well-armed.
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Voron perks up as the first usable details arrive. He looks down at his fish and starts to pick it apart with a knife while continuing to ask questions of Tamara.
Dalimus? Where do you suppose we could find him to have a chat? We might like to check out this King's Closet as well; I presume you can provide simple directions.
Dalimus? Where do you suppose we could find him to have a chat? We might like to check out this King's Closet as well; I presume you can provide simple directions.
Tamara gives slight shrug, "He likes to move around town "spreading his Deities' word". Shouldn't be too hard to find though, he usually draws a crowd."
Tamara then provides you directions to the King's Closet.
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"I think the King's Closet should be our first call. Evidence could get tampered with or moisture-damaged. Dalimus does sound like the type of character we should get better acquainted with too. Bad religious choices can have dire consequences." Ehlanna absent-mindedly runs her fingers over the carved wooden mask on her belt. "We should head out as soon as we have finished eating and seen our rooms."
Once the PC's finish off their food, they head out into the street of Admiral's Fen, to the first location, The King's Closet.
When they arrive, all they see is a charred husk of a building. Ashen wood pillars lay across the once main room of the boutique. Ever bit of clothing left behind is ruined beyond repair.
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Hui Kong joins the rest of the group to scour through the place, He is self aware enough to know he doesn't exactly have an eye for detail but he's not about to skive off.
Shortly after though, he steps out to look around the surroundings, looking to see if there are spectators showing interest in them.
2 investigation points
Ehlanna, Kong, and Mindartis notice that a significant amount of merchandise is missing from the shelves and racks. Leading to believe that those who set the blaze, took what they wanted first.
While sifting through the burnt clothing, they find a silver religious symbol of Groetus. The religious symbol is unusual, as it depicts Groetus gripping the eye of Aroden in his teeth.
With no other leads to follow at this time, the PC's make their way to through town to locate Dalimus. Like Tamara stated back at the tavern, he is not hard to find.
A small crowd has circled around Dalimus. While some laugh, many citizens stop and watch, entranced by Dalimus’ frantic performance. The preacher screams out his words, praising Groetus and his prophet Ahksiva. As he speaks, he takes large melons from his cart and slowly impales them upon long spikes.
When the PCs approach Dalimus’s performance, the street preacher makes a grand show of them, "Ah yes, look at these...these...outsiders. They come from the city "proper" to shame those who live in the mud and the muck. The close untarnished by hard work and living. They mock Aroden and Groetus...yes..yes they do"
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"I know very little of this prophecy about Groetus and Ahksiva but..."
"....my people, the Alijae, are dedicated to investigating and understanding the things that doom this world and all across the planes. We study Nagisa, the White City, and counteract the demonic forces that are mentioned therein. I would like to know more if you would please carry on." She says, hoping that he will not turn to violence.
"That is not true, sir," Henri interjects. We are here to investigate the abnormal events like unexplained murders and the recent fire incident that brings this place to further chaos,
Shame? You're burning down their buildings. What is that to achieve?
"Hmmm, unexplained murders. Why must Groetus need to explain anything to mere mortals like us?"
"The fire, is how things are cleansed. Once burned to ash, we may rise anew."
"You talk, talk, talk. Where is your actions to back your strong words?"
"I am no hand, I am the mouth of Groetus."
I would like to know more if you would please carry on.
"Ah, a curious one. Very well."Dalimus does indeed continue, "Groetus’s end awaits us all, but only after it come to pass can this world be reborn into something more perfect. Those who help bring about this new world will be rewarded by the God of the End Times in the next one to come."
"Groetus’s end awaits us all, but only after it come to pass can this world be reborn into something more perfect. Those who help bring about this new world will be rewarded by the God of the End Times in the next one to come."
With their leads exhuasted, the PC's start coming the muck and mire of the swamp for any additional details.
Kong and Voron catch wind of someone who actually survived an attack. His name is Nogliss Maro, a shipwright, who only recently came to town to make money off of the abundance of repair jobs.
When you go to his residence, you find the door is shut, but not locked.
The man does not open the door any further, and with a worried expression he responds.
"I'm Nogliss." He looks at the group assembled outside his door, "you don't look like those who attacked me. Who sent you? Tamara?"
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Hui Kong raises an eyebrow at the rather direct attempt by Henri. He knows he himself doesn't have the gift of gab, but he has learnt enough that there's no better way to connect with someone than through a common interest.
He first pauses to give a meaningful look at the dilapidated state of this city. "You're a shipwright? Mustn't have been easy adapting your skillsets to fixing houses. I would know. The calluses on these hands came from years of maintaining an ancient monastery perpetually on the verge of collapse. Sucks that someone just can't let backbreaking honest work like that go unmolested."
Kong manages to come to terms with his fellow artisan.
"They all wore dark cloaks and remember one of them saying “I will join you soon, Aroden!’" Yogliss says. "Next thing I know, I wake up in The Sinking Ship, Tamara hovering over me. She found my bloody caracass in the middle of the street, prolly be dead without her."
Nogliss looks at the setting sun. "You all better head back to the inn. Do not want to get caught out here at night." With that he closes the door.
Feeling disgruntled and frustrated with their leads not going anywhere, the PC's head back towards The Sinking Ship.
They almost make it to their destination when a voice calls out. "Halt. I have just caught wind that you have failed to properly register with the Magistrate's office. You must follow me at once to fill out paperwork and of course to pay fines you owe to the town of Admiral's Fen"