You all make your way toward the Wise Quarter slowly, taking time to amble through the streets and stop off at a tavern for a drink, dessert, and/or stew. It's thankfully uneventful, and you manage to time your arrival in the Wise Quarter for just before the Preinaugural Feast. You find the great hall you were told it was to be held at, the ostentatiously-named Great Wyrm's Haul, and step inside.
You seem to be fashionably late (despite being slightly early), as the conversations are already in full swing. You recognize a number of faces, including the Paracountess and her entourage from earlier, along with the Teriarch of Diobel. You hear other names dropped as people are introduced in casual conversation around you, and it seems that a number of the members of Absalom's Lower Council are present. There's quite a bit of speculation about who the deceased councilor's successor will be, with the names "Grint Basatrel" and "Etrasc Primhorn" bandied about most often. Opinion seems quite divided about whether Basatrel, who used to be the previous councilor's assistant, could ever hope to take up his predecessor's mantle. Some scoff at the idea, while others point out how shred he was in his dealings as his predecessor's assistant. The other name, Primhorn, many people seem to have no opinion on--or at least, none they're willing to state openly.
The waitstaff wander the great hall as you mingle, offering trays full of wineglasses and hors d'oeuvres to the various guests and dignitaries--including yourselves. One such waitress, a beautiful elven woman attired in a maid outfit whom you swear you've seen before, takes one such occasion to slip a note to Elemenar, along with an insouciant wink.
The note reads:
To the esteemed Elemenar and his associates,
Please do me the honor of attending the Cherry Blossom Teahouse in the Petals District this evening. I have an important task which will require skill and discretion, and I believe you and your companions are just the people for the job.
Sincerely,
Lady Gloriana Morilla
The Preinaugural Feast is in full swing, but it's not like you were commanded to remain until the end of the affair, either.
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Elemenar stands off to the side of the large room with his hands clasped behind his back. A perpetual scowl is on his face while he watches the host of attendees making fools of themselves. Several times he finds himself dodging out of the way of a harried servant or side-stepping a careless guest.
Yet another servant moves in his direction. As before, Elemenar steps to the side to allow the elven maid to pass but she changes direction at the same time. He steps the other way and she counters while continuing to draw closer. Before he can move again she bumps her tray straight into his chest. In the jostle, the two champagne glasses on the tray threaten to tip over but Elemenar's quick reflexes allow him to set the glasses straight. As he does, the maid also reaches up to steady them. At that moment she slides a small fold of paper between Elemenar's fingers.
She moves away before he can respond.
Elemenar sighs and then unfolds the note. It is as he expected. Yet another silly and clandestine meeting.
He spends the next few minutes finding the rest of his companions and relaying the message and gathering everyone at the main exit.
"It seems that our patience is going to be tried once again. We must go to the tea house. I see no reason to wait."
Ki-Chin and To-to agree and Elemenar begins walking in that direction.
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As Aya stood among her fellow Pathfinders, the cacophony of conversation swirling around her, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting the divine presence of Horus wash over her. She thought of her loyal roc companion and how they'd soared together through the skies. Their bond brought her comfort in uncertain times.
Opening her eyes, Aya looked around the lavish hall, observing the powerful and influential figures discussing the future of Absalom. She considered the implications of the note they had received, wondering what kind of task Lady Gloriana Morilla had in store for them. Aya was no stranger to the importance of discretion, but she was also deeply aware of her responsibilities to the Dark Archives faction and the Pathfinder Society.
“Change comes to us all!“ Aya murmured, her voice soft but steady.
“The winds shift, and the sands of time do not stop for anyone. We are Pathfinders, seekers of knowledge and champions of balance. Whether we choose to stay and engage with these political games or venture into the mysterious shadows of the Cherry Blossom Teahouse, we must remember our purpose and remain true to ourselves. But I agree .. the tea house is our next stop!“ she says.
The party quietly slips out of the feast and make their way to the Petals District. You find the tea house without issue, and as you enter, you are greeted by a Tian-Min woman dressed in a kimono. She bows and greets you in Tien before repeating her welcome in Taldane, and immediately gestures for you to follow her. It seems she was expecting you.
The hostess takes you all to a private dining room, opening the sliding door and ducking aside to allow you entrance. Lady Gloriana sits in the lotus position on the floor, and gestures you to sit. The hostess, in turn, directs several serving girls to bring in trays of snacks and tea; once they are finished, the hostess and the serving girls withdraw.
Lady Gloriana still holds her peace for a few moments as she tilts her head and listens to make sure that no one is eavesdropping. At last, she speaks.
"Nearly a year ago, I and several of my best agents began assembling a grand Army of Exploration to do battle in the Worldwound and inspire others to do the same. Admittedly, we also aimed to restore some of Taldor's lost glory, if its leaders would show initiative by funding some of their own crusaders. Most of my peers continued to sit idly and mock our efforts, yet now that the army has proven victorious, these critics are racing to claim that they were key contributors."
"Several of Grand Prince Stavian's loudest sycophants--including the boorish Lord Minovitas--are in Absalom for the dedication of 'The Opparan Trace Commission,' which is a new guildhall intended to host Taldan business and is scheduled to open tomorrow afternoon. One of my agents serves as an aide to Lord Minovitas, and he reports that the lord commissioned the celebrated Varisian painter Amya Illanaf to create a series of portraits to hang in the grand hall. I have since learned that these are entitled 'The Heroes of the Worldwound.' The one my agent chanced to see portrayed that portly hound Lord Minovitas in pristine battle regalia with his foot planted on a dead fiend, as though he had slain it himself--all while Iomedae sings his praises in the background."
"We cannot afford to let Absalom see these, for they would perpetuate the stereotype that Taldor is a land of foppish aristocrats dedicated to their own grandiose delusions. If we let this happen, we would reward the ineptitude and indolence so common in Taldor's upper class. We would also surrender much of the credit we are due."
"I have made arrangements to sabotage the portraits, which Lord Minovitas is keeping covered until they are unveiled to the public. If you can get to the paintings first, you might secretly deface or alter them to embarrass Lord Minovitas and send a message to other Taldan nobles who would do the same. At present, the art waits in a warehouse in the Wise Quarter. Find a way in, do what you must, and try to avoid hurting innocents or being caught in the act; we're trying to help Taldor, not start a civil war."
Lady Gloriana looks to the others, then Ki Chin. "I have a few items which may help. Three scrolls which will destroy the artwork , if that would help. I also have paints and a scroll which will allow the caster to fabricate a new painting . Or, if artistic pursuits are beyond you all, I did have a couple of paintings of my own commissioned. They are unframed, however, so you would need to replace Lord Minovitas's paintings in their frames with those."
She pauses and reaches for a pouch at her belt. The Taldan produces a small figurine crafted of silver in the shape of a raven and places it in front of her. "Finally, use this figurine to inform me when the task is done. You have about twelve hours before the unveiling--it will be tomorrow morning. If I can help you prepare, let me know; otherwise, I will let you see to your own preparations."
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Aya listened intently as Lady Gloriana shared her concerns about the situation at hand. The portraits, in their current state, would only serve to feed the egos of the undeserving and perpetuate a false narrative about Taldor's role in the Worldwound victory. Aya knew that the truth was important, and that people should not be allowed to rewrite history for their own benefit.
As Lady Gloriana finished speaking, Aya pondered the task before them.
“I understand the gravity of this situation!“ she began, her voice steady and full of conviction.
“We will do our best to ensure that the truth is not overshadowed by the whims of those seeking to glorify themselves undeservedly. But we must tread carefully and use our skills with wisdom and discretion!“
She thinks.
“We will utilize the items to the best of our abilities in order to ensure the success of our mission. The scrolls and paintings will no doubt prove invaluable in our efforts to expose the deception behind Lord Minovitas's grandiose claims!“
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As the Pathfinders discuss their plan, Aya strokes the feathers of her faithful roc companion, who had joined them for this delicate mission.
“I must share with you some troubling information about Lord Minovitas. It seems he is no stranger to controversy and has long been fighting to maintain his image here in Absalom. I have heard whispers of his exploitation of his ancestral lands and the suffering of his people. The tales are disturbing, and I fear they reveal the true nature of this man!“
Her roc companion lets out a soft coo, as if sensing the gravity of Aya's words. She continues, "
“Furthermore, those who have dared to speak out against him have met with unfortunate ends. At least two individuals who shared stories of his transgressions have vanished without a trace within the past month. Lord Minovitas's actions have not gone unnoticed by his superiors either. He has faced formal censure for 'ignoble conduct,' actions that would be considered felonies if committed by a commoner!“
You also heard that Lord Minovitas sent for a handful of Taldan guards to transport six flat crates from the warehouse, but they are yet to arrive at the guildhall. His lordship sent word
that he intends to dispatch replacements soon to retrieve his possessions.
In addition, business has been slow for the warehouse, and the owner is late in paying his employees’ wages—much to the workers’ chagrin.
In addition, you also recall hearing that Lord Minovitas sent for a handful of Taldan guards to transport six flat crates from the warehouse, but they are yet to arrive at the guildhall. His lordship sent word that he intends to dispatch replacements soon to retrieve his possessions.
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"From what I heard the warehouse gives tours to clients. We can pose as clients to get the lay of the land then sneak in later. Lord Minovitas' caravan containing the paintings are still on their way to the warehouse. We can ambush them and pose as the guards. It would make replacing the painting easier I think. I say we go for the ambush. If we try to sneak into the warehouse the city guards might get involved."
The party retires for the night and makes plans for their less-than-legal activities on the morrow.
When daylight comes, you make your way to where you expect the caravan carrying the paintings to come through. You don't have to wait long before it does, either--a horse-drawn covered wagon, escorted by three guards (a fourth guard sits on the wagon, driving it). They don't seem to be aware of you just yet.
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Aylanna will try to disarm the situation as the party tries to stop the caravan. "We have important business with your cargo for the good of Taldor. The less you know the better, but if you are true sons and/or daughters of Taldor I promise we are on the same side here. Leave this wagon and its contents in our care and return home."
The lead guard seems dubious. “We don’t have time for this. Stand aside!” he commands, motioning brusquely.
The lead guard hesitates, then looks at his comrades for support. They seem equally hesitant, and even more so after Elemenar points out--quite innocently--that the area is quite isolated.
The leader grumbles nervously, "...He still hasn't paid us for the last job, either. This ain't worth it." With a wave to the driver of the wagon, he backs away from the wagon. The driver quickly hops down from the wagon, and the caravan guards beat a hasty retreat.
You've got the wagon now, and the paintings...but no uniforms. You do recall that Lady Gloriana sent a silver raven figurine of wondrous power with you, to be used after you'd acquired the paintings, though. That in mind, you activate the magic of the raven, and send it winging away to carry word to Lady Gloriana. A short time later, it returns, bearing a note in its clutches. After alighting upon Elemenar's shoulder, it drops the note into his hand and goes inert again.
You'll still need to get the modify or deface the paintings and then get them into the warehouse somehow, though.