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A young half-elf woman with black hairs, entwined with crimson locks, green eyes and a smirk on her face is reading a large book, full of esoteric symbols.
She's wearing a crimson heavy armor, and on each of her side hangs two identical strange sword. On her back a longbow is tied.
She stops reading for a moment, says Hi, name's Shandra. and goes back to her book.
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A grizzled old Dwarf walks down the docks, a long gun slung over one shoulder with a ruck sack loaded to bursting. He stops along the way to snag an unattended tin pail, whistling as he goes. There's the boat, The Loose Goose, wonder if they serve ale? I'll ask after some lunch I guess. He shrugs to himself and heads up the gangplank, creeping quietly to avoid too much small talk with the crew.
He heads up into the crows nest and hunkers down for some lunch. Before long a small stream of smoke floats up and out of the crows nest and the smell of roasted meat parades around the deck below.
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Before long a loud and glorious rings out and a handful of gulls hit the deck of the ship in a series of bloody Thuds.
Scratch peers over the side of the crow's nest and hoots and hollers down to Shandra "Hey, mind roundin' them up n haulin' 'em up here? I see another gaggle of them dumpster divers headin' this way n I don't wanna miss 'em!" He quickly reloads and ducks back down out of sight.
Thuds
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"What the Devil was that?!" A large, thick-necked man stands up from behind some crates. You do a bit of a double-take as you aren't even sure those crates could have hid him.
He stalks up the gangplank, staring up at the crow's nest where Scratch is. He holds a tattooed hand up to shield his eyes. "Get down from there! As much as I like a tussle with the guard, I've already tossed one into the drink this week. If I rough up another defending your sorry hide, Farabellus will probably have to spring me from jail again!"
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The head peaks back up out of the nest "Guard? Fer what? I'm doin' double duty up here.. pest control and roundin' up lunch! How you like like 'em? Crispy or smoked?" He points out another group of gulls flying over, rests his scattergun on the rail, aims and fires!
Thud Thud
"Pull out any pellets you see, save 'em, I reload.. He chuckles and ducks back down to reload.
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A somewhat small and indistinct kayal , whose skin appears to be absent of color and partially void of substance, arrives to the meeting place. They wear fashionable yet functional clothing underneath a somewhat bulky half plate that fits well and has a series of dots and lines etched into it forming what appears to be constellations. At their side is a kukri and a starknife with a central grip that depicts a silver dragon whose neck, wings, and tail wrap around the blades. Lastly, a moon-shaped medallion is worn around their neck and rests atop the armor.
The kayal looks around, taking everything and everyone in, and then chooses to ignore the commotion, "Right, name's Zenith. Shandra you remind me of an agent I've seen before...Lydia...is her name. You have the same weapons and crimson armor. Speaking of that armor, what a wonderful canvas! Would you like the stars etched into it?" Zenith asks with a hint of excitement in their voice.
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Stopping reading her book, Shandra looks at the kayak Hey! Yes, I know Lydia! We've never worked together, but we've discussed about our weapons and the best way to know how to use them...
She looks at her armor and thinks at Zenith's proposal before answering Thanks! But I'm prefer my armor neat and crimson. But if it please you, you can etch some on one of my blades.
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Another scattergun blast rings out, and then another. Quite a heap of gulls with a few pigeons and a heron lay bloodied on the deck. "HA! Lunch is on me, just gotta help me clean all these up first." The old Dwarf climbs down the ropes with a smile from ear to ear.
"Name's Scratch, Scratch Steeltoe. Help me gut n pluck these things n we can get to cookin'." He scrounges up some wash buckets, ties them off to rope and tosses them overboard before dragging them back in filled with sea water.
"Just lay 'em on the back, stick the blade in the poop shoot, cut to the throat and haul out all the guts.. don't toss 'em though, they make great crab bait. Mind the pellets though.." He smiles, pointing out a jagged, broken tooth "Bitin' inta steel shot is hard on the porcelain."
He waves over all the gawkers and even tries snagging a green looking deckhand to help with the bloody work. "Yer all Pathfinders, I know you've been crotch deep in blood, guts, and sewage at least once, its part of the trainin' program here!"
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A tall female elf with her ponytailed hair swinging side-to-side as she walks arrives at the recently conclude commotion. She looks at them, some gathered around collecting some dead game. She approaches them and introduces herself as she helps them as well. “Nice to meet you. Are these for lunch, you say? I am Avery. Just waiting for the briefing.“ Her tawny owl Sophia just arrives on time to pick up some remains as well. “Oh, there you are. Wher4 did you go this time?“ The bird just ruffles its feathers ane continues with her business. “And she is my companion, Sophia.“ Avery introduces the owl to them.
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Stopping reading her book, Shandra looks at the kayak Hey! Yes, I know Lydia! We've never worked together, but we've discussed about our weapons and the best way to know how to use them...
She looks at her armor and thinks at Zenith's proposal before answering Thanks! But I'm prefer my armor neat and crimson. But if it please you, you can etch some on one of my blades.
"Oh, of course! I would be honored." Zenith says almost in shock. "I'll have less space on your swords. Tell me, what is it you seek? Your answer will help me choose which constellation is most suited for you? Unless, of course, you have a constellation already close to you?"
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After your ship arrives in Oppara you are ushered into the hidden basement of the Porthmos Club, a tea house and former temple to Shelyn that offers discreet meeting spaces. Past a door disguised as a wine rack, Lady Gloriana Morilla waits in a meeting room outfitted with threadbare velvet chairs. She is a light-skinned, dark-haired Taldan woman who wears a simple but fashionable dress. A full tea service offers you a selection of white or rosehip tea, sandwiches, and pastries. After waiting a moment for you to get comfortable and select refreshments, Gloriana clears her throat to get your attention.
Lady Gloriana Morilla, Taldan noble and longtime ally of the Pathfinder Society, smiles in greeting as she takes a sip from her teacup. “I hope that you enjoy the refreshments,” she says as she settles into her chair. “The Porthmos Club has always treated me well in times of upheaval. Unfortunately, I believe we are in such times today.
“Venture-Captain Muesello has disappeared. Just prior to his disappearance, a strange crime spree started here in Oppara. Each of these crimes have targeted known allies or supporters of Grand Princess Eutropia. Oddly, the witnesses say that the perpetrators had customized wayfinders, and we’ve noticed that these wayfinders bear Muesello’s signature designs. “I had hoped to speak with him about the matter and be able to clear his name, but he remains elusive. I’ve sent out my own agents to tail him, who report back that he’s out at odd hours in the city around the areas where these crimes took place. He loses these tails quickly and hasn’t reached out to me for help. It’s suspicious.
Gloriana places her teacup down on the table with an audible clink. She leans forward, urgency clear as she says, “Something doesn’t feel right. I can’t bring myself to believe that Muesello is involved in these crimes. I need you to investigate what is going on. Be thorough and be discreet. Even other Pathfinder agents may accidentally tip him off and send him deeper into hiding. I can only hope that you find something that clears his name. If you can intercept him or meet with him, all the better.”
She hands you a sheet of paper with information about the recent incidents.
Handout #1: Initial Leads
Robbery at Lioness Jewelers: Lioness Jewelers and Specialty Smithy was robbed three days prior. The shop has been advertising commemorative coins of Grand Princess Eutropia’s coronation. Constabulary reports indicate that the master mold, blanks, and completed coins were all stolen. However, the rest of the shop’s precious metals were left.
Arson of Street Monument: The eccentric street artist Garrix created a life-size statue of Grand Princess Eutropia out of flowers and barbed wire. Five days ago, it was lit on fire in the early afternoon. The constabulary report indicates that several members of Garrix’s household staff witnessed the event.
Attack on Eutropia’s Associate: The socialite Evanine Valborne was reportedly attacked on her way home from an art showing in Grandbridge two days ago. She is accepting visitors in her home in Westpark, though she has not given a public statement on her attack. The constabulary report is not available.
Oppara Lodge: Muesello has offices at the local Pathfinder Society lodge, which is disguised as a bait and tackle shop. Perhaps his assistant, Lolly Adafish, can tell us more about his whereabouts, or give us access to his office, but she may be in league with him. Don’t go here until you’ve gathered as much evidence as you can from the crime scenes, which should help convince Lolly to help, one way or another.
Reminder: Return to the Porthmos Club at the end of the day to report on the evidence gathered from these sites, and any others sites you investigate.
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Jaxon takes the sheet of paper and reads it over, squinting a bit at the writing. "Huh. Fairly proper jobs. A bit of counterfeiting, some arson, and then an assault or intimidation." The thug bends and pops some of the fingers on his meaty hands.
"What more can you tell us about Muesello? And do you have these wayfinders that seem to connect to him?"
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Scratch spends most of the journey wandering around the deck or up in the crow's nest Ain't no way I'm gettin' stuck below decks if this thing hits an angry whale or oversized Kraken! He usually appears a bit nervous, unless of course he came across any unattended ale or spirits 'to calm his nerves' during the voyage. He relaxes noticeably when they finally make landfall.
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"So, let's see what kinda exotic locale we're dealin' with!" His dreams are quickly smashed as they make their way down to the meeting place and hear Morilla's synopsis.
City work.. on the hush hush.. b!~&$@!s. At least the food is solid. He stares off a bit into the platters of food to collect his thoughts while Jaxon reads over the details.
Finally Scratch speaks up "Ain't the first time I've seen someone trying to plant a wayfinder to frame a Pathfinder.. but I've heard some stories of Pathfinders goin' off the rails too. Guess we'll have to keep our eyes and ears sharp and our powder packed tight." He nods to the group like he made some important statement.
"So what sorta connection does this Grand Princess Eutropia have with the Pathfinders?"
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Reading the sheet of paper about the incidents, Avery ponders what more can be learned about Venture-Captain Muesello. Good thing, Jaxon already asked the question. "Is there anything we need to take note of or remember as we investigate the places, aside from the evidence we may gather?" Avery asks Lady Gloriana.
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None of this seems to tie into your Underworld Lore at this time.
“Grand Princess Eutropia’s rise included a civil war. The wounds from this war haven’t yet healed, so she has a few detractors. It’s hard to say which one would be so bold as to organize an entire crime spree, though. The Pathfinder Society had a run-in with a criminal group that was recruiting people off the streets through illicit fighting tournaments last year, though we’re still investigating the extent of that group’s operations. Perhaps these crimes are related.”
Also remember you must avoid blatant violations of the city’s laws and threatening behavior toward its residents as you pursue the leads. She gives you a copy of her signet ring in case you run into trouble. When she gives you the ring, she tells you:“If you do run into trouble, show the constabulary my signet ring and ask them to bring you here. I’ll do my best to resolve any legal issues. If you can avoid needing me, I’d appreciate it, but I’m here for you if necessary.”
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Could we start at the Oppara Lodge? “The Oppara Lodge may hold some clues, but I’d caution you about starting your investigation there. If Muesello is using the lodge as a hideout, or his assistant is sympathetic to his cause, investigating it may cause him to bolt. Go there after you find enough evidence to present to the staff at the lodge, and hopefully you can convince them to help. I recommend investigating the crime scenes first.”
Lady Morilla tells you
“Muesello is a skilled machinist. He makes most of the Pathfinder Society’s wayfinders ̧ though not all of them. He runs the Oppara Lodge covertly, using a bait and tackle shop as a front. As far as looks, he’s in late middle age, with gray hair and light skin. Typically, he’s in his leather machinist apron, but the people I’ve had looking for him says he’s been wearing a cloak to conceal hi appearance. He’s an old friend, and I truly don’t believe he’s involved in the crimes—but it’s suspicious that he’s been avoiding my agents.”
I don't have any of the wayfinders, but perhaps you can find some in the course of your investigation?
As for anything else you should know:
What laws should we be aware of? “Oppara has the typical laws you’d expect, such as prohibitions on theft, murder, and trespassing. You do not have any particular authority to bend these rules. If the constabulary gives you a direct command, I recommend obeying them. Even if what you’re doing isn’t technically against the law, it could cause complications if your investigation comes to their attention. Remember to use my signet ring if they start asking questions. Better yet, avoid getting into such a situation in the first place.”
Jaxon and Shandra both consider what the know about the Underworld here, but can't find any connections.
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Zenith gives Scratch an odd look but then agrees, "Sure, we have to start somewhere. The arson sounds like a good potential lead. And there were witnesses!" Zenith makes sure they have all of their belongings before setting out.
To Shandra, "I suppose we'll have to do your constellation later then, yeah?"
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Among the houses in Aroden’s View, the family home of Garrix is easily spotted due to the burnt husk of a statue before its courtyard gates.
A young adult human with light skin directs a butler to place a garland of gold coins over the charred remains of a statue, their arms crossed and their face furrowed in concentration. “Ah, you’ve come too early,” says the person directing the work. “My grand unveiling of the new monument is tomorrow. If only you came by then, I would have been finished with the changes to Queen Eutropia’s monument! Though, maybe you are lucky, for you get to see my artistry in action.”
The butler gives an uncomfortable cough as he rearranges the garland.
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Scratch makes sure to keep his wayfinder out of sight after leaving the briefing, tucking it under his leather armor and encouraging the others to do similar. "Best we keep a little bit on the sly, just in case right?"
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Scratch smells the burnt remains before he sees them "Ooo the smell of soot and ash, brings me back home it do." He approaches the pair next to the statue with a look of curiosity on his face. "Smells a bit toasty, what happened?" Scratch asks, looking for permission before inspecting the charred statue a bit closer. He dips his fingers in the ash, smelling and tasting it for anything out of place.
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[ooc]Working to meld the narrative with the scenario mechanics.
As Scratch examines the soot and ash, Garrix is trying to adjust the burned statue to repurpose it as a new art piece, and asks Scratch to help him reform the arm of the hulk to a new shape. While Scratch is helping Garrix, one of the stable hands who was helping with the arm tells you:
The arsonists seemed unorganized, as they argued about who was going to approach the statue before burning it down. They had a brief scuffle and one of them dropped a wayfinder, which the constabulary took to White Hall, their Grandbridge headquarters, as evidence.
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Avery looks at what just happened to the statue. "Who would even do that?" Avery mutters to herself as she sees the statue now in burned state. Observing what Garrix is doing, she tries to help her decide what better can be done on the statue. "Maybe you might add some boughs of holly onto her head." she tells Garrix about the statue. "Or we can raise her arm, as if rising from something, what do you think?"
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Previously...
"Well met, friends. I'm Kaitlyn Deathsbane, but you may call me Kat for short. It's what my brother and sister monks called me. It appears I'm your healer for this adventure." The musical lilt of her voice and the slightly pointed tips of her ears that she has elven blood.
Back to our regularly scheduled program...
Kat attempts to help Garrix make repairs to the statue.
"Here, let me help you with that. I've had some experience at the monastery."
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Shandra and Kaitlyn both succeed (even without follow the expert) at keeping the artist occupied long enough to complete the interviews with the witnesses.
The stable hand tracked the arsonists through the streets of Oppara but lost them next to a bait and tackle shop.
The butler spotted a suspicious, grey-haired man peering through the gates of the courtyard only hours before the arson. The man didn’t appear to be armed, but his cloak was covering other bulky clothing.
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Zenith sees everyone freeing up the staff and attempts to flatter Garrix's work.
"This art truly is exquisite! I am sad to hear about the arson, but we are lucky that such skill can make an even better monument!"
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After the group agrees they exhausted all options, Zenith gladly departs in whichever way the group decides. "Where to next? We have a robbery and an attack to investigate." They then glance up to the sky. I wonder what the stars would say, if they were out
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"Yes, let's check the robbery incident. The gray-haired man wearing a cloak before the arson matches the description of Muesello. I wonder if he has something to do with what happened here." Avery shares what she thinks from the details they learned so far. "Let us also not forget the arsonists followed from here to the lodge, they might be with him if he is involved in this situation." she adds.
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Lioness Jewelers
Lioness Jewelers and Specialty Smithing is easily found in the Imperial Square, nestled between a bespoke dressmaker and a florist.
The glass window to the shop bears “Lioness Jewelers and Specialty Smithing” on it in a gold foil. As the door opens, a bell rings delicately. A dark-skinned woman carving a piece of wax holds up her hand in acknowledgement as she finishes the task. After the swoop of excess wax falls from the carving, she places her tools down on a tray with a steady hand and scratches the back of her neck.
“Sorry about that,” she says with an apologetic grin.
“Thank you for stopping by. I’m Opal Vergild, proprietor and goldsmith. Are you looking for something particular today?”
Opal Vergild is the new owner of the jewelry shop, having taken over the business from her recently retired father. She is an eager supporter of Grand Princess Eutropia. Advertisements for commemorative coins celebrating Eutropia’s ascension to the throne are neatly laid on the counter.
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The thug takes a hard punch from Kat right into his fist and his tough-guy persona breaks for a second. He winces and pulls back, shaking his hand. "Ok, ok. Damn, got me right in the nerve!"
Inside the jewelers, Jaxon tries to see what the wax might be used as a mold to make. He assumes it's for a mold, but will try to get a better look. Then he glances over to the door to look for any evidence of forced entry, before joining Avery at the counter. "Yeah, I've heard people talking about these coins you make. Do you have any we can see? And what was the wax for?"
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When you ask about the commemorative coins or mention the break-in that happened three days ago, her eyes light up with excitement. I was a staunch supporter of Eutropia during the Taldan War for the Crown and I'm proud that someone thought my support was important enough to target the shop. I began the process of making a new master mold the next morning. I am creating the new master for the coins in wax, then I use the wax to make a new mold."
She also explains that the proper authorities have already examined the shop for any evidence, but she’s happy to let anyone have a look.
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"Howdy. Name's Scratch." He offers up a nod to the woman "Mind if I look at yer tools? I'm a bit of a crafter myself!" He avoids getting into much excessive small talk, unless its about crafting.
He pays some extra attention to the wax she's using, and if available, the material she'll be putting into the wax to create a new master mold. "You making these coins out of pure gold? Or they get thinned out with somethin' a bit harder n cheaper?"
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Kat was hot on the trail of a clue, but Jaxon was continuing their Bloody Knuckles contest from earlier and throws Kat off her game (One success, one critical failure offset each other.)
In discussions with Scratch, Opal says: These won't be Gold. I'm not trying to make spendable coins, just something pretty to commemorate the occasion. I expect I will use Bronze or something similar.
There was a wayfinder left at the scene that was particularly well-made. It had sapphires embedded in it that I wanted to look at, so it was a pity that the constabulary took it away to White Hall, their headquarters in Grandbridge.
Shandra Looks around the storage closet and realizes additional supplies went missing beyond those needed for minting coin, including Opal's entire stock of cleaning solvents.