The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s Magnimarian manor house. You've been summoned for a mission briefing, and as you wait in the reception area, now's a great opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow agents!
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A shady-looking half-orc slides into the reception area, checking out the corners, and looking for likely escape points.
"When the Society said they needed someone like me to come to a den of scum and villainy I wasn't surprised. It's not like they're praising me but I can see where they came to the conclusion I'd be a natural fit here."
A trio of porters roll into the reception hall with a couple of wooden crates lashed onto a pair of sturdy hand trucks. One of the boxes is the size of a footlocker, the other, larger one about a is about the size of a standing sarcophagus.
The porter with the clipboard turns to Arioch, looks him up and down and says "Are you Regular?"
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A trio of porters roll into the reception hall with a couple of wooden crates lashed onto a pair of sturdy hand trucks. One of the boxes is the size of a footlocker, the other, larger one about a is about the size of a standing sarcophagus.
The porter with the clipboard turns to Arioch, looks him up and down and says "Are you Regular?"
"Regular? I'm extraordinary."
"Nah, were looking for someone named 'Regular', to sign for this delivery."
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A tiny red headed gnome walks in. He strides over to a stool with purpose and introduces himself to his fellow pathfinders.
"Hi there. I am Relgar."
@GM Jhaeman - As we are at Heidmarch Manor Relgar will ask for a pouch of 10 gold pieces for possible bribes or tolls (Pathfinder Society Primer page 17) as his bonus boon.
"You never know when you need some walking around money."
A tiny red headed gnome walks in. He strides over to a stool with purpose and introduces himself to his fellow pathfinders.
"You wouldn't happen to be Regular, would you? says a big porter squinting at his clipboard, as the gnome draws near.
"You should get that looked into. Could be your diet." says the big man.
He sighs "Well, we can't be hanging around here all day, I'm a cleric of the Temple of Union Rules Local 845 and it's time for lunch mass." He and the other porters knock off, and head to the Church's Holy Catering Wagon just up the road from the manor.
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Listening to the conversation, the ifrit that walked in as the porters were bringing in the boxes started to snicker. As the banter between the gnome and workers continued, he fell on the floor, laughing out loud.
"What a good way to start a adventure! he said, once his laughter calmed down. As he made his way off the floor he froze as he realized what had happened. "Sorry about that. I am Zarjkil. I received a summons from Venture-Captain Heidmarch"
Just as Zarjkril speaks, a servant arrives to lead you into a beautifully-appointed dining room. Another servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits as Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch welcomes you to her home. Once the pleasantries are complete, she gets to business.
“As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire.”
“The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now, and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages.”
Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. “Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport--the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor--but attempts to identify her ship have been unsuccessful so far.”
“I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy.”
“In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza--who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”
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A tall, gloomy looking man with close cropped black hair strides up just before the group is admitted. He turns to look at each person in turn, staring uncomfortably closely at each one before looking away.
He taps his chest with one finger. "Vindex."
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After listening to the briefing, Vindex nods. "Pirates, got it. We'll find them. I'm good to break some heads if they're proving...difficult."
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"Is this Alejia Netrav a newcomer to the area or an established pirate? If the ships are being attacked outside the harbor are we getting on a ship to go find the Topaz Titan? Do you have any 'flash money' for us to use? The best way to keep a low profile is to act like we're buyers for the stolen goods and that means someone is going to ask to see the money. It's like my GranMaMa used to tell me, 'In this business you never trust anyone. Everyone in this business is a criminal. How are you going to trust a criminal?'"
The crate in the entryway continues to snore peacefully.
Venture-Captain Heidmarch nods at Arioch.
“While she is a lowly pirate, Alejia possesses more enemies than friends in Riddleport, having backstabbed many business partners to get to where she is now. Her sudden disappearance and recent activities have only spurred public resentment of her, and many would like to see her dead. In any case, don’t be surprised if your investigation gets you entangled with some of her less savory ex-associates. I'm afraid this 'flash money' you speak of is simply not available.”
"As for getting there, trade between Magnimar and Riddleport is strong at present, and there are ships leaving several times a day to traverse the Varisian Gulf for the City of Cyphers. I have arranged passage for you on a Taldan cargo ship called the Opparan Opal that will be leaving within the hour. Hurry to the docks, and you’ll be in Riddleport before you know it.”
She sighs.
"And could someone please see who's snoring in that crate?"
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@GM Jhaeman - Characters can request a pouch of 10 gold each (for bribes or tolls) from VC Heidmarch if they own the Pathfinder Society Primer. It has a list of available boons when visiting certain well established lodges.
"Good point"
In a flash a full grown sized flying dinosaur leaps from Relgar's neck.
The beast begins to rock the crate back and forth until the person within it emerges.
Gregor smiles to reveal a set of very pointy teeth. The winged man sized reptile rocks the crate with vigour.
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"And could someone please see who's snoring in that crate?"
"My pleasure."
Arioch draws his light mace and begins hammering on the crate, "Hey wake the hell up it's time to get your lazy *** to work!"Turning back to VC Heidmarch he says, "Ah the memories; it's how my mom woke me up in the afternoon."
Gregor snarls at Arioch who is interrupting the rhythm of his rocking with the inane pounding of his mace. He was there first and clearly on the job.
"And could someone please see who's snoring in that crate?"
"My pleasure."
Arioch draws his light mace and begins hammering on the crate, "Hey wake the hell up it's time to get your lazy *** to work!"
Turning back to VC Heidmarch he says, "Ah the memories; it's how my mom woke me up in the afternoon."
There some rustling from the tall box, the sound of packaging material shifting and the sound of someone coming around.
"Hm? Huh? Err. Where? Oh, yeth. *Ahem!*" The voice grows louder. "There thould be a crowbar!"
Gregor does not appreciate the half-orc's tone. Gregor is certain that he is not allowed to bite the man but he can make his displeasure known. He attempts to pee on the nasty man's leg.
The reptile starts to gaffaw at this crude form of humour.
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"And could someone please see who's snoring in that crate?"
"My pleasure."
Arioch draws his light mace and begins hammering on the crate, "Hey wake the hell up it's time to get your lazy *** to work!"
Turning back to VC Heidmarch he says, "Ah the memories; it's how my mom woke me up in the afternoon."
There some rustling from the tall box, the sound of packaging material shifting and the sound of someone coming around.
"Hm? Huh? Err. Where? Oh, yeth. *Ahem!*" The voice grows louder. "There thould be a crowbar!"
"Good luck with that crowbar."
"The porterth. They thould have given you one when you thigned for the delivery." says the box.
The sea voyage is uneventful, and as your ship sails into Riddleport Bay, you get your first glimpse of the notorious pirate haven of Riddleport. The wharfs are a series of warehouses and cheap grog shops, and the docks are a chaotic tussle of cargo, dockworkers, press gangs, and seemingly random fistfights.
Beyond, most of the buildings are composed of wood logs or planks, with multiple foors and steep, high-peaked roofs of wooden shingles; the houses are built in close quarters, and in many cases their upper floors sag and lean together. The muggy, oppressive heat leaves you in no doubt that the swamps on the ourskirts of the city will be a breeding ground for mosquitos
But one thing catches your attention more than anything else: arcing high above the harbor from the rocky crags on either side is a massive arch almost 35 feet wide! Strange runes are etched into the arch--this must be the legendary Cyphergate, an architectural wonder and mysterious riddle!
The sea voyage is uneventful....
The crates are loaded into the ship's hold for the journey.
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The sea voyage is uneventful, and as your ship sails into Riddleport Bay, you get your first glimpse of the notorious pirate haven of Riddleport. The wharfs are a series of warehouses and cheap grog shops, and the docks are a chaotic tussle of cargo, dockworkers, press gangs, and seemingly random fistfights.
Beyond, most of the buildings are composed of wood logs or planks, with multiple foors and steep, high-peaked roofs of wooden shingles; the houses are built in close quarters, and in many cases their upper floors sag and lean together. The muggy, oppressive heat leaves you in no doubt that the swamps on the ourskirts of the city will be a breeding ground for mosquitos
"Looks like just like home. I guess slums are slums no matter where you are."
But one thing catches your attention more than anything else: arcing high above the harbor from the rocky crags on either side is a massive arch almost 35 feet wide! Strange runes are etched into the arch--this must be the legendary Cyphergate, an architectural wonder and mysterious riddle!
"Do they hang upside down to study those runes? Weird..."
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"Looks like just like home. I guess slums are slums no matter where you are."
Vindex leans against the ship's railing and stares out at the city as it approaches, frowning and looking intently at the familar signs of a dockside slum. He gives Arioch a respectful look and nods before turning back to his staring. "Yup."
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Vindex leans against the ship's railing and stares out at the city as it approaches, frowning and looking intently at the familar signs of a dockside slum. He gives Arioch a respectful look and nods before turning back to his staring. "Yup.""Looks like just like home. I guess slums are slums no matter where you are."
"I like you; you make me laugh."
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"Well, there are certain optics that can enable one to be able to see a good distance but more likely one could take some rope and climb up, if magic is not available." Zarjkil said, trying to make out some of the runes.
[dice=K:Arcana]d20+4
"They better hope the cursed runes aren't touch activated."
The ship anchors in the harbor, and a rowboat ferries you ashore.
I'm thure that they'll come get me thhould they need me. I jutht withh the porterth had thtowed the bocth the right way up.
*Yawn* "Zzzz... Zzzz... Zzzz... Zzzz...."
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Relgar prepares himself to travel by rowboat. As he does not wish to draw too much attention to himself his familiar transforms himself back into a tattoo on his neck.
"Well, I will be glad to be on land again."
The gnome snacks on a delivery of delicious dried bread products that was recently ferried to him by a benefactor. He places a couple of dried biscuits in his backpack.
"If anyone would like to take some then please go ahead. Otherwise I will leave it here in the rowboat for the sailors to enjoy."
There is just over 2 days of rations to spread around once Relgar and his familiar (previously) eat their fill.
A grumbling dockworker grabs a prybar and heaves hard to open the top of the crate.
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A hideous, hunched man in a black cassock falls out of the sarcophagus-sized box feet first in an avalanche of packing material.
He gets to his feet uncurling himself though not as much as one might have hoped or expected.
The hunched stranger turns to the man and asks "Did you thtow thith?"
The stranger's pronounced lisp moistens the stevedore like sea spray. "Thee thith? He indicates a downward-pointed white arrow painted on the side of his crate with the words 'this end up' stenciled upside down above it. He glares at the longshoreman, a very disconcerting glare when one takes into account all the scars, and the relative sizes and spacing of the stranger's eyes.
After a long moment he brushes himself clean of packing wood ships, snatches the crowbar and carefully opens the other box. After inspecting the contents for damage he asks "Where ith the Mathter?" and arranges to join him.
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Zarjkiol shook his head at the newcomer. "I think I need a drink" he muttered. "I do not know about the rest of you but I am off for a drink and some food that does not come of a barrel" he said, scanning the area for an inn.
"Looks like that guy's (waving at 'what' has fallen out of the crate) had too many already - yikes! Although checking out the local flavor might give us a lead."
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Relgar raises an eyebrow knowing all too well the propensity of drunkenness among the "big people".
"Personally I think that we will find out more information at the docks itself then by talking to inebriated humanoids at an unrelated bar. However if the entire party is against me then we can go there first."
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Vindex looks at the crate-based antics and shrugs. "Yeah, hitting up watering holes for info is a time-honored tradition. One I suck at, but I've been the muscle for the guy asking around more times than I can count. Just don't drink a lot at any one place and we'll stay good."
"He speaks!"
Arioch feigns a fainting spell due to the 'shock.'
The Pathfinders make their way to the nearest tavern, the Coral's Reef. This ramshackle affair near the docks looks like a classic sailor and pirate dive bar, so you know ahead of time what you'll get: the drinks will be cheap and terrible, the floor is sawdust mixed with vomit and blood, the furniture is hastily repaired and oft-broken, and barfights could break out at any moment. Behind the bar, a man with long white sideburns down to his cheeks puts a glass of liquid with visible particles of dirt floating in it on the counter. His customer drinks deeply and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand in satisfaction.
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Igor decides it is best just to hit the local dive when one is searching for a missing and adventuresome master. When the party arrives he is already there taking chemical samples.
"Ah you must be the Mathter, Mathter." He cleans a space at the bar with his own cleaning aids, and ushers Vindex over to take the seat. "Come Mathter, sit, let Igor tend to your needth."
While he is there (and if left to his own devices) Igor chats with the serving crew in that way he has.