Please dot and delete.
"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...It is a period of civil war."
Although it’s covered in a layer of files and paperwork that indicate its official nature, this office is also eminently comfortable, with its plush carpet, velvet-lined oaken furniture, and ornate serving carts bearing colorful fruit and fine drinks. The soothing smell of sage and apple blossoms floats on a warm breeze wafting through the large, open picture window.
At the center of the room, behind a solid and polished wooden desk, sits Mayor Sandra Trinelli, her long fingers folded together in thought. Her face is solemn as she surveys her visitors. “Thank you for your quick attention to my request to wait while I contemplated our next move,” she begins, motioning to the oversized chairs in front of her. “As you can imagine, it involves a delicate task that promises results of great significance to our beleaguered population. Let me explain."
She takes a sip of water before continuing, “The history of this town, I’m afraid, is written in blood. More than a century ago, the family that founded Saringallow committed heinous crimes against the hard-working folks who toiled on their behalf. When all was said and done, these nobles—the Sarinis kidnapped and murdered many local children. They were hanged for their crimes, but the bodies of the youths were never found, and our families still suffer those tragic memories today. After all of these years, they’ve never had closure, and our town has never been the same."
Mayor Trinelli leans forward and says, “However, not long ago, while I was searching the town archives, I discovered a few old letters that seem to indicate that these evil nobles kept records of their victims and diabolical rituals. Finding these documents would go a long way toward healing the deep wounds the Sarinis inflicted on our poor people."
Sandra takes a deep breath before finishing, “Unfortunately, the evidence is presumably stored in the Sarinis old, walled estate, which is located some distance from Saringallow proper. Around here, superstitions regarding the Sarini family still run deep, and the good men and women of our town watch— bless their hearts—are reluctant to help. There’s no proof, however, that any of the rumors about the Sarini Estate are real, so I’d like to hire you help me solve this matter. Please, if you will, bring me any records of these terrible crimes that exist. Once you do, I believe our town will finally begin to heal. I trust that you are capable, and I hope that a reward of 100 gp will be enough to persuade you to help.”
|
Rituals? Disgusting...and done on children? Hanging was an exceeding ly light punishment, I think. Should have let them rot in a pit filled with vipers and such... Daegon says as he thinks of what the foul Sarinis might have done. He shudders as he thinks about it.
Well, we know what we have to do...
|
“Thank you for your quick attention to my request to wait while I contemplated our next move,”
This office is much nicer without dead goblin parts in it. I hope you don't want us to bring back any 'proof' this time!
Guardian remarks before listening to the rest of the briefing.
What are the townsfolk's superstitions about the estate? Have any of them ever ventured near it, maybe out of a dare? Maybe somebody saw something strange.
The Mayor chuckles a bit, "Sadly we in Isger are believers in what we see rather than what we are told. But since the job doesn't require a bounty per goblin, or anything else, you won't need to return with that kind of proof. Any records, correspondence, and paperwork relating to their crimes and activities are what I'd like you to retrieve. If there's any other information, including what you've killed, you think I need to see I'll leave it up to you to decide."
She ponders for a moment, “The estate is a large place, with two main stories and a basement, or so the old stories go, but we don’t have a map of the place in our archives. Given what horrors happened there, the townsfolk have always given the place a wide berth— no one here is greedy enough to covet the murder-tainted valuables that hated family might have owned. Some things are more important than gold, you know. The Sarinis and everything tied to them are a blot on our existence."
“The estate is located about 10 miles from town, down a road almost no one travels except for foolhardy youths trying to prove themselves. Given its isolation, I would not be surprised if there weren’t a few dangers in or around the place. You’d do well to arm yourselves sufficiently before heading out. As for what they've seen some were so scared they refused to talk about it while others swore all manner of fantastical monsters chased after them.”
"As for the superstitions about the Estate you can always ask the locals around town. This tragedy has had several generations to generate rumors, but they’re all nonsense, as far as I’m concerned. Some say the estate is haunted by the spirits of those murdered there; others say the estate has collapsed under its own weight, and still others believe diabolic powers still lurk within and plot against us. Given what the town suffered, can you blame them for projecting their fears into that hated place?”
Daegon will subtly ask around and then research what he can.
Daegon not only hobnobs with the locals, showing he's learning from Cannoli Jones and her 'personal touch' method of gathering information but he also checks with some of the apprentices the group saved.
Nolaria tells Daegon, “Some folks say they’ve seen little blue people near the estate!”
A grumpy old geezer says, "You youngsters aren't getting enough sun - you're pale as a ghost! They say there’s a funny smell coming from the estate, and it’s the smell of rotting corpses.”
Gellion looks to make sure no one overhears before confiding, "The Sarinis worshiped demons and devils, and they held unspeakable revels at their estate back in the day! We always wanted to go there and check it out but we kept putting it off. Now we're always working..."
With no solid information provided Daegon isn't sure what exactly could have gone on but he does know of traditions and mysteries mortals use to deal with diabolic forces.
|
The catfolk smiles as they enter, ”Ah, it smells so much better in here than the last time. Again, we are sorry about that. My teammates are a bit uncouth sometimes. Or their noses don’t work, I don’t know. Anyway, I was close by working on my fort so it wasn’t that hard to get here quickly.”
She quickly drifts over to the drink and food offerings. For a fraction of a second you see her disappointment in no meat, but she collects a plate of apples and what looks like a sweet fruit dip and then pours herself a large fruity drink.
The catfolk’s tail swishes as she sits next to Vreeka and starts a quiet conversation while everyone else gathers food and drink.
”I really tried to get into those research books, but they were so dry and clinical. In the end I found a nice ‘historical fiction’ series about this area, pretty interesting and definitely not uh… completely full of smut. And most of it was tasteful, yeah. Definitely. Anyway, learned a lot.”
She pays some attention to the briefing and tries to recall any of her new knowledge factoids.
|
Jakeric takes in the horrible story with his eyes wide. "G-ghastly!" he murmurs to himself.
Still, resolved to find out the full truth of what happened to the missing children and bring a small measure of consolation to the town, the scholar starts doing some research and asking around for more information from new friends like Nixa Volsetti and Nolaria Wintren.
Nixa tells Jakeric, "The old stories talk about how the Sarinis kidnapped children and drank their blood. It was so long ago I'm not sure if it's true or not. Of course there's also rumors that goblins have taken over Sarini Estate. Given their presence in the area it wouldn't surprise me."
Nolaria confides in Jakeric, "I've had mixed feelings about Sarini estate. While part of me really wanted to explore it I felt maybe the old tales and superstitions were true and we should stay away. Although we never ventured into it or really close to it I did start research into it. The estate is, or at least was, three different levels with some outbuildings one would expect from a 'pleasure' estate: a gazebo, stables, courtyard, and oddly enough a mausoleum. The mausoleum stuck in my mind because why build one unless the Sarinis planned to move to Isger full time? Wouldn't they transport their family members back to their ancestral home in Cheliax? It just didn't add up."
Jakeric remembers that House Sarini is a well-known House in Cheliax where they are often referred to as the 'Lapdogs of Hell' and the 'Fools of Thrune.' They have a tradition of producing bards, jesters, and other entertainers that serve House Thrune. He speculates that Saringallow was 'permitted' to strike out at House Sarini either because they're a minor House or House Thrune felt the punishment fit the crime and wasn't worth the effort to punish the Saringallow.
At the mention of academic research Mayor Trinelli offers, “We have quite a bit of information available about the time period in question in the town hall’s archives. I suggest that you start there and ask Caleria for assistance. Despite her brusqueness she is excellent when it comes to navigating the archives. She will help you with whatever you need.”
The Mayor smiles at Jakeric's enthusiasm.
|
|
The deathly pale young man carrying a large sword seems intrigued at the mention of records and diabolical rituals.
"A visit to the town archives sounds like an excellent idea." he notes following the mayors suggestion.
Nolaria tells Daegon, “Some folks say they’ve seen little blue people near the estate!”
|
|
The new voice startles Cannoli and her tail fluffs up, ”Oh jeeze, sorry. Didn’t know we had a new pathfinder joining us. Must be replacing that one guy. Or that other guy. Don’t remember their names though. Anyway, I am Cannoli Jones and well, you don’t look so good. Would you like some juice? Or… medical attention?”
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Caleria leans into the room just enough to say, "What are you waiting for, an engraved invitation? Follow me."
As Caleria leads you to the town's archives she looks genuinely happy for a change. "I love it down here. Every chance I get I come here to read, study, and see what else has been 'lost' or 'misfiled' - usually to hide something. If you give me a topic of keyword I can collect what we have."
Vreekka asks about any records pertaining to the hangings. Her studies of Chelish law suggests a considerable amount of paperwork would have been generated if trials had been held - particularly ones involving nobles.
Caleria says, "I haven't found any records, official or otherwise, about the hangings. Here's what I did find and it's interesting..."
Vreekka reads through the papers and notes an abrupt transition from the Sarini family running the town to the Mayor assuming executive duties.
Cannoli inquires about records dealing with missing persons. She sees between the years 4600–4604 AR, many missing persons were reported. Her exemplary vision catches two facts: The average age of missing persons was 12-20 and most of them were female. She also locates a report from a watch captain who found bodies of some of the missing people. The notes suggest the people were killed in either witch or diabolical rituals.
Daegon reads over the paperwork Cannoli has and agrees with her initial assessment and finds a further notation that the cause of death was complete exsanguination - not just blood loss.
Vreekka examines the writing itself in some of the reports. On a death report for Luca Sarini she finds the following: “Adolescent ward of half-Mwangi descent. Died of an accidental poisoning at the Sarini Estate in 4599 AR." Vreekka deduces from the handwriting 'accidental' shows hesitation as though the writer didn't believe it was accidental.
Jakeric requests records related to Marcius Sarini and finds a deployment letter dated 4585 AR that indicates Marcius Sarini volunteered to serve in the Chelish army and trained to lead a special engineering unit. Knowing Cannoli's skill with traps, Jakeric asks for her to examine the letter. She deduces that Marcius's training involved building traps and sabotage, among other things.
Guardian XI finds a letter from a servant dated after Marcius’s return also indicates that the rising baron brought a young ward by the name of Luca back to his family’s estate in Saringallow. Seeing the handwriting is a bit odd he also asks for Vreekka's opinion. She notes the word "ward" is written hastily, and messily, suggesting the author did not want to dwell on the subject.
Jakeric's historical pursuits locates records relating to Sadira Sarini. It notes the Baroness was originally from Remesiana in Cheliax. The mention of Remesiana catches Vreekka's attention and she can tell the group that Sadira was a member of House Dioso, an influential Chelish family.
Caleria excitedly shows the group some of the oldest surviving records. They indicate settlers moving into this area date back to 4425 AR. However, all the documents from that time refer to the community as “Sarini’s Hollow.” Somewhere between 4600 AR and 4610 AR the town's name seems to change to "Sarini's Gallows." Everyone in the group, except Lucinus, knows about the name change.
Vreekka asks about any records related to the physical estate itself. Caleria brings back an invoice for construction materials that reveal the construction of the main estate building began in 4426 AR, and a later bill indicates that a wall was built around the grounds in 4600 AR.
However comparing the invoice to the specifications of the wall itself reveals a discrepancy! Vreekka notices that the amount of construction materials ordered was too large for the wall’s size.
Guardian XI peruses the files with his android eyes and notes the text has been tampered with, no doubt to obscure some details.
When Daegon, Guardian XI, Jakeric, and Vreekka all ask about records of the Sarinis and Diabolism, Caleria informs the group nothing specific was found. However she did locate some letters from Marcius Sarini to an unnamed priest of Asmodeus in Egorian. The letters contain vague and cryptic language, but they do mention the existence of gifts for a nebulous patron, and that these gifts were carefully recorded somewhere in a secure location on the estate known only to Marcius and Sadira.
The group confers and reaches the conclusion that these are references to diabolic sacrifices and the records Mayor Trinelli seeks.
Caleria, tired and sweaty from so much running back and forth and hauling out records, grins from ear to ear, "Do I know my job or do I know my job???"
|
|
Lucinus bows politely when the other pathfinder introduced themselves. ”I’m Lucinus, it’s nice to meet you, and yes, juice would be good if it’s available. As for medical attention, I don’t need any right now, but if I do, I should mention that positive energy can be harmful to me. So if necessary it’s best to use this wand. “ he says, retrieving a wand from his equipment.
As a keen scholar of old Chelish records, especially those relating to magic, Lucinus is eager to get an opportunity to study the town’s archives to look for useful information. Although he starts to feel rather disappointed in himself when it becomes apparent that he is not much help with the party’s research.
Indeed you do...I think you should get a raise for your work. We appreciate your help...
"I should get a raise and perhaps a cut of your action?"
Something the party has a chance to reflect on: When Daegon mentioned how rare Lucinus and he are neither Mayor Trinelli nor Caleria seemed surprised to see dhampirs.
Lucinus bows politely when the other pathfinder introduced themselves. ”I’m Lucinus, it’s nice to meet you, and yes, juice would be good if it’s available. As for medical attention, I don’t need any right now, but if I do, I should mention that positive energy can be harmful to me. So if necessary it’s best to use this wand. “ he says, retrieving a wand from his equipment.
As a keen scholar of old Chelish records, especially those relating to magic, Lucinus is eager to get an opportunity to study the town’s archives to look for useful information. Although he starts to feel rather disappointed in himself when it becomes apparent that he is not much help with the party’s research.
[n]I'm sure we can arrange for a stipend for your work...I'm sure the Society will reimburse us...[/b]
"Most excellent. With the extra coin I can purchase a snazzy new hat like Cannoli's; the lady has fashion sense."
|
|
”Really? Another one of y’all? Ugh, just give me a whole group of them already to make my healing useless. And I can’t cast that wand so ya better hope someone else can.”
She doesn’t seem angry at Lucinus specifically, probably just annoyed at pathfinder leadership.
”The hat really helps keep the blood splatter out of my eyes too!”
"Oh, I can use the wand." points out the dhampir "And I'm sure you have better uses of your magic than healing me anyway."
"You should definitely get a raise, Caleria. This was the best research assistence I ever experienced!"
She pauses briefly.
"I've got another question for you. Are dhampirs often here in this area? You did not seem surprised to see two of them."
Caleria's mouth works into a frown and her brow furrows; clearly she's trying to mind her words.
"Due to Isger's proximity to our generous"
Caleria coughs as if choking on the last word
"protectors in Cheliax and their friendly relationship with Nidal, we see all manner of...unique...individuals traversing the area."
|
|
As Grizzlebin grumbles in the background about the spread of evil magic, Jakeric tries to smooth things over. "It's . . . um, n-nice to m-meet you, Lucinus. We're going to n-need all the help we can get! All this talk of Cheliax and b-b-blood makes me thinks these Sarinis were involved in d-devil worship! I've seen a lot of d-demons before in the Worldwound, but not devils."
Cannoli asks the librarian one last question, ”Any idea who the name Wormtongue may be referring too?”
And before they leave town she takes the group by Gunty’s Hearty Breadhouse, home of the two-footlong-loaf (TFL or Tuffle for short) and has everyone (who can) load up on ‘trail rations’.
Caleria frowns, "No it's not something I could find a reference to nor something anyone around here has heard currently. Even Gellion isn't sure what he meant by it."