The adventure begins in the Aroden’s View district of Oppara, with the Pathfinders being 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.
But before we get to that, why don't you introduce yourselves?
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A kayal grimaces at all the Shelynite blashempy that adorns the walls. Despite his acceptance of his new identity as "Sunshine," Pathfinder agent, he still holds the goddess's brother in higher esteem.
Sunshine finds the lighting far too bright, the music far too major-key, and the company far too polite for a Nidalese bounty hunter. His spiked chain, dangling from his belt, seems out of place in a hoity-toity place like this.
"Sssunshine," he introduces himself, his voice thick with a Shadowtongue accent.
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Armored from neck to foot in heavy plate armor surmounted by a well-worn crusader's surcoat, Dinardin carries his great helm in his left hand and a beautifully-wrought polearm decorated with the emblem of Iomedae in his right. His short dark hair is neatly cut.
"I am Dinardin," he replies in the simple words of a soldier that do not hide the cultured tones of a Lastwall aristocrat.
"It is good to be in Oppara, where one can find a bath and a bed free of fleas. I am but lately come from Mediogalti in the sweltering tropics. That was a bloody affair. The food was interesting, though."
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A man in a hood and long, flowing robes drags himself into the teahouse, one slow step at a time. His normally pristine white robes are soaked with melted snow and are covered in light splotches of dirt and blood. He busies himself with squeezing his robes dry before looking up to face the gathered Pathfinders. Where his face should be is covered up by a well-worn iron mask.
“Excuse my soggy…appearance, my fellow Pathfinders. I was sent here directly after my expedition into the Snowy Menador mountains, where I was to help document the unexplored peaks and fight off a rather uncivilised ogre. I have not had the time nor opportunity to rest much…but in the name of Razmir, thrice blessed be his name, I will do what I must to ensure the safety and security of our Taldan friends.” A gravelly, sinister voice intones from behind the mask.
The man takes a moment to wring the last drops of water out of his robe before collapsing into a chair, exhausted.
“I am Brother Nebulous, Priest of the 3rd step, follower of Razmir the Living God, may he reign forever. I would like to extend his generous blessings to you all! All you need to do is be willing to take a leap of faith and shake this humble priest’s hand.” He holds out his hand to the gathered Pathfinders, waiting expectantly.
As Ephesian enters the room, flames roar up around him, he is cloaked in a thin layer of smoke, his clothes are singed and his body is twisted and streaked with bits of metal. A tail swishes under his cloak. He smiles slightly at any remaining symbols of Sheyln, as if being told a joke only he can hear.
Upon hearing Brother Nebulos' speech, he immediately walks up and grasps hands, his smile broadens as he feels the energies of Razmir.
"My oh my, I've heard such stories of Razmir, but never had the opportunity to meet an actual Razmiran priest. I would love to talk more about your religion when we have the chance. I personally prefer to just take what power the gods leave laying around."
Taking a breath, he turns to Dindarin.
"I have just returned from Cheliax. I don't want to say too much, but suffice to say that things are not going so well there either."
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A short green goblin enters the room. He looks around at the Longshanks standing around him. "Hullo. Yous must be the Paffinders I's meeting. I's Lokoloko! I's like making things buuuurn." He emphasizes the last word, drawing it out as long as possible. Combined with the beady red eyes, it would be a terrifying sight had he not been only three feet tall...
Absently, he pulls out a large jar from a backpack. The jar is filled to the brim with some green colored brine. Many long cylindrical shapes fill the jar. Lokoloko rummages in it and pulls out a large green pickle, which he takes a large bite.
He sees Brother Nebulous and walks up to him. "Oh. Yous want pickle?" he shakes the priest's hand with the same hand holding the pickle, then leaves the priest holding the cucumber.
"Pickle, anyone?" he asks, spraying bits of cucumber everywhere.
Our adventure begins in the Aroden’s View district of Oppara, with the Pathfinders being 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, someone 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 the field agents a selection of white or rosehip tea, sandwiches, and pastries. After waiting a moment for the Pathfinders to get comfortable and select refreshments, Gloriana clears her throat to get their 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.”
Gloriana tells the agents that she has rented out this room in case they need a space to convene in privacy or rest, and asks them to return to the Porthmos Club at the end of the day to share what evidence they’ve gathered. She offers a dossier of leads to begin the investigation.
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.
Gloriana insists that the Pathfinders must avoid blatant violations of the city’s laws and threatening behavior toward its residents as they pursue the leads. She gives the team a copy of her signet ring in case they run into trouble. When she gives the Pathfinders the ring, she tells them, “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.
"Any questions?"
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A kobold with silvery scales rushes towards the rest of the group. "Am I late? I'm usually late. Barbering easier with less yelling and squirming!"
He flicks a razor open and closed inattentively as he continues, "I am Tieri. I will care for your medical and grooming needs on this trip." He lowers his voice slightly, "...and maybe dentistry? If it comes up. Just need to ask."
Tieri has a holster for the razor on his belt, as well as a set of sharpened throwing rings. His shield also looks to have been modified to deal damage. He wears a tattered and stained white coat over a well-worn set of leathers.
He sniffs the air. "Something burning? Did I miss something?" A response will need to wait, however, as the venture-captain enters at that moment.
“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 his 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.”
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Standing straight and bowing deeply, Dinardin greets the Taldan lady as befits her station. His is no Opparan dandy and has perhaps lost some of the old flair while on campaign in Lastwall, but he does his best.
"Madame, we will find the Venture-Captain for you, you may rely on it. Can you tell us whether anyone in town is known for their hatred of Pathfinders? Or of Muesello himself?"
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Brother Nebulous shakes everyone's hand, making sure to give the blessing of Razmir to everyone he meets.
"Thank you for your aid, my little silvery friend. I do ask that if you treat me, please do not lift my mask unless it's absolutely necessary. Doing so goes against the tenets of my faith." He addresses the Kobold, bending down and lowering his voice to ensure this information stays between the two of them.
"I applaud your curiosity and interest to learn about the Living God. However while the blessings of Razmir, eternal is his wisdom, I can give freely, his knowledge is not something I can reveal to the uninitiated. You will need to show greater devotion beyond mere interest...maybe a donation to the Church of Razmir?" If you could see his eyes behind the mask, you'd swear he was giving Ephesian a wink.
He's a bit shocked when Lokoloko leaves a slimy pickle in his hand. "This isn't the type of donation I ask for, but Razmir, the Ever-generous, provides not what I desire, but what I require. I thank him for this generous meal!" Using a dagger, he cuts up the pickle into pieces small enough to fit into the mouth of his mask. He consumes each pieces slowly along with the rosehip tea, beef sandwiches, and cream puffs he orders from the tea service.
He lets the Kayal and the champion (noticing with some amusement that he was pointedly ignored by the holier-than-thou man) ask their questions first. Only after finishing his meal and wiping his mouth with a richly embroidered handkerchief does he offer his piece.
"I do not know Venture-Captain Muesello as well as you do. To me, treachery of this scale should be punished with force...But I will follow your instructions to investigate his misdemeanors without aggression." He spends a moment to thoughtfully consider the matter.
"We should go to the Jewelers first and work our way down. Do you all think that Venture Captain Muesello was black-mailed or coerced? That could be the cause of his...disloyalty."
“Grand Princess Eutropia’s rise included a civil war," Gloriana answers Dinardin, "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.”
To Nebulous she adds, "I don't believe he is involved, but we still need to figure out what's going on."
"Lady Morilla, do you have any leads on who else might be involved in these events or why they would want to frame our Venture Captain?"
Ephesian's mouth twists in an odd fashion as he brings up the framing, obviously questioning whether Muesello might, in fact be involved.
"Ah... Other than what I just mentioned, I'm afraid not."
If there aren't any other questions, the Pathfinders are free to begin their investigation.
Their first objective 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 human 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?”
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Brother Nebulous moves up and bows deeply to greet her before trying to entreat her in his smoothest salesman voice.
"Salutations, Ms Vergild. I am Brother Nebulous, priest of Razmir. I am also here on behalf of the Pathfinder Society. We have heard many things about your shop. But chief among them was the unfortunate...break-in you suffered. Let me be first among my friends to offer my condolences for your losses."
He pauses for effect before continuing. "I am sure you have a desire to get to the bottom of this incident and see the perpetrators punished. In that, we have a common goal. Could I count on your assistance?"
Opal points out the advertisements for commemorative coins celebrating Eutropia’s ascension to the throne are neatly laid on the counter.
At the mention of the break-in, her eyes light up with excitement. Opal mentions that she was a staunch supporter of Eutropia during the Taldan War for the Crown and that she’s proud that someone thought her support was important enough to target the shop. She began the process of making a new master mold the next morning. 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.
"Yes, those are the items that were stolen. What can they do with it? Set me back, I suppose. But what an endorsement!"
She ushers the Pathfinders to the closet where she was storing the supplies for the coins and says that they can look around as much as they want. She stays nearby to answer questions they may have, but mostly ends up chattering about the process of making a new master mold.
Sunshine notices that some other things seem to be missing. "Oh yes," Opal agrees, "the minting supplies were the only real valuables but they took a few other things--including my entire stock of cleaning solvent."
She considers Dinardin's question. "Not that I know of. Oh, but there was a wayfinder left at the scene. It was particularly well-made. It had sapphires embedded in it that I wanted to look at. A pity the constabulary collected it and took it away."
Tieri doesn't find anything.
Ephesian tries to talk to Opal about what else might have gone missing.
"Cleaning supplies and a wayfinder are an odd combination. Was there anything else unusual that was taken or that was left behind?"
Lokoloko finds some scuff marks that suggest someone was hanging around close to the building for a while recently.
"Oh yeah," says Opal, "That was the day before the break-in, though. There was a man lurking around trying to stay out of sight. He was fair with grey hair. Maybe human?"
"Hmmm." Brother Nebulous ponders from behind his mask. "I don't suppose we know anyone that matches that description, do we?"
Ephesian frowns, trying to think of a plausible explanation for any of what Opal had found, especially this 'mysterious' stranger, but he keeps his lips sealed until after they've left the shop.
"Thank you Opal for you help in this matter. We'll be taking our leave now. You have been most helpful."
Upon getting back into the public, he tries to pull Brother Nebulous aside.
"What do you think the chances are that this is someone framing the Venture Captain?
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Brother Nebulous responds discreetly; "I think the first question to be asked is 'Why would someone want to frame the Venture Captain?' While both the possibility that the Venture-Captain is a traitor is equally likely that he's been framed, I don't see a reason why someone would want to frame him..."
"Wow. It is a good pickle."
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.
Ephesian will approach the artist, doing his best to look impressed by the burned statue.
"Good Afternoon. Garrix, I presume? We are actually here to learn more about what befell your marvelous monument. We'd heard it had been damaged by some ne'er do wells."
"Five days ago this monument was burned down in broad daylight," Gerrix answers dramatically, ignoring the pickles, "My radical street art destroyed due to its subversive nature!" While their focus is on the Pathfinders, the butler rolls his eyes. "I.. didn't witness the incident," Gerrix admits.
"Some of the staff did," the butler provides, "particularly--"
"But there's no time for interviewing my staff," protests Gerrix, aghast, "I cannot spare any of my assistants during this hour of grand creation!"
The butler and other staff witnessed the arson and are happy to discuss the matter further... if their boss can be distracted.
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Brother Nebulous sighs. "Artists are such drama queens." He thinks to himself. He strides over to the butler. "Attend to my friends, my good man. I, Brother Nebulous U. Nimbus, beloved of Razmir and might I add, awfully good artist, will assist in your place."
Using his skills honed through months of mask-making, Brother Nebulous assists Garrix with both artistic work and completely unprompted, drops a few factoids about Razmir.
"Did you know Razmir religious art is some of the best in the world? As all priests have to make their own masks, this naturally means each of us have artistic training and thus produce beautiful sacred masked structures and constructs. You should come down and visit one day." He not-so-humbly brags.
Whether Gerrix is convinced by the lecture, Nebulous's help does free up one of the servants for a bit. She says to the rest of the Pathfidners that 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.
She also points them towards a stable hand who saw the actual act of arson... who's currently hauling material for Gerrix.
Lokoloko fills in the stable hand for long enough that he's able to talk to the other Pathfinders for a moment. He says he tracked the arsonists through the streets of Oppara but lost them next to a bait and tackle shop.
Ephesian puts on his best (hopefully not-too smarmy) smile, puts his hands together and starts flattering.
"You know, with your artistic talents, I feel like you're incorporating the violence into the message of overcoming tyranny in your celebration of whatever this is"