GM Nomadical's NPC's page

Sarnia entertains your questions, offering herself as an engaging conversationalist. She can afford to be nonchalant knowing that you can’t harm her.

She reveals that she was one of the last Blakros daughters to be offered up to the Onyx Alliance before the Society ended that arrangement (The Penumbral Accords).

She then goes on the explain why you’re really here. “While I recognize that you’ll likely triumph here, I still need to provide some challenge. I heard you took the Crusader’s Blade from the messengers I’d sent to meet with Drandle Dreng. Oh, don’t look shocked, of course I knew it was him.”

She pauses and examines her perfectly manicured ebony fingernails. ”Besides, if I just gave you all the items back, your superiors would assume that was my intent all along. Once you return, you’re going to report back that I expected you to take back the items, so they may think that anyways. What can I say; I like to keep my opposition on their toes!” Sarnia smirks.

”That being said, I certainly didn’t prepare for that... thing… to take the headdress to the western rooms. Don’t ask me about it. It’s really something you need to see and experience for yourself. The painting is in the northernmost room, though I suggest you investigate the eastern and western wings before going there. You’ll be better prepared if you do so,” she hints with a smile.

I’ll pause here for 24 hours. Elenial and Suussmaar may post any buffs they would have made before entering the House. You may ask Sarnia any other questions you like, then we’ll advance into combat with… Oh, but that would be telling….

Taking normal precautions, you find no traps or obvious magical emanations. As you enter the atrium, Linorn King wax golem in tow, a sheet of waist-high blue flame suddenly cuts across the chamber from east to west, sectioning the area in two. A circle of similar flame a foot high rises between the two immense statues at the chamber’s northern (right-hand) end. Then, as though emerging from water, a raven-haired woman with skin of near-alabaster white appears. Dressed in a stylish, dark violet dress armor that shifts as though it were oily liquid, the woman looks out with glowing yellow eyes. Her image is just translucent enough to be readily obvious as an illusion, though clearly a real-time projection of her from wherever she actually is. After a moment, she introduces herself.

”Welcome to Wightir House, Pathfinders. I am Sarnia Blakros.” She bows slightly and gives the fact of her family name time to sink in.

“I suppose this is the moment where most of your ‘villains’ would gloat about their plans and how you’ve fallen into their trap. Well, I like to think I’m not a villain, and I would ask that you review your own organization’s history, not to mention that of the Blakros family. I’ve appeared here to let you know that, under my leadership, the Onyx Alliance has little interest in pursuing a vendetta against the Pathfinder Society. Assuming, of course, that you break off your ties with the Blakros family.

“This of course leads into the ‘why’ question. So, I’ll spare us all the pedantic headache and summarize: For over six hundred years, the Blakros family had an agreement with the Onyx Alliance. The Alliance provided their considerable resources to assist with the Blakros’s early smuggling operations. In exchange, the Blakros family offered up a hefty number of slaves and their eldest daughters from each generation. Without recounting a whole history lesson, my name is Sarnia Blakros, and I am one of those daughters sacrificed on the altar of history and contractual obligations.

“Why would I reveal all of this? Well, because unlike the Onyx Alliance leadership who preceded me, I like to think that my opposition isn’t completely inept. In fact, I fully expect you to overcome the challenges set forth in this building and return to the Material Plane with all the objects that I acquired from the Blakros... from my family’s museum. I even promise that beyond the walls of this building, you’re safe to return with all the items free of any Alliance interference.”

Another wall of text post coming.

”Turn on me, oh, no…. I don’t think…. “ Valryss begins to rebut Suussmaar’s assertion, but then stops and peers more closely at the fur-draped golem. ”The redhead has a point. That is what I would do in its place….”

She slowly turns her attention to Bon Jon’s koans and adages, tapping her long scraggly fingernail to the tip of her warty nose as she listens. Grunjar is pretty sure that she’s a little tired of having the golem around. He suspects that Fahrstad’s gruff attitude and single-minded fixation on killing a linorn may be chasing potential customers away.

When Bon Jon and Bedisa finish their pitches, the night hag invites Bedisa further into the shop to talk more privately. She leans a hip on a small table toward the back of the cramped space and gives the surprisingly charming half-orc a smile.

”Alright, dearie, I’m gonna level with you. I just want to get rid of him. You and your friends make some good points. He might turn on me, I don’t have any papers to show where I got him, and he is pretty ratty lookin’, ain’t he? Here’s what I’ll do. You take him, no charge. Tell him you know where there’s a linorn back on the Material Plane, or take him with you on your errands. I don’t care, but he’s yours now,” she finishes with a sigh of relief. She then whispers to Bedisa, ”We had to do this inside, cause I can’t let the other hags know I didn’t get anything for him. They’ll think I’m going soft.”

Valryss gently takes Bedisa’s arm and guides her back out to the front where she addresses the golem. ”Oh, great King Fahrstad,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm at the title, though the golem seems to not notice in the slightest. ”These fine folks will aid you in your quest. Go with them now. You are released from my service.”

The golem looks at Bedisa expectantly waiting further instructions or directions to the nearest linorn.

”Oh, yes, dearie. I’m Valryss,” the hag replies clearly already warming up to Bedisa.

”Oh, him, yes,” she says with a roll of her eyes and a slight hint of exasperation in her voice. ”I acquired his services, but I’d be happy to let you have him for a song. Well, not an actual song, of course,” she says with a cackling laugh. ”The Soul Stall merchants got our names honestly. The price for the golem is a measly single humanoid soul.”

She goes on to point out how unique he is and how truly fearsome he can be as a companion and guard. At the later comment, Fahrstad grunts gruffly and asks Valryss when she will show him where the linorn lives that she promised to let him slay. She ignores him, and instead explains to you that she wouldn’t even want payment now. ”You can take him today, and I can wait until you’re done using your soul before I collect. We’ll have a contract devil that works here in the Stalls write up a promissory agreement. I mean, it’s not like you’ll be using your soul after you die anyway,” she pitches.

You can attempt to convince Valryss that she should let you take the golem off her hands. It will take four three more successful checks (Bedisa already got one!) DC 24 Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcana), or Profession (merchant).
I suspect that 3 more of Bedisa’s +21 Diplo checks will likely be enough, so if she wants to roll those with some RP all in one post, that’ll be fine.

While Nigel blushes, Hamaria sits stonily in consternation as she looks at the curator. "As I suspected, something is amiss. Nigel, please get with Zarta to improve the flaws in our security." At that, Nigel hustles from the room to begin repairing both the security and his own reputation.

As the door closes, Lady Blakros nods at your assessment. "Thank you for your honesty. Also, thank you for the impressive work sorting out the truth behind those disappearances.” She pauses as she considers her next words. ”Now though, I have another request to make of you. I would like you to track down these missing items. I believe they have fallen into the hands of the Onyx Alliance; I have long harbored suspicions about their interference, ever since our family ended the Penumbral Accords.”

She takes a small item and a scroll case from a desk drawer before leading you through the Museum. ”The missing golem isn’t in the sealed vault, I can assure you. However, it is troubling that you tracked it there. You see, that vault is keyed to a certain artifact. This artifact,” she states as she draws forth a medallion on a silver chain. ”This is a shadow obelisk. When activated inside the vault, it opens a portal to the Shadow Plane, specifically to Shadow Absalom.”

As you enter the vault, Lady Blakros stops Bedisa. ”I’m sorry I haven’t thanked you personally for everything you’ve done for me and my family over the years. Please, take these with you as a token of my appreciation.” She hands Bedisa a scroll of heroes’ feast and a spoon with a bright copper handle. ”I don’t know if you’ve ever used one of these, but I had this one custom made so the food it produces is much more palatable. Give it a try while you’re there rather than eating Shadow Plane stuff,” she says with a smile. ”Again, my thanks, Bedisa.”

Turning back to the rest of you, she continues. ”This portal will take you to the streets of Shadow Absalom. I don’t have any more control than that. Returning is actually relatively easy. You must simply enter the light at the heart of the city, known as the Glare. You will instantly return to the location that you left from. In this case it will bring you back into this vault. But don’t worry, you can freely leave the vault, as it’s only secured from the outside.” She pauses. ”Though maybe that’s something we should fix after you’ve returned.”

”Now then, if you’re all ready…..” she says as she activates the obelisk…..
Another post coming shortly.

Slide 4 handout. Reprinted here for readability. For clarity, these are Nigel's notes. each item has 2 paragraphs. The first is a description, and the second is Nigel's assessment of what happened to the item.

Item #1: Crusader’s Blade

A weapon used in the defense of Nerosyan during the commencement of the Fifth Mendevian Crusade. The crusading blade saw use during the siege when a family member attempted to retrieve the blade and perished from asphyxiation. A Pathfinder secured it shortly after and used the weapon in the battle against the demonic attackers.

Missing. I can’t prove the Pathfinders burned this one, so it’s not listed as destroyed. Instead, I have strong suspicions that this weapon “disappeared” during the recent Ralzeros incident.

Item #2: Fahrstad Wax Golem

A wax recreation of Linnorm King Elgar Fahrstad produced by the Golemworks in Magnimar. Left inanimate as part of a display piece showcasing Fahrstad’s saga of slaying the only known sea linnorm prior to reaching Valenhall. Activated only as a security measure in defense of the museum.

Destroyed. Fire this time. You may think I’m repeating myself, but the Pathfinders really do enjoy employing fireballs in confined spaces. This time they melted four of our golems, and I need not remind you that our gold reserves aren’t limitless.

Item #3: Nemes of the Cerulean Pharaoh

Headdress retrieved from an ancient Osiriani tomb complex. Believed to have once been in the possession of the Cerulean Pharaoh, though it was entombed with one of the Pharaoh’s trusted servants upon that servant’s death. The Pharaoh remarked in hieroglyphic writing that “Even death should not allow this valued servant from travelling the world as this headpiece has let me.”

Destroyed. This is a shame. A junior Pathfinder agent attempted to don and use the headdress during a simple cataloguing mission. They didn’t realize it was magical, and it created a backlash that turned both her and the headdress to dust. We really need to stop letting the untrained examine our relics!

Item #4: Yamada Osa Painting

A painting made by the renowned spiritual historian, Yamada Osa. This painting depicts an aerial view of a Tian Xia village positioned between a sprawling forest and a rising fog-shrouded mountain. Rain permeates the image and it has been reported that those who stare too long at the image note the smearing style of art may in fact be visible rain.

Destroyed by inattentive Pathfinders during the Shining Crusade defense. Melt marks from an acidic ray around portrait stall 12 are still visible and have yet to be properly cleaned.

----------------------------------------------------

Hamaria concludes your meeting with ”I would prefer not to answer questions at the moment. You should conduct your own investigation on these missing items and not rely on my input or opinions before you submit your findings to me.” It’s clear from her tone that you’ve been dismissed to your task.

Arriving at the stately and infamous Blakros Museum, a young human clerk appears and welcomes you. At Jon’s comment, she rolls her eyes, but you can tell she doesn’t disagree with his sentiment. She quickly directs you to a private office where Hamaria Blakros and Nigel Aldain await.

Hamaria Blakros, matriarch and head of the Blakros family, gently rests the tips of her fingers on the wooden desk in front of her, the sound like the firing of a crossbow bolt in the silence. “Ah good, you’ve finally arrived. I see the Pathfinder Society remains eager to continue our ongoing association, and while I dearly wish this were a matter of import, I’m afraid this request borders on the... pedantic.”

Nigel Aldain, the elven curator standing at Hamaria’s side, twinges at the matriarch’s comment. He gives a weak smile and a brief nod before seeing himself out of the office. Hamaria motions for your clerk/guide to close the private office door as Nigel leaves.

“Pedantic, but important,” she smoothly picks up where she left off. ”You see, over the past few years, it has come to my attention that several important items have gone missing from our exhibits. Nigel believes that most of these disappearances are the result of Pathfinders, specifically the destructive means agents like yourselves tend to employ when working within the museum. While Nigel has cited recent actions involving Ralzeros or, as he puts it, the ‘so-called defense of our Shining Crusade exhibits from the northerners,’ I find it hard to believe that a conjured fireball could destroy magical relics that have withstood centuries or millennia of much worse battering. I’ve also heard rumors that these objects may have found their way into the hands of enemies.”

Hamaria gingerly walks her fingers toward a slip of parchment on the desk, pinning it in place with her forefinger before sliding it across the table. “This is a list of items that Nigel recently cataloged as missing. I’d like for you to investigate these items and see what you can find within our records here. Our clerks can help you in whatever way you need, as should Nigel, though you may find it difficult to convince him.”

second post coming....

”Madreki Gael…. Well, that is an interesting development….” Karela twirls one end of his greasy moustache as he thinks.

”The Gael’s are an old and powerful Varisian family, and I’ve had run-ins with them recently. With my knowledge of them and my connections in the Families, I’m in the best position to track him and this Zurnzal character down.”

He pauses and eyes the packet of documents greedily.

”Listen, do me a favor will you? Give me all these papers you found. Don’t give ‘em to Tolal, and don’t mention our arrangement on this, okay? I promise to share all the info she needs to clear the Society’s name here. But for me to be able to track these snakes down, I gotta keep some of this close to the chest. You understand, right?” he says with a slick smile while pointedly avoiding eye contact with Eveline.

The next morning, Guaril Karela arrives late and gathers you all in the back meeting room of the lodge. As he chews on a slice of Reginar’s nut-bread, he lays out a map of the local area.

Slide 7: Guaril's Map

“I hope you uncovered some information, my friends,” says Guaril as he splashes the contents of a hip flask into his tea. “My investigation was only partially successful. I would have learned more, but some men…they cannot tolerate pain, eh?” he gives you a smile more scary than friendly as he continues.

”The Razmiri are involved, too, but except for being muscle I don’t quite get why. One of their “priests” confessed that his leadership had, hehehe, hold on, I love how he phrased it.” He adjusts his posture and assumes a haughty tone as he relates the Razmiri’s statement: “Relegated them to working for a rude woman who smells of opossums and does not show Razmir the proper deference.”

Returning to his normal Varisian accent and voice, he continues, ”Hehehe, classic. Anyway, all of his meetings with her took place outside of Tamran in isolated glades at different locations, so not much help there. More to the point, though, my sources tell me that the filthy weasels stealing my cargo are hiding in an abandoned fort. Which fort, they could not say. Sadly for us, the Nirmathi abandoned many forts after the last Molthuni invasion. These four are our best bets,” he concludes pointing to the map.

Re: the Map at Slide 7: The darker green zones are marshes.

Always on the lookout for law enforcement or any muscle sent by rival dealers, Gilligam quickly spots the heavily armed and armored warriors pacing nearby and glancing repeatedly toward his stall. (That’d be you, Eddy!)

“I knew this was going to come back to bite me! You’re here to break my legs or something, right?” he whines while glancing fearfully at Eddy in particular. ”Well you don’t have to—I’ll tell you everything! Just don’t hurt me! I used to buy from Guaril Karela; now I buy from whoever is stealing from Karela. Hey, what’s it matter to me? When I meet them, it’s always on the north end of town, so I figure they must have a hideout up north somewhere. Please, that’s all I know!”

If Ahmandé or Malakar makes the Sense Motive DC, then we’re done here at the Marketplace. If neither do, then we can continue to RP it and see where it leads.

Gilligam sets down the skewer of roasted meats and bell peppers that he was working on when Ahmandé approaches the table. As he stands to greet the elf and the halfling that followed him, he moves the skewer back behind the counter out of the halfling’s reach.

”Dude, I don’t really deal in potions of any kind. If you can smoke it, though, I got it. I’ve got some nice tobaccos from the River Kingdoms, a couple smooth Chelish blends, some Qadiran shishas, some Tian stuff, you name it.” He narrows his eyes and cocks his head just slightly. ”What exactly is it that your sister wants, man?”

”Madreki Gael…. Well, that is an interesting development….” Karela twirls one end of his greasy moustache as he thinks.

”The Gael’s are an old and powerful Varisian family, and I’ve had run-ins with them recently. With my knowledge of them and my connections in the Families, I’m in the best position to track him and this Zurnzal character down.”

He pauses and eyes the packet of documents greedily.
”Listen, do me a favor will you? Give me all these papers you found. Don’t give ‘em to Tolal. I promise to share with her what she needs to clear the Society’s name here. But for me to be able to track these snakes down, I gotta keep some of this close to the chest. You understand, right?”

Guaril Karela arrives later that morning and gathers you all in the back meeting room of the lodge. As he chews on a slice of Reginar’s nut-bread, he lays out a map of the local area Slide 7.

“I hope you uncovered some information, my friends,” says Guaril as he splashes the contents of a hip flask into his tea. “My investigation was only partially successful. I would have learned more, but some men…they cannot tolerate pain, eh?” he gives you a smile more scary than friendly as he continues.

”The Razmiri are involved, too, but except for being muscle I don’t quite get why. One of their “priests” confessed that his leadership had, hehehe, hold on, I love how he phrased it.” He adjusts his posture and assumes a haughty tone as he relates the Razmiri’s statement: “Relegated them to working for a rude woman who smells of opossums and does not show Razmir the proper deference.”

Returning to his normal Varisian accent and voice, he continues, ”Hehehe, classic. Anyway, all of his meetings with her took place outside of Tamran in isolated glades at different locations, so not much help there. More to the point, though, my sources tell me that the filthy weasels stealing my cargo are hiding in an abandoned fort. Which fort, they could not say. Sadly for us, the Nirmathi abandoned many forts after the last Molthuni invasion. These four are our best bets,” he concludes pointing to the map.

Re: the Map at Slide 7: The darker green zones are marshes.

Oraiah suggests checking out the following locales within the city:

The Docks: “Karela’s shipments across the lake haven’t been getting through, which means the bandits must have a ship. If they have a ship, they’ve probably visited Tamran’s docks.”

The Gar’s Last Meal: ”Many consider it the only inn in town worth staying at—a harsh verdict but a great place to dig up rumors.”

The Forest Bounty: “That’s the town’s most popular feast hall. These days it’s seen a lot of traffic from members of the city’s various militias. You probably won’t get a very friendly reception, what with the rumors around town, but talking to the militia patrols is your best bet at learning what’s going on outside the city.”

The Market District: “We haven’t been getting our supplies, but several of the more… illicit… items Karela used to bring into the city are still appearing in the market. That suggests someone in town is fencing goods for the thieves.”

Your diminutive host seems pleasantly surprised at the number of small folk in this team as she leads you to a small meeting room inside the tree-top lodge. Once everyone is settled, she explains that her own attempts to investigate the thefts have been stymied by a pernicious rumor spreading through Tamran slandering the Pathfinder Society in general—and more specifically herself and Reginar—as Molthuni sympathizers.

”I suspect that the rumor campaign may be linked to the disappearance of Mr. Karela’s shipments, but I don’t have any proof. Maybe you all might be able to learn more, given that you’re newcomers to the city. After all, whoever is spreading the rumors hasn’t had the chance to fully turn the city against you.” As she finishes, Reginar serves tea and some light pastries from a nearby bakery for the morning meal.

”Maybe start the day by doing the usual Pathfinder information gathering, then I might have some ideas on parts of town you can check out. You’re free to stay here at the lodge until your investigation is complete, of course.” She asks Reginar to set up a room for you. As you prepare to hit the streets, she lets you know that as a cleric of Alseta she can, of course, provide some limited healing should you need it. "But, please try to stay out of fights. We're trying to repair our reputation a little, after all."

Annnd one more turn in the holding pattern for you….

Emilio rubs at his wrists as the manacles fall away from Tabar's picks. He smiles up at Elby even as he speaks to Soddy.

"Oh yeah, Muhlia'd wanna know 'bout that, for sure. And, yeah, we oughta get goin', but it ain't like those stupid Path-losers are gonna attack her hideout anytime soon," he says with a big cheesy grin as he stands and brushes the cellar dust off his pants.

"Irel's notes are over in the library. Opposite corner of the manor from here. It won't take no time to pop in there and grab 'em. So whatya youse all say?"

He seems to have a deathwish as he says to Elby, "Yer in, right sweet-cheeks?"

Sorry for my absence, but you guys had no problem. 3 successes!

"Oh, hey, sorry fer doubtin' youse. Yeah, youse makes a good point, who else would come ta get me?" he asks rhetorically. When Tabar bolts from the room without unlocking his manacles, he again jangles his restraints at Elby hoping someone will free him.

He then sighs heavily. “That damned Kalistocrat really had it out for me. She came down here every day to rub it in my face that she finally caught me. As if I coulda forgot! But she also let me in on a little secret, too,” he says conspiratorily.

Emilio licks his lips and smirks. ”She done some research on some ruins back in Varisia chock full o' treasure an' magic. All she needs to trip the wards is the blood of one of the ancient Families -- that’s where I comes in," he says a little proudly before his tone changes to one of relief. "She was plannin' to drag me out to Varisia and bleed me in some cave, then take everythin' for herself. That’s how I’m supposed to pay my debt. But here youse are, bustin' me out. I know where she keeps her notes, so let’s nick ‘em and take ‘em back to the boss.” He looks at you all expectantly, hoping that you'll help him grab these notes from Irel before escaping.

At Soddy's introduction, he smiles in some confusion. "Soddy Today, I got's it. But what's dis here information Torch wants delivered? And who'ze it goin' to?"

Nyeli removes her glasses as she peers down at Sammi-Sue and hesitates for a moment while the young girl pleads her case.

"Yes, of course, dear, that would be fine. As long as it's okay with your father," she qualifies open-endedly since she doesn't know if "Mr. Smith" or that ruffian with the hippogriff is it.

No objections being heard, she leads Sammi-Sue away and makes introductions and small talk initially. Eventually she reveals much more about herself than she's told anyone in quite a while. It's nice to have someone to talk to, and Amynta has been so busy of late with work and other projects.

Nyeli reveals that she came to Druma several years ago and took employment as a maid here in this very house. She's since worked her way up to being in charge of managing the entire estate, and she sees Amynta as a daughter, attributing her own success in Druma to her employer's benevolence. She even goes so far as to extol the virtues of the Prophesies of Kalistrade to the young girl, hoping to perhaps inspire her.

As she speaks, she leads Sammi-Sue on a tour of the manor house, to the west initially through the master bedroom with its understated opulence, past her own quarters just off Amynta's, and through a hidden door into a library full of books and overstuffed black leather chairs.

They cross through a grand dining room with its expansive view of the gardens, and where Nyeli pauses to correct the staff on errors they made in setting the table for dinner. She then quickly cuts through the staff quarters, cautioning Sammi-Sue to be quiet lest they wake up the night shift guards currently sleeping there. They end their impromptu tour in a kitchen of steel and marble with a pantry door in the southeast corner.

It's here that Nyeli parts ways with Sammi-Sue. "I have something to attend to. And I must still go try to find the groundskeeper so that he can talk to your father."

"I hope you enjoyed your little tour. I know I enjoyed chatting with you. Work hard, and you can become anything you want someday, Sammi-Sue," she says as she lets the girl back out into the main entry area.

I've revealed most of the house, and I presume Sammi-Sue briefs you all on what she saw. So much NPC back-story from the scenario that never gets used finally sees the light of day!!

Arriving at the manor door, a servant immediately greets you and invites you into the ornate great room. (Slide 9)

The white marble walls of this large room boast carved friezes depicting scenes of a whimsical vineyard harvest: dryads and nymphs tread the grapes while a satyr pours wine from a wooden cask. The floor is composed of polished white and gray marble tiles. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows on either side of the doors look out over the front lawns. To the west of the doors, black leather couches surround an ebony table. Rosewood doors to the north and west lead further into the manor. On the ceiling, a fresco of a man dressed in flowing white robes with a scroll clutched in his white-gloved hand presides over the room.

Within moments of entering the manor, a tiefling woman enters from the opposite room. You recognize her as the woman you repeatedly saw earlier, and she still appears to be quite busy. (Larger image on Slide 7)

"Hello. Welcome to the Irel Vineyards," she says in a tone that's not particularly welcoming in spite of the words. Her barbed tail flicks in a hint of annoyance at this unexpected interruption to her day. "I am Nyeli, majordomo to Ms. Irel. We were not expecting guests today. You are....?"

Nyeli bows, and her tail stops flicking about. "My apologies, Master Ela. Al-Martab failed to inform me that a follow-up visit would be required. Had I known such a master as you would be arriving to check on the installation, we would have been better prepared. Right this way, if you please."

She leads you through the double doors across from where you entered.

The first room you pass through is obviously a dining room, currently being prepared for dinner. A grand dining table carved of rosewood and surrounded by high-backed chairs occupies the center of the room. Golden cutlery and white silk napkins folded into elegant triangles grace the table. Two picture windows flank the northern wall, providing a lovely view of the gardens and hedge maze outside. Polished squares of pink and white marble tile the floor, and two human staff members dressed in black and white uniforms busily clean the room and set the table, but they pointedly ignore you, as staff are trained to do.

The ceiling above displays a triumphant fresco of white-clad humans bedecked in gold and jewels seated on thrones towering above the globe.

Nyeli then turns to the left and opens a single door into a lush library. The walls of this room are lined with ebony shelves housing thousands of books. Rolling golden ladders ascend the towering bookshelves. Overstuffed black leather chairs surround rosewood reading tables strewn with texts and scrolls in the western half of the room. The floor is covered in thick white carpet. A large picture window faces out into the garden and provides light for reading.

Frescoes on the ceiling portray images of a white-robed human woman storing gold and jewels in a chest, walking past a group of beggars in rags, and sitting at a table decked with rich meats and cheeses but taking only a loaf of bread.

Nyeli gestures to a pair of serpentine statues, one by the door you entered through and the other by the southern wall. "Al-Martab installed these two just a few months ago. We've had no trouble with them, but I don't really know anything about such creatures. When you're done, or if you need anything, ask one of the staff to fetch me," she says with a wave of her hand back toward the waiters in the dining room. As she leaves you to your work she closes the door with a final statement. "Please don't go anywhere else in the house."

Image of the constructs is on Slide 7

Arriving at the manor door, a servant immediately greets you and invites you into the ornate great room. (Slide 8)

The white marble walls of this large room boast carved friezes depicting scenes of a whimsical vineyard harvest: dryads and nymphs tread the grapes while a satyr pours wine from a wooden cask. The floor is composed of polished white and gray marble tiles. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows on either side of the doors look out over the front lawns. To the west of the doors, black leather couches surround an ebony table. Rosewood doors to the north and west lead further into the manor. On the ceiling, a fresco of a man dressed in flowing white robes with a scroll clutched in his white-gloved hand presides over the room.

Within moments of entering the manor, a tiefling woman enters from the opposite room. You recognize her as the woman you repeatedly saw earlier, and she still appears to be quite busy. (Larger image on Slide 7)

"Hello. Welcome to the Irel Vineyards," she says in a tone that's not particularly welcoming in spite of the words. Her barbed tail flicks in a hint of annoyance at this unexpected interruption to her day. "I am Nyeli, majordomo to Ms. Irel. We were not expecting guests today. You are....?"

As Javon is riding in a pouch I'm leaving his token off the map for now.

Kristoff wipes his hands on his apron as he lets out a deep sigh.

"I don't know where he did his business. But it wouldn't matter if I did. If you're looking for him...."

He pauses to signal the other bartender that he'll be a another minute.

"Something happened the other night when I was on my night off. Seems some Kalistocrat had it out for him. Business deal gone bad most likely, or maybe he stole something from her. I don't know, and honestly don't care. But either way, a troupe of Blackjackets busted in here and dragged him away."

Kristoff pauses to look around at the other patrons, particularly the small knot of white-robed Kalistocrats at the back of the room. He leans down closer to the table before continuing.

"I don’t have confirmation, but some of my regulars say they saw Amynta Irel’s insignia on the abductors’ uniforms.”

"You can check his room if you like. I'd have to send one of my serving boys with you when you do. Nothing personal, you understand," he finishes with a disarming smile.

Tabar, that's the second time you've said that you're speaking "silently." I'm going to assume that you mean something like "quietly" or "in a whisper" rather than completely silently. Is that correct?

Kristoff points a finger at the other bartender and whispers something. In short order, a serving boy arrives with a large rare steak, serves it to Seldiir and departs. At this point in your Pathfinder careers, you're all readily familiar with this simple messaging cantrip.

Kristoff chuckles. “Emilio? That scoundrel? I don’t know where he got the coin to drink like he did, but Cayden bless him for it. He was tight-lipped about his work, but I got the impression he was mixed up in some nasty business. I guess for someone like him that’s just another day, another gold piece. He rented a room for a week, but toward the end of his stay he seemed nervous. Always watching over his shoulder, you might say. Didn’t keep him from coming in for our daily sessions. Then three days ago he stopped showing up at the bar. Haven’t seen him since.”

Kristoff points a finger at the other bartender and whispers something. In short order, the elf arrives with a single drink, serves it to Apalah and returns to the bar. At this point in your Pathfinder careers, you're all readily familiar with this simple messaging cantrip.

Minkiaiin whiskey," Kristoff informs the nagaji. "Seems like your kind of drink. But to answer your question about Ms. Irel, her type doesn’t come around my place much, but I know she’s pretty high up in the social order. She has an estate not far from here, out in the country. She likes her privacy. A lot." he concludes somberly.

At the sound of irate voices from the bar, Kristoff suggests that you talk to the regular customers who may have witnessed the abduction and takes his leave.

GATHER INFORMATION (Diplomacy) OR KNOWLEDGE (Nobility)
Apalah already hit the DC 10 & DC 15 rolls, so you may open those.

"Glad you like it," Kristoff replies to Seldiir. "A hippogriff, you say? Sorry, I'm not allowed to serve anyone or anything outside. But there's a livery stable down the road. Tell Kaitlyn I sent you, and she can add it to your bill here."

Seeing Tabar search the room, and noting Soddy's question, the bartender asks, "Who is it you're supposed to meet? I know everyone here, maybe I can help."

Kristoff wipes his hands on his apron as he lets out a deep sigh.

"No. But it wouldn't matter if he had. If you're looking for him...."

He pauses to signal the other bartender that he'll be a another minute.

"Something happened the other night when I was on my night off. Seems some Kalistocrat had it out for him. Business deal gone bad most likely, or maybe he stole something from her. I don't know, and honestly don't care. But either way, a troupe of Blackjackets busted in here and dragged him away."

Kristoff pauses to look around at the other patrons, particularly the small knot of white-robed Kalistocrats at the back of the room. He leans down closer to the table before continuing.

"I don’t have confirmation, but some of my regulars say they saw Amynta Irel’s insignia on the abductors’ uniforms.”

"Let me see if I've got this all. One rum, two Azer's Tears, and two fruit fizzies. Hmmm," Kristoff murmurs as he ponders the request for fizzy drinks. "I know this other bartender who specializes in fruity fizzy drinks. I'll never be as good as him, but I'll see what I can do," he finishes as he heads off to the basement storage room to look for fresh fruits, top-shelf rum, and curly straws.

Several minutes later, he returns with a tray heavily laden with your drinks and more.

"One for you sir, and one for you miss," he says with a bow and a wink to Sammi-Sue as he serves the brightly colored fruit drinks. Hers does indeed have a twisty straw stuck in it and is in fact fully alcoholic, as you'd expect from a cleric of Cayden Cailean. Dale's however, lacks a cool straw but does sport a paper umbrella. "Had to make sure I could tell them apart," he explains. "Plus, that was the only straw like that I could find," he adds in an aside to the young girl.

He sets the rum in from of Seldiir, and two large, wide-rimmed glasses for Elby and Tabar. Clearly pleased to be getting to make a drink he doesn’t often get a call for, he snaps his fingers and a magical spark ignites the drink with a small ‘whoosh’ into a multi-hued dance of fire. The flames seem to drip upward somehow, perhaps thus explaining the name of the drink.

Once you’ve all finished appreciating his artistry, Kristoff then sets a small dish of candy in front of Sammi-Sue Candi-Sue and a platter of meats, cheeses, and sliced veggies in the center of the table. Lastly, he drops a whole ham-hock bone onto the floor for Sag.

He finally steps back with a grin and brushes his hands off together. "If you need anything else, just ask."

He pauses as if expecting you to ask him something important, and his eyes look meaningfully at the platter of food he's just delivered.

Soddy Daisy, Tabar and Seldiir all suddenly notice the corner of an envelope peeking out from beneath the platter.

Angela notes that the packet she was handed has a wax seal on it bearing Torch's imprint. Even knowing it's a forgery she's unable to spot any flaws in the work.

Kristoff seems quite impressed with how Reznor quaffed the flaming drink as he serves up the round of teas. "Seen him around? Sort of," he answers Ela. "He rented a room for a week, but toward the end of his stay he seemed nervous. Always watching over his shoulder, you might say. Didn’t keep him from coming in for our daily sessions. I don’t know where he got the coin to drink like he did, but Cayden bless him for it."

Kristoff pauses to clean up the table next to yours and returns as soon as he's done.

"He was tight-lipped about his work, but I got the impression he was mixed up in some nasty business. I guess for someone like him that’s just another day, another gold piece. Then three days ago he stopped showing up at the bar. Haven’t seen him since.”

”Well, now, if you want one of those fancy flaming drinks, I'll make an Azer’s Tears for you.”

When Ela flashes her faywinder at him, he subtly acknowledges it by flashing the Pathfinder hand sign for “Ally” to her.

At Angela’s request for papers, Kristoff replies that he has some in the back, and he’ll be glad to bring them out. He packs up the box of teas, pockets the coins and surreptitious note, and with a last ”Anything else?” to the table, he heads back to the bar.

Kristoff returns a few minutes later with a sealed packet and a large, wide-rimmed glass. He sets the package down in front of Angela, and the drink in front of Reznor. Clearly pleased to be getting to make a drink he doesn’t often get a call for, he snaps his fingers and a magical spark ignites the drink with a small ‘whoosh’ into a multi-hued dance of fire.

Once you’ve all finished appreciating his artistry, Kristoff says, ”You’re colleagues of Emilio, aren’t you?” The way he says it makes it clear that he knows it’s not true, but he’s using it as cover to open the conversation.

"You ladies waiting on more folks to join you?" the half-orc bartender (pictured on Slide 6) asks cheerfully as he refreshes Elby's drink. "Anything I can get you while you wait?" His look at Soddy makes it clear he's not sure if or what she'd drink. Or eat for that matter.

As you all check in please let me know if you are wearing wayfinders openly. Though if so, I'd refer you to Slide 3 and your mission-briefing letter.