Iliara Starcloak - Goldenfire's page

In cast you didn't notice it, yes, somehow or other without really doing any thing more than talking to you, she knows your basic race and "style"!

She gives almost a full smile when you talk about 'nurturing' your band."Yes, you go 'nurture your band' my child. You can send the message here and if I'm no longer here they will be certain to forward it to me in Thornkeep. No worries there." As she skillfully avoids saying when she is leaving.

"Well, I'm glad to know you are apparently honest and also wise enough to know what you can handle. And a group that is 'embryonic' you say? I like that!" And you see the slightest hint of a smile as she makes the embryonic comment. "Don't worry, I certainly understand the meaning of the word, its just that I've never heard that word used to describe an adventuring group before!
You are correct in that the size of your group does not affect the contract, it is only that I am supposed to make full detailed reports back to the Order, for record keeping purposes you understand? And if I send them a report saying that I'm sending a Werebat-kin Skinwalker, and a Fetchling Summoner with her Eidolon into the Spire all by themselves, I would become the laughing stock of the ENTIRE magical community! And I mean worldwide!
There is no need for me inspect them, just send me a note giving me all the names, races and are they a fighter-type; spellcaster-type - and specify arcane or divine; 'problem-solver, etc. etc. please. You get the idea.
Two more things.
As I may have already made clear all this information DOES matter to the order! As I said, we keep very detailed records as much as we can. So I can't just say I sent a group of adventurers to look for them, you see.
Last, just so we are clear and you don't think I'm trying to cheat you. This is a contract with the order, but the receiving end, in other words, who receives the reward is not in stone. I'll explain. The reward goes to whatever group, brings back the requested information. So that means that tomorrow another group could be contracted for the same purposes, and if they came back before your group, and meet all the requirements, than they would get the reward. Do you understand?" She asks as she looks to all three of you in turn.

While you wait for Lady iliara, you overhear different bits and pieces of conversation. You manage to gather the following rumors: adventurers are in demand by the Goldenfire Order of Thornkeep (taking up residence at area 13, the Juliver Arms), strange attacks by new types of undead monsters have High Mother Sarise Dremagne (from area 33) concerned, and Abernard Royst (who lives in area 41) keeps trying to find out more about the Spire—and even claims there’s dangerous chambers beneath it.
You also just barely manage to hear someone whispering, "Did you hear? The seven foxes struck again! They stole a wagon of supplies from the Hellknights!" You hear a couple responses to this as well: "Those crazy bandits are going to get us all killed!" - "No! They are the true heroes fighting for the people! They will end this regime!" but you are unable to make out where this whole last section comes from.
Also, I'm going to say it's logical that the message board with the job postings, would also have a map of the town with the main locations (including of course the ones for the jobs & the rumors, marked upon it.)

As you are waiting, a young halfling girl comes out the door, "You are waiting to see Lady Starcloak? She is now waiting in our private dining room. Would you please follow me and I will show you the way in?" You notice she keeps looking & smiling at Mr. Blinky. She looks at you two, "Before we go in, may I scratch him behind his ears? Or is there something else he prefers?" Just as she is saying this last part, by the look on her face it is obvious some idea has just struck her, and she turns to face Mr. Blinky fully while still smiling, "Oh! Or should I be asking you directly? I'm sorry! I meant no offense! I'm just not used to dealing with creatures that can speak!"

You can post your follow up to that as you see fit. If needed I'll backtrack to it. I'm trusting that you will agree to follow her in and I'm continuing the post based on that.

The girl takes you inside and leads you to a door off to the side of the main dining room. As you enter you see a dining room which could fit about 10 people and it is even more ostentatious than the main dining room.

You also see a reasonably good looking woman sitting at a table by herself. As you approach you find that you have trouble determining the woman's age range at all, but she appears to be human. "So, you are the 'valiant adventurers' that have come to offer to try to find our missing wizards? Well, I must be heading back to Thornkeep soon, so I guess you will have to do." While her words would seem condescending, there is something in her manner that makes you realize she does not mean it in a bad way. To her it is simply a fact, neither good or bad, and somehow, you do not find yourselves offended about it, even though those would normally be 'fighting' words. It becomes quite obvious that she is used to being in charge at all times & no one dares to question her. There is a feeling of power about her, which neither of you can begin to comprehend. "I arranged to use the private dining room so that we can speak of this matter without any prying ears about.
Let us get down to business shall we? Some time ago our order sent two mid-level wizards, named Jharun and Tiawask to the Emerald Spire. They were sent to do research on the different portals to the planes that are rumored to be in the Spire. They were supposed to send a report every week at minimum, but we have not heard from them in 3 weeks now. I have been looking for them myself here around town to no avail, and I simply cannot go to the Spire. So for the last two weeks I've had that post up looking to hire someone to search for them. You are the first who have come.
Now I know you are simply in this for a reward. The order will pay 2,000 Gold pieces to know the whereabouts and condition of each of them, for a total of 4,000 Gold pieces. We will accept no argument on this price. If they are dead, you must bring us the ring that each of them wears. We know they would not part with them. The rings have their names inscribed on the inside of the band. It may help you in your search or it may not, but I can tell you that Tiawask, was fond of putting her 'T' mark on things. Here is a parchment where you can see her rather unique mark.
There is a bonus for you if you can also bring us some knowledge or research into the portals as we would still like to learn about them as well. The bonus will vary depending on the quantity and the quality of the research you bring. Research from more than one point of view is always a good thing. Those are the terms of the contract. This last part is said with such a tone of finality that you think it might be wise not to argue with her. Do you hve any quetions and also, so that I my report back to my order, how many more are there in your adventuring group? And what kind of abilities are represented?"