Search Posts
Sheila shakes her head slightly at Kennos. Ive arranged a small skiff for you at the waterfront, this note will secure it. The entrance to the piling is on the water level about 200 feet from the shore. If you take your time you should have no problem with the boat. Good luck, she says seriously. And watch eachothers backs.
Charmed, I'm sure Mr Delagroza. she says with a smile and nod of her head. I trust your blade is as keen as your tongue? If Natalya is correct and the Tower Girls have claimed the piling as their new base, I'm not so sure a flattering word will depose them. But then you've all been full of surprises so far, perhaps you'll prove me wrong on that score as well. She looks down at some paperwork. Do any of you have experience in piloting boats?
With varying degrees of hangover you make your way across the city to the Heidmarch Lodge. It is a clear, bright day, the sunlight dappling in the waters of the fountains in Naos and casting long morning shadows from the colossal statues that dot the cityscape. You are shown into Sheila's study where she is waiting with a smile. Morning gents, how are you all? Ready to make your way into the Crow?
No, im sorry. The Pathfinders are self funding. The Societys rules state you keep what items and monies you find provided they do not hold significant historical value. I dont have any equipment in the lodge.
I don't know of any cure. But that's not to say there isn't one, it's not my field. Besides prevention is always better than cure in my experience. Stay vigilant, protect each other and put it down before it gets a chance to bite you, that's my advice.
A look of concern crosses Shiela's face as Gelbor nearly collapses. You don't look well at all Gelbor. I think you'd better forget the Crow for today and get yourself to bed.
Lycanthropy is a supernatural curse which resembles a disease. It can be contracted by being bitten by a lycanthrope such as a werewolf or wererat. The affliction remains dormant until the next full moon, whereupon the victim undergoes an involuntary transformation into an animal and becomes filled with an uncontrollable rage and blood lust. The victim generally retains no memory of any events experienced while transformed, and returns to his or her normal form upon sunrise. Lycanthropy can also be passed on from a mother to her offspring. Children born with lycanthropy are known as natural lycanthropes, and it is only they who can pass on the affliction through their bite. Natural lycanthropes have greater control over their transformation, and do not suffer from loss of memory. Some believe that it was the demon lord Jezelda who first brought lycanthropy to Golarion, although her faithful dispute this claim. Pure silver has proven effective against the creatures in the past.
Later that day Sheila returns, finding Gelbor and Domingo in the study. She pours herself what appears to be a stiff brandy and flops into a chair. Can and I have finished questioning Natalya. A tiring and frustrating business. She says her memory is hazy and I believe her and also says she is very regretful about what she did to you all - I believe her about that too. The shard seemed to twist her perception. Domingo I'm sure you could attest to that. She takes a sip of her liquor, a thoughtful look on her face. She was able to give some useful information however. Firstly she knows nothing about these disappearances throughout Magnimar - a shame, that's a task the mayor has asked for Pathfinder assistance with and that reward money would have been useful to expand the east wing. The complex in the Crow is far larger than those located in the other pickings. The Tower Girls have also adopted it as their new base - that's how she found the shard in the first place. Sadly she couldn't give me an idea of numbers as she made her escape before the gang had moved in in force. One thing that is very relevant however is that she disclosed their leader.. is afflicted with lycanthropy. This makes her a dangerous opponent.
Sheila puts a hand on her husband's arm as he reaches across eagerly to take the flask. Its a little early for me thank you Drazhak, for both of us... she says chidingly to Canayven. Come on you big lug, they've clearly got a lot to talk about and we still have Natalya to question. We'll leave you to it.
Kennos takes his seat and as he is about to speak, the door opens behind Sheila. The dwarf who enters is tall for his race. While not as heavily built as some of his kind, he looks powerful nonetheless and his movements are unusually lithe and quick for a Stone-dweller. His long coarse hair is tied at the nape of his neck, his face dominated by his flinty eyes and braided beard. Hair and beard are brown shot with iron-grey streaks. Mailclad and heavily armed he appears to be a soldier or mercenary, however on closer inspection he is obviously neither of these. Ah, Drazhak I wasn't sure if my message would reach you. Thank you for attending so swiftly. Gentlemen, Mr Grimbold here is, I propose, the fifth member of the company. He is, like Kennos, one of our newer recruits but would compliment the outfit well I believe. Kennos, Drazhak - why not introduce yourselves?
At that moment Sheila strides in purposefully, a tall slender man beside her. Morning everyone, feeling better I trust? Last night we discussed a replacement for Ralph. We were all sad to see him go but I think I have a more than able replacement. The man beside her stands at about 6'2" with brown hair, blue eyes and a scar on his right cheek. His presence alone seems like it would be enough to inspire. He has a lute on his back and a smile on his face. I'd like to introduce Kennos Slynt, one of our newer operatives but he has proven very effective so far. We don't know what to expect in the Crow so I am considering a fifth member of this company as well. Any more than that might draw too much attention at this stage. Kennos, over to you.
I always have operatives out in the field. Ideally I'd like to send Koriah with you but she is well known in Magnimar and I think for now it's best to keep a low profile. I have one or two in mind who can help out. After helping Sheila carry Natalya into a more secure room, you retire for the evening, the Venture Captain making an exception and housing you in the lodge that night.
Fortune and glory kid, fortune and glory! If we go after these other shards are they likely to be cursed like this one was? Yes, my husband is around here somewhere. Even when we were on the road he seemed to be able to sleep any time. She thinks for a moment about Domingo's question. Will they be cursed..? Almost certainly. But what the effects will be and what powers the other shards will have - I have no idea. The correct ioun stone will nullify the curse but I only knew the proper one for the Shard of Pride. But I will research the others and keep you informed about my progress.
Natalya will be fine. Aside from an extremely sore head I should imagine. I’ll question her in the morning, I doubt she’ll wake up before then anyway. She moves to the Shard and picks it up, almost tentatively. What an opportunity this presents... she says softly. She moves once more to the desk and takes out a heavy bag of coins. I got this ready for you, assuming you’d be successful. I already gave Ralph his share, I felt he’d earned that at least.
She spends several minutes counting the money out into 250gp shares and talks while she does so. The Shattered Star was a powerful defensive item created over 10,000 years ago by the founder of the empire of Thassilon, an exiled Azlanti named Xin. At that time, the item was known as the Sihedron – a seven pointed star made of seven different skymetals infused with powerful magic. When the Runelords rebelled against him, this item was broken into seven parts (at least according to legends), and the Runelords each claimed a shard for their own. In the 10 millenia since Earthfall and the end of Thassilon, the shards have shifted locations, yet they have never been reassembled into the Sihedron. She hands you each a bag with more money in it that you have ever had at one time. Your reward gentlemen, although I hope not the last. Pouring herself a brandy she continues:
Over the past several years I have become something of an expert on Thassilon – the legacies of this ancient empire and its monuments and magic are, after all, the primary reason that the Pathfinders have become interested in Varisia. The story of the Shattered Star is one of the most oft-repeated legends of that time among those who write about ancient Thassilonian artifacts. Even so, the Shattered Star legend is still relatively obscure among lay-people. Never did I dare hope that a shard would simply fall into my lap like this.
Each shard is connected to another in a set sequence. It is said by holding a shard that has been “awakened” with it’s proper ioun stone will provide a powerful vision of the location of the next shard in the sequence. She holds the shard out to you. It has no power to influence you any more, although its powers are still great. Once he has caught his breath, I’d love to hear from Domingo what they actually are – the history books don’t record everything! Gentlemen, understand this is what the Pathfinders are all about! This is history in the making! Would one of you care to do the honours?
Sheila looks a little disappointed. Ralph won’t be joining us. He came to see me earlier, intent on leaving the city and returning home. I tried to persuade him otherwise but his mind was set. She puts a hand on Domingo’s and looks intently at him. To his surprise her hands are calloused and tough – the hands of a warrior. He notices that her wedding ring sits behind a swollen knuckle, the kind you get after years gripping a weapon. If it’s any consolation I don’t think it was what you said to him. The life of a Pathfinder is tough, fraught with danger and excitement in equal measure. Sometimes we can be a haven for the lost, the glory hounds or the crazy brave. Often those with good hearts and keen minds seek to join. Ralph was in this latter category but even they must steel themselves. I fear up to now he has lived a sheltered life and, frankly, I don’t think he could cut it. In the long run I feel it’s better for him to leave now than be hurt later.
The history of it, the mythology of it - there probably aren't that many people in Varisia who know more about it than myself. Thassilonia is something of an obsession I admit, particularly since the Runelord Karzoug was revived and almost destroyed everything. The reason I believe Domingo knows more about it's abilities than I is that I believe he has been under its effects. It is a powerful item that carries a powerful curse, it's over 10,000 years old - a piece of the Shattered Star itself! Its clear now why Natalya went AWOL.
He then nobs and makes a gesture for Dom
When Sheila is shown the shard, her eyes widen and her jaw drops in shock. But thats... It cant... Thats why.... She clears her throat and regains her composure. My lord Domingo, I assure you I knew nothing of Natalyas activities. But of course the success of this mission was never in doubt with you leading the team. And I see you were doubly successful in recovering this item. I suspect I know what this shard is, but in order to be sure I would like to affix an ioun stone in the indentation, just there on the face you see. I think the shard is based on Azlanti magic similar in fact to that which the Pathfinders based the design of the wayfinder compasses. If the shard reacts to an ioun stone in the same way, my hunch will be proven correct. She rummages in one of the many drawers in her desk and retrieves a small red and blue stone. She steps toward Domingo and offers him the ioun stone.
She steeples her fingers beneath her chin a quizzical look on her face. I gave you all the information I had. I told you she was missing and I told you she was in possession of an item she claimed was from ancient Thassilonia. I had nothing else to tell you, that’s why I asked you to investigate. I care for my Pathfinders. If at any point you felt it was too dangerous or there was more going on than a missing persons case, why didn’t you report in? And what news of the item, was it also recovered?
Ralph: The main thing is you weren't hurt. This life isn't for everybody Ralph but you've not let anyone down. If you ever change your mind you know where I am.
The bedraggled adventurers make their way through the streets back to Heidmarch Manor. Fortunately for them, dusk is falling across the cityscape, the incredible monuments that give Magnimar its nickname cast long shadows as you pass and few people are on the street to question the strange fellowship. Eventually the welcome sight of the manor greets you and to your relief there is still at least one light burning in the study. You knock the door loudly and to your surprise find it almost immediately answered by Sheila herself, almost like she were expecting someone. You made it. And you have Natalya! Does she yet live? she says with relief. From the note, I feared the worst but seven hells you look a mess! Come in, quickly now. You track dirt and filth through the lobby but Sheila either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care. You can, however, see her steeling herself from the smell. She must have holed herself up under some disgusting rock – I knew I’d found the right men to turn it over. Leading you into the study she thrusts a vial into each of your hands.
The liquid is cool and refreshing and you can immediately feel it’s effects. Your wounds start to close, fractured bones knead themselves back together in an instant. The sensation is not unpleasant – rather like an itch you can finally scratch. If Ralph were here he could tell you it were a magical anaesthetic as well as a curative. Alas, he is nowhere to be seen. As you drink and recover your senses, Sheila runs her hand over each of you and Natalya, a few inches away. Muttering a few words of power the filth and stench seem to fade away over the next few minutes. That’s better. You may still want a bath though. You look clean, in fact you are clean but psychologically... a bath may be in order. She moves behind her desk and eagerly awaits your report.
Ralph: What’s happened? she says. Where are the others? She covers her mouth instinctively when she sees the state you are in. Several castings of prestidigitation later, Ralph’s clothes are clean – but can the same be said about his conscience?
As Ralph is walking away the door opens. The house is large and from te rear rooms she didn't hear Ralphs frantic knocking. Sheila sees his silhouette walking away and takes the letter from the door. She reads it quickly and shouts: Ralph, wait!
I'm sorry Gelbor, the Lodge is a meeting place used for briefings and debriefings. It's also my home. Agents are better placed lodged in the city than tucked away here. If it helps I can advance you 100 gold pieces of your payment to find suitable accomodation if required and to equip yourselves - Agent Azmeren is right, the city is a dangerous place.
The damage was minimal compared to what could have happened. I blame myself for not investigating the thing fully myself. She watches the rogue as he gives his account of the Sczarni. That's pretty comprehensive knowledge of the city's underworld Gelbor... she says with a half raised eyebrow. Then, turning to the wizard, replies; Unfortunately Davos, I don't know much about Natalya herself, other than that the woman approached the Pathfinders and offered to be a sort of double agent among the Sczarni. As the Pathfinders have recently forged alliances with the Sczarni in many cities throughout the Inner Sea region, I knew that having a member of a Sczarni gang as a double
She leans back in her chair; That was obviously a mistake on my part but, having said that, until I know more, I'm not willing to write off Natalya as a traitor just yet. Anything could have happened to her. There are rumors of Nidalese slavers prowling the streets of late, and if these are true, being abducted by a slaver in the middle of the night would certainly explain Natalya's absence. She might even have been picked up by the city guard for some reason, in which case a visit to the Arvensoar, the garrison for the city's watch, might yield some clues. One thing I do know is that when Natalya initially approached with the offer of serving the Pathfinders as an informant, she engaged the aid of a man known as the Amazing Zograthy, a Varisian who keeps a permanent tent and fortune-telling business on Washers' Row in Dockway - specifically, at the end of a narrow alley that serves as a permanent street fair.
Now you know as much as I do. Interested?
Thank you Azmeren, I look forward to it. Sheila pokes through the items that spilled out onto the table. They are: -3 garnets worth 50gp each,
Please, feel free to keep these. I think you've earned them. She tucks away the box safely and then, taking a seat; To business. First, allow me to apologise for that unpleasantness with the gremlins - but it does provide an excellent object lesson. The life of an adventurer is not one for the weak-hearted. That you not only took care of the gremlins but also got the box open in the first place is all the confirmation I need that my gut was right - you are the perfect group for the job I have in mind. You see - I've recently had trouble with one of my informants here in magnimar, Natalya Vancaskerki. She's a half varisian who recently approached the Pathfinder Society with an offer to serve as a sttreet informant. She runs with the Sczarni - I'm not sure which group. a week ago, Natalya sent me a cryptic hint that her gang was on the verge of uncovering an item that would be of great interest to the Society. Since the Sczarnis' methods of uncovering something often involves an armed robbery or breaking into someone's personal chambers, we thought it prudent not to press for further details and instead wait to see what it would produce. Suffice it to say, she hinted strongly that it pertained to Thassilon, and promised to meet with me to discuss it three days ago. She never kept that promise - instead, she seems to have simply vanished. Initially, I assumed that the acquisition of this item was simply taking longer than expected, but now I'm hearing rumours that the Sczarni are looking for her as well. It seems likely that Natalya has absconded with this item she's discovered. And this is where you enter, my friends. I want to know what it was that Natalya and the Sczarni found. In fact, I'm more interested in that than what happened to Natalya herself. For now, I'd like to keep all this quiet - if you can find out what happened to Natalya without letting a lot of people know she was working for me as an informant, that would be preferable - that's a big part of why I'm coming to you, as new members of the Pathfinder Society, with this task. You don't yet have a reputation in Magnimar, and as such, the lowlifes and criminals you are likely to encounter may be more likely to talk. So... go out there and look for Natalya. Find out what happened to her, and to this item she and her gang discovered. If you can secure the item, all the better - bring it back to me and I'll have a reward of 500 gold pieces for you. And if you can bring Natalya back alive for me to speak to, I'll double that!
Sheila's eyes widen upon seeing the dead gremlins, burn marks on the carpet and one of the walls, a broken chair and damaged table. What is going on here! she demands. Before you can answer she strides in and pokes one of the corpses with her staff. Ah I see, Pugwampi. You know, not even other gremlins like them? They take their bad luck everywhere so I should be thankful the damage was kept to a minimum. You got the box open! Well done! Oh, and the gremlins jumped out I take it? She shakes her head. It was foolish of me to leave the box unattended for so long, thank you for eliminatting the threat. She moves to one of the bookshelves and takes down four bottles, handing one potion of CLW to each of you. That should take care of your injuries.
The Venture Captain picks up the point. So... why don’t you put your heads together and see if you can open it for me? Even if the box is empty, as I suspect it probably is, knowing the method of opening it makes it a valuable find anyway. I’ll return shortly and I hope to see that box open! I have spoken to each of your sponsors and they all tell me you have shown incredible promise. Ralph, I requested you from half a world away because I had heard you could bring unique skills to the team I intend to assemble. Think of this as an audition, if you will – because the actual task I want to speak to you about will require as much wit as it will brawn. With that they leave the room.
Koriah is one of our most accomplished agents and has become something of an expert on the Darklands having just returned from an expedition there. She found a new route down to Nar-Voth from the Fogscar Mountains and returned with a surprising number of Thassilonian artifacts from the expedition.
The chamber she leads you to is the Lodge library and study. The walls are lined with bookshelves, while several tables in the middle of the room are stacked with scrolls and books. One table in the centre, however supports only a single object – an ornate cubical stone coffer covered with Thassilonian runes. Sheila asks you to take a seat around this table and explains further; I apologize for the delay, as I must conclude my business with Pathfinder Azemeren before we meet. In the meantime, though, I thought you could help us with another minor issue. This stone coffer is an ancient Thassilonian puzzle, a cunning feat of magical engineering known as a paradox box. As you’ll see from even a casual investigation, what appear to be semas on the sides are really only shallow grooves – there’s no obvious way to open the thing. Each paradox box has its own secret method of being opened. Essentially it substitutes hidden catches and magical triggers for a lock. Given time, anyone clever enough could figure out a paradox box, just as given time, a locksmith can open any lock.
Excellent, excellent. she says in response to Ralph. Then, she seems to have a sudden thought and says; Actually, whilst I am with Koriah... she indicates the half-elf behind her who smiles politely to you and nods in greeting. ...perhaps you can help me with something rather than just sitting here, waiting - you are adventurers after all. Would you care to follow me? She leads you through the hallway into an adjoining room.
|
