
DM Kludde |

Where were we? Oh yes, the Mendevian crusade. The wardstones that encompass the Worldwound have failed, and with demons invading Mendev, things are getting a little hot for the Pathfinder society. Let’s see, what little operation shall we turn our attention to? The effort in Ustalav? No, that would be boring. Politics in Taldor? Maybe. Andor perhaps? Yes, Andor, let’s see what is going in Almas, in the Cathedral of Aroden.

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Morning light streams in through the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, where Venture-Captain Brackett sits behind a large, antique desk replete with hair- thin lines that mar its surface like nearly healed scars. He scans a handful of papers before speaking to you and the other assembled guests, among them the no-nonsense wizard Wystorn Telfyr and Major Colson Maldris.
“I recently received news of a kidnapping in Sauerton, up in the northern wine country. Thalia Andares, heir to the Sauerton Red wine fortune and daughter of Consul Tercio Andares, vanished during the Silverglazer Sunday celebration and has not been seen since.”

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With a meaningful look, Maldris catches Brackett’s attention, and the two nod in understanding as the major contributes. “Tercio Andares is powerful and widely respected; not only has he been the mayor of the large town for many years, but he is also a strong voice in the Andoren military—even for a consul. The Sauerton Red winery has made him extremely wealthy, and his financial support could be a considerable asset to the Pathfinders’ important work in and around the Worldwound. He seems uninterested in foreign affairs, though, perhaps because it’s politically safer to focus on domestic matters. Even so, he is known to help those who help him.”

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“I appreciate the summary, major,” says Brackett. “I am convinced that the Andares’s gratitude would do much to refill our war chest for a struggle that is unlikely to end quickly. When you track down Thalia, as I trust you will do quickly, it is important not only to the Pathfinder Society but perhaps to the whole world that you request funding for the military campaign against the Worldwound. Of course, convincing Tercio to contribute troops and military aid would be even better, but aim for finances first.”

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With a sigh, Major Maldris picks up his tricorne hat and prepares to depart. “I would stay longer, but I must make final preparations to travel,” he states in a quiet voice. “While I hope that the Andares family agrees to help the society, I am also wary of this political practice of mutual backscratching. As all of you are in Sauerton—especially those who care for this fine country—remain vigilant for signs of short-sighted corruption and abandonment of Andoran’s founding principles: freedom and democracy. Follow what you believe to be the best course of action, as I will not be available to advise you. Nonetheless, I would appreciate any reports of corruption after the situation is resolved.” After sharing a quick handshake with Brackett and a nod of farewell to the rest of you, he departs, closing the door behind him.

DM Kludde |

Telfyr breaks the moment of silence that follows by reporting, “My scrying indicates that the young Andares is being held in a building with high ceilings and once-elegant adornments in
a style popular in this nation before the People’s Revolt. The structure seems to have sustained extensive fire damage which has not been repaired. Thalia is alive and unhurt, at least for now. She was reading a fresh copy of the essays of Alysande Benedict when I saw her.”

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Brackett begins to bring the briefing to a close by concluding, “We have transportation ready to take you to Sauerton as quickly as possible. When you arrive, present this letter to Consul Andares before you begin your investigation. It introduces you and offers the condolences and assistance of the Pathfinder Society. Not only is this proper etiquette to announce your intentions to the mayor, but Thalia vanished from the Andares manor. Someone there should be able to make sense of Telfyr’s visions.
Telfyr frowns at Brackett’s diction. “Scrying, Brackett, is diff–“
“Alright, yes, scrying,” the venture-captain concedes as he pushes a sealed letter across the table. “Introductions, rescue operation, then negotiation for funding and possible military support. Make any questions quick; you’ve got a boat to catch.”

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With a sigh, Rikas presses the bridge of his nose twixt forefinger and thumb. "Has local law enforcement looked into this matter? Can we figure a starting place to pick from after their failure?"

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"That building sounds pretty specific. Hopefully someone at the estate will know right where it is. We'll get her back, then negotiate an agreement with the family, easy peasy."

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"A damsel in distress! Ah ha! A worthy cause! And a burnt out building, you say? Perchance she has been captured by a dragon! Woe for the dragon, to be sure, ha HA! Praise be to Smiad! Onward for the hunt, my friends!" the small gnome jumps out of his seat, smile brimming with excitement.

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"It shouldn't be a problem. I have a way with people, you see. They'll love me," Shel smiles brightly, the effects of her sterling performance at the Blackros wedding still having her confidence at a ten.

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"I like talking to people, hey!" says a small Gnome with the hair the colour of ash. He wears a long, flowing Osirion-style robe in yellow with long sleeves that cover his arms and hands. "Hey! You're small too! Talls are outnumbered this time!" he says to Shel and Fizzbeard. "Radagash is the name." he says with a bow.

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Maldoc can't help but let out a chuckle as his new-found small companions make their feelings known. Friends, this will be my first mission with the Pathfinders and it brings me great comfort to know that I will be joining with such noble comrades. Maldoc takes another look at the party and a sense of relief falls over his face. I only hope I can hold up my end of the bargain.
So, Fizzbeard is it? Seems to me you might be the one to bring us to our destination. If you are ready to lead, I am ready to follow.

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"Oh, a guy is automatically a leader, hey? When we get trapped in a dungeon, see who you will turn to then, Buster. I'd bet it will be little Shel here, if you know what's good for you."
Lol, sorry Maldoc. Shel always sees herself as the leader of any expedition. She's got a bit of a Napopleon complex going on.

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No apology needed. As EF knows, I've had characters in other games get targeted by other PCs for various RP reasons in the past. In fact, I think Quiven is still shaken by that one chick...
Maldoc seems to be quite taken aback by the jagged response he just received and stumbles to recover. Oh, no offense meant, Shel. I am sure you are quite capable. Wondering if he might end up offending someone else in the party the elf then tries to add, If you really feel that you are best equipped to lead our merry fellowship then by all means do so but if another here has the need to quarrel over the subject, by all means discuss it among yourselves.
You do have a way with people, miss. Quite a way, indeed!

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Napoleon was actually average height for a Frenchman of that time. Just sayin'.
Rikas grins broadly at the elf's reprimand.
Short people, short fuse. Must not cross that one.

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Maldoc: I forgot about that. Lol.
"By all means, my lady, lead on! We will travel as a company and a swell one, if I may say so myself! Haha! Onwards to rescue Miss Andares!"

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“When I heard reports from the north, it seemed as though the authorities were stumped. The captain of the guard, Merton Demrick, is a friend of the Pathfinder Society and has indicated he would appreciate the help.”
This would also be the time for purchases. Furthermore, those so inclined may roll
Dipl(gather)/Know(loc) for the latest gossip on Tercio Andares
Know(geo)/Know(loc) for the dark on Sauerton
With the brave words of the red-bearded Paladin, Shel leads our adventurers to the boat, destination Sauerton. Before boarding, a plainclothes messenger rides up to the party, delivering a message to Fizzbeard and Shel.

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"Ah, my fair lady!" Fizzbeard addresses Shel, "You represent the fine nation of Taldor as well? We shall be on the lookout for opportunities to bring more Taldans to Glory! in Mendev!"
Fizzbeard will ask around about Tercio Andares before going to find their contact Merton.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

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Being not entirely sociable, partially due to his devilish heritage, Rikas tries to recall what he has overheard.
Know Local on Tercio: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Know Local on Sauerton: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

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"I knew I liked you, Fizzy! For glory."
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Know. Local 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19 for Tercio
Know. Local 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Know. Geography 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 for Sauerton

DM Kludde |

Rikas remembers having a red wine of the Sauerton Winery once, which is owned by Tercio.
Wine, wine...
Yes! Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It must be from Sauerton., it's a popular Andoran proverb too, and it doesn't say anything particularly flattering about the wine.
Fizzbear, when asking locals, also find that Tercio has his fingers in many pies. Catching up on the latest gossip, he listens as the locals explain:
Tercio, of course, he's the Mayor of Sauerton. One of the consuls administering the military too. Powerful man, he.
Yes, he is a very popular man, he. Takes good care of people too: many have a job at his winery you know.
Have you heard about the wild beasts in Sauerton? Yes, I swear it. Big hairy ones, wild dogs, or wolves even. You can hear the howling in the night. It's not Tercio's fault, it isn't. Couldn't find a soul around who'd claim that, nooo.
Shel's remembers what she learned about Sauerton, along with some tidbits of knowledge about local nobility:
Sauerton is a large town located in wine country in northeast Andoran, about equally distant from the Andoshen River, which is used to ship wine to Andoran’s southern ports for export, and the Verduran Forest, which occupies much of the tense border with Taldor and Galt.
Sauerton has been a site of productive vineyards for centuries, and the once-noble Andares family has been a major owner of those vineyards since long before the People’s Revolt. Although the Andares family chose to give up their noble privileges during the revolt, nearly every mayor of Sauerton in the 44 years since has been a member or close relative of the Andares family.

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"Saurton wine... Yes, I think the Tercio fellow owns the company. Why, I can't say. Dreadful stuff. I've tasted swamp water that was more refreshing than Saurton red."

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"I do remember the town of Saurton is between the Andoshen River and the Verduran Forest. The Andares family has owned vineyards there forever. Also, every Mayor of the town in the last 40 odd years has been a member of the Andares family."

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"Yes, yes, the locals say that Tercio is a very popular mayor and takes good care of the people. Seems he administers to the military as well, and I'd say that's our point of contact, eh Shel?"
"Now, there's also talk of wild beasts about Sauerton; wild dogs and wolves. No one blames the mayor, though, he can't do anything wrong in their eyes!"

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"You might get in a quick hunt after all, Fizz. I think the Mayor would be a great place to start investigating. With a personable group like ours, I'm sure he'll be chirping like a bird to us before long.". True to her halfling nature, Shel had already forgotten any perceived slight from earlier.

DM Kludde |

Ragadash, inquiring around the neighbourhood, get pointed to two individuals, who are clearly less popular in this area. Talking to them anyway, they say you shouldn't trust an Andares, that family is rotten.
Anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town. Rotten, I say.
The voyage up Adoshen river is swift, and the sun seems eager to travel along. Up to the last hour that is, as a slight drizzle sets in. Arriving at Sauerton, the adventurers find a well-maintained town among the rolling hills.
Shortly after setting the first steps in town, the adventurers are greeted by a halfling wearing light armour and a rain-splattered helmet: Greetings, I don't recall seeing you here before. The name's Demrick, Captain Merton Demrick of the nation of Andoran. What business brings you to Sauerton?

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"Greetings, Captain! Pleasure to make your acquaintance. We are here on business that requires us to see the Consul Tercio. He has a problem that we might be well suited to assist him with."
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

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On the trip, Radagash nods along with the information the others contribute, and then with a whisper adds, "I heard that Tercio's reputation isn't as spotless as he would like us to think. There's tales of heavy-handed tactics when people in town displease him or his kin - people get chased out of town!"
Upon arrival in town, Radagash looks around at the buildings and people as though expecting something alarming to appear at any moment.
"Yes! We were sent to help!" he says with a smile.
Diplomacy to Aid Shel 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

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"Indeed, is that true?" Fizzbeard asks Radagash. "Oh my! Well, nonetheless we are here to rescue the damsel in distress! My fine friend Captain Demrick, perhaps you can fill us in a little more on the local politics and what we should expect from Tercio before you point us in the direction of his manor."
Diplomacy aid to Shel: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

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Maldoc is quiet during the trip, electing to let the small outgoing gmomes and halflings take care of all the chit-chat. Occasionally the elf takes a whetstone to his rapier or makes minute adjustments to his bow, as if trying to repair damages that are not actually there. On other occasions he buries his nose within what looks to be a spellbook with fresh pages bound within, the binding still sturdy.
Upon arrival to the town, Maldoc again lets his new friends take the lead in negotiations and conversation. Instead, Maldoc will simply take a look around as the armored halfling conducts his interview of the party.

DM Kludde |

Well, I can show you around if you let me. the halfling blurts out, refusing to take no for an answer. It's a bit quiet here now. We get a lot of seasonal workers when the grapes have to be picked, but most of them have left by now.
You see, there's still some presses on the town square, he points, but with this rain, you'll not see much activity. They'll probably return once the weather gets better, so if you want to see how the fine Sauerton wine gets made, you have to return when the sky clears up.
Ah, you didn't come for that. Let me take you to the Andares manor -it would be good to get inside with this weather going on, eh?
There it is, you see, it's one of the few old-fashioned manors we have left in this town. Hard to miss, isn't it?
Your elven friend doesn't talk a lot, does he?

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"Oh, he's a nice chap if you just let him to his own business." Fizzbeard assures the Captain. "My, what a fine place! So, can you introduce us to the Mayor? And what can you tell us about him before we head in? Don't want to step on any toes now!"

DM Kludde |

He's a good mayor, Mr Andares. He's very understanding of the problems we've been having with the wildlife around here, he pauses for moment, as if he hesitates, then continues
Oh, you should meet him really, let me lead you.
As swift as he talks, he make his move toward the manor and knocks on the door. A thin, hook-nosed woman - her grating brown hair held in a tight bun - opens the door. Good afternoon, captain Demrick. Why are you here?
-Hi Dora, I was wondering if you could introduce these fine gentlemen to mister Andares?
Oh, my she answers. I'm afraid not. You see, mister Andares said he was not to be disturbed. I'm afraid I can't let you in.

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Edit: Ninja'd by the DM.
"Trust me, Miss Dora. The Consul will want to speak with us. We are on a mission to help him with a certain problem he has currently."
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

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Rikas grins a toothy smile as the elf is pointed out for barely talking.
Though with this one, we could be reciting our Pathfinder oaths and would still be silent in comparison...

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"My, what lovely hair! And a lovely face beneath it!" Fizzbeard begins with Dora. "Fizzbeard Dragonfiend, at your service, my Lady, and a pleasure to meet you!" He takes a deep bow.
"Now, we've been sent by the Pathfinder Society to help in rescuing this damsel in distress. Personally, I suspect dragons are the culprit. Have you had any dragon problems recently?"
"Anyways, we really must speak with the Mayor. We must ask him a few questions about his daughter. It will help immensely in returning her to her father."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

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I'd advise you to let us talk to the man, otherwise we'll just stand here all day talking to you, the mostly silent elf suddenly quips.

DM Kludde |

Well, the mayor's indisposed, he has an important meeting right now. Dorabeth says, but then quickly falls for the charm of Fizzbeard Aw shucks, I suppose I could you just let you in, perhaps he has a brief moment for you.
Dragons? Oh no, sir. None of those around here. Wild dogs, yes, but dragons?
She guides the adventurers into the parlour, to wait for Tercio.
I personally think it might have been Kyonin elves, or pixies that abducted Thalia. Perhaps to sacrifice her to the forest gods. Or perhaps a Chelish spy took her, and hid her in a wine cask. Or perhaps.. Dora continues with wilder and wilder theories.

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Or perhaps she just ran away in an attempt to escape from a mind capable of forming such wild ideas. Maldoc mumbles to himself as the woman rambles on with her various conspiracy theories.

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"Nice job, Fizzy. I think she might have been a bit jealous of me for some strange reason. She seemed quite standoffish. Perhaps she has a crush on you?"
LOL, at the quiet Maldoc, hating all the white noise created by the littles on this mission!

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Yes, that would certainly explain it. Maldoc answers the question in which no reply was required. Where is this Mayor fellow, anyway? You'd think he would want to see us right away.
Hey, the rookie has to make his mark somehow!

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While we are waiting Fizzbeard will politely listen to the woman's theories while walking about the room.
Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 9
He makes a few notes at what must be a very impressive family history.
KN (nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
During a break in the woman's monologue about Thalia being sucked through a wormhole to land on the planet Triaxus in the neutral zone between the armies of the Dragon Legion and the Drakelands, Fizzbeard cuts in, "What do you think of the girl, hm? Thalia, the damsel-in-distress? Can you tell us more about her?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

DM Kludde |

The mayor's meeting with consul Bryton. Dora answers to Maldoc's question.
Fizzbeard meanwhile thinks aloud that 'Consuls', 'they come in pairs'.
Thalia, I'm terribly worried about her Dora answers to Fizzy's question she's nothing like her father. Unlike him, she's always been very interesting in books and reading about Lady Liberty. She could always be found up in her bedroom, reading. In fact, now that I mention it, there was a fellow with a Galtan accent purchasing some books here in town...
Just at that moment, a man who has aged gracefully, with curly, graying black hair, opens the drawing room and says, to a yet unseen other man:
I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the eagle knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia's life in such a bold manner.
He then pauses for a moment, quickly suppresses his exasperation as he greets Demrick, then says I was not expecting any more visitors today. To what do I owe the pleasure?, sounding a bit standoffish.
Game night later tonight , so sorry if sparse posting. Pity, because I love the momentum in this game.

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"Greetings Consul. We have been send to assist you with Thalia's retrieval on behalf of the Pathfinder Society. Her safe return to you is our utmost concern. Could we ask you some questions to guide our search?"
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

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"Greetings! Fizzbeard Dragonfiend, at your service!" the gnome takes a deep bow before the gentlemen.
"As my friend here has said, we're here to help you recover your daughter. If you fear boldness, I believe that we can offer a more subtle solution to your problem!" the brightly-dressed gnome subconsciously runs a hand through his bright red beard. Well, maybe not *subtle* per-say. But we'll get it done!
Diplomacy aid: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
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After his response:
"And Mister. . . Sander, is it? So very honored to meet an Eagle Knight. Perhaps the two of you, with your vast military experience, would be interested in knowing that there is a war breaking out in the Worldwound at the moment. The Pathfinders are looking for allies to assist in the venture; perhaps you two might know of some way to get the wheels moving, so to speak?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

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Moving faster than one of the other PbP's I'm in. Sorry for not posting much. Low CHA plus GM'ed this before equals sort of letting others do the talking. Mostly from low CHA...