Open for dotting. Will get a full post up when I have a chance.
The light from the rising sun performs a splendid dance upon the windows of Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch’s Magnimarian manor house as she pours the coffee. Her young servant brings in a platter of pastries and fruits before the Venture-Captain begins to speak about the mission at hand in her distinctively low, breathy voice.
"As I’m sure you’re well aware, much of the reason Riddleport was founded where it was is because of its easily defendable position as well as the enigmatic Cyphergate, which has baffled scholars since its discovery. The Pathfinder Society has a keen interest in the Thassilonian monument as well, since solving its mysteries would undoubtedly unlock a number of other secrets regarding that lost empire. The Order of the Cyphers has been amassing support from outside sources for some years now,
and scholars from all over the Inner Sea have come to aid Elias Tammerhawk and the cyphermages."
Heidmarch takes a bite out of a chocolate-filled biscuit before continuing. "Just recently, however, we received word from Elias himself that several of the visiting scholars haven’t arrived in Riddleport Bay as expected. It seems as though a band of raiders, led by the Vudran pirate Alejia Netrav, has been intercepting the ships at sea, killing the crews, and destroying the ships. While Riddleport is hardly a stranger to the likes of pirates, Overlord Cromarcky has declared it illegal for any ships that wish to return to Riddleport Harbor to attack ships bearing the Riddleport flag. Alejia’s ship is clearly coming from Riddleport—the attacks all took place just outside Riddleport Harbor—but attempts to identify her ship have been
unsuccessful so far."
"I needn’t explain to you that the Pathfinder Society is also very much interested in the secrets of the Cyphergate, and that the deaths of these knowledgeable scholars have severely hindered progress in unraveling the artifact’s mysteries. The unexplained attacks are beginning to wear on the other sailors of Riddleport as well, and if something isn’t done about the matter soon, there will be no shortage of civil unrest, if not anarchy."
"In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan."
Heidmarch takes another bite of a pastry as she looks over the group. "So any questions?"
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"So, save the scholar, stop the piratic fiends and see our beloved ship reach shore safely. Sounds pretty straight-forward. I've do have one question, however..." Ford replied, arms folded as he leaned forward and smirked at the Venture-Captain. "Since we'll be a tad busy until mission accomplished... you gonna be free after this~?" he asked cheekily, though it was hard to tell if he was joking or being totally serious.
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Aetherys is a lithe elven girl bearing long, well-kept blond hair flowing down to her waist. Some of it is braided, with small clasps respresenting the Dawnflower. Her eyes are deep blue, and she hardly ever blinks. Aetherys is obviously passionate about her art, losing herself in trances of sheer devotion to her goddess, but is otherwise cold in her relationships with people. Somehow, it's as if only her dances and the amount of faith she'd put in them mattered.
"I am Aetherys," she simply says before drawing her scimitar "and this is Dawnblade. You can count on us to save this scholar, Venture-Captain. Just one question though, why not simply escort the scholar aboard his ship?"
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The tengu's head bobs gently back and forth as the Venture-Captain speaks, occasionally twitching to the left. His large eyes seem to watch the biscuit more than the Venture-Captain. A conical hat rests on his back, held in place by a cord around his neck. at his waist a pair of swords worn in the style of the warriors of Tian-Xia.
As Aetherys draws her weapon, the tengu's hand moves toward his own blades but he stops short of drawing his sword, his head bobbing up and down a few times. His head turns suddenly back to the Venture-Captain, "Who knows about the Topaz Titan's arrival in Riddleport?"
Heimarch levels a steely gaze at the young swordsman, but there is a hint of smile that pulls at her lips. She turns her attention to other questions.
"Although it would work to protect the scholar himself, Elias believes that the attacks on the scholars are actually an attack on his power within the Cyphermages. As such he would like us to stop that attack, as discretely as possible."
"As for those who might know about the Titan's arrival. I would assume that the Overlord of Riddleport, Cromarchy, knows. Along with some of the harbor staff. Then there would be those within the Cyphermages that know of Gurukaza's arrival would also know what ship he was coming on. And it is Riddleport, so anyone with enough coin or influence will know what ships are coming in and when, and what cargo they bring."
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Ford eyed the Venture-Captain, smirking slyly back before leaning back an folding his arms. She is absolutely into me~! he thought, before tilting his head, thinking. "I say we head down there and see for ourselves. If she had an idea of where to look, we wouldn't need to investigate, would we?" Still, Ford tapped his chin, pondering of anything that might tip them off as to where they might want to start...
Ford absent-mindedly went to the door, ready to leave out already.
"Yes you will need to do some investigating once you get to Riddleport for clues on where the scholars are being held after they are taken. I have arranged passage on a Taldan cargo vessel heading to Riddleport, the Opparan Opal. It will be leaving in the hour. Hurry to the docks and you will be in Riddleport before you know it."
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Ford suddenly seems slightly uncomfortable at the mission's prospect. It hadn't quite dawned on him that they were heading to Riddleport.
He knew it as "home." Or what used to be his home.
"...erm... Riddleport, ma'am?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck and thinking a little. Apparently, returning was not a prospect he was terribly excited about. But... they should be heading directly to the wharfs. Yeah... he should be able to steer clear of the more elite districts, not draw too much attention. "...yeah. Let's do this. Preferably quick... not a speed I'm used to~" Ford said, opening the door for his compatriots as a smirk crossed his face. "Lovely ladies first."
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A dusty, earth smelling human also arrived during all this. Even with very well made equipment, he was still not the cleanest you would find around
Hello everyone. he gives the proper greeting to their superior Any idea what we will be facing while on this little mission? I cant be away too long, Serket is still young and she needs to be looked after. Luckely not too long now before she can join me on my travels
"Other than pirates, it's not entirely certain what you will be facing. So be prepared for anything."
The venture-captain begins to turn away before turning back to you.
"One last thing. I have word that we have one other agent who will be helping you. He is already in Riddleport and should meet you at the docks. From the description I've been given, you shouldn't miss him. He goes by Brox"
The description Heimarch gives you is of a half-orc that looks to be closer to it's feral cousins than most, and quite unkempt.
"Now I do believe that is everything. So hurry along, you have a little time before the ship leaves, so if you need anything you can pick it up on your way."
Alejia: Alejia and her crew are well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport.
Riddleport: Riddleport isone of the frontier region of Varisia’s three most powerful city-states. Aside from being a haven for those criminals and ruffians who find living elsewhere undesirable or impossible, Riddleport also attracts some of the most ambitious scholars in the Inner Sea region, who come to study the massive and mysterious Cyphergate.
Cyphergate: This Thassilonian arch spans the harbor and features
indecipherable runes that many believe hold ancient secrets beyond the understanding of modern magicians. The ring that is exposed is actually just the top half of a giant ring that is buried in the ground.
Topaz Titan:It's a passenger ship.
With all of you together, you make the trip down to the docks. Quickly you find your ship, the Opparan Opal. The Taldan cargo ship is begin loaded and unloaded by several crews of deckhands preventing you from immediately boarding.
As you wait, messengers come up to each one of you bearing symbols of your faction and offering you a sealed letter. Each one makes sure that you open and read the letter before leaving.
Karasu
Ford
Lem
Aetherys
Sutekh
Kiyanetikert
Brox
Brox watches the messenger approach, his hand slowly drifting to the hilt of his gladius. you can never be too cautious... He will accept the missive with a grunt, glaring at the outstreched hand of the deliveryman. With a snarl Brox will drive off the pest. Only then will he unfold the message and read it closely. Once memorized, Brox will pop the letter into his mouth and chew it up until it is an illegible mess, pausing briefly to spit it into the harbor.
DM's eyes only!
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Lem reports his knowledge to the group, "Alejia and her crew are a truly famous pirate gang out of Riddleport, the town itself is one of the frontier region of Varisia’s three most powerful city-states. In addition to being a haven for those criminals and ruffians who find living elsewhere undesirable or impossible, Riddleport attracts some of the most ambitious scholars in the Inner Sea region who come to study the massive and mysterious Cyphergate, a Thassilonian arch spans the harbor and features runes that many believe, although indecipherable, hold ancient secrets beyond the understanding of modern magicians.Only the top half of the gate has been excavated, the remainder is still underground. The ship, the Topaz Titan, is just a passenger ship."
The trip to Riddleport is an uneventful thing of just over 1 day. As the Opal begins to pull into the harbor, your eyes are drawn to the massive arching stone ring that goes from one side of the harbor to the other, with no supports in the middle.
The Cyphergate is awe-inspiring to look at. Even from this distance you can make out glyphs carved into the stone-like surface. At either end you can see what looks to be scaffolding teeming with scurrying figures, wizards studying the gate evidently.
The Opal docks and as you unload, you easily spot someone that matches the description of your other party member. A half-orc waits along the docks, as the description said, he looks more bestial than most.
Hrrrm yer da ones wot come frim Mangey-mar, ya? I s'pose yer'll need a nice sof' bed ter kip in and warm food too, hey? Foller me...I know jus da place. I aint got much about dis 'ere job, so gimme yer info whiles we walk. Oh..a word o' advice. While yer 'ere, keep yer 'ands nearin yer shiv, and yer klank on a cord rounds yer neck
Alejia is a canny pirate. Dat b&#~# knows her job gud. From wot I 'ear, she changes up 'er ships t' mask dere dock an identity. She's root'less too, she'll flay and fillet anyone wot gets in 'er way, but she aint wasteful 'bout it.
Don't know nuthin' bout dis 'ere warehouse yer on 'bout. Yer'll 'ave t'be more specific
One las' ting...if'n we get 'assled by Cromarky's guards, keep yer mouf shut, yer 'ands in plain sight an' let me do th' talkin. Dey may jus be lookin' fer a bit o' spare drinkin' klank. We'd be obliged ter 'elp em out...
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Following Brox to the River Runner, Ford detours a little to speak with a few locals, relying on his wit and charm to get him the answers then his faulty memory of his home city.
However, he has little luck, partly due to simply running into the wrong folks and not wanting to blow his cover about being back home. Regrouping with his team, Ford looks slightly shifty-eyed as he speaks. "Tell me somebody else has had better luck than me in getting some answers around here." Thankfully, Lem seems to have had such luck and in relaying the info, Ford nods (inwardly relieved at not having to speak to anyone else). "Some of us could, Feathers, but I doubt most of us would pass for casual dock workers. Besides, may take too long. It might be faster to scope out any older buildings on the fringes of the docks and have a quick peek inside."
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Lem quickly fills in the stragglers, "Before they took to their latest unlawful deeds, Alejia and her crew were well known among the pirate gangs of Riddleport. Unfortunately for those of us hunting them, Alejia’s crew is known for its ruthless tactics and efficiency in commandeering and sinking targets, often switching or altering ships to conceal her true whereabouts. The most interesting thing, though, is that while she appears human from a distance, Alejia is actually a vishkanya from distant Vudra, making her blood and spit deadly poison against foes!"
" Though the dockside Wharf District was once one of the most prosperous parts of Riddleport, in recent years the district has declined into a state of shabbiness, and crime is rampant throughout many of the run-down shops and warehouses. Shady folk have been paying locals in the Wharf District to keep quiet about anything they might see or hear, and some mercenary dockhands have found work hauling oddly-shaped cargo to what was thought to be a derelict building. Recently, some pirates paid dockworkers to look the other way as they led a gagged and blindfolded person from a large crate into a derelict warehouse on the edge of the Wharf District. I don't know about you, but I think we should maybe head to the edge of the Wharf District and see if that blindfolded person is our mark?"
"I must admit though, that is all unconfirmed rumor from the local pubs, nevertheless . . ."
Royt den...a lil bit o'bout Riddleport. Fer yer safety an my peace 'o mind were gonna go sum'ere private. Once yer all settled in. Anuvver piece uv advice. Don leave nuthin in yer room dat you'll miss.
Folks 'round 'ere hoard dere secrits like treasure. Man can get 'imself shivved if'n 'e aint discreet. So a bit 'bout Riddleport. Yer main man is Cromarky. 'E's Overlord by force 'o will an klank. 'is jen-darms enforce 'is will 'round here. Da jen-darms is loyal t' Cromarky, but dere more loyal t'da klank 'e pays. 'Member dat fer later. Unner Cromarky is a flock of da mos root'less thieves brigands and cut-troats aroun'. First dere's Clegg Zincher. 'E runs da 'rena. We passed it on our way from da 'arbor. 'E's also got 'is paws in da dockworkers, and can call a strike if'n he don get 'is way. 'E's powerful bad. Den dere's Shorafa Pamodae, she's 'Ighpriestess at temple o Calistria. Yer can guess wot she does! 'Er doxys an trollops are a web o' information and she'll sell it if'n yer has da klank. Den dere's my pers'nal favrit, Boss Croat. 'E runs sevril gangs, got 'is 'ands in illegal drugs an' 'as a rep fer hirin' out 'is enforcers as hushmen. Oh yeah, all of themmins is 'alf-orcs too...
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"Unconfirmed rumors are like smoke: it may be a bonfire, may be a signal. The key thing to remember is that there is a fire causing it somewhere. And I'd like to know what that fire is."
However, at the mention of a priestess, Ford immediately swivels on heel, leaning closer to Brox. "A priestess, eh? Do share more~ I'd certainly love the opportunity to sit down and discuss... business with her~ Where exactly would a fellow find her favorite temple?"
@Ford: 'ead out th' door, turn lef', start walkin. Look fer the big peeramid widda red steeple. It's got silky curtains fer doors. Watch yerself and don' give Mizz Pamodae any guff. She got a lot of fans 'round here. Hope ya like em horny har har har
With the information that you've managed to gain, you have a fairly good lead on where the pirates are keeping their loot and prisoners. One other bit of information that you manage to find, is that the Topaz Titan will arrive in Riddleport in 2 days.
The foul, mucky weather is enough to make any possible source of refuge look at least a little more hospitable, but the tattered sides of this rundown building have clearly seen better days. The waterlogged boards that hold it up have numerous holes that have been boarded over with newer
planks. The warehouse’s few windows are high off the ground and intermittently broken; those still intact are far too grimy to see through anyway. While the building itself hardly looks like a viable base of operations, a flicker of light can be seen from within. The east and west loading doors are closed, as well as the narrower south door, which has a sliding peep hole built into it at eye level.
You notice that it seems the loading doors, despite being years old, are sturdy and barred from the inside, but the side door looks like it sees considerably more traffic and is in less pristine condition.
@Lem If'n it aint, den dere aint no fun in it, is dere?
to all, quietly
If'n we got some rope anna grappel, I tink I can get us in quiet-like
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"I'd love to get a look inside before we try anything. If someone can get to one of those windows quietly...
Or even just up to the door and see if we can hear anything."
Kiyanetikert takes a flask from one of many pockets and downs it. There's a subtle change in the form beneath the gaudy robes and pouches and a new manic gleam in the eyes.
"Alright, let's do this." Kiya follows Aetherys up towards the door, staying back just a little to give some of the larger folk room.
Edit: I've got rope, but no grapnel. I like the window idea.
Brox eyes Kiyanetikert speculatively...as if calculating something
We could always tie da rope off on ya and toss you up t'da winder...jes make sure ya grabs an' holds real tight-like
Fah! Wait 'ere, imma hav a look aroun'
Going to sneak around the building looking for a secret bolt hole or other means of entry...maybe a drain so we can sneak in under instead of up to the windows
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Ford pulls his backpack off his back as he starts rummaging through it. "How much rope you think you'll need?" he said, before pulling out a grappling hook and holding it up to the half-orc offering it to him. "How about we try our luck with something less... organic?"
Standing up and slinging his pack onto his back, he eyed the area, before nodding. "I think it also wouldn't hurt our chances to have someone act as a distraction while everyone else hustles up the side. So... who wants to knock and borrow a cup of sugar?"
@Brox: You move about the warehouse, ghosting from shadow to shadow. On the side of the building facing the harbor you see another loading door just like the one on the other side. Other than that you see no other entrances into the warehouse, except the doors and windows already mentioned.
Looking up at the building you figure you might be able to get a grappling hook to stick somewhere on the roof. Doing so, should give you access to one of the dirt encrusted windows.