Famed Pathfinder Bodriggan Wuthers disappeared from his dig site beneath the House of the Immortal Son in Taldor's gilded capital of Oppara. Once a grand temple to Aroden, the Immortal Son is now Oppara's most opulent theater. Sent to locate Wuthers, the Pathfinders must attend an opera with members of the Oppara elite in order to gain access to the secretive theater's dig site. When a cult crashes the performance and the nobility change into hideous walking dead, the Pathfinders are forced to choose between finding Wuthers or saving themselves.
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You find yourself seated in the main hall of the Grand Lodge of Absalom, waiting for the arrival of Absalom’s newest venture-captain, a tall, dark-haired and olive-skinned Varisian woman named Eliza Petulengro. But as is often typical for venture-captains in the Pathfinder Society she seems to be running a few minutes late, giving you a little time to chat with the other agents you'll be presumably working with...
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A very simply dressed man, walks into the lodge, covered in all kinds of vials, satchels, and other trinkets. He moves silently, the various straps across his outfit keeping things tightly sealed so that the liquids and the grains in the different compartments don't shuffle around. His dark make-up and tattoos across his body, make his reactions difficult to read. He acknowledges everyone in the room with a quick stare, and sits down at the table.
"Well met. I am Kyras, you'll do wise to not get in my way. Since we will be working together, let's make two things clear. We are not friends, but merely allies in this venture. Further, if things get ugly, well, I prefer the more direct approach when dealing with enemies." - the half-elf flicks his hair back out of his eyes and loosens some knots in his armour and relaxes in the chair.
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A Shoanti male enters. With a full head of hair and a beard, his facial tattoos of bones and skulls mark him as a Shaman of the Skoan-Quan (Skull Clan). With a smile, he started to chuckle. "One can get more accomplished with honey rather than vinegar, just ask the spirits." he said.
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A young Chelaxian man enters wearing a well-cared for explorer's outfit under a mithral chain shirt. All of the metal and leather parts of his outfit are cleaned and shined so well one can see their reflection. The most prominent part of his gear is his very large two-handed sword he carries proudly. His mithral chain shirt has the holy symbol of Iomedea inscribed upon it. His gaze slowly travels over each of you, seeming to measure and judge your worth.
Greetings to you all! I am Decimus Gallonica Trajan, paladin of Iomedae and citizen of the Empire of Cheliax, but you may call me Trajan.
He bows slightly and then settles into a chair.
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A young man of Taldan descent enters the room. He wears a symbol of Sarenrae around his neck and oddly enough, emblazoned on his chest as a tattoo of some exotic sort peeks out from his shirt. A gaudy golden hoop with a sun dangles from his left ear
Good day all. I am Goran, servant of Sarenrae. I'm delighted to meet you all. he says as he acknowledges the others in turn. His gear shows he likes to get up close and heal those in the middle of combat as opposed to waiting until the fight is over.
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A young Varisian man with wild hair and a mischievous grin enters the room dressed in traditional Varisian clothing which makes him look more like a circus performer than an adventurer.
"I see I am not the only one who has been summoned here today. Glad to see I am in such splendid company. Varro's the name. Have you seen my act? No... that's odd, I am one of the best known master-of-fire ever to grace a stage... oh, yes and I do dabble a bit in the arcane arts." Varro bows deeply, as if accepting applause from a cheering crowd.
You don't detect any traces of evil on the other agents. Not exactly unexpected since the Society has gotten more picky about the company it keeps, but still good to know for sure.
About the time that each of you finish your introductions to one another you hear the sound of approaching footsteps. Renowned for her composure under pressure and the author of more than two dozen Pathfinder Chronicles entries, Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro comes bustling into the room, a stack of chronicles in her arms, and looks you over before speaking.
"My greatest pupil, Pathfinder Bodriggan Wuthers, has gone missing," she begins, apparently a fan of getting straight to the point. "He followed a cleric contact back to his home city of Oppara to work on a massive dig beneath the House of the Immortal Son, Oppara’s famed opera house and once temple to the dead god, Aroden. That was a year ago. He sent monthly reports, hoping to see their publication in a chronicle, before all contact dried up a few months back. I’m worried something has gone wrong, and the Society has a vested interest in the artifact he was researching and seeking. We want you to travel to Oppara and find Wuthers. We’d like to know exactly what he was seeking, too, since he neglected to inform us through his monthly correspondence. He hinted only that the cleric of Irori he was working with told him the object was the world’s greatest ‘living’ artifact - whatever that means."
"I have a few tidbits of information to pass to you before you go: the House of the Immortal Son is nearly impossible to access. It took Wuthers months and countless bribes to get where he did. For you, I have a much simpler idea. Go to an opera, wait for an opportunity, and then exploit it to find Wuthers and his dig site."
"Oh - be sure to wear something festive - the Taldan nobility are arrogant on their best days and if you arrive at the opera dressed like that," she waves her hands at you, "they’ll surely lose your tickets or regret to inform you that the opera house is oversold. Go and report back to me directly upon your return to Absalom. Any questions?"
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"Well, it's my hope that he's alive, but...after several months of silence I have to be realistic and at least consider that that might not be the case," Eliza sighs. "If it turns out that he's still alive then yes, rescue him or bring him in, if you can."
Eliza shakes her head. "Alas, no. The only individual mentioned in his reports was this mysterious cleric of Irori, but Bodriggan never even gives a name for them - which is unusual but not unheard of. It wouldn't be the first time that a contact or ally to the Society was protective of their privacy."
You know that Bodriggan Wuthers was an orphan of unknown ancestry, found 20 years ago on the doorstep of the Pathfinder Lodge of Taldor’s capital, Oppara. He was raised in an orphanage, but the Taldan Pathfinders made it a point to look in on him from time to time, encouraging the boy’s curiosity and pushing him toward the life of the vagabond scholar. When Wuthers turned 16, he left the orphanage behind and traveled to Absalom to join the Pathfinder Society. After a few years of training and following Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro, Wuthers settled into his routine, traveling Avistan and Garund seeking greater glory for himself and the Society through treasure hunting. He quickly made a name for himself, battling through a host of demon-possessed apes in the Screaming Jungle at age 18 to recover the Garls Harp, an Azlanti musical instrument thought lost to time and memory. His tale of that find saw his first of many reports appear in the Pathfinder Chronicles and his fame as a Pathfinder was sewn into the fabric of the Society.
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Varro tries to remember whatever he can about Oppara, the House of the Immortal Son and Wuthers.
"Yes, I do recalling hearing that name before, Bodriggan Wuthers was an orphan of unknown ancestry if I remember correctly, found 20 years ago on the doorstep of the Pathfinder Lodge of Taldor’s capital, Oppara. He was raised in an orphanage, but the Taldan Pathfinders made it a point to look in on him from time to time, encouraging the boy’s curiosity and pushing him toward the life of the vagabond scholar. When Wuthers turned 16, he left the orphanage behind and traveled to Absalom to join the Pathfinder Society. After a few years of training and following Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro, Wuthers settled into his routine, traveling Avistan and Garund seeking greater glory for himself and the Society through treasure hunting. He quickly made a name for himself, battling through a host of demon-possessed apes in the Screaming Jungle at age 18 to recover the Garls Harp, an Azlanti musical instrument thought lost to time and memory. His tale of that find saw his first of many reports appear in the Pathfinder Chronicles and his fame as a Pathfinder was sewn into the fabric of the Society."
After finishing relaying what he knows about Wuthers Varro will continue, "looks like all of us will need to shopping for some clothes."
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After finishing relaying what he knows about Wuthers Varro will continue, "looks like all of us will need to shopping for some clothes."[/ooc]
Kyras grins, "What, this isn't audacious enough for you, human?" the alchemist shakes his shoulders, making all of his ingredients rattle on his bandolier and tattooed body.
As it turns out, Varro recalls a fair bit about Wuthers but also some interesting trivia about the city of Oppara itself as well as the House of the Immortal Son to which you'll be traveling...
On Oppara
Oppara, the City of Empire, is the capital of Taldor, and by far the largest city in the realm. It is an ancient and thriving city which earned the title the Gilded City because of the many roofs, spires, and domes that once glittered with gold plating in the high afternoon sun. Even though the metal was long ago stripped away, Oppara remains the example of what the empire once was and what it could be again, though, today, it is plagued with mismanagement, selfish aristocrats, poverty, and crime.
The city was founded before Aroden's ascension as a god and considers itself the source of civilization for all of Avistan.
It was already in existence when Taldaris, a native of Oppara and the first Grand Prince of Taldor, conquered the local city-states along the eastern shores of the Inner Sea to found that nation.
The Gilded City, with its tremendously long history, is no stranger to tragedy. One of the earliest came in -632 AR, when the infamous Tarrasque broke through the World's Edge Mountains and destroyed the city.
Following the ascension of the deity Aroden in 1 AR, and the creation of the city of Absalom, the new god of humanity's faith quickly spread in Taldor, and Oppara quickly became the center of his worship.
On the House of the Immortal Son
The House of the Immortal Son is one of two original temples to Aroden in Oppara, with the other being the Basilica of the Last Man. Both temples still stand today. The sleek Azlanti architecture with elegant marble, granite, and numerous decorative pillars makes the House of the Immortal Son Taldor's most extravagant opera house, which has been its use since Aroden's death. In fact, Aroden's holy symbol can still be seen on its roof.
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As talk turns to wardrobe makeovers, Eliza nods approvingly. "Good idea. They might think that you're 'new money' of some stripe but from my own dealings with the nobility as long you look the part, you're basically in the club."
"Of course if you've not got a great amount of coin to spend you could always try other means," she adds. "It's amazing what magic can do, isn't it? But if you'd prefer to try going as you are, I'm not going to stop you."
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"Yes I have heard of Bodriggan Wuthers also. If I may ask some additional questions?" checks notes he was scribbling
"Do he tell you the names of any of the individuals or entities he paid bribes to in order to gain access to the House of the Immortal Son?"
"Would Wuthers' disappearance be typical of the work of government security? Or would they simply throw him out if they discovered his dig?"
"On our appearance do you have any suggestions or tips to allow us to travel with our required gear? I am not familiar with the customs of Taldor or Oppara so I don't know if armed well-to-do citizens are a common sight attending the opera."
"If we find the artifact Bodriggan was looking for should we return it here or is there a local contact in the Society in Oppara to contact?"
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Kyras grins, "What, this isn't audacious enough for you, human?" the alchemist shakes his shoulders, making all of his ingredients rattle on his bandolier and tattooed body.
Varro sighs and rolls his eyes.
Oh, hurrah. Another agent of the Society that thinks smelling like a beast and having twigs stuck in your hair is some form of cutting edge fashion statement.
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I could use opinions on what to were...I'm thinking simple, yet sophisticated... Goran says.
Trajan turns to Goran and says, "Perhaps you should acquire clothing and jewelry with the symbols and sacred colors of Sarenrae? That way none will need to be told of your faith; they'll be able to see your devotion for themselves."
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"It is far easier to learn what is going on inside an organization than from without. Do you need assistance in acquiring something more presentable?" Altavan asked Kyras.
Kyras grunts, "No. I should be fine."
He eventually comes back, dressed more in fassion, and asks Kegdrainer for help, "Fine you win. Glamor is not my strong suit. What's in with elf fassion these days?" and he will take his advice for the disguise.
"Yes I have heard of Bodriggan Wuthers also. If I may ask some additional questions?" checks notes he was scribbling
"Do he tell you the names of any of the individuals or entities he paid bribes to in order to gain access to the House of the Immortal Son?"
"Would Wuthers' disappearance be typical of the work of government security? Or would they simply throw him out if they discovered his dig?"
"On our appearance do you have any suggestions or tips to allow us to travel with our required gear? I am not familiar with the customs of Taldor or Oppara so I don't know if armed well-to-do citizens are a common sight attending the opera."
"If we find the artifact Bodriggan was looking for should we return it here or is there a local contact in the Society in Oppara to contact?"
Rather than appear put off by Decimus' many questions, the venture-captain instead seems pleased. As the rest of you quietly discuss how to best dress for the opera once you arrive - but still taking care to keep tabs on the conversation - Eliza addresses the holy warrior's questions one at a time.
"There were some names mentioned but given the amount of time that has passed I believe those should only be investigated if the opera house lead turns up nothing useful."
"As for his disappearance, no - if he and his cleric accomplice had been discovered they would have simply been kicked out, I believe," she continues. "And if that had happened, we would've heard of it by now. Taldan nobility loves nothing if not a new topic of gossip and such a thing would keep tongues wagging for weeks."
When the sensible question of getting into the opera with their actual gear arises, the venture-captain ponders it for a moment. "Hmm...though not everyone loves the Pathfinder Society there are still plenty who do and find our exploits quite entertaining to discuss. It's possible that they might allow you to keep your weapons and other gear when you enter, if you explain who you are and promise to be on your best behavior."
"Of course, mentioning that you are agents doesn't necessarily mean mentioning the true purpose for your visit," she smiles. "Why, perhaps you simply happened to be between missions and wished to attend the opera, yes?"
"And regarding the artifact in question, if you recover it please return here with it or you may go to the lodge in Oppara - which masquerades as a greasy bait and tackle shop."
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Trajan writes down Eliza's answers
"I'll gladly take whatever names Bodriggan sent along in his reports. One can never have too much information when it comes to an investigation."
"I would also like the name and location of the Lodge in Oppara in case the artifact is something we cannot handle or safely transport to Absalom."
"Yes, of course, that won't be a problem. I've never met him myself but the VC for Oppara is named Muesello. Clever machinist from what I've been told, does a lot of work on crafting and modifying wayfinders."
VC Eliza takes a small sheet of paper and jots down a few names, as well as the address for the Oppara lodge, should you find yourselves in need of a friendly harbor while in the city.
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He eventually comes back, dressed more in fassion, and asks Kegdrainer for help, "Fine you win. Glamor is not my strong suit. What's in with elf fassion these days?" and he will take his advice for the disguise.
"What do you think I am, a Taldan from Taldor?" he said with a smile. "If you ingrate yourself with them, nobles like to brag when they are with confidants. I find that when reading the fortunes of a noble, one should not look like you just crawled out of a dung heap.
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"Right. the elf nods at Goran and Kegdrainer, "How about this then?" Kyras claps his hands, and his tunic turns to be a more clean, and vibrant version of his own adventuring attire, or similar to that of what he has seen being worn by adventurers inside the Spire in Absalom. "I will go as an adventurer, who is interested in the opera. Clean and proper. I would be more comfortable this way anyway...And just so we are clear, i do not...like...the opera...one bit." He menaces at the group, eyeing each of them as he says this.
"Are we all ready to go?"
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"What do you think I am, a Taldan from Taldor?" he said with a smile. "If you ingrate yourself with them, nobles like to brag when they are with confidants. I find that when reading the fortunes of a noble, one should not look like you just crawled out of a dung heap.
He eventually comes back, dressed more in fassion, and asks Kegdrainer for help, "Fine you win. Glamor is not my strong suit. What's in with elf fassion these days?" and he will take his advice for the disguise.
Trajan snickers at Kegrainer's dung heap comment.
"Just make sure when you read their fortune they don't accuse you of being a heretic and try to burn you at the stake."|
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"Right. the elf nods at Goran and Kegdrainer, "How about this then?" Kyras claps his hands, and his tunic turns to be a more clean, and vibrant version of his own adventuring attire, or similar to that of what he has seen being worn by adventurers inside the Spire in Absalom. "I will go as an adventurer, who is interested in the opera. Clean and proper. I would be more comfortable this way anyway...And just so we are clear, i do not...like...the opera...one bit." He menaces at the group, eyeing each of them as he says this.
"Are we all ready to go?"
Trajan looks more amused than menaced as he replies to Kyras, "No one said you had to sing at the opera. Just don't fall asleep and look for a way to access beyond public areas so we can find the dig site. And if we need intimidation my tabard with the Ennead Star and the Godclaw symbol should suffice."
A week, one clothes-shopping session, and some travel later, you arrive in the Gilded City, Oppara. Capital of Taldor, and by far the largest city in the realm, it is an ancient and thriving place which earned the title the Gilded City because of the many roofs, spires, and domes that once glittered with gold plating in the high afternoon sun. The dominant building materials of Oppara are stone, marble, granite, and bricks. Six thousand years of history and the extravagance of the empire's capital are still obvious in the city's design. The streets are paved in grandiose mosaic tiles or well-laid cobblestones. Stone gutters quickly siphon off the frequent summer rains into the city's expansive sewer system. Public fountains dot many of the larger crossroads and squares and the city is lit by tens of thousands of lanterns at night. And even though the skyline’s golden plating has long since been stripped away, Oppara remains the example of what the empire once was - and what it could be again.
After making arrangements for lodging you take the time to ask around a little bit about the House of the Immortal Son and you learn that tonight happens to be the debut of a new opera (or at least new to the House of the Immortal Son) - Among the Living. It's an epic tale of a lone Ulfen warrior named Victory who sails to the ends of Golarion, crashes off the edge of the world, and finds himself in a gothic paradise where he falls in love with the undead queen of a jungle kingdom. By all accounts it's melodramatic, over-acted, gaudy, and tasteless — just the sort of affair Taldor's wealthy screams to attend.
You also learn something unexpected but pleasantly surprising. It seems that though the House of the Immortal Son has a reputation for opulence and excess, it never turns away anyone with any obvious amount of money...or fame. And it just so happens that Pathfinders are a source of great discussion in Taldor and the nobility love to read of their exploits and adventures...
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This might be fun...at the very least entertaining. And perhaps some inroads for the Society with these people. Shall we? Goran says, looking for a server or bar to get a glass of wine to help the night go faster.
Trajan turns to Goran and says, "Good cleric perhaps we should exercise temperance given the uncertainty of our situation? We should strive to keep our minds clear, our eyes and ears vigilant, and our hands steady."
Some of you perhaps grab a beverage or two at the bar (and discuss the merits of doing so or not doing so) and then head out into the crisp evening air and make your way to the House of the Immortal Son.
Once a temple to Aroden, the House of the Immortal Son has, since his death, been Taldor’s most opulent and expensive opera house. It is a large, windowless, cylindrical building made of polished marble and granite and surrounded by thick, finely-carved pillars. Built in the earliest traditional styles of Arodenite temples, the opera house lacks windows (visitors are meant to look up, not out) and its roof is a complicated piece of stone statuary that replicates the holy symbol of Aroden, a steady winged eye gazing forever toward the heavens.
Strolling up to the building you see what appear to be several entrances, though some of them also appear to be closed. In fact, everyone that you can see seems to be filtering through one of two entrances. The first entrance is flanked by finely carved pillars and bedecked with a deep blue carpet. The second entrance is also flanked by carved pillars, but they seem slightly less ostentatious compared to the ones at the first entrance. This second entrance is also bedecked with a carpet, which is red in color.
It looks like attendees are proceeding through both entrances but as they're all dressed in fine clothes it's difficult to determine what the difference between the two is, aside from the colors of carpet.
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Do not speak of heresy! Goran says to Varro, with a look of feigned concern.
Trajan says, "I would have thought a cleric more mindful of the dangers of heresy. In any case we should attempt to learn what the difference is between the two entrances."
Trajan strikes up conversation with some of the others heading to the House of the Immortal Son explaining that as a first-time visitor from Cheliax he and his party are unfamiliar with who is supposed to use each entrance.