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The crisp chill of the Arcadian Ocean can be clearly felt as it sweeps across the fetid waters of Riddleport Harbor and onto the city streets, and the briny air inspires recent memories. Only a few days ago, back in Magnimar, Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch detailed the covert mission from behind the oaken desk in her office. “Lissala is the Thassilonian goddess of runes, fate, and obedience,” she explained. “Her followers are wicked and secretive, but they can be bought for the right price. The Aspis Consortium offered that price. In exchange for creating a back door into the Hao Jin Tapestry—a museum demiplane that we Pathfinders thought was entirely our own—the Aspis Consortium promised a river of wealth to the secretive cult. The Pathfinder Society ejected the Aspis Consortium from the Hao Jin Tapestry and the Consortium defaulted on its contract with the cult of Lissala. As you might expect from followers of a goddess of duty, the Lissalans are irate at the Aspis Consortium for defaulting. Tensions between the two groups are at their breaking point, and I need you to finish the job.
“Vidrin Jenk is a silver agent in the Aspis Consortium, newly arrived in Riddleport and anxious to prove his worth to the organization. The Aspis Consortium recently purchased the Barracuda Cartage company, and Jenk operates out of the offices there. Jenk plans to patch up relations with the cult of Lissala, which is well hidden somewhere in Riddleport. To help him, Jenk requisitioned a group of Aspis Consortium specialists—all bronze agents led by a mysterious troubleshooter named Thestil Shadowtongue.”
At this point, Venture-Captain Heidmarch slid several bronze badges across the desk, some flecked with blood. “Those specialists aren’t going to make it to Riddleport. You are. I want you to pretend to be the Aspis Consortium agents Jenk requested. Do as he asks, but only to keep suspicion off of you until you find out where the cult of Lissala is hiding. Once you know that, I need you to do two things. First, sabotage the Lissalan safe house as completely as possible. Second, throw the blame for the sabotage onto the Aspis Consortium.
“How you complete these tasks I leave to your discretion, but I want you to keep murder to a minimum. One of the Lissalan cultists is feeding us information, and I don’t want to risk you killing this valuable source. Furthermore, we want the Lissalans to remain alive so they can turn their full ire against the Aspis Consortium. Once you’ve accomplished these two mission objectives, return here.”
Heidmarch smiles broadly. “Welcome to the Aspis Consortium. Any questions before you leave for Riddleport?”
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An athletic looking halfling leaning against the wall spinning a coin on the back of his hand, stops the coin abruptly and stands up. " Yes, Boss. Who is supposed to be pass for this Thestil Shadowtongue? Or are we to make up a lie as to why he is not with us when we meet Vidrin Jenk? I take it we meet Jenk at the headquarters of the Barracuda Cartage Company?
The sandy haired halfling settles back to leaning against the wall to listen to Mrs Heidmarch's response. He has two short swords in scabbards belted on at his waste. A backpack is grounded at this feet. His black studded leather armor is clean and neatly donned. He has a travel cloak pushed back off his shoulders.
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The young paladin blanches slightly at the mission requirements, I'm not very good at deception... but I can make sure we don't kill many people certainly. Do our best. Probably best if I'm not the one doing most of the talking up front with the Aspis agents; but I can swing a sword with my best ability. he waves at the others, I'm Ezekiel by the way, nice to meet you, may the Dawnflower bless you each this day.
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A half-elf girl sits comfortably in one of the chairs provided, looking pleased to be there. She wears a shirt of chain mail and carries a few weapons, but they appear hardly used. From each ear dangles a broken hourglass earring.
”Oh goodness, I didn’t realize things had already progressed this far. Tell me, if some Aspis Consortium members themselves show up, are you particularly attached to any? They could get caught in the crossfire, you know.”
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A tall but physically weak looking Elf sits in a chair next to the half-elf.
He is wearing a haramaki and a spell component pouch that indicates he is using magic regularily.
His pale skin and clear blue eyes are in strong contrast to his jet-black hair.
One would not call him handsome... not least because of the unnerving and maybe even arrogant smile - implying he knows something that you don't...
The elf stands up to look at the bronze badges. When seeing the residual blood he frowns, utters a few syllables and makes a few gestures before selecting one of the suddenly very shiny badges.
The elf sits back down again, looking thoughtful.
"Thestil Shadowtongue... no, I have not heared about him. If one of us is to impersonate him we need to learn everything that's known about him. Surely you can enlighten us?"
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After the briefing he introduces himself to the other agents with a nod.
"I am Kaervek, Master of the Arcane. My spells will help with keeping the murder to a minimum."
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"Yeah, nice to meet ya' Ezekial. I'm Tanbu. We'll have plenty of time to get to know one another on our jaunt down to Riddleport. We can work on passing you off as an Aspis snake-in-the-grass then too. But for now speak as little as possible and look mean. Things will go swimmingly." Tanbu turns to Lady Heidmarch again.
"Boss, how are we getting to Riddleport? I didn't catch that part."
"Hello there, Kaervek. I didn't mean to ignore you; you just looked busy."
"Hello, ma'am." Tanbu nods to the quiet Half-elf lady.
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Heidmarch answers to question about Thestil Shadowtongue “The best part of this: Jenk doesn’t know anything about Thestil Shadowtongue other than by reputation. Thestil is known to be a loyal Aspis Consortium agent, but goes to great lengths to remain mysterious and anonymous. Almost no one knows what race Thestil is, or even whether Thestil is a man or a woman. I recommend that your best liar claim to be Thestil Shadowtongue, and that he or she emphasizes Thestil’s ‘enigmatic spy’ reputation.”
"Boss, how are we getting to Riddleport? I didn't catch that part."
"I suggest you take a boat."
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Ezekial nods at the advice of the others, Thank you, I will be silent and menacing. the Kelish man stands up straight and exudes an aura of menace around him unlikely for a paladin, but nevertheless, there it is.
Kaervek, pleasure to be working with you again. Perhaps this time will involve fewer dragons? Tanbu, Mizzy, pleasure to meet your acquaintance. he greets the party members who have introduced themselves.
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Charming - says a man in a black cloak, whose hood is thrown over his head even right now. Moreover, his face is also wrapped in a scarf, so you can occasionally see only his eyes - yellow, without pupils and clearly not human.
Ridleport is my hometown. Be always on the alert there. Danger lurks everywhere there and not only from Aspis Agents.
The figure of this man is absolutely out of proportion. He sits waddling so it's hard to judge, but it still seems to you that one arm is slightly longer than the other, and there is a small hump on his back. A couple of times it seems to you that something is moving unnaturally under your clothes.
He has a falchion and a long bow on his back and at his feet sits an exotic cat with a very strange tail, similar to a mace .
To survive in this ugly city, I had to lie a lot, it's true. I think I can introduce myself to this mysterious guy very convincingly.
He lowers his hand and strokes the cat.
Name's Beryx. Beryx Zinder. And this is Plajie.
Plajie - a cat the size of a large dog - does exactly what a cat would do if he found himself in the center of attention for a second - shows his complete indifference to everyone present and after half a minute begins to lazily lick himself.
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On Riddleport you may roll:
After you leave to Riddleport, Barracuda Cartage in the guise of Aspis Consortium agents at sundown. Despite the late hour, the up-and-coming trade house is lively as ever.
The Aspis Consortium’s headquarters in Riddleport is a dilapidated compound showing signs of recent repair. The cartage company’s main building rises three stories above the filthy streets. Behind this main building stands a coach-house large enough for four wagons. A weedy yard is enclosed by a high brick wall, but the large wooden doors to the yard stand open to admit new business, even in this evening hour. Beside the doors, a wooden sign reads, “Barracuda Cartage. Under New Management.”
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"We should head in. But first check yourselves, make sure you don't have anything that can be associated to the Pathfinder Society. No wayfinders and symbols of the open road, none of that stuff. Hide it and bury it in a bag. Have a quick story that you stole it or take it off a dead man prepped." Tanbu looks himself over and looks over the group as well.
"Also, we are secretive and probably don't wear our bronze buttons openly. Act like you are unimpressed and slightly annoyed at being here, it will help cover your nervousness and give you something to concentrate on other than your fear of discovery. Lastly, try not to say too much. Simple answers are better."
"I can act as Thestil Shadowtongue, but I think it safer to say Thestil sent us and sends his regards." "It will also give us a knowledge buffer when asked why we don't know something. We can say, 'Thestil didn't cover that'." "We can ask questions and not draw as much suspicion."
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Ezekiel nods in agreement with Tanbu, checking his gear and tucking the bronze badge cleverly inside his loose clothing. His holy symbol he tucks under the fine-linked chain shirt he wore underneath it all. Let us try to avoid the temple of Besmara at all costs, I might have problems letting people be fed to carnivorous sea life... the Kelish paladin again assumes his most intimidating stance, which given his passion for life isn't half bad at all...
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"That sounds good. I like getting along with people, but I don't have much practice at deception." Mizzie takes one of the medallions, but since she didn't have a Wayfinder to begin with there isn't much else that needs doing to finish her disguise. She keeps her earrings where they are-- most people she's met don't recognize the symbol, and those that do, she reasons, would hardly think them out-of-place among a secretive and enigmatic group like the Consortium.
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A group of six thuggish Aspis Consortium mercenaries loiter in the loading yard, overseeing a dozen laborers loading carts with a large shipment of fine sailcloth. They look suspiciously at newcomers but assume you are on business. Anyone in the yard can tell the PCs that "Boss Jenk" is on the second floor of the main building.
Vidrin Jenk is a snappish, sharpnosed administrator dressed in the elaborate finery of a merchant-prince. He stands behind a desk strewn with contracts and ledgers, doing his best to read multiple papers at once. "Ah, new agents? Show your badges, please." he says while looking at "Thestil Shadowtongue".
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Yes, show him the badges.
Berix casually throws his silver badge on the table. His large and asymmetrical bulk in a black cloak leans over the table.
We are not your personal new agents. I'm the one who solves other people's problems. And I selected these people myself as professionals. I don't have much time, which means you don't have much time either. Let's get down to business.
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Jenk shakes Beryx's hand "Most excellent, I've been very lucky to have such a resourceful operative at my side. I admit I have had trouble with one of the Aspis Consortium’s contractors. I would like present good-will gifts to them, but collecting these gifts will take some legwork and possibly some “coercive negotiation.” That's your job here. Aspis Consortium previously loaned each of the three temples in Riddleport a substantial sum, and the steep interest on all these loans is overdue. I have informed them of your coming."
He continues "You have to visit the Publican House to acquire a sacred mug, the House of the Silken Veil to obtain a magical dagger, and the Fish Bowl to pick up a magical bicorne hat. I want all three items recovered and returned tonight. Any questions? If not then get going."
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"Well, let's head to this publican house and get that mug. Will the gentlemen down stairs know the way? Or we can find it by asking directions elsewhere." Tanbu smiles and slightly bows to the man.
"We will spend the rest of today working this and hopefully being you the items tomorrow if that suits your purposes."
Tanbu makes note of the dagger from the Silken Veil and the bicorner hat from the Fish Bowl.
"At these places is there a specific person we need to talk to? I would hate to be indiscreet. It also makes it easier to figure out the best approach." "I take it we will know these items on site and they are magic, but what else can you tell us to keep us from getting just a dirt glass with an arcane mark on it?"
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"By contractor, I meant cult of Lissala. The Publican house is fairly easy to find."
The Publican House is a sprawling building of rough-hewn wood and weathered shingles. Large bay windows of leaden glass provide an expansive view of the river. Loud cheers issue from the tavern, as does the sweet smell of spilled ale. Several intoxicated patrons lift stools and tables stacked with metal cups brimming with ale. As might be expected, the interior of the Publican House is spattered with large puddles of ale and broken furniture.
When you ask about the mug or make your affiliation with Aspis consortium clear, you are directed to tavern-temple's overseer Arnaldo Rolf. Rolf is a bearlike man with meaty fists and a notched sword swinging at his hip. He listens to your request and reddens considerably. He admits he has the sacred mug set aside, but his acolytes gathered it up with other knickknacks as prizes for the evening’s competition. "I'm offering you a deal. If you win the drink-balancing contest, you can take the mug as your prize."
The drink-balancing game requires each contestant to select a barstool, a table, or a heavy sideboard. This selection is loaded up with three, six, or nine full cups of ale, at the contestant’s choice. The contestant must lift her selected furniture above her head (Strength DC 10 for a stool, DC 16 for a table, and DC 22 for a sideboard) without spilling any ale (Dexterity or Sleight of Hand DC 12 for three cups, DC 15 for six cups, and DC 18 for nine cups). If multiple contestants succeed at both checks, ties are broken first by furniture type (a sideboard beats a table, which beats a stool), then by number of drinks (more drinks beat fewer drinks), and then by a drinking contest with the unspilled ale (opposed Constitution checks). It is possible to demand the cup from Rolf (DC 20 Diplomacy or Intimidate).
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Berix listens to the dialogue between another silver agent and his "subordinate", after which he silently nods and leaves the Consortium building without even deigning to look at the employer. Already on the street, he looks at Ezekial and says: Sorry. I remember you didn't want to go to the temple of Besmara.
On the way to the Publican House, Berix will add a question to his comrades: We were sent here to sabotage alliance of the cult and the aspids. Should we somehow spoil the task? Bring the wrong items in the end, and so on?
All this he says leading you through the dirty streets of the city where he grew up and which he seems to despise with all his soul.
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Ezekiel responds to Beryx, Thank you, yes. I've sworn oaths to destroy fiendish influence upon Golarion, and entering evil temples where such things are possibilities surreptitiously will be challenging for me and my faith. Not to say that I cannot, but I will need to weigh the consequences of what we see very carefully against my beliefs. I will not endanger our mission, have no fear; but it is a personal struggle I may face in there.
In the tavern-temple, Very well Roth, we will play your games, but the mug will leave with us this night... the paladin says, picking up the stool easily and attempting to balance six cups upon it....
He does so relatively easily, the Kelish man raises the stool over his head easily and sets back down the stool and cups unspilled on the other side of him. Satisfied? Now our mug. He holds his hand out steadily, waiting for the others in the troupe to accomplish or best his feat of dexterity.
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Go to hell, you bastards. We are Aspis, we do what we want because we are stronger. Close your mouths!
Outside, Berix shrugs his shoulders. I was not liked in this city before, and now it would be even better not to appear here. Hmm. In short, guys. We are not Pathfinders now. We are Aspis agents. And we should behave as disgustingly as we can - this works equally for our cover and for our task. Stop being the good guys.