DM Kludde |
.
Quarr |
Dot
DM Kludde |
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.”
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.”
“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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
Quarr |
The gnome scratched his chin Does the family have any known enemies that could possibly do this that are within that area?
DM Kludde |
Vivianna Talwin is the only major political rival Andares has to our knowledge. He has no obvious bad blood in the business of cheap wine. In terms of suspects, it seems the local authorities are stumped.
You can also make D(GI) or K(Local) checks for the latest gossip
Quarr |
D(GI)? I do not have knowledge local as a skill yet unfortunately
DM Kludde |
Diplomacy(Gather Info)
DM Kludde |
Alysande Benedict is a deceased Andoren revolutionary who wrote passionately in favor of peace, freedom, and justice. She is lovingly known throughout Andoran as Lady Liberty. Telfyr responds, without betraying any feelings towards the author.
Tercio Andares is mayor of Sauerton, one of the consuls who administer Andoran’s military, and owner of the extremely successful Sauerton Red winery. He has generally remained popular in Sauerton despite the town suffering from a rash of attacks by wild beasts from the Verduran Forest in recent years, as his winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems.
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea shares her information freely with the rest of the party.
Keeping her thoughts to herself due to present company, I wonder if someone thinks Tercio Andares has amassed too much wealth and power for a supposedly free and uncorrupted society!
Quarr |
hmmmm that is most interesting
Brodey |
Brodey thinks about the conversation he had in the kitchen with the local staff about all these goings on. Nothing like being willing to haul a little water or chop some wood to get a good meal to start the day and make friends, after all.
kn local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Nobody ever notices the help, even in this strange "democracy". But they're pretty good at noticing the antics of their betters
DM Kludde |
A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town.
Sauerton is infamous for its cheap and widely distributed wine, called Sauerton Red. It has become immortalized in an Andoren proverb that something of poor quality “must be down from Sauerton. It 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.
The journey up the Andoshen River is swift, and they enjoy good weather until the last hour, when a light rain begins to fall. There's not many people outside in the rain, several wine presses stand deserted, awaiting fairer weather to allow a return to grape processing. A halfling wearing light armour and a rain-spattered helmet comes up and introduces himself as Merton Demrick, of the nation of Andoran. Might I inquire what brings you to our village?
Brodey |
Brodey will share his information with the party once nobody else is around. His comment on the whole thing is brief.
They may not call them nobles here, but they've still got em. Sounds like e's not one of the better ones, but when you need them for your own plans, you gotta pretend not to notice. Seeing as we need him to help stop a demonic invasion and the end of the world and such, we should probably overlook his character flaws.
When the halfling accosts the party, Brodey remains silent. It literally doesn't occur to him that he should speak for the party.
Quarr |
Well met Merton. My name is Quarr and these are my companionsThe gnome says point to each person in the party. We would like to have a word with Tercio Andares if you could point us in the best possible direction.
DM Kludde |
Visitors, then? I'll gladly serve as your guide to this beautiful village. See, it is the season for pressing grapes. Most of the seasonal workers for picking grapes have left, but there still is a lot of work going on on these wine presses. The man is an avalanche of local tidbits and explanations as he moves through the streets of Sauerton. Finally, coming upon a dozen of stately homes - pointed out by Demrick as surviving homes of past nobility - he points out Andares mansion.
The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars. I'm not sure if the good mayor is receiving visitors at the moment, but it's worth a try
Quarr |
Well I am pretty sure that he will want to hear from us.Quarr states with a smileBy the way, these are all very nice homes. Does there happen to be any buildings in the area that have had a nasty fire as of late?
DM Kludde |
A burned down manor in the area? That would be the Sauer estate. When Lady Moxana Sauer, the last scion of the venerable Sauer family of Sauerton, chose exile over the loss of her title, she and her family performed one final act of spite before fleeing to take refuge among distant relatives in Cheliax: They set fire to her family’s beautiful villa and nearby crops, then sowed the land with salt. Ever since, the area has been considered cursed and suspected of being haunted by the spirits of bitter nobles. None of the locals dare approach.
Quarr |
Perhaps this is the area that we should start? Perhaps we might be of some assistance
If the rest of the party agrees head there if not then continue on towards Tercio.
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea points out that we had best present ourselves to Tercio, since that is what the Pathfinder Society expects, and we have been given documents for exactly that reason. It seems unlikely that he would take it well if we began poking about on our own.
"Though once we have his leave, we don't necessarily have to tell him that we already have an idea of where to go..."
Quarr |
That is sound advice Lunaea. Merton if you would continue to show us the way to Tercio it would be greatly appreciated.
DM Kludde |
The adventurers are at Andares manor. Answering the door is a servant - a thin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held in a tight bun. I'm afraid the master is not receiving visitor at the moment.
Quarr |
Good evening Ma'am! Quarr states with a courteous bow I completely understand that he does not wish to have visitor's but we wish to have a word with him concerning information on his daughter.
Brodey |
Brodey will clear his throat and speak, abandoning his customary invisibility in social situations and makes direct eye contact with the woman.
"Mistress, I know you are just following your instructions, but we have journeyed a long way and have an urgent communication for the master of the house to present. Do YOU want to be the one who is blamed when he does not receive it in a timely manner? Or will you do the right thing and bring it our presence to his attention?"
intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
I think trying to bring the "fear of losing my job due to being an officious ass" into a situation is a form of intimidation.
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea backs up Brodey by silently handing the servant the documents they brought with them, quite obviously marked with the seal of the Pathfinder Society, in the imperious manner she's seen her mother use, without saying a single word as if she expects the servant to follow their instructions without question.
DM Kludde |
Aaw shucks. I suppose you can come in, you seem like good folk. M afraid the master is in a meeting though, kindly wait here if you please. the woman welcomes the adventurers to a grand entrance hall.
Thank you, Dorabeth Demrick answers as he hops along inside. I'm sure the mayor's quite busy. He's gotten a huge surge in popularity, ever since that election. It seemed like an uncertain thing, but in the end he won with a landslide! Isn't that amazing?
Quarr |
Quarr whispers to the group Doesn't seem too concerned or broken up about the missing daughter
DM Kludde |
During the waiting time, Dorabeth starts talking about what she thinks happened. She theorises of Kyonin elves crossing the border, hoping to bring back Thalia as a sacrifice to their ancient gods. Or it could be a Chelish spy, hiding her in an empty wine cask.
What do you think?
Anara Resario |
Anara listens to the initial greetings in silence, letting the rest of her fellow pathfinders deal with the introductions and such. She listens intently, sorting through the various information being gathered in her mind.
Something doesn't feel right about this whole situation.
Quarr |
I would wish to hold wild speculation until we look into the matter a bit further.
DM Kludde |
I... I am sorry sir. I.. I didn't mean to speak out of turn. Dorabeth says as she looks to the floor.
Quarr |
It is quite alright my dear. Did you happen to witness anything.... Anything unusual on the day of the kidnapping?
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea gently encourages her...
Please let us know if you saw or heard anything, or if someone else did. She could be in terrible danger. We won't let anyone know - we'll just pretend we were all having tea and talking about the beautiful gardens.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
DM Kludde |
Dorabeth open her mouth to speak ... but just as she wants to, the drawing room door opens, and a tall Taldan man, who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair, steps through, talking to an as of yet unseen companion “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 safety in such a bold manner.”.
A knowledge (local) check to get information on Sander Bryton. Later on, Dip(Gather info) would also work, walking around town.
He pauses to look at the adventurers, and greet Demrick Good afternoon, captain.
Visitors, I see, he addresses the adventurers, may I ask with whom I have the pleasure?
Anara Resario |
Anara is happy to let Lunaea and quarr lead the discussion. She tries to recall if she had heard anything about this Sander person, but can't seem to recall much.
Know(Local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Quarr |
Greetings! My name is Quarr. We were sent on behalf of the Pathfinder Society in reference to the missing Thalia. We wonder if we might have a word.The gnome asks Lunaea to hand the gentleman the note that we were to present.
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea presents the documents, clearly marked with the seal of the Pathfinder Society.
Sir, we are here to help - but discreetly. We fully understand the care and discretion that must be applied in this matter. The Pathfinder Society values your friendship and wishes to help in any way possible.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
DM Kludde |
Thank you very much. The society is an important partner to Sauerton, and your sympathy with my plight is much appreciated.
Now that you are all here - Sander, Merton, representatives of the Society - I might as well address you all at once.
I should let you know, I have received a letter regarding Thalia's kidnapping. The kidnappers threaten to take Thalia's life... he states in the clear, composed tone of a statesman as Dorabeth lets out a gasp if I were to charge the Eagle Knights, the town guard or the Society with investigating this kidnapping. Therefore, while I appreciate your sympathy and concern for my daughters well-being, I am afraid my hands are tied. I cannot be seen aiding you in any way.
Can I have two separate Sense Motive checks from those so inclined?
Brodey |
Brodey studies this cousin carefully. he is not paying as close attention to the Mayor. Assume for him a "take 10" sense motive of 15 if it matters, or use the rolls at -5 for distraction or something
kn local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
to see if I've heard of him in particular
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
to see if his true reaction is different from his apparent reaction on having his help refused.
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
to see what his initial reaction to seeing a bunch of Pathfinders on the scene might be.
Brodey met an Eagle Knight one once in Absalom who seemed pretty full of himself. Now what was he being so self-important about again?....
kn nobility: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
to know something about the Eagle Knight organization. Almost by definition it has to be ranked as nobles, even if Andorans don't claim them as such. They're a privileged group of warriors of some kind
Quarr |
Quarr attempts to get a read on the man's story, but he seems to be telling the truth from what he can tell.
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Lunaea's not sure what's up, but something about this story may not be quite what it appears...
She sizes both of them up carefully, and pays attention to their body language while speaking.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
DM Kludde |
Brodey pays close attention to Bryton. Upon seeing the adventurers, he seemed have a small body language exchange with Andares, wondering if the Mayor is ok with the party being there, and Andares confirming with a gesture for 'nothing to worry about'
Lunaea notices the speech of Andares being slightly unconvincing. He seems to know more that he lets on.
The eagles knights are the elite fighting force of Andoran, sworn to protect their homeland, and to destroy slavery and those who profit from it. The eagle knights are governed by and executive body consisting of a number of consuls.
Anara Resario |
Anara listen carefully to the explanation being provide by Thalia's father, not totally convinced.
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Something is definetly being kept secret here...
Anara looks on suspiciously at the group in front of them but doesn't say anything.
Brodey |
Brodey finally registers the speech of the Mayor and speaks up cautiously.
While we would not want to endanger your daughter, we are here and it is not exactly a secret that we are. Perhaps we can decide on some other plausible reason why the Society would be in town and spread that story around, so as to divert suspicion.
I'm afraid I'm not terribly good at coming up with such stories, but it seems the right basic approach given the situation.
Brodey will watch both of them carefully. If they care about the daughter, this should seem like a good suggestion although possibly impractical in some way that might be dangerous to the child. If they're the villains of the piece they'll be more concerned about getting us out of town than any danger to her our visible arrival might have caused.
sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
DM Kludde |
Anara notices the same message being exchanged between Bryton and Tercio.
Look, you're endangering my daughter as we speak here. The letter I received was very clear: I'm not to help any investigation.
There's plenty of reasons to be in town! Who would not want to be in fine Sauerton when the grapes are being pressed, it's the finest time of the year to visit here, Tercio proclaims proudly, besides, Pathfinders aren't an uncommon sight in this area.
He doesn't seem to forbid the pathfinder from investigating, though.
Lunaea Moonstruck |
Could we examine this letter? And then we can repair to the nearest tavern and enjoy the fine wine of Sauerton, while letting it be known that we're enjoying a well-deserved rest break between missions.
Lunaea tries to say "fine wine" with a straight face, especially since she doesn't drink anything stronger than mead.
Brodey |
Yup they're involved somehow, but not confident enough to run us out of town. Interesting.
Brodey's ready to leave, but he is interested to see if they let us read the letter.
Even odds these clowns don't even HAVE a letter to show.
For this part, Brodey is focusing on Demrick, who's been way too involved so far. Just trying to see how he fits with the other two in how he's been reacting to all of this.
Does Demrick seem to be collaborating and passing signals like the two of them, or acting more normally...either worried about the daughter or wondering what the heck is up with the two of them, as most of us are?
sense motive Demrick: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
well, Brodey was due some bad dice eventually