You've been invited by Vandell Pierce, owner of a profitable metal refinery business, to his large ranch estate in the rocky hinterlands. It is an opulent one, with marble columns and a shaded garden. You've heard rumor why Mr. Pierce has invited you: his daughter, Yennifer, has apparently been taken hostage, and he wants her safely returned.
Mr. Pierce greets you all, worry written on his face. "Thank you for coming, I'm at my wit's end with concern for my daughter. Two weeks ago she disappeared; and soon after, a ransom note was delivered. Now I'm not usually one who thinks of giving in to such demands, but... I am willing to concede the demanded price. If you agree, I would like you to deliver her ransom, and see to it that she returns safe and sound." He looks at each of you, and then explains, "They have requested the ransom delivered to an abandoned amphitheater, which can be reached in about two hours of travel. If there are any questions... And if not, please, hurry and return my daughter!"
Hmm... (Zik, the Smallest of the group, and only non human, a kobold, scratches her chin) I volunteer to bare the ransom money on my person, Mr. Pierce.
"It's our pleasure to help, Mr Pierce." Poe narrows his eyes, studying Mr. Pierce’s face carefully (I want to try to figure out how concerned Mr. Pierce really is or if he is hiding something). (Btw, Is Mr. Pierce human?)
“Before we rush off, we’ll need every detail you can give us, Mr. Pierce.”
Poe steps forward slightly, eyes still fixed on Pierce. He fires off a series of questions:
“What exactly is your business?” “Do you have any enemies?” “Who delivered the ransom note. And how? Can we see it?” "This abandoned amphitheater, is it of particular significance for you?" "Are we the first people on this?"
Poe pauses, then adds, more gently, “I know it’s a lot of questions. But the more we know, the better our chances of bringing your daughter back.”
Bethany says to Zik, “You sure you can lift it all?”
Well, I… I guess I did assume that it would be… (Pausing, she thinks and looks to Mr. Pierce) Hey, is it a single thing of large value, or is it all in coin where it would be a heavy load?
Tornir looks appraisingly at Poe: “I sometimes forget that the trail in the city is more cunning than what you find in the wild. It’s good you are along to ask these things.”
Mr. Pierce answers the last question first. "I will be entrusting you with 200 gold pieces, the amount demanded. Your guild comes highly recommended, so... I will trust that you will do the right thing." He then answers Poe's questions. "You are the first ones; I pray I won't need to hire others. The amphitheater is nothing important to me, but I can tell you it's history: it was once the site of gladiatorial fights, before the climate of this region shifted to be dry enough that there weren't crowds enough to sustain it. My business is in metal refining. I don't think I have any enemies, per se; business rivals for sure, but none that I would think would do something like this. As to the ransom note, it was found tacked to my daughter's door, not long after she disappeared. You may of course inspect it." He hands over the note, which reads in a flowing cursive script:
Vandell Pierce: pay two-hundred gold for your daughter; have it delivered to the center of the derelict amphitheater in the rocky wastes. If you do this, no harm will come to your daughter.
Tornir looks appraisingly at Poe: “I sometimes forget that the trail in the city is more cunning than what you find in the wild. It’s good you are along to ask these things.”
Well, wizards are known for their intelligence. I’m sure Poe here will definitely be the brains here of the group.
Mr. Pierce answers the last question first. "I will be entrusting you with 200 gold pieces, the amount demanded. Your guild comes highly recommended, so... I will trust that you will do the right thing." He then answers Poe's questions. "You are the first ones; I pray I won't need to hire others. The amphitheater is nothing important to me, but I can tell you it's history: it was once the site of gladiatorial fights, before the climate of this region shifted to be dry enough that there weren't crowds enough to sustain it. My business is in metal refining. I don't think I have any enemies, per se; business rivals for sure, but none that I would think would do something like this. As to the ransom note, it was found tacked to my daughter's door, not long after she disappeared. You may of course inspect it." He hands over the note, which reads in a flowing cursive script:
Vandell Pierce: pay two-hundred gold for your daughter; have it delivered to the center of the derelict amphitheater in the rocky wastes. If you do this, no harm will come to your daughter.
200 gold? Hmm… Bethany, do you think you could be able to carry that?
(Zik listens this information and reads the letter, then asks) was there any sign of a break-in in your daughter’s room? Or any sign of struggle?
"Good question. No; she was just gone, the door closed, the note tacked to the entrance of her room. They must be particularly skilled kidnappers to sneak in and out so easily. I didn't hear a thing..." Mr. Pierce frowns.
"Good question. No; she was just gone, the door closed, the note tacked to the entrance of her room. They must be particularly skilled kidnappers to sneak in and out so easily. I didn't hear a thing..." Mr. Pierce frowns.
Hmm... (She waves the rest of the party down so that way she can whisper to them) I'm thinking that we should investigate the daughters room first... Based on what we know, I'm starting to wonder if there even is a kidnapper. I'm starting to think that this girl is the one behind this. Then afterwards, we can head down to the amphitheater and do what we need to do based on what we find in the room. How does that sound to you guys?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Poe glances at Zik and gives a small nod, acknowledging her good question. He realizes this will be his first time traveling with a kobold. The stories he’s heard about them aren’t always flattering, but this one seems... fine.
“Yes,” he says, “let’s start with the daughter’s room.”
He turns to Mr. Pierce, his expression calm but firm.
"Anything that could help get her back...", he allows.
You look through the daughter's room. No sign of a struggle, but some light rummaging through drawers is evident. Whether the kidnappers were looking for something, or the daughter was, is not clear. Of note, no jewelry or coins are found on the jewelry stands and open lock-boxes.
Is there anything else you'd like to do before heading out?
After investigating the room, Zik once again whispers to the group.
“Ok, I’m even more suspicious of this. Of my theory is correct that the daughter is the one behind this and is just trying to get some easy coin, then I say we do the mission as required, and once we arrive at the amphitheater, we see what’s what. Sound good to everyone?”
"I'd keep your eyes out for snakes and kai-otes," Mr. Pierce suggests. "Bandits? Well, I'd say probably not, but keep your wits all the same, just in case."
“So, we take the ransom money, and we’re on our way to the amphitheater.”
Poe swallows hard thinking about the money. (He’s never seen that much gold in one place.)
He shakes his head and takes a step back.
“I don’t want to sound paranoid,” he says, “but paranoia is what's kept me alive.”
“This amount of money makes me uncomfortable,” he adds quietly. “I propose Bethany leads us. Zik, you stay in the middle with the ransom. I’ll take the rear.”
He turns to Tornir, eyeing the ranger’s gear and quiet confidence.
“You... you look like someone who knows their way around a forest. Maybe follow a few feet behind, off the road. Stay hidden. You know… to surprise any potential surprisers.”
You've been invited by Vandell Pierce, owner of a profitable metal refinery business, to his large ranch estate in the rocky hinterlands. It is an opulent one, with marble columns and a shaded garden. You've heard rumor why Mr. Pierce has invited you: his daughter, Yennifer, has apparently been taken hostage, and he wants her safely returned.
Mr. Pierce greets you all, worry written on his face. "Thank you for coming, I'm at my wit's end with concern for my daughter. Two weeks ago she disappeared; and soon after, a ransom note was delivered. Now I'm not usually one who thinks of giving in to such demands, but... I am willing to concede the demanded price. If you agree, I would like you to deliver her ransom, and see to it that she returns safe and sound." He looks at each of you, and then explains, "They have requested the ransom delivered to an abandoned amphitheater, which can be reached in about two hours of travel. If there are any questions... And if not, please, hurry and return my daughter!"
Hmm... (Zik, the Smallest of the group, and only non human, a kobold, scratches her chin) I volunteer to bare the ransom money on my person, Mr. Pierce.
Tornir nodding solemnly: I too will see to the delivery of the ransom and the safe return of your daughter.
"It's our pleasure to help, Mr Pierce."
Poe narrows his eyes, studying Mr. Pierce’s face carefully (I want to try to figure out how concerned Mr. Pierce really is or if he is hiding something).
(Btw, Is Mr. Pierce human?)
“Before we rush off, we’ll need every detail you can give us, Mr. Pierce.”
Poe steps forward slightly, eyes still fixed on Pierce. He fires off a series of questions:
“What exactly is your business?”
“Do you have any enemies?”
“Who delivered the ransom note. And how? Can we see it?”
"This abandoned amphitheater, is it of particular significance for you?"
"Are we the first people on this?"
Poe pauses, then adds, more gently, “I know it’s a lot of questions. But the more we know, the better our chances of bringing your daughter back.”
Bethany says to Zik, “You sure you can lift it all?”
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Well, I… I guess I did assume that it would be… (Pausing, she thinks and looks to Mr. Pierce) Hey, is it a single thing of large value, or is it all in coin where it would be a heavy load?
Zik was excited to be on her first job with the guild, but now she thinks of the Questions that Poe asked, and wants answers to that as well.
Tornir looks appraisingly at Poe: “I sometimes forget that the trail in the city is more cunning than what you find in the wild. It’s good you are along to ask these things.”
Mr. Pierce answers the last question first. "I will be entrusting you with 200 gold pieces, the amount demanded. Your guild comes highly recommended, so... I will trust that you will do the right thing." He then answers Poe's questions. "You are the first ones; I pray I won't need to hire others. The amphitheater is nothing important to me, but I can tell you it's history: it was once the site of gladiatorial fights, before the climate of this region shifted to be dry enough that there weren't crowds enough to sustain it. My business is in metal refining. I don't think I have any enemies, per se; business rivals for sure, but none that I would think would do something like this. As to the ransom note, it was found tacked to my daughter's door, not long after she disappeared. You may of course inspect it." He hands over the note, which reads in a flowing cursive script:
Vandell Pierce: pay two-hundred gold for your daughter; have it delivered to the center of the derelict amphitheater in the rocky wastes. If you do this, no harm will come to your daughter.
Well, wizards are known for their intelligence. I’m sure Poe here will definitely be the brains here of the group.
200 gold? Hmm… Bethany, do you think you could be able to carry that?
(Zik listens this information and reads the letter, then asks) was there any sign of a break-in in your daughter’s room? Or any sign of struggle?
"Good question. No; she was just gone, the door closed, the note tacked to the entrance of her room. They must be particularly skilled kidnappers to sneak in and out so easily. I didn't hear a thing..." Mr. Pierce frowns.
Hmm... (She waves the rest of the party down so that way she can whisper to them) I'm thinking that we should investigate the daughters room first... Based on what we know, I'm starting to wonder if there even is a kidnapper. I'm starting to think that this girl is the one behind this. Then afterwards, we can head down to the amphitheater and do what we need to do based on what we find in the room. How does that sound to you guys?
“Sounds exactly right.”
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Poe glances at Zik and gives a small nod, acknowledging her good question.
He realizes this will be his first time traveling with a kobold. The stories he’s heard about them aren’t always flattering, but this one seems... fine.
“Yes,” he says, “let’s start with the daughter’s room.”
He turns to Mr. Pierce, his expression calm but firm.
“If you’ll allow it, Mr. Pierce…”
(A perception check, if needed: 15)
"Anything that could help get her back...", he allows.
You look through the daughter's room. No sign of a struggle, but some light rummaging through drawers is evident. Whether the kidnappers were looking for something, or the daughter was, is not clear. Of note, no jewelry or coins are found on the jewelry stands and open lock-boxes.
Is there anything else you'd like to do before heading out?
After investigating the room, Zik once again whispers to the group.
“Ok, I’m even more suspicious of this. Of my theory is correct that the daughter is the one behind this and is just trying to get some easy coin, then I say we do the mission as required, and once we arrive at the amphitheater, we see what’s what. Sound good to everyone?”
Poe gives a slow nod.
"Works for me."
He turns back to Mr. Pierce. "I don't know the area. Is the road to the old amphitheater safe? Should we expect bandits?"
"I'd keep your eyes out for snakes and kai-otes," Mr. Pierce suggests. "Bandits? Well, I'd say probably not, but keep your wits all the same, just in case."
“I’m glad we investigated the room.”
catching Zik’s eye: “but I agree, something feels off. I’m not sure a simple kidnapping is the answer. I guess we’ll see.”
“So, we take the ransom money, and we’re on our way to the amphitheater.”
Poe swallows hard thinking about the money. (He’s never seen that much gold in one place.)
He shakes his head and takes a step back.
“I don’t want to sound paranoid,” he says, “but paranoia is what's kept me alive.”
“This amount of money makes me uncomfortable,” he adds quietly. “I propose Bethany leads us. Zik, you stay in the middle with the ransom. I’ll take the rear.”
He turns to Tornir, eyeing the ranger’s gear and quiet confidence.
“You... you look like someone who knows their way around a forest. Maybe follow a few feet behind, off the road. Stay hidden. You know… to surprise any potential surprisers.”
He raises an eyebrow. “What do you think?”