The Mistveil Pavilion

Phase 1: Approaching from Outside

Your ascent up the Fogsteps is a journey through a blend of natural beauty and urban mystery. The stone steps, slick and moist from the ever-present sea fog, meander between old buildings and newer establishments. The air is cool and damp, carrying the scent of the sea and a hint of various spices from the small noodle shop they pass. Its warm glow and the steam rising from bowls of noodles offer a stark contrast to the misty chill. Next door, the rhythmic sounds of washing and the sight of clean laundry hanging to dry add a sense of domesticity to the mystical atmosphere. The steps wind upwards, the mist parting occasionally to reveal the quaint yet enigmatic facade of the Mistveil Pavilion.

Phase 2: Stepping Inside

As the party pushes open the heavy, carved wooden door of the Mistveil Pavilion, they're immediately struck by the contrast between the misty, muted world outside and the opulent interior that unfolds before them. The entryway is adorned with an exquisite mosaic floor, featuring an intricate pattern of waves and mist, hinting at the sea and fog that cradle the city. The walls are lined with rich, dark wood panelling, inset with panels of softly glowing, ethereal light that seems to mimic the shifting mists outside.

Phase 2b: Velyndra

Velyndra, the hostess, stands poised to welcome guests. Her attire is a masterpiece of Drow craftsmanship, blending the traditional elegance of her heritage with the refined luxury of the Pavilion. Her gown is of the deepest black, accented with threads of silver that catch the light as she moves, mimicking the swirling mists of the Fogsteps. Her hair is pulled back to reveal sharp, elegant features, and her eyes are a piercing shade of violet that seems to hold centuries of secrets.

With a graceful gesture, Velyndra invites the party to follow her. They pass through archways carved from stone, each one a testament to the skill and artistry of the city's best masons. The main tearoom unfolds like a scene from a dream. Chandeliers crafted from what appears to be spun glass and silver hang from the ceiling, casting a soft, enchanting light over the room. The furniture is a collection of beautifully carved pieces, upholstered with luxurious fabrics in shades of cream, grey, and soft blues, inviting guests to sit and linger over their tea.

As they move through the space, the party notices small, exquisite details that add to the overall sense of opulence and attention to detail: delicate vases holding rare and fragrant flowers, intricate tapestries depicting scenes of Drow history and mythology, and small, tasteful statues that seem to watch over the patrons with an air of quiet dignity.

Velyndra asks, "sea side or lee side?"

Velyndra's voice is a soft melody as she describes the various teas and refreshments available, each one sounding more tantalising than the last. She moves with an effortless grace, her every gesture an embodiment of the Pavilion's blend of luxury and mystery. As she leads the party to their chosen booth, they can't help but feel that they are stepping into a world set apart from the one they know, a world where every detail has been crafted to delight the senses and soothe the soul.

Phase 3: The Booths

Sea Side Booth: The hostess guides the party to their seaside booth, where the window offers a mesmerising view of the coast and the ever-shifting veil of mist. The art piece above the window is an abstract representation of the veil that protects the city from the harsh sun. Swirls of silver and blue seem to dance and twist around a central, lighter misty figure, suggesting the movement and energy of the veil as it summons its protective embrace. It's both a tribute and a reminder of the forces that watch over Rookfall, rendered in a style that feels both modern and timeless.

Lee Side Booth: On the lee side, the booth overlooks the heart of the city and the distant mountains, a view imbued with a sense of deep, quiet contemplation. The art piece here is a traditional Drow style painting that reminisces about the dethroned monarchy. It features subtle, intricate lines and shades of grey and black, depicting a regal figure in a pose of dignified sorrow, surrounded by the symbols of a lost dynasty. The artwork is poignant, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss, and serves as a sombre reminder of the city's complex history and the ever-present tension between past and present.

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Menu

Fantastical Tea Selection:

1. Mistborn Melody: A delicate white tea infused with essences of mistflower and seafoam, offering a light, ethereal flavour with a hint of saltiness reminiscent of the nearby sea.
2. Twilight Bloom: A rare black tea that's only harvested during the lunar eclipse, known for its deep, rich flavour with undertones of dark berry and a mysterious, smoky finish.
3. Emerald Dream: A vibrant green tea blended with crushed emerald leaves, providing a refreshing, slightly grassy taste with a subtle, magical energy boost.
4. Whispering Winds: A gentle oolong tea mixed with petals from the windwhisper blossom, known for its soothing properties and a flavour that changes subtly with each sip.
5. Sunset Amber: A warm, golden-hued tea that combines the finest red leaves with a dash of sunstone dust, offering a comforting, honey-like taste.
6. Moonlit Serenade: A silver needle tea accented with moonflower nectar and starlight essence, creating a light, soothing brew perfect for reflection and meditation.
7. Royal Legacy: A prestigious pu-erh tea aged in the cellars of fallen Drow royalty, offering a complex, earthy flavour with a hint of ancient wood and a whisper of lost secrets.
8. Frostfire Blend: A unique tea that combines the heat of dragon's breath chili with the chill of frostberry, creating an invigorating experience that dances between hot and cold.
9. Veil's Whisper: A soft, calming herbal blend made from the leaves of the veilbloom, known to enhance dreams and inspire visions.
10. Phoenix's Dawn: A rare tea infused with phoenix feather ash, offering a rejuvenating experience with flavours that seem to evolve from smoky to a bright, citrusy finish.
11. Spectral Delight: A ghostly pale tea that shimmers with ethereal light, offering a flavour that's nearly impossible to describe as it tastes like the favourite childhood food memory of every individual
12. Crimson Tide: A bold, beetroot-based red tea that carries the essence of the sea and the earth, providing a robust, grounding flavour with a slightly salty undertone.

Delightful Treats:

1. Mooncake Minis: Bite-sized versions of the traditional mooncake, filled with a mixture of lotus seed paste and a hint of phoenix feather jelly for a touch of magic.
2. Dragon Beard Candies: Delicate, thread-like sweets dusted with powdered starlight, melting away to reveal a core of sweet, nutty flavour.
3. Jade Dumplings: Translucent dumplings filled with a blend of sweetened green tea paste and crushed emerald leaves, offering a burst of refreshing, grassy flavour.
4. Mystic Mochi: Soft mochi balls infused with a whisper of mist essence and filled with a sweet, sea salted cream.
5. Eclipse Tarts: Small pastries filled with a dark berry compote that's only harvested during lunar eclipses, topped with a swirl of silver cream.
6. Golden Honey Puffs: Light, airy puffs drizzled with golden honey and dusted with sunstone sugar, offering a warm, comforting sweetness.

The Bathhouses:

The Pathway to the Bathhouse:

The pathway begins as a narrow, gently sloping corridor, its walls lined with the same dark wood paneling found throughout the Pavilion. Softly glowing lanterns, designed to mimic the natural light filtering through the mist outside, are placed at regular intervals, casting a warm and inviting glow. The air grows noticeably warmer and more humid as they descend, carrying with it the faint, relaxing scent of aromatic herbs and mineral-rich waters.

The corridor walls are adorned with delicate frescoes that depict scenes of tranquil natural beauty: serene landscapes, quiet forests, and gentle streams. The artwork is not only beautiful but also imbued with a subtle enchantment, their colors and details shifting ever so slightly, creating a sense of movement and life. It's as if the party is walking through a living story, one that prepares their senses for the relaxation and luxury that awaits them.

The Bathhouse:

As the corridor opens up into the bathhouse, the party is greeted by an expansive, open space that feels like a sanctuary from the world above. The ceiling is high and vaulted, with skylights that allow natural light to filter in, softened and diffused by the mist. The centerpiece is a large, steaming pool fed by a natural hot spring, its waters clear and inviting. Smaller pools and private bathing areas are scattered around the periphery, each offering a different experience: some are filled with mineral-rich mud, others with herbal-infused waters, and still, others feature gently massaging water jets.

The design of the bathhouse is a harmonious blend of natural stone, wood, and water. Plants and flowers are placed throughout, adding a touch of color and life. The atmosphere is one of utter tranquility, with the only sounds being the gentle lapping of water and the soft, distant melody of traditional music.

The Guarded VIP Section:

To the side of the main bathing area is a more secluded section, marked by a tastefully designed gate that's both inviting and imposing. Two guards stand at the entrance, their presence discreet yet unmistakable. They are dressed not in traditional armor but in attire that blends with the Pavilion's aesthetic, their eyes sharp and watchful.

Beyond the gate lies the VIP section, a haven of exclusive luxury. This area is known to host the most esteemed guests of the Pavilion, offering enhanced privacy and comfort. The pools here are private, each one designed to provide a unique bathing experience. The decor is a notch above the already impressive main area, with rare plants, exquisite art, and personal attendants quietly moving to ensure the guests' every need is met.

In this section, the air of mystery and exclusivity is palpable. It's understood that those who enter are not only seeking relaxation but also discretion and privacy. The guards are not just there for show; they are skilled in ensuring that the secrets of the VIP guests remain just that, secrets.

**The Barracks :

**

****The party will enter via a spiral staircase in the VIP section [8]

[8] The Bottom of the Staircase (Circular Room with Busts):

Atmosphere and Design: The room retains its solemn and majestic air, with the spiral staircase leading down into a space that feels both sacred and secretive. The walls and floor are crafted to complement the mysterious ambiance, perhaps with subtle patterns or runes that hint at the magical nature of the busts.

Nine Enchanted Busts: The nine busts are arranged in their semicircle, each a testament to the leader it represents. Beneath each bust is an area of magical darkness, a patch of shadow deeper and more absolute than the dim lighting of the room would suggest. This darkness is a manifestation of a protective enchantment, hiding something crucial from the uninitiated.

Arion "Earth Sentinel":

Sleek and unadorned except for a barely perceptible etching of a leaf pattern that encircles the base. the eyes are closed.

Brond "The Colossus":

Larger than the others, with broader shoulders, a raised chin and deep set eyes.

Ilyana "The Silent Echo":

Eyes closed, as if in deep contemplation. A faint etching of a soundwave circles the head and hair. lips slightly parted.

Jorim "The Tinkerers mind":

To the casual observer a simple bald onyx representation, but behind the ear a small cog like mechanism is carved.

Lord Cedric:

At the centre of the selection is a slightly larger bust, also in simple detail with no additional identifiers, Quite a high DC to identify them

Thalira "The Weavesword":

Eyes that seemed to be much more intricately carved than the rest of the bust.

Brenor "The Storms Fury":

The only bust to have flecks of silver trhough the material. otherwise non remarkable.

Sir Malric "The Shattered Shield":

A crack through an otherwise perfect if simple male visage.across the bridge of the nose and under the eye.

Lysara "The Inquisitor":

The feintest of horns are visible on this bust. and a series of scratches around the lips

The area of darkness below Ilyana's bust reveals a slight extrusion of stone with her title written in undercommon if someone attempts to look, putting a hand in also works that they feel the tecture but need to roll perception.

The 3 doors "From shadows deep where secrets lie, A city born beneath veiled sky. Through royal fall and shifting crown, The present turns what's up is down. Yet whispered fates on winds do ride, A future sealed where powers hide."

Casting the Spells:

Players will need to interpret the poem and cast spells that they believe resonate with each of the thematic elements mentioned:

1. "From shadows deep where secrets lie, A city born beneath veiled sky."
   • Creation (The Past): Spells related to protection, conjuration, or revealing hidden truths.
2. "Through royal fall and shifting crown, The present turns what's up, down."
   • Transformation (The Present): Spells of alteration, transmutation, or perhaps even divination to understand the changing times.
3. "Yet whispered fates on winds do ride, A future sealed where powers hide."
   • Destruction (The Future): Rather than specific spells, this line calls for a subtle approach, perhaps a spell that signifies preparation, protection, or a readiness to face an uncertain future.

As the players cast spells in response to the poem, the orb reacts, guiding them towards the correct sequence. The puzzle is not just about choosing the right spells but understanding the deeper, more subtle connections between the city's history and its arcane undercurrents.

The Iron Door:

Description: The door is a massive slab of iron, reinforced with thick bands and a heavy lock. It's designed to be imposing and unyielding, a clear statement of the Eightfold's strength and security. The door has no handle or knob; it's meant to be either picked or lifted, requiring both skill and strength to bypass.

Lockpicking (DC 25): This is a challenge for the most skilled rogues. The lock is complex and well-crafted, designed to resist tampering. Success requires a delicate touch and a deep understanding of locks.

Athletics (DC 25): For those who prefer brute force, lifting the door is a test of pure strength and endurance. It's an enormous weight to bear, and holding it up long enough for the party to slip under is a feat of heroism.

[7] The receiving area:

Upon successfully bypassing the door, the party enters the receiving area.

Ambiance: The room is utilitarian and stark, a clear shift from the mystical and opulent areas the party has encountered before. The lighting is bright and harsh, leaving no shadows to hide in.

Guards: A handful of guards patrol this area. They are well-trained and equipped, ready to respond to any intrusion. Their presence is not just a physical barrier but also a psychological one, as their watchful eyes and ready weapons make it clear that this is a place of high security.

Layout: The room is spacious, with clear lines of sight. Two doors lead out from the north side, each likely leading to other critical areas of the Eightfold's domain. These doors are less fortified, as the main line of defense is the iron door the party has just bypassed.

Storage cabinet: On the west side of the room is a large cabinet containing weapons and arms. It's a well-stocked arsenal, providing the guards with easy access to a range of equipment. The presence of such an arsenal suggests that the Eightfold is prepared for a wide variety of threats.

Secret door: There is a secret door in the south east corner that leads to a service tunnnel, this would let the party bypass several dormitories of guards.

Dormitory A[4] and dormitory B [6]:

6 guards in each, a few footlockers, fighting in 4 will attract guards from B, they all only have regular guard stat blocks but there are likely now 12 of them .

If searched the room and bodies will reveal. 1 Bracers of defence, 1 Scroll of Catapult, 1 Scroll of magic mouth, 400 Gold Pieces, and a talking doll. and the following 2 notes.

The Talking Doll accompanies the note from Paelias.

Talking Doll Phrases and Triggers:

1. Phrase: "Daddy, when are you coming home?"

   • Trigger: When the doll is picked up.

2. Phrase: "I miss you, Daddy."

   • Trigger: When the doll is hugged or squeezed.

3. Phrase: "Look, I drew a new picture!"

   • Trigger: When the doll is shaken.

4. Phrase: "Will you tuck me in tonight?"

   • Trigger: When the doll is laid down.

5. Phrase: "Can you tell me a story?"

   • Trigger: When the doll is placed near a light source.

6. Phrase: "I love you, Daddy. Goodnight."

   • Trigger: When the doll is covered or placed in a dark area.

Note from Tharivol's Footlocker:

"My Dearest Tharivol,

Every day without you feels like an eternity. I understand the importance of your duty, protecting those who cannot protect themselves. Our little Lireal asks about you every night, her eyes filled with the same strength and determination I see in you. She drew a picture of our family, with you standing guard, strong and proud. We both long for the day when we can be together again, even if just for a moment. Your bravery lights our way through these dark times. Stay safe, my love.

Forever Yours,
Elyndra"

Note from Morthil's Footlocker:

"Hi Daddy,

I miss you lots and lots. Mommy told me you're helping people who need it, and that makes you my hero. I wish you could come home soon. I drew a picture of us playing in the park, and I look at it every night before bed. Today, I learned a new song, and I want to sing it for you when you're back. Please be safe and come home soon. I love you to the moon and back.

Love,
Paelias"

Kitchen [1]:

Hidden among the shelves or perhaps behind a large piece of kitchen equipment is a secret door. It's cleverly disguised to blend in with its surroundings, perhaps looking like part of the pantry or a large cabinet. This path is known only to a select few. this connects to [7] through a service corridor.

The Southern door leads to the dormitories [4] and [6], and the western door leads to the bathrooms.[2]

Chef Borin "The Iron Skillet" McFergus

Background: Borin McFergus wasn't always a chef. In his younger years, he was a warrior of some renown, battling in the fierce highland skirmishes common among his people. However, as time passed, he found a new passion in cooking, realizing that food could be as much a battlefield as any he'd fought on before. Yet, he never fully left his old life behind, and his combat skills are as sharp as his kitchen knives.

Appearance: Borin is a stout, muscular dwarf with a fiery red beard and hair to match. His arms are covered in tattoos depicting various culinary and martial achievements. He wears a leather apron over his battle-worn tunic, and he's never far from his favorite weapon—a large, flat iron skillet that's seen countless battles, both in and out of the kitchen.

Barbarian Skills: In combat, Borin is a force to be reckoned with. He channels his rage into powerful blows, using his skillet as a deadly weapon. His years of brawling have given him a sturdy constitution and the ability to shrug off blows that would fell a lesser chef.

Borin will surrender if convinced that the eightfold arent good but he wilkl fly into a culinary rage if the party threaten his staff.

Chef Borin "The Iron Skillet" McFergus notices the party and levels his skillet at them, bellowing with a thick Scottish accent:

"Who do ye think ye be, barging into my realm and interrupting a consommé, ye daft bampots! This is no mere broth; it's an art of clarity and flavor, a dance of egg whites and mirepoix, demanding precision and patience. Do ye have any idea the challenges of tempering eggs on this calamity damned aperatus? Ye've crossed a line now, and by the skillet that sears the mightiest steak, I'll not have me kitchen disturbed by the likes of ye!

Bathrooms[2]

The bathrooms are utilitarian, with a series of shower stalls and sinks lining the walls. The air is steamy, filled with the sound of running water and echoing slightly from the tiled surfaces. There are benches for changing, and lockers where the guards store their belongings while they bathe. The atmosphere is one of the few places in the barracks where guards can relax, albeit briefly, before returning to their duties. The constant flow of water and the hum of activity provide a natural cover for the party's movements, offering a brief respite or a strategic opportunity depending on their approach.

6 guards are in the bathroom. if the party take too long they will return anred and armoured to the barracks and encounter them. otherwise the party can either slip by or deal with them.

Meeting Hall [5]

The meeting hall is a large, somber room dominated by a heavy wooden table, upon which lies a detailed map of Eavaros. Shade Hollow is prominently marked, and notes about Villon Bay, the Bay of Swords, and the Southern tip of the Ridgeway indicate strategic interests with lingering questions. A triple doorway to the south leads to [8] which means if the party solve the triple doors they may come another way, while a double door to the northwest descends further into the facility. The room is lit by wall sconces, casting shadows that play across the maps and notes, hinting at the weighty decisions made within these walls.

On the map:

The map in the meeting hall has four significant markings:
Shade Hollow marked as "Borak,"
A question mark at Villon Bay on the west coast of Bosia,
another question mark 50 miles south of Kullmound in the Bay of Swords with a note about a potentially useful individual.
A third question mark near the southern tip of the Ridgeway, between Potenxia and the Xinsi Empire.

Below to the Sanctum:

Magical doors pretect the next room,

A glyph of warding : DC17 investigation to see. 5d8 Thunder damage Dexterity 17 to halve 20 foot radius, also atracting all remaining guards on this floor (4 in entrance, 12 in barracks, 6 in showers) (there are beds in total for 30)

Ilyana's study is a dim, meticulously organized room filled with tomes, scrolls, and arcane artifacts. A large desk with notes and maps sits in the center, and the walls are lined with bookshelves. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and the quiet power of concentrated magic. Double doors lead to her meditation chamber, a darker, more private space where she harnesses her psychic and arcane energies, resembling a sanctum of deep contemplation and formidable power. Her awareness of intruders would be palpable, her presence looming even in her absence. At this point she will talk in the minds of the party unless they have been particularly stealthy.

Illyana's Taunts:

1. "It's a dreadful shame about your Orc friend. He was just so eager to help the town, wasn't he? Such wasted potential."
2. "You don't even know why you are here, do you? Like moths to a flame, drawn in by curiosity and foolish bravery."
3. "Imagine coming all this way from your tiny, quiet provincial lives to die here, in the dark. And no one will even come to find you."

There is a disk of metal that Ilyana can use to escape, it is as per Tensors floating disk and is a bored corridor straight down to a sea cave with a watiing boat. propelled by magic.

as she escapes she will cast "sending" "Our operation in Rookfall is compromised, execute Protocol Kappa." she will make sure the group hear it or can infer it.