Infiltrating Aresia • Odyssey of the Dragonlords

There are countless ways to slip into the city of Aresia, but if the heroes listen to Dimitrios, they will be introduced to two valuable contacts. These allies can provide safe passage past the city’s formidable walls and guides within its districts. Once inside, the party will likely need to explore, gather information, and question locals to uncover the exact location of Narsus.

The Shadow Master#

Dimitrios will have the heroes meet each of the contacts separately. He first introduces them to the Shadow Master. For more information on the Shadow Master, see Temple of the Shadow (area A8).

A cloaked figure stands at the edge of the court, hands folded. A plain porcelain mask hides every trace of her face. When invited to speak, her voice is low and steady. “Honored heroes of Mytros. You may call me the Shadow Master. The walls of Aresia are high, yet they are riddled with ways unseen. I can show you one of those paths.” She raises a gloved hand, revealing folded papers. “These are river manifests and the morning countersign for the South River Gate. Approach aboard a small boat, and one of my agents will ensure you pass without question. From there, you will be taken to the Red Lotus, where you’ll learn how to reach the palace itself.” The mask tilts toward you. “My price is simple. Aresia deserves better than Queen Helen. Bring me proof that unseats her, or remove her from power. Swear the oath, and I will guide you into the city. Refuse, and you may try your luck with ladders and prayers.”

illustrated quote — Oh good, another siege of Aresia. We’ll spend months starving each other, write terrible songs about it, and end exactly where we started, except with fewer walls and worse rhymes. —Kyrah, Goddess of Music

The Shadow Master’s Plan#

The Shadow Master will provide more details about her plan if asked:

Approach. Aresia has fed itself after three years of siege by bringing in supplies using skiffs on the River Thrake. These skiffs enter through the heavily defended South River Gate. The heroes are to enter by river on a merchant skiff carrying wine casks for the Red Lotus as cargo. The Shadow Master supplies the skiff, forged manifests and a River Gate countersign known to inspectors. See South River Gate (area A14) for more details.
Handoff. At the quay, Red Lotus porters will guide the heroes to the Red Lotus. Once at the Red Lotus, the heroes are to speak with Jocasta, the barkeep there. Jocasta will provide information on how to gain entry to the palace. See Red Lotus (area A19) for more details.

The Artist#

After the Shadow Master, Dimitrios introduces them to Pelegon (NG Noble).

A tall man with ink-stained fingers and a painter’s case presses a hand to his heart. “I am Pelegon of Aresia, humble portraitist. I have painted queens and I have painted champions. None matter beside the face of Narsus. I will guide you into my city. In return you will bring me to him for a single sitting. I ask for no coin. Only a chance to paint the god of beauty.” He opens his case to reveal a stack of permits and guild seals. “The gates of Aresia love paperwork more than war drums. Let us make use of that.”

Pelegon’s Plan#

Pelegon will provide more information about his plan if asked:

Cover identity. The heroes are to enter as mercenaries sponsored by the Gallery of Paintings. The heroes can claim that they have stolen famous artwork from Mytros. Pelegon will accompany them with a writ stamped by three gallery masters. They will use a skiff to enter by the South River Gate. Pelegon is well known to the guards at the gate. See South River Gate (area A14) for more details.
Inside the city. Pelegon will take them to the Gallery of Paintings. Pelegon plans to arrange a public preview that the queen’s courtiers will attend. The goal is to impress the courtiers so that they agree when Pelegon offers to have the heroes paint one of the palace ceilings. This will give the heroes access to the palace. See Gallery of Paintings (area A20) for more details.

Deciding on a Course of Action#

Once the heroes have met with the two contacts, they must decide which of the plans they want to use or if they want to come up with their own plan.

The goal is to find the Palladium (appendix C), which is known to be located in the basement of the Queen’s Palace (area A2).