2. PF2
3. pf2e-ap179-cradle-of-quartz.adventures
4. Chinese (Simplified)
5. Translate

<p>At the end of the previous adventure, "Punks in a Powder Keg," the party of outlaw characters apprehended the small-time pyrotechnic alchemist Shoma Lyzerius, who'd hired a gang called the Powderkeg Punks to capture the alchemist Vashon Gattlebee. After his defeat, Lyzerius called the player characters fools for trying to keep the formula a secret. He then revealed that he'd heard another inventor had already successfully replicated the formula anyway. The party's employer, Foebe Dunsmith, was extremely dismayed by this news. </p>
<p>After the party has a few days of downtime to recover, craft or purchase items, and pursue personal agendas throughout Alkenstar, they're approached by Dunsmith, who represents the interests of the grand duchess of Alkenstar. As has become standard for their get-togethers, Dunsmith arranges a meeting with the party in a private room at the Barrel &amp; Bullet Saloon. Dunsmith's tone is graver than usual as she explains that, despite the characters' best efforts, the formula for @UUID[JournalEntry.pf2ap17906advent.JournalEntryPage.06pyronite000000]{Pyronite} appears to have been compromised.</p>
<p>Read or paraphrase the following aloud to start this adventure and give the party their next mission.</p>
<div class="read-aloud">
<p>"Well, I have another problem that needs solving, and I think it's right up your alley," the gunslinging bartender sighs. "It pays well, and it'll get you even closer to settling your score with your old friends Ambrost Mugland and Deputy Anjelique Loveless.</p>
<p>Last night, we got reports of a flying clockwork monster spotted over Hammer Street in Ferrous Quarter. It flew over the Ustradi due east before leaving the city entirely."" Dunsmith indicates the general area on a map of Alkenstar. "One of the sentries at Alkenstar Castle got a good look at it and said it was a clockwork cat with big bronze wings, with somebody riding it like a steed."</p>
<p>"We checked with the Temple of Brigh-you know, goddess of clockworks. They keep a tight rein on which clockworks get made in Alkenstar. Turns out nobody's filed the paperwork for any clockwork cats. According to the Brighites, there's just one obvious suspect. Dunsmith slides a charcoal sketch across the table. The sketch shows a gaunt-faced man with bushy hair, thin lips, a broad nose, and an intense stare.</p>
<p>"Oloman Kosowana, one of the church's former primary cogs'the second-highest rank one can attain within the Brighite priesthood. A real wiz with clockworks, apparently, plus anything else he sets his mind to. Curious to a fault, you might say. He was booted from the church a while ago for breaking protocol and promoting heretical conspiracy theories. Last time anyone saw him in public was at our friend Vashon Gattlebee's pyronite demonstration." Dunsmith raises her eyebrows meaningfully.</p>
<p>"Kosowana kept a low profile 'til recently, doing his own thing at his workshop in Ferrous Quarter. We got a few complaints from neighbors of loud booms coming from the workshop, but nothing serious. Well, the same night sentries saw that flying clockwork cat, one of Kosowana's neighbors says he saw the old man fleeing the premises, some gun-toting goons in pursuit. Sounds like one of the local gangs broke into the place and our man hightailed it out of there. Now, here's where it gets interesting: one of the robbers matches the description of our old friend, Ambrost Mugland."</p>
<p>Dunsmith clasps her hands behind her back and turns around to study the whiskey bottles lining one of the walls. "Maybe it's a coincidence that Mugland, who failed to capture Gattlebee, leads a gang of toughs to grab this Kosowana guy just a few nights later. But I don't believe in coincidences. I want you to check it out."</p>
<p>She drops a cloth sack on the table that lands with a satisfying clink. "Go search Kosowana's workshop and talk to his neighbor. The priests at the Temple of Brigh will have the address. While you're at the temple, maybe see about looking into whatever heretical poppycock got Kosowana in hot water with the Brighites. Could give us some clues as to where he went. At any rate, the duchess wants you to find him before Mugland does. Ensure his safety and find out what he knows. If he managed to figure out the pyronite formula, bring him in so we can keep him safe."</p>
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<p>The characters may have questions for their patron, but Dunsmith has limited information beyond what she just relayed. She suggests they go to the Temple of Brigh or talk to Kosowana's neighbor for more information.</p>
<p><strong>Treasure</strong>: The @@UUID[Actor[.d9mUbyxYF09ZAwUu]{Dunsmith's Bag}</p>
<p>The bag} Dunsmith drops on the table contains 200 gp. If the characters try to negotiate the fee, she increases their rate to 250 gp. She then sighs and points out that this job is also their best - and only - lead on what their nemesis @UUID[JournalEntry.pf2ap17906advent.JournalEntryPage.06ambrostmugla00]{Mugland} is up to.</p>