Come With Me O'er the Mountains

Come With Me O'er the Mountain

The Situation

The Serra family have overseen the prosperity, and the defense, of the town of Fontainsesco since the untimely disappearance of the Barone Family several decades ago. They work to encourage education in martial strengths, as well as promote the prosperous trade that passes through the town port and merchant quarter.

The player characters have been called to meet with Lord Thibault Serra in order to look into the disappearance of his daughter, Lady Caterina Serra. She disappeared on the night of a Full Moon several weeks ago. Lord Thibault suspects some sort of Fae trick is at play, and is desperate for her return before the next full moon in 4 days.

In reality, Lady Caterina has absconded and eloped with her suitor, Lord Guilio Simon. They were married in secret by Father Pardo before fleeing over the mountains to Lord Simon's estate. With her missing, Lord Serra is planning to trick Fae Lord Osrick into marrying Eleonore instead.

Rumors

As the party explores the town, there are several rumors that they can pick up:

1. Lady Caterina has had a secret suitor for the last year
2. Lights, voices, and odd noises have been heard coming from the Barone Castle ruins
3. Lady Vittoria does not seem to be taking the news of her daughter's disappearance especially hard.
4. Mistress Eleonore has been spotted frequently entering the Serra Estate's chapel. This is unusual
5. Lord Guilio Simon has recently come into his own after his father's untimely passing one year ago. He has been spotted in town in the merchant's quarter in recent months.
6. The Church of the Holy Father recently received a large, anonymous donation.

Locations

The Serra Family Estate

A prominent estate sitting just on the edge of the borders of Fontainesco. It has a multi-level building with an expansive, well-tended hedge maze, fruiting and flowering trees, and a stables.

The Church of the Holy Father

A surprisingly modest church for the size of the town, but the inside is richly decorated, and indicates a well-loved institution that has simply grown beyond its meager beginnings.

The Merchant's Quarter

The heart of Fontainesco, it is a lively and bustling place that is surprisingly well ordered for the activity. The Party can find taverns, smiths, merchants, and pick up rumors here.

The Barone Castle Ruins

Once owned by the former overseers of Fontainesco, it has long since fallen to ruin. The most prominent rumor being that Lord Barone tried to strike a deal with the Fae, and failed.

In truth, Lord Barone did strike a deal, but failed to uphold it by marrying off his firstborn daughter to Lord Osrick. Once Lord Serra learned of this, he worked to make his own agreement to gain prosperity using Fae magics. Therefore, the former Great Hall is being prepared in secret for the upcoming wedding.

If approached during daytime, guards posted by Lord Serra will warn the party off for "safety," but successfully sneaking in will allow access. The undercroft contains a doorway to the Fae World, through which Lord Osrick will arrive.

Lord Simon's Estate

A modest estate up in the mist-shrouded mountains. It is known for its mining and husbandry. Lord Guilio Simon took over after his father had an accident in a mine. It is 2 days from Fontainesco.

Dramatis Personae

Lord Thibault Serra: The patron of the family, he can frequently be found on the grounds, or in his office. He is thin and hawkish in manner and appearance. A ledger can be found in his office, detailing his plans for expansion using the Fae, and Caterina's importance to this plan. If the marriage is prevented, he will assault the party for their 'failure.'

Lady Vittoria Serra: The matron of the family, she is often found wandering the estate. She carries a haunted expression. She will try to discretely hint that the party should stop looking for her daughter. She helped her daughter escape to protect her from her husband. She is desperate to help Eleonore.

Mistress Eleonore Serra: The younger sister of Lady Caterina, she is often found in the rectory. She appears quiet and meek, and her face is streaked with tears. She is aware of the deal her father made, and her new part in it, but has been ensorcelled to not speak of it. If the spell on her is broken, she will brighten and excitedly explain what she knows.

Father Pardo: A jovial, rotund priest, he has served the town for over a decade. He married Lady Caterina in secret to Lord Simon, and will try to subtly direct the players to investigate Lord Serra, whom he suspects is embroiled in Fae trickery. A record of the marriage can be found in his room.

Lord Osrick: A Fae lord dressed in impeccable finery. Unknown to Lord Serra, the marriage will grant him the power to move between worlds. If Lord Serra tricks him into marrying Eleonore, he will curse him as an Oathbreaker before returning to his world.

Lord Simon: A youthful, proud, but not haughty man who is deeply in love with Lady Caterina. If Lady Caterina is forced to marry, he will object during the ceremony, forcing a confrontation.

Lady Caterina: The spitting image of her mother, she escaped with Lord Simon to avoid the marriage and will not return without force or coercion. She loves Lord Simon.