The Last Stroke of Hubris
The Last Stroke of Hubris
“Some masterpieces are better left unpainted.”
— Hook · investigation
“The city's most celebrated painter lies gutted on his own parquet floor, his guts spilled in a pattern that looks disturbingly like a signature. His final masterpiece is gone, and the only clue is the lingering scent of sea salt and expensive lace. The Magistrate needs you to find the killer and the canvas before the city erupts in scandal.”
— Hook · investigation
The players are summoned to the High District studio of Lucian Vane. The smell of turpentine is overwhelmed by the metallic tang of blood. A massive blank space on the wall indicates a large stolen canvas.
Magistrate Elara Vance
The Magistrate meets the party at the crime scene, looking pale. she is more concerned with the recovery of the stolen item than the body itself, hinting at a political disaster if the 'item' is seen by the public.
Rumours
d3 · table- 01Lucian Vane was working on a secret piece for a high-profile client from the Iron Coast.
- 02The city watch found a rare tropical flower at the crime scene, something that doesn't grow in these latitudes.
- 03Vane was heard bragging at the tavern about a painting that would 'topple a queen'.
If the painting is recovered and leaked, Captain Thorne will blockade the city and hunt down every official involved. If the party fails, Thorne's assassin will likely target the party for knowing too much.
Background Lore
Captain Ruby Thorne is the terror of the Sapphire Sea. Lucian Vane, known for his risky 'private' collection, painted a graphic, degrading scene of the Captain being dominated by common sailors. When Ruby's spies informed her of this 'Portrait of a Fallen Queen,' she sent her personal silencer to reclaim her dignity and punish the artist.
Lucian Vane was murdered during a supposed burglary gone wrong. A priceless portrait of an anonymous foreign dignitary was stolen, and the city watch is under pressure to recover it.
