And so it begins...

2 November, 595

Several orphaned children have gone missing! In response to an appeal from the Church of St. Cuthbert, our heroes have decided to venture forth and answer the call for help. Salla (a dwarf), Kyladrian (half-elf), Karnak (human), and Baxtor (human cleric of Kord) embark for the church on a dark and stormy evening.

Along the way, a cry for help is heard coming from an alley up ahead. Turning the corner, the group sees 3 men hovering over a cowering figure, kicking at him and shouting threats. Baxtor steps forward and issues an unltimatum. Swords are drawn and battle ensues. The thugs are quickly disposed of and the victim introduces himself as Rufus Laro, a cleric in the service of St. Cuthbert. He explains that he was on an errand from the church when he was accosted by these men, ordering him to stay away from the Lantern Street Orphanage, from which the children were abducted. The thugs had painted their faces half white, half black. Rufus asks the group to accompany him to the church.

Arriving at the church, the party is treated to a warm fire and blankets. After a short time they are ushered in to meet Jenya Urikas, the acting priestess in the temple. Jenya explains what details she knows about the missing children and offers the heroes 1200gp to recover the four orphans. The reward money has been raised by the temples and nobles of Cauldron. After the heroes accept the offer, Jenya explains that she has consulted the Star of Justice, a holy mace which can be used for divination purposes. When Jenya asked about the whereabouts of the children, the mace replied with a cryptic riddle, which Jenya shares with the party. She also provides them with healing potions, and it is agreed that the investigation will start tomorrow.