Quest 022: The Jade Mask

Classification: B-Class
Type: Recover Artifact
Status: Open

Contract Summary

Benefactor: Madame Tessek, Wealthy Artisan (Mask-Maker)
Compensation: Fair (180 ceramic pieces + one custom mask)
Stated Danger: Dangerous (5)
Location: Kalidnay Market District and surrounding areas

Mission Briefing

The Job

Madame Tessek is a renowned mask-maker whose works grace the faces of Tyrian nobles and performers alike. A unique ceremonial mask—the Jade Countenance—was stolen from her workshop three weeks ago. Her investigations suggest it was smuggled to Kalidnay, where such "foreign curiosities" fetch premium prices among Ka-Tet's court.

She wants the mask recovered. She claims it has irreplaceable sentimental value—it was commissioned by her late husband and never delivered.

Target Description

• Item: The Jade Countenance—a full-face mask of carved jade and malachite depicting a serene, androgynous face
• Size: Slightly larger than a human face, weighing approximately 3 pounds
• Distinguishing Features: Inlaid silver filigree around the eyes; interior stamped with Tessek's maker's mark

Objectives

1. Primary: Recover the Jade Countenance and return it to Madame Tessek
2. Secondary: Identify the thief or smuggling network responsible
3. Tertiary: Avoid diplomatic incidents with Kalidnay authorities

Client Terms

• The mask must be recovered intact—no damage
• Lethal force against Kalidnay citizens strongly discouraged
• Do not implicate Madame Tessek's business in any way
• Discretion is paramount; she cannot be seen engaging in cross-border disputes

Known Complications

• Kalidnay's markets are controlled by trading houses loyal to Ka-Tet
• Foreign mercenaries operating in Kalidnay require sponsorship or bribes
• The thief may have already sold the mask to a noble collector

Guild Assessment

Recommended Team Size: 2-4 members
Required Skills: Investigation, stealth, underworld contacts, language (Kalidnayan dialect helpful)
Estimated Duration: 10-14 days

DM Notes (Hidden)

Benefactor True Nature: Former slaveowner, now "legit" (the mask was originally commissioned using slave labor; her "husband" was actually a slave artisan she later freed and married)
Trustworthiness: Truthful but omits critical facts (the mask is also a psionic focus—she doesn't know its full power)
Moral Axis: Morally gray / Fair pay
Actual Danger: As stated