GameMaster says:
... easiest if the party came to me and asked for help ...
Alright, let's do that.
Have they heard of you before, or does someone from around here mention that you are looking into the problem?
It
is a bit 'convenient', but probably the simplest is for the mist-effect to remind them about you. Something like: "This mist is behaving weirdly. I remember a performer who used to make mist and stuff do weird things. Last I heard they were performing around Olmsford! Maybe they can help?" Then we can have the others approach you in the next scene and get you right into the action.
That is if you are ready to get into the action, of course. Else we can delay their arriving at you.
GameMaster says:
... my character is okay with being a bit manipulative ...
That can be fun, and fits your stats, but manipulation of the party can get tricky. We cam phase that out with them if it becomes an issue.
I don't do player secrets, so the other players will know your character is manipulating their characters and what you are really after (as much as any of us do:). That way everyone is in on the joke and can work the story and events based on that.