Making their way towards The Old Light, they reach the last house on the left, an ancient, unassuming house.
I would agree with Norhalo. The Inquisitor would be a good fit as would the summoner/rogue (bring your own flanking buddy).
After Jaxom knocks on the door, the sounds of movement are easily heard from the other side. A moment after knocking, the door opens swiftly, and an old, balding man says, "Sorry, I'm with a client at the moment. Make an appointment with my secretary."
Before he closes the door as swiftly as he opened it, you see a tian man standing next to a table in the room.
Norhalo looks at the other three with a slightly mischievous look in his eye, shrugs his shoulders, and says loudly, "HE IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE THASSILONIAN CATACOMBS UNDER THE TOWN. WE MAY BE IN SANDPOINT IN A MONTH OR TWO; PERHAPS WE CAN SPEAK WITH HIM THEN."
The sound of someone slamming into the door is obvious, and then the door flies open faster than before. The old man yells out, "WHAT?! Catacombs under the town? You must tell me about them. Now! Please?!" He moves around behind the group and tries to push everyone through the door all at once.
Smiling to himself, Norhalo allows himself to be pushed into the house and says, "Since you insist...but will your client not be unhappy at being ignored?"
Karlimein pauses, his head tilting in the very image of piqued curiosity as he catches the shouting. He's done with his delivery, and Madame Mvashti certainly didn't suggest he hurry back or anything... After a moment, he quietly heads toward the group, trying to remain unobserved. Best not to be seen just yet.
Stealth:
Perception:
The tian man inside the building say, "Well, I see something more interesting has fallen into your lap Professor Quink. Perhaps I should come back some other time?"
Brodert says, "No, no. Please stay. I have a suspicion you may find what these folks have to say interesting."
The tian man says, "If you insist and these folks don't mind, I shall remain, for the moment."
Brodert says, "Excellent!" then he turns his attention to the party after grabbing some parchment, and an inkpen and ink. "Now, you said something about catacombs under the city? Which city? Please, tell me everything!" He looks at the group like a kid at a magic show.
Norhalo covers his mouth with his hand briefly to hide a smile. "Why, the one you live in--Sandpoint itself. The original entrance was, I judge, just north of the Garrison, but it is at present blocked. We entered through a tunnel from the Glassworks, a tunnel likely dug by goblins or their allies. There were odd humanoid creatures there whose bite incited feelings of rage, a temple that Father Zantus thought may have been to the Mother of Monsters, misshapen skeletons, and a statue of a woman carrying this ranseur." He points out the ranseur, which the party is still carrying. "Calathes took some notes and sketched the statue, I believe. There was also a blocked stairway leading down. And now that I think of it, friend Jaxom, I should like to examine the book you removed from the spherical room."
Karlimein will indeed slip inside - this sounds far more interesting than either another chore from Madame Mvashti, and if there's exploring, scouting, or mapping to be done, he's doubly interested. He doesn't make any noise, and does his best to find a position to observe without being spotted.
Brodert takes the book as Jaxom offers it. He places it on the table and carefully examines the cover, mumbling as he does so, "Interesting. Ancient design and yet so very well preserved. Must be magic involved. Yes, yes, magic. Thassilon was big on using magic to keep their possessions in the best condition possible."
Just as he's about to open the cover to further examine the book, Brodert notices something out of the corner of his eye and jumps a little, clutching a hand to his chest. "Gah! Oh, Karlimein, it's just you again. Does Niska have something for me? Or are you just here out of curiosity, again?" He says to what everyone now sees is a rusty red-scaled kobold quality studded leather.
Kuromein quirks an eyeridge as he sees his brother slipping into Brodert's abode, again. He thinks to himself, 'This is what, the tenth time this week?' He grins though as he continues to think, 'And yet such juicy information my brother picks up from here...' Resolutely, he follows in close to where his brother strayed, ready with another excuse from Madam Mvshati if needed.
Karlimein raises one scaled eyeridge as attention is drawn to him; unusually large and strong-looking for one of his kind, he completely lacks the usual air of cringing, cowardly suspicion popularly associated with them. "He," he says, indicating Norhalo, "was shouting about interesting things outside. Exploring catacombs. Thassilonian, right? You've told me they're the ones who built Old Light and other things." He gestures vaguely. "So I came to see what it was all about." He turns gleaming yellow eyes toward Norhalo, "Because delivering packages all the time is dull, and they look like they're the sort of people who do interesting things." Another glance, this to Issak, and what looks to be a grin. "And I'm sure you know how good I can be at checking places out without getting spotted, right?"
Brodert takes the book as Jaxom offers it. He places it on the table and carefully examines the cover, mumbling as he does so, "Interesting. Ancient design and yet so very well preserved. Must be magic involved. Yes, yes, magic. Thassilon was big on using magic to keep their possessions in the best condition possible."
"It had no discernible aura when I examined it earlier, so if it is preserved by magic it is of a sort I have not previously encountered."
Kano stands by, quietly, though he makes sure to get himself into a position where he can size up both these people and the things they have brought with them.
Karlimein raises one scaled eyeridge as attention is drawn to him; unusually large and strong-looking for one of his kind, he completely lacks the usual air of cringing, cowardly suspicion popularly associated with them. "He," he says, indicating Norhalo, "was shouting about interesting things outside. Exploring catacombs. Thassilonian, right? You've told me they're the ones who built Old Light and other things." He gestures vaguely. "So I came to see what it was all about." He turns gleaming yellow eyes toward Norhalo, "Because delivering packages all the time is dull, and they look like they're the sort of people who do interesting things." Another glance, this to Issak, and what looks to be a grin. "And I'm sure you know how good I can be at checking places out without getting spotted, right?"
Grinning in response, Norhalo says, "I suppose we might be said to do 'interesting' things, if by that you mean putting ourselves in mortal peril for vague reasons. Ah, but I lie--our reasons were not that vague...eh, my friend?" He nudges Jaxom with an elbow and smiles. "Our exploration of the catacombs was driven by a desire to assist Mistress Ameiko Kaijutsu in her quest for...but that tale is hers to tell."
In response to Norhalo stating there was no magical aura on the book, Brodert says, "Obviously. This book is ancient, most likely going all the way back to the time of Thassilon itself. Surely you don't believe your feeble magics are great enough to detect the subtle effects of those capable of enslaving entire armies of giants, do you?"
Norhalo is about to respond indignantly to Brodert when the last thing Brodert said registers. "You said 'armies of giants?' Friend Calathes, you said something similar, did you not, when you woke up after your injuries?"
Grinning in response, Norhalo says, "I suppose we might be said to do 'interesting' things, if by that you mean putting ourselves in mortal peril for vague reasons. Ah, but I lie--our reasons were not that vague...eh, my friend?" He nudges Jaxom with an elbow and smiles. "Our exploration of the catacombs was driven by a desire to assist Mistress Ameiko Kaijutsu in her quest for...but that tale is hers to tell."
Cutting in at the mention of Ameiko, Kano implores Norhalo, "Ameiko is well then? I went by the Rusty Dragon before coming here but the staff said she was out. Why is she not with you now?"
"Though you certainly manage to cause enough trouble when you are spotted." Issak replies, but in a friendly tone.
"Well? Well enough as someone who's own brother tried to kill you can be. She has returned to the inn, while we came here. And who might you be?"
"Tsuto tried to kill her?! That bastard! I will choke the life from his body with my own hands!" Kano looks slightly embarassed by his sudden outburst. "You must forgive me. I didn't mean to allow my emotions to get out of control like that. My name is Kano Kaijitsu. Ameiko and Tsuto are my cousins." When Kano speaks Tsuto's name for the second time, it is clear he fully intends to follow through on the words spoken during his outburst.
Feats chosen. One trait picked, but I was hoping I could take the 'Ameiko Kaijitsu' trait from the APG as my second one. While Im mnot her sibling, I think it would fit the character pretty well. If not, thats fine, I'll take Indomitable Will instead.
ive still got to buy equipment, but I'll have that done soon.
Lastly, am I supposed to be level 2 or 3?
Grinning in response, Norhalo says, "I suppose we might be said to do 'interesting' things, if by that you mean putting ourselves in mortal peril for vague reasons. Ah, but I lie--our reasons were not that vague...eh, my friend?" He nudges Jaxom with an elbow and smiles. "Our exploration of the catacombs was driven by a desire to assist Mistress Ameiko Kaijutsu in her quest for...but that tale is hers to tell."
"Much more interesting than 'Karlimein, go deliver this package to Gorvi, dear." The kobold snorts derisively. "I can do cartography. I can do scouting and exploring. And," he pats the small sword slung at his side, "like I did when the goblins showed, I can fight, and so can my brother."
"Though you certainly manage to cause enough trouble when you are spotted." Issak replies, but in a friendly tone.
"And that would be why I learned how not to be spotted, yes?" the kobold's voice has a faintly strained tone to it, underlying the amusement on the surface. "And all the more reason to poke my snout into this business of catacombs."
"And that would be why I learned how not to be spotted, yes?" the kobold's voice has a faintly strained tone to it, underlying the amusement on the surface. "And all the more reason to poke my snout into this business of catacombs."
Norhalo laughs out loud. "Ha! Someone the townies like less than the likes of me! Well, then...Karlimein, is it?" He executes a florid and theatrical bow. "Honored to meet you. I am Norhalo of Varisia, sorcerer and amateur historian."
As people speak back and forth, Brodert returns his attention to the book. He mumbles as he's flipping pages, "Lamashtu. Vile. Sickening. Depraved. Oh, that's interesting. I'll need to verify that." After a few minutes, he clears his throat to get everyone's attention.
"This book is a text from the time of Thassilon. It is a guide for those how wish to find their souls one with the Abyss upon death. It is a book dedicated to Lamashtu, a former demonlord who has ascended to the ranks of the gods. She is also known as the 'Mother of Monsters'. I'll give you 100 gold for the book." He smiles, hoping the group will accept his offer.
Norhalo laughs out loud. "Ha! Someone the townies like less than the likes of me! Well, then...Karlimein, is it?" He executes a florid and theatrical bow. "Honored to meet you. I am Norhalo of Varisia, sorcerer and amateur historian."
"You at least don't have scales. It might bias them in your favor by comparison." The kobold observes the bow, and responds with a light slap of his tail on the ground and a dip of his head. "I, as he said, am Karlimein, originally of the Rustscale tribe, but raised here in Sandpoint. I can do cartography as a trade, and explore by choice." He grins, which is a little unsettling given his predator-sharp teeth. "My brother, Kuromein, is much the same. We both look for a chance to do something greater than running errands and being accused of things we had nothing to do with."
...
"This book is a text from the time of Thassilon. It is a guide for those how wish to find their souls one with the Abyss upon death. It is a book dedicated to Lamashtu, a former demonlord who has ascended to the ranks of the gods. She is also known as the 'Mother of Monsters'. I'll give you 100 gold for the book." He smiles, hoping the group will accept his offer.
Norhalo cocks an eyebrow at Quink's offer, but does not otherwise react visibly. In a conversational tone, he asks, "Friend Calathes, would your colleagues at the Grand Lodge in Absalom find a text such as this to be of value?"
Growing impatient with the haggling over a book, Kano asks of of Jaxom, "Does Tsuto still live then? What details can you give me about how and why he tried to kill Ameiko?". Though spoken in soft tones, he speaks loud enough for others to hear him as well.
Norhalo turns to Kano, crestfallen. "Forgive me, Master Kano. The two are linked in our minds because of what we have been through, but you have not seen what we have. In answer to your questions, Tsuto still lives. He seems to have been instrumental in the goblin attack on the town; he killed Lonjiku Kaijutsu by encasing him in molten glass, and he and his goblin allies beat Ameiko severely. I would have preferred you learn of this from Ameiko herself, but...." He shrugs and continues. "In any case, his plan seems somehow to be involved with the ancient catacombs beneath Sandpoint. We wish to learn more about them so that we can perhaps better discern that plan, which would give us a better chance to defeat it. The catacombs are likely Thassilonian in origin, a creature down there spoke of the chamber it was in as 'the Mother's Sanctum,' there were misshapen skeletons and creatures there, and now we have a Thassilonian book that deals with Lamashtu, Mother of Monsters. All of these things point to each other--solve one mystery and it will illuminate the next.
"That is why we are haggling over a book. Better, though, that we set that matter aside for now and concentrate on discussing the catacombs with Master Quink."
"If these mysteries must be solved in order to find Tsuto, I offer you my assistance, in any way I can, so that we may bring him to justice as quickly as possible. If you will excuse me though, I must go check on Ameiko."
If no one has any other questions for Kano, he quietly exits, leaving the pottery shard he found with Brodert. He makes for the Rusty Dragon with the utmost speed, stopping only if spoken to directly, or if he overhears anything that might be of some interest about Ameiko or Tsuto.
Rushing into the main room of the bar, Kano approaches the first server he sees and calls out, "Has Ameiko returned? Where is she?"
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"If these mysteries must be solved in order to find Tsuto, I offer you my assistance, in any way I can, so that we may bring him to justice as quickly as possible. If you will excuse me though, I must go check on Ameiko."
Karlimein hooks a clawed thumb after the vanishing Kano. "If he gets to be in, so do my brother and I." Another unsettling grin crosses his muzzle, "I'm sure it'd be a thing of mutual benefit."
"If Issak speaks for you and your brother, who am I to refuse?" In a quieter voice, Norhalo continues, "And working for the good of those who think ill of you because of what others like you have done brings its own satisfaction, eh?"
Kuromein watches as a Tian softskin rushes his way out of Brodert's house. He uses the opportunity to enter and quietly join up with his brother Karlimein inside.
An obviously stress halfling woman is the only person working the bar at the moment. At Kano's shouted questions, she says, "Leave me alone! I have enough to deal with without answering questions from some random tian boy!" And she whirls around, returning to her duties with such speed you'd think she was under the effects of some spell.
After looking at the group around him, and then at the open door from Kano's departure, Brodert removes his glasses and rubs his temples. "Okay, so you bring this book here for me to identify, I offer you more than nearly anyone else would, and you're going to, instead, ship it off to what I am guessing is the Grand Lodge of the Pathfinder Society in Absalom? Am I correct?"
Norhalo looks shocked. "No, absolutely not! The book, however interesting, was an afterthought on our part. You see, Father Zantus spoke highly of your knowledge regarding the Thassilonian ruins in this area, particularly the Old Light. It was and is our intent to freely tell you of our explorations below the town, and learn from you how that information fits into your understanding of this place.
"In addition I, myself, took some of your statements regarding the book amiss. You spoke glowingly of its provenance--how it dated back to the time of the Thassilonian Empire, preserved by arcane means beyond my (admittedly limited) ability to grasp. You tell us it contains dark knowledge of the sort that might earn the owner a short trip to a Church court in some places. Then you offer us the price of a pair of cure light wounds potions for it. Surely I am not unreasonable for seeing some small difference between these measures of its value?"
He puts up a hand to shush Quink, should he be about to speak. "For my part, the value of the book is in the information it contains and how that knowledge illuminates the problem at hand. Left to me I would give it to you outright if I could have that information. I would not presume to speak for my comrades, though."
Kano calmly approaches the bar and leans in towards the halfling woman, "The amount of annoyance I cause you can be great or small, your choice. All I wish to know is if Ameiko has returned yet, and where might I find her?"
Karlimein spots his brother skulking in through the door and hisses quietly at him, hoping to keep him quiet; this bickering between the unscaled ones is too interesting to miss - although his attention does rather wander around the shop, as well.