The messenger gives you a look, then shrugs his shoulders like he cares little and walks off.
Mihai places a hand upon Nim's shoulder and speaks compassionately "It is not the bidding war that is to be feared... but what price they might try to force us to follow. We must go... but I would suggest we go armed?"
Nim does not take the perceived slight from the messenger very well. As the man begins to walk off, Nim remarks in a determined voice, You would do well to answer my question! If you truly wish us to attend this meeting that is. It is you making the unsolicited request of our presence... I should think you would be interested in making a better impression than you are.
I don't know the answer to your question. I was given your description and the place that you are staying and told to give you this message. I know little else I am sorry. You will find out the answer to your questions tonight, I am sure.
One of the first questions that comes to your mind is what is to stop them from just taking the notes from you...the Mantis are known to be fairly powerful...
Nim gives the man a hard stare before dismissing him with a wave of his hand. Begone with you then...
After the man leaves and Mihai speaks Nim replies, We aren't obligated to go... regardless of my personal involvement with Sasha. These men are dangerous and should not be regarded lightly. But yes if we decide, as a group, to go... we should go prepared for anything, including the possibility that they intend to take our discovery notes from us.
We should probably take measures to protect them regardless... both from mundane and magical attempts to relieve us of them.
Nim looks to Aedalis, Mihai and Tragershen. Ideas?
There is a Bank of Abadar in the town, it will be the most heavily defended and safest place to store them in the city. They would charge you a modest fee though.
Mihai is resolute as he replies "They have Sasha, and your flesh and blood... there is no question of us not going. As to the manner of our arrival - garbed in steel and armed would be my suggestion. Blades not drawn, but readily sharpened and at the ready... but you are right, it would be prudent to safeguard that which they seek against them."
Knowledge Local
"One option is to destroy them. I could commit the important parts to memory and destroy any physical means of robbing us of the knowledge."
Anton nods. "That sounds like a good idea to me... I think I should go check it out now, get the lay of the land, just in case."
Corbius steps beside Mihai. I will stand beside you Nim no matter the threat! I agree we should go prepared for the worst.
I agree that destroying the notes seems the most sensible way to protect them.
Shrugging "If you think that flame should be put to the knowledge then I would not stop you..." tone indicating that he believes it a slight overkill, but does not feel strongly enough to fight against it.
"I welcome other suggestions. I am at a loss for a strong way to safeguard it here."
Could we not hide them? Separate the notes into a few parcels and then hide them apart? What about encrypting them ourselves? Nim shrugs.
Tragershen nods in approval at Nim's suggestion. "I can divide the notes into several scroll tubes and do so in such a way that the recovery of any one, or even two or three, would be insufficient to reveal their collective secrets. We could each see to one of these."
"Sure, works for me." Anton fidgets, eager for them to come to a decision so that he can go scout the meeting place while it's still light.
You divide up the scrolls wondering if someone captures/kills your entire group if it will really cause any barrier to using them...
Anton moves into the area, it seems to be a fairly ceedy area filled with vagrants, miscreants, and Mwangi. In your clean garb and armor you stick out quite a bit in the area. You start by just walking past the place. It seems to be an old spice shop that has been boarded up. There are a couple of low-life's hanging about out front or the place. Your sharp eyes catch the glint of weapons hidden under their filthy clothes but you can't stare to hard as they are already eyeing you.
You circle around back and it is evident after a few minutes that the building has been secured in a subtle way to still appear as a run down building from a distance but is much more solid than it appears...
Before the group left for the meeting Nim took his scroll tube of notes and tied a length of leather string to it. He then placed it upon the ground before transforming himself into a large eagle. In his new form he snatched up the tube by the string and flew off.
Soaring high into the sky he circled a few times before flying away.
Before the meeting, Anton asks Grolik to hold onto the scroll tube with his portion of the cryptic notes -- just overnight -- since he can't picture anyone robbing the overgrown chupacabra.
Mihai is untroubled by concern over the notes and merely stores them within the scroll tube of mithril along with the other parchments divine that he possesses. When time comes for the meeting, he smiles and walks with confidence.
As you leave the Inn at near the appointed hour you find Jask waiting on you just outside the entrance.
Do you mind if I accompany you on your errand? I have been asked to keep an eye on you and help you stay out of trouble. You are my friends and I owe you my life I could do no less. I will of course follow your lead and stay out of your way.
Assumes you don't forbid him to accompany you...the group wonders over the old spice shop. The street is very quiet except for two different vagrants...guarding the entrance. When you walk up the door swings open. You go through a decrepit shop room, slowly decaying from the inside. You are assaulted by the left over smells of spices in the room.
You exit the old shop room after you are waived over by a robed figure. He leads you into the back hallway and down into the cellar. The cellar is much different than the shop, clean, appointed and a clean smell of apple spices fills the room.
At the far end is a women dressed in red armor. Several more robed figures stand to either side of the cellar and a bug faced humanoid stands behind her...it appears to be a man with the head of a Mantis. You quickly notice though that this is a mask but also let's you know that you stand in the presence of a feared Mantis Assassin...Sasha stands next to her on the other side, the child growing within her showing much more noticeably.
Sasha rushes over and embraces Nim, I have missed you so my animal!
After you have a moment to embrace and make sure she and the child are okay, the women speaks up, I am Chivane, leader of the Children of the Mantis in this area. Please sit and we can talk.
Chairs and a table sit off to the side, she stands and goes and sits at the head. Wine is served as well as some fine plates of fruit and snacks awaits you...
We have a proposition for you. We wish to join with you in helping to discover the prize of Saventh-Yhi. We are willing to pay you a 500gp commission to help us find the city. Also we will supply you with 2000gp in poisons and antidotes to fight anything you need to along the way or within the city. Last we will help you destroy creatures within the city once it is found like no other group can. You help us find the ancient city and allow us to claim a few things within the city and most of the rest can be yours. More than will be given by many other groups wanting to split the riches that the city has to offer. We will spell this out in a contract, setting up the terms of our arrangement. Our contracts are our bond and are sacred to us. Another thing you should consider before you get in bed with anyone in this city! What do you think of my proposal?
Mihai's eyes narrow slightly at Jask's suggestion "And no doubt to report back to the Lady upon whom we meet and what terms are offered by other parties?"
___________________________
At the house of the Red Mantis, Mihai remains standing and allows Nim to dictate the beginning of discussions.
How do you know about our "errand"? We aren't likely to react positively to being followed...
Nim returns Sasha's fierce embrace in kind. He places a protective hand upon her swollen belly and as he hugs her close.
Nim listens as Chivane speaks and then takes a seat at the table. Seems a fair offer... although I'm not sure most of have use for poisons. Antidotes would prove far more desirable I would think. What kinds of "things" do you seek within the lost city if I may ask?
As I am sure you are already aware, we have already been approached by other interested parties... and I suspect there will be more groups to come forward. As we have told the others before you, we would require time to make a decision...
Mihai's eyes narrow slightly at Jask's suggestion "And no doubt to report back to the Lady upon whom we meet and what terms are offered by other parties?"
___________________________
At the house of the Red Mantis, Mihai remains standing and allows Nim to dictate the beginning of discussions.
In a way the answer is yes Mihai but not for the reason you think. The reasons are selfish but they also work in your benefit. The Sargavan government wishes to make sure you find Saventh-Yhi, even if you don't choose them. You won't be hard to follow to be honest, not through magical means anyways. They would rather adventurers find it than...some other groups. The Lady or the Government has not asked me to spy on you, just to keep you safe for the moment. To be honest, I wouldn't spy on them for you.
You have known the man for some time now and you feel he is being sincere...@ Nim, You are being followed Nim, you can be sure of that probably since the moment that rumors of your discovery started hitting the streets.
I am not simple Jask... I know we are being followed. And by others than yourself. But my statement still stands... we aren't likely to react positively to being followed. Any group interested in securing our co-operation should think twice about keeping tabs on us.
Nim's expression softens before adding, But we are likely able to make an exception in your case my friend. You at least had the honesty and decency to be open about your intentions...
There is rumored to be an ancient temple within the city that we seek. We want it and all within. We care little for the rest, it would mean more for you than what the rest of them will offer you. They seek the same treasures as you do.
Of course, the decision is yours. Others may "seem" an ally just to stab you in the back. With us you will have an ironclad contract and knowledge that the city is yours after we get what we want. Plus you will have the support of our "guild". That is worth more than simple mercenaries or soldiers.
Do you have any other questions?
Think on it, we will be waiting for your answer. Sasha, accompany your friends back to their Inn.
I am not simple Jask... I know we are being followed. And by others than yourself. But my statement still stands... we aren't likely to react positively to being followed. Any group interested in securing our co-operation should think twice about keeping tabs on us.
Nim's expression softens before adding, But we are likely able to make an exception in your case my friend. You at least had the honesty and decency to be open about your intentions...
To be honest it was the best way I could pay you back for my life. They are going to keep tabs on you anyways, this way I can help you if I can.
Well, looks like you all have got yourselves in a pickle. The whole city is now talking about you and your potential discovery. I would watch your back.
You too Jask. Someone might decide the Sargavan government is getting to close and off you.
Anyways, let's go get some real food, we should enjoy ourselves and I have a little Nim or Nimmess to feed. At least you don't stink anymore. as she punches Nim's arm, It was fine in the jungle now we are back in the civilized world I am expecting you to smell like roses if you expect me to touch you!
You sense she is wary about saying anything at the moment.
Anton has little to say to Jask or Sasha, needing time to absorb how the tables have turned, and the people that they protected have become representatives of powerful organizations. Still, he is glad for the chance to give her the little sculpture that he carved of Nim and Wic. "I have to say, I'm not really comfortable with working with assassins, but at least I wouldn't worry about them either."
To Jask before "Aye, walk beside... and speak with openness to us and of us... but if that trust is crossed, then our bonds of friendship may wither and die with it."
Sense Motive:
At the Mantis clubhouse, Mihai feels the more constrictive and latent threat hanging in the air. Unwilling to speak as circuitous as he was with the Government, he instead attempts a different tack "Would you allow Sasha to stay with us while we discuss your generous offer? In that way if we have any question to ask, we can send her to you rather than have need to seek you out again?"
Diplomancy:
Nim looks at Anton, Better to work with an assassin than against them. Even more so when it is an entire guild... and of Mantis' on top of that.
With several of his defensive spells having been cast before entering the building, Aedalis was extremely wary and ill-at-ease, feeling reluctant to chime in with Nim's spouse's fate (and an unborn child's) on the line. When he did speak up, it was in support of Mihai.
It would certainly make us more inclined to your offer, to see a measure given as well as asked for.
Mihai Sense Motive
That is of course up to sister Sasha. She can tell you more about us so you can make a better decision. She can confirm our intent and our bond. We are what we are.
But you know what you are getting into with our group.
You believe there are some half truth's in her statement, maybe it was the mention of Sasha that tipped you off to something.
"Is a coalition of sorts out of the question? Are these entities incapable of working together with us?"
Reservedly Mihai gives a short bow before turning to Sasha "And what say Sister Sasha? Will you take a room where we are staying?"
I plan to stay with my family...but that doesn't mean that I can't spend some quality time with my friends! Let's go Nim!
She slips her arm in Nim's and leads him out. Her other statement picks up from there...
"Yes, dinner sounds like a good idea," Anton readily agrees. Indeed, there were only a few times in the history of the world that a halfling had disagreed with that sentiment. One such instance revealed that a man was under a curse to say the opposite of what he meant, while the rest tended to involve dire situations such as being on the menu, or not having anything to eat aside from a fellow sentient.
Well, looks like you all have got yourselves in a pickle. The whole city is now talking about you and your potential discovery. I would watch your back.
You too Jask. Someone might decide the Sargavan government is getting to close and off you.
Nim looks at Sasha flatly. That is a little ominous considering who we just had a meeting with no? Besides an assassins guild... who might else wish to try and kill us for aligning with the government? Surely the Mantis' must know who else might have interest in securing our co-operation? Feel free to share with us...
They are not just an assassin' s guild my Nim
Pointedly looking at Sasha's face and then belly "Or worse, threaten to harm two to earn our obedience."
Corbius stands quietly off to Nims left side. Clearly uneasy in the small room. His hand never strays far from his sword and he ignores the lady focusing instead on the robed figures and the Mantis masked man for any signs of threat.
As they leave the meeting Corbius relaxes. Watching the exchange between Nim and Sasha Corbius looks at Sasha flatly. Pardon my bluntness Sasha I mean no offence but how likely is it that your friends will actively oppose us if we do not agree to their terms? They may not "just" be assassins but the assassins part is what worries me.
Corbius takes his portion of the notes and considers what he should do with them. Larissa can you read these notes? I am sorry to say I do not even truly understand how you perceive the outside world? If you can read them could you memorize them? I would assume there is no way magical or otherwise that someone could compel you to reveal the information once you memorized it?
Nim, they are also a religion, following a god like many others. I imagine a number of groups may try to kill you to get the notes or stop you from getting to Saventh-Yhi first. The Mantis haven't kept me in the loop on all of the information they have been gathering though. I am sue they will reveal themselves soon, they don't want to be too late getting to the dinner table.
@ Mihai, Until you pose a direct threat to the Mantis they probably will not bother you. They would rather you ally with them so they can get to the city first but they can almost as easily follow you to the city and then try to get what they want. At this point I would be more concerned about groups that are less...subtle.
That next morning two new things occur.
First, another murder has occurred. It is very similar to the first. A body mauled by an animal with puncture wounds or possibly a vampire...or at least that is the rumors that are swarming. You also hear rumors about a beast that recently came to the city and is hiding within the pathfinders, one that could be responsible for the murders. The authorities are supposidly looking into it as well.
Second, while you are eating breakfast you are approached by a Merchant.
My name is Ortus. I represent a group which would like to speak with you concerning your recent find and exploits. Will you meet with them? Assuming you agree...
Please come to this address tonight. A dinner is being held in your honor.
The address appears to be a manor in a very nice part of town.
As you begin to run an errands for the day, Gelik appears.
After he catches up with you for a couple of minutes, Armivor would like to meet with you this afternoon, do you have some time to meet with him?
Mihai sighs as the plot thickens and they are likely to be drowning in goodwill and threats alike before the day is done. Both invitations are met with a weary nod.
On the news of another murder Mihai grows further disquieted, planning to see the authorities once again when able.
Corbius takes his portion of the notes and considers what he should do with them. Larissa can you read these notes? I am sorry to say I do not even truly understand how you perceive the outside world? If you can read them could you memorize them? I would assume there is no way magical or otherwise that someone could compel you to reveal the information once you memorized it?
I percieve the surrounding world...almost as you do Corbrius. Everything just doesn't seem substancial anymore though. I can read and memorize the pages for you if you wish. They could try to compel me by threatening to destroy me...but I would never betray you Corbrius. You let me continue to exist on this plane...continue to explore. It is through you that I still live, as I do. As you magic grows in power so do I.
You have an hour or so and quickly go to the priest that you are expecting to be looking at the body. He shows you an intact corpse, or one that is mostly so. It is quite gruesome. Something did quite a number on this poor man. The priest speaks,
It appears we may have something stalking the streets. I am going to speak with the high priest to see if we can get authorization to speak with the dead. We don't like to normally upset the bodies of people that come to us, but if more murders are likely we may need to act. What do you think Mihai?
The body does appear to be mauled by a medium sized, clawed creature. A deeper examination from you reveals though that the wounds and areas where the person is mauled indicate a thinking creature, hitting in areas that would be fatal.
The puncture marks are on the neck, and thigh, where one could draw much blood.
You notice bruising appearing on his back. It also seems to be on the back of his skull. You think he may have been knocked to the ground...hard. Further examination confirms that his skull is also cracked, probably from impact with the street. You can't be sure what this means though.
Calling upon his patron's grace, Mihai looks over the body...
Heal (with Empyreal Focus):
...musing as he does so "Something as big as a man... thinking, not savage - see how it tears and rends where wounds would be greatest... he was knocked to the ground also, though I know not if it was before or after the body was flensed." worried and troubled before sitting by the body. "A superstitious affectation, but perhaps the cards might show if the dead's voice is worth it's spirit's disturbance..." laying out a reading...
It could be the RMD...the slashing and savagery could be his attacks...although the puncture wounds seem more purposeful or careful than you would expect for the him. Of course he could just be trying to be more careful with these victims and savoring the drinking of the people.
When you lay the cards down they reveal something you don't expect...the Speak with dead will prove harmful to you!!!