Perhaps feeling comfortable in his own home, he dares challenge the Pathfinders. "I dare you! I fear not Minvandu, like I said, you'll have to take me alive!" Shouts the Halfling.
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
"It's not just locked, it's barricaded. It's probably why he feels so brave," he says to Bishop. "I can deal with a lock, but the bashing down the door will take more work."
GM: Given what Rathen saw, does he think it's reasonable for people to muscle through? If the door is locked, he'll disable the lock. And if it's trapped, he'll disable that first. Otherwise he'll look to the party to come up with another idea. Perception (to find traps):1d20 + 35 ⇒ (2) + 35 = 37 Disable Device (vs traps):1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41 Disable Device (vs locks):1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29
It's reasonable to muscle or move around the barricade, we'll just treat it as a difficult terrain.
The door itself is not rigged with any devices that could cause bodily harm, and soon Rathen works himself to get it open with very little difficulty.
However, upon opening the door, Rathen realises that the barricade itself is the issue, any slight movement of the barricade would trigger a trap! And it looks impossible to bypass the barricade without touching it.
Auto-pass trapspotting, once the door opened combat is triggered. Disabling device takes a couple of rounds, so if you wait to disable it, it gives Dymal some time.
As soon as the door opens, the little man moves near the windows and readies himself for the Pathfinder's entry.
"Someone open the window. I will make certain he does not get away."Assuming someone does so, Daxter will cast summon monster 6 for an Erinyes as a standard due to Acadamae Graduate.
The Halfling with his sword looks in disbelief as Rathen comes through the room triggering but magnificently dodging with a semi somersault as a single dart comes flying from the wall!
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
Knowing the magic will wear off after at most a minute, Rathen smiles when Ursus has the halfling fully held.
When the hold dissipates, he says, "Now we can talk face to face like normal people. I think you can tell that we're serious about what we do and not to be trifled with. More dangerous than Minvandu, to be sure. But, good news! We're not here to hurt you, but help. Desna knows, we could probably set you up with a really good place to hide."
He gestures at all the traps about the room, and dismissively waves at the boarded up nature of the room. "But that kind of thing is an exchange. Favor for favor. And the favor we're asking for is that you back out of your bid on the Runecarved Key. Pretty simple, no?"
Rinks is forced to listen to Rathen's proposal as he slowly regains his muscle motors. Finally, he relents, and nods his head. "O..k..a..y.. ok..ay.. you win, I'll drop out, just spare me..."
Anything else you want to do with him before moving on to the next mission?
You discuss in a little more depth the predicament that the Halfling Rinks finds himself in, and offer a good hiding spot in one of the Pathfinder Society lodges nearby, hopefully it is enough to get him out of a hot mess. In return, he gracefully leaves the stage set for the auctioning of the Runecarved Key.
We're coming to a close soon in this section, let's see if we can get one more mission in! Feel free to suggest retcon for the above conclusion if required.
As you return back to report your mission, the same routine follows, a simple congratulatory remark followed by another case file.
"Unfortunately we don't have enough dirt on that Aspis man sloan but..I think we got lucky with our merchant friend, Falrig Sneve. He mentioned that he was trying to conserve funds for the auction, so we sent him an invitation to stay at Haruka House on the grounds of our manor. If you have yet to see it, Haruka House sits alone on the west side of the main house and is the most luxurious of the four Thassilonian cottages on the property. As far as I can tell, Sneve suspects us of no foul play. Still, we can’t have him mucking up the auction, can we? Thankfully, I doubt we have to do much. Ensure no actual harm comes to him, though, as such would reflect poorly upon Heidmarch Manor and the Pathfinder Society. Rather, somehow trick him into believing the Runecarved Key is cursed and he should withdraw from the auction without any further urging.”
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
"Makes sense. Seems we'll be doing even more lying today. I swear, the one time I wish Castamir was here," Rathen muses. "Shall we go pay Falrig a visit?"
When everyone is ready, Rathen will blaze trail towards Haruka House.
Once you leave Sheila’s office, you discover that Harukan House is only a short distance away from the house where you are staying. It is a very simple homey looking wooden house among an array of other homey looking houses in a very fine looking neighbourhood.
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
Rathen takes the direct approach, moving to the front door and knocking. "Falrig Sneve? Do you have a moment? It's regarding a matter of great importance to you, I think."
A merry man holding a cup of tea comes to open the door, "Good day, I don't think we've met? What is so important at this time of the day?" He asks, somewhat calmly but curiously at the same time.
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
"Rathen Wyrmblight, at your service," he gives the man a respectful bow. "You ask a fair question, so I will cut right to it. We understand that you are interested in the auction for the Runecarved Key. Through some of our own research and examination, we have learned that the object is cursed. My colleague can explain the specifics of the curse itself, but suffice it to say... It's not pleasant." He says the last bit while gesturing to Daxter.
"Yes the object has some powerful unknown curse on it. In fact, our comrade here has sprouted large tufts of unkempt hair just by looking at it without goggles." Daxter states pointing to Ursus. "Our researchers are perplexed by this phenomenon."
He looks a bit stunned, then confused for a moment. " No..no.. no.. no... that can't be true. Your researchers must be looking at the wrong object, I and a few others have seen it for ourselves yesterday, we are certainly not growing large tufts of hair..." He pauses for a moment."Who did you say you are?"
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
Intimidation it is. Ah well.
Rathen suddenly changes his tone and says, "Look, I shouldn't need to show you a silver badge to prove that we mean business. I can just point at my big friend here."
The rogue looks over to Ursus. "Do you want to let him know what will happen if he doesn't back out of the auction?"
Ursus's mean growl is enough to make the man drop his cup spilling the contents all over the carpeted floor.
"Woah, alright, geez, you made your point." He storms off frustratingly inside and starts to seemingly pack his belongings muttering to himself. "Mom, told me never to move here, she was right..."
After witnessing Sneve leave the establishment with your own eyes, you return once again to Heidmarch Manor to report your success in eliminating another potential bidder.
With the hour of auction approaching soon, you are advised to freshen up in preparation for it.
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
"Not bad, gents. Could have been smoother, and I wish it were a bit more on the up and up, but we did what needs doing. Ready for the next bit of fun?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Cathedral of Abadar will soon open its doors for the public auction! Anyone interested in participating must be within the cathedral in fifteen minutes. Once the auction starts, the doors will close. This is not an open door auction and no one will be admitted to the auction once the bidding starts"
An usher of the cathedral guides you and the rest of the crowd into the room. You find your seats somewhere in the front, near the bidding podium. You wait patiently as the rest of the parties trickle in and look around to see if you notice any familiar faces.
We're waiting on a few tables to round up their previous part.
The last of the attendees are shuffled into the Cathedral of Abadar and the crowd eagerly await the beginning of the auction. A portly man takes to the stage, and with a voice like a foghorn declares ”The auction is open!” which sets off a hum through the crowd as people start jostling for position and readying their auction bidding paddles, as though they were cutlasses with which to defeat the auction itself!
Kresch Vaor looks around at the readied auction-slayers with a broken resolve “Bah, too much for an old key. Proctor, I’m out. Have one of your clergymen transfer my deposit to my personal account.” then sits back down.
The bidding then begins with fury, paddles being thrust into the air representing thousands of gold at a time
The Duchesses seem a bit distant, and very quickly exit the bidding.
As the numbers rise, Maiveer Sloan calls out, he pleads with the auctioneer, “I don’t have the funds on hand, but let my organization put down credit on the key. I can have the extra funds in a few months and you know we’re good for it.” The Auctioneer purses his heavy lips in sympathetic understanding. The Proctor interjects ”The rules state this auction would be a fast sell only with coin in hand” Maiveer pleads further ”Sir! I protest! I have been victimised and robbed - and though I make no issue of it now I protest that I would have had the coin had it not been so! The rogues, robbers, and conspirators sit right under this very roof and gain from this injustice!” The proctor, having none of it, simply turns to Sloan ”Contain yourself or the church will have you removed.”
As order is almost restored, a group of toughs barges in and heads straight for Dymal Rinks - ”Minvandu wants a word”. He begins to protest, but two burly half-orcs simply grab an arm each and pick him up and start walking out. Sheila Heidmarch makes a gesture that is very clear - do NOT get involved. Minvandu’s chief legbreaker pauses at the Proctor ”Sorry about that interruption, bit of confusion needing to be dealt with. Whatever deposit Rinks tried to put down on the auction belongs to our employer, Mr. Minvandu. I’ll send someone around later to collect it, after the boss has a few private words with Rinks”. Rinks is then dragged out of the auction house, kicking and screaming.
The auction begins again in earnest, with some Pathfinders baulking at the sums being thrown around and consider wandering to a nearby tavern instead. The number of bidders begins to rapidly thin…
Doctor Landis starts making an offer,then thinks better of it - some concern playing at the back of his mind no doubt. He lowers his hand, and simply gestures that he’s cut himself off by waving his hand across his throat.
Falrig Sneve seems spooked by Doctors Landis withdrawing and it triggers him too “Too rich for my blood. Fold!”
With only Pathfinders and Lady Kaddren in the bidding war, the atmosphere gets tense - it is clear that Lady Kaddren is determined to win… yet as she is about to bid a breathtaking sum, a runner presents her with a note which she quickly reads. After, she grimaces at the assembled Pathfinders and their Venture Captain and in a threatening tone says, “This time, you got lucky. From here out, you might want to watch your backs.” Then she turns to the proctor and tells him, “You can close my bids out.” After, she tucks the note into her cloak and storms out.
The Auctioneer continues “Going, going, gone! And sold to table seven with the red coloured paddle for a final price of sixty thousand gold pieces! Table seven please send one representative to the front of the room to claim your prize!”
A seasoned Pathfinder, Eadie Navhelan from the winning table strides out to collect.
Without warning, a tremendous flash of light and smoke appears behind the auctioneer, and the very fabric of reality is sliced open. Seconds later, a black-robed figure steps through the rift and pulls a jagged black-bladed dagger across the auctioneer’s throat sending a shower of blood into the screaming crowd of bidders. The remorseless assassin snatches the Runecarved Key and in a fit of mad laughter bursts into dozens of shadowy black forms, each fleeing from the cathedral in a different direction.
Suddenly an ear-piercing whistle sounds. Without warning, the stained glass windows of the cathedral simultaneously shatter inward in a colorful barrage of flying glass.
Amid the rain of glass shards, a horde of cultists comes crashing through the now empty cathedral windows. With weapons drawn, they attempt to surround all the patrons inside, blocking all escapes. Can the Pathfinders save the day?
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
Rathen holds, waiting to see what their wizard will do. "I once traveled with a gnome who liked to make me invisible. I'm curious to see what you'll do, Daxter."
Suddenly an ear-piercing whistle sounds. Without warning, the stained glass windows of the cathedral simultaneously shatter inward in a colorful barrage of flying glass. Glass shards fly in at everyone in the room, causing small cuts all over the place.
Slashing & Piercing Damage:7d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6, 2, 3, 4, 2) = 24 DC 24 Reflex for half damage.
Unbeknownst to the party, the cultist are under a magical effect that causes them to be closer than they appear! Most of Bishop's well placed shots fly right through the cultist's image. But he manages to adjust his last shot to hit the mark.
Timber finds no problems to engage and bring down to the ground one of the cultist.
~~~
Combat Round 1 Conditions:NA
Bishop, Timber Everybody else is up! Cultist (displacement) Green - 24 Blue -24(Prone)
"I suppose that sounds like a request." Despite his many wounds, Daxter is able to bravely step over and cast a spell on Rathen. Have a Greater Invisibility.
Male Human Rogue/10, Pathfinder Field Agent/4 (HP: 121/121) | Init: +12 | AC: 32 T: 20, FF: 25 | Perception +30 (+5 vs traps, +3 vs surprise) | F: +13, R: +21 (+3 vs traps), W: +14 | CMB: +13 | CMD: 32 (25Fl) | 3* reroll 0/1 Active Effects: Danger Sense +3, Evasion, Trap Spotter
Reflex:1d20 + 21 ⇒ (4) + 21 = 25
Rathen smiles at Daxter as he goes invisible. "Very kind. I won't forget this!"
He then races off towards an intruder. For anyone who sees the invisible rogue, his blades rapidly appear in his hands and he stabs at one of them.
Attack w/+2 Adamantine Gladius vs Brown:1d20 + 20 ⇒ (17) + 20 = 37 Damage:1d6 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14 Sneak Attack:6d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5) = 28
