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Graz is easily impressed by the menagerie. He has fought against some of these creatures in the gladiatorial arena before, but many are new to him. He tries to remember the list of what he's seen in case any of the others ask him, but it quickly fades from his memory.
As the call to assemble on the lawn sounds, Graz takes leave of the menagerie and makes his way to the appointed location, looking around for the rest of his meager group.
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Herodotus, nonplussed by his many failures, moves up towards the North lawn. Finding Graz along the way he moves towards him and asks: "Proud Graz, would you assist me as we make our way to the North lawn? I'm having difficulty putting my armor back on, and your assistance would save me some time.""
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"Oh my Bitters, this is not good at all, I have one more chance!"
Sabrina quickly scoops up her fallen familiar and rushes off to the Quadrangle, quickly imbibing small vials of weird smelling liquids, hoping to shake off the effects of the alcohol in her system.
"One of these must be that anti-hangover formula. Here it is, I think I found it..."
She tries to join the Arcana Symposium to add some extra bit that no one else has heard of before:
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Jory tries his hand one more time at the obstacle course and effectively breaks down the entire thing.
Herodotus quickly removes his armor and tries his hand at the now simple course to show Jory how to complete it. Running as fast as he can he exits the end with just seconds to spare as sweat beads on his brow.
skill check attempted during the adventure.
The volunteers begin to shut down the broken obstacle course as Herodotus hears a new rumor. It seems that the Master of Spells, Aram Zey was slated to deliver the keynote address but begged out of the privilege, citing his general dislike and disdain for the Grand Convocation as a colossal waste of time and expense. Marcos Farabellus, Master of Swords, volunteered to take his place.
Magic begins to trickle in the air as a resounding voice is heard throughout large campus.
The throng of Pathfinders begin to make their way to the northern lawn as they await the speech.
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Many Pathfinders scatter as snipers from the nearby gardens begin firing on the crowd.
Sir Laribold Croome, an immaculately dressed Taldan nobleman scrambles for cover behind a table, which his halfling manservant helpfully flips onto its side. Catching his breath, the Taldan fumbles for his monocle before addressing the nearby Pathfinders. “Monsters and villains are attacking all over the grounds,” he states with perfect articulation, punctuated by a crossbow bolt that embeds itself in his makeshift barricade. “Spread out, patrol the grounds, and snuff out trouble as you find it. If you should discover any clues about what the devil is going on, report back here at the base of Skyreach.”
He pulls his sword cane free from its sheath and raises it overhead. “Look alive, and show initiative,” he shouts before performing an elaborate dueling salute in the direction of an elephant and setting off after it.
The extent of the attack is not yet clear. Pathfinder defenses are in complete disarray and the Aspis invaders are at large, killing scores of Pathfinders.
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Herodotus rushes Heccan and Sabrina both, bringing them down to the ground as the air fills with bolts. "Inheritor's mercy, rogues have mounted an attack on Skyreach! Gratz! Jory! Get down! On me!" He gives both the agents he has brought to ground a cursory examination, looking for wounds. As he does so, Gamin chimes in: "Given our history with attacks on the place, this is insulting. Seriously, first the Shadow Lodge, now this? Who does security around here?"
Herodotus' mind races; where to go first? So much damage could be done. Irreparable damage. The attractions in the southern portion should have been closed, and all of the agents should have been before the Master of Swords. Thus it is a lesser priority. The northwestern campus however... Hundreds of years worth of lore, the result of countless Pathfinder's efforts... It must be protected. "Friends, let us make our way to the Northeastern campus with haste; the Society's main library is in danger!"
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Heccan spies Graz on his way to find Herodotus and gives him a friendly nod of his head and follows the brawler to the lawn. A zoo? How quaint. I wonder how the Andorans feel about that.
He greets the others with a warm smile as he turns his attention to Master Farabellus. Heccan reacts with a jerk when all hells breaks loose at the Convocation. His eyes flash red as he looks about the chaos, confused and frightened. The affable sorcerer thinks about drawing upon his innate power right before he is brought to the ground by Herodouts, the held goblet tumbling from his hand spilling a rich red liquid splashing upon the ground. Heccan, recognizing the paladin's voice, abides by Herdotus' commands and keeps his head down. By all the laws! Is it possible to once, just once, have an uneventful event? They really should warn more about this in the literature.
Heccan ducks his head down, fearful a crossbow bolt with split his cranium at any moment. He quirks a brow at Heroduts' mention of the library and grows visibly concerned. The library? Well then good Sir Herodotus let us make haste. Anything should be better than standing here making ourselves easy targets.
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The Grand Lodge’s campus is overrun with marauders and monsters, while support staff, initiates, and visitors run in peril for their lives. Yet, nearby groups of Pathfinders cluster together and argue about what to do about it, which team should stand back and support the other, and who has the best idea of what is happening. A venture-captain approaches from the direction of Skyreach.
I am Venture-Captain Janiff Ivulxtin, former head administrator for the Grand Lodge. There is little time for formal pleasantries I am afraid. Janiff says as he nods curtly. Many of the Venture-Captains are busy investigating the source of this attack and what the Aspis want. The Venture Captain's alone cannot coordinate the masses of Pathfinder Agents in the Grand Lodge. As a result we seem to have a vacuum in leadership. I need dependable agents to remind some of your colleagues that the Societies motto includes the word "cooperate".
Janiff begins to list off four of the nearby critical areas.
The repository and the Centerhouse both have strong wards and defenses, but should still be cordoned off and protected from the outside. The Society has a number of guests and visitors which should be escorted safely off of the grounds and reassured that everything will be alright.
Finally Absaloms district guards need to be stalled at the front gate before they can overrun the campus and make a mess out of everything.
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"Curse the Ancestors! I should have known they did not lead me here for the rest and relaxation which we so richly deserve! And flying creatures no less! Bitters, where is the safest place to be when flyers are about? Yes, indoors, but when that's not possible then likely behind some master bowmen, at least the Ancestors blessed us by having just met that skinny dwarf and paladin with the gibbering sword. It will be safest to follow them to the library."
"What do you think those flying humanoids are?" Sabrina asks her familiar while scanning the sky.
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I assume the repository is the Grand Lodge's main library/archive
Qatching the small blots in the sky Sabrina recognizes quite a few of them as Wyvarans, Dragon-like humanoids brandishing spears and sharp fangs.
Herodotus leads the way to the repository where it looks like a small team of pathfinders are ducked down with a female aasimar, with shining golden blond hair down to her shoulders. The team seems to be following her lead as she argues with a new Venture-Lieutenant.
You overhear a little bit as you approach. As the Venture-Lieutenant orders the Aaisimar woman.
Dara Immlin, I need you and your team to guard the repository and make sure that none of the Aspis agents get in. The new lieutenant says nervously.
Dara cuts him short. Why don’t you guard the stone building with no doors and windows? We’ll capture that giant two-headed vulture! She says pointing off to the south.
We are up and coming Pathfinders and there are far better uses for my team and their considerable talents!
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Jory jumps into the disagreement.
"We got the two-headed vulture. Our team has considerable ranged firepower and I have much experience dealing with flying opponents. I brought down manticores before. You have your assignment from an officer. The safety of that building is on your shoulders."
Jory adds: "Don't fit the stereotype of having more bravery than self-discipline and wisdom combined."
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"Up and coming yes. And in your wake, a legacy of shame and vainglorious failed quests." says an outraged Herodotus. "A legacy of four centuries of ancient texts, lore from throughout the Inner Sea and beyond, the works of a thousand Pathfinders who sometimes gave everything for these valued texts to be passed on for you, so that your future may be a brighter and more enlightened one, and you would give it all of for the honor of dealing with a two-headed glorified chicken?!? Is it your desire to not only forfeit such accumulated knowledge not only for yourself, but for all the generations of agents to come?!? Your desire to question your superior, one who has proven himself in the eyes of the Ten? Your desire to prove the Aspis right; that we care naught for what we learn, and are nothing but worthless, murderous homeless?"
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Sabrina, not one for verbal sparring, decides to use the time to cast a spell. She seems to be talking to herself.
"I was hoping not to need this today but the Ancestors granted me this power this morning and it looks like a perfect time to use it."
A little rodent's head peeks out of her backpack and seems to nod in agreement before it disappears back in its hiding place.
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Dara takes a small step back as she rocks on her heels. She begins to look ashamed as her face brightens.
Y... You are right. I don't know what I was thinking. She turns around to her group.
Get up and do your part. Nodding to the VL she says. You can count on us.
The Venture-Lieutenant pulls Herodotus off to the side. Thanks for that. She was being a stubborn one. Around the corner there was a Dwarf covering Professor Nigel Aldain. I have not had a chance to speak with him yet but see if you can get him to escort Nigel to the front gate and get him out of here.
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Heccan stands and dusts himself off and does his best to keep up with the conversations between Herodotus and the Venture-Captain. He nods with respect as the paladin turns a negative into an asset and offers the paladin a smirk. He lays a hand on the paladin's shoulder to gain his attention. Well done Herodotus. I do believe your actions have solidified the defense of the repository. Perhaps you can speak to this cantankerous dwarf our beleaguered captain spoke of. In the meantime, I will head to the front gate. This situation will go from terrible to wholly unmanageable should those contemptible city watchmen invade us. Leave it to me to stall their progress. I will catch up with you once I have settled the matter. Fear not, I am confident I will be but a moment.
Heccan gives Herodotus a friendly pat on the shoulder and heads toward the front gate.
Once there he assess the situation and will approach any city guardsman Heccan believes is high ranking or calling the shots. He flashes the watchman (or watchwoman) a wickedly charming smile. Oh thank the gods! It seems our prayers are answered. Now if you will just show me your writ of entry we may sidestep this accursed bureaucracy and get your fellows to have at them. What? You do not have a writ of entry? My my this does complicate things. I know it seems as if the world is falling down around us, but we simply must abide by the appropriate regulations. If I let any do gooder though these gates, think of all the liability we could accrue should, heavans forbid, any of your rank fall upon ill fortune? Unless your papers are in order, a moment of heroism turns into a lifetime of litigation. I have seen it with my own eyes. Heccan does his best to appear sympathetic. Now please have a page fetch that pesky writ and we shall be off to face the...well whatever those flying things are. Heccan looks to the sky and grimaces at the carnage.
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Herodotus nods gravely as he starts trampling towards the location of Nigel Aldain and his dwarf bodyguard. "As it is written in the Acts, section 6-97: "And the Inheritor spoke to the brothers of Ozem and said: "Beware the cunning of the honorless, for theirs is without bounds. Like an unholy blade cleaving the heart in twain, they shall attempt to sunder your unity." And speaking of insufferable, I must beseech you not to take lord Aldain's demeanor for an attempt to insult you. He is sparse of words, and I do not believe he has smiled since 4673 AR. Or so the tales say."
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Sabrina rolls her eyes in response to that speech.
"Let's go find that other dwarf, I'll let you guys talk to him, I don't speak dwarven. And with all the chaos I'm scared we'll be separated, so I'll help out by creating a link between us all."
And Sabrina casts the cantrip Message for those in the group, pointing to every member in the group.
"1,2,3,4,5... hmmm...."
Sabrina looks around puzzled. And then a large grin grows on her face and a cackle comes out as she points to the Paladin's sword.
"Not sure if that will work but this could be interesting!"
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Graz sighs exasperated by the words and not action. "We are under attack." he shouts shaking loose his spiked chain in case any of the flying monkeys get too close. "Let us move quickly and discuss this later." He stomps off in the direction indicated by the Society officer, gently clearing a path through the crowd for his mates to follow behind.
Once he finds the dwarf guarding the curator, he stops and allows one of the more verbose members to coordinate with the dwarf protector.
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Around the corner you find a male dwarf hunkered down with Nigel Aldain. Nigel keeps attempting to make a run south for the gates but the dwarf grabs his shirt and drags him back down as a spell tears a corner of the building apart, dropping a brick near them.
If you want to go then just go. i won't be taking ye! The dwarf yells at Nigel, who stands up with a nervous look.
I...I.. am unarmed though. i will never make it one one piece.
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Seeing Sabrina the dwarf grabs at the handles of his axes in surprise.
An who the hell are you? Assist with what? “I’m quite confident that Professor Nigel Aldain can find his own way to the front gate. What gives you the right to order us about? You’re no venture-captains!
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Standing nearby is the Centerhouse where Herodotus notices there is a small group of Pathfinders that seem to have lost their nerves in the light of the recent attack. They seem to be visibly shaking as they stand near the building.
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Heccan steps forward and bows to the dwarf. My good sir! Please pardon our intrusion, but our need is great. As you no doubt see our very Society is under siege and it is every Pathdinfer's sworn duty to protect the Society's assets. This man Heccan gestures to the Professor is one of our organizations most valuable assets. It is if the utmost importance to see him safely from this madness. True, we are not venture-captain but we speak with their purpose. Aid us, noble dwarf, and I will personally see that your name is added the Chronicle of Bravery!
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"I will not order you agent, but I will hold you to the standards I set for myself. Nigel Aldain is our guest, an honored guest of the Society. In times long past, Dwarven courage and self sacrifice were second to none, as the late King Gutheran of Jormurdun reminded us. What about you? Are you made in the mold of kings of old?"
Herodotus moves past the dwarf to the corner. "I will provide you with covering fire. Take Nigel Aldain to the front gate and see him to safety. Please."
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Jory snaps at the dwarf: "Of course I'm no Venture Captain. I work for a living!! Your duty is to escort this man out, he won't make it without you. Now tell me what clan you are from so I know where all the shirkers come from. Either get moving, or tell that venture captain back there you are not performing your assignment."
Jory points back to the Venture Lieutenant.
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The dwarf begins to co into more detail
One of my companions from before kept ordering our entire team into plans that nearly got me killed.....
The dwarf is quickly cut off by Herodotus and Heccan as they remind the dwarf of his noble lineage and deeds that will surely follow.
Jory tries to interject but ends up sounding like he is siding with his dwarven breathen and not really helping much at all.
Finally after a small bit of convincing the dwarf throws his arms into the air.
Piss of already! I will go...No need to tell the Lieutenant. The dwarf peeks around the corner as sighs.
Damned Professor is definitely going to kill me this time. Nothing good happens around this man.... NOTHING! The gruff dwarf begrudgingly grabs Nigel's coat and begins to drag him along towards the front gate and through the chaos.
The Quadrangle is just around the corner from the centerhouse where Jory notices there is a small group of Pathfinders that seem to have lost their nerves in the light of the recent attack. They seem to be visibly shaking as they stand near the building.
The small group seem to be telling a half-elf with stark white hair that everything will be alright.
It ain't haunted Jayson.
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"I must say good Sabrina, my disappointment grows by the moment. We are Pathfinders, an assault like this is par for the course."
He darts his head around the corner and back, ducking back in time to avoid two arrows, a bolt and a wild bullet. "The way should be clear; let's move Pathfinders!" as he begins to hustle across the exposed stretch to the cover of the building where the white-haired half-elf and his fellows are huddled.
"Mighty Jory, help me cover them. Friend Graz, keep your eyes peeled and stay close to Lady Sabrina. Good Heccan, if you would please find out why they are muttering of hauntings while the Aspis are threatening us."
"Hey guys? Does anyone have any idea what is going on and what the Aspis are attempting to accomplish here? They don't usually show up to screw s@@$ up just for laughs..."
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Herodotus approaches the group where a small Halfling points at the white-haired half-elf.
Jory holds a defensive position around the group but it does not seem as if the full assault of the Aspis has reached this area quite yet.
We had a bad experience in Ustalav a couple a weeks ago. Jayson here caught himself the ghoul fever and almost dies. Now this! The Halfling says waving around as a Wyvaran falls from the sky riddled with arrows.
Jayson turns to Sabrina. Is it even still worth being a Pathfinder. I wake from my sleep each night now trying to enter this building in a cold sweat. It is haunted isn't it?
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Heccan nods to Herodotus with a wry grin. I live to serve. Watching the paladin over his shoulder, he approaches the white haired man Jayson. Calm yourself friend. The building has no such afflictions. The Decemvirate would not stand to have this place suffer any malign spirits. Perhaps your recent bout with the fever has lingering effects. I am sure your friends here will get you to a proper facility to be examined, but now is not nearly the time or the place. You are a Pathfinder, friend, and it means more today than ever. Stand tall with your brethren and they shall stand with you. We shall stand with you Jayson.
Heccan offers the half-elf a friendly smile and beckons him to accompany his group.
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Watching the skillful persuasion of Heccan and the paladin Herodotus, Graz is almost impressed. When asked to stand near Sabrina for protection, the powerful half-orc snaps to, looming near the tiefling and keeping his eyes open for any threats on the ground or in the sky.
Once the dwarf gives in and starts moving, Graz nods in appreciation of his allies talents. Now with the frightened pathfinders his patience starts to wear thin.
"Going to stand there puling all day, or are we going to take down some of these flying monkeys?" he mutters loud enough for the others to hear.
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The half-elf's shaking lessens at Heccan's words of wisdom.
You are right. The Society would never keep a haunted building this close-by.
The half-elf gives a friendly smile. We should stay and guard the Central Building like I was assigned. We are Pathfinders after all.
Just as Graz begins to get impatient he sees the solitary figure of Ambrus Valsin himself jogging out of the Quadrangle’s courtyard. “You lot, we have a crisis here that can’t wait.” He turns and gestures to the Quadrangle. “When the banquet started, I dismissed the first-year initiates back here to continue their studies for a few more hours. The damned Aspis were waiting inside two of the dormitories,” the venture-captain says, pointing to two ivy-covered stone buildings. “I think their plan is to leverage the initiates as hostages if they have no other escape route.”
Venture-Captain Valsin regards you with an inscrutable look. “This situation can only become more desperate. The safety of our initiates can’t wait another minute. Consider yourself drafted, because you’re all I’ve got. I’m heading to the southern dormitory. You head to the northern dormitory. Talk them down, or hit them hard and fast.”
As far as I know the hostage taker is alone. He says that he can kill all of the hostages almost instantly. I don't know how he plans to do it but I don't think he is lying.
The ivy-covered buildings of the Quadrangle predate the establishment of the Pathfinder Society. They once housed an academy and boarding school for the children of Absalom’s nobility. The buildings contain sleeping areas for Pathfinder initiates, a small stable, training yard, study chambers and lecture halls.
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"Thank you Sir Half-Orc, but beware those Wyvarans are related to dragons, not monkeys. Notice the scales and no sign of fur which would indicate a mammalian race. Watch out for the tails, which can be as deadly if you are caught be surprise.' says Sabrina, taking Graz's statement much too literally.
Sabrina turns to Jayson and tells him "The only way to end your nightmares is to confront them. Once your demons are defeated it will only make you stronger. And I cannot believe anything you find in there will be more dangerous than what is out here. I will even make a quick check that there is nothing supernatural with this building"
The white-haired witch waves her hands and casts Detect Magic.
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Heccan furrows his brow as he receives the report and assignment from Vaslin. A bit exasperated, he puts hsi hands on his hips and just shakes his head slowly, wavy ebony locks tussle in the wind. He says to no one in particular I am not certain what the game here is, Pathfinders, but I pledge to uncover this plot. The good paladin's sword has the right of it. Why is Aspis acting like this? To what end does this senseless chaos and carnage serve? Actions such as these tend to make others act as senseless, and, being amidst the fight, I empathize with such feelings. He shakes his head and does his best to pull himself together, though the current circumstance is clearly getting to the otherwise flippant Chelaxian. Enough philosophizing, we are at war and need action not words, even if it is my specialty.
Heccan approaches Graz and lays a hand on his shoulder, leaning over to speak softly to the warrior. Graz, I suspect your rage yearns to be set free. Patience my friend. Your martial prowess proceeds you, and I am glad to have you with us this day. I am not certain what lies behead, but guard my flank and I will promise you that your vengeance will be sated. He pats the ghalf-orc on the shoulder and approaches Herodotus.
Heccan speaks to the paladin in earnest seriousness, a rather signifigant divergence from the demeanor exhibited up to this point. He looks to Herdotus, searching the man's resolve in an attempt to determine how far he is willing to go to fight the current threat. He speaks bluntly I know not what we face, Herodotus, but we have been given a lawful order to save the initiates. We may be able to talk this cretin down, but that plays a dangerous game. I have...other ways...to get results. Ways that trick the mind. Martial operations are not my sphere of competence, but I sense they are yours. I seek your counsel on how to approach this hostage taker, but know that will use every power I have to execute the Venture-Captain's order.
Heccan looks to the unfolding battlefield and awaits the paladin's response.
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Herodotus nods, deep in thought. "My only idea in the matter is a bad idea: Ask brave Jory to sneak his way in behind the hostage takers and provide us with a way in while we attempt to parley with them. You say you have mind-affecting methods that could win us the day? Use them. I am not one of my foolish "honor and law at all costs" brethren, nor do I aim to impose my view and ways on others. And while I do not relish using deception, the dishonor of not having saved lives when we could have is far greater than any dishonor from deceptive tactics. Not to mention, the dishonor of having failed the great Ambrus Valsin."
Nodding towards the northern dormitory he adds in conclusion: "In this, Pathfinder, you, like all the others here, are my brother, and I shall aid you as best I can."
Meanwhile, loud gagging sounds emanate from Gamin.