"I can name one that will be added if you don't."
Back out of this deal and die, fool!
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He goes to work on the Sphinx's lock...
He'll then await till the Sphinx communicates with the other animals...once he hears that, Marnarius will sneak to the serpent's cage and attempt to disable it as well...
If he's successful, Marnarius will give a final nod to the Sphinx and leave...
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Rataji slowly approaches just as Jorilyn threatens the Pathfinders life. His voice shakes. "There is no need for the threats." He glances at the wall one more time as his hand shakes. He hands the information over to Jorilyn. He pulls out the documents from
the leather portfolio and hands them over. Jorilyn scans the notes.
The intelligence that Arminaldi, the traitorous priest of Nethys, gathered details numerous passageways leading through the lower half of Skyreach. When traveling to the vaults beneath Skyreach or to the Hao Jin Tapestry chamber, you and your allies gain a +2 bonus on Stealth checks to avoid Pathfinder patrols.
In addition, Arminaldi spent considerable time assisting Master of Scrolls Aram Zey catalogue scrolls, and the cleric took notes about what spells he identified: “Aram Zey typically relies on his learned magical abilities to invoke destructive and defensive magic, but his scroll collection indicates that he has many written incantations that feature powerful wards and glyphs. He made sure that I filed a particularly powerful illusion spell near one end of his office’s shelf, the better to snatch it up in case of intruders. Avoid his office at all costs unless invited, for there are too many protective spells sealing the door for me to parse what each of them is, much less how to unravel them.”
Zurnzal meanders over to SkyReach and finds that the entire area is blocked off and very well guarded at the moment.
One of the men from the crowd looks up and sees 322 fiddling with the Statue. "Hey miss, what ya doing up there. Get down already." He urges 322 down from the Statue, leaving only a few precious seconds to finish her task. [ooc]Failed the checks though you can try again if you wish, though another failure will have worse and worse outcomes.
[spoiler=Shohiraj]
Venture-Captain Kreighton Shaine holds the title of Master of Scrolls within Absalom's Pathfinder Society. Kreighton Shaine is considered strange and absent-minded to his Pathfinder peers, but his abilities in solving puzzles and codes more than make up for his eccentricities.
Janira Gavix is a member of the Pathfinder Society well-known to new initiates. Her discovery of the Pilgrim's Cave in the foothills of the Kortos Mountains is one of her more recent accomplishments. She has a life-long love of learning, and aspires to become a Pathfinder Chronicler.
The Sky Key is a long-lost Numerian device said to be capable of projecting a location's past into the present. The Pathfinder Society traced a piece of the Key to Chesed and is reportedly attempting to reassemble and use the device.
The Hao Jin Tapestry is an artifact created centuries ago by the Tian sorceress Hao Jin. It is the gateway to a demiplane of the same name, home to numerous different locations and environments. The artifact was recently won by the Pathfinder Society in the Ruby Phoenix Tournament of 4711 AR and brought back to the Grand Lodge in Absalom for further study. The fabulous museum demiplane, accessed by the seemingly mundane wall hanging Hao Jin Tapestry, is stocked by Hao Jin with people, monuments, and entire cities that she collected during her travels. Although the preservation magic within the Hao Jin Tapestry has begun to fade, a lot of treasures remain intact and undiscovered. The Pathfinder Society has discovered how to create additional backdoors to the Tapestry and opened up pathways that allow quick transportation between the Grand Lodge and many important Pathfinder lodges. These backdoors require time to create and maintain, so the demiplane is no substitute for true teleportation magic. In any case, the artifact allowed the Society to extend its influence greatly.
Marnarius unlocks the Sphinx's cage. The pair nod their agreement and Parwaxis waits for you to move away and then begins bleating unintelligible noises. Animals throughout the menagerie hear him the creatures within know not to interfere. Furthermore, the animals all begin vocalizing, rearing up, and performing other simple tricks to keep the audience’s attention.
[ooc]Correct, that removes the Handle animal condition and gives a +4 to stealth for remainder of Cages.
Rataji only now realizes what is going on between Jorilyn and Arminaldi and is truly intrigued by the details the man has provided. It is clear that this is an incredible find that Jorilyn needs to get credit for.
But Rataji immediately also thinks about Zurnzal's mission that he actually came here for.
Rataji is happy that Jorilyn already moved to a secluded corner near the woods with the man. As Zurnzal wanted a Pathfinder that is not trusted to 'disappear' this man could be the right person. Rataji scans the immediate vicinity in the woods to see if anybody would witness a fight with this man.
Joliryn smiles and pats the man on the back. "A pleasure doing business with you. My Mistress looks forward to your continued working relationship. You will be greatly rewarded."
Joliryn finishes reading the papers and then slips them into her bag, sharing what information was important with Rataji.
Noticing him eyeing her contact, she narrows her eyes at Rataji. "What meddling are you planning?" she whispers.
Trying not to draw too much attention, Shohiraj attempts to grab an unattended cloak to cover her guise as the Master of Scrolls.
Keeping a low-profile, she travels in what appears to be the direction of the crowds, though trying to keep some distance to prevent being surrounded if detected. On her way, she keeps an eye out for marks--Pathfinder agents who appear to be inexperienced and easy to influence.
Once she locates such an agent, she approaches him or her asking, "Excuse me agent, could you please tell me where my halfing friend, Janira Gavix, just so happens to presently be?"
We need to kill him secretly.
Joliryn shakes her head at Rataji. She slips her arm through his and turns him around, leading him away. "Not this one," she whispers. "You don't destroy a useful tool."
Once they're a bit away from her contact she asks, "Now, why don't you tell me why you want to kill my spy? Got a thirsting for blood?"
Rataji does not step back.
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An agent points Shohiraj in the direction of the Statue of Durvan Gest. "She was over by the statue last I saw her. telling stories."
Several dozen Pathfinders are gathered around the statue, swapping stories and participating in improvised competitions of braggadocio. Among them is Janira Gavix, an aide to Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine. You instantly recognize her from the sketch you received.
Janira is just finishing up a story about Selmius Foster— one of the first Pathfinders published in the Pathfinder Chronicles—and his fabled race against a marid and an efreeti, whom he cleverly tricked into distracting one another while he sped across the finish line. The story earns polite applause, and Janira hops down from the bench she had used as a speaking platform.
322 quickly quits moving, hoping that the shadows she's conjured will conceal her. You didn't see anything, just a trick of the light.
Joliryn narrows her eyes at Rataji.
"**** you."
She lets go of his arm, walks right over to her undercover spy, slips her arm through his and leads him to a very public place. "Stay out of shady corners for a while, dear. My extra gift to you."
Zurnzal continues looking around for further options.
Realizing that her success is more likely once she can separate her target from the crowd , Shohiraj decides to try and lure the halfling protégé to the Wall of Names, knowing that the more isolated location also offers a thick copse of trees that may provide for concealment and escape.
As Janira Gavix speaks to dozens of Pathfinders gathered at the Statue of Dervin Gest, Shohiraj approaches one of the less-experienced looking agents at the edge of the crowd. Approaching the agent from behind, she places a hand on the agent’s shoulder and whispers in the agent’s ear.
“Hail, Pathfinder. Quite the grand tale, isn’t it?”, the disguised Shohiraj begins with a whisper. Once satisfied that she has the agent’s attention, she continues, “Please, no need to call any attention to us, for I do not wish to interrupt the stirring tales of our esteemed colleague, Janira. However, once she has completed her speech, I would ask that you deliver a message to her for me.”
“Please tell her that Kreighton Shane wishes to meet with her in secret at the Wall of Names. She is to bring with her the keys that I entrusted to her care—you need concern yourself with the keys in question--she will know of that which I speak.” The faux Master of Scrolls nods affirmingly.
The Professional next speaks slowly and deliberately, ensuring that her mark internalizes the message. “Should Janira make inquiry as to the reason for such secrecy—as I am sure my fine, dear aid is likely to do—then tell her that I suspect that the keys in question may have been replaced with skillfully-crafted fakes and that I believe the evidence for such can be found among the names that adorn the wall.”
He suspects that one or more of the names on the wall provide evidence of use of the Sky Key (or Tapestry). If the Sky Key has been tampered with, then the keys he gave you may have been replaced with skillfully crafted fakes; you are to bring them with you to the wall.”
Confident in her skills as a liar and her natural talent for deceit, the Professional heads to the Wall of Names to await the halfling's arrival.
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The Shadows seem to grow around 322 as the Experiment ducks down a small bit. The man looks away as he spills his beer. Looking back he loses sight of 322 and shrugs.
The agent nods as his jaw nearly drops. "Umm... oh yes, Sir. Right away Sir." The man stumbles as Shohiraj immediately walks away. Shohiraj smiles as the agent approaches Janira and begins whispering to her. She smiles to the crowd, bidding farewell as she jogs to the Wall of Names a concerned look on her face.
Zurnzal is not sensing much apparently.
Having placed the package, 322 slips down the back of the statue, and double-checks that she's still in the shadows before slipping away.
Zurnzal shrugs, "I'd be happy for the help. I'm looking for someone well enough known to be missed but not trusted enough to be assumed innocent. I'm trying to set up some infighting among the scum here and sow mistrust... but I need to make this person 'disappear' completely so they can't explain themselves after we split. An added bonus would be someone I could impersonate while we carry out our mission."
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Marnarius watches as Zurnzal spins in circles confused and trying to complete his mission. He moves in to help where he can. With a bit more scanning the pair watch curiously as Janira comes strolling down the way. She seems to be getting tailed by another Pathfinder Agent that seems curious on what the halfling is doing.
While Janira would be too risky and big of a target. This Agent would make for a prime candidate for Zurnzal. If only he could get separated and out of sight.
Having noticed the famous halfling slip away from the area near the statue, 322 decides that another Aspis plot must be afoot, and decides to casually follow Janira to the Wall of Names. Perhaps she could assist in even more mischief.
As Marnarius disappears for the ambush, Zurnzal intercepts the pathfinder. "Hey, I see you taking an interest in those two. I am also concerned about what they might be up to, doesn't look to be legit. Want to go report it?" If the Agent agrees, Zurnzal leads them away through the forest towards Skyreach but mostly away from prying eyes.
His muscles tense for the attack of Marnarius, ready to take a shot at knocking the guy out if he survives.
for and if hits DC 18 Fort Save or he is Unconscious rounds.
After ensuring her spy is safe Joliryn wanders around, looking for the others to see if she can figure out what they're up to.
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The man skids to a halt as Zurnzal hops in his path. "Huh what? Looking back he loses sight of Janira. "Well damn man. What are you talking about?"
Zurnzal grabs ahold of his shoulder and begins talking. Before he knows it they are in a secluded portion of the woods nearby.
Grabbing the Agent by the neck Zurnzal slams his face into a tree, knocking him unconscious.
Shohiraj arrives moments before Janira does. Watching from near the wall Shohiraj watcehs beneath her cloak as Janira stands in the middle of the pathway, looking for Kreighton.
Knowing the unconsciousness may only be temporary, Zurnzal attempts to crush the man's windpipe with his boot.
so Fort DC 39 or dead.
If the Pathfinder Agent is dead Zurnzal will search his body.
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"I guess you didn't need any help after all...we need to hide the body...let me help you drag the body into the bushes where I was hiding..."
Once Zurnzal finishes looting the body, Marnarius grabs the dead agent by the collar and drags him into the foliage...
"Not too long before zero hour...we should find Rataji..."
Shohiraj steps out from the far end of the Wall of Names—still some distance from Janira. The disguised Aspis agent waits until she has garnered Janira’s attention. Once she has done so, she removes the cloak she is wearing. She then silently beckons Janira to follower her, before stepping behind the Wall, anticipating that the halfling will follow.
On the other side of the wall, Shohiraj drops the cloak on the stone path bordering the Wall of Names and quickly tucks a handwritten note within it.
The Professional next quaffs her potion of invisibility. She remains still on the stones of the path and near the cloak, careful not to give away her position.
Shohiraj hopes that Janira will bend down, examine the cloak, and remove the Vault Keys to inspect them. While the halfling is so distracted, The Professional attempts to catch sight of the keys or, at least, ascertain where on her person the Pathfinder has placed them.
Once she has done so, she will approach Janira or follow the Pathfinder, looking for an opportunity to take the keys without detection.
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The pair of assassin's work together and quickly end the Agent's life as they cut off his air supply. Zurnzal strips the man down for all of his clothing, finding little more than a holy symbol of Seranrae on the body.
Using the clothing Zurnzal is able to begin impersonating the agent.
Shohiraj watches as Janira picks up the cloak and reads the note. With a small gasp she pats her cloak and draws the keys out of hiding. Just as she does so Shohiraj moves in, invisibly, and snatches them from her grasp.
Janira looks around confused and worried. She runs off.
Ushers begin informing everyone in attendance to gather on the north lawn for a speech by the Master of Swords. This is your cue, for as everyone moves to that central location, it leaves the lower halls of Skyreach nearly abandoned. You have no difficulty regrouping, sharing any discoveries, and slipping into the massive building.
With everything wrapped up nicely, you make your way to Skyreach. Your actions have synchronized with the start of the speech by the so-called Master of Swords.
As you near the doors, you feel a sudden weight on your person which emanates a chill across your body. Someone slips the soul-trapping lantern into your pocket.
As you enter the monument and go through the twisting corridors, you hear some Pathfinders up ahead patrolling the halls. To get past, you can either try to pass off as a Pathfinder or try to stay out of sight until they pass
322 smiles when she feels something slip into her pocket. We're coming for you, Aram Zey. We're coming for you.
322 looks among the other Aspis agents and silently puts a finger to her lips as shadows envelop her. She attempts to make her way past the patrol silently, concealed in darkness.
Zurnzal takes a bit of time to integrate the deceased pathfinder's outfit into his disguise, making sure to adjust his current look as well to match.
When the Ushers start their collecting, he heads with Marnarius to the agreed upon meeting point. I hope everyone else was successful. It looked like the short one had things under control.
As usual on these missions, he attempts to choose discretion until a confrontation becomes unavoidable. He is happy to see his allies also trying to stay quiet.
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With the intelligence Jorilyn gathered from Arminaldi at the Wall of Names most of the Aspis Agents avoid being spotted by the Pathfinders. With a passing nod to Rataji, the patrol moves past the party, totally unaware of the presence of most of you. Though they stop for a brief second as they spot Zurnzal leaning against the wall.
322 utters the phrase required to set in place the events to unfold. Suddenly without warning screams of pain and death sound from outside. The Statue of Durvan Gest shambles to life and crushes a Pathfinders skull. Blood and brain matter splashes out against the clean pavement.
This chaos alerts the Sphinx to give the signal and each strange and exotic animal within the menagarie leaps forth from their cages and begin rend Pathfinders by the dozen.
The Patrol look to each other in fright and take off at a run. "Holy shit. What is happening?" This gives you all plenty of opportunity to continue on unhindered.
At the end of the hall, you see two signs: one which reads Vault, Antarnicus Wing pointing to a lower level, and one which reads Tapestry Chamber pointing to a higher level.
The hallways leading to the vault are typically 10 feet wide, bear fine masonry walls, and are peppered with stout doors of wood, stone, and iron. The Antarnicus Wing is clearly labeled from the outside by a brass plaque inscribed with large letters, though no further signs indicate what is contained within.
Before you is a strong wooden door with a sizeable keyhole, indicating a lock of decent quality.
Shohiraj steps forward, checking both the keyhole of the wooden door for comparison to the keys she obtained from the halfling.
Disappointed his hiding spot wasn't ideal, Zurnzal breaths a sigh of relief when the guards dash off as the chaos starts. He attempts to move quietly as he follows the others towards their first stop.
While he isn't exactly clodding along loudly, Zurnzal still keeps his distance behind the sneakier perceptive individuals. He stays just close enough to be able to dash past and crack some heads if a threat presents itself.