[Gameday VII] GM Zoomba's The Lion's Justice (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Still several weeks out, but feel free to dot in.

The half-elf slips into the room. He looks around warily, and periodically checks the entrances and exits. He wears a finely made cloak, and carries a longbow and rapier. His dark surcoat gives the hint of armor underneath, but his movements seem fluid and unhindered.

Ranalus enters 'Musello's Bait & Tackle' with some difficulty. The streets of Oppara are mobbed with visitors and citizens, even more than typical for the Taldan capital. Even the shop itself is surprisingly crowded, with a frazzled assistant manning the front counter.

Ranalus and the rest of you as you arrive move carefully through the shop towards a back room. Beacuse you know the truth: 'Musello's Bait & Tackle' is actually a front for the Pahtfinder Society's lodge in the city. As you slip through the wooden door to the building's rear, you see a middle-aged man with sharp grey hair and a smock sitting amidst a space that seems half storage room, half meeting chamber. Venture-Captain Muesello straddles a turned-around wooden chair, resting his arms atop the back. He looks around with a wide smile on his face, nodding with satisfaction as you assemble before him.

“Good, good. You all made it through the crowds gathered for the Grand Day of Exaltation. Be sure to keep a hand on your coin purses during these festivities; there’s an abundance of pickpockets out there. All the big nobility is at the senate building, including our own Lady Morilla. That’s where the exaltation ceremony is set to take place: the grand prince is going to elevate a commoner into the ranks of the nobility. It’s all real charming, not to mention a great boon for business. Heck, that’s why I’m keeping the shop open even while we meet!”

Added a link to the Slides doc at the top of the page and in my profile. Not that much to see yet, but let me know if you have trouble finding them. Beyond that, feel free to join the meeting and introduce yourselves to each other.

Dot; will have an introduction up tomorrow.

"Oh yes, charming."
There is no sincerity in Ranalus's voice as he says this, but he does manage to avoid rolling his eyes. Humans and their love of pomp and circumstance...
"I did see more than a few such entrepreneurs working the crowd. But I've always felt the Society paid well enough. So fret not, Venture-Captain, I won't undertake any skulduggery except at the Society's request. Have you work for us today?"

Toshi, who appeared distinctly Qadiran, despite his name, looked around. He looked like a very prosperous merchant at the moment, a little padded around the middle, with a small cloud of Ioun stones orbitting his head. It was only closer examination that revealed that they were all small and cracked, not worth nearly what initial appearances were.

He nodded to the host, and asked "Have we an invite? Or other means of entry? How... martial should we appear? With all the ruckus, would it be strange if we wore our more... trouble focused gear?"

Next to enter the shop is a stunningly beautiful female elf with shimmering violet eyes and long, flowing brown hair. Looking young for her race, perhaps in her mid hundreds, the confident looking girl wears a shiny, very well-fitted and fashionably low-cut mithril chain shirt underneath a fine purple cloak. An extremely sharp looking scimitar is sheathed at her hip. She also sports some impressive jewellery, including a dark black amulet that seems to cling to the skin above her breasts and a jewelled band that she wears on her head.

"Oh, a ceremony, wonderful! Beats trudging through the sewers or those dank, musty dungeons they keep sending us to...oh, and you say Lady Morilla will be there? It'll be nice to catch up with her again. Perhaps I'll convince her to let her hair down a little this time."

As Toshi asks about appropriate attire, Thoriel smiles. "Ha, doesn't bother me one way or the other, I'll look fabulous in or out of my armor, if you know what I mean?" She gives the young lad a wink.

Toshi blinks at her for a moment, then blushes- though it's hard to tell, as his skin is so dark.

Shaking hands of friends and greeting acquaintances left and right, a human of average height slowly enters to the Bait & Tackle's back room. His fair skin is barely visible beneath a robust suit of gleaming metal armor adorned in various places with the Angelic Ankh, holy symbol of Sarenrae; the scimitar strapped above his left thigh was evidently polished meticulously, and the metal shield on his back bears a coat of arms of a stylized red horse over a golden sun. Despite his apparent grandeur, the paladin walks with a considerable limp, and comes crashing down on one of the chairs. Following just after him is a short, blonde Ulfen woman in much simpler gear, entering the room and standing quietly by Haul's seat.

"So we're going to the Day of Exaltation gala, are we? Fantastic! Just what I needed to solidify my status as a fledgling noble. I'm Haul, by the way; Haul, First Earl Ceffyls, paladin in service of the Dawnflower. This is Aestrith, a friend from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings who kindly joined me as bodyguard." The woman nods, remaining silent. "Right, now to the mission an hand. Not too long ago I ventured to the north to help clear the name of a member of the Ulfen Guard, who in turn should have given the society some information about today's event. What'd we learn?"

Haul participated in 9-11 The Jarlsblood Saga a month ago, so he already has a little background with this storyline. His bodyguard is a boon from the same scenario, and functions as a follower vanity from the Field Guide.

Muesello lets out a raucous laugh.

I appreciate your eagerness for a party, but unfortunately we have other needs from you. While all the nobles are enjoying their fancy celebration, it’s up to you to do some important work for Lady Morilla. The Society’s recent accomplishments in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings - which it seems I have one of you to partially thank for he looks with a grin at Haul, - have gained us support from a member of the Ulfen Guard: a man by the name of Bjarte Trolltooth. Now, it seems that Bjarte wanted to talk to the Society abo—

Musello's breifing is suddenly paused as each of you hears the forceful slamming of the tackle shop’s front door from behind you. A bellowing string of foreign words resonates through the shop, followed by tramping footsteps getting closer.

Haul's Ulfen friend leans down to the halfling and whispers. That sounds like Bjarte. And he doens't exactly sound calm.

I think Haul is human, though the icon is a halfling.
Ranalus looks at the paladin with a mixture of amusement and dismay.
The Dawnflower again. I did like that inquisitor well enough. But this one, his leg? He's so... slow. A slow and ennobled servant of the Goddess of Light. And I, a fleet servant of the Lord of Shadows with no ties to any mortal lord or land. Is the Society having fun at my expense? Perhaps my next colleague will be a Chelish Hellknight. Yet there is some wisdom to be found here.
"Greetings, Your Lordship. As it is Light that creates Shadow, I am in the Everlight's debt."
Ranalus smirks a bit, and lets his cloak fall back just enough to show an eye-and-crescent-moon symbol.

At the disturbance, Ranalus reaches towards his rapier, though he does not draw.

Boros, having just entered before all of the commotion of the impending entrance of Bjarte, stands off in the corner, trying his best to get comfortable in the room. While he had done significant work as an agent for the society, this was his first mission where he wasn't assigned with Glarifyur. In fact, he didn't know anyone in the room, and the unease with which he was dealing with that fact surprised him.

White-gold colored feathers peek out from a slightly darker hued, golden cloak that covers Boros' shoulders and hangs down almost to the floor. The hood of the cloak remains on his head, covering the bluish feathers that flow off of his head and down the side of his face, like hair would on a human. His crossed arms reveal dozens of small scars that leave an observer wondering what might have happened.

Though his body is humanoid in most ways, the wings and feathers betray his Garuda heritage. His bright golden eyes are a dead giveaway to the Aasimar part of his blood. A shiny, mithril chain shirt and comfortable cloth breeches complete the ensemble.

"I'd ask what work you are talking about," Boros finally speaks up, "But I'm guessing my answer is only moments away," he says, his eyes shifted towards the door.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (9) + 22 = 31

Know (religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Boros finally brings himself to intentionally make eye contact with each of his new companions, sizing them up and nodding a silent greeting. He acknowledges the Count's display of divine markings, and displays his own three-dagger symbol on the pommel of a nasty looking whip tied to his belt.

Whoops! Sorry about that Haul.

The door to the back room swings open, knocked partially off its hinges by the force of the slam. A bear of an Ulfen man stands in the open doorway, silhouetted by the sunshine from the storefront. A greataxe is strapped along his back, and animal furs cover a set of tanned hide armor. He looks around the back room, a sense of barely restrained fury in his eyes.

“Where is the fancy woman who calls herself Morilla?" he bellows, looking about the room frantically. Bjarte Trolltooth of the Ulfen Guard, made an oath to her, and now he upholds it! By the gods, this is a dark time.

He gives the barest glance at the door behind him to confirm it is shut before feverishly whispering out: The Grand Prince will soon mete out a bloody culling of the senate. I am honor-bound not to interfere, but I can warn. And you can stop it!

Toshi takes a quick look at the insignia revealed, then jerks upright at the last couple sentences. He has no particular friends in the senate, but he is a merchant, as was his father before him, and his father before him. And he knows how badly something like that can make things into chaos.

He blinks as he looks at the figure barging in. He had also been involved in helping this man's past get cleared - a most unpleasant time, as it involved Undead that ate part of his life force, weakening him badly for a time. Thankfully, the village there had been able to help, and also the Linnorm they had defeated at the end had helped him in other ways.

Knowledge: Religion: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Ranalus raises an eyebrow. A betrayal by the Grand Prince? Why? Well, I expect the Decemvirate will pay handsomely for us protecting Lady Morilla.
"She is at the Senate Building," replies Ranalus, quietly and quickly, "and so I believe we must go there to help her. What information can you give? And did you give two oaths? One to help her and one to not help her? Why must you stay your hand?"

Thoriel, clearly still getting over the disappointment of the realisation that they weren't going to be partaking in the celebrations, watches warily as the group interact with the Ulfen. She instinctively reaches down to her scimitar, her hands resting casually on it for now. She heads to the door, ready to head to warn Lady Morilla once the others had obtained any further information they thought they might need.

Bjarte Trolltooth looks sternly at the half-elf.

I’ve pledged myself to the grand prince, but a man also has his principles. What Stavian intends to do is vile: the senate will be attacked during the exaltation ceremony, a grand 'purge'!

It must be stopped, even if the axe that falls is not my own. Many of my fellow Ulfen Guards are opposed to this, but the grand prince has been selective in deciding which of us will join him at the ceremony and which were left behind to defend the palace. Those in the chambers and on the floor with him will not take a stand against this madness.

The Ulfen turns to Haul, and Toshi, his eyes darting to the Ulfen warrior beside the paladin. The 'she' you speak of. Lady Morilla? She aided my clan and exonerated my ancestor. My promise was that I would tell her of what I knew of the Grand Prince's schemes, but the Stavian's plans have escalated. He intends to stop his daughter’s attempts to claim the throne. Sees the senate as monstrous and bloated, and he intends to cull the herd. Even were he right, his methods are madness. Foreigners Bjarte almost spits out the word. brought in to kill the Prince's citizens. Stemming his own bloodline to hold onto power. It is...disgraceful.

"Then, it seems our path is clear. We must stop these... 'foreigners'. Do we have a good way to enter? How long till the attack, so we can best prepare? How many of the attackers are we to be facing?"

The issue at hand makes his voice turn crisp and clear. He, like the others, has faced problems before, and the needs of the moment mean he needs to get down to business.

Haul remains sitting with his mouth agape for most of Bjarte's explanation and his teammates' replies. He attempts to jerk himself upward in the same fashion as Toshi, having seemingly forgotten the condition of his legs, and is helped to a standing position by Aestrith.

"How are you all so calm about this?", he asks, looking mostly at Ranalus and Thoriel. "The Grand Prince of Taldor arranging a massacre against his own Senate? Unbelievable; this is madness!"

"I see," replies Ranalus to Bjarte, with unusual gentleness, "the Ulfen Guard is sworn to His Majesty. And you personally have a debt of honor to Lady Morilla as well. What to do when they conflict? Stavian will call you a traitor but you stayed true. We will endeavour to save her and the others."
He turns to Toshi. "Best I think to try subtlety or persuasion first rather than force. Else the Society would find itself the target of His Majesty's wrath. If we can find Lady Morilla and alert her, she can mobilize the Senate to save themselves and stop the Grand Prince. Without us being the cause of a Taldan civil war. If we initiate violence here in Oppara, based only on a report of what these foreigners might do, that could cause more problems than it solves. Where human politics are concerned, the direct approach is not always best."

To Lord Haul, he replies, "That's the information we have, yes. It's possible someone planted the rumor to discredit Bjarte or test his loyalty. Such deception is not unusual in Oppara. But even in our Society work, not all problems are what they appear at first."

"So," he asks Musello, "can you get us into the Senate Hall?"

Toshi just shakes his head, and answers Haul. "No. It is politics. Dirty politics, but only politics on the highest level. One that we, as Pathfinders cannot allow to occur, should we have the chance to stop it, but it need not be madness. Events like this are certainly not common, but not unheard of either, in my homeland of Qadira."

"Negotiating is fine, I truly know the potency of it - but I also know that there are times it is not a good idea. Our best bet, if possible, is to intercept the 'foreigners', and prevent their entry if possible."

"I don't mean negotiating. I mean warning the targets so they can get to safety. Persuading them that the threat is real."

"Calm? Thoriel gives Haul a quizzical look. "Sorry for not bursting into hysterics! It's just that when you've lived as long as I have and seen as much as I have, you perhaps get a bit immune to the drama you humans get so worked up about. There's a problem, we help to fix it...but yes, this one is urgent. I agree that reaching Lady Morilla should be our priority, to warn her if we can...and to protect her life if we must!"

As you discuss and process Bjarte's ominous warning, Musello seems as taken aback as the rest of you. He stammers to Ranalus. Get into the Senate Hall? I...I don't know. Morilla and some of her assistants are likely already there, but this is the event of the season. I'm not sure I could arrange passes on such short notice. The Venture-Captain turns to the Ulfen as he dives into his desk and begins poring over papers franticly If we moved to the senate building, perhaps we could explain...

Bjarte cuts him off We would not make it up the hundred steps to the senate before being stopped. Those standing watch at the event will not interfere with the Grand Prince's work, and even the few not aware will not allow strangers to impose on slanderous accusations. Even witch magic to bring us within the building would only cast us as assassins or traitors.

He looks squarely at you. As you say, we of the Guard are sworn to the Primogen Throne. But there is a group sworn to Taldor: the Lion Blades. I am a killer of warriors. They are that too, but also diplomats and spies. The Lion Blades know how to walk these paths better than I. With their aid they may be able to oppose this treachery quietly, without shattering the nation into total uproar.

There's no great placement for this in this particular scenario, but as you discuss the urgent matter at hand, you may recall things you've heard or learned around the city in the last few days with a Gather Information or Knowledge Nobility or Local check. Feel free to see everything your check hits and under (and share IC ofc).

Diplomacy (Gather Information) + Taldan Courtier: 1d20 + 19 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 1 = 34

After assessing the situation, and being affected by his teammates' cooler, more logical approach, Haul spends a few minutes scribbling down notes on rumours that had reached his ears or conversations regarding the gala he may have had during the last few days. He occasionally consults Aestrith on names and events he may have forgotten, and ends up with a large amount of information. He clears his throat and start explaining.

"Right... well, some background for those of you who weren't in Oppara or Taldor lately--the Grand Day of Exaltation is an important affair. It is a day in which the Grand Prince elevates a lucky commoner to the rank of noble, and many people from all around Avistan flock to Oppara to participate in celebrations and be part of this historic event."

The paladin pauses for a moment, allowing the basic information to sink in.

"Now, for specifics about today. The commoner set to be exalted today is a man from the little hamlet of Breezy Creek, uh..."

"Kalbio", Aestrith reminds him.

"Yes, Kalbio of Breezy Creek. I had the opportunity to chat with some friends of his a few days ago. The fellow's parents spent a fortune to have their son educated and prepared for the occasion. Besides the Exaltation itself, an important vote is to be held by the Senate today; they will decide whether or not to abolish the law that says only men are allowed to ascend to the throne of Taldor. Primogen Throne, so, Primogeniture, it's called. As you probably know, the Grand Prince's only remaining heir is a female, Princess Eutropia, and so she amassed support in the senate and across the Empire to abolish Primogeniture and legalize her eventual ascent to the throne."

A tinge of excitement and pride in Haul's voice as he says the final sentence confirms that he is a supporter of Princess Eutropia, and is looking forward to the abolition of Primogeniture.

"Your meeting with your friend, the guard, sir?", the Ulfen woman whispers to Haul.

"I'm getting to it. Our friend Trolltooth is right; there is no chance we get into the senate hall without the proper arrangements. A friend of mine has informed me that Earl Vernisant, appointed by the Grand Prince to oversee the gala's security, has been working hard for two months on the event's security, leaving no room for doubt regarding its quality."

"One final detail I still don't really know what to make of... this year has seen a significant rise in the amount of nobles and dignitaries from foreign countries attending the gala. This includes envoys from Cheliax and Andoran, the former provinces of Taldor, which are currently the Empire's bitter rivals. I encountered an escort of one of those envoys two days ago, a Chelish noblewoman named Deckland. Apparently she's a renowned fencer, spellcaster, and servant of Asmodeus, lord of devils. If that isn't suspicious, I don't know what is."

Haul finishes his lecture with a nod of confirmation to his bodyguard, and turns to his fellow Pathfinders for ideas.

Boros takes a deep breath, trying to soak everything in that is suddenly going on around him. He closes his eyes for the briefest of moments, reveling in the chaos with a wry smile.

Know (local) untrained (DC 10 Max): 1d20 ⇒ 7

"Thank you Bjarte." is all he manages to say at first, still processing the implications of a bloody and public mass execution. "You honor your ancestors and your oath." the Aasimar adds with a polite nod of his head.

"I, for one, am glad to hear about these Lion Blades. I'm certainly not afraid to get my hands dirty with a direct response, but it seems to me that the political strings being pulled here are going to require a much different approach than barging in. Bjarte beat me to the punch, any attempt to force our way inside might just give the prince a convenient scapegoat for his murderous plans, and it would be the society that would take the fall."

Boros begins to pace as he thinks. His longbow moves on his back with each step, the bottom coming only inches from the floor while the other end juts out past his feathered head. His hand, also covered with scars, scratches the mutton-chop style feathered beard he sports. "I'm sorry I don't know much more about this city, I can't help much there. Bjarte, do you know who we can get in contact with from the Lion Blades, and quickly? We don't have much time it seems."

Ninja'd!

Boros' eyes go wide at the depth of Haul's timely information. "Well there are certainly a few dots that can be connected there, but it is still just conjecture at this point. The influx of the foreign dignitaries could be fellow conspiritors, or targets. Or both."

Images of a chelaxian woman summoning a devil that pulls an Andoran dignitary's body in half dance around Boros' mind. He discards them quickly, not wanting to form too much of a conclusion, for fear he might miss the truth if it doesn't match up.

"The one piece that makes the most sense is the abolishment of this Primogeniture. The prince can make sure that the law stays intact if he murders the senators that support its abolishment and support the princess. With that knowledge, I believe we already have a solid lead on who the targets of this scheme most likely would be."

Can't beat Lord Haul's roll!

Ranalus bristles. "As I said, we can't go around initiating a fight here in Oppara. I suppose I am still bound by that advice, no matter how much I might wish to eviscerate vile Chelaxian devil-binders. Let's find the Lion Blades. You are right, a quiet solution is best, Bjarte. Unrest will only work to the advantage of Cheliax and" - he turns and spits - "Asmodeus."

Bjarte nods assuredly at Boros. Yes. I can bring you to the Lion Blades. I am an Ulfen Guard: I can arrange an introduction with them.

And I, Musello says, finally drawing a sheet of parchment from the stack. will see if I can contact Lady Morilla. Alert her, get reinforcements, find anyone to help.

He looks at you. We need to act quickly Pathfinders. The Exaltation is tonight. This goes beyond Morilla's side-project: we need to act before all of Taldor is thrown into chaos!

Gather Information: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (2) + 22 = 24
Gather Information: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (10) + 22 = 32

While Toshi considers what he also knows, Haul recites the same out loud.

"How much time do we have? Do you know if the attack would occur immediately, or later in the events? Have we any copies of an invitation? It is not a skill I use much, but I know the theory of copying a document. But, mostly, how much time have we to respond, before events occur?"

What time of day is it? Morning, noon, afternoon, early evening?

Boros nods along with Toshi's questions, hoping that Bjarte or Musello might have some idea.

"If I guessed, I would guess that the prince might wait until the Exaltation is well underway, ideally when someone was giving a speech, and all attention is focused in one place. Not to be sneaky though, but to make sure not a single person missed a single detail. If he succeeds in killing all the senators supporting the princess in one fell swoop, the act itself would go a long ways in making sure his supporters stayed in line.

"Just a guess though," Boros shrugs his shoulders. "That's how I'd do it anyways." he offers a wry grin.

Toshi blinks a couple times quickly, as a thought occurs to him. "Are we sure he is going after the supporters of the girl, and not those opposing the measure?"

Musello looks warily outside the backroom's window, where the sun is already high in the sky. The Exaltation is set to occur this evening. I'd expect we have only a few hours, perhaps more if the gala's linger a bit to delay the opening proceedings.

Then why pause? Bjarte snorts. Come: each minute the Lion Blades knows of this is a minute they have to prepare!

"Let's go," says Ranalus. He prepares to follow Bjarte.
Ranalus looks back at the paladin. "Try to keep up, Your Lordship. Time is of the essence."
No OOC slight intended, and most likely this part moves at the speed of plot, but in-character that 15' speed would be seen as frustratingly slow. Ranalus does not have Longstrider so can't help here.

"A plot as hideous as this, just to stop a woman having the right to ascend the Throne?" Thoriel looks appalled. "Ok, now you've got even my blood boiling! Yes, let's talk to the Blades...and if we need to carry Haul to get there any quicker, I'll help!"

@Thoriel: Ranalus is fast, at 40'. Haul Ceffyls, the paladin/oracle, is the one with 15' move.

"A fair question Toshi," Boros nods his head, "But we already know that the Prince is willing to cut off his own bloodline to keep himself on the throne. That is the reason for this grand purge, as it was referred to. His daughter is heir, but before she can ascend, the laws preventing women from ascending must be abolished by the senate. That law can't be abolished if the senators supporting the abolishment are killed, thereby ensuring that the prince's daughter will no longer have a claim to the throne."

Boros looks at the man, hoping he has helped connect enough dots for him. "Even further, we know from Bjarte here that the Prince intends to use foreigners to carry out the plan, and thanks to Haul's exceptional foresight, we know that the number of foreigners attending the gala is markedly increased."

"Either way, our next step is to make contact with the Lion Blades. From there, we can determine our next steps, and time is of the essence."

Boros finishes a few notes in his journal while everything is fresh in his mind and packs the leather bound book away. Hefting his bag, he begins to follow Bjarte out of the door.

"Don't stress about your pace Haul. We'll find you a horse if we need to."

Toshi nods at the response, even if he finds it odd.

He thinks a moment, then looks out the window at the sun, before casting Mage Armor on himself. It lasts long enough, he will still be covered until late into the night.

He follows along.

"Many apologies", the paladin says, "but the condition of my feet was not my choice. Finding a horse or some other way to expedite my speed of travel - that of all of us, in fact - would be useful. Every second counts."

Aestrith once again helps Haul to his feet, and follows him as he walks out of the Bait & Tackle.

"I do have a light horse - battle trained, as it happens. For the needs of the mission, you could use it."

Bjarte leads you through the streets of Oppara with grim purpose. His quick strides are initially difficult for even the swiftest of you to keep up, but the Ulfen shortly realizes you are not used to quite the same marching speeds and slows his pace to match. Though the city is still thronged with people, the looking Ulfen Guard's presence does much work to clear a neat path before you as you go.

Before long your destination becomes clear as the Kitharodian Academy looms large ahead of you. One of the region’s greatest schools of opera and arts, you barely have time to wonder why Bjarte is taking you here before he suddenly bursts ahead and rushes up the academy’s steps. He seems to be animatedly talking to the few guards outside as you climb after him, and as you reach the top one of them is heading inside as Bjarte turns back to you.

An audience is being arranged. I have given my report, they will speak with you to arrange how to proceed now. The man grimaces. Here I leave you. There may be others of the Guard not a party to this madness. Bjarte give a curt nod, his posture looking weary for the first time. Gods speed. We must save the Crown, even from itself.

The Ulfen Guard departs. As he moves back down into the city, a junior student calls you Please, follow me. and guides you into the academy. She takes you down several hallways and down a set of stairs into a small study chamber. There she move briskly towards a statue to the rear, and as she fiddles with it there is a large *CLUNK* and the stone moves aside to reveal a spiraling stairwell going down below. Without waiting to see if you follow, the student descends.

Underneath the Kitharodian Academy, your guide brings you through an immense chamber lined and filled with shelf upon shelf of texts. As you pass through the huge library, you spy a beautifully carved bust of a lion set in the wall. Passing it (and down another short hallway), she finally opens the door to a cozy but well-appointed room. Two rows of tall bookshelves flank the imposing yet beautiful wooden desk that presides over this room. The room’s only chair sits behind it. Over the door hangs a portrait of Grand Prince Stavian III wearing an especially smug grin. A brass plaque on the frame of the portrait reads, “A cunning lie is never told twice.”

The student gestures inwards, states Someone will be with you shortly., and then departs, leaving you alone.

Toshi's eye's also flicker to the bust. He looks around, trying to compare the room to what he'd seen last time.

Too bad they didn't have the same deck of illusions to use this time. Might be useful in stopping the 'foreigners'. He had previously understood the ability of Illusions, but had it reinforced when working for the Efreeti.

"Ah, do any of you need Magic Armor, as you don't rely on physical ones?" He looks at the Magus and Inquisitor. He isn't sure how much they might need it, how much what they are currently wearing helps them.

"Ah, careful of the Lions- they are part of the security system."

Boros smiles a charming smile, softening his generally hard and rough features. The look fits him for a moment, it's a wonder he doesn't adopt it more often. "Thank you Toshi. My enchanted armor is likely as effective as your magical wards. At least, the last time I tried I found that the combination of the two doesn't do what I thought it would." the feathered archer shrugs his shoulders. "It's really too bad I can't make better use of a wizard's shield spell. That's why I try to stay in the rear whenever possible." he grins.

"Times like this make me miss my good friend. Glarifyur, dwarven servant of Torag. That dwarf is as strong as the mountain. In fact, I'm pretty sure he is part mountain actually..."

Boros makes sure to thank the student, and takes in his surroundings. He pulls out his journal and makes a few sketches. The idea that the lion statues are part of the defense system is incredibly intriguing to him, and he wants to make sure he brings that note back to Glarifyur and his own Aerie.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34 Probably not necessary, but Boros likes to be thorough.

Toshi looks around, trying to remember how to get to the route he previously took to the catacombs.

Memory: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Sadly, it had been so long ago, and so much had happened, he can't spark that particular memory.

Boros has some time to get a few notes and outlines of the office down, as several minutes pass silently with the lot of you alone in the office. Finally, the door opens and an older Taldan women in simple clothes enters. Sealing the door behind her, she moves calmly towards the desk not looking at any of you except to make her way across the room.

Pulling back the chair, the woman takes a seat at the desk and the looks up at you. Her expression is flat as she stares

I am a Lion Blade. You seek to speak with us. Why?

"That, my lady, is a complicated answer." Boros snaps his journal shut and slides it back into his pack. A sudden chill puts goosebumps up and down his arms, and he shivers involuntarily to shake the cold feeling. His feathers puff out momentarily, a few of the small downy ones fall out to the floor.

"Apologies." he smiles disarmingly at the woman. "To stop a catastrophe? To save the crown? That is all bigger picture stuff. Why you? Because right now we don't know where else to turn, and we trust Bjarte."

Feeling he has appropriately conveyed the massive scope and stakes of why they are here, he calmly continues, ready now to untangle the confusion he likely just created.

"We've discovered that the Prince plans to use foreigners to murder some of the senators tonight during the exaltation ceremony. The reasoning behind it seems to be to prevent his daughter from being able to ascend to the throne, based on the information that we have. There are more details that we have learned so far that I've taken notes on, and would be happy to share with you, but that is the basic layout. We've been told you and your organization is uniquely poised to be able to help us stop this massacre before it happens." Boros studies the woman's impassive face for a reaction before continuing.

"As agents of the Pathfinder Society, one of our own will also be in the room, making this a bit more personal to us as well."

Thoriel smiles at Tothi as he offers her magical armor. "Why thank you, sweetie! No, I'm fine though. I prefer the tangible armor. Easier to get it cut in my preferred style. A magical shield can be quite handy, of course."

As the Lion Blade arrives, the Taldan elf stands quietly by while Boros eloquently communicates the situation on behalf of the group.

Toshi was about to respond to Thoriel, when he also stopped for the appearance of the Lion's Blade. He listened, while trying to project, via body language, that the party was telling the truth, was concerned, and was here to help.