Even before the venture-captain arrives, the theater in Heidmarch Manor is crammed with Pathfinders. Heidmarch enters quietly, then slips through the crowd, takes the stage, and speaks. “Tonight, the Council of Ushers is sponsoring a pre-auction gala, to be hosted at the Cathedral of Abadar. During the party, the auctioneers intend to display the Runecarved Key in order to entice potential bidders. Anyone serious about entering the auction will be required to place a deposit of ten thousand gold coins in an escrow account at the cathedral.
“We need you to attend this event, both to submit our deposit as well as to determine who else might be interested in the key. While most of those attending received invitations, the event is semi-private and open to anyone with enough money to place serious bids. While the city provided me with an invitation, my appearance would give our many enemies cause for suspicion. For this reason, I ask that all of you go in my stead, and enter as my proxies. Still, we do not want out enemies to speculate on our own intentions. For this reason you must keep a low profile and avoid seeming too eager about the key. Each of you will be given a portion of the full deposit to take to the temple to present to Proctor Imikar”
Once you have received your briefing, Sheila gives you a strong box containing a portion of the deposit. It’s heavy, so she hands it to Eadie, who can feel the coins shifting inside as she carries it. Sheila glances over at you with a raised eybrow. “I’m glad you are prepared for anything, but do remember that this is a Gala event. Try not to scare the other guests too much,” then she grins, “unless of course they are trying to outbid us.”
You make your way to the Cathedral of Abadar. Upon your arrival, you witness a steady stream of guests ascending the stairs and entering the cathedral’s main sanctuary, where the viewing is being held. Rows of temple warriors wearing white tabards stitched with the golden key of Abadar flank the main entrance. Their hands clenched tightly around their gleaming swords as they stand almost motionless, ever-vigilant stares upon their faces.
As you enter, various low-level priests invite you to partake in food and beverages while you mingle about. You decide to deposit your funds first. One of the acolytes directs you to Proctor Jyronn Imikar, a pleasant Osirian priest who runs the temple. Imikar accepts your deposit and writes something in his ledger. You wouldn’t be proper pathfinders if you did not use the opportunity to attempt to see some of the writing.
Although the rest of the names are a blur to you, the last name in the ledger is Zimandi Kaddren.
My goodness, you have a good memory. You spotted the following names in the ledger:
Maiveer Sloan representing the Aspis Consortium
Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports
Sheila Heidmarch representing the Pathfinder Society
The Duchesses representing no one
Doctor Ernst Landis representing the Museum of Ages
Zimandi Kaddren
You managed to spot the following in the ledger:
Sheila Heidmarch representing the Pathfinder Society
Dymal Rinks, independent
Zimandi Kaddren
Nice memory! You spotted:
Maiveer Sloan representing the Aspis Consortium
Falrig Sneve
Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports
Dymal Rinks, independent
The Duchesses representing no one
Zimandi Kaddren
You spotted the following names in the ledger:
Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports
Dymal Rinks, independent
Doctor Ernst Landis representing the Museum of Ages
You spotted the following names in the ledger!
Maiveer Sloan representing the Aspis Consortium
Sheila Heidmarch representing the Pathfinder Society
The Duchesses representing no one
Zimandi Kaddren
After a moment Proctor Imikar closes the book ”Thank you for entering the auction. Will you also thank Madam Heidmarch on my behalf?”
After depositing the funds you take a drink and something to eat. A squat man in white robes steps upon the cathedral dais to address the room. Introducing himself as the sexton of Magnimar’s High Cathedral of Abadar, he greets his guests with a broad, welcoming smile. “Good evening, friends! I’m pleased to see so many of our distinguished and honored guests could attend. For those of you not fortunate enough to have participated in our pre-auction festivities, please feel free to take part in all the luxuries and wonders within these halls. And with my welcome, I have the pleasure unveiling the auction’s feature lot. Enjoy!”
With the utterance of the final word he pulls aside the veil, displaying a gigantic key. It stands roughly three feet tall and is made of stone etched with glowing arcane symbols. The crowd applauds and people turn back to their companions to discuss the key. The crowd is an eclectic mix of landholders, merchants, and other notable figures from all over Varisia, wide-eyed and curious to glimpse the mysterious Runecarved Key. Hired servants weave through the crowd bearing luxurious platters of fruits, sweetbreads, and oysters or trays topped with crystal goblets of heady red wine. Guests mingle slowly, socializing amicably but cautiously with longtime acquaintances, as they feel out potential competitors.
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Vashara takes a moment to look around the room for one of the names she spotted from the list as she takes a circuitous route towards a table of the well presented high class buffet.
She decides to make discreet inquiries about Doctor Ernst Landis of the Museum of Ages.
"Excuse me" she says to one of the servers,"have you seen the representative from the Museum of Ages? I beleive Doctor Landis is here already and I need to speak to him."
Whatever she learns she shares with her group as they meet up, including the other two names she spotted from the ledger, Kresch Vaor of Underbridge Exports and Dymal Rinks who appears to be independent.
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After securing one of the passing goblets of wine, Gunner makes his way toward the food table, chatting with folks as he goes. As he does, he makes gentle inquiries about one of the names he spotted, Zimandi Kaddren.
When he meets up with the group later, he shares what he found. "I spotted that Dymal Rinks character on there too. Them and this Zimandi Kaddren I was just askin' around about were all I was able to spot before the book closed, aside from Sheila's name of course."
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Eadie also shares her knowledge with the others.
“Kresch Vaor of Underbridge Exports sounds a bit *ahem* shady.”
Eadie disdains the drinks on offer, sipping from a used potion vial filled with a clear fluid she produced from a hidden pocket under her armor.
She plucks a trio of lychees from a passing tray, peels away their knobbly red skin and bites the sweet, translucent flesh off their brown stone, while chatting to a lay Abadarian elder.
“I tried these in Goka, Exorbitant Consultant MacKinsy. They’re pretty good. I was hoping to use them as an ice-breaker to meet Zimandi Kaddren.”
“The Duchesses sound interesting. Wealthy and well-dressed I’m sure. Have you done any work for them?”
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Myrdon, under the the distraction caused by Aegis II ransacking the refreshment table for shrimp, discreetly shares with the rest of his team the names he spotted on the ledger.
"Maiveer Sloan, representing the Aspis Consortium. Falrig Sneve, independent. Kresch Vaor, representing Underbridge Exports. Dymal Rinks, independent. The Duchesses, independent. And Zimandi Kaddren, independent. But of course, who's to tell who's really independent. I suggest we split up. "
Myrdon then wanders over to restrain Aegis II, before circulating around the party. The exotic large bird is certainly a big hit, drawing attention from the guest, exactly his intention. Straight into the lion's den, shall we?
"Say, I've heard much of this Golarion-spanning organisation known as the Aspis Consortium, and one of their representatives is here tonight? Maiveer Sloan?"
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Yanndu recognizes a few names in the ledger and assisted by Lanliss' young and eager mind, attempts to recall any information he knows and broadcast it to his team immediately.
Yanndu also proceeds to cast detect thoughts. Psychic magic has its advantages, he thinks, as he mentally activates his mind listening powers.
Vashara decides to make discreet inquiries about Doctor Ernst Landis of the Museum of Ages.
"Excuse me" she says to one of the servers,"have you seen the representative from the Museum of Ages? I beleive Doctor Landis is here already and I need to speak to him."
“Of course, my dear!” One of the servers beams at Vashara. “He’s right over there!’”
Near the front of the gathering, vying for a look at the key, stands a balding, weathered old man wearing heavy robes stitched with runes. Despite his age, his face beams with a boyish grin as he gazes at the curious artifact.
After securing one of the passing goblets of wine, Gunner makes his way toward the food table, chatting with folks as he goes. As he does, he makes gentle inquiries about one of the names he spotted, Zimandi Kaddren.
A skinny fellow guest is piling his plate high with delicacies when you ask him about Zimandi Kaddren. “Zimandi? Oh, so she caught your eye too, eh? Frankly, she might be the tastiest thing here if you know what I mean!” He elbows you to make certain that you indeed know what he means, nodding over to where the key is displayed.
A strikingly handsome Chelaxian woman with deep, dark eyes and black hair steps forward to admire the key. She is richly dressed in a flowing gown cut to the very latest in Magnimarian fashion.
Bruno keeps his ears open for anyone using the name Zimandi Kaddren.
If he overheard someone, he focuses intently to determine if what they say is idle gossip or if there's something more to it.
Bruxo does not spot anyone talking about Zimandi anywhere in this crowd, alas. Do you want to go looking for someone else?
"Say, I've heard much of this Golarion-spanning organisation known as the Aspis Consortium, and one of their representatives is here tonight? Maiveer Sloan?"
One of the matrons at this event sighs. “Yes, he’s that rather unpleasant fellow over there with all the bodyguards. I asked him if his organization would consider contributing a paper to the Magnimaran Historical Society’s newsletter, and he told me...” she breaks off, coloring, “He told me that he was only here to laugh at the fools who came here to bid on a piece of old junk! Imagine!”
She points at a gaunt, fashionably dressed Chelaxian who is shaking hands with some of the wealthier-looking citizens as he makes his way through the room, accompanied by a half-dozen followers who appear to be equal parts attendant and bodyguard.
Yanndu recognizes a few names in the ledger and assisted by Lanliss' young and eager mind, attempts to recall any information he knows and broadcast it to his team immediately.
[dice=Knowledge Local to gain a more generic description of the type of person we seek]1d20+18
Yanndu also proceeds to cast detect thoughts. Psychic magic has its advantages, he thinks, as he mentally activates his mind listening powers.
There are a number of interesting minds here. You notice several that are trying for discretion. One in particular is a very nervous halfling named Dymal Rinks. Are they here? No, they can’t be. I double-checked to make certain I was not being followed.
A squat halfling, dressed in plain clothes skates about the edge of the crowd, his eyes flitting back and forth between the key and the exit.
“Kresch Vaor of Underbridge Exports sounds a bit *ahem* shady.”
Shady appears to be an understatement. It takes a while for even Eadie’s keen ears to spot someone who answers to that name. The woman who does merely answers, in a very quiet voice. “Yes,” to a question posed to her by one of Imikarr’s guards. You did not hear what the question was, just the name and response.
Then you see her. Moving slowly through the crowd is an uncomely woman with large teeth and a shrew-like nose, dressed unbecomingly in the drab clothing of a stevedore. Slight in stature with a slightly stooped posture, she behaves in a mostly standoffish manner. Slipping to the edge of the crowd, she nervously waits for the key. Spotting the artifact, she make a few quick notes, then slips off.
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A skinny fellow guest is piling his plate high with delicacies when you ask him about Zimandi Kaddren. “Zimandi? Oh, so she caught your eye too, eh? Frankly, she might be the tastiest thing here if you know what I mean!” He elbows you to make certain that you indeed know what he means, nodding over to where the key is displayed.
"Sure I do, buddy." You stay classy, dude.
Gunner taps his years of tending bar to maintain a friendly face, despite his inner disdain.
He puts some food on his plate and casually walks over toward the key, stopping near the Chelaxian woman while he regards the relic. Turning slightly toward Zimandi, he speaks. "Quite the thing, that key. What do you suppose it does? My names Gunner, by the way. What's yours?"
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“He told me that he was only here to laugh at the fools who came here to bid on a piece of old junk! Imagine!”
"Huh! Such an unpleasant fellow. I would imagine the rest of the organisation are filled with slimes like that! On second thoughts, perhaps I do not want to make of their acquaintances just yet then." As he turns away, Myrdon sends a message through the telepathic link. Snake has been located. The Chelaxian dressed like a pomp. Claims disinterest in the artifact. Clearly a feint. Suggest delay approaching, being our prime opponent.
"I need you both to apply your natural charms unto that squat halfling"
Will do. Note that we have yet to identify the Duchesses and Falrig. Request the others to follow up.
With his big bird in tow, Myrdon smoothly works the room, but ever gradually moving closer to the halfing in question. At a signal from him, Aegis bumps into Dymal. The significant size difference almost knocks him over. Myrdon immediately rushes over to stabilise him. "A thousand apologies! Forgive my most clumsy bird. His my show animal, but still very untrained for now. I hope he did not startle." Pretending to notice him staring at the door, Myrdon asks innocently. "You are expecting some friends? Say when they arrive, perhaps I can get Aegis to put up a show for you! In compensation! Absolutely free!"
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Yanndu first mentally gasps in shock, but then quickly recovers, ***...blunt...force...trauma...well done Myrdon...now we'll soon see what his panicked thoughts will swirl with...***
After the interaction, Yanndu goes to the bathroom. Once inside the private stall, he downs an antiplague and an antitoxin, then activates mage armor. Afterwards he returns to the party and re-establish his detect thoughts spell. He checks on Dymal, then proceed to mentally listen to other guests, focusing those that he noticed on the ledger or those that have been identified by his teammates who shared the results mentally.
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Eadie presses an index finger to her left ear.
Kresch Vaor of Underbridge Exports strikes me as a minion or scout, rather than a wealthy mastermind.
I’ll mind’s eye you all an image of her, before trying to identify the Duchesses.
Once I’ve found them, I was going to move in on Ms Vaor and attempt to intimidate her into not bidding.
Thoughts? ;)
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Yanndu cannot decide if this is a joke or if Eadie is insane or if Kresh Vaor is indeed an orange-stuffed goblin. This is Varisia after all...
***...hmm...dear Eadie...could you be more specific? where is this Kresch Vaor? with such a...tangy description...how can I not see her (him?) yet?...***
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*Sorry, Yanndu. I was thinking of VC Valsin’s costume at the Grand Lodge’s Foundation's Eve Party.
And the funny thing is it WASN’T Fancy Dress!*
**Oh and in my experience, it is a rare gent who doesn’t, Gunner …
I hope the Foodie Fella likes beards**
*** Yanndu, try this … ***
Moving slowly through the crowd away from the Runecarved Key is an uncomely woman with large teeth and a shrew-like nose, dressed unbecomingly in the drab clothing of a stevedore.
Slight in stature with a slightly stooped posture, she behaves in a mostly standoffish manner.
He puts some food on his plate and casually walks over toward the key, stopping near the Chelaxian woman while he regards the relic. Turning slightly toward Zimandi, he speaks. "Quite the thing, that key. What do you suppose it does? My names Gunner, by the way. What's yours?"
She offers her hand to you, palm down, the way nobles do to be gracious to social inferiors. Still, her smile is genuine. “I am Zimandi Kaddren of House Kaddren. Yes, the key is fascinating. There are so many theories about what it does. See all those runes? Those usually indicate that an artifact has value in and of itself, rather than merely being a catalyst to unlock something else. Are you a student of the arcane arts, Mr. Gunner? Or perhaps a historian?”
She looks you over with interest. “My family has been in Magnimar for generations, but I detect something else in your accent. What brings you to Magnimar? Was it the auction, or something else?”
With his big bird in tow, Myrdon smoothly works the room, but ever gradually moving closer to the halfing in question. At a signal from him, Aegis bumps into Dymal. The significant size difference almost knocks him over. Myrdon immediately rushes over to stabilise him. "A thousand apologies! Forgive my most clumsy bird. His my show animal, but still very untrained for now. I hope he did not startle." Pretending to notice him staring at the door, Myrdon asks innocently. "You are expecting some friends? Say when they arrive, perhaps I can get Aegis to put up a show for you! In compensation! Absolutely free!"
The little halfling practically jumps out of his skin as he stares at the giant roc. “Well, although the show sounds particularly interesting, I am afraid I am a very busy man today. I’m here to appraise the key on behalf of one of my many clients. I’m a merchant arbiter, you see, and time is money, so they say.” The halfling’s speech is so rushed that there are no pauses between one word and the next. “I was not aware that there was an entertainment scheduled for this evening, otherwise I might have scheduled for it. But now that I have seen the key, well, I suppose I had best get home to my horrid accomodations at the Old Fang Inn!”
He does appear to be a Merchant Arbiter, but he’s almost panicked about something else, and he sure as hell isn’t staying at the Old Fang Inn. That was the one part of his speech where he slowed down, deliberately trying to emphasize this piece of false information.
“Well so nice to meet you and the bird I am sure that I will catch your show some other time ta ta!”
Yanndu sees that the halfling is deep in debt. Although he is a fabulous merchant arbiter and very good at his job, he also has a passion for gambling that has gotten him into deep, deep trouble with the underworld. He’s afraid that at any moment someone is going to jump him and break his knee caps — or worse!
At the mention of the Old Fang, Yanndu gets the image of a nice hotel room, with a pillow on the bed embroidered with the letter G.
I’ll mind’s eye you all an image of her, before trying to identify the Duchesses.
Eadie does identify the Duchesses! Two women stand to the side of the cathedral, conversing softly between themselves. Both are dressed in Varisian travelers’ clothes draped with thick cloaks. “Well, Duchess, what do you think of this party? It is so full of the hoi-polloi, not wonderful aristocrats such as ourselves.”
“Yes, Duchess, but I think it is so invigorating to be here amongst the common folk. Shall we stroll amongst them and slum? Perhaps we could even take a look at that key?”
The first Duchess grins. “Why, Duchess, that would be a splendid idea! Do, let us stroll. Perhaps we might even see some high class folk like ourselves, wearing all their lovely bling.”
Taking each other’s arms, they stroll forward, studying everyone they go past, especially the wealthy society matrons.
Yanndu immediately turns his mind's eye towards the uncomely woman's psyche.
Kresh Vaor’s nervous as hell, They’re all dressed so much better than me. My god, that dress... It could pay for a new roof for the warehouse. Steady, steady. All we had to do is drop off the deposit, leave, and then back to that nice safe sewer. This thought calms her as she makes her way to the door.
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He puts some food on his plate and casually walks over toward the key, stopping near the Chelaxian woman while he regards the relic. Turning slightly toward Zimandi, he speaks. "Quite the thing, that key. What do you suppose it does? My names Gunner, by the way. What's yours?"She offers her hand to you, palm down, the way nobles do to be gracious to social inferiors. Still, her smile is genuine. “I am Zimandi Kaddren of House Kaddren. Yes, the key is fascinating. There are so many theories about what it does. See all those runes? Those usually indicate that an artifact has value in and of itself, rather than merely being a catalyst to unlock something else. Are you a student of the arcane arts, Mr. Gunner? Or perhaps a historian?”
She looks you over with interest. “My family has been in Magnimar for generations, but I detect something else in your accent. What brings you to Magnimar? Was it the auction, or something else?”
Gunner takes her hand and gives a slight bow before releasing it, though he stops short of anything so dramatic as kissing it.
"My interests lie more with the potable arts, Ms. Kaddren, as the Lucky Hero wills. Speaking of which, can I get you a drink?
"As for why I'm here, I've no real interest in the key, myself, other than the natural curiosity such a wonder elicits. I've traveled here with some friends who are interested, and of course are much more knowledgeable about such things." He adds with a grin "Besides, how could I turn down a party like this?"
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***This mind speaking is rather hard to get used to when you've never done it before. I almost spoke aloud to reply then. This would certainly be a useful ability to have access to when out on patrol. Anyway, my mind was wandering again. Dymal Rinks, halfling fellow. I'm on my way before Myrdon's bird eats him.***
Vashara takes a circuitous route over to Myrdon and the halfling and arrives just as the halfling is trying to excuse himself from the conversation.
"Oh there you are Myrdon, have you and Aegis made a new friend? You really must introduce me! Well met good sir. I'm Vashara Bainbridge of Fangwood Keep in the River Kingdom's. Any friend of Myrdon is always welcome to stay over in my keep if you ever find yourself over in Nirmathas." Vashara barely gives the halfing the time to acknowledge she exists before she continues talking.
"Oh isn't that key thing wonderful! Have you ever seen something like that before? I know i haven't. There must be a lot of very rich people around here who would do almost anything to get hold of that thing. What do you think so... erm...? Oh, silly me i didn't even ask your name did i!"
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**UPDATE ON THE DUCHESSES** They’re a pair of Varisian women, who I think are just tourists or cra-cra or both. >>IMAGE FOLLOWS<<
I don’t think they’re a high priority target.
@MYRDON: There’s no info on Falrig Sneve. Correct? I’m gonna keep an ear out for his name while intercepting Kresch Vaor (Code Name: ORANGE)
I’m going to try to put the Fear of Abadar into her.
“Excuse me, Ms Vaor.”
Eadie replaces her dark helm and unfurls her golden cloak over her left shoulder, displaying an embroidered Golden Key.
“I am Navhelan, E.A. Ex-Financial Clerk Fourth Class of the First Varisian Bank of Abadar.”
Eadie’s tone is stern. “I noticed you take WRITTEN notes near the Runecarved Key. Are you aware of the pre-inspection rules?”
“There is no record you have placed a deposit and your attire doesn’t meet the usual Dress Standard of an Abadarian Cathedral.”
“I will inspect your written note now, and ask you to name the party you represent.”
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"Huh!" Myrdon mutters to himself as he watches the back of the fleeing halfing. "Our performance isn't that bad.." Feeling somewhat wounded, Myrdon reports the contents of his conversation central Yaandu and turns back to the party. Nursing his wounded ego, Myrdon decides to head to speak with someone who actually appears friendly.
He approaches Doctor Landis but does not disturb him immediately, merely standing beside him admiring the key. "That is indeed a fine piece of relic, eh? I wonder what magic and arcane power is locked within!"
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Aegis tries to stand obediently behind his master but he seems to be intently focused on some chunk of metal (yuck, can't eat it) on some piece of rock. Aegis eagle-sharp eyes wanders back to the pile of food, seemingly free for the taking, but his master had bizarrely stopped him from taking. Inadvertently, he starts taking a few steps in that direction.
Throughout the room, you hear a voice boom,
Aegis find the snack tables. There was half a salmon and a bunch of scallop canapes, just lying there.
Dymal Rinks and Kresh Vaor take the opportunity to bolt away from their increasingly uncomfortable conversations. Meanwhile Eadie finally spots Falrig Sneve! Toward the back of the room stands a gray-haired man in his early fifties, dressed in fine silken robes and flanked by two muscular guards. The man nervously fingers a small silver coin, flipping it about in his fingers. A server brings by a tray of delicious looking fruit tarts. Sneve reaches for one, then backs away. “No! There are thirteen left! I can’t afford the bad luck!”
Meanwhile, Gunner and Zimandi Khaddren are joined by the Good Doctor from the Museum of Ages. “Hello! I couldn’t help but overhear you two talking about that key! I so love history, and that artifact seems steeped in it!” Doctor Landis is friendly, and eager to talk about the relic.
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*Darnit! ORANGE has fled. *REPEAT* ORANGE has left the ORCHARD*
Under her great helm, Eadie grits her teeth in frustration.
Then she spots Falrig Sneve.
*I have eyes on Sneve. Male. Fiftyish. Gray hair. NICE clothes. Two minders in tow*
**I’m going to try talking to him. URGENT BACKUP REQUESTED**
“No! There are thirteen left! I can’t afford the bad luck!”
Eadie walks calmly up to the tart tray and takes one. “Peace and prosperity to you, My Lord. Under Abadar’s Roof all His Children are as safe as if we were locked inside one.”
She pops the treat into her mouth and grins. “Trust you’re not claustrophobic.”
“I hear talk the Runelord of Greed’s Return was thwarted by an adventuring band in the Kodars. Imagine the misfortune that would hound the owner of the key that unlocks the Vault of the Next Runelord to Rise.”
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Yanndu mentally confers with his assistant Lanliss, and after nodding, Yanndu turns towards the wall to face Lanliss fully, so as to shield his face from the crowd. His eyes rolling back, he accesses his deep memories on the subject of Maiveer Sloan.
[dice=Knowledge Local on a specific individual, Burst of Insight]1d20+18+4[/dice]
Yanduu circles the smoked salmon table, and meticulously creates a wondrous tiny cracker sandwich with the prized proteins. Confident that is now within a proper distance from Sloan, he observes the man and opens his inner self to psychically sense his mood in regards to everyone within 30 feet of him, including Yanndu and the other Pathfinders...
[dice=Perception via Empath feat; Read Emotion Aura for 1 full-round action; Perception DC 20 + creature’s HD]1d20+17[/dice]
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The cathedral’s sexton calls everyone’s attention “The pre-auction gala has ended; all must leave the cathedral immediately. Thank you for attending and we’ll see many of you back here for the auction.”
You return to the Heidmarch Mansion. The theater is filled with your fellow Pathfinders, all buzzing with excitement. Sheila Heidmarch, raises her hands and quiets the room before speaking. “Well my colleagues, I trust you were successful this evening? Anyone have information to share? Let’s see some hands.”
A dwarf clad in full plate with a great hammer on his back calls out ”Aye, we met Rinks, a halfling who said he was acting on behalf of one of his clients. We found out that he has spent the last few months here in Magnimar betting on the bullfights at the Matador’s Lodge. He was not as lucky as most of his kind and has run up a sizable debt with the lodge’s owner, Master Basaale Minvandu. The halfling is staying in the Old Fang Inn”
A couple of humans push a grippli forward ”Quon here also has to report something” they say. The grippli turns a brighter shade of green and then softly starts speaking ”I am afraid we made a bit of a mess at the gala. That Chelaxian woman, Zimandi Kaddren, found out that we are with the Pathfinder Society and she immediately stormed off in anger, saying that she would take every effort to outbid the Society at the auction.” The grippli seems to have found his voice as he continues ”We asked around and we discovered that her parents vanished during an expedition to a mysterious fortress known as Viperwall in central Varisia. I think that she blames the disappearance of her parents upon the Pathfinder Society.”
A famous halfling jumps on a table ”I am Lem and I can report that the curator of the Museum of Ages is also interested in the artifact! Doctor Landis has secured a donation for the key. He thinks it is an item of great historical significance, and that it was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises. I would have expected that Nigel Aldain of the Blakros museum would also be present, but I did not see him. That is all for me!”
A human woman calls out, the symbol of Iomedae obvious on the buckler that she has strapped to her left arm. On the same hip she has an Aldori duelling sword. ”I talked to two women dressed in travellers’ outfits. Both had with thick Varisian accents. They introduced themselves as ‘the Duchesses’ and said they live in Ordellia where they work as caravan guards. Beyond that, they had little to say.”
A servant rushes in and hands Sheila Heidmarch a note ”Give me a moment, this is probably important, otherwise Jacob here would not have disturbed us”. She reads the note and briefly ponders it for a moment.
“Well, my friends, it seems Desna smiles upon us. My sources have just informed me that the Aspis Consortium has fewer funds than we first imagined. Thus, they have sent word to an ally in Korvosa to ship them more gold. Fortunately, I still have a few spies in Korvosa. A few days ago, the Consortium hired a Varisian caravan to carry a sizable shipment of gold to Magnimar, presumably to help them secure the Runecarved Key’s purchase.”
“The caravan was traveling along the Yondabakari River and should be nearing the outskirts of the city in a few hours. I need you to ride out to the caravan before it gets within sight of the city walls and ensure that gold never reaches the Aspis Consortium at Bronze House. Take whatever gold you can, but try not to draw attention to yourselves as Pathfinders. It’s bandit territory out there anyway, so caravan raids aren’t uncommon. That said, rest assured the caravan will be armed. As soon as you’re finished, hurry back here. We don’t want Maiveer Sloan to catch on to our plot. I’ll send a white raven to signal you to return before the situation becomes too risky.”
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“Sounds like we’re going on a Whacking Day Aspis Hunt. I’d suggest keeping those wayfinders hidden, boys and girls!”
♫ Oh, Whacking Day! Oh Whacking Day!
Our sacred Serpent Skull cracking day.
We'll break their backs.
Gouge out their eyes.
Their evil hearts we'll pulverize! ♫
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Bruxo listens intently to the reports and to Sheila Heidmarch's directions. Interesting, he muses aloud to Gunnar. No yea or nay on casualties, hmm?
"Well, not from the boss-lady's end, anyway. I don't relish the thought of bloodshed, though" he says, glancing at Eadie. "Every once in a while one of those snakes turns out to be a good egg, like that Delroya woman I met in Diobel."