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You are Aspis Consortium operatives, hand-picked by your superiors for one of the most daring missions ever attempted against the hated Pathfinder Society. For centuries the Society has been the hyena of the archaeological world, descending upon legitimate Aspis operations to snatch whatever the Pathfinders want, kill hardworking contractors, and grow wealthy on the profits of their “historical preservation.” As they say, the victors write the history books, and the widely distributed Pathfinder Chronicles paint the Society’s piracy as heroism guided by a moral compass as true as the wayfinder each agent carries.
Rataji,
Congratulations are in order, my friend! Three years in the Consortium, and you have already earned the silver badge! What’s more, you are in charge of a critical element of the upcoming mission. As the ranking agent on your team, this is your first shot at being in charge, but I warn you that this first team isn’t one you’ll want to boss around; this is a coalition force, and everyone seems to be the favorite of someone else a lot higher up in the food chain. Aim to coordinate, not command.
Look on the bright side, though: after all of those briefings that you had to sit through, now you are the hotshot who gets to lay out the plan. I’ve summarized the objectives below so that you don’t forget, but it’s up to you to make it interesting and inspire your team. You’ll do great.
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Hundreds of Aspis agents and sympathizers are assembling throughout Absalom in preparation for an attack on the Pathfinder Society’s Grand Lodge. Most of these teams are in position to sow chaos, lure the Pathfinders’ attention elsewhere, and keep the rest of Absalom from interceding.
You are the lynchpin of the assault. Infiltrate the Grand Lodge, using the festival and throngs of unfamiliar faces to cover your movements. Gather what additional information you need, meet with any informants your team knows about, and lay the groundwork for your assault—split into smaller groups if necessary. Your cue to enter Skyreach—the towering stronghold the Society thinks unassailable—is a speech given by Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus. Agents will start ushering Pathfinders toward one of the lawns and pouring drinks for a toast, giving you a fairly generous window to get inside.
Once inside Skyreach, you have two major objectives: open the Hao Jin Tapestry gateway, and secure the Sky Key in that order. I have included some notes about how to activate the tapestry, as well as the coordinates within the tapestry where our allies are gathered. However, the notes only address how to send one person inside, not how to bring anyone out. It seems Zey is paranoid about even keeping any notes about cracking the tapestry open, and he only stores them in one of the vaults beneath Skyreach—a section called the Antarnicus Wing, used for most of the tapestry’s treasures. Be prepared to break in. Once you have secured the notes, get to the tapestry chamber quickly. Handle any opposition, open the gateway, and welcome our allies from inside the demiplane. Make sure that they have some sense of where they’re going.
After that, ascend to the small museum where the Society is keeping the Sky Key. It’s the usual routine: take care of any guards, grab the target, get out, and keep the whole operation clean. A second team (listen for the code “Five fingers till Oathday“) should find you soon after; pass them the Sky Key, get out, and congratulate your team. Mission accomplished.
Make the Patrons proud,
Myrosype
Time to break in that new safehouse you were issued.
Marnarius,
I promised you I would get you out, didn’t I? After three long years in captivity, cast away by the Pathfinders who cared nothing for your humanity or the life you had left behind, you are finally back. I must accept some of the blame for your being stranded, for it was I who assigned you to that lucrative post; however, it was that fool Aglorn who failed to guard the gate and lost us not only our way into the tapestry but also several of our finest agents. This injustice shall not stand. I would not assign you a mission if I did not have the highest confidence in your abilities, and I consider securing you this particular venture a small step in reconciliation. The Pathfinder Society shall burn, and you shall have the revenge you seek.
There are several hundred of our agents throughout the Grand Lodge ready to inflict damage and provide you the distraction needed to reach high priority targets. Anything you can do to make their jobs easier by preparing a few distractions of your own would help you as much as it would them. I already have numerous arsonists ready, but nobody seems bold enough to do anything about the zoological garden the Pathfinders keep. That’s why we’re fortunate to have a resourceful agent like you, willing to aid these fellow wretched creatures also unjustly imprisoned by the Pathfinders. I am sure they, like yourself, would love a chance to extract some justice from their captors. In addition to the forces within the Grand Lodge, hundreds of people who, like you, wish to escape from the confines of the tapestry are massed by your old base camp. I am sure that if your fellow agents forget where your allies are stationed, you can steer them in the right direction.
Do you remember the weapon I sent you to recover in Hao Jin’s hellhole? After they secured the gate, they snatched it up, and it went right into one of the vaults beneath Skyreach. Find it, and it’s yours to keep and use as you see fit. Wield it in the name of vengeance and the Consortium.
Regards,
Tseka
Maybe alcohol can wait a little longer.
“Oh my dear 322, how does freedom feel? Are you still staring at the sky in wonder and fear? Do you still dream of the doorway between the stars? Have you kept writing in your journal?” The masked woman paused as she looked at you, and then smiled again. “Had you stopped wondering if I would find you again? Hardly. You are as drawn to uncover your own secrets as I am.” Shaking her head as if remembering some sweet memory, she continued. “Clinical experimentations ceased because you demonstrated increased capacity to channel the Lurker’s dark mysteries. I have guided you to Absalom in order to participate in a field study—a live test of your powers. Prepare yourself to work with members of the Aspis Consortium. Assist them to the best of your abilities.”
“You have two other responsibilities, both important to our studies and our allies. The first is this,” she said while conjuring a glassy, hexagonal pad out of dreamstuff. “It emits a resonance similar to the stars beyond, just as you do, so none ofyour allies will know how to operate it. I have used it to channel cosmic life energies into tiny homunculi, but I suspect that it could animate something far grander. Find a suitable host, attach it without drawing attention to yourself, and activate it when you see fit.”
“Your other task is even more important. At some point during your mission, you will find a simple lantern among your possessions. If opened, it captures the escaping essence of whoever dies near it, ensuring Pharasma never judges the unfortunate soul trapped within. Only one Pathfinder can repair the damage inflicted in the upcoming Aspis attack: Aram Zey. Ensure that the Society cannot call upon his expertise ever again, and I shall ensure his expertise helps you learn more about yourself.” The masked figure raises her arm in a salute. “Godspeed, my curious disciple—whichever gods those may be.”
With that the dream ended.
Shohiraj,
After hearing the reports of lesser agents operating under lesser commanders, allow me to express how pleased I am to hear that you have accepted this job. What I have heard from my colleagues about your coworkers sounds equally reassuring; they are all competent in their respective fields. However, none of them can compare to your practical, on-the-job experience I am relying on you to ensure that this mission goes off without a hitch. Each bystander’s scream, nearby explosion, or track left behind is another complication that could jeopardize the operation.
My other agents have been watching the Grand Lodge closely. I have included the incomplete map that they created, noting the locations of your objectives in Skyreach. In addition, the agents report that the Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine—normally responsible for managing the keys to Grand Lodge’s vaults but concerned about his ability to keep them out of reach—has delegated several of the keys to one of his protégés, a halfling named Janira Gavix. My intelligence reports that she practically worships the Master of Scrolls, so there is no chance that she would take a bribe. Supposedly she is rather proud of her storytelling prowess, though, and can often be found near large crowds. If you can relieve her of the keys, your infiltration of Skyreach should be all the cleaner. I have enclosed a sketch of the halfling to assist your efforts to locate her.
May silence hide your footfalls,
Kitio Aspenthi, gold agent
Time to go to work.
Joliryn,
It’s been several years in the making, but the coalition of some of the finest Aspis minds has finally manifested in this approaching assault—a fight to regain the Consortium’s glory and put the Society back in its place. I have not forgotten your earlier contributions, and I have pulled a few strings to secure you a key role in the upcoming operation. You won’t have the tiresome chore of leading the team; one of my colleagues has elected one of his cat’s paws to the role, and I trust you’ll let him parade about while letting you get the real work done.
In fact, everyone on your team has powerful connections and probably thinks highly of themselves. I am betting on this, actually, because those connections have been particularly cagey about their own reasons for participating in this raid. Just as a tracker can tell the health and drives of an animal by the spoor it leave behind, you can help me gaze into my colleagues’ minds by discerning what it is that their agents want to accomplish. Keep an eye on your comrades, and report what you can to me about their ulterior motives.
Of course, I would not demand information without sharing some in return. One of my many spies in the Society is a Chelish man named Arminaldi Charthagnion, a disciple of Nethys’ divine secrets. He is unhappy with the Society’s treatment of artifacts, and I have managed to keep him selling me secrets with the promise of helping him liberate a relic or two. I am expecting his latest report soon, but since you will be there anyway, perhaps you might meet him at the Wall of Names and use the intelligence as you see fit.
He won’t acknowledge you as my agent unless you tell him “The wall slithers like a snake through grass.” You’ll know you have the right man if he responds “None would step on so great a serpent.” He should give you what you need to know, and no more need be said. Just try not to spoil his cover or your own by making a scene about it.
I await news of your victory,
Suliji Pesha
Delectable, indeed.
Zurnzal,
We have reviewed your work over the past four years, and so far your performance has gone beyond the expectations to which we typically hold our contractors. The Consortium is always on the lookout for resourceful, intelligent operatives who know how to do more than just bash heads together—useful a skill as that is. I have a key vacancy in my roster, but I need more than just a knee-breaker who will knock down what I point at. Consider your current mission a tryout of sorts. At least one of your teammates is taking notes on your performance. Impress them, and you’ll impress me. Do that, and I’ll have a bronze badge waiting for you.
The upcoming attack relies on chaos, and that same chaos can cover your team’s tracks. What could be more upsetting to the Pathfinders than discovering that someone in their midst was a traitor? Of course, you may have to make a traitor by making an upstanding but easily missed Pathfinder disappear. If he happens to be a traitor already, that’s even cleaner. A missing traitor means no alibi, and that means someone disguised as that traitor could pin any number of crimes on him. Whether you do that or not is up to you; after all, an agent able to delegate effectively is just as valuable to me as one who can do the job himself.
Your friend in Tamran
A chance at revenge; an opportunity to make the Pathfinder Society pay dearly for what they had put you through...
Chugging down the strong libation in one fell swig, Marnarius had a decidedly predatory smile on his face- enough to make the Bartender who had served him that drink to slowly back away.
Tseka came through- now it was all up to you to make certain that bloody vengeance would be at hand soon.
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A live field test of my powers, a search for a host and a trap for a soul. The Lurker calls from beyond and the Professor has unleashed me on the world. If time is causal and linear and set like most mortals believe and not the fluid stuff of nightmares, my chance, my time, is now.
A dark-cloaked pale-skinned elf woman approaches with wan, drawn black glittering eyes and the haggard look of one who barely sleeps, and never restfully. She is unarmoured and unarmed save for several scrolls and other pocketed items and sports a number of black pommelled daggers about her slender frame. She may once have been beautiful, but all now is pale and black - dark eyes over a face that sports several black tattoos - downward pointing triangles beneath each eye to go with an otherworldly triangle beneath her drawn thin lips.
Seeing Marnarius at the appointed meeting place, she crosses the floor and after the slightest of nods, speaks in a monotone that is totally devoid of any of the musical lilt common to those of her race, but is strangely compelling all the same, "I am known as test number three hundred, twenty-two," I am number 322 and have never been otherwise, "are you of the Aspis Consortium, for I am to assist them to the best of my abilities?"
Well, this bunch will need some effort. Let's hope they're not too unruly.
A woman clad in studded leather amor holds a crowbar. As the experiment addresses her, she puts it down and says Shohiraj. Yes, I am a member of the consortium immediately adding though you best not to rattle too much about that around here. The walls have ears, you know.
She then goes on to study a scroll with crudely marked drawing, a sketch of sorts, and mumbles Good, gooood, apparently approving of the artwork, then mumbles to herself Kitio, seems like they made you gold for a reason.
Despite the thick walls and heavy windows of the rented home that serves as your safe house, the passage of Pathfinders from across the Inner Sea region creates a muted rumble as they make their pilgrimage to the Society’s Grand Convocation, an annual gathering in which Pathfinders tell tales of their exploits, show off their discoveries, and celebrate another successful year. Every additional Pathfinder is another set of eyes to spot trouble and another blade ready to defend the Grand Lodge, yet every voice and footstep makes it even safer to discuss the impending attack.
Still holding her crowbar, Shohiraj explains you guys don't need an introduction to the dangers that society agents pose. We don't call them the murder hobo squad for nothing. These thieves and looters deserve a lesson, that's for certain, and I'm sure we all have our reasons for hating. Still, let's make sure we succeed in our goals first. It's no use to start slitting throats if it gets us throw out of the Convocation, or worse, killed, so let's keep our wits about ourselves. Let's be silent, clean, and thorough. That way we can cause what we want most - complete disruption of pathfinder operations.
"Stealth. Slitting throats. Being hidden. That is what i do." the half orc sounds in finally. Muscular and hidden half behind his helm and cloak
-Posted with Wayfinder
After receiving the instructions from one of his Patron, Rataji scribbles notes down on the secret paper in his spellbook and burns the letter as usual.
When he arrives in the agreed meeting location, he looks at the other agents. The mention of the word "Aspis" and lack of code words has always irritated Rataji, who is constantly secretive about his work.
"Do note speak the word lightly, 322. Patrons told me this team would be professionals: act like it," he scolds the cloaked elven woman.
"I am Rataji, and as the highest ranking member of this task force I am the leader." Rataji's deep voice was devoid of pride, instead giving off a feel of years of experience. "As you all know this team will be the most vital part of the operation. Failure will not be tolerated. How much you know is not a concern of mine, but if you have any questions about the operation ask now."
A small halfling with raven-black hair and fiery eyes is the next to arrive. She bows los as she says "Greetingsto you all. My name is Joliryn, a friend of our mutual benefactors."
After getting acquainted with each member, she turns to 322 and asks "So, if you don't mind my asking, whatever became of your 321 predecessors?"
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"That knowledge is not mine to know, Joliryn, nor do I seek it." 322 replies flatly to the halfling.
I am a seeker though, and am sought.
Turning back to Rataji, 322 first bows, then presses, "You will have to elaborate on the nature of our operation then, Leader. I for one know little else other that I am to assist in an attack and I cannot assist to the fullest of my... powers... unless I know what the goals are."
Despite the thick walls and heavy windows of the rented home that serves as your safe house, the passage of Pathfinders from across the Inner Sea region creates a muted rumble as they make their pilgrimage to the Society’s Grand Convocation, an annual gathering in which Pathfinders tell tales of their exploits, show off their discoveries, and celebrate another successful year. Every additional Pathfinder is another set of eyes to spot trouble and another blade ready to defend the Grand Lodge, yet every voice and footstep makes it even safer to discuss the impending attack.
Seeing Marnarius at the appointed meeting place, she crosses the floor and after the slightest of nods, speaks in a monotone that is totally devoid of any of the musical lilt common to those of her race, but is strangely compelling all the same, "I am known as test number three hundred, twenty-two," I am number 322 and have never been otherwise, "are you of the Aspis Consortium, for I am to assist them to the best of my abilities?"
A woman clad in studded leather amor holds a crowbar. As the experiment addresses her, she puts it down and says Shohiraj. Yes, I am a member of the consortium immediately adding though you best not to rattle too much about that around here. The walls have ears, you know.
She then goes on to study a scroll with crudely marked drawing, a sketch of sorts, and mumbles
Still holding her crowbar, Shohiraj explains you guys don't need an introduction to the dangers that society agents pose. We don't call them the murder hobo squad for nothing. These thieves and looters deserve a lesson, that's for certain, and I'm sure we all have our reasons for hating. Still, let's make sure we succeed in our goals first. It's no use to start slitting throats if it gets us throw out of the Convocation, or worse, killed, so let's keep our wits about ourselves. Let's be silent, clean, and thorough. That way we can cause what we want most - complete disruption of pathfinder operations.
"Stealth. Slitting throats. Being hidden. That is what i do." the half orc sounds in finally. Muscular and hidden half behind his helm and cloak
"Do note speak the word lightly, 322. Patrons told me this team would be professionals: act like it," he scolds the cloaked elven woman."I am Rataji, and as the highest ranking member of this task force I am the leader." Rataji's deep voice was devoid of pride, instead giving off a feel of years of experience. "As you all know this team will be the most vital part of the operation. Failure will not be tolerated. How much you know is not a concern of mine, but if you have any questions about the operation ask now."
A small halfling with raven-black hair and fiery eyes is the next to arrive. She bows los as she says "Greetingsto you all. My name is Joliryn, a friend of our mutual benefactors."
After getting acquainted with each member, she turns to 322 and asks "So, if you don't mind my asking, whatever became of your 321 predecessors?"
"That knowledge is not mine to know, Joliryn, nor do I seek it." 322 replies flatly to the halfling.
Turning back to Rataji, 322 first bows, then presses, "You will have to elaborate on the nature of our operation then, Leader. I for one know little else other that I am to assist in an attack and I cannot assist to the fullest of my... powers... unless I know what the goals are."
His clothing still reeking with the scent of strong spirits, Marnarius regards the assembled lot before him- the elf (They just keep naming these damn Forlorn just weirder and weirder nowadays), half-orc (The more, the merrier), halfling (Too damn talkative), and fellow humans (Bossy and talkative with the crowbar and our real leader- hope he's got stuff outfitted for us...) before nodding with a gruff introduction of his own, "Name's Marnarius; earned me the bronze. If the goal's to be spoiling some Pathfinding Murderhobo's night, I'm all in."
About time this meeting gets underway...
Still appearing very much unkempt- save for the highly cared for condition of his more practical accouterments- and looking like he could be in need of a nice shave, the sullen Aspis operative walks over to the nearest unoccupied table chair upon Rataji's announcement and turns it so that the back of the chair faces forward instead of behind.
Plopping himself down on it without so much as a 'by your leave', Marnarius still keeps his worn hat upon his head though he does position it so that it now sits towards the back of his scalp. placing his arms upon the forward facing back of the chair as he leans forward.
"I heard tell that there's going to be some miiighty fancy shindig that them Paaathfinders are going to be having...". Marnarius' slightly exaggerated enunciation of the word Pathfinder sounds more like an invective than anything else.
"Oh?" Rataji wonders. "I hadn't known that the professionals here wouldn't receive mission briefings from their contacts. In that case the duty falls on my shoulders. Listen well!"
"This is a large-scale operation, involving hundreds of our agents in Absalom. Most of them, however, will only act as decoys and distractions while the real task force - us - fulfills the true goals. These goals are one," Rataji counts with his fingers, "to open the Hao Jin Tapestry gateway and two, secure the Sky Key, both of which are located in the stronghold of Skyreach. We will perform these tasks are in this order; am I clear?"
"First we need to infiltrate the Grand Lodge during the festival, and gather information and meet with other agent informants if we meet any. When Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus gives his speech - that is our cue to enter the stronghold. Skyreach is considered unassailable, but not when the murderhobos are busy drinking. Once inside the stronghold, our first objective is to the vault called Antarnicus Wing. We need important notes from the vault, notes that will be used to open the tapestry."
"Once the gates in the tapestry chamber are open, we'll ascend to the small museum where the Sky Key is kept. Our team won't hold the Key for long: we must pass it onto a second team which will do the rest."
Rataji stops, waiting for questions which he knows the mission briefing must have raised.
Do we have a plan on how to enter the keep unseen? Shohiraj asks, half-knowing the answer.
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"Indeed, is our infiltration meant to be one of stealth while our brothers attack or are we to hide our identities and move in plain sight? Also, do we have any intelligence on who or what may be guarding these targets?" 322 probes, her inflection, vocal cadence and word choice continuing to be somewhat... alien.
"Hopefully we're not sneaking in as servants. I don't do cleaning, at least not anymore." Joliryn says with a pout.
"I agree. I do not wish to degrade myself in any way." the half orc speaks again. Cracking his knuckles
-Posted with Wayfinder
Responding to the woman with the crowbar, Rataji explains: "Unseen or not, the means of getting were not specified which means it's our job to figure it out." He eyes the crowbar and adds: "Possibly just your job."
"Our current information is not accurate enough yet to tell who might guard the keep. Common sense says Pathfinders are to be expected: that is, expect anything. If you know any informants who might have inside information about the place, contact them as soon as possible."
"Is there anything else?"
At the mention of informants, Joliryn's face turns a deep shade of red. Feeling rather stupid , she meekly raises her hand and says "Um, actually I might be able to help with that. My benefactor was able to provide me with the name and passphrase for a private contact of theirs. Apparently we can find him at the Wall of Names. It might be a good place to start..."
322 wanders out into the streets of Absalom, patronizing a few choice merchants before meeting the rest of the group at Skyreach.
Looking around at the faces of those whom he'll be working with, Marnarius asks, "Any of you folks know how to talk to a bunch of dumb animals?".
"Reason I'm asking", the grizzled unkempt human goes on to explain, "is that I heard them Paaathfinders got themselves a mighty fancy zoo nearby to stare at while they're all out celebrating and stuff."
Marnarius leans in close, his voice lowering a bit more conspiratorily as he adds "Word has it that we've got our people covering everything but that damn zoo; we somehow get those dumb beasts they got caged up inside all loose and rampaging, the easier it'll be for us to do our thing in all that excitement. If any of them Paaathfinders were get themselves mauled or eaten in the process... well, that's just tooo bad."
After grinning wolfishly at the thought of innocent Pathfinders getting hurt or worse in the ensuing chaos, Marnarius finishes with, "And if we were to get ourselves over to that damn tapestry, I just happen to know where we can find the right reinforcements to help us all out; that blasted thing works only by magic though- some of you magicking folks will have to handle that."
A distraction to make our entrance easier. As long as it does not get out of hand before time, it has a good chance of providing us with the cover we need. Shohiraj says in a matter-of-factly tone, devoid of excitement.
I have a plan to make our entrance easier. I need to locate this woman she says, as she holds up a sketch who is supposed guarding an important set of keys. She has a weakness: she is quite the little show-off, and can often be found storytelling, near large crowds. I should be able to lift those keys off her, if I can count on one of you to create a distraction.
The leader nods approvingly. "Very good, you two. Marnarius, you are in charge of releasing the beasts. Shohiraj, I leave the role of acquiring the keys to you. And you, halfling, speak with your contact. The rest of you can help Marnarius - if he needs any help - or make yourselves useful in some other way."
Rataji strokes his beard, and seems content with the way things are planned.
With marching orders established, you make your way into the wilds of Absalom. After a few stops to purchase supplies, you finally arrive at the front gate of Skyreach -- a pair of massive, steel doors that traditionally stand open save for times of crisis.
Skyreach itself is aptly named. This five-towered fortress is home to a great number of secrets and treasures, and today, you will be liberating them.
Aspis reconnaissance of the Society's campus is robust; Rataji offers his companions a labeled sketch of the area so they may familiarize themselves with their surroundings.
Judging by the general conjecture of those in attendance, Marcos Farabellus plans to give his speech in about two hours' time.
"Two hours until Master of Swords gives his speech and we enter the keep. Do what you were ordered and don't be late," Rataji gives the last-minute orders.
Rataji knows some of the highlights of the map:
- Of course, there is Skyreach -- This five-towered fortress houses the offices of the Society’s most important figures as well as countless libraries and storage facilities. Many of its floors and hallways are off-limits, meaning few know the full extent of what lies within.
- Pathfinders sometimes bring back exotic creatures for study or domestication to the Menagerie. Many of these animals and magical beasts are dangerous and must be corralled. The zoo’s rotating population attracts visitors from across the city.
- The "Wall of Names" is a curving wall of black glass and memorial to Pathfinders who have perished in the pursuit of knowledge, with each such name appearing on its surface. A thick copse of trees provides visitors some privacy at this solemn place of reflection.
- The statue of Durvin Gest is a 20-foot-high stone statue, depicting one of the founders of the Pathfinder Society and widely considered to be its greatest adventurer. The statue tends to attract storytellers and historians eager to share their knowledge.
Durvin Gest, the founder this ill-bred society. My best bet to find story-tellers. Anyone with me to create a distraction?
With or without help, Shohiraj moves off to the statue, seeing if she can spot a certain halfling among the storytellers the statue seems to attract.
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"I will come. I would like to look on this statue..." The Experiment answers, her voice trailing as if thinking of something else far away as her gaze raises to just above the horizon.
Is a founder of the Society a grand enough receptacle, Professor? Will it take to the resonance of the Beyond like your homunculi did?
Her eyes drop to the current place and time and she follows Shohiraj toward the statue to look on it and see if there is a chance to leave her mark. As she walks, a cloak of inky darkness settles over her shoulders, blurring her form somewhat. She catches up to Shohiraj and asks her, "Do you know anything of Aram Zey? I had a... dream?... about him."
Several dozen individuals are gathered around the statue, swapping stories with one another. Shohiraj recognizes one of the more outspoken storytellers, Janira Gavix, wrapping up a story to a round of polite applause.
Shohiraj measures her mark just before her halfling Janira hops down from a bench she was using as a soapbox. The number of people in the area could make this lift a bit tricky, though not nearly as much as the multiple layers of clothing Janira is currently wearing.
322 is entranced with the statue of Gest itself... of the potential conduits you have spied throughout the campus, this is by far the most superior.
Joliryn gives a shrug as she watches some of the others depart for the statue before making her own way to the Wall of Names. Once there she quietly makes her way over to the copse of trees while keeping a lookout for anyone of interest.
Shohiraj acts fast as her mind works on how to solve this.
Oh, Shohiraj exclaims I missed it, and it sounded like such a good story. You must have many more though.
The name's Wilma, by the way, I used to sail in the shackles, boat's carpenter, before I joined the society. I'd love to hear the stories of your adventures.
I better do some background checking with the Pathfinder guards. As I learned in Bloodcove: never be too prepared.
Rataji heads to to the Gate in hopes that he could meet some of the Pathfinder guards there and learn inside information.
While there is very little cover for stealth approaching the wall, it appears that there are very few people to actually hide from as well. In spite of being a solemn place, the trees and distance from festivities, a dull roar still invades this solemn place.
A scholarly man reflects on some of the names on the wall; more important, he's standing at the appointed drop-off location.
Or have a damn good plan.
Rataji you know the following:
- The Grand Convocation is particularly crowded this year. In addition to agents from all over Golarion, several dignitaries from Absalom are in attendance.
- Although both Kreighton Shaine and Marcos Farabellus have made appearances, nobody has spotted the Master of Scrolls Aram Zey. It’s not especially surprising, given Zey’s dislike of crowds and dealing with the public.
- Several dozen Pathfinders have begun unloading kegs from carts on the Center House lawns, likely in anticipation of Marcos Farabellus’s big speech. It’s an open secret that he intends to announce that the longawaited reconstruction of the Sky Key has concluded.
- Although nearly every Pathfinder at the Grand Lodge is allowed to wander about and relax, several dozen are on guard duty on the walls and in Skyreach. Most of these assignments are punishments for debts incurred to the Society or bungled expeditions. Part of the reason that Aram Zey hasn’t been seen yet is because he is supervising these patrols.
- Two of the unfortunates assigned to guard duty are Loshari and Telandril, part of a team sent to Isger to recover a relic lost during the Goblinblood Wars. The venture was a debacle and resulted in part of a town being set on fire and inadvertently let goblins loose in the town square. Most blame Loshari, but Telandril stubbornly insisted on sharing the punishment—likely so that he could lecture her further.
A constant parade of sightseers walks through the menagerie, looking upon the assortment of odd beasts. About a dozen handlers patrol the fences, providing information about each creature.
The fences are thick, and the padlocks are heavy-duty to match.
Oh, that sounds adventurous. What did you find in this cave? Dangerous demons? Shohiraj tries to spur the halfling on, even though the Professional doesn't give the stump end of a trollhound about some cave raided by the society,
Rataji walks to the two guards, Loshari and Telandril, and strikes a conversation. "Quite exciting this festival, isn't it? There's so much to see I don't know if I have time. Are there any happenings around the gate? Name's Seckor, by the way," he says with a hint of a smile as he extends his arm for a handshake.
I have a plan to make our entrance easier. I need to locate this woman she says, as she holds up a sketch who is supposed guarding an important set of keys. She has a weakness: she is quite the little show-off, and can often be found storytelling, near large crowds. I should be able to lift those keys off her, if I can count on one of you to create a distraction.
"If the little lady gets to be a problem, bring her over to that zoo- I'm sure we can arrange for her to get up close and personal with them dumb animals."
The leader nods approvingly. "Very good, you two. Marnarius, you are in charge of releasing the beasts. Shohiraj, I leave the role of acquiring the keys to you. And you, halfling, speak with your contact. The rest of you can help Marnarius - if he needs any help - or make yourselves useful in some other way."
And that's why he's our Leader, the grizzled unkempt man thought as he stood up from his chair. "If and that'll be all, I reckon I'd better pick up a few things then, for our party-crashing and all.", Marnarius says as he goes to leave and stock up for the mission.
"Two hours until Master of Swords gives his speech and we enter the keep. Do what you were ordered and don't be late," Rataji gives the last-minute orders.
Rataji knows some of the highlights of the map:
- Pathfinders sometimes bring back exotic creatures for study or domestication to the Menagerie. Many of these animals and magical beasts are dangerous and must be corralled. The zoo’s rotating population attracts visitors from across the city.
Meeting up with the others at the appointed rendezvous point, Marnarius still seems to be dressed as he was prior and still just as scruffy, unshaven, and unkempt as he was before at the Safehouse, albeit he does seem to be carrying some more stuff than he had previously.
Upon getting the relevant info from Rataji, the unkempt, grizzled man mutters, "Guessing that'll be my cue to go and see to them dumb beasts. If and anyone else wants to go, you be more than welcome; the more the merrier, I always say.", before moving off in the direction of the menagerie proper.
Menagerie?:
Broad pavilions and awnings shade segmented pens containing animals from around the world, ranging from harmless rodents and fowl to hulking dinosaurs from Tolguth, a giraffe mutated by the Mana Wastes, and war beasts from the Hold of Belkzen. A few heavily reinforced cages hold even stranger creatures, such as an immense two-headed vulture, a ram-headed sphinx, and an armor-plated serpent with fangs the length of a broadsword.A constant parade of sightseers walks through the menagerie, looking upon the assortment of odd beasts. About a dozen handlers patrol the fences, providing information about each creature.
The fences are thick, and the padlocks are heavy-duty to match.
Upon reaching the menagerie with whomever else that has decided to come along, Marnarius does a brief reconnoiter of the zoo grounds before proceeding with any plans. If anyone else accompanied him, he'll tell them that he wants to "scope out some things before doing anything" but he won't prevent them from doing what they will until then.
...as legitimate. She settles in a bit. "Well, while there were some threats within the cave, nothing too serious or outside the expertise of those agents, the interesting bit was its mostly intact shrine to Aroden!"
It appears the halfling hasn't take a moment all day to stop talking; she's work up quite a sweat in the midday sun, and her excitable nature isn't doing her any favors.
The muscled one of the group gives you "the eye". "If you're so worried about not havin' enough time, why in bloody hell are you spendin' it at the gate askin' us questions?"
The fidgety one pipes up. "Geeze Nehemiah, want to shake him down in front of everyone, too?" She laughs, though Nehemiah doesn't budge. "Anyway, not much to say Seckor. Trodius is doing some spot checks, Nehemiah's here to be ass, apparently, and I'm making sure coin purses aren't getting liberated. My shift's over in about an hour, and I fully intend to be three sheets to the wind before Farabellus gives his speech. Grab a turkey leg, go to the menagerie. Or... grab a pint, go to the Southgrove if you're the private type."
The Menagerie was constructed directly behind the training arena, against the tall, thick wall surrounding the campus. The temporary structures, statue of Durvin Gest, and Wall of Names would be the next likely places a wild animal might run if loosed.
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While Shohiraj presses the Pathfinder Janira, 322 nonchalantly circles around the statue, patient and careful as she waits for the exciting tale to reach its height of distraction. Her eyes search the statue itself to see if there is an obvious way to attach the device as she eyes the crowd, studying for a way to do the deed without being seen.
Analytical and studious as the Professor would have it, she considers whether there ways to position herself out of line of sight with the crowd. Ideas she considers include moving out of sight and sneaking back, simply moving to a part of the statue that is out of line of sight and sneaking it there, maybe something with her dust of darkness to give herself concealment and sneak in in more plain sight. All avenues remain open and possible...
Seeing as how she's not getting any help from the experiment, Shohiraj keeps riling up Janira, seeing if he can get the halfling to work herself up some some, hoping she passes out or decides to take a dive in the fountain ()
You must have traveled around a lot. I've heard there was an expedition to Osirion, to the pillars of the sun. Have you been there?
Rataji purposely ignores the suspicious guard and smirks to the positive guard. "Really, an hour? Wow, you guys must have it rough. I mean, really, who's going to try anything funny around the freaking Society? Are you the only ones who got this unlucky when duties were issued?"
322, you know that the conduit must be placed onto the body of a statue. While anyplace may suffice, it needs to be inconspicuous enough to not be noticed between the time you place it and the time it is activated. Durvin stands upon a pedestal, which would require clambering onto before placing the device. You get the idea that this would be difficult to do without some type of distraction, and the current oratories don't appear to be holding the attention of everyone. Placing the conduit will take some time.
Joliryn, something about this wall ways heavy on him.
"Pfft, could be worse. 'Least we're just working a single shift, and outside at that. Some of the real screw-ups are stuck on fire-watch inside." She regards your comment about funny business and the Society. "Really? You must be new, because some crazy nonsense happens, what, once every two years or so when the Society decides to have one of these big shindigs? Went to one one year and, I kid you not, a dragon showed up."
You can tell this is not a fond memory.
"Sadie, you about done?" Sadie rolls her eyes.
Sadie talks low to you, "Personality of a damn rock... Take care!" Sadie returns to her guard duty, eyeing the crowds as they continue to filter in.
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Time for a live test, yes.
Positioned close to the statue but on its opposite side, she silently concentrates on the unthinkable void of the stars, an object of consideration that haunted her dreams and that she had learned through many trials to master. She focuses, pushing that void upon the young lad, pushing him perhaps to the breaking point.
She then waits and hopes this proves to be distraction enough to draw eyes and activate her device.
Have I been to Osirion? I have sailed all over Garundi. In my opinion, the heat of Osirion is nothing compared to what you'll find in the streets of Azir. The streets are all stone, and in the mid of the day, that works like an oven. Thick... streams... of... sweat... trickle down your back. At times you're almost unable to breathe, choking almost in the heat. Especially if you wear clothing like that, that already looks hot for a day like this.
I have learned two things. The good thing is, the guards inside are not the elite, but rather low-ranks being disciplined. The bad thing is, despite everything the Society is still keeping its guard up, and prepared for unexpected situations: that much is certain if even the relaxed guards are on their toes...
I should check up on the other professionals. Should I go inspect the pickpocket or the zoo sabotage? I saw some patrols heading to the Menagerie, they might be in need of an extra pair of hands.