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What in the darkest corners of hell was that all about. Sphinxes!
Marnarius, who desperately wants to attempt a lock looks around for an opportune time.
Wish I had some backup here in case it goes wrong. Maybe I should wait.
He will approach a lock (not the sphinx's - who knows WHAT that thing might do), toy with it a bit similar to what he would do if he was picking it and see what type of interest his actions generate. He studies the nearest guides to get +2 to the roll for those guards.
Best to test the waters first.
[dice=stealth]1d20+12
She gets near slowly and unnoticed, depending on the dice, and relieve Janira of the weight.
Shihoraj makes her way to stand by Janira, and carefully reaches into the vest, finding the keys in a pocket on her shirt inside the jacket. Ever so carefully she removes the keys, and moves on.
What in the darkest corners of hell was that all about. Sphinxes!
Marnarius, who desperately wants to attempt a lock looks around for an opportune time.
Wish I had some backup here in case it goes wrong. Maybe I should wait.
He will approach a lock (not the sphinx's - who knows WHAT that thing might do), toy with it a bit similar to what he would do if he was picking it and see what type of interest his actions generate. He studies the nearest guides to get +2 to the roll for those guards.
Best to test the waters first.
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to figure out what the heck the Sphinx is saying.
Marnarius is sneaking around in the area of the locks and seeing if anyone notices. Just testing the waters so that when he starts picking the locks he'll better know his chances at getting caught. Those pathfinders are tough to hide from, particularly the Investigators. If nobody notices he will start unlocking cages without opening them so that when the time comes they can all be thrown open in a rush.He'll start with the cages that have the least activity and work his way around as opportunity presents.
Agent 322 attempts to climb up the pedestal, hoping not to draw unwarranted attention.
The Dreamer approves...
We wonder he will see fit to let us know when to activate the artefact
Marnarius believe that the sphynx is offering his help in keeping the animals under control if he is freed with them. He (the sphynx) can talk with the animals, and order them to help, or hinder, Marnarius's effort.
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322 successfully climbs up the tall (something like 10-15' high) pedestal, takes her time, and places the device.
Once installed, a sentence in Aklo appears on the cosmic conduit’s mirrored surface: “The Stars command you, Durvin Gest.” You are certain that this is the command phrase to cause the statue to animate and begin attacking anyone around it.
@Marnarius - the guards are attentive, so you'll need to be careful to avoid being seen.
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Agent 322 hops off the statute.
Her jump is not very well-timed and she lands, not so gracefully. She picks herself up, then abases herself at the base of the statute.
In her high pitched sing-song voice, her voice hushed after witnessing the miracle of His long reach,
@322 you aren't exactly sure, but you figure that within a mile should be good. At least your feeling about where it is doesn't diminish as you skip around the Grand Lodge.
Agent 322 hums a
as she makes her way to the menagerie. Those beasties intrigue her!
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Marnarius returns to the last location he remembers seeing the team and spots Rataji, spotting 322 on the way. As he passes her, he states, quietly of course,
I'm on my way to Rataji to get some help. We'll need some distractions and additional talent to do this right. Check out the Sphinx while you are there and see if you can make any sense of what he says
Eventually approaching Rataji, he states,
I've scouted the zoo. The locks seem pickable and there is a guard with keys, but the guards seem quite alert. I could probably get away with picking a few of the locks before I got caught, but I think this one requires a team effort.
There is a sphinx in one of the pens that I think will help us, but he speaks in riddles so I'm not entirely sure. I'd like someone to confirm. I asked Vera to see what she thinks as she is headed that way now.
How did the mission go with the annoying bard? I had a great idea for a distraction but thought the better of it he concludes with a scowl. There are quite a number of things I'd love to do to "the face" of the pathfinders.
Agent 322 breaks into a smug smirk when she hears that he bit off more then he could chew. In a high pitched sing song voice, with scorn dripping from her voice, "Got in over your head, boy?"
She looks at Marnarius, rolls her eyes skywards, and sighs. She hisses Marnarius in the same high pitched sing-song voice,"Use the Message spell, dolt. Rataji has enacted a dweomer that enabled us to communicate with him through long distances inconspicuously. Simply point, and speak in a whisper and he will hear you."
"Unless you like to have your legs do the thinking for you," she mutters as Marnarius zips off.
The ways of Marnarius the lump are weird indeed. Why does he have to run around to deliver messages, when there are instananeous means of communication? she ponders.
Via Message spell to Rataji:
In her cool countertenor, "I need someone who is good with locks, or can steal the keys off the guards. I also need one who can turn another invisible. The caster of invisibility should be able to do it multiple times, in case the first one runs out. I'm going to check out the sphinx. Method of operation is simple. Turn the lock picker invisible, and the said person can open the cages, setting the beasts free."
Agent 322 goes to look at the creatures of the menagerie, examining the various magical beasties on the way to the sphinx.
What languages do sphinx's speak, besides common?
Are there guards that could overhear my conversation between me and Mr Sphinx?
Best keep it innocuous, in case someone is watching.
Joliryn smiles as she walks up to Rataji. "I thought I might find you here, Rataji!"
Reaching into her vest pocket, she pulls out a small sheaf of papers and holds them forth. "These recently came into my possession. Given your proclivities, I thought you would find it interesting." as she passes the papers over.
Looking around, she continues "Quite the festivities! Have you come across anything that I should make a point of seeing?"
Rataji accepts the applause and then kneels down to take Janira's hand. "Alas, I better catch up with my girlfriend. She just ran off after some former teammates of ours. May I catch you later for that drink?"
Joining back up with the others, Rataji studies the sheaf of notes brought back by Joliryn and Mr. Z. His eyebrows shot up sky high. "Interesting." Pitching his voice low, he asks them and Shihoraj, "Does anyone seem to be watching us? Are we in a good position to speak without being overheard?"
He then reapplies the message spell.
"Impressive work everyone. The mission with the bard went well, and Joli and Mr. Z brought back notes from a contact. We now have an idea of the defenses surrounding Aram Zey's office, and know not to go there if we can avoid it. Fortunately, our intelligence points to the Vault as the likely repository for Aram Zey's notes concerning the tapestry, and Shihoraj ably gathered up the keys. Even better, the intelligence gathered here will help us avoid patrols."
"Are there any other missions that need to be done, besides the one in the menagerie?" His eyes look around the entire group, though his thoughts are aimed at Mr. Z.
As 322's suggestions come in, he nods. "Thank you, Vara."
"Let's strategize the menagerie operation. Marnarius, report. How many guards are there? How are they deployed? I can cast invisibility, but I only have the capability of covering two people with that spell. Does anyone else have potions or other methods of casting it?"
"I know that Shihoraj is good with locks. Is anyone else?"
Rataji accepts the applause and then kneels down to take Janira's hand. "Alas, I better catch up with my girlfriend. She just ran off after some former teammates of ours. May I catch you later for that drink?"
Joining back up with the others, Rataji studies the sheaf of notes brought back by Joliryn
and Mr. Z. His eyebrows shot up sky high. "Interesting." Pitching his voice low, he asks them and Shihoraj, "Does anyone seem to be watching us? Are we in a good position to speak without being overheard?"He then reapplies the message spell.
"Impressive work everyone. The mission with the bard went well, and Joli
and Mr. Zbrought back notes from a contact. We now have an idea of the defenses surrounding Aram Zey's office, and know not to go there if we can avoid it. Fortunately, our intelligence points to the Vault as the likely repository for Aram Zey's notes concerning the tapestry, and Shihoraj ably gathered up the keys. Even better, the intelligence gathered here will help us avoid patrols.""Are there any other missions that need to be done, besides the one in the menagerie?" His eyes look around the entire group, though his thoughts are aimed at Mr. Z.
As 322's suggestions come in, he nods. "Thank you, Vara."
"Let's strategize the menagerie operation. Marnarius, report. How many guards are there? How are they deployed? I can cast invisibility, but I only have the capability of covering two people with that spell. Does anyone else have potions or other methods of casting it?"
"I know that Shihoraj is good with locks. Is anyone else?"
Joliryn tries to keep a wary eye out for anyone attempting to listen in or observe them.
When asked if there were any other missions, Joliryn shakes her head indicating she had no other contacts. Would be nice to know more about the inside.
When Rotaji asks about Invisibility, Joliryn raises her hand slightly and then taps her spell component pouch to indicate she has the ability. When locks are mentioned, she grimaces and shakes her head no.
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After being subjected to the sharp tongue of the 'unkind' Vera, he thinks I wish I could execute one of 322's personalities; unfortunately, she was right, at least about the spell - I forgot completely about the message spell. I'll have to think of an excuse later. Ahhh, of course, the message needed renewing! No more mistakes! Even small ones like this can be deadly in the long run. But that crack about needing help was uncalled for. Perhaps I could contrive to have her left alone with a party of Pathfinders at an opportune moment and we can see how SHE fairs.
When asked about objectives, Marnarius responds "I have no other immediate objectives."
When asked about the zoo, Marnarius says "With an invisibility spell on me I should easily be able to unlock a number of cages without anyone noticing, with or without keys. Shihoraj is probably better at it, from what I know from her reputation. How long would the invisibility last? I do have a few other tricks that would help, such as a shrinking potion and, if I study the nearest guards, a slight advantage there too. I don't think the shrinking is necessary, and at that size I don't fancy having to stretch for some of the higher locks."
"What do you think? Go for the keys and take a chance that they are noticed missing, or just pick the locks?"
"Each invisibility spell would last for a little over five minutes." Joliryn volunteers. Looking at Marnarius, she adds "If a single spell is not long enough, I believe we should find a different means as each spell I use is one less for the real objective."
Rataji sighs, when he realizes that he once again cannot locate Mr. Z.
Wait a minute... When do I ever recognize him? All of a sudden, Rataji grins broadly.
"Mr. Z, Rataji whispers over the message spell, "with your skill at blending in, perhaps we don't need to use invisibility at all! Do you think you can become an animal caretaker and take care of the locks that way?"
If he is still in range, he hears the whisper, curses once under his breath hoping no one else heard the whisper and hisses something back that sounds like: "Rat.... breaking .... repeat .....ing up. Must .... nearly out of ...." Then all transmission ceases.
He moves on trying not to loose sight of his target.
@Shihoraj, you see a series of cages with exotic animals in them. You do notice that there is a criosphynx looking as carefully at you as you are looking at them. The locks don't look particularly hard to pick, though they aren't the simplest things, either.
She thinks that the guards are typical guards, and that any professional thief should be able to be subtle enough to avoid being noticed.
"Sphinx, I would ask a riddle of thee. What doth a woman most desire?" Agent 322 asks the sphinx.
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"Sphinx, I would ask a riddle of thee. What doth a woman most desire?" Agent 322 asks the sphinx.
"freedom,of course. Nothing else has value without it. Are you here to help the other? He seemed a bit.. Thick... When I offered him a deal. "
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I'm assuming he is at the point where he is unlocking cages and has had an invisibility cast on him. He messages Rataji When you give the go-ahead I'll start throwing open doors. I'm unlocking them now in preparation, starting with the least obvious and least likely to get accidentally opened by an over-enthusiastic occupant. I'm not sure about that sphinx. It could turn out to be an important ally or it could do something totally screwy and ruin the plan, so I'm saving it for last. If you agree, let Shihoraj know.
Unfortunately for Marnarius, as soon as he starts rattling the locks, the animals start moving towards him (invisible or not, they can hear him), and start making some noise, attracting the guards. He is sure that he is not noticed, but his attempt is abandoned for safety.
@322 @Marnarius
The criosphinx says,
"The cages rattle, the cagéd answer.
The skies beckon, but clouds roll in from ram topped hills
They wait for the king's command"
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"I am. The King should bide his subjects to wait in peace, until the time comes for them to come unleashed. Know well the call, "Freedom to all", for that is when it will be the appointed time."
Bumping into Shihororaj, "Ahh, there you are. And I've been going all around looking for you," with an affable smile on her face.
Tugging Shihoraj to a less conspicuous corner, she whispers, "We need to set the Sphinx free first. My message link with Rataji has expired, and I have no idea where that layabout of a Manarius is. Get Rataji to tell him, that the Sphinx is the priority, his cage is to be opened first."
She starts drawing on the forces from the Stars.
She winces, as Cthulhu voices his displeasure of suddenly being awakened by blasting her mind with discordant waves of sound.
And Shihoraj turns invisible.
She continues, "Do whatever's necessary, and once Rataji gives the signal to proceed, make sure the sphinx hears the message "Freedom to all".
Rataji arrives in the Menagerie, a little late to the party. He spots Vara coming out of an inconspicouous corner. "Vara, darling. How's the menagerie? Spot any interesting beasts?" He offers her his arm.
Rataji sure knows how to pick the right time to show up.
"Oh yes, the sphinx is a fine, majestic specimen indeed. Let me introduce you to him.", and leads Rataji to the sphinx cage.
Joliryn watches as Rataji heads towards the menagerie. She spends a moment making sure everything is in place, no stains on her clothes or anything.
In a whisper, she says "Let me know if I'm needed. Otherwise I'll scout the entry."
She waits a few moments before turning towards the statue and Skyreach beyond it. Her smile is bright and there is a certain light joy in her steps at the thought of all the fun yet to come.
We will need someplace to hide where we will still be able to hear the speech. Not exactly my forte, but it doesn't seem like anyone else has done it.
Now where are those caterers setting up the drinks for the toast? I do so like setting up a surprise for others!
The sphinx waits for 322 to walk away (with Rataji) and then makes a small ruckus of animal noises... roars, bleats, and the like. The animals also start making a bit of a ruckus, distracting to any trying to pay attention to the cages, and they do not move forward.
Professional that she is, moves to each lock and opens several of them, starting with the sphinx's.
Ushers begin informing everyone in attendance to gather on the north lawn for a speech by the Master of Swords. This is the agents’ cue, for as everyone moves to that central location, it leaves the lower halls of Skyreach nearly abandoned. The agents have no difficulty regrouping, sharing any discoveries, and slipping into the massive building.
Once you make your way into Skyreach, you will need to avoid patrols or act as Pathfinders. Rataji is leading you down to the secret archives to find Aram Zey's notes.
Agent 322 tries to determine if something has appeared in her inventory and the cause of the chill - is the gate warded against worshippers of Cthullu?
Taking 10 for knowledge arcana, for 15, taking 10 for spellcraft, for 17, +2 more if it applies to identifying items.
Having scouted the area, Joliryn quietly moves towards the entrance to Skyreach doing her best to avoid the crowds.
Individual.
And you are in Skyreach.
Agent 322 tries to determine if something has appeared in her inventory and the cause of the chill - is the gate warded against worshippers of Cthullu?
Taking 10 for knowledge arcana, for 15, taking 10 for spellcraft, for 17, +2 more if it applies to identifying items.
Rataji shares the patrol information with those in the group who choose to slip in quietly.
He waits to reapply the message spell to the entire group, because he still needs to signal the Sphinx the key phrase, "Freedom to all" that Vara set up.
"I'm no good at sneaking around. My talents lie in charm, improvisation and deceit." He chooses an out of the way corner, casts disguise self and becomes a male human Pathfinder guard.
Looking down at himself, he grins. "Yes, that'll do."
Then he breathes deeply, adopting a heavier, more purposeful gait as he enters the mindset of the character he must become.
"I'll go up ahead, patrolling so you can know when the coast is clear." He pauses looking at Mr. Z. "Care to join me? I could use the backup, and I believe many of the guards patrol in pairs."