[PFS_CORE_Aerondor] 04-Special Race for the Runecarved Key (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

An ancient Thassilonian artifact has been unearthed in Magnimar and is to be auctioned off by the city government. In order to maintain good relations with those in power in the City of Monuments, the Pathfinder Society must obtain the relic without simply stealing it, although employing any other means necessary. It falls to the PCs to infiltrate the auction, sabotage the other bidders' efforts, and call in favors from those in the Society's debt to ensure the Runecarved Key (and the secrets it unlocks) belongs to the Pathfinders when the adventure draws to a close.

Dotting for fun and profit.

I'm here. Need some time for updates.

Liminy is a homely looking wizard in scholarly robes. He has in his possession a rat and a toad.

"Hopefully we will be allowed to examine this key before the sale."

Lasarleen follows in, closely behind Liminy.

Hey! I did not know you could move so fast, Liminy. I barely received my orders and saw you were already gone.

She winks at the wizard with a grin.

Oh, and there is Miss Gadget!
I have not seen her since we had that trouble in...where was that dreadful problem again?
Oh now I remember, it was Tamran. Hey girl! This ought to be interesting.

The tall halfelf adjusts her red hair as she awaits to the rest of the instructions on the 'key'.

Gadget is a gnome with glasses and light brown hair. She has a couple wands, couple scrolls, and a longsword. Most notably she has a nice longbow that she always seems to hold on to. She has a spellbook and spell component pouch, and seems to be bouncing all over the place looking at all the decor in whatever local she is in.

"Lasaraleen! Hiya!"

"Yeah, that Trouble in Tamran was really stressful. Hopefully this mission is more calm, but from the sound of it it probably isn't!"

Gadget pauses and says to the rest of the party. "Hi, I'm Gadget, engineer and archer. Pleasure to meet you all!"

Liminy nods.

"Clearly someone has a short list of top Pathfinders that they keep calling for duty. Busy busy."

"For those of you I haven't adventured with yet I am Liminy. I'm a voracious reader with a particular interest in history. I'm an arcane caster mostly focusing on spells of Conjuration and Evocation."

A tall Vudrani man wanders in, wearing heavy armor shined until it gleams and bearing the blue hand print of Irori etched on it.

He has a slight smile on his face, as if pondering something amusing, as he looks around at the others, giving a companionable not of familiarity to both Gadget and Radagast.

"Ah, the Society partaking in honest trade once more!" He exclaims in a heavy Vudrani accent, smiling.

"My name is Jayori Bissumbhur, honored champion of the Master of Masters." he says, as he presses his hands together and bows deeply at the waist.

VC Sheila Heidmarch

At the request of hosts Canayven and Sheila Heidmarch, you have been invited to attend a private meeting at Heidmarch Manor. A large number of your fellow Pathfinders have clearly also been given a similar invitation, however the appearance of Sheila Heidmarch suggests all is about to be made clear.

She calls for your attention, and as the noise dies down she begins to speak.

”Dear friends, welcome to Magnimar and the newest Pathfinder Lodge—Heidmarch Manor. For those of you who do not yet know me, my name is Sheila Heidmarch—venture-captain of Magnimar. This lodge is also my home, which I share with my husband Canayven. While we are far from the comforts of the Grand Lodge at Absalom, we shall do our best to accommodate you with our humble Varisian hospitalities. My husband and I both spent many years in the field, so we know well what you do and appreciate that you have answered our summons. We are both extremely grateful to receive you and your support.”

“As you well know, Heidmarch Manor is a new lodge. Presently it is funded almost entirely from my own resources. Although I adore Magnimar, we have as many enemies here as friends. This being the case, I seek to court the favor of more powerful allies, specifically members of the Council of Ushers and the Office of the Lord Mayor.”

“This brings the conversation to our current situation. On one of their more recent salvage runs, the wondrous artificers of the Golemworks uncovered a strange relic while dredging stone from the bottom of Magnimar’s harbor. The relic appears to be some sort of a giant key, etched with ancient Thassilonian runes that their learned arcanists speculate may even predate the coming of the mysterious runelords. Because the key falls outside their area of expertise, the Golemworks donated the curious aritfact to the Office of the Lord Mayor. In turn, the Lord Mayor intends to auction off the key to the highest bidder in short order, to fund municipal projects. The auction will be run by the Cathedral of Abadar, gold in hand—meaning immediately after the final bid is accepted, the bidder must pay for his prize in full.”

“We want the key. However, we want it legally. Our establishment in Magnimar is relatively new and our footing tenuous. We need to secure more stable political relationships with the Lord Mayor’s office and the Council of Ushers to ensure the Society’s long term success in this city; especially since the Aspis Consortium already has such a strong foothold here. The legitimate purchase of the Runecarved Key from the local authorities would demonstrate our respect for the city’s government, which would go a long way toward improving our public image with these people.”

“That said, we can greatly increase our chances of winning the auction by persuading our competition to back out. While there are some we believe we can outbid, we are a new lodge with far fewer funds than many. Thus, we must find out who else is interested in the key, how much they can bid, and whether or not we can knock them out of the auction.”

“To assure our success, our espionage must be extensive. Therefore we have divided the task between our agents. While division stands to place field operatives in greater danger, we cannot risk revealing ourselves by working en mass. If you are discovered, we will disavow any association with you. We cannot aid you if you get arrested or fall into the clutches of the enemies of our Society. While this is unfortunate, I hope you can understand our position.”

”For now, please make yourselves at home. We have provided accommodations for each of your groups. Feel free to drop off your things and prepare yourselves. Then meet me in the manor’s theatre in five minutes.”

There is a new general discussion thread HERE that can be used for cross table discussion etc. Feel free to jump in (or not) as you please.

(Helping out GM Aerondor for today)

If you have not already, now is the time to introduce yourselves to the other members of your party. Also, go drop off whatever gear you would like in your accommodations, and make whatever other preparations you need to in the next "five minutes".

Lasaraleen keeps her hear unless she is told anything is forbidden. Her Wayfinder is hidden but her holy symbol is proudly displayed.

Our pleasure, Lady Heidmarch. Do you have a list of the bidders or is the auction anonymously attended? Or I can wait.

Liminy contemplates the phrase "we want it legally" and how it meshes with statements such as "knock them out of the auction.”, "our espionage must be extensive.", and "If you are discovered, we will disavow any association with you."

"Jayori I think this will be a rough mission for you."

Other then thinking on what he knows about Magnimar, Thassilonia, and other related topics Liminy is as prepared as he can get.

Do you have a list of the bidders or is the auction anonymously attended?

"Not yet. I'll speak more about that in the theater once everyone is assembled."

Gadget listens to the mission. Glad I didn't take up a paladin's life!

"Okee, well I'm all set to go there!"

"Irori asks us only to seek perfection." Jayori replies to Liminy, with a grin. "It is a sad fact that few attain it."

"It is the trying that matters."

Grinning widely, a burly orc gestures to where they were supposed to go.
"Let us be on what we need to do then. The sooner we get there the better!"

***OVERSEER POST***

VC Sheila Heidmarch

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”

The venture captain leans forward over her table, and passes Jayori a hefty lock box.

"This holds your share of the deposit. Don't lose it."

Her stern gaze passes over the rest of the group, landing finally on Seiran. She hands over a solid looking key to him. "You'll need this to open it."

Any last preparation or questions you want to ask before taking the deposit to the cathedral?

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 clench 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. After a moment Proctor Imikar closes the book ”Thank you for entering the auction, will you also thank madam Heidmarch on my behalf?”

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.

At this time, you can attempt to scope the crowd to try to deduce who are the society’s most serious competitors. You can attempt a Diplomacy or Knowledge (Local or Nobility) check to find a specific individual or attempt a Diplomacy, Knowledge (Local or Nobility), Perception or Sense Motive check to give a more generic description of the type of person you seek

Can you put your icons on the map please?

Liminy takes a few moments to jot down some names.

Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34
Sheila Heidmarch representing the Pathfinder Society kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
Dymal Rinks, independent kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23
The Duchesses representing no one kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Doctor Ernst Landis representing the Museum of Ages kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32
Zimandi Kaddren kn local: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Then passes it to his allies along with any insights he may have. And yes that includes additional info on Sheila.

He then walks up near the key. Assuming one of the priests are standing near it, "I hear this key is very old. What can you tell me about it?"

Gadget sits and watches the party. In her timidness, she doesn't really mingle with the rest of the groups of Pathfinders gathered here.

Seiran begins to mingle with the guests dropping small talk here and there. Greeting old companions and keeping a lookout for his target as he begins to insert questions on his quarry while asking about the other's side well being.

Diplomacy for Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25
Diplomacy for Zimandi Kaddren 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"You're looking quite fine tonight, say what about the other distinguished guests you might have heard" as he opens his lines with simple questions, laying it all with a disarming smile.

Jayori comes away from depositing the funds with a slight frown.

"I suppose it would not be a proper competition without the Consortium poking their noses into things." He says as he looks around the hall thoughtfully.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

"I saw a few names of those represented here." He adds, as the others compare notes. "Though discerning which are serious bidders is hard to tell from a name in a ledger, I can't Imagine the Aspis are here just for show."

Gather Info (diplomacy) on Maiveer Sloan: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Gather Info (diplomacy) on Falrig Sneve: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29
Gather Info (diplomacy) on Dymal Rinks: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

He'd like to identify the Consortium agents in the room first, if possible to determine

You look around the room, wondering who is who. Quickly the team puts some faces to names.

Moving slowly through the crowd is Kresch Vaor 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.

Sheila Heidmarch is obviously not present, as you are her representatives.

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. That is surely Dymal Rinks.

Two women stand to the side of the cathedral, conversing softly between themselves. Both are dressed in Varisian travelers’ clothes draped with thick cloaks. These are the Duchesses.

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. Surely that must be Doctor Ernst Landis.

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. Linmey knows this to be Zimandi Dadren.

A gaunt, fashionably dressed Chelaxian handshakes his way through the room, accompanied by a half-dozen followers who appear to be equal parts attendant and bodyguard. They all but scream 'Aspis' which would make him Maiveer Sloan.

Finally Jayori spots Falrig Sneve toward the back of the room 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.

To get more, you will have to go up and talk with them.

Lasaraleen will survey the crowd and try to spot the Duchesses and any others in the crowd which do not seem to belong.

"This is quite the exquisite event. I just adore the chance to socialize with civilized persons for a change. I suspect the Duchesses are interesting. I have no desire whatsoever to speak to those dreadful Aspis and their ilk ."

Perception : 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Diplomacy gather : 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

She will step to the side or alcove once she thinks she has located the Duchesses and give herself a touch of glory before approaching them.

"Very good evening, ladies. A wide swath of Magnimar's society. This key must have some impressive capabilities to draw this many to the auction. What do you suspect it can do? I wonder if it cannot control time or dimensions ."

Diplomacy glory : 1d20 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 6 = 31

Lasaraleen makes her way through the crowd to the two women. Their clothing reflects typical Varisian fashion, while its practical material and multiple layers reflect the functional styles worn by the people of Magnimar’s hinterlands.

"Why hello there young lady.." says the first, while the second, presumably her sister eyes Lasaraleen up and down. "Not quite the same as our home town, but it has its attractions" she adds.

The first nods at Lasaraleen's words "Do you think it the key to eternal youth?" she asks hopefully.

Gadget, the unassuming, unintimidating gnome, tries to work up some courage. Alright, I should talk to someone. Aspis? No way I'm doing that! Lasaraleen has the Duchesses covered. That finely dressed woman intimidates me. Probably shouldn't talk to Sheila. The Doctor? Not sure I know enough about history. Hrm... how about the halfling then? He looks nervous, like me.

Gadget walks up to Dymal Rinks, maybe only being a few inches taller than him. "Hello. Are you... Dymal Rinks? Umm. So, if you don't mind me asking as I am just curious, what brings you here for the Key? Excuse me, but I don't know much about it."

Knowledge (Local) (if applicable): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 - If a diplomacy is required, it is 7 lower.

Moving slowly through the crowd is Kresch Vaor 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.

Strange. thinks Seiran as he attempts to move towards the woman to speak to her.

"Greetings, I am Seiran Leogil and with such a grandoise event with its refreshement, would you not wish to stay longer? Seeing that you did get invitations to what could have being one of the biggest events of the year!"

Diplomacy, Let's be Friendly! 1d209 ⇒ 23
Sense Motive, her reaction? 1d20 ⇒ 10

While Lasaraleen talks with the Duchesses, Gadget goes in search of someone his own size, the halfling Dymal Rinks.

"Well, it sure is pretty.." he says, remaining aloof from the gnome. He keeps looking toward the doors nervously.

"Lots of folk here today."

@Gadget Can you give me a diplomacy check as well please

Seiran has little luck with Kresch. "Time is pressing. And these social engagements are such a bore.. she says worriedly. Up close he notes that her clothing is threadbare and don’t fit her well, making her stick out among the gala’s generally fashionable guests.

Ha, a 209-sided dice... and you only get a 23? =)

Jayori nods towards the shifty-looking halfling. "Keep an eye on that one." he says quietly to the others. "Looks more like he's casing the place for a quick escape then a purchase."

He then walks out to mingle.

Am going to assume the Aspis are serious bidders, so will ignore them for now... lets try the wallflower in the back: Falrig Sneve

He makes his way towards the man he identified as Falrig Sneve.

Pressing his palms together, he bows formally in greet, before giving the man's guards a respectful nod.

"It is quite the gathering." he says, conversationally. "Though with so many bidders, I can only guess the price will not be cheap."

"My name is Jayori Bissumbhur." He adds, by way of introduction.

"I had not expected the key to be quite so large. Though I suppose it does leads ones mind to pondering what it might open."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Yes, very large and impressive!" agrees Falrig as he extends his hand. "Let us hope it doesn't open the box of Pandora." he looks somewhat nervous. "And I hope this goes better than my last auction. The last piece I acquired turned out to be cursed." he mops his brow.

"Oh look! Rodger of Taldor. I must talk with him..." he waves at a man across the room and starts to work his way through the crowd.

Jayori notices a giggle from a nearby woman, and overhears her confiding in her companion "That Falrig would step over his own shadow if someone told him it would bring him luck - or more likely avoid bad luck."

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Gadget isn't aware of anything more about Rinks.

You're right!!! I didn't notice it was a 209 sided dice. lol. Still got turned down anyway.
Let's make a proper roll though the results are known anyway 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Seiran's smile falters abit as he takes in her attire. She does look a tad out of place here, dressed in that way.
"Then why would you be here if it's so boring for you?"

Lasaraleen will press the Duchesses on their interest.

Oh heavens, no. I do not think it would be a key to youth. It would be nice if it was though. If that is what you are after, there are probably better options for the investment.

Not sure if her diplomacy could be used to dissuade them. Can roll again, unless they are done with her.

"Oh, well, the food is good.." stammers Kresch at Seiran. "And who wouldn't want to have a key that can open anything?"

Meanwhile Lasaraleen talks with the Duchesses. "And where do you come from Miss? Obviously not from Ordellia. "

One "Duchess" taps the other (also "Duchess") on the shoulder and they both make their way across the floor to gaze at the key.

Lasaraleen replies politely.

I was born the the daughter of a minor noble in the far east, in Katheer, Qadira. But that was many years ago, and I have since traveled the world, including a visit to Magnimar on prior occasions. Ordellia has not been on my list of places visited. Would you recommend it?

Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

Jayori watches Falrig wander off with some dismay, though raises an eyebrow at the nearby woman's comments to her companion, pondering if that might give a way to dissuade Sneve from pursuing the bidding too aggressively.

Anyone feel like casually mentioning the fact the key might be bad luck/cursed within earshot of Falrig? =) Might turn him off the purchase.

Glancing around, he then wanders over to get a better look at the key, and talk to the Doctor while he does so.

"Quite impressive, I must say. If the key is that large, imagine what it might unlock." He turns a grin towards Ernst Landis.

With no response from the priest Liminy will instead go speak with Doctor Ernst Landis.

"Ah. A fellow caster I expect."

Liminy looks at the key.

"They claim it predates Earthfall. A wondrous archeological find if true. But I fear it will be bought by someone who doesn't appreciate it's historical importance."

The Dr looks around and spies Liminy. "Indeed, indeed. Thus it is important I think you will agree, that an institution such as the Museum of Ages takes possession of it. I'm Dr Ernst Landis. And you would be?"

He offers a nod to Jayori as he joins in. "Knowledge, I am sure. It will open a window into the past! Who knows what we might learn."

The Duchess nods vaguely at Lasaraleen. "Oh yes, quite the city."

Liminy offers his hand.

"I'm Liminy. I agree it should be somewhere safe where it can be observed by true scholars. But the Lord Mayor needs money. Quite a lot I expect. Are you extremely wealthy perhaps? If you outbid all of these royals you could donate it to the museum."

"Oh the public purse won't be enough to buy this." sighs the doctor.

"Luckily I have a benefactor who is willing to fund this purchase!"

"Oh! So the museum will get it after all. A kind benefactor indeed. I think most of these people believe the item has great power. If they get it they will no doubt destroy it in hopes of gaining said power."

Lasaraleen feels she is not connecting with the two women, so she will approach the woman Zimandi Dadren near Liminy (or wherever she stands currently).

Greetings, I must say I just adore your dress this evening. And where ever did you get those shoes? You must tell me. Is it a local cobbler?

Striking up a conversation/

diplomacy+glory: 1d20 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 6 = 36

"Oh, well, the food is good.." stammers Kresch at Seiran. "And who wouldn't want to have a key that can open anything?"

"Funny you should say that." as he scratches his head thoughtfully.

***OVERSEER POST***

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.”

Table GMs, you should start encounter 2.

Several miles outside of the city walls, a side trail branches off and away from the Yondabakari and winds south into a forest of ancient evergreens. Off to the side of the path, nestled into a deep pocket of spruces, sleeps a small Varisian caravan, only two wagons strong.

Let me know any preparations you want to take or last minute purchases you want to make. New map is up

Just in case, Gadget will buy 40 more Cold Iron arrows (4 gp). I know these specials can have a lot of combat and definitely don't want her to run out.

Once the caraven comes into view, Gadget takes her Wand of Mage Armor and uses it on herself. Then, with her bow out, she is ready for combat. "This seems... illegal, though."

"We may encounter ‘the Duchesses’ at the caravan."

When we are a few minutes from the caravan Liminy prepares for the no doubt legal task of attacking a caravan and acquiring the gold they carry by using his wand of Mage Armor on himself.

He'll share if anyone needs it.

Also, "Anyone skilled in using strange wands? This one brings misfortune to enemies but normally only witches can use it."

He'll loan a wand of Ill Omen to anyone with good UMD.

"So how shall we approach this? Ask them to politely hand over the gold?"

Seiran sighs as he uses his own wands to give himself magical protection.

Wand of Mage Armor
Wand of Shield.
Perception 1d20 ⇒ 11

"I dislike that we seem to be in the role of mere bandits but I understand why. I still don't like it though." Seiran states as he tries to seek out the best possible ways to ssneak in.

Jayori nods at Seiran's words. "Aye, if our goal is to change people's views of the Society, this seems hardly the best way to go about it."

He smiles cheerfully. "Though it seems our real goal, is simply to ensure the funds do not reach the Consortium until after the bidding has completed."

"I'm sure we can manage such, without causing any undue harm." He ponders his weapon thoughtfully. "Perhaps let them know where to find it... after a suitable delay, of course."

Gadget, you have the Dead Man's Debt chronicle sheet... just buy some blunt arrows off of that! You can do non-lethal with those if needed =)