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DotA
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Dotting from work. Will add data to the profile later.
Dot will add pregen later
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.
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.
"Hmmph. Absalom. Seat of Power for the Pathfinders. What a bunch of worthless idiots. Look at them, so careless and carefree, as if nothing could possibly happen to them here. As if there would be no reprisals for what they did at Bloodcove. Fools. I mean, Na'alu was an priggish idiot, and I might've gotten round to killing the pompous bas-tard myself in a month or two, but not the point, you know? It was the principle of the matter. They shat in our backyard, now we're gonna shove it backdown their nostrils along with a string of caltrops and then pull it out through the other end. Slowly. Or maybe we thread it so that one end is out their nose and the other out the ass and then do a few rapid back-and-forths. You know what I mean."
The pretty little barefooted 'girl' in the corner laughs merrily, muscially even, her cheery voice completely at odds with the gruesome picture that her words had painted. She turns to the rest of you with a cheekily playful smile of anticipation.
"Well, that's why I am here, anyway. What brought you lot on this exciting venture, huh?"
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Hmm i wonder what different skills these people bring to the table
quickly bustling in Rataji can easily be described as tall confident, he quickly walks to the table, and sits down.
"Please if you wouldn't mind sitting its time to get to business. As the first order i suggest we all introduce ourselves, ill go first. My name is Rataji, im a contractor thats been working for the Aspis consortium for the past 4 years mostly out of blood cove and the mwangi expanse. As for why i am here, im here to lead an expedition with fellow consortium allies that will knock the pathfinders off their false pedestal. So who is next?
peering around the room he seems to be sizing up everyone with but a quick glance.
A brown-haired woman in leather armor casually takes a seat at the table and quietly studies the others. She sighs when Rataji finishes his introduction.
"You can call me Shohiraj. I'm not here for vengeance or to prove a point. I'm here because the Consortium wants something the Pathfinders have. I'm sure it's something the Society has locked up tight and the Consortium's paying me good coin to make the locks go away."
shadows pull together in a corner of the room as a pale elven women seems to materialize form dark tendrils. she looks around the room each person feels colder when her gaze sets upon them.
"I am 322, i have been sent to stop the pathfinders form seeking the help of Aram Zay ever again. As well as helping you all complete your task what ever they may be"
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Marnarius looked upon the faces in front of him.
I do not trust any of you, but if with this people I can finaly get my revenge, so be it.
"The name is Marnarius and I have the same goal as that girl… the Society will pay for everything they did to me and my mates. Simple as that, show me a Pathfinder and I'll kill him, swiftly if needed, even though I would like to take some time..."
Zurnzal emerges from the shadow like a ghost as Marnarius ends his introduction, as he briefly sizes up those around him.
I am doubtful that these people can help me accomplish my goal but perhaps...
I am Zurnzal, and my employers have requested that I remove a member of the society quietly, so one of our own may sow a tale of treachery in disguise. I may be of assistance to you, however my goal is foremost in my head, and those who get in my way will regret it.
Joy smiles mischievously.
"What an interesting assortment. You can call me "Joy Lirin", or just 'Joy'. I find that name an easier fit for what people expect from my appearance. All the easier to stick them with some sharpened metal."
With two quick steps, she pounces onto one of the chairs and then onto the table to stand face-to-face with the seated Rataji.
"Alright, Ratty. You want to be da baws, so that means ya got da plan, yeah? Wanna make like an opened gut and spill it then?"
Her disturbingly out-of-place grin never once leaves her face.
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Ahh Ms. Joy if you dont mind sitting down ill have that plan ready for you without the need to be turned into a hog A slight grin creases his lips, Now as we all know the pathfinders will be having a celebration in the 10 days. At that time we will be part of an attack on the Pathfinders Grand Lodge, i would ask that you use your contacts inside this city to gain any additional gear or supplies as necessary. On that day we will need to blend into the throng of pathfinders and make our way to skyreach their "impenetrable" stronghold. At the right time we will head inside and make our way down to the antarnicus wing of the pathfinders underground vault. We will secure instructions their and make our way to the Hao Jin Tapestry. We will need the location of the tapestry from our contacts as well as any details for guard units around the tapestry and the underground vault. Once we are at the tapestry i will open it to allow our forces into the inside of the Pathfinders grand lodge.
After looking at each person to make sure they are still awake/ following
Now im sure that we each have certain side missions for our patrons and higher ups in the Aspis consortium, would anyone like to divulge that information now? This is purely for tactical and teamwork reasons.
He really is only looking for teamwork
To see if anyone gives away that they have extra curricular activities.
Turning to Zurnal and 322:
"Do you know where these man will be? perhaps we can achieve your goals on the way to ours or before we take our exit"
Turning to Shohiraj and Marnarius:
"Would your skills lean more towards the physical side of breaking into places or possibly more toward dealing with locks? and Marnarius much as i would love to take our time inside skyreach until our allies have been brought through the tapestry we will be moving as quickly and quietly as possible.
The heart of the Pathfinder Society is a sprawling campus in Absalom’s Foreign Quarter. Behind its white walls, Pathfinders train for upcoming expeditions, academics study priceless relics recovered from across the globe, and the Decemvirate charts the course for the entire organization from the towering keep Skyreach. Currently, pathfinders from all over Golarion are flowing in on the grounds, engaging in bragging contests, shows of strength and other self-congratulatory activities.
I've put up a map of the grand lodge grounds
You clearly have done your homework, and you recognise the Grand Lodge's main tower (2), the 20-foot-high statue of that ill-revered pathfinder 'hero' and founder Durvin Gest (16). The wall of names (13) is off to the west, next to a menagerie of exotic creatures (10).
With the current crowds, it will be nigh impossible to break into skyreach unseen. It seems it will be nearly two hours before Marcus Farabellus' speech. Time to act!
"What? Oh yes, sure, we will be sure to go ask around and gather information yadda yadda blah blah."
Rataji is absolutely convinced that Joy will remain focused and do her best to diligently gather information for the group.
"I prefer picking locks over busting doors. It's much less likely to draw unwanted attention. Does telling me who we can swipe the keys to the Pathfinders' vaults from count as giving me a 'side mission'?"
To see if the self-declared leader has a hidden agenda. Apparently, he doesn't.
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"I agree with Shohiraj, better not to start busting doors. Just like her, I can pick some locks as well as disable some eventual traps if she is not able to."
Looks like Marnarius believes Rataji
"I need to help with the 'distraction' to make our entering in the Sky Citadel safer... Task is simple: just let loose the beasts of the zoo."
"Once we get inside the tapestry, I can help you with the locations in there."
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Well thank you for being as forthcoming as you are, from what i understand we will not actually be entering the tapestry unless we have to so that it will open. Unfortunately i think that will be a bridge we must cross when we get to it. I to have 1 thing i must take care of, After we open the tapestry i am to recover the "Sky Key" from the museum on an upper floor. After that i will pass the sky key on and will take my leave of the pathfinders Lodge.
Shohiraj: Probably not but you need to make sure we get those keys before we go inside, i assume that's possible, if you need any aid perhaps one of us may be suited to help.
Selling: +1 chain shirt (gain 550gp, 734gp to spend)
Buying:
chain shirt (100gp)
Scrolls:
shield x 5 (125gp)
Expeditious Retreat x 2 (50gp)
Frostbite (25gp)
Silent Image x 2 (50gp)
Infernal Healing x 7 (175gp)
True Strike x 3 (75gp)
Read Magic (12.5gp)
Talisman of Beneficial winds (50gp)
Snag net x 2 (60gp)
spring-loaded wrist sheath x 2 (10 gp)
Bandolier x 2 (1gp)
iron vial x 5 (5sp)
Joy adjusts her twin-bandoliers and carefully pours a potion into an iron vial before sliding it into a wrist-sheath. She rolls up a scroll and tucks it into another iron vial before sliding that into a separate wrist sheath on her other wrist.
Then she gives a little stretch and says, "ok, so looks like we have about 2 hours to roam around before we go listen to that boring ol' speech. I've got places I wanna see, maybe mug a puffy agent or two. Sounds like Shohi here wants ta go rob someone, Marnie wants to let some dawgs out... We gonna go split up and then meet again somewhere in an hour or two?"
"Oh and if you see this cray-cray green-haired gnome with a big white cat or a hyperactive halfling-b**** with a whip who can't shut up, you let me know, 'kay? Girl's got business with them. Oh and I hear there's this blond halfling with a flute who's kinda hawt, you let me know if you see him too. That one we don't kill if we have to, and only after I get to check him out," Joy says naturally as if she were just an innocent teenage girl sharing gossip, notwithstanding that the content of her words are anything but natural.
More Scrolls:
Ghost sound (12.5gp)
Read Magic (12.5gp)
Infernal healing (25gp)
mount (25gp)
Hollyberries (free)
Stake(free)
Club(free)
Shohiraj listens to the halfling's wish list with a slight grin. When Joy's done talking, Shohiraj takes a slip of paper from a pocket. "The gabby, hyperactive halfling you have 'business' with wouldn't happen to look like this?" She asks as she slides the paper, a sketch of a halfling woman, across the table to Joy. "She's the one I want to rob, as you put it. With your help, Joy Lirin, we can arrange things so the puffies never trust Janira Gavix with anything more sensitive than a bog roll."
"That's the one! What do you mean you want to make sure the puffies never trust her though? I kinda want to find her in a dark alley and put some sharp metal in her neck. You know, so people stop comparing me to her and that green-haired skank. What's she got that you want to take anyways? And are you planning to kill her as well?"
"I don't think you'll have a chance to catch Janira alone in a dark alley in the middle of the Grand Lodge. But my contacts say the Master of Scrolls trusts her with the keys to the Lodge's vaults. What would happen if I swipe the keys from her and then someone dressed like her lets a bunch of strangers into the Pathfinder's secret stash? Janira's still alive, but she has to live with her friends' scorn."
Joy grins widely as she considers Shohiraj's proposal.
"I still want to find the blondie , but if you find Janira, let me know! Or if you get the keys from her, yourself, take a note of what she's wearing, and I'll see if I can whip up something similar," she laughs.
"Since we don't yet know where to find her, how about we spend half an hour gathering information, including where that annoying halfling is (or the green-haired hobo or the blond hottie), then we meet back here and decide how to proceed with the remaining time?"
"Since we're thinking of playing dress-up, I'll take this opportunity to change into something less likely to draw Janira's attention. Or, maybe I should try to draw her attention..." Shohiraj ponders the possibilities and starts making a mental list of things to buy.
Knowledge (Local) to see if Shohiraj knows about Zarta Dralneen
"Ok then, I'm gonna see what info I can find about blondie, hippie and yappy."
"Meet back here in an hour's time to see what info we have, and then reassess our options?"
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Joliryn - Gather Info ()
Shohiraj
322
Rataji
Marnarius
Zurnzal
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295gp
Ghost sound (12.5gp)
Read Magic (12.5gp)
Infernal healing (25gp)
Silent Image x 2 (50gp)
Purchase Courtier's Outfit (30gp)
Expeditious Retreat x 2 (50gp)
left 65 gp
Joliryn sets off to gather information
[ooc]Got it. I find it easier to just read stuff in spoilers though, so I don't have to remember what was in PMs. Hope you don't mind.
Trees surround the small hill that bears a curving wall of black glass, providing visitors some privacy as they read any of the thousands of Pathfinder names inscribed on the surface. More trees grow in tight formation to the west, where the copse abuts the Grand Lodge’s wall.
A man dressed in Chelish garb stands near the wall, looking pensively at the names.
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.
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.
Several zookeepers wander around the ground, and the cages are all locked with heavy padlocks.
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Joliryn - Gather Info
Shohiraj
322 - Gather info
Rataji
Marnarius - Zoo
Zurnzal
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Marnarius casually inspects the lock, not looking out of place with all the other visitors of the menagerie. It looks to be well within his capabilities to pick, though he'd have to do it stealthily with all the people around. Also, most of the animals are quite ferocious, and would jump out immediately when the lock is opened. A little animals handling skill might convince them to stay put for a while. After all, a single loose animals is easily overpowered, but a whole menagerie of them...
Rataji spends some time asking around about Skyreach
Skyreach is off-limits to pathfinders. 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.
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Joliryn - Gather Info
Shohiraj
322 - Gather info
Rataji
Marnarius - Zoo
Zurnzal
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"I will head out to plan my mission, I will return in an hour with what I have gained," he says as he fades into the darkness.
"Step be step, small stopped hearts.
Left right left, they all fell down...
Poor Pathfinders..."
"Oh hello there. Don't mind me. I sing to myself sometimes. It helps me think, focus. You've come to pay your remember the dead, haven't you? I don't like it. This wall. Black. Cold. Lifeless. The curve in it too. It's unsettling. It's almost as if the wall slithers, like a snake through grass."
The man looks up, and he responds, “None would step on so great a serpent.” After a moment’s hesitation, he then adds, “But perhaps it is a fool who invites the viper into his home.”
That last bit wasn't part of the arrangement, and the man, still looking pensively at the wall, does not seem to make a move to give up whatever is in the folio he is clutching under his arm.
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"Well, yes, unless the person happens to be a viper himself. Did you know that when a rat steps off the Open Road and enters the viper's den, if the vipers do not eat the rat, the scent of the viper clings to the person and the scales of the vipers cling to his clothes. Whatever the rat think it is, it has essentially becomes a viper himself, and remains for all purposes a viper even after it returns to the Open Road."
"Make no mistake. The rat-viper may hide his scales and his new scent so that those on the Open Road do not realise what the rat has become, but if they do discover it, those on the road will trample him till he is no more. Step... Step... Step. STEP. STEP! And if the rat-viper has raised his fangs against the other vipers he consorted with, they will not receive him again either. They will wait in the grass by the road. Wait to devour the rat-viper for his treachery."
Joy traces a finder along the man's back, leaving no doubt as to who the rat-viper her little 'story' is.
"Poor little rat-viper. The Road will rise up against him, and serpents will await him in the grass beside the Road. Where will he go to hide? Hmm?"
Joy turns her back to the man and returns her attention to the wall, giving him time to ponder the true meaning in her words. She scans the most recent entries, then finds the name she was looking for to drive her point home.
"Ah, here we are. Nieford Sharrowsmith. A decorated Venture-Captain who went on one last expedition near Bloodcove... But the Consortium caught wind of his little expedition, and he was killed. You know, some friends of mine recently recovered a missive that had been sent to the Consortium. It was signed A.C. . We have not decoded it yet, but we suspect it may be the note that tipped off the Consortium about Sharrowsmith's expedition. Oh but I do hope I'm wrong. How terribly to think that Sharrowsmith might have been betrayed! Say...do you have anything in that folder that might help us break the code and discover that this this A.C., whoever he is, had nothing to do with Sharrowsmith's death?"
The starts losing his composure more and more upon every word the Joyous halfling says. Alright, I your point. Here, have your folio, I want nothing more to do with it! With a deep sigh he hand over the leather folder, then moves along the wall, pondering over it once more.
"Oh how generous of you! We will be sure to decode that missive properly. I'm sure it will show that this A.C. had nothing to do with Sharrowsmith's death after all."[/b]
She smiles sweetly as she walks to the man and leans against him.
"Our mutual friend will be in touch, little rat-viper. Keep being useful to us, and no one will ever see your scales," she whispers as she plucks the folio from his hand.
Objective complete, she begins making her way back to the safehouse, but keeps an eye out for a safe and quiet place where she can read the contents of the folio in private first.
Marnarius sneakily unlocks the lock of the first cage, but as he moves on to the second, a loud scream is followed by several zookeepers hurrying to overpower an escaped lion, and getting is back to its cage.
Marnarius then moves to the second specimen, a large, ram-headed sphinx.
I can speak of what the future holds for those who would heed the wise words of a sphinx, it says discreetly, A time comes when the shackled shall walk among men, voicing their grievances with a hundred horns.These children—who strain at false laws—know not that the time is not today, but no man can chide them, for he knows not their tongue. Their castle of chains shall fall away, and only a lion or sheep shall be their herald,calling out to let them know that their time in the sun has arrived