A large half-orc walks into the room. He looks over the group as he finds a seat at the table. I wonder what task would bring such an interesting group together.
All his life, people have told Zurnzal that he could never succeed, yet he has harnessed the anger he feels toward these critics and used it to break his enemies and impress the few allies he has. When those who doubted him stand broken and bloodied, he will know that he was right.
ZURNZAL
Male half-orc brawler 6/assassin 1 (Advanced Class Guide 23)
NE Medium humanoid (human, orc)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +11
DEFENSE
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+4 armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 65 (7 HD; 6d10+1d8+20)
Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +5
Defensive Abilities orc ferocity
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee unarmed strike +13/+8 (1d8+6) or
mwk short sword +12/+7 (1d6+5/19–20)
Ranged mwk composite shortbow +9/+4 (1d6+5/×3)
Special Attacks brawler’s flurry, brawler’s strike (magic), close weapon mastery, death attack (DC 13), knockout strike (DC 18), maneuver training (dirty trick +1), martial flexibility (swift action) 6/day, sneak attack +1d6
STATISTICS
Str 20, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 8
Base Atk +6; CMB +11 (+14 dirty trick, +13 disarm, +13 trip); CMD 25 (28 vs. dirty trick, 27 vs. disarm, 27 vs. trip)
Feats Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Dirty TrickAPG, Improved Trip, Improved Unarmed Strike, Toughness, Weapon Focus (unarmed strike)
Skills Acrobatics +12, Climb +10, Disguise +11, Intimidate +9, Perception +11, Sense Motive +11, Stealth +12; Racial Modifiers +2 Intimidate
Languages Common, Giant, Orc, Varisian
SQ martial training, orc blood, poison use
Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of invisibility, antitoxin, tanglefoot bag (2); Other Gear +2 leather armor, mwk short sword, mwk composite shortbow with 40 arrows, amulet of mighty fists +1, belt of giant strength +2, cloak of resistance +2, ring of protection +1, sandals of quick reactionUC, disguise kit, 15 gp
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Brawler’s Flurry (Ex) When Zurnzal makes a full-attack, he has the Two- Weapon Fighting feat while using unarmed strikes, close weapons, and monk weapons, and he adds his full Strength modifier to all attacks.
Brawler’s Strike (Ex) Zurnzal’s unarmed attacks count as magic.
Close Weapon Mastery (Ex) Zurnzal can deal 1d6 damage with any weapon from the close weapon group (such as daggers) if he wants.
Improved Dirty Trick Zurnzal does not provoke an attack of opportunity when using the dirty trick combat maneuver. He gains a +2 bonus on combat maneuver checks to perform dirty tricks and to CMD to defend against them. Knockout Strike
(Ex) Once per day Zurnzal can attempt a one-hit knockout, declaring his attempt before rolling his unarmed attack roll. If he hits and deals damage, the target must succeed at a DC 18 Fortitude save or fall unconscious for 1d6 rounds. The target receives a new save each round to wake up. This ability doesn’t work if the target is immune to critical hits or nonlethal damage.
Martial Flexibility (Ex) Zurnzal can spend a move action to gain any two combat feats he doesn’t possess, as long as he meets the prerequisites, or he can spend a swift action to gain any one combat feat. He keeps the feat for 1 minute. If he uses the ability again before that time, he loses all the feats from the previous use. If the feat has a daily limit and he picks it more than once, it doesn’t reset the limit. Good choices include Greater Trip or Power Attack.
Martial Training (Ex) Zurnzal counts his brawler levels as both fighter levels and monk levels for the purpose of qualifying for combat feats.
Sandals of Quick Reaction When Zurnzal acts on the surprise round, he can take both a standard and a move action.
Although some half-orcs born in Lastwall find acceptance, many green-skinned children raised in that border nation wither under the accusing gazes of warrior families that have lost loved ones to the orc hordes. Zurnzal grew up burdened by these critics who often flinched when looking at him and assumed he might yet become a feral beast like the orcs to the north, despite his gentle heart and service to the community. Even after leaving Lastwall, he has always strived to measure up to his old neighbors’ impossible standards. However, over the years his noble goal has twisted into barely controlled anger.
He first drew the Aspis Consortium’s attention while working the dangerous Umbral Basin caravan circuit between Molthune and Nidal, where he distinguished himself as a powerful combatant. The Consortium seemed like an ideal way to get ahead in life, but the half-orc quickly realized that he was as typecast there as anywhere. Most bronze agents simply saw him as another orc-blooded brute to be pointed and unleashed at the enemy like an attack dog. At least one agent has realized that Zurnzal is no simple thug, and he has begun grooming him to become more than just a contractor. It is only a matter of time before the cunning, ambitious half-orc is leading his own projects and proving his true worth to those who doubted him.
I think I'm ready. As I don't have any characters anywhere near 7th level, I guess I'll apply this to # 106385-3 (Aaziroth) since I don't anticipate using him during the running of this scenario.
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Rataji looks across the table at his assembled associates, his gaze taking them all in at once, but his mind appraising them each in turn.
My side of the chessboard has been set, I see. Good enough for a starter set, I suppose....
He begins, as is his custom, with a dazzling smile. "Gentlefolk! So good to see you all in the flesh. I trust you know the basics of why we are here: A bold move against the Pathfinder Society that will earn us places of eternal honor in the history of the company, provided, of course, that we succeed - which, of course, we will!" He makes a hearty gesture with his fist. "We are, of course, not alone. We have hundreds of associates assembled much like we are throughout the city in preparation for the strike. Now here's what you may not know: We alone, here at this table, are the keystone of the entire operation. Those hundreds of associates I mentioned? Merely along to harass and distract the Society while we do the real work: Acquiring the Sky Key! The plan goes as follows:
Step 1: We use the cover of the mob to infiltrate the Grand Lodge. Try to act like Pathfinders, it shouldn't be too hard: Just talk about how everything of value belongs in a museum or whatever.
Step 2: Gathering intelligence. This is where we *really* start acting like Pathfinders, making inquiries of everything that moves - discretely, of course! Equally important is scouting the grounds so we know where to go quickly when the moment strikes. I understand you all have your own benefactors and sources, if you know of any specific informants, let us rely chiefly on them. Believe it or not, it may behoove us to temporarily divide ourselves up while we're doing this - after all, the Pathfinder Society knows damned well what a group of 6 or so higher-quality individuals can accomplish.
Step 3: We prepare for our cue to enter the Society's stronghold of Skyreach - YES, Skyreach! - which is a nice little garden party for a speech by Marcos Farabellus, the Society's "Master of Swords." You've been to a good garden party, surely, so you know how it goes: There will be ushers and drinks poured and empty talk, so since we're not actually here for that, we can use the bustle to make our ways inside.
Step 4: Once inside Skyreach, we want to bring in the reinforcements that are waiting for us inside the Hao Jin Tapestry. This is where it gets tricky, though: I'm afraid I know how to send someone into the Tapestry, but not how to let anyone out. For that, we need to make our way to a section of Skyreach vaults known as the Antarnicus Wing, which is where they keep most of the loot from the Tapestry, as well as such notes as they allow themselves to keep on how to open the Tapestry - they're rightly paranoid about it, you see. This is where force might begin to become necessary.
Step 5: We make our way to the Tapestry chamber and open it to bring our allies in - it seems it will fall to us to orient them a bit. This is where force will almost certainly become necessary.
Step 6: Reach the museum in the upper sections of the fortress where they keep the Sky Key, and take it! You know how that works, although I've been specifically instructed to keep the operation as clean as we can manage.
The 7th and final Step: We wait for a second team to find us. We shall know them by the code 'five fingers till Oathday' - we are to pass them the Sky Key and escape.
May fortune smile on our endeavors!"
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Number 332, stares at the man who speaks with conviction. Her eyes glossy as if her mind is somewhere else, distant. She snaps back to reality as he finishes his grand speech. She looks to the other assembled, wondering what she could learn about them, but also how she can learn about herself along the way.
Succeed we shall, she replies in a very flat tone.
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Rataji shares his impressive knowledge of the Pathfinder Society headquarters grounds in detail.
"Given that we have enough time for this if we're good and punctual, I suggest we divide ourselves into three groups of two, and scout all these areas."
"Joliryn, you're with me; Ms....'322,' is it? You're with Zurnzal. That leaves Marnarius and Shohiraj. I'm certain you'll work well together." He continues to wear his mesmerizing smile. "Each pair of us will have about 2 hours to scout 6 areas. Does anyone have any preferences on which they'd like to visit?"
The half-orc listens intently as the wizard lays out the plan and shares his knowledge of the Pathfinder's headquarters.
He's well spoken and knowledgeable. I can see why he was picked to lead this group. I'm sure I could learn a thing or two from him.
He looks around to see if anyone else is going to speak. When it doesn't appear anyone is going to, he clears his throat. "Thank you for the information on the headquarters. I'm excited about this mission and proving what I can offer the Consortium. Aside from the obvious target of Skyreach, I think the Menagerie would be important to scout. If there are beasts we could free there, it could help create even more chaos. I don't have the ability to pick the locks, but might be able to use a crowbar to pry the cages open. I would also be interested in scouting Arliss Hall or the Outbuildings. I could see if there are additional ways to create a diversion there and observe some of the Pathfinders." Satisfied with his statement, he looks around at the group trying to gauge what they think of his ideas.
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She has a cold demeanor, but she listens to the others. She ponders about potential scouting areas.
I can see the value in The Menagerie. The more chaos, the better chance at success, and finding out who I am in such a turmoil state.
What about the Water Palace? If we can manage to procure some artifacts, would that not diminish their ability to react or react well? Otherwise I would suggest Outbuildings. Gather intelligence by studying our foe is wise
Zurnzal listens to Rataji's additional comments about the Menagerie and the Wall of Names. He nods his head towards the rogue. "It sounds like you would be perfect for scouting the Menagerie. I'd like to go the Wall and the Outbuildings. I have something in mind, but I need to check out those areas first." He turns to the elf, "Is there anywhere else you would like to go? I want to pick up a few things before we head out, though"
He opens his belt pouch, counting his meager stash and shakes his head. "Unfortunately, being the muscle in the Consortium doesn't pay much. If any of you have the means, I think we could use some smokesticks. I need to get a crowbar, a dagger, and some silk rope. Then I'll be ready to go," he says to the group.
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Joliryn shrugs as the plan is laid out.
Sounds good to me. Looks like you've already got it all figured out, so I'll not butt in. Just show me who you want cut.
She goes back to twirling her kukri and watching the others in the room, her dexterity matched by the intelligent, yet vicious, gleam in her eyes.
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After listening to his associates' plans, Rataji considers his own agenda, then turns to his chosen partner. "Joliryn, I would suggest that we investigate the two most important locales: The Gate and Skyreach. After that, the Repository, because what could be more interesting?"
"Don't forget, all three pairs of us will have to visit a total of six places each if we want to be thorough - and I know I do." Rataji's trademark glowing smile returns. "So for the two of us, Joliryn, do you have any desires vis-a-vis our second three? How do the Center House, the monument to the venerable Durvin Gest, and Baphory's Walk sound to you?"
He turns - pivots - to the rest of the table. "I believe that would leave the Mausoleum, the quadrangle, Starhall, the training arena, the temporary structures, the all-important Wall of Names, Seeker's Plaza, and Southgrove for the rest of you to look into."
Zurnzal stands seemingly contemplating something. After a moment, he decides to speak. "Before we disperse, I think it is important for all of you to know what I am planning on doing. I think that pinning our actions onto a perceived Pathfinder traitor will help our cause. If someone knows of one, great, let me know who it is. One of us can try to impersonate them. Otherwise, a missing Pathfinder can't defend himself against accusations, so I am hoping to find someone alone, either at the Wall or the Outbuildings. I will take them out and do my best to impersonate them to make it look like an inside job. Obviously, a half-orc would be ideal, or at least a large human. Arliss Hall would also provide an opportunity if someone else would like to go there, but we are limited in time so I can't make it everywhere."
"I hope my plan meets your approval and doesn't interfere with your's. I don't want to overstep my bounds," he says to Rataji.
He turns to his partner and adds,"I'd like to go to the Wall first since I feel there will be a better opportunity to find someone alone there. If I am successful, I'm hoping to hide the body in the nearby grove. Then we can go to the Outbuildings and Temporary buildings on our way to the Water Palace that you mentioned. If there isn't anyone at the Wall, I'll need to find another target, hopefully in the Outbuildings. We won't have time to do much at the Water Palace if that is the case I'm afraid. Does that work for you?"
Zurnzal listens to the rest of the group, trying to sort out who wants to do what. "It sounds like you should go with our elf companion as you have similar goals," he says to the human slayer.
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The halfling woman nods as the others speak out their plans, a small smirk on her face.
Well, that pretty much takes care of that... Now, about the contact at the wall...
She pushes off the table she was leaning against and points at the map with her kukri.
I have to visit the wall of names. There is a contact there I have to meet about some consortium business, so if someone else needs to head there... I could use the backup in case things go sideways. Other than that, I'm free to assist anyone else in the grand plan...
The Ambitious and the Artist go to the wall to meet a contact of the Artist. The Ambitious is there to help out if things don't go well and to scout for potential targets to frame as a traitor.