nightdeath |
The Hall of Blades is as ostentatious as the rest of the Aspis Building in Ostenso, which serves as the headquarters for Consortium operations worldwide. Thousands of swords and knives of every size and curvature hang from racks, populate glass-covered display cases, and even constitute the frameworks of a trio of deadly chandeliers.
With an expression halfway between bitter and bored, a Chelish man in a richly embroidered jacket silently assesses each of his agents in turn over steepled fingers before taking a glass of wine in one hand. “Let it never be said that the Aspis Consortium lacks a sense of humor. Fortunately for some of you,” he adds before swirling the glass and taking a sip, “it also has an underreported appreciation for mercy.”
“It is now apparent that the Korholm Agenda, a rogue faction within the Consortium, has been provoking the Pathfinder Society into violence against us, all the while maneuvering for a power play whose details are above your pay grade. We’ve come to an understanding with the Society that by sharing intelligence about these upstarts, we can better crush them and get back to the ugly business of clawing at each other’s throats. Pathfinder agents recently uncovered troubling evidence that the Korholm Agenda has been siphoning hard-earned gold from our accounts to fund an operation in eastern Nidal. Take note: stealing from the Consortium is a bad idea because a powerful Patron—me—will send a team of armed professionals—that’s you—to make
an example by destroying everything you hold dear.”
Mr. Ratarion pauses for effect before continuing. “This Nidalese facility is hidden within or beneath a plantation known as Wirholt’s Rictus, with which the Consortium does business twice yearly. I’ve never received reports of a clandestine operation beneath those hills, so they’ve no doubt found ways to hide their presence. Your job is to ferret them out; secure any records that can inform me to their plans, contacts, or other safe houses; kill any of the traitorous operatives, and leave their hideout a smoldering ruin that sends a clear signal to their friends. Do whatever you can to avoid raising the alarm. If they’re smart—and assume they are—they’re also prepared to destroy key evidence if they suspect they’re under attack.”
He pauses in a moment of self-reflection. “I did say something about mercy, didn’t I? Perhaps that was an exaggeration. Regardless, do you have any questions? I hope you have questions. The last team that didn’t ask questions flubbed their mission and found themselves tragically unemployed—fatally so, in some cases.”
The leader, Rataji |
Looking like someone who's just bitten something really sour Rataji raises his hand and speaks:"Your excellence, you have made yourself abundantly clear. We'll infiltrate the place, get every bit of intelligence worth having THEN we'll reduce the place to a smoldering ruin. Very neat but shouldn't we at least try to capture one of the traitors for questioning? He... or she might have some insight in the workings of this Korholm Agenda, some knowledge worth extracting. Besides that it could be useful for us to know a bit about the place we need to infiltrate, any insight you could provide us about Wirholt’s Rictus would be much appreciated"
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
The Professional sits, watching the exchange.
Taken for a ride once, how do I know this isn't the same thing happening again?
'He' sighs, and stays silent in the background. Watching, listening and finally talking.
"Who are the normal contacts at Wirholt’s Rictus? And how much, if any, collateral damage to the non hidden operation and personal is acceptable?"
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"Indeed" says Eramay, looking coldly at the Mwangi wizard. "Lord Ratarion, you said that we do business in Wirhold's Rictus twice a year. Are we close to one of those times? And what does the Consortium procure there? I would also ask if the name Wirhold's Rictus has any meaning beyond the traditional Nidalese nomenclature, begging your pardon."
She pauses with a frown. "I notice some of the assets involved in last year's attack on the Pathfinders are among us. Do you happen to have determined what became of the others? Unless of course, the previous leader of this now "celebrated" excursion is aware of their whereabouts and their current activities" she finishes icily.
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
Shohiraj pricks up 'his' ears at this. "I'm curious about what happened to the others as well."
The leader, Rataji |
"I resent the implication my dear. I have absolutely no knowledge about the whereabouts of the other people involved in that particular escapade or I would have revealed them already. The fact that I'm standing here with you proves I was found to be a truly loyal servant of our esteemed Consortium. I'll admit I was taken advantage of by these traitors but rest assured I plan to pay them back with interests as soon as possible" says Rataji in a pleasant, controlled tone.
Then he adds:"My dear, not so long ago I had the same responsabilities as you do now but I do not resent my penance. I was stupid and I accept there needs to be a price to be paid for that. Expect only loyalty and collaboration from me, and good consuel if you'd have it. For example "asset" is such an ugly, dehumanizing word we are all people here, we are all members of the Consortium, we all want to see it suceed and the betrayers to be brought to justice, there's no need to lower morale with cynicism"
Eramay - The Loyalist |
Eramay waits for Rataji to finish before politely smiling. "I am glad you do not resent where you stand master Rataji, because you will undoubtedly make up for my sentiment. You see, I am very resentful of what these traitors have caused. I have spent the past year running from disaster to disaster. For what I am paid, I prefer to bring in good news to my employers, not "Our Magnimar operation is stalled for the near future" or "We have no more assets in play near Tamran", or "One of our own has betrayed us and become a Pathfinder, our Diobel operation is compromised". I highly value success. If you share this sentiment, and my observations confirm this, I expect this inconvenience" motioning the rather new bronze badge upon the Mwangi's clothing "will be rather temporary. Now that I've explained myself and my tone in the spirit of a fruitful cooperation, do you understand where I stand in all this?" she finishes testily.
She closes her eyes and takes a moment to compose herself. "Master Rataji. You are a learned wizard of note among the many who would claim membership in the Consortium. If you could brief us about any information you can recall about that area of Nidal after Lord Rotarion has dismissed us, I would very much appreciate this."
The leader, Rataji |
"We are of the same mind then, and, for the record, I also expect this to be a very fruitful experience for everyone involved" says Rataji, smiling an unctuous smile.
"As for Nindal... I shall give you every little detail I can recall about that shadowtouched land immediately after his excellence has given us our leave" he finishes, still smiling.
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
Great, power plays before we even start. I do hope this isn't a repeat of last time..
Shohiraj has a think about what she knows from her contacts in the area
know(local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
"Do you know what type of resistance we might meet, or any individuals who are expected to be in this hideout?"
Revvy's Pregen |
"I heard we get to destroy everything....I'm in. Just point me in the right direction and things have a way of..how do you say......take a turn for the worst"
Falth says as he gives his heavy pick a practice swing
nightdeath |
Steepling his hands over the other, the Chelish man watchs the brief powerplay but for a moment before his quiet voice cuts across the room the way a well honed blade parts still air.
"Enough!"
Satisfied that he's gotten your attention, he begins once more.
"I care not for your Discussions. I'd suggest using your individual talents and pooling your considerable resources to accomplishing this." he sneers as if paying heed to one's favored hound.
"A few more scraps of information then;
- The Nidalese are obsessed with pain, and some of them grow bored with whipping themselves and driving spikes into one another’s flesh. Wirholt’s Rictus grows a wide variety of medicinal plants, which its employees convert into a wealth of pain-inducing chemicals and drugs. The market for such curiosities is rather sparse beyond Nidal, but the Consortium makes enough money shipping the stuff to distant ports that we can afford to send a convoy there twice a year.
- Based on the intelligence I procured, the Korholm Agenda is performing some kind of occult research there—possibly with extraplanar influences. It’s also possible that the Agenda uses the site as a training facility or other more mundane outpost. All of you have a wide range of skills that should be enough to handle any challenge.
- Aspis teamsters visited the plantation about a month ago, so we aren’t expected back for at least a season. A few of you might be able to lie your way past curious minds, but to get anywhere sensitive, plan to avoid notice."
{b]"Now..................."[/b] he leans back and gives an almost missed flick of his hands.
"You should get going."
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
"Are you aware of any other... legitimate... people who go there for business?" asks the Professional.
"If we are to avoid notice, a disguise is a good idea, and the best disguises have some...basis in truth. For example do other merchants also visit Wirholt's Rictus? If so, we could disguise ourselves as merchants to have a legitimate reason to be there and give a good springboard for the operation."
Eramay - The Loyalist |
Torn between obedience and a desire to hear any answers Lord Ratarion might have for the professional, Eramay slowly begins withdrawing, holding off bowing to the Aspis taskmaster.
The leader, Rataji |
"That's a nice question Shohiraj, but we should take our leave and find out ouselves. You heard his excellence's, this meeting is at an end. We can solve this particular riddle on our own..." says Rataji while following Eramay out of the Hall of Blades.
"Let's see what I can tell you about Nindal and Wirholt’s Rictus my friends..." he adds in a mellifluous tone.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (20) + 19 = 39
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
And this is why I don't work with politicians. All words, but when you actually want to get something out of them...
Sho turns and joins the others if there is no answer forthcoming.
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"Once Master Rataji has supplemented our information on this place, absolutely" replies Eramay. "So, without being coy, how is it that you cause things to "take a turn for the worst"? What's your modus operendi?"
Revvy's Pregen |
"Weather pasterns have been known to change when I'm around..which on occasion might lead to thunderstorms and lightning hitting nearby buildings..and other things...to name just one. The Korvosan endeavor was a disaster, and I not even going to speak of the mess I left in Azir."
Deadly Weather (Su) Falth can summon an ever-changing 40-foot-radius storm of destruction for 8 rounds per day. I have no idea what those last 2 are about, but it's in my backstory.....destruction follows in my wake as a disciple of Zyphus
nightdeath |
That the party made their way to their destination withou any further mishap is telling of their combined skills.
Subtle enquires by Rataji soon reveals the following.
Wirholt’s Rictus specializes in five cash crops: harrowleaf, saw-edge heather, pathos berries, night nettle tea, and somnus root—all of them medicinal plants. Most of the crop is processed in the two central buildings, where it is turned into pain-inducing chemicals in high demand in Nisroch, Pangolais, and Ridwan. Because it is hard to judge the potency of a fresh batch, workers are often conscripted to test the products, whose purity is measured in part by the pitch of the subject’s screams. Causing trouble is a sure way to become the next guinea pig, and the lead pharmacist Halvair keeps records of the grisly side effects in his lab.
Not everyone who visits the plantation is a merchant. Some of them are creepy enough that the field hands assume these are visitors from the Umbral Court, and that’s always reason to keep one’s head down and not get too curious. Few laborers ever enter the manor compound, which the owner Temarra keeps locked except when there are visitors. Only she and the chief pharmacist Halvair carry the keys, and the former often makes a trip to the Kuthite shrine before returning to the manor. Whenever someone enters without permission, Temarra is quick to arrive, almost as though she could sense when someone goes where he’s not welcome.
There are several concealed pipes that rise from the ground throughout the plantation, and workers occasionally hear faint voices rising from these small ports. Five years ago, a picker called Etan asked Temarra about one of the pipes. He disappeared into the manor and was never seen again. Everyone else has wisely feigned ignorance about the pipes ever since. The pipes are about a foot in diameter—large enough for ventilation, but too small (and obstructed by grates) to climb down.
Cloak-shrouded visitors frequently slip into or away from the manor compound late at night, often carrying packages of odd shapes. Twice, field hands observed figures silently leading a large beast of some form—certainly not a horse—into the compound. Once, the beast seemed to stare back at the witness, who later heard otherworldly screams echo feebly from the concealed pipes.
Map to be up soon.
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
"Well.... this certainly provides some opportunities." notes The Professional.
"Perhaps the most obviuos is that shrine. If we were to waylay Halvair there we could get his keys, either with or without his knowledge. In fact if we had some similar keys to substitute he might not even realize what had happened. Do you know how often he visits that shrine, and whether it is permanently tended?"
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"I like where your thoughts are going Master Shohiraj, but perhaps on the ground observations might help us formulate a plan. I especially do not like how the owner Temerra knows of intruders within moments. This speaks of attentive guards or magic. And let's take a moment to think about our cover: are we merchants on-site to ascertain how the next crop is coming along, or something else entirely?"
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
"Pilgrims even?" wonders Shohiraj. "Not that I know, or want to know anything about a religion of pain."
The leader, Rataji |
"The Nindalese... they are a pleasant lot. IF you are into pain and self scarnification, that is" comments Rataji.
"I suppose posing as merchants is as good a disguise as any. Or we can try to disguise ourselves as members of the Umbral Court. Those get a lot of respect in Wirholt’s Rictus. Maybe we could secure a private meeting with this Temarra and have a long and pleasant chat with her..." says Rataji, grinning.
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"Sounds better than merchants. Anyone able to tell a bold-faced lie and keep a straight face? I've been known to sometimes have a poker face but if deception is our game I'd rather know who our best liar is and have him or her tell us what lies to use."
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
"Oh, I'm not good with lies. I always think the truth is the best path."
bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18
Eramay - The Loyalist |
Sense motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14
Eramay, looking slightly annoyed, looks to the other agents.
The leader, Rataji |
Sense motive check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
"I can see that my friend. No worry though, I'm sure that with some effort you can do well enough" says Rataji in a reassuring way.
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
The Professional winks at her former leader, sharing the joke at the expense of the Loyalist.
"Merchants then rather than pilgrims is it?"
Revvy's Pregen |
Falth says "It would be adviceable to not be noticed as we make out way in..but I'm not that great at pretending something I'm not. I might be able to sneak inside unnoticed though.
Bluff +1 (which includes a +2 racial modifier), stealth +18 though
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"We'll figure something out. Just stick with me. What would you prefer to be called?"
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
"Call me T.P. In some cities, folk like to go by their initials." suggests Shohiraj.
"And lets face it, nobody dealing in pain is going to want to be that indiscrete."
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"Alright then" states Eramay, taking a moment to look at the layout of the compound. "Lets see where we can start."
GM, can you describe the compound for us? Is it just the manor and fields all around? Or is there more? Also, what is your call regarding our 6th?
nightdeath |
Although the guards at the gate are surprised to see merchants at this time of the year, Shohaji's deft words have them convinced that their higher ups did not see fit to inform them of additional guests and as their wont, they are more likely to let things lie then risk angering potential customers.
Eastern Nidal abuts the Mindspin Mountains, providing only middling arable land. The same mineral signatures made famous by the nearby Brimstone Springs also leave the rocky soil uniquely suited to grow a range of rare medicinal plants. The plantation known as Wirholt’s Rictus—its grisly name a reverent tribute to the current owner’s great-grandfather—is one of several such specialized farms that produce much of Avistan’s supply of harrowleaf, saw-edge heather, pathos berries, night nettle tea, and a unique strain of somnus root.
While these all have legitimate medicinal uses, the Nidalese value them most when converted into a host of pain-inducing drugs that allow Kuthites to experience and inflict chemically induced pain.
There are few buyers outside Nidal, yet the Aspis Consortium takes care to supply those far-flung masochists at considerable cost. Beyond the Consortium, few others transport the niche drugs, leaving Wirholt’s Rictus isolated and unaccustomed to handling visitors.
The plantation manor sits atop one of the higher hills, giving it a commanding view of the rolling rows of cultivated bushes, shrubs, and grasses.
This single-story manor is just elegant enough to entertain visiting buyers and just modest enough to let the owner leverage her humble means to demand higher prices. A 10-foot-tall wall, gate, and perimeter of shrubs provide considerable privacy from the rest of the plantation.
The elevation and latitude beget a somewhat chilly climate, so frost and reduced sunlight are often a problem during the winter months. A trio of greenhouses made of wood and glass shelters the most sensitive plants and fosters the seedlings for other species until they can be transplanted outside.
This is the principle storage site for the plantation’s tools, its food supply, baled leaves, and refined products. The northern wing also serves as an impromptu barn for the few horses and livestock.
These two buildings contain millstones, cauldrons, pestles, delicate glassware, and more. The plantation employs five skilled pharmacists versed in testing soil conditions, pulverizing leaves, distilling tinctures, rolling cigars, and a wealth of other tasks to create the finished products exported across Nidal.
Three barracks house the field hands and skilled laborers. A kitchen house stands to the southwest. A dozen other houses are scattered throughout the plantation, but the most important workers reside here
Several of the leafy plants must be dried carefully before shipping or processing, all of which happens in these buildings..
No Nidalese settlement is complete without a place to worship Zon-Kuthon. A metal and bone rendition of the dark god’s unholy symbol adorns the front entrance. A heavy curtain just inside the door helps shut out light and muffle the screams of those within. Many of the residents use this chapel to lash, scar, or otherwise harm themselves in pursuit of the Midnight Lord’s dark approval.
This oval of stucco and aggregate is where the laborers bring dried berries and grains for threshing, removing unwanted husks, skins, and kernels.
Descriptions are basic and needs further investigation for confirmation. Without a 6th player we are fine. If someone else wants to join in I'm also fine with it.
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
Sho looks at the rest of the group.
"Stick together, or try and cover multiple bases?" she asks.
Her eyes dart towards the shrine, wondering whether one of their targets may be there already.
She also keeps her eyes open for the pipes the team has heard about. Seeing if there is any pattern to them.
perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
As the group gets near the processing facilities she suggests "One of the keys will be in there with their lead person..."
The leader, Rataji |
"Let's check around a bit... don't do anything foolish though!" says Rataji morphing his features in those of a bald pale gaunt man bearing the insignia of zon kuthon.
"I'm here on orders from the Umbral Court... what about you?" he asks in a mellifluous tone.
Disguise self
Eramay - The Loyalist |
"I have no problem with people breaking up and covering more ground. But blow our cover and you'll jeopardize us all." whispers Eramay harshly.
Still trying to get an idea who is going where. I'll make a decision based on that.
Revvy's Pregen |
"I think we'll cover more ground if we split up..let's meet up here in Reasonable amount of time that I'm sure my character could estimate, but I have no clue and discus what we uncovered and let's take it from there. I'll go have a look at the residence. and if possible..let's try to not draw too much attention to ourselves"
Faldh says as he sneaks of behind something
Stealth: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
nightdeath |
I'll handle the timing issues.
With a single accord the party spilits.
Confirmation on who's going where?
Rataji and Shohaji heading towards processing building and Falth heading towards the residences.
Eramay - The Loyalist |
Eramay will tag along with Falth
Eramay nods and says: "Alright then. Falth, I'll be with you."
_Experiment Three-Two-Two |
Sho slips into a disguise, and then further into shadows. Even if someone sees her, they would never recognise her a second time.
disguise: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23
stealth: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29