For the sake of efficiency, I'll take a bluff check (I know it's not EXACTLY fitting.) This represents convincing them of the idea rather than reasoning with them.
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After some discussion with his companions, Faeron quickly considers how best he might present this idea to the obstinate Pathfinder (move action: Studied Target - +2 to bluff), and approaches him.
Say, we just happened to relieve this cloak from one of those creatures back there working with the Aspis agents. Why don't you go ahead and have it, for proof of your help in dealing with them. Just lead these innocents to safety, and it can be our secret.
The group balks at Faeron, and the Pathfinders among them return to ignoring guard duty for glory-seeking. You take over the duties yourselves, wasting the valuable skills that you bring to the onslaught.
Meanwhile a fireball goes off in the distance.
This close to the front gate you spy another group of leaderless agents trying to pull it together. "“What if the guard won’t take no for an answer? Can I
be arrested? Will someone post my bail? Maybe a venture-captain should be doing this?”
They seem to be freaking out over the fact that the City Guard is trying to bust in and bring order under their jurisdiction. It's a group of 6 Pathfinders, and they're frozen with indecision. Skyreach is in the Foreign Quarter for a reason; the laws are different. Still, they seem torn with what they should do.
Yes, it's the city guard. Faeron also knows they have ZERO jurisdiction inside Skyreach. The pathfinders just need to be reminded of that.
Faeron manages to answer their questions, and it's enough for them as they stand true to their duty.
Another Fireball goes off. It looks like the action is still really heavy in the NE. Before you go, V-C Janiff catches you, and moves with you while he speaks, "Great job Pathfinders. I've got ONE more group tha tI can't get to. Head to the Repository in the NE. Looks like you're going that way anyway. There's a hot-headed up and coming agent pissed at me for give her and her team guard duty. Damned hubris is what got us here. Get her to stand tall and do her job! I'm counting on you!"
Indeed when you arrive you see the sorcerer, her lavender eyes and silver hair bespeak he angelic blood. She snorts as you approach. "Finally some noobs to take over this stupid detail!"
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"You and me both Faeron." A voice echoes from some point above. "The last time I heard that kind of disrespect, I was murdering the Rune Lord Thrune next to his own gaudy casket. I'm gonna keep shut now and keep an eye out for any more nasty surprises while you all teach these kids how to be Pathfinders."
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Omrax once again tries to convince the people to do the proper course of action.
"This guard duty was the task assigned to you by a superior officer. You should respect his judgement.
Remember this: in addition being a paragon to the younger agents as to the primary directive of COOPERATION, you elevate the Venture-Captain's opinion of you for future missions as a leader.
Someone with your obvious abilities will be held to a higher standard. "
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"Of course, this is not merely just "guard duty", as some may put it as. What you and your fellows have been assigned to is far more of import than what is immediately apparent... for everyone of us is truly said to be at the forefront of our Defense of this Convocation of Ours.
While it may appear to be a quiet lull over here, as of now, do not think that our enemies would not be so short-sighted as to not seek an opportune moment to strike at this Repository.
This would be an excellent chance for all of you to boldly prepare for the conflict that you will come; to place the battle that will be in favor and factor of your own choosing rather than theirs.
That is what I suspect that the Venture Captain, whom has placed much faith in all of you, has intended- undoubtedly, given all of your combined talents."
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This would be an excellent chance for all of you to boldly prepare for the conflict thatyou will come; to place the battle that will be in favor and factor of your own choosing rather than theirs.
This would be an excellent chance for all of you to boldly prepare for the conflict that will most assuredly arrive; to place the field of battle-that-will-be in favorable factors of your own choosing rather than theirs.
For the sake of efficiency, I'll take a bluff check (I know it's not EXACTLY fitting.) This represents convincing them of the idea rather than reasoning with them.After some discussion with his companions, Faeron quickly considers how best he might present this idea to the obstinate Pathfinder (move action: Studied Target - +2 to bluff), and approaches him.
Say, we just happened to relieve this cloak from one of those creatures back there working with the Aspis agents. Why don't you go ahead and have it, for proof of your help in dealing with them. Just lead these innocents to safety, and it can be our secret.
Assuming that didn't work...Faeron will join Omrax in just leading the civilians away.The group balks at Faeron, and the Pathfinders among them return to ignoring guard duty for glory-seeking. You take over the duties yourselves, wasting the valuable skills that you bring to the onslaught.
Zefnir will also help with the escorting, while personally apologizing to Nigel and trying to reassure him that "not all of our fellows are so short-sighted" as the previous escorting group was.
Meanwhile a fireball goes off in the distance.
This close to the front gate you spy another group of leaderless agents trying to pull it together. "“What if the guard won’t take no for an answer? Can Ibe arrested? Will someone post my bail? Maybe a venture-captain should be doing this?”
They seem to be freaking out over the fact that the City Guard is trying to bust in and bring order under their jurisdiction. It's a group of 6 Pathfinders, and they're frozen with indecision. Skyreach is in the Foreign Quarter for a reason; the laws are different. Still, they seem torn with what they should do.
Faeron eyes one of the guards carefully, someone who appears to be a leader, if possible.
Do they indeed appear to be the City Guard?
What are the laws about this, here?
Is there any reason we don't want to let the Guard in?
Yes, it's the city guard. Faeron also knows they have ZERO jurisdiction inside Skyreach. The pathfinders just need to be reminded of that.Faeron looks at Omrax, Zefnir, and Val.
Maybe one of you better spoken types should go let them know they're entirely in the right, and the law is on their side.
Faeron manages to answer their questions, and it's enough for them as they stand true to their duty.
Zefnir grins warmly at Faeron and the others, once the Gunslinger finishes setting the other gate guards right. "Sometimes, our fellows in the Society just need a firm reminder of what they've known all along."
Omrax's impassioned speech is JUST what they needed. Coupled with the help from Zafnir and Val, they see the wisdom of things. When next you see the venture-captain he shouts his thanks. Before the Venture-captain can speak up though, Ka'atib (still drinking) swoops in and alerts the V-C of danger elsewhere.
Pathfinders, it appears the fighting is still heaviest in the Northern parts of campus....
As you head towards the NE, you pass by the Mausoleum in the NW. This enormous, columned stone structure is both temple and fortress. Two wings flank an open courtyard. The imposing structure is adjacent to a thick copse of trees.
In the courtyard of the building you see a pair of fallen pathfinders, blood about their bodies. The door to the building is ever so slightly ajar. Unfortunately there seem to be no Pathfinders nearby to investigate. It looks like it falls to you.
It looks like most of the statuary has been purposefully destroyed. Most of the statues pertained to the afterlife, and it looks like all manner of cultures and gods are represented here. The fallen Pathfinders look like they've been killed by magic blasts as much as exsanguination, but it's hard to tell without a trained eye.
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"Those morons at the crime scene event should see this." Angrid says aloud as he moves to the fresh corpses. "Oh..sorry. Respect for the dead and all that stuff." His voice trailing off. He continues, addressing the corpses "I am sure we will bring you all back after this is all done."
Angrid looks around for any clues, aiding Faeron.
Angrid then casts detect magic to see if he can read any dim auras left over from the magical blasts.
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The thunder of hooves nearby captures your attention as Seelah of Katapesh, Paladin of Iomedae, rides by. A host of Pathfinders in her wake spread out in every direction combing the area for enemies, Pathfinders in need, and the wounded.
Seelah draws up her steed, pulling it around to face you.
She says "Blessings and well met, Pathfinders! You look as if you are heading into more trouble."
She tosses you lot a whistle, like the ones you've seen soldiers on the field of battle use to direct troops.
She then says "If you are ever in need of aid, blow the whistle and Pathfinders within earshot will come to your assistance."
With waiting for a response she turns her horse about and thunders back off into the fray without waiting for a response.
It looks like whatever magic was used was pretty minor. Maybe some necromantic residual?
Faeron hears nothing (and sees nothing) in the opening.
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Not sensing immediate danger, he stoops to check one of the slain for cause of death or chance of recovery.
Omrax pauses to let the more astute observe the damage.
"Sir Faeron, Sir Angrid: Any signs in this courtyard which needeth scrutiny or
shall we proceed forward towards the doorways or northern stand?"
Omrax heals one enough to bring him back to consciousness, barely. He's profoundly grateful. "Name's Norry. We was jumped, doncha know, he says after guzzling from a waterskin. Scary elf who pretended to be a Pathfinder, and I think a half-orc and another. Never saw them til the elf had gotten under Dori's skin, and then CLUNK, right atop his head w' the side o' an axe! Then it went black for me...guessing they did the same", he says, rubbing a visible knot on his head.
Oh! But you'll be needin' the supplies be stashed here! He directs you to a loose flagstone in the courtyard where you find a cache of supplies along with a pair of potions of lesser restoration and a couple of vials of a silversheen variant which works as adamantine vs. damage reduction (not hardness).
"I got 'im, doncha worry. Go, get in there and stop them from whatever it is they're up to."
The first few rooms seem totally empty. It looks like they've been ransacked, but whomever was here before looks long gone.
They don't work on cartridges, sorry.
Faeron slips inside like a ghost if ya kennit.
[ooc]Everyone needs to be on the map accurately before I reveal anything. I've placed Faeron.
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Watching Omrax and Val see to the injured Pathfinders, Zefnir is thankful to the heavens that they were rescued in the nick of time by the group.
Before entering the Mausoleum, Zefnir will cast Shield of Faith on himself. He will then try to stealth his way on in, following Faeron and Angrid.
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. Zefnir will limp on inside, 20' from the door.
Faeron opens the door:
Inside you see a man covered in arcane devices. He's searching about with a trio of creatures. Rotting vestments hang across the withered flesh of the walking corpses, and their mouthes hang open in a silent scream. If you have Knowledge Religion, you can roll it to ID. They don't seem to notice you.
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Faeron quietly retreats back to the courtyard and signals for everyone to gather outside. In a low voice, he relays what he saw.
One wizard. Three undead of some sort - they looked to be screaming, but without making any noise. Get ready.
Once everyone is prepared, Faeron will sneak his way back to the door.
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A dull hum emanates from Skyreach as the ground trembles, trees sway, and glass shatters. A moment later, most of Skyreach’s northwest tower tears free from the keep; however, rather than crash to the ground, a visible aura holds the structure aloft and causes it to float above the Grand Lodge. Even the shower of stone blocks floats, swirling around the airborne tower in a nimbus of speeding debris.