"He Who Walks In Blood, keeps his own council, rightful king. The Mantis God gave a command and we obeyed. Though, you should know that, even though Mighty Achaekek has sent us to you, he requires that we follow certain strictures."
"And what would those be?" he asks, leaning forward with interest. "Is it regarding who you kill, or how you kill? Mind you, I have some contacts with the Daggermark Assassin's Guild. They have very few... strictures."
”Pffft. Hadn’t ever heard of them until we got over to this side of the world. But everyone knows about the Red Mantis, and for good reason,” Alenaya boasts reflexively.
The king nods once. "Understood. But I'm still waiting to hear about your limitations. It's not every day a vaunted organization appears before me offering its services with unnamed caveats."
Eris had stayed silent up until now, reflexively changing her personal characteristics with her change shape ability as though bored. Seeing the conversation going nowhere, she steps in to take control.
"Lets clear this up and make sure everyone understands. I have reason to believe that you possess information about a treasure that the Red Mantis would like to possess. Perhaps something in the cold north. Are we ringing any bells here? Therefore, because I, and Mighty Achaekek, are relatively intelligent, we assume that you would not part with such information easily, and would assign a price to it. Does that clarify things?"
"For example, if I were to tell you I wished dead the con artist who started that whole 'minimalist' movement, you would do it?"
All business Kage replied, "Provided sufficient details are provided to identify and find the artist who started the 'minimalist' movement, and you truly wished his death then yes we would take him out. And perhaps strike against other targets too should you so wish."
"Understood. But I'm still waiting to hear about your limitations. It's not every day a vaunted organization appears before me offering its services with unnamed caveats."
Kage tried to explain, "The main ones are: we will not strike against any legitimate ruler; and neither will we entertain a contact against any current employer. To my knowledge we have no contracts in this area so that is unlikely to be a limitation. Distance is a limiting factor and we need enough information to track down the right target. Finally some targets are impractical, for example empyreal lords can't truly be killed by mortal means."
Irovetti's lips curl into a cruel smile as he considers everything the Mantis tell him. He rises from his throne and paces a few steps back and forth.
"In exchange for the location of a coveted treasure, you will kill for me? Of course, the throne would never resort to such base measures. Pitax is an enlightened country." He eyes the ladies on the dais, then Eliste Strocalle, who had begun to slink away but was still paying rapt attention.
"Excuse us for a moment," the king orders the ladies sitting on the dais. "You too, Eliste." The women get up and move hurriedly out of the tent.
"Now then. I have a chance to think. Who could I possibly need to have killed that I couldn't do myself? Hmm. Should I have you kill the linnorm that's been rumored to lurk in the Branthlend Mountains? Or kill the ghost of Whiterose Abbey? Can you even kill a ghost?" He grows silent for a while, rubbing his chin and pacing.
The king absently picks up a lute and begins plucking at the strings. He becomes so intensely focused on getting one string tuned correctly, it's easy to wonder whether he had forgotten anyone else is there with him.
Before the temptation to speak up becomes too great, he looks up with eyes wide and a bit wild. "Wait. You said, 'legitimate' rulers, did you not? What makes a ruler legitimate? An upstart kingdom to the east has carved out a bit of civilization in a strip of land known as the Stolen Lands. The Counsel of Five rule the kingdom, but their only claim to the land is that they kicked out a few brigands. And some trolls. Oh, and a coven of witches. And a lich.
"All right, so they're a formidable bunch. But maybe get them alone? One at a time, they may be much easier pickings. What do you say? Can you topple a kingdom by slaying a few upstarts who think that they can rule just because they can kill stuff?"
He looks at them eagerly.
That said, the assassins refuse to take contracts on rightful monarchs, out of respect for their patron deity, Achaekek, viewing monarchs as the mortal parallel of gods.[6] Those who come to power by deception or might alone do not fall under this protection and are seen as viable targets.
"Slaying foes and being formidable does not make one a legitimate ruler.", is Jon's simple response.
Eris considers the question for a moment. "Taking on the contracts of Five for One bit of information seems rather steep. Yes, its a request that is technically possible but you would need to be aware of possible...issues. For one, targeting even one individual with large amounts of power would take time to do correctly, eliminating five such people requires even more time. So if you, or we for that matter - are under time pressure it could create a...less than satisfactory outcome."
Making eye contact, Eris shifts forms again, rotating through each of the Purple Ladies she had seen, purely out of boredom before shrugging easily at the king. "If you are bargaining, take care to avoid overpricing the information you allegedly have least we seek out alternative individuals that might also know what we seek."
Kage glances at Eris and back to the King, "She has a point, a good one at that..." However thinking about taking down an upstart kingdom, a feral glee takes Kage and he adds, "But to me it mostly sounds like a challenge!"
Irovetti returns to his throne and sits while the Mantises speak. He watches Eris cycle through the images with interest, but then he waves away her concern.
"A steep price for the information it may be, but it will be the one I set." He looks dour for a moment, then his face changes to one of whimsy. "Ah! I have it. I shall compose a sonnet. Or, perhaps a limerick. I like those. One which will describe the location of a particular sabre I happen to know the whereabouts of, which I presume to be the object you seek because it looks very much like the ones you carry. For each kill, you get a verse. If you feel you can decipher my poem in less than five lines, you need only kill that many of the Council. If, as you say, you like a challenge, you will kill all five and you will have my entire composition."
He sits back and folds his arms, clearly delighted with himself.
Kage was glad of his mask for he just barely resisted rolling his eyes. 'Dear gods poetry. Well I suppose one could expect no less from a bardic king...' he though sourly. Still in a business like manner he managed, "Very well your majesty. We will need descriptions and as much information as the the crown can provide on the five marks. They're as good as dead, they just don't know it yet."
Irovetti's eyes go wide at Kage's statement and he titters with laughter. "They don't know it yet! Lovely! Dare I say, poetic even. I may have to compose something about their inevitable demise."
Chuckling a bit more, he nods. "Yes, I shall provide you with knowledge about them. In fact, you can probably glean many things about them while they attend the festival. But I will not condone their deaths while they are my guests! Under no circumstances are you to do your work here at the Rushlight Festival! This is a family event."
"You are making this needlessly complicated - and we dislike complications Sir" Eris remarks, her face darkening slightly in irritation. "They are here, in an easily isolated situation, without any defenses they may have back in their kingdom and instead you want us to wait until they return home, to an easily defended location, in all likelihood in close proximity to each other, with all their defenses still up against opponents already well skilled in personal combat? Do I have that right" she finishes, her tone heavy with sarcasm.
"Lets be a little more transparent shall we? Set the parameters of the mission as you see fit, but be warned. The more difficult you make the mission, the more chances something might accidentally go wrong. We wouldn't want these 5 to learn who had put the contract on them would we?"
"That is precisely why he wants us to wait. If they die here, he is the obvious culprit. It is a reasonable request he is making. The objects of the ritual might feel safer in their own lands and will lower their suspicions, if not their defenses. We shall abide by your condition, king."
Eris finds the king's mercurial mind quite inscrutable.
His countenance grows more menacing as Eris's sarcastic remarks and veiled threats clearly displeased him. His knuckles whiten on the hand gripping his strange blinking device.
Jon's remarks go a long way to mollifying him, however. He leans back in his throne, propping his chin on one arm.
"More transparent, you suggest? Let's see: You have come to me, seeking knowledge that I possess. You offer a valuable service, no doubt. But you will not threaten me or you will never find your precious sabre. Your god sent you to me because I'm the only survivor of the merry band of adventurers that discovered your treasure who's still alive." He finishes with a contemptuous sneer.
"Let's be transparent now. Speak, all of you, as this one has," he says, gesturing at Jon-Wyn. "Swear to abide by my terms upon your fealty to Achaekek. Or I withdraw the contract now."
”Oh, please, your majesty. There is no need for excessive show of oaths and vows an all that. Like my associate here has said, your request is reasonable. We will deal to them at a later date once your festival is concluded. There are pros and cons to any plan of attack. Besides,” she says, her mischievous grin and look of excitement hidden beneath her mantis mask, ”won’t it be exciting to watch the pandemonium grow in their city when everyone wakes up one morning to find their masters all dead in one night!?!?”
Kage found all these stipulations to be quite irritating, but he wasn't sure what else they could do. It's not as if they could turn on Irovetti although that was becoming more tempting by the moment.
"Oh, please, your majesty. There is no need for excessive show of oaths and vows an all that."
Kage felt his companions had forgotten who they were dealing with, at heart Irovetti was a showman and drama of such events was likely what he lived for. As ridiculous as it may sound they'd likely have to go through with the oaths. Kage caught Alenaya's eye and nodded slightly while scratching his ear.
:IS NECESSARY:
Kage's message appears to be passed without the king's notice.
Eris heavily disagreed with Jon's opinion that it would be an easier mark when their targets were home rather than away - everyone knew that a festival was by far the easiest way to eliminate someone, however it was clear the king did not wish to allow that.
Unfortunately, while the man was extremely distasteful, the man was a rightful sovereign and therefore not a viable target. Eris resolved to find a way to get even with the man though, after he had provided them with the information they were looking forward.
"I swear" she remarks simply, locking in an agreement before the man could change his mind and add in a few more things.
Kage glanced at Eris and back to the King, "We were warned this would be a challenge. I accept, in the name of holy Achekek I swear they shall die according to the agreed terms.". Kage liked challenges and the thought of crushing an upstart kingdom left him giddy with anticipation.
"Splendid," Irovetti says theatrically.
He rubs his bearded chin as he thinks further. "Emeraldvale will no doubt fall into disorder and disarray when its leaders are slain. Certainly, if our arrangement is kept a secret, the benevolent nation of Pitax can swoop in and restore order quite easily."
His attention snaps back to the Mantises before him. "The Council of Five, then. Who are they? Yes, a question I have asked myself many times while looking to the east. Where did they come from? Where did they get their support? How did they rise to power?
"All excellent questions. The answer lies with the nation beyond them, to the north. Brevoy. A kingdom of warring families left squabbling by the disappearance of their true rulers. The family Rogarvia ruled for two hundred years, then vanished. Now the other families bicker over who has the best rights to the throne.
"For some as-yet unraveled reason, certain factions in Brevoy launched the campaign to bring civilization to the Stolen Lands, and sent five adventurers to rid the place of bandits and other threats. Once they did so, those same adventurers were appointed the rulers of that very land, and were given resources to hold it. Immigrants from Brevoy, mostly, flocked to the new kingdom, and those five adventurers called themselves the Council of Five."
He pauses, then pushes a button on his device. Two servants enter the pavilion and he beckons them forward. "Would you like something to eat or drink?" he asks, while having the servants fill his own cup.
Once the Mantises are provided refreshments, the king returns to story-telling mode, getting comfortable in his throne and making sweeping gestures as he describes what his agents have learned about the Council of Five.
"Let's see... with whom should I start? I suppose it's unimportant in the long run, since I've no care in what order they should be slain. So let's start with Thrüsk the Warg-Hewer. He is an impressively built half-orc who wields an orcish double-axe. I look forward to watching him in the wood-chopping competition. I daresay he will give the contestant from Sevenarches a go.
"Next, there is Yallah Ubnottle, a gnomish druid of considerable power. She has quite the control over nature, and has claimed responsibility for the abundant crops and fair weather in the Greenbelt.
"Maxwell Arnesson is a charming sort, human, gregarious, and is often thought of as the face of the Council. He doesn't carry any large weapons, but has a few ornate daggers on his person when I met him. He'll participate in the tale-weaving competition, so you can hear his stories first-hand.
"Alecia Orlovsky is a fighter trained in the ways of the wild. You'll get to see her archery skills up close during the competition in a couple days. She also has a pet bear that is always with her.
"Last, but certainly not least, is a man known only as the Gray Mage. He is a gaunt fellow, and though he doesn't make it widely known what his specialty is, I believe he is a necromancer."
Kage listens attentively and when Irovetti stops speaking he notes, "It will be interesting to observe these 'Council' members.", he managed to put considerable scorn in the word, "To see what kind of retinue they employ. And to gauge their individual prowess and vices. Have no fear, we shall not move against them here, although it may be useful to introduce one or more of us under the pretext of being merchants of certain rare specialties. I trust we will have the necessary access?"
Irovetti nods his head magnanimously. "Certainly. I would suggest you devise your personas and plan your approach. I suspect they might view anyone I vouch for with suspicion, thanks to an earlier misunderstanding over a small border dispute. But I can avail myself in most any way you propose."
Eris considers the five council members before making a decision. "I might prep for going after Maxwell then. A man like him possibly considers himself quite the ladies man, in which case perhaps he might choose to pursue me. Its a starting point, at the very least."
Irovetti casts an appraising eye over Eris when she speaks. "Then he will be a very lucky man. Until you decide that luck runs out," he adds with a smile.
The king then summons more servants who escort the Mantises in secret from his pavilion and into a nearby supply tent so they can plan in privacy. They are told that the Council were provided their own pavilion tent on the shores of the Royal Blue, a lovely man-made lake near the festival grounds. Other pavilions surround the water for the private use of visiting dignitaries from other River Kingdoms.
The first major competition of the festival is the archery tournament, which will take place on the second day. The third day will see the axe tournament, a test of strength to see how many logs can be hewn through in one minute. The third contest is the test of boasting. The final contest is the midnight joust, conducted on the last day of the tournament.
As the deal is now seemingly struck, Alenaya relaxes a bit. She then speaks up to the king once more, albeit quietly, ”So, Kingy. I hear you have a sort of menagerie or something here. Any of them venomous or poisonous? Or perhaps do you have any interesting chemicals and plants at your disposal?”
"We could present ourselves as a coterie of Magnamaran aristocrats out looking for a good time. That would allow us reason to socialize in the same circles as the council and to visit our new friends in their home kingdom later."
Thinking ahead, Eris decides to shift the focus of her planned method. "I cannot approach him though, its going to arouse suspicion - he thinks he has been selected and leads to awkward questions. Its much simpler if he approaches or picks me."
Coming to a sudden decision, Eris addresses the king. "I'll need to know of his likely movements, perhaps a tavern or stalls he might be interested in. I'll also presume several of the Purple Ladies will be present - by all means have them roam through the crowd, but in area's where Maxwell is, they might need to be elsewhere, just to rig the game a little more in my favor, not that I need the advantage of course. Also, since this is a family event, you might need to tell me whats acceptable attire we wouldn't want to upset anyone would we?"
The king's eyes narrow at being addressed as "Kingy" but he lets it slide at the moment. He mulls over her request and sadly shakes his head. "The Menagerie's not mine. It belongs to Madame Duclarion. And Daggermark's the place with the interesting concoctions. You might be able to find an unscrupulous vendor or three who can offer you such. Or, if you're interested in the truly dangerous, rumors say an old wyvern lurks in a cave in the foothills of the Branthlend Mountains."
Irovetti throws up his hands. "I'm not privy to his schedule. You can talk with Eliste about keeping her Ladies clear, that shouldn't be a problem. And my dear, part of this event is to make families, so as long as you're not striding about nude, you'll be fine."
"Always a nudity rule" Eris responds, rolling her eyes. "If that's everything, I at least, should be ready to begin, assuming I can find something risqué enough to attract attention."
"The wyvern angle holds some possibilities. But first, we need to get find some more appropriate attire and begin to survey our targets." I presume we'll still have access to the suite provided by Eliste. I think that would fit in with our cover.
Kage, you want to enter into a contest or two. I'm giving consideration to the boasting competition for Jon.
In any case, we need to figure out where they will be so we can be there too.
Maybe ask Eliste for some help here.
Alenaya tosses her hand as if brushing aside the idea, ”Bah. Oh well. At any rate, let us go see what we can see of this festival and our soon to be ‘friends.’”
Once the others are ready, Alenaya will join them in casing their quarry cautiously.
After a quick outfit change and an exchange of aliases, the Mantises head out to explore the festival and begin to gather information on their quarry.
Jon-Wyn's initial inquiries under the guise of Lucien get no new information on the Council of Five.
The Menagerie is contained within an enormous purple pavilion. Paying the modest fee to enter, Alenaya passes through a large entrance flanked by a pair of hulking ogres who gaze dully ahead. The tour takes roughly an hour and a half, and begins with a selection of exotic animals in magical recreations of their natural habitats. A chilly section shows a white-furred bear of immense size, while a steamy tropical area holds a great striped cat. The final animal is an immense elephant-like creature, but shaggy and sporting massive tusks. That led to another section of ancient creatures found only in the deepest jungles. Several types of dinosaurs peer at Alenaya from their enclosures. The last section contains the truly bizarre -- magical beasts from all over Golarion. A manticore hisses at her in an initial show of menace, but ultimately appears non-aggressive. A pair of hippogriff stalk their enclosure fiercely, and a four-armed white ape bellows within its area. A cockatrice is set in a protected enclosure, and the final exhibit before the exit is a huge, multilegged reptilian creature called a behir. It roars at the crowd who shriek in delight at the massive creature.
Irovetti's people are able to give you some information about the competitions and the competition. Representatives from Daggermark, Gralton, Mivon, Pitax and Tymon have also registered as entrants in the games along with those representing Emeraldvale. Daggermark is arguably the most powerful nation in the River Kingdoms, so its entrants are more there for sport than any sort of need to prove itself. Gralton has, as always, its angle toward survival and the eventual retaking of Galt. It is therefore no surprise that its entrants are entering with the same goals. Mivon borders Pitax and has a shaky relationship with Pitax, the two nations are currently at peace. So this year, the rivalry between the two nations will be less heated than in years past, but still likely to be lively. Pitax, as the host of the event, still has no qualms of sending contestants in each of the challenges. The kingdom of Tymon is famous for its own competitions and gladiatorial battles. King Ungin makes it a point to send representatives to even the smallest tournament in the River Kingdoms, so it is therefore no surprise that the nation is represented.
The first competition for that evening is the archery tournament. Irovetti is certainly able to allow representatives from far-away Varisia to enter, and he's also willing to make a show of not being happy about the late arrivals.
Each archer is given six arrows to fire at three different targets -- a blue target at 30 feet, a green target at 220 feet and a red target at a range of 550 feet. Points are scored only if the arrow sticks in the target. Each contestant is given six rounds to shoot as many arrows as they can. Blue: (Range 30' AC 5) hit=1 pt, bullseye=3 pts. Green: (range 220' AC 7) hit=3 pts, bullseye=9. Red: (range 550' Ac 11) hit=5 pts, bullseye 15. (Critical hit counts as a bullseye)
Eris takes to the festival with a hope to find Maxwell. As luck, fortune, or the will of Achaekek would have it, she spies an exceedingly handsome man with a well-groomed mustache that perfectly fits Irovetti's description perusing the vendors with a gaunt man in a hooded robe holding a gnarled staff. He is amiably chatting with a stout lady selling steaming dumplings from a small cooking station and trying to get the robed fellow to try one. They seem in good spirits, even though the robed man is pushing the fried dough away from his face rather sternly.
Knowing a straightforward encounter would arouse suspicion and paranoia, Eris doesn't take the opportunity to simply walk up to Maxwell and engage him in conversation - simpler though it would be. Instead, she walks by, giggling a little in the way of making an entrance - at the sight of the robed man pushing the dough away, but otherwise continues walking, (unless the man approaches her in conversation), fairly confident she would garner at least a fleeting interest from the man.
Lucien comes out to tepid applause, but he behaves as if he is the hero of the event. With a smile he waves at the crowd. He gives nods of recognition to a few dignitaries (even if he doesn't know them) and, of course, bows to the king (or his stand in). By all accounts, he looks to be having a great time.
=======
Maxwell's head turns toward Eris's giggle, and he smiles at her and offers a curt bow of his head. Then he turns back to his recalcitrant colleague. "See? You're making a scene. Now try it. I know it's called mincemeat, but it doesn't actually have meat in it." The portly vendor leans over and whispers something in his ear. Maxwell pulls the pastry away. "Oh. Nevermind."
Eris smiles at Maxwell, and giving him a nod of interest before keeping on walking past. The target had now seen her, and hopefully noticed her passing interest, but she didnt want to push the envelope any further, doubtlessly he would seek her out or if not, Eris was sure that she would 'accidentally' run into him later in the contest.
Alenaya moves casually through the Menagerie, keeping a wary eye out for signs of any of their current quarry. Should that prove a fruitless endeavor, she then begins moving throughout the festival for any signs of them.
============
Eris is able to catch a glimpse of Maxwell turning his head in her direction once more before he goes his own way.
============
Alenaya sees no sign of their quarry in the Menagerie.
As she wanders the festival grounds, she is is similarly unable to spot any sign of the Council members.
============
The Archery Contest arrives with much fanfare at the appointed time. The contestants, along with Alecia Orlovsky of Emeraldvale, there is Ilraith Valadhkani of Daggermark, Florante Mayank of Gralton, Navarathna of Mivon, Villamor Koth of Pitax and Damanjot of Tymon.
Damanjot, a half-orc, is randomly selected to go first.
The contestant from Tymon spends a single round on each shot, aiming at the farthest target. His first shot is a hair's breadth away from the bullseye, but his second shot goes completely wide. His remaining shots all strike the target, but never hitting the bullseye. He ends up with 25 points.
Pitax's champion is selected next. A shaggy-haired, bearded man who eschews any clothing over his chiseled torso, the crowd roars in his favor as he picks up his bow and begins firing arrows at the far target.
Koth's second arrow goes wide just like Damanjot's, and he ends up with the exact same score.
Navarathna, the female elf from Mivon is selected next. she grabs up the six arrows and begins firing them at a rapid pace, hoping to pick up the bonus points for using up all her arrows in a mere twelve seconds at the green target.
All her arrows strike true, although her second arrow bounces off the target, failing to stick. She earns the bonus eight points for the early finish, but her lack of bullseyes ends up giving her a total of 23 points.
The next randomly selected contestant is Sa'Kage.
At the archery competition, Eris and Aleyana are able to spot the other members of the Council, watching the action closely and politely clapping as the other contestants' scores are announced.
There are throngs of people in the coliseum, but the best seats are reserved for the diplomats and other individuals wealth enough to purchase a seat in the center section. Eliste Strocalle and a small retinue of her house is able to be seen in the section. Irovetti has a private box where he observes the contest with wrapt attention.
Eris glanced around the crowd, searching for Maxwell. She suspects that the man might be present in support of his friends. While not unduly concerned if she fails to see him in the large crowd that is present, if she does spot him, without looking in his direction she moves to find a seat easily spotted from Maxwell's viewpoint.
It is obvious to Jon... er Lucien that he is absolutely outmatched. When it is his turn, he takes up a longbow. To those who are skilled, it is surely obvious that he isn't. This does not deter the young nobleman, though. It even seems to make him beam all the more. He goes up to the line, takes his stance, and begins shooting.
Blue
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient
Green
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient, range incremnt
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient, range increment
Red
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient
Comp. Longbow: mw, non-proficient
No matter the outcome, Lucien looks pleased. He goes back to being the hero of the event and having a great time.
Kage was impressed by Damanjot's archery, the man had talent, Navarathna's wasn't bad either. While he was waiting his turn he casually remarked to Alecia, "This could be interesting Damanjot shot well."
upto 110' = 0 (blue)
111' - 220' = -2 (green)
221' - 330' = -4
331' - 440' = -6
441' - 550' = -8 (red)
Also Kage is going to try and use studied target, I've actually no idea if that works with inanimate objects. If it doesn't just subtract two from his rolls.
Kage's first shot was terrible, deliberately missing the ring entirely but his second hit the blue target giving him one point.
Kage's first shot against the green mid distance target, was again deliberately terrible but the wind shifted subtly enough to make it hit. His second shot was decent, giving him six more points.
He went into this planning to loose on purpose, but this was way too much fun and his plan was forgotten. A fluky bulls'eye followed by a respectable second shot gave him twenty points from the round. Putting him in the lead with twenty seven points.
When he return to watch the remaining contestants he grinned, "Wow Desna must be smiling, that was pure luck! I should probably go to the casino later or something."