Ineluki says nothing at first as he sees the gifts... he lifts the circlet and very tentatively touches and then picks up the holy symbol... "Silver, eh? Ah, it's pretty at least." He slips it around his neck, though he swears no strong allegiance to any god, he has no qualms about wearing the symbol. He continues to hold the iron circlet in his hands, rolling it slightly as he considers it. He puts it on his head and bites his lip, scowling... "How does this work?"
He also pulls from the pile a backpack, not as nicely made as Affyria's, but servicable, a waterskin, a small glowing stone, a small sack with an alchemical mark on it, and four alchemical flasks.
Inelukii dons the circlet and, as he contemplates how to make it work, finds himself thinking of the Branderscar guards they had impersonated the night before. A few seconds later, he notices his hands and clothes have changed to match those of the human guardsmen. Looking into a mirror, he sees the disguise is complete, even with his face, and the circlet has changed to appear as a guardsman's helmet.
In the Cardinal's Office
The Cardinal nods to each of you, gesturing to places to sit and ordering one of the slaves to serve some fresh tea or chilled water if anyone requests it. To Price, he returns her curtsy with a kindly smile, "Our Father's blessings upon you, Miss Price. I see you've made the clothes into something more comfortable. I'm sorry for any oversight on our part."
After other pleasantries are exchanged, the Cardinal nods to Affyria and returns to his desk. "Quite right, Mistress Strex. A fair question. You'll forgive me if I don't divulge all of the dirty details, but I can give you the broad strokes. It may better assist you in performing your duties if you understand their significance."
He gestures absently towards a map of Talingarde hanging from the wall as he speaks. "Talingarde and the Markadian dynasty, whatever their faults, have a kingdom that does not merely survive, but is stable and resilient. As of late, it has proven remarkably impervious to shocks to the system that might otherwise have toppled a dynasty. There are five reasons for this.
"First, the savages to the north are unorganized. Inchoate tribes of barbarians, bugbears, giants and others with no central leadership or organization.
"Second, the Watch Wall. Well funded and garrisoned, the fortresses placed at strategic choke points stall and then break any group of savages that does manage to organize a raid to the south. Combined, these two factors secure the northern border from chaos that would unsettle the peasantry.
"Third, the Holy Order of Saint Macarius. The core of the Mitran faith, these sun-worshipping fops provide healers for the army and peasants alike. Even when there are skirmishes or plagues, the Order is there to clean up the mess and reassure the peasantry that Mitra is with them.
"Fourth, the Knights of Alerion and, more broadly, the armies of the realm. Though the Watch Wall has reduced the number of active conflicts they've been forced to engage in, it is a sizeable enough force that trains regularly and is capable of repelling most foreign invaders.
"And, finally, the Royal House of Darius. The Watch Wall, the Holy Order, the Knights and the Armies... they all add to the mystique and legend of the royal family and cover for its faults. Add to that the king is a powerful warrior in his own right and maintains a royal court of equally effective fighters, wizards and priests..." His voice trails off and he shrugs.
"The point is that combined these factors are what contribute to the survival of House Darius and the Mitran faith. Strike at any one of these, the other four pillars hold against you. Decapitate the king, the Holy Order and the Knights will find a replacement. Take out the knights, more will form around the Order and the King. Strike at the watchwall, the garrisons will smash the savages between an anvil and a hammer without need of reinforcements from the Army. And, even as powerful as I am, I cannot single-handedly destroy the entire Mitran church, slay the knights of the realm, and kill the king and his guards.
"They must all be taken down in a choreographed sequence such that, by the time the Mitrans realize what is happening, it will be too late. Yet, even once they are dealt with... then what? Order must be brought to the anarchy. It is not enough to decapitate the head of the snake nor to destroy its body. The peasants must be shown a new path.
"You are the Nessian Knot, my ninth. Eight others work in Talingarde and elsewhere in Golarion to bring together the circumstances we need to purge the hypocrites and install a new order. You'll see one of the others around the manor house, training. Your colleague, Morthos, has been sent north for his own training and assignment.
"Those are all the details I'm willing to share with you now. This is on purpose. I don't want the defeat and capture of any one knot putting the others at risk through interrogation or questioning. Even Tiadora is not privy to all of my plans.
"Now, that said, I do have one test. Complete it, and we will begin your training and prepare you for your first assignment."
He stops, waiting to see if there are any questions before he continues.
Affyria will partake in some dark red wine, which she has taken a liking too. During Thorn's explanation, she listens intently, often nodding.
When he pauses, Affyria sees the opportunity to interject. "A grand plan indeed, one that appears very well thought-out. Apologies if it is not my place to question, but exactly what was the spark that ignited this fire within you? It is obvious you have put a great deal of thought into this, master."
Price clucks at the table full of gear and very quickly moves a couple larger items to a chair and then fills a common pack with an array of equipment... including a Mitran holy symbol.
"I see you've made the clothes into something more comfortable. I'm sorry for any oversight on our part."
"No oversight, Your Grace. The sizing was admirable. Only a few adjustments were needed to make it perfect."
Price sips tea and listens to the plan. It seems thorough and she has no questions at this moment.
Tiadora sees those who wish to the dining room then leaves those who choose to eat to the care of the servants. She nods slightly to Luke's whispered comments, and to Timo she shrugs, "I could spare you any one of them, plainly, though none have skill with a blade. Thorn wanted domestics, not guards. If you wish to beat one, though..." She shrugs again. "Just one though."
"No matter then ... I take no pleasure in beating an unarmed man without purpose." At that he turns and makes his way back to his room without a word. Upon seeing his servant, he quickly removes his bloody clothes and throws them at the slave before nearly growling, "Take these and destroy them. If I ever even see a suit like that, you will be punished. Once you've completed that task be gone for the night, I wish to be alone." He then steps into his room and slams the door behind him.
As he joins everyone the next morning, Timo attempts to display a facade that he is unaffected by the events of the previous night. He is dressed plainly in loose fitting black garb typically worn under armor. He exchanges pleasantries with the group while eating his fair share. When Timo is brought before the piles of gear, he immediately picks up the no-dachi and draws it from its sheath testing its weight and balance. "I read about these in my training but I never thought I would actually see one. Balance isn't bad, but could be improved," he thinks to himself as he runs his finger across the blade to test its sharpness while drawing blood.
As they are shuffled into the room with Cardinal Thorne, Timo immediately drops a stoic mask across his features, betraying no emotion whatsoever. Timo draws back on his past paladin training and maintains strict military discipline. "Play the game. Don't give him any reason to strike at you. Learn from him and about him. Find his weakness." Timo thinks to himself. As Thorne lays out his plan, Timo is silent and listens. "Not bad ... if he can actually pull it off... And another test? Wasn't escaping Brandescar enough?"
Earlier...
When Timo enters the room, Thorn does not make an event of it and, perhaps pointedly, refrains from anything that could be construed as mocking the tiefling. To the contrary, he dials back the arguably unctuous familiarity and offers a simple nod. (Perhaps a gesture of respect?) "Sir Zoci, I hope the blade is of a proper weight and balance. Should you care to, please enjoy a refreshment."
Presently...
Thorn chuckles at Affyria's inquiry, a basal rumble with a sense of hidden irony. "Again, a fair question, given that I know the circumstances that brought you all to Branderscar. And so casually phrased, you deserve credit for playing the game. But one I'll elect to not answer. Knowledge is power, and I think you know enough for now. Regardless, the fact that it furthers the glory of The First should be -- and is -- enough."
Daidalos gratefully accepts his new spells and the supplies accompanying them , donning the iron crown, and covering his brand with the illusion accompanying it- the ease in which he adopts the illusion makes it seem as though it's second nature to the wizard. He also picks up a crossbow and a quiver of bolts , along with a bandolier containing 20 candles, ten doses of powder, and 10 pieces of chalk. He also grabs a hammock , a cold iron dagger and slots it into a spring-loaded wrist sheath that he puts on and covers with his illusion.
Value: 50 gp (100 gp in ink, quills and other materials for scribing)
Mount, Unseen Servant, Feather Fall, Glue Seal, Protection from Good, Snowball, Hydraulic Push, Arcane Pocket, Incendiary Runes, Endure Elements
"It is a masterful plan, my lord. I do have one question, though. Why us? What have we done to gain the honor of being part of this glorious plan, especially considering how much more powerful you are than we. Other than that, well, when do we start? What is our next test needed to prove ourselves?"
Later on that evening , Daidalos casts detect magic on everything Thorn gave him, checking to see if it's magically bugged or trapped.
Ineluki stares at the image in the mirror for a moment, a look of disgust on his face, not hidden by the disguise of the circlet. He shakes his head and concentrates thoughtfully on his own image as he recalls it from the occasional mirror he's seen it in. Since he doesn't know how to turn off the circlet without removing it, he considers his options. Not being overly concerned with his own image before this, nor exposed to that many mirrors, he eventually removes the circlet and stares hard and long at himself. Then he puts the circlet back on and makes sure the image that he sees in the mirror is himself and none other. Then he begins selectively editing elements, hiding the runic 'F' brand, and his signature tattoos. He smiles a little half-smile, finally satisfied with the image he sees, then he sets it to memory before trying to mentally drop it completely and return to his own visage, as he doesn't find it displeasing. It is who he is, and here among friends, and his new master, he feels he has nothing to hide.
Done with that little exercise, he turns his attention to the discussion of the 'test'. Haven't we done enough to prove ourselves? I guess not if we're to be further tested. I wonder what is to come. I hope our selection of equipment was not part of the test. I'm sure I wasn't particularly wise in my choices.
The inquisitor enjoys her tea, waiting for the discussion to wind down. Presently, Thorn would explain the test or it would just begin. Probably explain it... that would fit better with the comment about us 'needing the equipment now'. Gives us time to get prepared before 'it' begins.
Thorn looks at Daidalos with a grin, flipping the question back on him, "Why you? Why not you? Do you mean to tell me you're incompetent and incapable of doing what I ask? As I said, there are many parts to this puzzle and I cannot be everywhere all the time." He shrugs the rest of it off and moves on.
He stands, crosses the room to an old mahogany side-table whereupon sits an hourglass filled with black sand. He flips it over, then looks back to you as he gestures towards Tiadora. "She will lead you to the basement of this domicile. There you will fine nine chambers, each more dangerous than the last. Somewhere hidden within these chambers is a pendant of silver and sapphire. Recover the pendant and bring it to me. Let nothing and no one stand in your way."
The smile fades and his tone becomes flat and businesslike. "You have twenty four hours to bring me my prize. Do not fail."
Behind you, Tiadora opens the doors back to the rest of the house and says, "This way."
She ushers you out and leads you to another part of the manor house. During the walk, there is a brief opportunity to ask questions of her.
Affyria nods at Thorn's reply to her question, as if she never expected a straightforward answer anyway.
When she learns of the task at hand, Affyria simply inclines her head, "It will be done, master." As Tiadora leads them away to the basement, Affyria glances at the immaculate Tiadora. "Are we going to be locked in down there? Can we have the ogre accompany us?"
INeluki follows Tiadora, not having any questions he can think of offhand...
"How will we know the pendant? Could it just be hidden under some anonymous rock in the first chamber, with us having no way to find it in time?" Daidalos asks, "Also, can I grab my spellbook really quick, or have a servant bring it? It might be useful."
As Tiadora leads them away to the basement, Affyria glances at the immaculate Tiadora. "Are we going to be locked in down there? Can we have the ogre accompany us?"
"No, you will not be locked in. You may go wherever you wish in the manor. But the pendant is in the basement, not in your bedchambers. You need no reminder but I'll say it anyway -- our master takes failure... poorly."
"The ogre is an asset, just like anything else. You may bring him if you wish.
"How will we know the pendant? Could it just be hidden under some anonymous rock in the first chamber, with us having no way to find it in time?" Daidalos asks, "Also, can I grab my spellbook really quick, or have a servant bring it? It might be useful."
"You will know the pendant when you see it. If you cannot find it, you will have failed."
"You're welcome to fetch your spellbook if you like, of course. You've twenty four hours to complete the test and freedom of the manor. Take whatever you have access to and you think you will need."
Daidalos quickly returns to his room, grabbing his spellbook along the way and attaching it to his belt, so it hand against his hip. As they stand at the door, Daidalos loads his crossbow and nods that he's ready.
Price nods at the task and follows Tiadora out. She scoops up her equipment from the chair on the way past. She poses one, nearly rhetorical question, "Am I correct that if I have cause to use Alchemist's Fire, it will not endanger the manor?"
Timo is thankful to be out of the room with the cardinal, his stoic mask slipping away. "Nine chambers of danger? Sounds like I'll finally be able to get some of this aggression out." Timo then stretches out his muscles and cracks his neck before donning his armor. He then addresses the party, "I'm ready when all of you are. It should be fun testing out this new gear."
After gearing up for their new task, Affyria adresses the others, "So, do we want to bring the ogre? Some meat and muscle might prove handy."
"I wouldn't mind, as I am definitely not muscle, and I don't want to end up as meat."
Tiadora takes you to an old doorway. Looking at it, you realize the manor house has been gradually expanded over time and you are now in one of the older or original parts. The wooden door is scared and battered by age with old iron hinges. She lifts the latch and opens the door before stepping back.
"As the Cardinal said, you have twenty four hours to complete the task. You are free to come and go as necessary."
A slave is sent to summon Grumblejack, and the ogre arrives after a few moments. His club has been swapped out for a greatsword -- not of particularly great quality, but at least appropriately sized for the ogre, which is a miracle in itself.
You descend a set of stone stairs, pass through an archway, and arrive in an unfurnished stone chamber. Inscribed in the archway in the common tongue is:
"Deception is a tool. Self-deception is death. Deceive always thy enemy but never thyself."
The room is lit by a small oil lantern hanging from the center of the chamber. On the far wall (east) is a closed door.
Daidalos enters the room, casting a quick spell. His eyes glowing in arcane light, he studies the room for magical auras.
Timo enters the room behind Daidalos with his sword drawn. "Ominous message," he says to no one in particular while looking up at the archway. "Has me doubting this room. I feel there should be something besides this one door." He then peers around, looking to see if there is anything amiss.
Daidalos does not detect any magic.
The lantern hangs from an old iron chain mounted to the ceiling.
Timo sees nothing unusual.
The inquisitor briefly debates which suit of armor to wear, before sliding into the chain shirt.
Price steps cautiously through the doorway. "Not a message - a lesson. Remember, after this we get 'training'. Be wary." Price carefully looks over the floor and wall as she slowly progresses around the room along the wall.
Price begins to move clockwise through the room, inspecting the floor as well as the walls. When she gets to the center of the northern wall, she finds a small hidden panel, about 3' square.
Price points out the hidden hatch to the others and then continues her methodical search.
Reading the quote, Affyria nods in agreement. "He is a wily one, this presumed-dead high priest of Asmodeus. We should be very wary, and check every room for traps and hidden passages."
To Grumblejack, she says, "Don't touch anything, big guy." She searches the room, beginning from the opposite corner as Price.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Price hrmphs, clearly in agreement with the cleric. "To be equally crafty..." She places the iron crown on her head and instantly assumes the appearance of Talidoria, down to the diaphanous gown. "Just in case there's a beast here trained to not eat the household staff." She briefly flirts with the idea of giving her version of Talidoria a huge hooked nose with a wart but decides against it. We're likely being observed and their sense of humor is... sparse.
As Affyria begins searching the south wall, Price continues along the north and east walls. As she reaches the middle of the east wall (in front of the door), the floor collapses beneath her.
Total 12 points of damage
Carved upon the wall inside the pit near the bottom is the phrase: “Thou wert deceived. Pain is thy reward.”
Affyria starts her search at the southern wall.
Price feels the floor shift, "Oh, shi..." just before it collapses and drops her into darkness.
At the bottom of the pit, the inquisitor pulls herself off the impaling spikes with a grunt of pain. She looks at the allies waiting above. Her voice drips sarcasm. "You'll be happy to know I found a trap. Please, help me out."
Once out of the pit, she looks over her wounds and continues the meticulous search.
As he hears the ground fall below Price, Timo rushes to the edge and looks down the pit. "Are you alright?" he calls down to Price. Chuckling at her reply, Timo pulls out his rope and lowers it into the pit and helps pull Price out.
INeluki gasps as Price falls... he rushes to the edge along with Timo and looks down, pleased to see Price is still alive. I guess we've got to be a lot more cautious, and yet... time is of the essence, as we only have 24 hours to resolve this...
Continuing their search, Affyria and Price both confirm there is another hidden panel in the center of the south wall, this one is more the size of a door large enough for a typical humanoid to pass. Otherwise, the room appears to hold no secrets.
Daidalos holds back, waiting for the ones more capable of dealing with the traps to do so.
Price (as Talidoria) is gratified by her allies' concern. "So, assuming they weren't lying about there being nine rooms - one down and up to eight more to go." Her eyes shift between the secret doors. "Seems likely that only one of these leads to our goal and the other is a trap. I'm not thrilled with the idea of going through the low door. Crawling through a tight tunnel just seems like an ideal spot for a trap. On the other hand, maybe the inviting path is the one to fear. Opinions? Should we open both doors and see what can be seen before making a decision?"
"As I'm not one for being on my knees, at least in this situation,"Timo says with a wink to Price, "I vote we go the south."
Affyria takes a few paces back and forth through the room, inspecting, but not touching, both panels.
"The inscription when entering this room went on about deception. That probably means that door with the trapped floor in front is not the one we want to go through, since it is the obvious deceiving factor in this room. So what we have left is the door-sized panel, and the tiny panel across from it. Both were hidden from casual observance. Personally, I much prefer the door-sized passage, since Grumblejack will not fit through that other one. That said, the smaller panel might just function as a mechanism to open the larger door. I think we should open both of them, as they were probably hidden for a reason."
Price finds herself relieved that Timo is starting to rebound from his near-death experience. She waves off the Talidoria disguise for a moment, not wanting to flirt as that she-beast. She says casually, "Being on your knees is the best way to 'go South'... or so I read, in some Mitran religious text."
"South should be fine. Let me have a look before we go though?"
With that being said, the investigator carefully searches the 'door' for any traps, triggers or anything else hazardous and or deadly.
for secret doors and such and 13 vs traps.
Price makes a be my guest gesture.
Price and Asturu both examine the hidden door on the south wall and find no evidence of traps.
With the southern door NOT appearing to be a deathtrap, Price opens it gingerly...