Lacking social skills with lesserraces, Eldrish simply watches the interrogation, combat magics ready to mind should she suddenly attack, or some similar nonsense.
"Aye. I'll let you go, but know that if you betray the trust I am about to extend, your life is forfeit."
Unless someone stays his hand, Flint will agree to the deal.
Flint spins his hammer in his hands. "Well now, that makes for a pretty clear accusation." He turns to the others, "I'm ready to start rectifying this situation. Shall we?"
"Aye, If the squeelin' lass is telling the truth, then it looks like we have our next person to be talking to. Does anyone be needing a little bit o' mendin?"
"If everyone is fit enough to do so, I suggest we continue on to the lodge where we can rest and heal in safety. There's nothing to say that only one contract was placed, Gypsy says in a concerned voice. After a heartbeat's pause she adds in a much lighter tone, "Besides, we were promised a sumptuous feast."
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With their agreement in place Keeamah cautiously backs out and when given enough distance runs around the corner to her freedom, obviously relieved to have lived.
*****
When you return to Nexus House, a grimfaced Sebnet greets you. “Welcome back, Pathfinders. I hope your investigations were more fruitful than mine. What have you found?”
Eldrish nods, "He was murdered, that's for certain. Seems to be via golem. The fact that an assassin sent by Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid leads me to conclude we have a suspect to check out next." drowning and grumbling fiercely, "whom I owe about a yard of steel in the guts."
Gypsy looks at her companions, then nods at the Venture-Captain.
"We will, of course, provide a formal written report, however, for a quick summary...", Gypsy provides a succinct narration of the day's events, producing the evidence they gathered and indicating where Kefanes' body is stored. "We thought you may wish to examine it further before arranging for its final disposition."
"How did you fare with the book? You look a little glum."
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She nods in approval at all of the clues you have uncovered and with conflicting expressions of fascination and disgust at their description of the murdered Arclord’s body.
"How did you fare with the book? You look a little glum."
She relates her own discovery with a scowl aimed over one shoulder at a hefty tome. “It seems the text recovered from Kefanes’s workshop and placed into our care isn’t the original. What we have is a fake, and I’d wager whoever was responsible for the murder now has the book that got Kefanes killed. If it truly was Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid.”
She holds a hand up. "I have a plan. Tomorrow evening, there’s a soiree of sorts hosted by the head of the Merchant’s League. It’s the kind of event where everyone who is or wants to be someone makes an appearance, and that includes most of the Arclords. Of course, since the Pathfinder Society maintains good relations with most factions in the city, it was relatively easy to secure invitations for you.”
"Take advantage of the opportunity to catch Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid without having to deal with the defenses a wizard would have on their home turf. Ideally you’d incapacitate the Arclord so we can hand them over to the authorities,” she suggests, and then shrugs. “But keeping yourselves safe is more important. I’ll work to bring the site’s authorities so they can get what they need once you’ve neutralized any threats.”
"I'm not very good at those. Soiree's typically involve speak out of both sounds of the mouth, and my beard's only got one opening." Flint shrugs though, understanding that often, it's how it has to be.
Gypsy will check in with Sebnet, "Perchance, does the lodge have any appropriate finery we could borrow for this event? I would hope we can uphold the standards you have set and reinforce the reputation and relationships you have built."
Other than making sure they are all outfitted appropriately, Gypsy encourages everyone to make sure they are well healed and fully rested for tomorrow evenings activity.
"Oh, and if you have any information on the locals we expect to encounter, I'd like to do a little research so I am well prepared for any conversations or other interactions."
Flint spits into his gauntlet and rubs out a stain. "Is this going to be one of those jobs where I can't bring me weapon? My cousins told me stuff like that would happen."
Eldrish looks a bit uncomfortable as well. "I am not well suited for polite society, though to capture this lord and subdue any magics and bodyguards, I fear we will need all of our weapons."
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"Perchance, does the lodge have any appropriate finery we could borrow for this event? I would hope we can uphold the standards you have set and reinforce the reputation and relationships you have built."
"I will ask to have clothing laid out for you in the morning if you wish."
"Oh, and if you have any information on the locals we expect to encounter, I'd like to do a little research so I am well prepared for any conversations or other interactions."
"It is little notice of this but let me see what I can gather throughout the night."
"Is this going to be one of those jobs where I can't bring me weapon? My cousins told me stuff like that would happen."
"The guests should be well aware of what the Pathfinders entail and you should be fine with your weapons and armor."
"The guests should be well aware of what the Pathfinders entail and you should be fine with your weapons and armor."
Gypsy looks at the others, "That doesn't mean we can't clean up and try to look our best. Elegant and deadly, that's the impression I wish to make", she adds with a little smile.
"Well. I guess that I can try to blend in with the finer types. I have been keeping up on my socials graces a wee bit. Still more comfortable with a forge, mind you- but I'll do my best"
He stops and thinks for a moment.
"Do you think we are going to be doing more fight'n or convincin? Might change what I'd be asking Cayden's blessing for."
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Getting a good nights rest and a well deserved feast you spend most of the next day preparing for the festivities to come. That evening Sebnet distributes a set of gilded vellum invitations to the party and gives you directions to the site. "Within 2 hours time I will arrive with the authorities."
Heading to your destination with invitations in hand, you arrive and are quickly admitted by a pair of extravagantly uniformed doorkeepers and ushered into the gala.
The ballroom is filled with a dull roar of conversation, laughter, and music as the gathering is in full swing. The space boasts marble floors gleaming with a perfect shine, lavish woven carpets, and silk draperies over latticed windows allowing the light evening breeze in; glass globes holding colored flames dangle from the ceiling overhead. Guests hail from nearly every part of Golarion, flaunting everything from Varisian dancing scarves to colorful Garundi garb, Keleshite headscarves to Vudrani wraps to Tian silks. A distinctive construct engages in conversation with two robed women, a cleric of Nethys wears a half-black and half-white garment reflecting his holy symbol, and a tall lithe figure near one wall wears a unique full body suit of leather armor. A small army of house golems moves through the crowd serving hors d’oeuvres and a range of beverages, while a small orchestra at the far end of the hall performs selections from the latest Kintargan operas.
As Gypsy enters she looks around to see if she can spot their prime suspect, Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid. She also quietly enquires of the staff if they know his whereabouts.
Flint, vigilant as always spends some time Carousing with the attendees.
Rilriv wades into the social event, keenly aware that he is a black smith at the ball. He sticks with Gypsy and generally tries to be useful, and not in the way.
His eyes scan the room for anything that could help them... or might endanger them.
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Gypsy takes a look around and does not immediately spot Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid. Flint follows nearby and begins asking a few of the party-goers where the Arclord is at. The white-and-black-clad dwarf of Nethys nods towards the back doors. "Last I saw the Arclord he was seen heading towards the venue’s posh garden, just off the hallway to the north of the ballroom."
Eldrish takes the time to rest and study his spellboosk as the group prepares for the festival, selecting an understated yet elegant outfit, loose enough to cover his chainmail reasonably well. Remembering this time to cast false life before heading out for the night.
At the party he follows the group, keeping quiet and watching for the Arclord, silently impressed at the ostentatious magics on display.
Gypsy starts heading toward the indicated garden, looking to her companions for confirmation they are ready to confront the suspect rather than spend more time to gather information and schmooze the locals.
With a knowing grunt, Rilriv sets off along side Gypsy. "It's not that I don't think can handle yourself, mind you. Just wanting to make sure everything is on the up and up, is all"
Eldrish nods back at Gypsey and follows along, not trusting himself to cause problems hobknobbing with these glitterati.
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Leaving the party-goers behind and not much for socializing since they are on a mission the Pathfinders head straight out to the gardens.
The polished marble floor of this fifteen-foot-wide hallway shines almost like a mirror. Artful mosaics of Garundi landmarks line the southern wall, while marble statues of soldiers wearing distinctive splint mail stand proudly in alcoves along the northern wall. The faint scent of clematis and sound of trickling water drifts in through carved stone latticework and a wide, open archway set in the center of the northern wall.
The doors to the garden stand before you.
Gypsy moves to the window and looks into the garden.
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Faint magical light from elaborate wrought-iron sconces along the walls casts this pristine garden in a gentle light. Water splashes playfully down from a channel atop the sandstone walls into elegant fountains, and the garden’s entire northern wall shimmers as water cascades smoothly over its surface into a wide basin. Fragrant flowering vines climb the sandstone walls, while immaculately manicured hedges line the main walkways of crushed marble. A tenfoot- tall statue of the archmage
Nex stands proudly in the center of the garden, flanked by marble benches and encircled by a different type of flowering vine. Tall palms and pruned olive trees stand in symmetrical pairs throughout the space.
This lavish garden was designed to allow multiple individuals to enjoy the space while providing a modicum of privacy between the various areas.
Gypsy spots movement to the north and what appears to be Arclord Prakhavu Khibenid along with an apprentice.
"Looks like someone spent lavishly for this garden. I hope we have a chance to enjoy it. I think I spot our suspect and it looks like they have a friend with them."
Rilriv moves to inspect the splint mail on the statues, eyeing up their design and function.
Taking an opportunity to speak softly to each of the pathfinders, Rilriv gently directs their attention to the fountains. "There be water creatures in the fountains. Either a super expensive decor or a well concealed protection. I'd be guessing the second."
Flint follows. "I'm guessing protection." The paladin looks at the others, "You know I'd prefer to take him in peacefully. I know he likely won't allow it. Someone else can talk, but if he turns, he's getting some divine justice."
"I don't mind trying to talk with him though I have my doubts about success. Someone who is willing to murder for a book is unlikely to think they should come quietly with us to face what we think are just consequences."
Gypsy looks to the others, "How do we wish to proceed?"
Gypsy moves to the door, giving the statues a wide berth.
Flint follows.
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As you move into the garden Arclord Prakhavu looks up and shows a bit of surprise. His apprentice looks like he wants to run but also down't want to leave his masters side. "I hear you have been poking your noses where they don't belong Pathfinders." He clicks his tongue. "Can't be having that now can I?"
Uttering a powerful spell one of the statues within the garden begins to animate as Prakhavu magic takes ahold of it.
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Prakhavu (Animated Statue)
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Rilriv
Gypsy
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Apprentice
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Eldrish
Magpie
Flint
Gypsy responds immediately while also inspiring her companions, "Arclord, we have been charged with investigating the murder of your peer, Arclord Kefanes. This does not need to be ugly or violent. We wish to talk with you and if you are guilty, to escort you to those who will hear your pleas and rationale for your actions. My fellow Pathfinders are well experienced and mighty. They have already proved themselves against all who have come before you. Let us approach peaceably."
With the vague sense that she is either acting alone or has somehow become the group's leader, Gypsy readies her bow and sends an arrow toward the approaching statue.
Rilriv rushes forward toward the statue, pulling up in the middle of the pathway. He sets his feet and prepares for an enemy to approach.
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Rilriv sets himself in the enemies path, his waraxe at the ready while Gypsy inspires her companions, sending an arrow rocketing towards the statue.
Arclord Prakhavu scoffs. "I came by the text through entirely just means, and you clearly don’t understand the Arclords’ internal politics and shouldn’t be meddling in the affairs of your betters."
Gypsy's arrow misses as Rilriv moves into her path. The Arclord's Apprentice moves around the large statue to help support his master. He raises an outstretched hand as if to prove himself and grease begins to cover Rilriv's waraxe.
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Prakhavu (Animated Statue)
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Rilriv
Gypsy
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Apprentice
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Eldrish
Magpie
Flint
Elsrish strides forward to back Rilriv up, casting mirror image as he does, addressing the apprentice.
"Do not get involved, foolish one, we've killed enough fools on this mission as it is."
well, zero is enough. But he doesnt know that
Flint hustles into the fray