Joliryn sighs heavily. "This better be worth it, Starshine," she says, "but I could make you invisible. How you get up there is your own problem - I don't suppose you can fly?"
She turns to Shohiraj. "If this works out how Starshine thinks it will, perhaps you could take advantage of the confusion to lighten poor Janira's load?"
The elf blinks at the halfling several times. "Why would you assume that I cannot fly? Because certainly I can ... oh. Yes. Of course." She shakes her head. "Yes, I can fly. Climbing is no longer an issue. Thank you for pointing that out."
|
"If you can make something happen here it should help me do what I need to do." The curly haired woman responds, looking around the crowd and at then taking a closer look at the statue.
"Just let me admire this thing a bit closer first ok?" She takes a walk around it, hoping these silly Pathfinders didn't do anything over the top like trap their beloved memorial.
Trap Spotter (Ex): Whenever Shohiraj comes within 10 feet of a trap, she can attempt an immediate Perception check to notice the trap. The GM should roll this check in secret. +16
The elf woman nods expressionlessly. "I thank you both. If the statue is safe to touch and Joliryn can make me invisible, I will fly up and place the device on the statue to see what happens. If it works the way I think it might, it should create ... circumstances favorable to your mission, Shohirajj."
Once Joliryn casts invisibility on her, the unnamed elf sprouts a pair of batlike wings (although nobody else can see them), and flies up to the top of the statue. She places the conduit on the Durvin Gest's forehead, careful to keep a hand under it until she's certain it will stick, then backs up to see what happens.
The nameless elf steps back into the shadows of the nearby trees, then looks off into the distance for a moment. As when she called on the shadows in the safe house earlier to garb her in dusky armor, now she draws on the shadows of the trees to coalesce into batlike wings that sprout, almost real, from her back. She calls on the power of the void to guide her, then takes a few steps out of the trees, trying to keep the statue between her and the crowd of Pathfinders listening to Janira, and launches herself silently (she hopes) into the air.
Using the least movement of her wings possible, she flies higher in a slow, tight spiral until she is in reach of Durvin Gest's forehead. She presses the cosmic conduit to the surface of the statue, holding her free hand beneath it in case it does not adhere to the bronze on its own.
Talking to the Pathfinders at the menagerie, Rataji is able to gather some additional information above what his compatriots have acquired earlier.
Although both Krighton Shaine and Marcos Farabellus have made appearances, nobody has spotted the Master of Scrolls Aram Zey. It's not especially surprising, giving Zey's dislike of crowds and dealing with the public.
Several dozen Pathfinders have begun unloading kegs from carts on the Center House lawns, likely in anticipation of Marcos Farabellus's big speech. It's an open secret that he intends to announce that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Sky Key has concluded.
Although nearly every Pathfinder at the Grand Lodge is allowed to wander about and relax, several dozen are on guard duty on the walls and in Skyreach. Most of these assignments are punishments for debts incurred to the Society or bungled expeditions. Part of the reason that Aram Zey hasn't been seen yet is because he is supervising these patrols.
Two of the unfortunates assigned to guard duty are Loshari and Telandril, part of a team sent to Isger to recover a relic lost during the Goblinblood Wars. The venture was a debacle and resulted in part of a town being set on fire and inadvertently let goblins loose in the town square. Most blame Loshari, but Telandril stubbornly insisted on sharing the punishment--likely so that he could lecture her further.
322 doesn't completely escape notice as she flies up to the statue of Gurvin Dest. Such a feat draws substantially less notice in this crowd of Pathfinders than it would in the general public. A few in the crowd yell at her to get down from the statue or grumble about a her lack of respect for the early Pathfinder hero, but no one moves to pull her off and everyone returns their attention to Janira Gavix's storytelling. Shohiraj and Joliryn don't notice anyone taking notice as 322 covertly places the cosmic conduit on the top the scrolls tucked into Durvin Gest's stone arm.
"That was ... less exciting than I expected it to be. Still, it may yet provide some benefit to our mission. I thank you for your assistance. Perhaps we should return to the grove to see if the others have returned as well?"
The elf woman allows her wings and cloak to fade back into the shadows under the trees, then begins walking back to the grove.
Having learned what he could at the menagerie, Marnarius starts walking back to the grove to meet up with the others. Some of those beasts were definitely dangerous. Tseka was right, it's only fitting that they be freed to seek their revenge...and they'd cause more than enough chaos to cover our entrance into the Skyreach.
"Lots of interesting beasties there, yes? I must say I find them fascinating. What about you? Hear any new gossip?"
"Indeed they are," drawls Joliryn. "I could have told you that if you'd listened when we discussed things earlier, but apparently some folks simply have to see things for themselves."
"But yes, they are quite fascinating in their cages," she continues. "But just imagine how much more entertaining they could be if set free. Poor things don't want to be locked up like that, I'd wager." She pauses for a drink from her waterskin, then looks to the north. "I'm off to look at the Wall of Names, but perhaps someone would like some company once I'm finished? Just let me know where to find you." She looks around for a sign of agreement from her compatriots.
"I listened. Doesn't mean I trust you to do all the information-gathering. And given that you also said you were going to investigate the Wall of Names, which you apparently didn't, I think I made the right call."
Marnarius shakes his head, then deliberately turns back to Rataji. "So, like I was saying, any gossip? You seemed to be getting on well with the locals."
|
Indeed. Joliryn, you should definitely follow through when committing to doing something. I can assist you at the wall of names shortly if you'd like.
Once everyone is in teh grove, Rataji looks over the group.
It seems Zey has not been seen today. Apparently he dislikes crowds and therefore chose to supervise those incompetent enough to receive guard duty on the walls or in Skyreach. I heard a particularly amusing anecdote about two such unfortunates, Loshari and Telandril, who so badly botched a retrieval operation in Isger that they managed to set the entire town aflame and release Goblins into the square. Most amusing.
He chuckles and then rubs his chin thoughtfully.
A group of pathfinders was also seen unloading kegs on the Center House Lawn, presumably for celebration after the very exciting speech about to happen there. Perhaps someone could infiltrate that group and enhance the effectiveness of the contents. Would likely be a nice distraction.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Joliryn laughs. "So glad to see we're so committed to the idea of making plans that we dare not adapt to a situation we know little about," she replies. "Or are you two just upset to be retracing my footsteps? Rataji, let me clear something up for you - I am not one of your useless underlings who has to be reminded to wipe the drool off their face. I am certainly capable of deciding for myself whether your assistance is required, and rest assured I will call upon you when I have need for an empty smile. In the meantime, perhaps you'd rather assist Shohirajj in securing our entrance to the Tower. Or had you forgotten that was our objective?"
She turns to the elf as she stands. "I would welcome your company though, should you wish to accompany me," she says to 322. "Remember to wipe up your drool, boys."
"I thought I could get my work done without help, but it seems I must ask it now," Zurnzal claimed once he was back at the grove. "I am looking for someone to pin our crimes on, someone who is already a traitor would be best. I would like to ask help, trade a favor for a favor, if there is anything that I could help with later." His face was slightly darker than usual, probably due to his failure in his mission and having to ask for help.
|
|
"I thought I could get my work done without help, but it seems I must ask it now," Zurnzal claimed once he was back at the grove. "I am looking for someone to pin our crimes on, someone who is already a traitor would be best. I would like to ask help, trade a favor for a favor, if there is anything that I could help with later." His face was slightly darker than usual, probably due to his failure in his mission and having to ask for help.
I suspect our hapless pathfinder friends who who burned that town in Isger might work for this. We could certainly paint a picture of them as agents who actually accomplished their goal there and are actually actively working against the society. Find their lodgings, plant some evidence. Given that motive and add to it the fact that they are on guard duty tonight and have opportunity and we might have a winner.
"I am willing to help," the elf responds, reactivating her Cloak of Darkness for another hour. "Are you looking for specific names on this wall, or will any names do?"
What a strange girl this halfling is. She chides us about remembering our objective, then gallivants off to continue sightseeing!
Hoping to persuade the elf at least to do something useful, Marnarius says, "As Joliryn so helpfully pointed out, we should focus on our objective. She's said herself she doesn't need or want any assistance with...whatever it is she's doing. Surely your talents would be better used aiding either Shohirajj or Zurnzal. Maybe you could help Zurnzal find an appropriate Pathfinder to frame? As for me, I'll be off to the menagerie to help some poor beasts get their revenge...and keep the Pathfinders too occupied corralling them to notice what we're up to."
The elf stares at Marnarius blankly.
"Have we not been focused on our objective? I was under the impression that we have in fact been focused on our objective. When you and the other boys did not meet us in the South Grove as previously agreed, Joliryn and Shohirajj and I went to view the statue of Durvin Gest. With their help, I was able to place a magical device on the statue where it will not be discovered and that will allow me -- oh I just figured it out! -- to activate the statue any time I want when I wish to create a distraction. Shohirajj has located her target and may even now be in the process of obtaining the keys that we need to open the locks we must open to enter the doors to the place we are supposed to go. To accomplish our objective. And you have done what? Looked at the pretty animals in the zoo? I would also like to look at the pretty animals in the zoo because I have not seen very many interesting animals. But time is short and if Joliryn says she needs help to view the names written on a wall then I will help her look at the names on the wall because she helped me with the statue. If Shohirajj needs help to obtain the keys we will need to decide who needs my help more and I will help her or Joliryn as we decide. You do not say you need my help, though, you just tell me to help someone else who has also not asked for my help. That is not being helpful, that is just you telling me what to do because you think you can."
She takes a step closer to Marnarius, her black eyes boring into his. "You are mistaken. You cannot tell me what to do. You cannot tell these other people what to do. You cannot tell anyone what to do."
Motes of dusky shadow begin to coalesce around her hands. Before they can take shape, the Professor's voice echoes in her head.
Easy, Number 322, easy. You are to work with this Aspis Consortium team. Be cooperative.
I am being cooperative! I have done your first task already, working with these people, and will be ready to complete the second when the time comes!
We shall see, Number 322. I will be watching. As always.
She shakes her head to clear away the Professor's final words. She has never been able to determine whether the voice of the Professor she hears in her mind is real or only a symptom of the Professor's hold over her, but this time she knows it does not matter. Real or not, the Professor was right; if she is to pass this test, she must not reduce the size of the Aspis team unnecessarily. This Marnarius must have his uses or he would not have been assigned to this mission.
The gathering shadows fall away, returning to their corners. She glares at Marnarius for another moment, then steps away.
"Joliryn is right. You have drool on your chin."
Be cooperative. Fine. I will be cooperative.
"Would it be possible to divert attention from your Aspis Consortium to this Janira person? She will already be suspect when her keys are used to open various doors and she is near the statue already. Could we make it seem as though she has caused the statue to animate through carelessness or ill intent and thereby cause the distraction Shohirajj needs to retrieve the keys, if she has not already obtained them?"
There. I am being cooperative. I contributed. Are you seeing? Are you hearing? Are you there at all?
Marnarius barks a laugh. "And these are the people Aspis wants me to work with? Fine. You accomplished your objective of putting a device on a statue. That may cause a distraction later so we can get into the Tower. That's helpful. Shohirajj is trying to get the keys to accomplish our objective of getting into the Tower. That's also helpful, which is why I suggested you might want to assist. My objective is to cause chaos among the Pathfinders so we can slip into the Tower unnoticed. Zurnzal's objective, which he did specifically ask for assistance with, is to frame someone for our crimes so we're not all thrown in prison. Again, these are all things that will help us accomplish our objective, which is ultimately to get into the Tower, open the Hao Jin Tapestry and get that f+@~ing Sky Key."
He steps forward, not at all cowed by the shadows.
"Joliryn's objective, as far as I can tell or that she's told us, is to run around doing whatever catches her fancy. Maybe there's something useful at the Wall of Names, like there was at your statue. Or maybe she just wants to see the sights. Maybe she's a f#&@ing Pathfinder trying to turn everyone against each other so we don't accomplish our objective. I don't know. Frankly, I don't care."
Focus. She could be useful. Don't let your anger get in the way of your revenge.
He closes his eyes and breathes deeply for a moment. "Look. I wasn't trying to tell you what you had to do, just make suggestions about what might be useful to do. Do whatever you want. If that's going to see the Wall of Names, fine."
He turns back to Rataji. "Like I said, I planned on unleashing the animals at the zoo as a distraction. But, given that we're a team, do you think I should help somewhere else instead?"
"Would it be possible to divert attention from your Aspis Consortium to this Janira person? She will already be suspect when her keys are used to open various doors and she is near the statue already. Could we make it seem as though she has caused the statue to animate through carelessness or ill intent and thereby cause the distraction Shohirajj needs to retrieve the keys, if she has not already obtained them?"
Marnarius nods, trying to be conciliatory. "That sounds like a great idea. Kills two birds with one stone."
She's cooperating. Helping. Don't let this all fall apart now!
After a second, he adds "Thank you. I'm...sorry I lost my temper."
|
|
As the strange Elven woman flies up onto the statue Shohiraj gets as close as reasonably possible to Janira the talented, if not a bit squeaky and annoying storyteller Don't screw this up! She thinks to herself as she tries to continue to look the part as an interested, traveling Pathfinder on vacation.
"What happened when you ran off from the Minotaur? Did the new recruits chase after you or head inside the cave? Amazing." She does start to enjoy the story, listening with one ear for a sign of 'something' going on with the statue 'anything'! Much to her disappointment nothing ever comes from the statue. No walking around, no moaning, no explosions. Just that stupid red cardinal that keeps perching on its head and singing. Over and over. This is a bust, I'll try again later. She cheers along with the crowd as another story ends then heads off back to the grove to meet up with the others.
---------------
"What happened to the distraction? Did it not work? Oh. Gotcha." She watches as the agents fall into bickering amongst themselves, a frequent sight on numerous high stress missions. "We've all got a role to play in this so lets just stay on task." She tries to ease the flaring tempers to little avail.
"I'll need more of a distraction to get at those keys. If not then maybe being invisible would do the trick. An all out distraction AND being invisible would be even better. I'll go help you Zurnzal for a little bit while the others do some more scouting ok? Having a couple patsies lined up before hand is a good idea." She fluffs up her curls and heads off with the man.
"I would not say no to any help at this point. Once we have found a proper target, then I will have no problem taking their identity. Who are these Pathfinders who burned down that town? I've heard nothing about it." He looked between Rataji and Shohirajj. Zurnzal's face seeemed to be normalizing now that they were talking about work and looking for results.
"Assuming I stick with my original plan to release the animals from the zoo, do you think it would be best to do that while you're stealing the keys, or as a distraction from our actual entry? Just to make sure we're on the same page before I head off."
"Sounds like we have a lot to do and not much time to do it. Here's what I'd suggest" he puts an emphasis on that last word, with a sidelong glance at the strange elf.
"Rataji tries to convince Janira to follow him to a secluded area. If he succeeds, all well and good. We kill her, take the keys, and Zurnzal makes Joliryn look like her. I release the animals at the menagerie to cover our entrance, and we're all set. We will have to get Joliryn's cooperation to make this work. Shohirajj, would you be willing to talk to her? She might actually listen to you.
If he fails or if Joliryn isn't willing to cooperate, the elf can activate the statue to serve as a distraction from Shohirajj lifting the keys a bit more...conventionally. Unfortunately we might have to give up finding a different target to frame; I don't think we'd have time to find and abduct anyone else.
What do people think?"
Here's what Marnarius is suggesting broken down mechanically. GM, if any of this isn't feasible or if I'm misunderstanding the limits of the phase, please let us know. Also, while Marnarius is suggesting forgoing the "frame someone" plan if it goes badly with Janira, he would be willing to help find a different target if people think it's more useful than releasing the animals at the menagerie.
Shohiraj:
Site visit: The Wall of Names. Talk to Joliryn about the plan (I believe that would be a free action.)
Site visit: The Statue of Durvin Gest
If Rataji fails to talk Janira into leaving:
Plot: Steal the keys
Otherwise:
Site visit: Southgrove
Plot: Subdue Janira
Rataji:
Site visit: The Statue of Durvin Gest
Plot: Convince Janira to leave with him to Southgrove. (Charm Person would be useful, if he could cast it without anyone noticing).
Site visit: Southgrove
Zurnzal:
Site visit: The Statue of Durvin Gest (To see what happens with lifting the keys, and possibly assist if things go wrong.)
Site visit: Southgrove
Plot: Disguise Joliryn as Janira
Joliryn:
Site visit: The Wall of Names
Plot: ?
Site visit: Southgrove
Marnarius:
Site visit: The Statue of Durvin Gest (To see what happens with lifting the keys, and possibly assist if things go wrong.)
Site visit: The Menagerie
Plot: Release the animals
Site visit: Southgrove
322:
Site visit: The Statue of Durvin Gest. Activate the statue if necessary. (I believe this would be a free action, since all she has to do is speak the command phrase.)
Site visit: Southgrove
322 will be our 'floater,' able to assist if anyone fails their skill checks.
We should all be back in Southgrove by the end of the phase.
"I agree with most of your suggestion, Marnarius, except that I suggest that Rataji, Zurnzal, Shohirajj, and I - and Joliryn, if she will come - all arrive at the statue at the same time. We will have a better chance to pull some kind of success from a possible failure if more of us are available. Perhaps Shohirajj and I should accompany Joliryn to see the Wall of Names, Zurnzal and Rataji might visit another location or accompany you to see the zoo, and then all of us convene at the statue to carry out the plan for Janira."
Marnarius nods. "Yeah, that makes sense. Anyone else have any suggestions, or other plans entirely? We need to get this figured out quick if we're going to get everything done before the speech."
|
|
Let me get this straight. You want me to lure the slip to a secluded location where we kill her. Then, assuming you can get her assistance, Joliryn will be disguised as her to frame her for whatever we need? Sure, I can use a Charm Person or a Suggestion to help, if my charming smile proves insufficient.
"Sounds like we have a plan. I'll see what I can do at the menagerie, then meet up with you all at the Statue."
Marnarius starts heading off to the menagerie, unless someone has something more they need to discuss with him.
Joliryn studies the wall, moving closer to the man as she does so. ”The wall slithers like a snake through grass, doesn’t it?” she asks him nonchalantly.
Marnarius wanders through the cages, trying to look like a casual visitor. The serpent looks dangerous, seems like an appropriate choice. He stops by its cage and looks around to see if anyone is paying attention.
Seeing no one nearby, he quickly sets to work on the lock.
While he works he mutters, "Hey buddy. Want to get out of here? There's a speech happening soon, best to wait until then to make your escape."
The elf leaves Joliryn to do what she needs to do and wanders along the length of the wall, occasionally stopping to look at a particularly unusual name.
"Hey, what are you doing?" shouts a voice from behind Menarius, before he has a chance to manipulate the lock on the cage. "The sign says 'Do not touch the cages' and that includes you! Move along!"
Arminaldi Charthagnion turns to look at Joliryn. “None would step on so great a serpent," he replies.
After a moment's hesitation he adds, "But perhaps it is a fool who invites the viper into his home." Arminaldi looks obviously uncomfortable with the situation.
The wise man knows such a predator will remember the assistance, while a fool will get eaten for his troubles,” Joliryn replies calmly. ”Your assistance could preserve many relics of the past, such as the one we were sent to retrieve for safekeeping. But if you no longer wish to do such good works here, I’m sure we could arrange for your expulsion from the Society. Do we have to make such drastic changes, or shall we continue to aid you in your noble quest to right the wrongs here?”
Marnarius curses to himself as he's spotted by one of the zookeepers. Damn! They're really paying attention to security right now. I'll have to be more careful.
Figuring it's best to leave the serpent for later, he wanders seemingly aimlessly until he ends up at the sphinx's cage. Okay, let's try this again.
Once again he looks around to see if anyone is paying attention before setting to work on the lock. "I can get you out of here, but you'll have to escape on your own. Best to wait until the guards are distracted by the speech."
The sphinx looks at Menarius as he unsuccessfully works with the lock before speaking toward the crowd nearby in Taldane.
"A time comes when the shackled shall walk among men, voicing their grievances with a hundred horns. These children--who strain at false laws--know not that the time is not today, but no man can chide them, for he knows not their tongue. Their castle of chains shall fall away, and only a lion or a sheep shall be their herald, calling out to let them know that their time in the sun has arrived."
The sphinx's riddle draws some delighted twitter from the crowd.
"It's been a long time, but I'm so sorry about your loss," he says gravely. "This is all we could find, but I hope it will bring you some comfort." Arminaldi's acting is terrible, but no one seems to pay much attention.
The "shackled" must be the animals here, trapped in "castles of chains." I "know not their tongue", so I can't convince them to hold back until the speech. But the "herald," which must be my friend here, can.
He nods to himself. Basically, let him out first, and he'll let the other animals know when's the best time to escape. Simple enough. Unfortunately the crowd's now paying attention, so he doesn't want to talk plainly.
Wracking his brain, Marnarius replies. "Sounds like the "herald" also needs some time in the sun, don't you think? Then he'd be in a better position to talk to the children."
Still speaking to the crowd, the sphinx continues. "The herald's time is not yet, but the children always hear its voice. Let men walk under the sun, and not allow good deeds to go undone."
Joliryn nods as she accepts the portfolio. "Your condolences do not fall on deaf ears," she replies, then continues down the Wall of Names. Once around a bend, she leans against a tree and begins reading the contents, keeping an eye out for anyone trying to read over her shoulder.
"The herald's time will come, I guarantee it." He looks the sphinx in the eyes and nods slightly before heading to another cage.
Aram Zey typically relies on his learned magical abilities to invoke destructive and defensive magic, but his scroll collection indicates that he has many written incantations that feature powerful wards and glyphs. He made sure that I filed a particularly powerful illusion spell near one of his office's shelf, the better to snatch it up in case of intruders. Avoid his office at all costs unless invited, for there are too many protective spells sealing the door for me to parse what each of them is, much less how to unravel them.