The officers listen to the explanations offered, nodding in turn as they come. They seem to collectively ease up a bit and take a more helpful disposition towards the Pathfinders.
Kazima's face grows grim at the mention of more gold creatures. Then, as Hootie's explanation completes...
People being chained up?!? Who was doing that? Is there somebody still trapped in the manor? If so I daresay we couldn't recover them by now!
She gestures generally at the collapsed structure.
Inusi chimes in suddenly. No, there is nobody in further danger. These fine folk helped my daughter and I escape. She quickly hides her face and looks away from the solders
Kazima and the other officers look around at all of you, not entirely satisfied with the (lack of) explanations of "chained up".
"You may want to check on those monster remains...instead" Hootie attempts to divert.
Some of the legion officers seem convinced by this, nodding at Hootie and heading off to search for a reasonably safe entrance into the main sitting room of the house, where you'd fought the mummy.
Some people with not the best intention have come before us.
Seems like they killed some of the house people and try to hide their action by lighting fire to the house, hoping that the owners and all they've done will burn with it.Says Gratius.
[dice=Diplomacy (aid)]1d20+0
Kazima scratches here head and turns to Inusi.
Very strange. And do you know what they wanted?
She hesitates for a moment, not sure what to say.
I think, they just wanted to hit a quick mark for some easy riches and fell back to fire after panicking. I have no idea what the relationship with the golden creatures is.
Kazima shakes her head, still clearly not entirely satisfied with the details she's getting.
I'm going to go see how my officers are doing, finding the remains of the creatures over there. When I come back I'm going to need to take a description of who intruded in your home.
Meanwhile, Torvad whispers back to Yangrit and Aldran. No, thank you, I am fine for now. The bleeding has stopped and I am stable. I just need to rest a few more moments. Please, get your rest before the auction tomorrow morning...
Torvad looks up at Hootie. Ah, yes, a quick escort back to my room at the inn would be great. By morning I should be fine to venture out on my own again.
You start to slowly lead Torvad away. You can tell his steps are already getting more confident and less pained as he goes. Still, it doesn't hurt to be careful.
Inusi looks at all of you, and sighs. Yes, head out. I'll deal with the legion officers once they're satisfied that they don't want to enter a burning building to see a destroyed mummy.
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The Museum of Philosophy, Logic, and Natural History is one of the most prominent buildings within Azir’s Grand Souk. The construction of the building itself was ordered by the current Keeper of the First Law, Malduoni, as a way of preserving Rahadoum’s culture, history, and influence, as well as reinforcing the positive impact of forbidding religion on Rahadoum’s development as a nation. As a purely academic and historical institution, the museum focuses on exhibits and displays related to anatomy, arcane studies, archaeology, astronomy, debate, law (including an exhibit focusing solely on the history, development, and evolution of the Laws of Man), mathematics, philosophy, science, secular history, and zoology. Constructed of three stories of stacked sandstone blocks, a prolific archway over the main entrance, and white marble columns accented with silver trim, the structure itself is already becoming an icon of the city as much as the Pure Legion patrols that often pass by its front steps. Many of Azir’s residents spend time reflecting in the museum’s main courtyard, which features a magic pool of eternally clear water surrounding a colossal, white marble statue of Kalim Onaku, author of the Laws of Man.
You arrive at the museum the next morning just before 9am, leaving you with plenty of time before the auction. You observe that there are guards posted at all of the entrances, and they are turning away typical museum patrons explaining that it is closed today for a "private lecture."
When you approach the entrance, they look over your bidder's banner carefully. On asking for the name of the patron represented by it, you're able to easily supply Torvad's name and so you gain entrance. You notice, however, that guards within the museum are still keeping a close eye on attendees of the auction.
To the south you notice the Hall of Taxidermy , where you can see that other bidders have gathered.
With time to spare, you may explore the various areas of the museum.
What do the Pathfinders do?
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Kirrote looks around the room at all of the stuff that smart people spend too much time looking at. As his sight scans the room he finally spots something interesting -- a life sized taxidermy of some sort of reptilian creature. It might be at least a little interesting to see one of these things when it isn't trying to kill you. He walks up to it and starts inspecting it. He pushes a couple of the other patrons out of the way to get a better look at the creature's bared teeth. "Ha. Look, you can see bloodstains on that tooth."
Aldran and Kirrote head immediately to the taxidermy hall to scope out the auction competition. At first they lightly ask around about who the big spenders are and get very brief summaries of each. A couple of patrons give Kirrote a sideways glance as he interferes with one of the exhibits in the room.
Abeesa and Abbashin Borkalik are a brother and sister who inherited their parents' wealth after their unexpected death. Abbashin has already depleted much of the family’s wealth with his reckless spending. Abeesa seeks to temper her brother’s reckless spending, but foolish Abbashin pays his wiser sister little heed.
Famish Squinwhisban is a gnome obsessed with architectural techniques and devices.
Madam Adenalar is an amateur horticulturist and flower enthusiast.
Pateba is former adventurer who always has an ear out for unique opportunities and artifacts.
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Knowing her strengths and weaknesses, Yangrit leaves talking to folks who can do it without dysfunction. Instead, she wanders around the museum, checking the perimeter and peeking into all the rooms that the guards will let her see. She is looking for anything that piques her interest, or any possible threats or problems which the rest of her team should know about.
Hootie approaches Pateba, remembering that they had objectives to accomplish.
"I see you're a regular at this sort of places?" she starts off while leaning slightly forward to make sure she gets his attention.
Pateba turns to notice Hootie standing their, and cocks a curious eyebrow at her statement. Oh? Have I seen you at past auctions or do I have a reputation now?
Ahmande approaches the sibling pair, introducing himself and trying to get a feel for their interests.
"Do you participate in these auctions much? Any items you already know you're bidding on... must haves, if you will?"
Diplomacyv1d20+11
The brother gives a curteous but curt bow. Abbashin Borkalik, well met. I come often enough, as it pleases me. As for what I'm bidding on, I wouldn't be so foolish as to tip my hand before the bidding begins.
Just then the sister chimes in. Yes, often enough, but we need to be bidding on less and less. This little hobby to pass the time can be rather expensive.
Abbashin rolls his eyes unceremoniously and ignores her. And what of you, Ahmandé is it? I've not seen you here before? Is there something in particular that draws you to our exciting little black-market auction?
Gratius starts exploring other place of the Museum.
Something will go wrong, I'm sure... that's always the case in Museum. In Absalom at least.
Knowing her strengths and weaknesses, Yangrit leaves talking to folks who can do it without dysfunction. Instead, she wanders around the museum, checking the perimeter and peeking into all the rooms that the guards will let her see. She is looking for anything that piques her interest, or any possible threats or problems which the rest of her team should know about.
1d20 + 7
Yangrit and Gratius discretely skulk about the museum. Darting in and out of areas when the guards are occupied elsewhere.
The offices , used by the museum's clerks are small and tidy, but contain nothing of particular interest.
When they finally reach the corner office , they notice a small pool of blood forming below a combination safe under the large desk. The safe appears to have been damaged.
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The brother gives a curteous but curt bow. Abbashin Borkalik, well met. I come often enough, as it pleases me. As for what I'm bidding on, I wouldn't be so foolish as to tip my hand before the bidding begins.
Ahmande nods with a mirthful and knowing smile, almost pleased to have his unveiled subterfuge caught out.
Just then the sister chimes in. Yes, often enough, but we need to be bidding on less and less. This little hobby to pass the time can be rather expensive.
His eyebrows lift at this, and he gives a pointed--and lightly admonishing--look at the brother... a look of which the admonishment is only partly in jest. He follows with a confirming nod towards the sister.
Abbashin rolls his eyes unceremoniously and ignores her. And what of you, Ahmandé is it? I've not seen you here before? Is there something in particular that draws you to our exciting little black-market auction?
"Yes, Ahmande; good catch. No, this is my first auction like this. I'm kind of getting the lay of the land. I guess I'll follow your lead and keep my own interests to myself, too. Though--since there's some contention over whether you should be bidding at all--if you were to back out of the auction, I might share a bit more about what I'm looking to walk away with." Ahmande smiles again, almost conspiratorially this time.
"Any other advice for a newcomer?"
"More like you seem like someone who knows their way around this type of thing and what would you be bidding on?" Hootie purrs as she waits to see if the man responds...
The adventurer smiles and relaxes a bit. Ah yes, well I rather prefer looking for these things out in the field, retrieving them from the dungeons myself. But, I think those days are over for me. So here I am. How about you? A fine young lady like yourself seems capable of obtaining your own treasures and saving your coin for a rainy day.
His eyebrows lift at this, and he gives a pointed--and lightly admonishing--look at the brother... a look of which the admonishment is only partly in jest. He follows with a confirming nod towards the sister.
Abbashin rolls his eyes unceremoniously and ignores her. And what of you, Ahmandé is it? I've not seen you here before? Is there something in particular that draws you to our exciting little black-market auction?"Yes, Ahmande; good catch. No, this is my first auction like this. I'm kind of getting the lay of the land. I guess I'll follow your lead and keep my own interests to myself, too. Though--since there's some contention over whether you should be bidding at all--if you were to back out of the auction, I might share a bit more about what I'm looking to walk away with." Ahmande smiles again, almost conspiratorially this time.
Well, I'd need some incentive to back out. When someone of means wants something greatly, they can usually get it. I am, and I will. Unless you have something else to distract my interests, but then for me that might just mean two great finds today! What do you think of that, dear sister? Glory for our father!
Again, she rolls her eyes and mutters under her breath. Don't embarrass yourself...
"Any other advice for a newcomer?"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+11
Abbashin laughs heartily, replying keep someone by your side who keeps your limits for you. I honestly don't like to think about money in much detail, but I do rather spend it as naturally as using the bedchamber. Thankfully for me, I have my shrewd, and rather glum sister at hand. One day she'll realize she doesn't need to suffer my antics.
Talking to some of the bidders.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+3"What ye thinks is going to be the top bid item? Got anything your eye on?"
A random cleric chimes in from the side at Aldran. Why, I hear there's to be a powerful staff of healing! Surely these well-to-do folk do their own adventuring and would have great need for such an aid!
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"I think we need Hootie for this..."
With an agreeing grunt, Yangrit replies: "I'll fetch her. You stay here."
Yangrit makes a beeline for the taxidermy hall, as she had last seen Hootie heading in that direction. As soon as she spies the halfling, she approaches and tries to tactfully interrupt her conversation without revealing too much information.
"Excuse me. As soon as you have a moment, can I steal you away for something?" She stares intently into Hootie's eyes in an attempt to convey how important this is.
Agreed.
Used to be a guard, Gratius stand in front of the door. Watching for anything.
[dice=Perception]1d20+9
Gratius is able to keep watch, and just as museum guards happen by duck into the room, and re-emerge a short time later. Nobody is ever the wiser that he's in the office nor that Yangrit came from it.
Pateba gives Hootie a brief bow and a smile. Do come back soon!
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"Me hear that a shard of the Shattered Shield of Arnisant is to be shown tonight. Me think it is a fake, I hear that those pesky Pathfinders suppose to have all the know shards. But if it is real, me might rub two coins together to see if I can make a bid for it."
Aldran trying to get a feel of anyone else who might bid on it.
Hootie does not find any traps on the safe. She gets to work cracking its lock but is initially unsuccessful.
"Me hear that a shard of the Shattered Shield of Arnisant is to be shown tonight. Me think it is a fake, I hear that those pesky Pathfinders suppose to have all the know shards. But if it is real, me might rub two coins together to see if I can make a bid for it."
Aldran trying to get a feel of anyone else who might bid on it.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+3
Many attendees in the taxidermy hall stop to eye Aldran, but none speak up specifically...
Hootie steps back and silently centers herself before trying again, this time more focused and direct. In no time she hears the desired tumble within and the lock opens, and with it the safe door...
You discover the dismembered pieces of a body, explaining the pooled blood.
Hootie finds that the office has a lot of constant foot traffice, as one would expect in and near an office. It's impossible to pick out distinct tracks except that the most prevalent, distinct footprints match the body in the safe. Otherwise, nothing stands out.