Castinus and Diazepane reach the end of the tunnel and find themselves in a hidden sea cave. Other than a few more crabs on the rocks and fish in the water, there are no living creatures and no unliving hazards.
They head back. There is plenty of furniture and other items around that they can pile up against the door to block it (and Amara does not protest if they break up or move any of the old furniture.)
It takes about 5 minutes to block a 5 ft. space and there is enough furniture and other stuff to barricade a total of twelve 5ft. spaces were the Pathfinders to decide that more areas need to be blocked off.
Ichio identifies the family crest in the kitchen and revealed an additional connection between the guest who will be arriving soon and the house.
Grandblade begins contemplating how to fix a deconstructed catapult.
Diazepane, Grandblade and Ichio are easily able to cobble together the necessary pieces to repair the catapult from the manor's furniture and just as easily get it put back together.
As they look at it with some satisfaction, it occurs to them that trying it out might be both entertaining an informative.
Crowe heads to the room with the big windows.
Crowe feel bamboozled by the place, the storm rages within his mind. He decides to take his time, be very calm and focussed, and hope the storm relents.
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Castinus, being a diligent fellow at heart, takes 15 minutes to barricade the ground floor windows in the two northerly rooms and the passageway from the sea via the lava tube also.
Satified with his work, he stands back to admire the results. Hearing the others involved in similar work, he seeks them out in the rest of the house, and starts to discuss tactics should (by any starange turn of events) the group need to defend the house from attackers.
"It's not impossible that an enemy group could seek to disrupt this meeting. We need to consider how we would defend this place if that came to pass. Given your stirling efforts reassembling this siege engine, " he looks on in admiration at the device, " and the lighthouse lantern too, I suggest someone with a good aim keeps watch at the top here throughout, just in case. In which case, I will block up the doorway at the foot of the tower, so protect their back.
I assume we would hold the tea ceremony in the dining room on the ground floor. I have blocked up the windows to the north, and the secret passageway Diazepane and I found.
Given that the upper floor has so many rooms, and that the large bay windows are quite vulnerable, I suggest that if we were to be attacked we retreat from the dining room up the stairs in the room to the east, and run into the tower via the connecting corridor. The walls there are thick, and we ccould bottleneck any attackers at the entrance.
What do you think?"
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Spending a quick moment, Kal huddles in with the half-elf. [b]"That seems a reasonable approach to me. Perhaps deciding stations among all of us, not just ones capable or ranged attacks. Armed guard in the ceremony itself, but lookouts or bouncers at our key entrances also seems appropriate.
Breaking from the group, Kal enters into the dinning room and begins to carefully examine the space. Under the table, in the book shelf, confirming the windows locking capabilities.
Diazepane finds himself in a small alcove facing the double doors that lead into the manor. The house juts out above him, sheltering him from the mist that falls. It occurs to him that barricading the door will make it both harder to break open and batter down.
Crowe doesn't have to look too closely at the room he's in. A large, rotting bed dominates the master bedroom along side a relatively well-preserved desk and chair. The ceiling sags from water damage and the floor in the center of the room slants alarmingly.
Castinus does some barricading work then gathers up the group for some strategery.
Kal'Ryon finds nothing of interest in the dining room.
Grandblade suggests testing out the catapult.
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"How very quickly we change gears from tea-party to siege planning! It is like us pathfinders are bred to assume the worst. Still though, what evidence do we have to suspect that this tea party will be something other than just a tea party?" Kal asks to no one in particular.
For a lack of better options, Kal makes his way back to the fully functioning catapult- content to enjoy the sights and sounds of launching furniture out of the rundown building and into the countryside surrounding the light house.
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Castinus works on the plan he describedin the absence of other suggestions; he spends 25 minutes barricading the front door and the southerly bay window.
Finishing with a satisfied grunt, he stands back to appreciate his work;"There. No-one can get in or out without our knowledge, unless they come through the northerly bay window. If we guard the dining room and the room behind it, we can escape from there into the tower if we need to. That works."
He turns to the others; "Do you think it excessive if I craft murder holes over the front door, or make a trap of the upstairs bedroom? I do have some skill with such things..."
Crowe looks around at all of the preparations, ”Not how I usually drink tea.”
Crowe then examines the trebuchet and has a go.
Castinus barricades more of the entrances to the house and asks about further fortifying the manor.
Amara Li is focusing on setting up the tea party but she makes no protests to the alterations the other Pathfinders are making to the house. "I don't believe we have anything to fear from Iko, but both the Way of the Kirin and the Pathfinders have enough enemies in this area that your preparations are not unwelcomed."
Crowe throws in some time practicing with the catapult.
[oocThere's enough material in the house to barricade up to 12 5 foot sections. You've used 9 but you can move them if you like. It takes 5 minutes to create or move a barricade.[/ooc]
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Growing bored with the idol launching of chairs and mattresses, the Ganzi takes his time wandering through the building. Hearing Castinus discuss the possibility of murder holes, Kal's ears perk up.
"Murder holes means a need for murder juice! Hot water is more than enough, under most circumstances, ill get to that"
Finding the closest hearth, Kal sits down and begins to stoke a fire- using primarily the remains of the damaged and rotted furniture strewn about the house.
Grandblade's work is a piece of art. He saws away just enough of the floor and carefully enough that the seams are invisible. Though it continues to support the heavy bed easily, even a halfling setting foot in the area is going to cause it to collapse. The work is subtle enough that even the people in the room below don't realize they're under what is basically a deadfall.
Ichio goes to help but finds that the other man has things well in hand and moves to create holes in the floor of the spare room. He makes short work of the task and can look down and see the path and door below in only 20 minutes.
Kal'Ryon heads to the kitchen. One of the servants seems about to protest but then sees the weird chaotic tracers left in the wake of the Ganzi's movements and his mouth shuts with an audible click. It doesn't take the bloodrager much effort to find a suitably large pot and stoke a fire under it.
Diazepane comes in a little while later and gets another pot (which he's absolutely going to ruin...it will never be fit to make gumbo in again) and Kal'Ryon's assistance in getting the whale oil to the living room. The alchemist begins cooking up a king sized batch of alchemist's fire, tossing in extra ingredients, slaking stuff off the top and otherwise looking like a mad scientist for the next hour before ending up with a bubbling pot of pain.
Kal'ryon grows bored watching pots boil and goes to take a turn with the catapult.
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Castinus works to deploy two of the final three barricade resources as speedbumps - channeling any attackers away from the party's escape route from the dining room to the tower. He places one in the doorway between the two rooms with the bay windows, and one, as a solid barrier at the top of the stairs up from the tower ground floor.
After spending 15 minutes on this, he pauses, thoughtfully, and considers the work done upstairs by Grandblade and Ichio. Turning to them both he asks, "So, if we are to be attacked, where does the person operating the murder holes retreat afterwards? It seems to me their only escape route is either downstairs into the enemy, or across the bedroom which is now a pit trap. Or am I missing something?" He thinks. "Perhaps we could punch a hole in the wall to the south as an alternative escape route, and place a wardrobe in front of it to evade casual notice?" Unless there are objections, he works to acheive this , asking for help if needed.
After, Castinus finds the others to discuss everyone's stations, in the event of a tea party, trouble, or both. "There are six of us. We have it seems an opportunity to post someone observant with the catapult in the tower, someone with malice intent at the murderholes above the front door, at least two people in the tea party itself to protect our principal and any guests, and two others at the doors or elsewhere inside, ready to spot and assault any other dangers. Do you agree?"
He pauses, assessing the mood around him. "I myself would like to take post in the dining room with the guests - I believe have the diplomacy skills and the innate perception, perhaps with the aid of a drug of my own design, to spot trouble there. What say you all? Where will you stand? Are we ready for this meeting?"
Crowe shrugs, ”I will take a guard post, and await the coming storm.”
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Diazepane has two empty second level slots plus an alchemical allocation. These can all turn into invisibility (the two extracts would be CL 5 and the potion is CL 4). He also has two pre-prepared extracts of shield and two empty first level slots.
It only takes 1 minute to prepare an extract.
"Shields for the visible show of force, invisibility for the 'big stick' in 'speak softly and carry a big stick'."
As the Pathfinder team finish up their preparations, Amara Li excuses herself and has the servants clean up and prepare the great hall. They move with respect to the actions of the team, pausing and moving as necessary to stay out of the way but working steadily and efficiently until the shabby old place is made sparkling and welcoming. Even the jumble of materials that have been used to barricade the area are disguised and hidden to give the area the general appearance that it must have had in its heyday. The ornate tea ceremony is set out in the middle of the area, adding to its elegance.
When Amara Li returns she has changed into formal robes of azure and dove-gray silk.
What happens next is almost anticlimatic. As late afternoon approaches, the lookout (if there is one) sees a lone figure walking up the path. Though obviously armored it walks with an easy, if measured and careful tread.
The mist hides the details but if anyone is manning the murderholes they can look down to see a suit of fine samurai armor in crimson and gold and the figure knocks on the door.
Amara oversees moving the barrier, or at least half of it then bows to the figure when she opens the door. "Revered Iko Tsuneo, it is an honor to meet you in this place."
"As it is an honor to meet with you," the obviously elderly, yet still spry man replies.
"Please, won't you join us in the great hall. I have laid out a modest tea ceremony as a pale sign of my respect for you," Li continues, bowing again and gesturing deeper into the house.
"You do me much honor," he replies, taking the suggestion. He pauses in the threshold, looking around with a faintly wistful expression. It is also obvious, by the way his eyes stop at certain places that he has spotted the fortifications.
The two settle down, alongside any of the other Pathfinders who join them and engage in the silent, carefully choreographed motions of a tea ceremony. When the first portions of the subtle dance are completed things become a bit more relaxed.
"We have much to discuss, Madame Li, but first I would like to speak to your companions," Tsuneo says. He turns to each of you in turn.
"Please, tell me who you are and a bit about yourself," he says.
Crowe, standing guard beside the catapult, peers out into the mist.
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"Honoured Tsuneo-San, my name is not important though some call me 'Pitt'. I am but the humble son of a humble father. I serve here, and in other places, at the whim of my masters. I would dearly like to hear first hand stories of your long life and rich experiences but I regret I cannot repay you in kind, for I have no stories worth the telling. I am" here Castinus bows deeply, " your very humble servant"
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Taking a deep bow, the Ganzi flashes his wide smile and his hair ripples in the non-existent breeze.
"I am Kal'ryon, and I hail from the wastes of Numeria in the shadow of the Silver Mount itself. It is my deepest pleasure to meet one of your personal renown. I am at your service"
The formal statement is punctuated by another bow from the Ganzi, before he stands again to his full height. His hand holds tight to the pole-arm at his side, blackened nails glisten in the flickering light.
"We could all learn much from bees. They subsume themselves to the needs of the community without pride or self-importance. But please, tell me about your life as a Pathfinder," Iko says to Diazepane.
"Your humility is impressive, Pitt, yet surely you bring some skills to the Pathfinder Society. To that end, what do you consider the greatest of your accomplishments as a Pathfinder?" he says, turning to Castinus.
"So this is something of a homecoming for you. Have you found an opportunity to travel as a Pathfinder? Have you found it worthwhile staying so far away from your home to serve the Society?" he asks Ichio.
Tsuneo, despite his age, manages to bow low from the waist as he sits on the floor, returning Kal'Ryon's motion. "The renown of your Society proceeds you all. Has it been your experience that it has lived up to its repuation? Have you been asked to do questionable things in the course of your duties?" he says.
"Your services are much appreciated Grandblade," he replies to the Aphorite, somehow projecting enough to be heard by the man without actually shouting.
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"My very first mission was rescuing a clan of goblins from a wildfire. () Next, I was part of a team that defused some angry elemental spirits within an ancient temple. () I was part of a team that collected library books from a crumbling part of Hao Jin's Tapestry. () I helped track down and capture a corrupt politician, and even corrupt Pathfinders. () My friends and I cleared the Blakros Museum of a cursed mask, and later, some alien invaders. () Back on the island of Kortos, I helped decipher some ancient caves dedicated to Aroden, and helped recover the Horn of Aroden. () Twice I have entered the caves to defeat ancient evils. () I helped defend the Blakros wedding from demons. () And most recently, many of this group of people, including me, have secured the Diamond Gate from the Aspis Consortium. ()"
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Castinus allows a flash of wry amusement to flicker across his face at Tsuneo's probing questions.
"My greatest accomplishments on behalf of the Pathfinder Society? Modesty. Discretion. And an abundance of capable companions."
He looks Tsuneo directly in the eyes. "What man could hope for more in those he deals with?"
Crowe sits on the lighthouse tower with the catapult.
He is cross-legged, staring out across the waters.
Within his heart, the storm rages on.
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"What reputation do you speak of? While the society provides ample opportunity, it is up to each of us to make of it what we will. I am sure there are some who abuse such powers- as is the right of free will. Just as many will choose to live by stringent laws to protect themselves and others..." He provides a momentary pause, looking at the statesman directly. "The rest of us decided day by day"
HIs hair continues to flutter in the still air, and his smile remains undeterred on his face.
"But no, I have never been asked to do questionable things... Anything questionable I have done, has been on my own volition." This time, the Ganzi turns his sly smile to Castinus- punctuated by a friendly wink.
There is a faintly bemused glimmer in Tsuneo's eyes as he listens to the Pathfinders talk.
"Quite an impressive career, already. And you hardly seem ready to retire," he comments to Diazepane.
"And an equally impressive response to a question," he says to Castinus, meeting him look for look.
"Even better than your friend's," he nods to Kal'Ryon.
Before he can continue probing for answers or keep up the conversation, his gaze goes to one of the windows, catching something strange from across the house.
The misty rain blocks direct view of the sunset. Slowly, the sky darkens with the coming night, only to start lightening again, perhaps a sign that the clouds are breaking to the south. A warm, reddish-orange glow brightens the horizon. But instead of fading like a normal sunset, it glows brighter and brighter. The glow isn’t the sunset—it’s coming from the pier.
Tsuneo rises and goes to a window and looks out. A grim look of shock is on his face when he turns to you and it quickly turns to angry accusation.
"I came here in good faith and I find this is what the Pathfinders truly are. You burned my ship, did you also put my men to the sword?"
And speaking of swords, his hand comes to rest on his own.
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As the temperature of room changes, Kal remains standing at his post. He watches the mannerisms and reactions of Tsunneo closely before walking over to the same window to have a look.
In a show of good faith, he leaves the pole arm leaning against the wall where he previously stood- making a clear show of choosing to approach unarmed.
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"As you say, you can say that this is my return home although I will not be able to visit my home since the duty comes first. My career has been quite long my first mission was an operation against the aspid consortium which had woven a network of illegal drug trafficking, then I went to free the spirit of some poor children to a school, later we investigated some strange dungeon where there was incredible machines, I had to defend a city from a siege of demons to immediately chase a thief in the plane of the air. So one after another my services are required and I never fail to do my duty."