Nylthe's explosion of glistening dust catches both opponents by surprise, and they both react poorly to the blinding effects of it, making it simple enough for Lebraerio to slip in to range and strike at the human with ease.
The Teifling, remembering that there was a foe next to him, turns on Declan. He drops his long spear, and savagely swings at him with claws before attempting to bite his shoulder as well. While coming close on each assault, he only connects with one claw into Declan's side, before blinking away the glitter.
Round 3
Green (-10)
Declan (-26, disabled)
Aconite (-6)
Wilen (-9)
Red (-34,blinded)
Nylthe (-3)
Lebraerio
Juis
Declan's last ditch effort washes over the villians, but unfortunately doesn't have the effect that he wishs, as they both swiftly shake off the effect. In addition, the effort of casting the spell uses the last of Declan's strength as he collapses against the wall.
Wilen's bomb, however, has exactly the desired effect, as the unaware human is caught off-guard by it, and the concussive force blows him into the wall, after which he crumples to the ground.
Seeing the path is clear, Aconite wheels around the sarcophagus, and goes to chomp on the tiefling. However, he's able to ward off Aconite's jaws for now.
Round 3
Green (-10)
Declan (-27, dying)
Aconite (-6)
Wilen (-9)
Red (-47,dying, blinded)
Nylthe (-3)
Lebraerio
Juis
Juis's spell strikes at the Teifling and holds him in place briefly, just long enough for Nylthe to knock him on his butt, and for Lebraerio to stablize Declan.
Round 4
Green (-10, prone)
Declan (-27, stable)
Aconite (-6)
Wilen (-9)
Red (-47,dying, blinded)
Nylthe (-3)
Lebraerio
Juis
The tiefling begins to try to get his feet under him. That stops the second Aconite is on him, as the shadow hound savages him relentlessly, only stopping when the teifling stops moving.
At this point, the room is quiet besides you all.
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Nylthe blinks blandly at Lebraerio and Declan, who appear to either not be aware that she can hear them, or to mistakenly think that they're being flattering.
"Interrogation is more my specialty than Aconite's," a small, cold smile plays across her lips. "Although he's excellent at providing mood lighting."
Before the group's departs from the room, Wilen's eyes pass again to the alchemic apparatus on the sarcophagus in the center of the room, mostly intact. And once looked at, it's obvious that the sarcophagus has been opened and shut more than once.
As for getting into the Sarcophagus, That requires removing most of the alchemical supplies, since it was used as a work bench. However, inside is a reasonable sized chest, albeit locked.
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The halfling looks over the makeshift workbench while his team ties up the two criminals. His face flashes a bit of rage for just a moment at his realization.
Hmm, they were creating narcotics here. Injection pure poison into civilized society for profit. There are no worse parasites...
The indignant halfling looks back at the tied-up criminals with disdain. He turns around and continues at the workbench. He carefully moves the mutagen rig to one of the lower stairs at the edge of the room, and then stuffs the formula book into an inner pocket of his cloak and clears the sarcophagus lid to expose the chest within.
I'll have to check that formula book later for what I can copy out of it...
Within the chest is want seems to be the war funds for this endeavor However, of greater importance, is a thick leather portfolio. Within is a stack of documents, that easily show what all they've been stealing, as well as the following letter.
To Titus Terliss, Riddleport:
Your dedication to the Shadow Lodge’s true cause is impressive, Titus, especially after that fool Torch made his little deal with the Decemvirate and ended our growing rebellion within the society’s ranks. As the Pathfinder Society builds its renown in Magnimar through the efforts of Sheila Heidmarch and her lapdog of a husband, there stands a very real possibility of them gaining more influence in Varisia than we can counter. Thus, you must sever their growing reputation at its roots. You will find held in your name at the Gold Goblin a chest, accessible with the enclosed key. The funds within should more than cover what you need to make your way to Magnimar to begin your mission of sabotage and slander.
Ingratiate yourself with one of the city’s many Sczarni gangs—use the enclosed forgeries to verify your standing within a family here in Riddleport—and operate as Sczarni in all ways. Do not reveal your affiliation with the Shadow Lodge or that you know me in any way!
First engage in a whispering campaign against the Pathfinders at Heidmarch Manor. Make the people of Magnimar distrust the Pathfinders so that the next part of your mission will be better believed. Once they’ve been slandered sufficiently, follow up with a series of thefts, concentrating on objects of historical significance. Leave false evidence implicating the Pathfinder Society—wayfinders, volumes of the Pathfinder Chronicles, whatever.
I will be working with the Sczarni you infiltrate to import a new, deadly, hybrid narcotic into Magnimar’s underworld, which you will ultimately blame on the Pathfinder Society and Sheila Heidmarch. Don’t use this pesh should you encounter any of it, rather let the Sczarni be my puppets.
While your operations should not need further involvement from me, should you need my assistance in the event of an emergency I can be reached via the city’s Aspis Consortium chapterhouse and Varisia’s other gold agent, Maiveer Sloan. Do not go to him unless you absolutely must, for my involvement in both the Shadow Lodge insurrection and my position as an Aspis Consortium agent must never come to light. I trust you to destroy this letter upon reading it to prevent that fact from reaching anyone but you.
Weave your web in stealth and guile,
The Spider
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Wilen finishes reading the letter and says some of the names out loud as he encounters them.
Hmm, the Shadow Lodge. Aspis Consortium. Maiveer Sloan. "The Spider".
After, he chuckles for several moments.
They... were supposed to destroy this letter. Thankfully for us they did not.
He hands the letter to Leb. So much for a confession. I think this will do nicely. Don't let our captives here see it when they come to. I wonder what the society has on Maiveer Sloan or "The Spider."
Pulling both the culprits and the contraband from the crypt easily ends this particular endeavor against the Society. The Twincandles are quite pleased to be rid of this mess and they willingly assist in capturing the last few agents of this Shadow Lodge excursion. Likewise, They conveniently ignore whatever you drag up from the Sodden Crypt. In addition, with the papers that you found, you can easily exonerate the Society from this attempt to run the Pathfinders out of Magnimar.
End Scenario
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Way of the Kirin
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Venture-Captain Amara Li is waiting in a well-maintained private garden behind a house on a quiet street in Ramparassad, the capital city of Dtang Ma, a nation in eastern Tian Xia. She speaks once everyone has arrived and has had an opportunity to enjoy tea. "When first I arrived in Absalom two years ago, I had a simple but nuanced mission: to increase communication and sharing of resources between the Pathfinder Society and its counterpart in Tian Xia by establishing the Lantern Lodge’s position on the other side of the world." She pauses briefly to sip her tea, before adding, "More than a year ago we successfully purchased and restored the house known as Hinojai, which was once a base for the Way of the Kirin. When we acquired Hinojai, it was as much a gambit to attract the attention of the remaining agents of the Way of the Kirin as it was an opportune acquisition of real estate. And indeed, a man claiming to be an agent of the Way recently contacted me by leaving me a message here."
"Although the Way of the Kirin fell into ruin with the fall of Lung Wa a century ago, its far-reaching resources remain valuable, and it still commands great respect. If the Pathfinder Society could ally itself with the Way, the relationship would be of immense benefit to both organizations."
Amara’s voice reveals her satisfaction as she says, "Pathfinders, we are on the cusp of just such an alliance. In a day’s time, we shall meet with this representative from the Way of the Kirin, and you are to act as security for me and ensure that the meeting is a success. I do not expect any trouble from the Way, but after all of the betrayals and double-crosses that the Society has experienced over the past few years, I worry that this is an elaborate setup by the Aspis Consortium. I have arranged for us all to be transported to the site early tomorrow morning, so take care of any errands you have in Ramparassad this afternoon. There are no settlements near our destination, and we will be spending the night there. I expect you understand the need to be fully prepared.
Amara Li stares into the dregs of her tea as though she were attempting to discern some lost thoughts in the green leaves floating at the cups bottom, then looks up. "Ah yes—before the negotiations begin in earnest, I will host a formal tea ceremony to set the tone. I encourage you to participate, though doing so is not required. I would, however, expect you to dress appropriately for the event." With that she stands and waits to accept any questions.
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A thin Elf wrapped in comfortable robes sits at the table with you all, drinking his own tea. "It has been decades since I've been in Tian Xia. I owe much of my arcane prowess to the Wayang of Minata," he explains.
He takes another sip of tea. "What can you tell us of the Way of the Kirin, the tea ceremony you intend to lead, and expected attire? Will the Society be providing food and shelter?" he asks the Venture-Captain, before turning to the others. "I apologize for my manners, I am Ilathor Valmaxian, one of the Societies' Expedition Managers and leading scholar on the Azlanti."
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Amara smiles at Lebraerio's question. "There are a great many curious ears in Ramparassad. As such, I need to keep such information close to my chest for now. When we depart tomorrow, I can be more free with such information. Still, while I don't expect trouble from the Way, I would fully expect both the Aspis Consortium and the Golden League would use and resource available to prevent an alliance from forming."
"As for the Way of the Kirin," The Venture-Captain then turns to Ilathor's questions, "It was an extensive trade and militant force throughout Lung Wa, though it's strength and influence have waned severely since their peak before Lung Wa fell. While they still have a impressive collection of local information and resources, they are in a great need for agents, some that the Pathfinder Society has in abundance. As for expected attire for a tea ceremony, one normally wears formal dress or formal armor. I doubt our contact will be particular about which you choose."
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Dress appropriately... I believe that can be managed. I have run a successful business!
The halfling proudly touts before bowing slightly at Amari.
Wilen Proudbrew, at your service. Brewmaster in the family business and distracted alchemist for the Society otherwise!
He likewise turns to Ilathor. Welcome to the team. We usually don't lose anyone...
The halfling chuckles and leaves it at that.
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"Very well, thank you,"" Ilathor responds to Amara with a slight bow of his head.
Me too Mr. Proudbrew, me too. "Thank you, I look forward to working with this group," he says simply yet graciously.
"'Many things,' was it, Mr. Helfro?" he verifies. "Do you have a favorite topic, perhaps? It is always a privilege to learn and share information with others!" Information is power, after all. What we do with it from there, well, that's up to the individual.
Once there is a moment to talk among themselves, he addresses the group. "Forgive me for my ignorance, but what do each of you bring to the team? As a practitioner of the arcane, I can adjust my skills accordingly," he inquires.
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"Much as the Society has gathered rivals in the Inner Sea, the Way of the Kirin has made many enemies in Tian Xia,"Amara responds."The Golden League is a powerful criminal organization with influence throughout Tian Xia. They are masters of subtle manipulation, bribery, thuggery, and assassination. Their enforcers are called Xun— merciless thugs who don’t hesitate to maim or kill a person for the league families they serve. They are easy enough to spot by the nearly full-body tattoos that they favor. Should you see any Xun here in Ramparassad, keep clear."
"As for what types of assistance they may ask of us, Well, that's one of the goals of this rendezvous: to parse out each others' needs better."
The local gossip throughout Ramparassad is that the Golden League's thuggery has been much more active recently. Several rumors seem to believe that they're looking for someone. Of more perturbing interest, a member of the League from Minkai has visited Ramparassad recently, and even the local Xun were unnerved by him. Several of the local level thugs called him Mikogu Shimazi, and when asked, said that he has a reputation for doing anything, including throwing away the lives of his men, to get the job done.
Finally, when Shimazi's name comes up, it rings a(nother) bell for you, as it's a connection back to the Way of the Kirin. Once a friend of the Way, he turned his back on the organization when it refused to support him against an enemy. He has since joined the Golden League and denounced his former friends.
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"Forgive me for my ignorance, but what do each of you bring to the team? As a practitioner of the arcane, I can adjust my skills accordingly," he inquires.
Ah, right. Well, when I'm not brewing a fine ale, I'm mixing up various concoctions to solve problems on mission.
He runs his hand down his bandolier of vials to demonstrate the result.
And better yet, I recently figured out how to mix them so that others can use them.
"Much as the Society has gathered rivals in the Inner Sea, the Way of the Kirin has made many enemies in Tian Xia,"Amara responds."The Golden League is a powerful criminal organization with influence throughout Tian Xia. They are masters of subtle manipulation, bribery, thuggery, and assassination. Their enforcers are called Xun— merciless thugs who don’t hesitate to maim or kill a person for the league families they serve. They are easy enough to spot by the nearly full-body tattoos that they favor. Should you see any Xun here in Ramparassad, keep clear."
Interesting. Not that it changes much, but did the Golden League pre-date the Way of the Kirin, or arise in response to it? Well, I suppose it would tell how deeply entrenched this rivalry is, if they exist only because of The Way.
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"I cannot speak to the specific history of the Way of the Kirin and the Golden League, however I have heard that one of the League's more nefarious members has visited Ramparassad recently. One with a connection to the Way. Specifically, the member in question is a Mikogu Shimazi. He has a reputation for churning out success, no matter the cost, even if it proves detrimental to his men. Even the Xun are uncomfortable around him," Ilathor shares, taking a moment to breath and sip his tea.
"He is also known to have been a former ally to the Way, but turn his back on them in favor of the League. I suspect this might be a personal matter for him... Speculation aside, however, what is certain is that the League has increased their local activity and appear to be looking for someone."
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"It appears as though we will have plenty of tools to use in our work! I look forward to sharing this mission with you all, I believe we will be well prepared for it," he says with a smile.
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"I try to spread out my knowledge set with a wide selection. But I would have to say History is my strongest subject. As for what I bring to the group. I'm alright as a front line fighter but I primarily focus on support magic and healing. Though on our last mission, my Hold Person prayer came in handy."
Amara looks a little concerned about the information that Ilathor produces. "All the more to be secretive. As for what came first, the Way is the older of the two, but the Golden League came about from unrelated circumstances, or at least that's what I've learned about them." Amara stands before adding, "We leave in the morning. Gather whatever supplies you feel are important, considering our discussion."
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In the morning, Amara meets you all with a pair of servants, and after a brief moment with a scroll, teleports the entire group to a black rock pier on an island. The pier juts out from the beach, though years of pounding surf and use make it impossible to discern whether it was magic or skilled hands that constructed the pier. Igneous black sand peppered with chunks of dark gray rock makes up the beach. Further up the hill, the landscape is filled with strange shapes eroded from the charcoal-colored stone. Wild basalt beasts, bizarre pumice chimneys, igneous archways, and twisted stone snakes line the winding milelong path that crawls up the steep hillside. The black tiles of the lighthouses’s rooftop is just barely visible between two of the more serpentine stone menhirs. A light mist dampens the docks and darkens the stone to a glossy black. The Venture Captain speaks up. "We are currently at the northernmost end of the Minatan Archipelago. We're early for our meeting, though our contact should be coming. Shall we go and see what preparations we need to make?"