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It will have blood, they say. Blood will have blood.
Stones have been known to move, and trees to speak.
Augurs and understood relations have
By maggot pies and choughs and rooks brought forth
The secret’st man of blood.
- W. Shakespeare
Skyreach is quiet - the constant murmur of junior agents and archivists barely audible in the small libraries and museum-like collections that fill the tallest building of the Pathfinder Society's Grand Lodge in Absalom. Many of them have been sent out of the city on tasks related (to greater or lesser extent) to the aims and goals set by the organization's masked leaders, the Decemvirate. These ten individuals - their identities obscured by the mask-like artifacts they wear - decide what the Pathfinder Society should be doing, and how best to accomplish that.
The docks are nowhere near as quiet. Gulls scream from their perches atop masts and gutters as porters load and unload cargo from the many ships stopping at the city at the center of the world. However, one ship - and the people carrying their belongings onboard - stands out from the rest. An expedition of Seekers has been assigned directly by the Ten to transport a sword from the Grand Lodge to the Woodsedge Lodge in Galt. What could be so important about the weapon that it requires the company of some of the Society's most experienced agents on its journey across the Inner Sea and up the Sellen River? Only time will tell...
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Kiboko eyes the vessels moored at the docks, a ragtag assemblage of vessels from pristine warships to battered traders. What ship are we to take? Should Kiboko arrange passage? the towering dreadlocked half-orc thought to himself. Absent-mindedly Kiboko patted the shoulder of the mighty she-hippo besides him: his longtime companion who freed him from bondage amongst the Bekyar, Mvumbu the Wise and Beautiful.
"Haarr!!! Haarrr!!!" honked the hippo.
"What is it Mvumbu? What do you smell? Kiboko detects only sweat and sea-water." The grey-skinned warrior follows the hippo's gaze, and spies the Voracious at the quay.
"Flyn! Kiboko wonders if he has also been called upon. Perhaps we shall take his fine ship to Galt. Come, Mvumbu my friend!" With that, the two make their way towards the Voracious's gangplank...
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Having docked the Voracious once more into Absalom Harbor, the Elf known as Flyndyngylyn ponders the dispatch from the Ten he received, that required both he and his ship, to report promptly...this is the first time he had been contacted directly by the mysterious Decemvirate...his curiosity was peaked indeed...
Taking a bite out of an apple while he awaits the package and passengers, he ponders on his orders. Hmmm...report to Absalom, pick up a sword, along with a select team of Pathfinders, and journey to Galt. But taking a sword to the Woodsedge lodge? Seems like a pedestrian mission...wonder why the Ten deem it so important?
Letting out a deep sigh, he wonders, Oh well...at least I hope they send me with a friend or two...and then there’s the matter of the second dispatch...but I’ll worry ‘bout that later...
"Hooooooo!"
Flyn looks up, grinning at his owl perched high up in the crow's nest, serving as lookout. "What do you see, Archimedes?" The owl glides down to perch on the ship’s rail nearest the gangplank, looks back at the Elf, screeching ”Hooooooo,” and then swivels its head to the couple approaching the ship...
The ranger’s eyes go wide as he sees a familiar half-Orc and hippopotamus step towards the gangplank. ”Kiboko, my old friend! It is great to see you...it’s been too long! And Mvumbu! You grow more wise and beautiful every time I see you! Come aboard my friends...and we may talk of this odd mission...and perhaps old times as well...”
Once aboard, Flyn bear-hugs Kiboko and scratches between Mvumbu’s ears. ”Well met, my friends, and welcome aboard my ship. What do you think of our orders? Do you know of any others on our team? Be nice to have Kramac along since we three started out together so long ago...”
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Zaarah walks along the pier and seems to have a heated argument with someone. Curiously, she is constantly looking at her sheathed Scimitar with an agitated look on her face and no one else is visible around her.
”Aaahhhh!!! I am going to kill you!!!“ she suddenly shouts.
20 seconds of silence...
... and suddenly Zaarah starts sobbing.
”Ehhh, ehhh, you are sooooooooooo mean!!! I don’t like killing... I .. I think ... “ she says with tears flowing down her cheeks.
Zaarah is a scrawny girl with auburn hair and amber eyes. She is standing with eyes wide open.
Her features seem Chelaxian but also have something else mixed in.
She is wearing light mithral armor and carries a black pulsing Scimitar at her hip that is attached to her wrist with a very fine chain.
Zaarah seems to be pleasantly surprised when she sees the Voravious!
”Oh Master Flyn!!! Mister Kiboko Sir!! It is so good to see you again! Such an unbelievable honor to serve with you again!“ Zaarah shouts and runs up to Flyn’s and Kiboko’s side.
”It is really you two! But can you believe that we are here together?!? I hope that arrogant master of spells Aram is not alive and potentially part of the Decimverate?!!“ she says rolling her red eyes.
She suddenly draws her Scimitar that is so black that it almost absorbs light.
She seems to listen to something and looks at her black magical sword and then starts sobbing again!
”No, no, no ... “ she says and wipes her tears from her face.
She looks at all the Pathfinders and realizes that she did it again.
”I have taken my medication for today! I swear!“ she says and jumps into the air.
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Two missives on a single day? Something is certainly afoot. The detective tries to draw connections between the pair, but besides their obvious origin, little ties them together...at least for now. Best to let that simmer for now. Time to turn my attention to more immediate things.
The human makes his way down the docks, taking the most expedient route. Elven runes etched in silver on the trim of his cloak reflect the morning sun. He hears the familiar voices a few births away before the Voracious and her crew can be clearly seen. It seems not everyone will be a stranger along this journey.
He quietly listens to the conversation until he is close enough to join in without having to shout. "Well meet my friends! It has been too long since we have traveled together. I hope all has been well."
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Flyn’s smile grows wider as he sees another friend...and former student...
”Zaarah! It’s good to see you again!” he exclaims as he gives her a friendly hug. ”Glad you’ll be coming along with us...has Mesh been acting up again?”
As the human comes to the gangplank and gives a familiar greeting, Fin looks to Kiboko and Zaarah, arching an eyebrow, assuming one or both of them have traveled together before. Seeing a look of recognition in Kiboko’s eyes, he turns and bows to the man, warmly greeting him. ”I’m afraid I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you before, my friend. Flyn, at your service...come aboard and make yourself at home...”
He clasps hands with the man as he boards and then looks to the sky. ”I was told to pick up the sword and four passengers, so we’re still one short...I was hoping Kramac would be joining us...but perhaps he has not found a new mount yet...it was hard on him losing Beak that way...tough mission...”
Looking to his owl, he commands, ”Archimedes, watch for Kramac in the skies...or any other whom approaches,” and the bird dutifully flies back up to the crow’s nest. Turning to the others, he says warmly, ”Come, I have some grog and light fare set up on the upper deck. We can eat, drink, and talk of this mission while we await our final guest...”
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A large bird appears on the horizon, rapidly approaching the Voracious. It circles the boat twice, the sun glinting off a heavily armored rider on the bird. It lands on the on the boom. A short half-orc slides out of the saddle and lands on the deck.
Haha! Friends! Good to see we'll be on this mission together! Apologies for my tardiness - it is a long flight from Cheliax. Luckily Damien Kastner still remembers me from when we helped out at his wedding. He helped me locate another one of these magnificent birds after my previous friend fell to the banshee.
Kramac pauses briefly, a look of sorrow crossing over his face. As quick as it arrives, it is gone.
But brighter days are ahead! Kramac looks forward to a nice easy mission, as no one would be foolish enough to challenge our might!
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”Hoooooo, hooooo, HOOOOOOOO!!!” The owl goes off excitedly as a speck in the sky grows steadily larger and approaches the harbor...
Flyn’s eyes light up. ”I knew it! I figured the Ten would send us out together...Kiboko, our old friend is here at last!”
The Elf awaits their friend’s landing and rushes forward as the half-Orc dismounts and gives him a hearty bear-hug. ”It is good to see you again, old friend; glad to know you’ll be with us on this special delivery mission...
“Yes, you seem to have found a good mount...damn that banshee to hell though, I hope it rots there forever for poor Beak. Come though, sit and relax for a moment before we cast off...Kiboko and Mvumbu are here...Zaarah too...and a companion from one of Kiboko’s missions has joined us as well. It’s like a reunion!”
Despite the worries of the Decemvirate, the Voracious's journey across the Inner Sea and up the Sellen river to the Galtan town of Woodsedge sees few dangers. The Pathfinders walk from the river up to the Lodge, a manor house situated on immense grounds just outside the town proper. The whole nation of Galt remains in the thrall of a bloody revolution, and while signs of desperation, poverty, and even violence abound, none of it seems to have gotten in the way of the Pathfinders' first mission as Seekers. The luxurious structure is marred by cracked plaster, missing windows, and rotting shingles - but a well-groomed topiary hints at a building coming back from a near-death encounter with Revolution and abandonment.
As the group approaches, the huge doors of the Woodsedge Lodge open with a slow creak. A tall, bulky figure takes form in the gloom within, emerging into the sunlight with a gap-toothed smile and a busy blond beard. Flyndyngylyn and Zaarah both recognize him as Adril Hestram, one of the longest-serving Venture-Captains from Absalom. The huge man chuckles with a laugh that seems to come all the way from the bottom of his belly as his eyes adjust to the bright outdoors. "I was wondering who they would send!" he bellows, grinning widely. "The Ten chose wisely, of course! You did receive your orders to come here from the Decemvirate themselves, didn't you?" He hooks his thumbs into his belt and surveys the group before continuing. "The servants are clucking that you bear the Pale Maiden. Is it true? May I wield the blade?"
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Recalling the mission to the Blakros Museum he completed at Hestram’s request a long time back, Flyn recognizes the Venture-Captain, smiles warmly, and bows deeply. ”It’s good to see you again, sir...it’s been a while since that Imrizade Blakros affair...
“Aye, m’lord...you apparently already know of our orders and what we carry. And I can see no harm in letting a VC I’ve served under have a peek before delivery, sir...”
He brings forth the blade for the Venture-Captain’s perusal.
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Zaarah smiles but simultaneously raises an eyebrow and stops Master Flyn.
”Sir, great seeing you! I know exactly how a blade can drive you crazy! But I have to insist that we hand over the blade exclusively to VC Eliza Petulengro. And although I like your pretty face ... she’s prettier!“
She laughs at her own joke.
”So as this is my first mission for the ten you can surely understand that ... I don’t want to f*** up!“ she says with a slightly embarrassed look on her face.
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Flyn shrugs. ”If the servants here know of the item we carry, it can’t be a secret; I don’t see the harm in letting a respected Venture-Captain take a quick look at it...but I’ll yield to your wishes. Sorry sir, but you’ll have to wait till we present it to Venture-Captain Petulengro...I assume you’ll be there with us when we do, yes?”
"Of course, of course!" Adril chuckles heartily as he inspects the blade in Flyndyngylyn's hands. "I was summoned here myself only a few days ago by direct order of the Ten as well. And yes, Eliza's inside - as well as Osprey." The venture-captain pauses to shake his head. "Certainly a peculiar man, but rumor has it he's a direct associate of the Ten so it's best to be on your best behavior around him." He chuckles again at his observation.
"They won't say why we've all been called here," Adril continues as he wipes tears of laughter from his eyes, "but it's obvious the Pale Maiden is just a cover story. I've been..." He lowers his voice and leans in confidentially. "I've been studying up on the Ten, you see. I think I'm about to be promoted into their ranks. It was only a matter of time." He clears his throat and continues at a more normal volume. "My guess is that you're here to represent my efforts as a venture-captain. I've no doubt you'll make a very convincing argument for my... promotion."
The venture-captain pauses for a moment before continuing again, his voice more solemn now. "Things will change between us if this happens." He looks each of the Seekers squarely in the eye. "You've always been honest, dependable agents for me, so I'm telling you while I still can. After it happens, we will all be sworn to utter secrecy - for the identities of the Ten are the most treasured secrets of the Pathfinder Society. For now, though, I want you to know that I trust you implicitly, and I hope that you trust me. Once I have been made one of the Ten - even if we can no longer discuss it openly - I want you to know that I will always do what is right by you. Now!" He claps his meaty hands together. "Let us adjourn inside to meet the Lady of the Lodge!"
Adril leads the other Pathfinders inside the Woodsedge Lodge. The filigreed front doors open onto a spacious great room with an enormous fireplace against the opposite wall. Elegant upholstered chairs and couches scattered about the chamber present an inviting, luxurious atmosphere - as if the whole place had been designed for fashionable lounging. A sweeping stair beside the fireplace leads to the balconies of the mansion's second floor, which look down upon the room as if it were a stage. A scuffed and oddly-stained red carpet runs down the center of the staircase, showing that work yet remains to restore the Woodsedge Lodge to its former glory. Some elements, like the threadbare stuffed owlbear in one corner, hint more at the past than the future - but things seem to be coming along nonetheless.
Adril leads on to the south, through a fine wooden door and into a wood-paneled corridor rich with the smell of fresh onions and simmering meat stew. The passage continues to the west, with doors leading to chambers beyond. The venture-captain bounds instead through the easternmost doors across the corridor into a richly appointed meeting room where two figures are seated at a huge oak table near several empty chairs that are obviously intended for the new arrivals.
"This here is Osprey," Adril announces, gesturing grandly at the human man garbed in crude leathers and wearing a necklace of bird skulls. "Honorable fellow - a friend to all and a Society man, tall and true. His keen eyes see much among the Pathfinders that others miss, and his counsel is unparalleled in our order."
Osprey nods in recognition to Kiboko, but says nothing.
"And this," Adril continues, turning to the red-haired human woman sitting at the head of the table, "is Venture-Captain Eliza Petulengro, the Lady of the Lodge." His cheeks flush and he quickly takes a seat as Eliza rises to her feet.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Woodsedge Lodge," Eliza announces, her face a marble bust of confidence and control. "Kramac, Kiboko, how wonderful to see you again. You can secure Beaky and Mvumbu in the stables outside - I'm sure they don't want to be knocking things down and breaking the furniture any more than I want them doing so." Her firm tone offers little room for argument on this point. "Now, who are your other companions? I don't believe we've met before." The venture-captain circles the room, shaking hands with each of the Seekers. "And what brings you all the way out here to my home?" She glances at the blade held still in Flyndyngylyn's arms, but does not let her gaze settle there for more than a moment.
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Flyn nods respectfully to Captain Petulengro and bows deeply. ”Flyndyngylyn, at your service, m’Lady...but you may call me Flyn, if you please. ‘Tis a pleasure to finally meet you in person...”
He presents the sword and holds it out for her to take. ”The Ten sent us here to deliver the Pale Maiden to your care; take it with their blessing, m’Lady...”
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Zaarah raises an eyebrow after Hestram’s words.
”You part of the ten? I thought someone has to die to get in there. I thought that they don’t even exist. But I feel bad about my words! Thanks for your trust!! Chaldira always says that community is important to protect!!“
Zaarah is quite impressed by the luxurious atmosphere.
She looks at VC Petulengro and bows in Tien fashion to show her respect.
She smiles at Master Flyn.
”Yes lady Petulengro, Master Flyn said it all. Well, I am new I think, usually I don’t really know why I am here at all but some see value in my presence which is curious!“ she says and looks at her black blade as if there would be arguments to expect.
”But I assure you: The society medics and psychologist believe that I am fit for duty so I put my confidence in you and them! Oh and I like kids!“ she says while looking a little bit confused and scratching her arm.
”Oh and my mom is dead. My father killed her and is a devil worshipper. Oh yes, I know another one: My name is Zaarah!“
"HAARRRR!! HAAARRRR!!!"
Mvumbu honks her displeasure at Petulengro's instruction...
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"Do not fear, Mvumbu! Kiboko will see to it that you are brought plentiful cabbages, and we shall swiftly be reunited." Kiboko placates the mighty she-hippo.
"Kiboko hopes that the stable-hands are swift and the kitchen well stocked, Venture Captain" Kiboko adds, as he takes a seat opposite Osprey, returning the wild druid's acknowledgement.
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It is my pleasure to see you again Venture Captain! Galt is always an interesting place! Kiboko is perhaps the only one Kramac would admit is a greater warrior than Kramac, and Zaarah is fearsome in her own right. What she can't slay with her blade, she will defeat with her magic. And Fender will solve any mystery, all without you even knowing he is in the room.
As Flynn says, we are here to deliver the Pale Maiden, though I suspect there are other reasons we have been dispatched here.
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If we were brought here to witness Andril's ascension instead of a mere delivery, it speaks volumes of The Decemverate's motivations and penchant for manipulation. Further proof Torch was more of a victim than The Ten would have everyone believe.
The detective exchanges pleasantries during the introductions, keeping his council to himself.
He presents the sword and holds it out for her to take. ”The Ten sent us here to deliver the Pale Maiden to your care; take it with their blessing, m’Lady...”
"You have my most sincere thanks for safely delivering the Pale Maiden to me," Eliza replies with a proud smile. "One of my servants will bring it to the Lodge's armory, where it will be kept safe to honor the responsibility granted to me by the Decemvirate."
As she speaks, several human servants wearing elaborate dresses and fashionable suits bustle in and out of the kitchen through the north doors, delivering delicate flutes of bubbling wine, plates of fresh fruits, and platters of manicured finger-foods to the seated Pathfinders. Each of the servants wears a featureless white porcelain mask, obscuring their face completely. Each servant also wears a thin red ribbon around their neck. Eliza catches Fendel looking at one of the ribbons, and her face takes on a serious cast.
"The ribbons represent the guillotine," she explains. "The Final Blades that sing the song of Revolution and cut the heads from patriots. Each of my servants has lost a beloved one to the Mob. They wear the masks for their own protection. They are safe here in the Lodge - I know their identities, but it is critical that the rabble and the Mob do not identify them as servants of the Society. We are still not fully trusted here, after all, and although the people will not strike out against me, they may very well snatch one of my servants on their return home from a day's work. I'm sure you understand."
"My homeland of Galt has lost much in this endless Revolution," the venture-captain continues, "and even the streets are dangerous. You are lucky to have arrived here safely, but I am sure you could have handled yourselves had you run into trouble."
Eliza pauses to sip her drink before setting the still-bubbling glass on the table. "Of course, as Kramac suggested earlier, delivering the Pale Maiden was merely a pretext to get you to the Woodsedge Lodge. You are here for something far more important than a courier mission. For tonight, the Lodge will be host to a Talespinning - one of the most important ceremonies known to the Pathfinder Society. And the guest of honor is none other than Adril Hestram!" She gestures grandly at the man before beginning a round of applause. Osprey doesn't bother to join in, but Adril's cheeks flush again from the praise.
"Osprey will explain more about the Talespinning this evening when we all reconvene in the Great Room in an hour," Eliza explains, rising to her feet. "He and I have much to prepare before then, so we will be taking our leave. Please feel free to explore the public areas of the Lodge. If you would like to rest, the servants will show you to the guest quarters upstairs." She glances around at the guests with a rueful smile. "I'm afraid we do not have many rooms available in the Lodge, so at least four of you will need to share a room with someone else tonight. In the morning, you can depart for Absalom once more."
Adril also gets to his feet, albeit with less grace than Eliza. "I'll need to prepare too," he chuckles, face still slightly pink. "Don't get to do these sort of things very often, you know - especially as the guest of honor. See you in an hour!"
As the three senior agents take their leave (Eliza and Osprey to her office on the second floor, Adril to his guest chambers across the building on the upper level), the other Pathfinders are left with their delicacies to decide how to spend the afternoon.
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Flyn nods after listening to the VC. He bows to her and then moves next to Kramac, whispering to him...
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"A 'Talespinning' does not sound like a promotion to Kiboko. Nor does it seem likely that the existing members of the Ten would want witnesses to observe a new induction into their ranks. Something else is planned.
Kiboko will be spending the night in the stables with Mvumbu. Buildings such as this are uncomfortable, and beds made by men lead to weakness of the limbs. Kiboko will go and see to the accommodations and ensure that the servants are not surprised to find two hippos."
So saying, Kiboko takes his leave and visits the stables. There he assures Mvumbu that she will not be alone for the night, and he looks for the porters.
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To Kiboko,
But probably a good time for us to share tales of our glory and adventures together! Kramac thinks this sounds like a good time! But Kramac also agrees that, like everything involving the Ten, there is more at play here than it seems
To Flynn
Seems smart to me Flynn! Let us explore! I will distract anyone who comes poking about while you search
Kramac will help Flynn search, at least until someone approaches them. If anyone shows up, Kramac will approach and engage them in conversation to provide a cover for Flynn.
After nearly thirty minutes, Flyndyngylyn finishes examining the last bookshelf with no success. Most of the books appear to be historical documents and maps, but their haphazard groupings appear to be a work in progress. Both the elf and half-orc spot a door on the western side of the room, but the door does not open and appears to be locked.
As Kiboko inquires about an Aldonis, both servants shake their heads. "The blond himb- Ow!" the shorter one starts before being interrupted by an elbow to the ribs. "Well, he is!"
"Just because he turned you down is no reason to spread rumors," the taller one states, the fear in her voice replaced now with self-righteousness.
"Well, he didn't show up for his shift this morning. Or yesterday. Probably out whor- Ouch!"
Zaraah and Fendel wander around the Grand Room, taking in the sights of the once-grand structure as the archer ponders his thoughts out loud.
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"Alondais has not reported for duty for two days? Has nobody gone looking for him? Checked at his home? Kiboko is a friend of Alondais, please tell Kiboko where Alondais resides now, how far it is from the Lodge?"
The taller stablehand throws up her hands. "Oh my gosh - you can't just ask someone that!" she chides before turning to the half-orc. "But she's right - if you really are a friend of Aldonis's, you wouldn't need to ask where he lives. And we wear these for a reason." She taps her porcelain mask with a gloved finger. "Now, if you don't mind, we've got another bank of stalls to muck."
"Do we have to?"
"Yes." Herding her shorter companion towards a wheelbarrow, the taller stablehand grabs a wide, flat shovel and a pitchfork before heading further into the stables.
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Kiboko growls and gets up close to the small stable-hand. Uncomfortably close.
"Do you discuss your previous relationships with your fellow workers? Kiboko thought that you were all fugitives from the Galtan mob. It would be quite stupid to bring up your pasts in casual conversation.
Kiboko did not ask you what Aldonais looks like. Kiboko asked you where he lives, so that Kiboko may check that his old friend is safe, since you apparently have no interest in his wellbeing.
Tell Kiboko. Mvumbu is hungry. VERY Hungry."
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”Jackpot my friends, found it. Help me transcribe this, as we don’t have much time...”
Flyn breaks out his parchment and pen and begins to transcribe the Ancient Osiriani text...
The dust clears to reveal a iron statue twice the size of a human bearing a cobra's head. As it steps forward and raises its arm, the torchlight reflects off an irregular basalt rock encased in its chest.
It's an iron golem! These massive constructs are made entirely from pure iron - anyone who tries to hit one is going to feel like they're hitting a wall unless they have a weapon made of adamantine.
It looks like a construct of some kind, but you're not quite sure what kind.
Round 1! Bold may act!
Flyndyngylyn
Kramac
Red
Zaarah
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"You insolent weaklings!" Kiboko snarls at the stable-hands. "It is YOU who are no friends of poor Alondais! Two days you have neglected to check on him - the Galtans no doubt have him by now!"
Seeing the detective arrive, Kiboko turns to him. "Fendel! Talk some sense into these fools, before Kiboko feeds them to Mvumbu! Kiboko is seeking his friend Alondais, who is a porter here. He is missing two days, and other than accusing Alondais of whoring these two will say nothing to Kiboko."
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The detective quickly tries to process what is happening here. I have never seen the rather jovial hunter lose his temper outside of combat! There may be other considerations to consider.
He holds up his hands in an effort to placate both sides. "Please, let us take a moment to compose ourselves. It seems as if this Alondais is known to all three of you." Addressing the porters, but loud enough so Kiboko knows he is also intended to hear, "Now, we have been directed to respect your anonymity. I would start by saying that I appreciate the risk you take by seeking employment here. Perhaps your reaction is an attempt to protect the identity of one of your peers. A worthwhile and vital endeavor. However, it would seem that this person is already known. If that is the case, their life may already be in peril. If they really have been missing, it is conceivable that they have become compromised? Is it not at least a consideration? It may be that you are attempting to protect your friend, but is it possible they have run afoul of danger? If true, then others may also be at risk."
He allows that to sink in. "So, can we proceed with Alondias' best interest in mind? It may have larger repercussions for everyone on the staff."
Flyndyngylyn's arrows punch holes in the golem's iron body, while Kramac's fist lands a few blows. With a screech of metal on metal, the massive construct falls to the ground with a resounding crash that shakes the floor.
Upon closer examination, the stone embedded in the golem's chest looks like it would be possible to remove.
"M-maybe he means the Mob?" the smaller one hesitantly offers.
"Then he should know that we're not going to tell him where someone lives - that's how you wake up to a crowd outside your door with torches and pitchforks." The taller stablehand shakes her masked head. "You know how many times I've had to relocate after some well-meaning grandmother mentioned to some kind stranger who asked about me that she'd seen me regularly in the neighborhood?" She spits. "A friend indeed."
"Maybe he's being relocated right now? Or something came up?"
"Maybe."
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"How can Kiboko know that YOU have not already betrayed Alondais to the Mob? That you are not both agents of the Mob yourselves?"
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Watching the golem fall, Flyn grins at his old warrior friend. "Nice killing blow, my friend...always good to have you around in a fight..."
After quickly retriebving his arrows, as he rolls up the transcribed parchment to secure it, he nods to Zaarah, "Thank you for helping me out with the transcription...let's me see about removing that stone before heading to the Talespinning...we should have just enough time to manage it...you two might want to look around to see what else might be stored in here while I do so..."
Flyn looks over the embedded stone to make sure it's not rigged in any way...
...and then attempts to remove it...
"Unfortunately, we can't hide the golem...best we not speak of this to anyone, plausible deniability and all..."
He'll quietly crack open the door and look to make sure the way is clear before they leave the area...
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Kramac prefers not to loot fellow Pathfinders more than he has to. Take a look yourself if you'd like, but Kramac is satisfied having completed his mission. As for the golem...
Kramac shrugs his shoulders and pantomimes peering around the room looking for something, then continues,
Kramac doesn't see any golem
With that, Kramac will leave the library. With the rest of his time before the talespinning, Kramac will wander around the rest of the lodge. He'd visit the Armory and Training Grounds first, but would make sure to leave time to swing by the stables to make sure Beak was situated before the Talespinning.