At the request of hosts Canayven and Sheila Heidmarch, you have been invited to attend a private meeting at Heidmarch Manor. A large number of your fellow Pathfinders have clearly also been given a similar invitation, however the appearance of Sheila Heidmarch suggests all is about to be made clear. She calls for your attention, and as the noise dies down she begins to speak.
”Dear friends, welcome to Magnimar and the newest Pathfinder Lodge—Heidmarch Manor. For those of you who do not yet know me, my name is Sheila Heidmarch—venture-captain of Magnimar. This lodge is also my home, which I share with my husband Canayven. While we are far from the comforts of the Grand Lodge at Absalom, we shall do our best to accommodate you with our humble Varisian hospitalities. My husband and I both spent many years in the field, so we know well what you do and appreciate that you have answered our summons. We are both extremely grateful to receive you and your support.”
”As you well know, Heidmarch Manor is a new lodge. Presently it is funded almost entirely from my own resources. Although I adore Magnimar, we have as many enemies here as friends. This being the case, I seek to court the favor of more powerful allies, specifically members of the Council of Ushers and the Office of the Lord Mayor.”
”This brings the conversation to our current situation. On one of their more recent salvage runs, the wondrous artificers of the Golemworks uncovered a strange relic while dredging stone from the bottom of Magnimar’s harbor. The relic appears to be some sort of a giant key, etched with ancient Thassilonian runes that their learned arcanists speculate may even predate the coming of the mysterious runelords. Because the key falls outside their area of expertise, the Golemworks donated the curious artifact to the Office of the Lord Mayor. In turn, the Lord Mayor intends to auction off the key to the highest bidder in short order, to fund municipal projects. The auction will be run by the Cathedral of Abadar, gold in hand—meaning immediately after the final bid is accepted, the bidder must pay for his prize in full.”
”We want the key. However, we want it legally. Our establishment in Magnimar is relatively new and our footing tenuous. We need to secure more stable political relationships with the Lord Mayor’s office and the Council of Ushers to ensure the Society’s long term success in this city; especially since the Aspis Consortium already has such a strong foothold here. The legitimate purchase of the Runecarved Key from the local authorities would demonstrate our respect for the city’s government, which would go a long way toward improving our public image with these people.”
”That said, we can greatly increase our chances of winning the auction by persuading our competition to back out. While there are some we believe we can outbid, we are a new lodge with far fewer funds than many. Thus, we must find out who else is interested in the key, how much they can bid, and whether or not we can knock them out of the auction.”
”To assure our success, our espionage must be extensive. Therefore we have divided the task between our agents. While division stands to place field operatives in greater danger, we cannot risk revealing ourselves by working en masse. If you are discovered, we will disavow any association with you. We cannot aid you if you get arrested or fall into the clutches of the enemies of our Society. While this is unfortunate, I hope you can understand our position.”
”For now, please make yourselves at home. We have provided accommodations for each of your groups. Feel free to drop off your things and prepare yourselves. Then meet me in the manor’s theater in five minutes.”
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Triix, currently dressed in what could be classed as wizard robes and hat - both complete with stars and moons on it, looks rather apprehensive after this announcement. She drops off her trunk, currently full of performing gear, suitable for a travelling stage magician, and goes to check out the theatre. Maybe she can put on a show later.
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Ella is likewise dressed for a night on the town, though in doublet, hose, and assorted finery instead of Triix's more celestial accoutrements.
"A secret mission to dissuade our competitors with not intention of providing backup, eh? That sounds like the Venture-Captain Heidmarch I've been warned about."
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A halfling woman rushes into the meeting in the manor, breathing heavily from her hasty entry.
"Sorry I'm late! I'm Aylanna, pleasure to meet all of you! I suppose we'll be working together on this task? I can help if there's any sweet-talking to be done! And if things get rough I'll do my best to keep you all patched up."
She shivers a bit, who knows if its from a bit of exhaustion or actual chills. "Is it cold in here? I hate the cold..."
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A very odd creature joins the post speech group. He is short and skinny to the point of gauntness. His skin is something between black and a dark purple. What little skin is not covered up has tattoos or scars that take up a lot of said skin.
He wears black studded leather armor mostly covered by form fitting black cloth and a cloak. He has an oddly curved sword through one side of his belt and an odd looking little sickle with a chain on it on the other side.
He nods and gives a little bow. "Greetings. I am called Lo Pei. While I understand the necessity, the last part of that speech was unsettling."
Even before the venture-captain arrives, the theater in Heidmarch Manor is crammed with Pathfinders. Heidmarch enters quietly, then slips through the crowd, takes the stage, and speaks.
”Tonight, the Council of Ushers is sponsoring a pre-auction gala, to be hosted at the Cathedral of Abadar. During the party, the auctioneers intend to display the Runecarved Key in order to entice potential bidders. Anyone serious about entering the auction will be required to place a deposit of ten thousand gold coins in an escrow account at the cathedral.”
”We need you to attend this event, both to submit our deposit as well as to determine who else might be interested in the key. While most of those attending received invitations, the event is semi-private and open to anyone with enough money to place serious bids. While the city provided me with an invitation, my appearance would give our many enemies cause for suspicion. For this reason, I ask that all of you go in my stead, and enter as my proxies. Still, we do not want our enemies to speculate on our own intentions. For this reason, you must keep a low profile and avoid seeming too eager about the key. Each of you will be given a portion of the full deposit to take to the temple to present to Proctor Imikar.”
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Each of the individual Pathfinders are handed their lockbox containing a portion of the bid before heading to the gala. Once preparations have been completed, it is a brisk walk to the Naos district of Magnimar.
You can easily spot the Temple of Abadar from a distance, the marbled structure stand taller than any other temple within the city. As you arrive, you witness a steady stream of guests as they ascend the stairs and enter the cathedral’s main sanctuary, where the viewing is being held. Rows of paladins donning white tabards stitched with the golden key of Abadar flank the main entrance. Their hands clench tightly around their gleaming swords as they stand almost motionless, ever-vigilant stares upon their faces. Various priests greet you and invite your group to partake in food and beverages while they mingle about.
"All deposits must be made in a timely manner! The food is aplenty and will be there after conducting your initial business." calls out a few heralds motioning towards a tall Garundi man in white robes and gleaming golden plate standing atop a platform with a sizeable ledger. Individuals are quickly filed through and checked in.
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Aylanna follows suit, skipping the delicious-looking fare to hand over her share to the proctor.
She tries to pry the proctor for information about who the other serious bidders are expected to be. "Lovely event you all have, and quite the prize to be won! I wonder who will walk away with the artifact. Who do you personally think are some of the strongest contenders?"
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Ella notices as she hands in her portion of the deposit, Imikar scribbles down on the ledger. Her eyes scan it quickly before he turns the page but she manages to spot quite a few names from the list.
-Maiveer Sloan - Aspis Consortium
-Falrig Sneve - -
-Sheila Heidmarch - Pathfinder Society
-Dymal Rinks - Independent
-The Duchesses - None
-Zimandi Kaddren
Aylanna has a hard time taking a long glance but her charm keeps his hand on the page for a moment longer.
"The ledger of contributors is not terribly long but the do have their privacy till the winning bid is announced. However, the guests are not beholden to privacy and love to talk." he says gesturing to the crowd as he finally turns the cover page.
-Kresch Vaor - Underbridge Exports
-Doctor Ernst - Landis Museum of Ages
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-Maiveer Sloan -Aspis Consortium
-Falrig Sneve -
-Kresch Vaor -Underbridge Exports
-Sheila Heidmarch -Pathfinder Society
Triix is able to utilze her performance to steal the eyes of the proctor and many other attendees, she catches a good glance at the ledger.
"And I thought the only show would be unveiling today's prize. Speaking of which, do you have any other members of your group that need to make a deposit as we are nearing the big event!" the proctor says with a genuine smile.
The group's keen eyes have luckily uncovered names of each of today's donors, letting the remaining members quickly turn in the deposits.
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A squat man in white robes steps upon the cathedral dais to address the room. Introducing himself as the as the sexton of Magnimar’s High Cathedral of Abadar, he greets his guests with a broad, welcoming smile.
“Good evening, friends! I’m pleased to see so many of our distinguished and honored guests could attend. For those of you not fortunate enough to have participated in our pre-auction festivities, please feel free to take part in all the luxuries and wonders within these halls. And with my welcome, I have the pleasure unveiling the auction’s feature lot. Enjoy!”
With that motion, the curtains are pulled back and magical beams of light shine down upon the Runecarved Key! The crowd rumbles with conversation and "Ooohs" and "Ahhhs".
The crowd is an eclectic mix of landholders, merchants, and other notable figures from all over Varisia, wide-eyed and curious to glimpse the mysterious Runecarved Key. Hired servants weave through the crowd bearing luxurious platters of fruits, sweetbreads, and oysters or trays topped with crystal goblets of heady red wine. Guests mingle slowly, socializing amicably but cautiously with longtime acquaintances, as they feel out potential competitors.
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Lo Pei looking over the list that the others have gathered, spots a strikingly handsome Chelaxian woman with deep, dark eyes and black hair. She steps forward to admire the key. She is richly dressed in a flowing gown cut to the very latest in Magnimarian fashion.
His knowledge is able to gather she is likely Zimandi Kaddren, the current matriarch of one of Magnimar’s founding families. Among other things, the Kaddrens are noted for sending their scions to study the arcane arts in the Inner Sea’s most prestigious schools and are known supporters of the Golemworks.
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Toward the back of the room stands a gray-haired man in his early fifties, dressed in fine silken robes and flanked by two muscular guards. The man nervously fingers a small silver coin, flipping it about in his fingers. This nervous man is likely Falrig Sneve but not much about him is gathered from conversations.
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Two women stand to the side of the cathedral, conversing softly between themselves. Both are dressed in Varisian travelers’ clothes draped with thick cloaks. These Varisian women go only by the shared name Duchess, which they use when referring to one another and introducing themselves. Their clothing reflects typical Varisian fashion, while its practical material and multiple layers reflect the functional styles worn by the people of Magnimar’s hinterlands. They are not immediately recognizable or identifiable, but they are not notable residents of Magnimar—these women are likely from out of town.
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***
Ella saunters over to speak with the Lady Kaddren. "It's beautiful, is it not? One wonders that the Abadarans didn't wish to keep it, seeing as it goes so well with the theme of their decor." She shrugs with a laugh. "Still, one can't count on them to recognize beauty for beauty's sake without finding some sort of 'practical' use for a specimen such as this..."
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Ella separates from the party for a moment to make a whirlwind lap around the festivities, gathering a substantial amount of intel.
A gaunt, fashionably dressed Chelaxian handshakes his way through the room, accompanied by a half-dozen followers who appear to be equal parts attendant and bodyguard. The Aspis are often arrogant and braggarts, it comes out quickly that Maiveer Sloan is indeed this man.
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Whispers and muffled snickers are aimed at Falrig Sneve, apparently about his superstition that borders on paranoia.
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Kresch Vaor still alludes the the groups information gathering, this broker for the Underbridge Exports appears adept at keeping a low profile.
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A squat halfling, dressed in plain clothes skates about the edge of the crowd, his eyes flitting back and forth between the key and the exit. This known compulsive gambler is Dymal Rinks, and he is currently down on his luck after a string of poor choices at the bull races.
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Near the front of the gathering, vying for a look at the key, stands a balding, weathered old man wearing heavy robes stitched with runes. Despite his age, his face beams with a boyish grin as he gazes at the curious artifact. This man is Doctor Ernst Landis
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Ella saunters over to speak with the Lady Kaddren. "It's beautiful, is it not? One wonders that the Abadarans didn't wish to keep it, seeing as it goes so well with the theme of their decor." She shrugs with a laugh. "Still, one can't count on them to recognize beauty for beauty's sake without finding some sort of 'practical' use for a specimen such as this..."
Kaddren is amiable and the epitome of aristocracy. "I believe that key holds more than being an expensive art piece, exactly what it could be is all theory to me now though. It is an odd thing joining the aristocracy, perhaps I am expected to only care about the value and appearance of our object but I still long for my arcane research...but fate thrust me into a new role." she states, Ella picking up on anger in the last words.
It only takes a moment for her to regain full composure. "My name is Zimandi Kaddren of Cheliax. What is your name and what is your interest in the object?"
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Triix smiles at the Proctor Well ... Id be delighted to put on a show if asked. Erm ... there's six of us so, I guess there are a few more. We did not think it wise to put all the coin in one basket as it were.
Triix wanders over to get a good look at the key and ends up next to Doctor Landis.
Dr Landis.
Wow. Pretty isn't it she says. I have heard a bit about it but not a lot. She produces a cupcake in her hand seemingly out of nothingness. So ... you seem to be a fellow scholar. what do you know about this key?
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Aylanna strolls over toward her fellow halfling, the known superstitious compulsive gambler Dymal Rinks. She wants to find out why he is interested in the key, or if he knows anything juicy about the other bidders. She'll also try and convince him he should probably cut out if he's on a bad beat lately.
"Hey there, pretty big key isn't it? Even by tallfolk standards! What do you think it does?"
"What do you know about some of these others? Who do you think is going to walk away with it? You know, the position you are in lately, you probably should walk away and keep yourself out of the bidding war. Just some friendly advice!"
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"Hear hear!" says the burly half-orc, who was definitely there the whole time and whose presence is a surprise to absolutely nobody. He is dressed for the event in a fashionable courtier's outfit, but the effect of his large frame being squeezed into such fine clothes make it look rather as though he'd stolen them. He turns in his share of the deposit and scopes out the room.
---=== Influence: Falrig Sneve ===---
Seeing an eccentric-lookibg man standing by himself while others snigger in his direction, Gorrig walks confidently up to him. "By yourself today, my friend? Not anymore!" He grins before turning to the massive key. "Have you ever seen anything so mysterious?"
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"Eleanor Lebeda of Brevoy. My interest is mostly academic: I haven't seen anything to indicate that the key is some sort of artifact worthy of particular study from an arcane standpoint, but it seemed worth the trip to examine it."
Almost with relief and with comfort, Zimandi opens up more. "It could possibly be a mundane and large artifact but depending on who else is bidding, there could be more to it..," her tone shifting to anger. "especially if the Pathfinders are here causing trouble. It would be my parents here if they weren't lost in one of their missions."
Ella senses that Zimandi is opposed to the idea of the Pathfinder Society and could pose a problem if their participation is known.
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Triix smiles at the Proctor Well ... Id be delighted to put on a show if asked. Erm ... there's six of us so, I guess there are a few more. We did not think it wise to put all the coin in one basket as it were.
Triix wanders over to get a good look at the key and ends up next to Doctor Landis.
Wow. Pretty isn't it she says. I have heard a bit about it but not a lot. She produces a cupcake in her hand seemingly out of nothingness. So ... you seem to be a fellow scholar. what do you know about this key?
"Oh! I could talk for ages on the topic. My name is Doctor Ernst Landis, curator of the Museum of Ages. Hopefully this artifact is added to our collection soon, it appears to be Tassilonian and could be from Emperor Xin himself. Perhaps it has the power to open a temple of seven paradises!" the Doctor talks with enthusiasm on the topic.
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Aylanna strolls over toward her fellow halfling, the known superstitious compulsive gambler Dymal Rinks. She wants to find out why he is interested in the key, or if he knows anything juicy about the other bidders. She'll also try and convince him he should probably cut out if he's on a bad beat lately.
"Hey there, pretty big key isn't it? Even by tallfolk standards! What do you think it does?"
"What do you know about some of these others? Who do you think is going to walk away with it? You know, the position you are in lately, you probably should walk away and keep yourself out of the bidding war. Just some friendly advice!"
Dymal jumps a little as Aylanna speaks, "Oh. Now quite sure, I am just doing a brief appraisal for a possible client...wait...my position? You are with Minvandu aren't you? The Old Fang Inn is bad enough without people following me from there."
He quickly moves for the exit, keeping his eyes on Aylanna nervously.
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"Hear hear!" says the burly half-orc, who was definitely there the whole time and whose presence is a surprise to absolutely nobody. He is dressed for the event in a fashionable courtier's outfit, but the effect of his large frame being squeezed into such fine clothes make it look rather as though he'd stolen them. He turns in his share of the deposit and scopes out the room.
---=== Influence: Falrig Sneve ===---
Seeing an eccentric-lookibg man standing by himself while others snigger in his direction, Gorrig walks confidently up to him. "By yourself today, my friend? Not anymore!" He grins before turning to the massive key. "Have you ever seen anything so mysterious?"
Falrig quickly replies with enthusiasm.
"Ahem, you two stand closer! People think I am alone and that gives a poor appearance. Have you seen something so mysterious? I have seen many myself and want to add this to my collection." he says while keeping his eyes glued on the key but he falters for a moment.
He then seems able to confide in Gorrig, “I don't know you but I do hope this auction goes better than the last one. The last time I bought a similar piece, it was cursed. Be wary if you put in a bid at least I have experience with curses.”
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"Well, hopefully such rogues and dastards will absent themselves quickly," Ella says before making her excuses and bidding Zimandi farewell.
***
"So," Ella greets the Duchesses. "You two I don't know, and I know everyone worth knowing in Magnimar. And since you're obviously worth knowing..." She trails off into a winning smile. "What's your secret?"
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If we're talking Thallasonian Runelords here, wouldn't it be reasonable to think that it would open to the Temple of the Seven Sins? Besides, you'd want to be very careful about putting powerful artifacts like that on exhibit. I mean ... have you had odd things happen in your museum before? Let me tell you the story of the Blakros .....
And she does so, in the hope of putting him off bidding for it. She also offers him a slice of cake that seemed to appear from nowhere.
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Zimandi bows politely as Ella makes her timely retreat from the conversation.
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The Duchesses turn in unison and reply in an affected Varisian accent, "Secrets? Nothing here."
"No, just a pair of caravan guards from From Ordelia."
"No one goes to the Mush if they can help it, perhaps that is why you haven't seen us?"
"Good work in escorting a caravan with something like that on it, right?"
"Right"
And in unison, "What is your secret?"
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Falrig nods, "Ah the famed Blakros Museum. Nothing quite that cursed but perhaps they could help. Oh that is one of my favorite patrons, do excuse me. It was fascinating talking to someone with interest in the esoteric and rare."
As he walks away, he can be seen counting his steps and passing certain benches before returning to pass it one more time, then continuing to his acquaintance that greets him amicably.
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Aylanna regroups a bit with the party. "Does anyone know anything about this 'The Old Fang Inn'? That halfling scuttling out the door mentioned it, sounded pretty suspicious if you ask me."
Here's a history check in case that would be appropriate. Aylanna doesn't have Local trained for it if that would be more appropriate.
The sexton steps back up to the cathedral dais and claps his hands to get the room’s attention. Clearing his throat, he calls out, ”The pre-auction gala has ended; all must leave the cathedral immediately. Thank you for attending and we’ll see many of you back here for the auction!”
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Your first task done, you exit the cathedral and make your way back to Heidmarch Manor. The theater is filled with your fellow Pathfinders, all buzzing with excitement. Sheila Heidmarch, raises her hands and quiets the room before speaking. ”Well my colleagues, I trust you were successful this evening? Anyone have information to share? Let’s see some hands.”
A tall, thin half-elf with jet black hair and piercing green eyes is the first to volunteer information. ”We met a halfling named Dymal Rinks, who said he was only acting on behalf of one of his clients,” he explains. ”But I heard a rumor that Rinks actually has a pretty big gambling problem and it’s gotten him into debt at the Matador Lounge, betting on bullfights. Might be worth keeping in mind.”
A young woman sporting a magnificent tricorn hat and a rapier on her hip calls out, ”Lady Zimandi Kaddren was in attendance! She seemed interested in the Key as a potential object of arcane study. But when the subject of the Pathfinder Society came up - entirely of her own volition, by the way - she seemed angry and said something about her parents having vanished on a mission. I think that she blames the Society for their disappearance…so it might be best to tread lightly there.”
Next, an undine male clad only in swim trunks and a backpack speaks up. ”I can report that the curator of the Museum of Ages is also interested in the artifact. Doctor Landis has secured a donation for the key, since he can’t use museum funds for the auction. He thinks it is an item of great historical significance, and that it was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises.”
”I learned a little about two women dressed in travelers’ outfits,” volunteers an attractive aasimar in full plate, holy symbol of Iomedae emblazoned on the front. ”They claim to be Varisian and both go by the pseudonym ‘The Duchesses’. Not very chatty but people seemed to think that they’re not locals.”
Before Heidmarch can comment on the information that has been shared, a servant rushes in and hands her a note. She takes a moment to read it, her expression intrigued.
”Well, my friends, it seems Desna smiles upon us. My sources have just informed me that the Aspis Consortium has fewer funds than we first imagined. Thus, they have sent word to an ally in Korvosa to ship them more gold. Fortunately, I still have a few spies in Korvosa.”
”A few days ago, the Consortium hired a Varisian caravan to carry a sizable shipment of gold to Magnimar, presumably to help them secure the Runecarved Key’s purchase. The caravan was traveling along the Yondabakari River and should be nearing the outskirts of the city in a few hours. I need you to ride out to the caravan before it gets within sight of the city walls and ensure that gold never reaches the Aspis Consortium at Bronze House. Take whatever gold you can, but try not to draw attention to yourselves as Pathfinders. It’s bandit territory out there anyway, so caravan raids aren’t uncommon. That said, rest assured the caravan will be armed. As soon as you’re finished, hurry back here. We don’t want Maiveer Sloan to catch on to our plot. I’ll send a white raven to signal you to return before the situation becomes too risky.”
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Several miles outside of the city walls, a side trail branches off and away from the Yondabakari and winds south into a forest of ancient evergreens. Off to the side of the path, nestled into a deep pocket of spruces, sleeps a small Varisian caravan, only two wagons strong.
The Pathfinders easily spot the Aspis Consortium's crest upon the wheels of the wagon.
They also count a multitude of caravan members sleeping around the fire, at least 3 carry weapons but 2 appear to be drivers of the caravan. Ella and Trix spot a patrolling mercenary in the woods ahead. Whether by the crackling of the fire, or by exhaustion he doesn't immediately notice the Pathfinders.
There are two wagons near the fire, one certainly must contain the gold needed.
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Lo pulls out another cloak to further hide his features. He also pulls out some green pigment that hopefully will make him look more goblin like in the poor light.
"Best not to be extremely recognizable.."
"So, take out the wandering guard and then attack and subdue them or try to sneak in and steal the gold?"
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Gorrig tucks his holy symbol under his breastplate. Won’t be so believable for a bandit to be brandishing one of these. ”I’ve always preferred the straightforward approach.” He pats the hilt of his sword and grins. ”I can keep my friends from getting hurt, but I can’t keep anyone from getting seen.”