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Sihir returns to his mundane senses, mouth momentarily wheezing like a carp's; slowly, he turns and heads for his companions.
"When we are finished here, my friends, I should like to tell all you of a certain fine dining opportunity I have caught word of, perhaps much better than what we'd planned? Just a hole-in-the-wall, really...as they say...."
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If an undine's face could redden with shame, Arrius' would. "Please accept my humble apologies, Dr Landis. Like a thief in the night, I have taken something valuable--your acquaintance--without identifying myself. I am Arrius Vext, Emissary of Outsea. Perhaps you have heard of this small nation in the River Kingdoms? History is my greatest passion, and as a miner exclaims when he strikes gold, so do I when mine eyes fall upon a newly-discovered artifact of time immemorial. If this key truly be a possession of the legendary Xin of ten millennia or more past, then merely to be in its presence is an experience worthy of a lifetime."
Chirium and Scarlet can also see a snake!
Maiveer Sloan representing the Aspis Consortium
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.
This is Maiveer Sloan, a Taldane man and head of Magnimar’s chapter of the Aspis Consortium.
Brallenera patrols the area, watching the Aspis agent moving around
You cannot trust these guys. Or gals.Always have more tricks in their sleeves than.. they have sleeves.
[dice=Sense motive]1d20+1
But despite her paranoia, the blonde barbarian judges the Aspis agent no threat, at least so far
One of the bodyguards of Maiveer Sloan approaches Brallenera.
"Hey lady, what are you looking at if I am allowed to ask??" he says inquisitively.
Chirium waits for Sihir under the table with beverages just next to meeting spot.
[dice=Sense Motive] 1d20+4
The alcemist shows his kettle helmet and big eyes from underneath tablecloth and comments:
-I'd join a less crowdy dinner if possible. How is it going there? I watched over mister Aspissloan, but he scratched me off.
Another bodyguard approaches Chririum.
"Hey you! Are you at the right party? I think you are looking in the wrong direction! Who are you?" the man asks and looks at the guards of the church of Abadar who are patroling.
Chirium and Scarlet are also arts specialists it seems.
Doctor Ernst Landis representing the Museum of Ages
The Good Doctor stands near the front of the gathering, vying for a look at the key. He is 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 is Doctor Ernst Landis, a Chelaxian, who is the curator of Magnimar’s publicly funded Museum of Ages.
Arrius circulates through the crowd, nodding amicably at everyone he makes eye contact with. Hearing that a representative of the Museum of Ages is present, Arrius' deep interest in scholarship leads him to try to find Doctor Landis.
When Arrius approaches the good doctor, Dr. Landis is looking at the key in fascination. But he immediately sees Arrius and starts talking to him as if he is eager to share his thoughts!
"Oh my, it is so much more than I had imagined, my good man! This is quite the significant find you know!? Why, I believe this key was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises!
"The name's Landis, by the way" he says, turning to you with his hand extended. "Dr. Landis, actually. I'm the curator of the Museum of Ages, right here in Magnimar."
...Arrius bows deeply in respect as Dr Landis greets him. "As a bee spreads pollen, so do the learned spread knowledge. I am honoured to be in your presence, Dr Landis, and have heard of the Museum of Ages. If such a renowned institution is interested in the key, then surely it must be of great historical value. Created by Emperor Xin, you say?"
If an undine's face could redden with shame, Arrius' would. "Please accept my humble apologies, Dr Landis. Like a thief in the night, I have taken something valuable--your acquaintance--without identifying myself. I am Arrius Vext, Emissary of Outsea. Perhaps you have heard of this small nation in the River Kingdoms? History is my greatest passion, and as a miner exclaims when he strikes gold, so do I when mine eyes fall upon a newly-discovered artifact of time immemorial. If this key truly be a possession of the legendary Xin of ten millennia or more past, then merely to be in its presence is an experience worthy of a lifetime."
The doctor is excited.
"So exotic! Well, then you surely understand me. Since the majority of the museum’s funding comes from the city, I cannot rightly bid on the Runecarved Key using the museum’s budget — which would defeat the entire purpose of the city hosting the auction. To remedy this situation, I put out feelers among philanthropists and other well-to-do Magnimarians for private donors to bolster my personal funds." he says proudly.
Chirium and Scarlet see the Duchesses though!
The Duchesses representing no one
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 refering 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 you can confirm that they are not notable residents of Magnimar—these women are likely from out of town.
The Duchesses representing no one
Scarlet and Poppy approach the two, "Wonderful travelers clothes, they remind me of home. I spend my days on the road too, my traveling circus takes me to all sorts of interesting places..."
[Varisian]"Did you travel far?"
These Varisian women look at Scarlet with a curious expression which is no wonder given her fiendish appearance.
The women respond amicably in common, with affected Varisian accents. "You have not even introduced yourself and ask such personal questions? I am the Duchess and my companion is the Duchess." one of the woman responds.
The other continues. "But yes to your question lady. We live in Ordellia where we work as caravan guards."
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Chirium understands that he need a reason to sneak away from the guards attntion, so he nods something like -I am with her - and quickly walks toards another person who likely feel unnatural at the gala - Kresch Vaor. He approaches her with some delicatesse to suggest ...
- Hello, mis Vaor. I share you inconveniense. Even though I liked this Runekey, feel like I am watched and completely can not do business in such condition. So, whats you here for? Need a one evening ally or a proper supplier? I have some things to trade in underworld or underbridge. But what matters - I am aware of serets and knowledge which disappear even from dwarven runestones...
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The Duchesses representing no one
Sense Motive
"Oh, from over the Yondibakari River? I suppose the political situation in Ordellia would warrant a lot of caravan guards, it seems less stable than the Andoran experiment and more akin to the chaos of Galt"
"Scarlet, and this is Poppy" Scarlet points to the rakish-looking Lyrakien, "We're traveling circus performers, Varisia is our home too"
Neither Scarlet or Poppy mention anything about their deep Sczarni affiliations, association with Guaril Karela, or Thieves Guild membership - they just smile back politely, clearly as full of bulls-waffle as the Duchesses.
Scarlet's talents do not end here and she is also able to locate Kresch Vaor!
Kresch Vaor representing Underbridge Exports
Moving slowly through the crowd is an uncomely woman with large teeth and a shrewlike nose, dressed unbecomingly in the drab clothing of a stevedore. Slight in stature with a slightly stooped posture, she behaves in a mostly standoffish manner.
Slipping to the edge of the crowd, she nervously waits for the key. Spotting the artifact, she make a few quick notes then slips off.
The woman is Kresch Vaor, hailing from Underbridge. She’s not particularly well-known but her clothing is threadbare and doesn’t fit her well, making her stick out among the gala’s generally fashionable guests. Wearing secondhand clothes is common among residents of Magnimar’s poorer districts, who are otherwise not well represented at the event.
Chirium understands that he need a reason to sneak away from the guards attntion, so he nods something like -I am with her - and quickly walks toards another person who likely feel unnatural at the gala - Kresch Vaor. He approaches her with some delicatesse to suggest ...
- Hello, mis Vaor. I share you inconveniense. Even though I liked this Runekey, feel like I am watched and completely can not do business in such condition. So, whats you here for? Need a one evening ally or a proper supplier? I have some things to trade in underworld or underbridge. But what matters - I am aware of serets and knowledge which disappear even from dwarven runestones...
[dice=Linguistics (Orator)] 1d20+19
After Chirium escapes the attention of the Aspis consortium, he moves towards Vaor.
The unattractive woman is almost mesmerized by the strange features of Chirium.
"I ... I usually do not talk to anyone! I ... I run a modest exporting company. That is why I am here ... but ... but I have to go!!" she says even though others are suddenly also approaching her, she does her best to shrug them off. She excuses herself and leaves quickly.
Chirium and Scarlet see the Duchesses though!
The Duchesses representing no one
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 refering 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 you can confirm that they are not notable residents of Magnimar—these women are likely from out of town.
The Duchesses representing no one
Scarlet and Poppy approach the two, "Wonderful travelers clothes, they remind me of home. I spend my days on the road too, my traveling circus takes me to all sorts of interesting places..."
[Varisian]"Did you travel far?"
These Varisian women look at Scarlet with a curious expression which is no wonder given her fiendish appearance.
The women respond amicably in common, with affected Varisian accents. "You have not even introduced yourself and ask such personal questions? I am the Duchess and my companion is the Duchess." one of the woman responds.
The other continues. "But yes to your question lady. We live in Ordellia where we work as caravan guards."
** spoiler omitted **
The Duchesses representing no one
Sense Motive 1d20+8
"Oh, from over the Yondibakari River? I suppose the political situation in Ordellia would warrant a lot of caravan guards, it seems less stable than the Andoran experiment and more akin to the chaos of Galt"
"Scarlet, and this is Poppy" Scarlet points to the rakish-looking Lyrakien, "We're traveling circus performers, Varisia is our home too"
Neither Scarlet or Poppy mention anything about their deep Sczarni affiliations, association with Guaril Karela, or Thieves Guild membership - they just smile back politely, clearly as full of bulls-waffle as the Duchesses.
One of the Duchesses looks at Scarlet and her expression changes.
"I am sorry but beyond an introduction we have little to say and I would like to ask you to refrain from attempting to continue the
conversation with the us!"
Scarlet sees that the other Duchess has already let her attentions wander elsewhere and the one that talked to you also turns around.
It is clear that they will barely respond to questions, and it not clear if they will respond at all.
...Chirium and Scarlet are also arts specialists it seems.
Doctor Ernst Landis representing the Museum of Ages
The Good Doctor stands near the front of the gathering, vying for a look at the key. He is 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 is Doctor Ernst Landis, a Chelaxian, who is the curator of Magnimar’s publicly funded Museum of Ages.
Arrius circulates through the crowd, nodding amicably at everyone he makes eye contact with. Hearing that a representative of the Museum of Ages is present, Arrius' deep interest in scholarship leads him to try to find Doctor Landis.
When Arrius approaches the good doctor, Dr. Landis is looking at the key in fascination. But he immediately sees Arrius and starts talking to him as if he is eager to share his thoughts!
"Oh my, it is so much more than I had imagined, my good man! This is quite the significant find you know!? Why, I believe this key was created by Emperor Xin to unlock a temple of seven paradises!
"The name's Landis, by the way" he says, turning to you with his hand extended. "Dr. Landis, actually. I'm the curator of the Museum of Ages, right here in Magnimar."
Arrius bows deeply in respect as Dr Landis greets him. "As a bee spreads pollen, so do the learned spread knowledge. I am honoured to be in your presence, Dr Landis, and have heard of the Museum of Ages. If such a renowned institution is interested in the key, then surely it must be of great historical value. Created by Emperor Xin, you say?"
"A clever idea, Dr Landis. As drops of rain filling a bucket, many can do what one could not. Should the Museum of Ages obtain the key, I know it will be in good hands and put on proper display."
[dice=Sense Motive]1d20+9
[Dice=Sense motive]1d20+13
"Doctor, I am Zaigan Greenwood and I represent Pathfinder society, which certainly has enough funds to acquire this artifact. Would you please tell us more how much these philanthropists are willing to pay for this key? Are they all locals?"
As Zaigan joins the doctor and reveals that he is a Pathfinder, the doctor's eyes widen.
"Ohh, an adventurer and historian! I have read many chronicles. May I introduce you Mr. Greenwood to Mr. Vext who is also very interested in artifacts! Mr. Zaigan overheard our conversation!"
He thinks a moment after hearing Zaigan's questions.
"Well, I have to admit that the main patron has remained anonymous
in all dealings with me. They came forward with enough funds for me to feel confident in my ability to win the auction. I feel obligated to purchase the key and accepted the anonymous donations to ensure that I could support the museum! I fear the auction might set a terrible precedent for generating future municipal funds and hold great concern that, should the auction succeed, the Lord Mayor’s office might start auctioning off some of the museum’s prize pieces to help subsidize more civic projects. If I win, however, the city may not try that as it would just end up running auctions for me to buy my own relics from myself. I only accepted funds on such an anonymous condition because of my greater fears of what the auction will mean for my collection!" he says openly but also apologetically.
"Well, it was a pleasure talking to you. I hope you excuse me!" he says and leaves.
One of the bodyguards of Maiveer Sloan approaches Brallenera.
"Hey lady, what are you looking at if I am allowed to ask??" he says inquisitively.
Not one to mince her words, or able to lie that easily, she speaks with audacity
Aww, You're not allowed to ask.
Then she goes back in the crowd
The Aspis bodyguard does not follow Brallenera and returns to Sloan.
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!”
______________
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.”
______________
ASPIS GOLD
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 symbol of the Aspis Consortium is painted onto the wagons' wheels.
A number of people are asleep around a campfire.
There is a guard lurking in the forest between the road and the wagons.
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Once back in (What he certainly hopes is!) the security of Heidmarch Manor, Sihir shares the revelations of his vision...
...and once out on the bandit-trail, he reveals what looks like an incredibly slender prayer wheel, made from a diverse array of semiprecious stones, each stamped with a different numeral from any number of disparate numerical systems. He waves it across (nearly) each party member in turn, and as he does so, everyone has the same experience: A cryptic fleeting epiphany fixated on, of all things, a particular number....
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Perception
S
P
S
P
"Yes we seem him" remark Scarlet and Poppy simultaneously, "It is like he isn't trying" Scarlet continues. "That is also marked as an Aspis wagon" Poppy adds.
***
Scarlet draws the group back to a quiet spot for a chat "How do we want to approach this? Unless we can snooze that guard silently and rapidly before he has time to raise the alarm, this may end in swinging swords and what amounts to robbery under arms. They're Aspis, and we don't like them, but we're not common thugs and bandits"
"On the other hand, I am pretty sure Poppy and I could slide in and out without being seen and might just be able to secure the gold and disrupt their activity. Getting it back to them after the auction might be complicated, but that is a problem for next week"
"Perhaps the stealthy of us try slip in and the others lay in wait, if needed they make a distraction and run away to cover our withdrawal, or come to our aid if it does indeed fall apart"
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Forest Terrain
*In a sparse forest, the maximum distance at which a Perception check for detecting the nearby presence of others can succeed is 3d6 × 10 feet. In a medium forest, this distance is 2d8 × 10 feet, and in a dense forest it is 2d6 × 10 feet.
* The background noise in the forest makes Perception checks that rely on sound more difficult, increasing the DC of the check by 2 per 10 feet, not 1.
Detect Magic
Detect Evil
*The spell can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks it.
*Scarlet and Poppy both have Darkvision 60’.
*Poppy has continuous Detect Magic and Detect Evil.
*Scarlet has Trap sense.
Phase 1
Scarlet and Poppy move into position approaching from the North West, using the foliage and cover of darkness to conceal their movement, and maximising the distance from the sentry.
Stealth:
S
P
Scarlet and Poppy surveil the first wagon from a distance, looking for any obvious traps, wires, signals, cords or other signs of danger. Poppy uses her sight to identify any emanations of Evil or Magic out to 60’.
Perception (traps)
S (Incl Trap Spotter)
P
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After high society event over - Chirium obviously feel relief.
But as far as info about raiding varisian caravan appears - little alchemist bechame excited again.
- Oh, Chirium is a Trpabreaker and I can do distruction... or distraction. Not sure about proper word.
Soon after Pathfinders leave the lodge, I giant frog in a dirty (likely wedding) veil joined the group as if it had to be there from the beggining. She licks Chirium every time Pathfinders stops or pause to talk, so the alchemist had to feed her a bit.
- Thats Burpl. She is a bit sticky when hungy. AProblem is she dislikes fur... long story.
Chirium soon forgets about the frog who now prefer to follow Arrius and tries to lick him sometimes.
Chirium enthusiasticaly insists he should go with Scarlet as he is really sneaky and his goblin ancestors were all in raiding caravans.
The alchemist will likely use potions of Heroism and Reduce Person to be less visible, but if situation gets really bad - goes Invisible. Bag of holding will do the rest...
But just befor departing Chirium makes additional nasty preparation. He lifts up his tattered, holey robe and begins to scratch with claws his stomach covered with alike of huge navel or growth.
As a result of this unpleasant action, in a minute he brings into the world a leathery creature, which spreads its wings and makes an inaudible cry.
Chirium hangs a bat-like creature on the spout of his teapot helmet - to the right of his head.
- Okay, now we are ready! - he comments as if nothing just happened.
Scarlet and Chirium move around and see the two wagons.
The wagon to the north is slightly farther from the road. This wagon is empty save for an oversized chest.
In the wagon to the south sleeps in comfort next to a caged beast a robed man. Powerful muscles ripple beneath the golden fur of this small yet fearsome eight-legged beast.
There are magical auras in both wagons and no evil.
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"Ah, what did I tell you?" Remarks Sihir, after hearing Sheila's plan. "Legal, criminal, what is the difference save the latter is more honest to itself?"
Once there...
He points to the robed man. "I have actually heard of that one: Barsuvius geed, Aspis wizard." He looks over to Brallenera. "You say they are not slavers? This one comes close enough: The Consortium pays him handsomely - or so I must assume - for his proficiency in capturing mighty beasts like that one. No, I do not know what it is."
"In any case, I think I know what to do...."
Before the caravan comes any closer, Sihir casts one of the mightiest spells he knows, and suddenly the entire pass is blocked by a smuggler's worst nightmare: A bustling customs-inspection post and armory, complete with the harsh glare of purposeful torchlight, the odors of smoke, molten steel, moldy foodstuffs, the ringing of hammers, and the angry mutterings of soldiers and frustrated merchants!
Suddenly, the whole regiment of Aspis agents wakes up from their sleep!!
Chirium and Scarlet see that also the wizard opens his eyes and the cat in the cage is awake as well!
"Wha ... what is going on here?" some of the agents start to mumble.
You can imagine their surprise when they see that the terrain has significantly changed!!
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Chirium hold his breath when people around become more aware and out of sleepy. He worries ab it, and ties not to giggle seeing gueard face confused.
But where is possible gold? May Wiazrd put it to enother existance plan or just make less visible?
If possible, the Alchemist wants to get closer to Scarlet, but who knows...
Not only he ready to disable and unlock but also erase and leave surprises
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Sihir quotes Dame Heidmarch verbatim, even mimicking her voice with alarming accuracy:
"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."
Reverting to his normal voice, he continues: "I am rather hoping they will just give up and turn around or something; if they don't, I could use a volunteer or two...."
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"Now we have a large group of witnesses who are all awake and alert. They will move away quickly no doubt, but once they are half a mile up the road and no longer stuck in the magic they will simply turn back towards the city"
"They were all sound asleep and not going anywhere, they literally had ONE guard on duty who was presenting no challenge whatsoever"
"The job was almost done, why did you do that?"
The wizard starts to look around and is clearly surprised...
... but he is absolutely convinced that this is real!
"I do not understand! Show yourself!" he shouts and immediately casts a spell and becomes invisible!
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Chirium not really expected to become a part of varisian blockpost. He decodes to smoothly use the advantage and cry out loud and respectfully and steadily as varisian border controllers or Pure Legion enforcers may:
-Prepare belongings for inspection!
Chirium is still tiny size and his voice sounds unlikely as he expected.
Anyway the alchemist going to provide a distraction the new conditions so that Scarlet may work
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Sihir comes up behind Chirium and begins speaking to him in Wayang - a language normally spoken so softly to start with it can be difficult for others to make out even if fluent!
A moment later, Chirium has been turned into a heavily-armored Dwarf of appropriately Varisian complexion - and Sihir is nowhere to be seen, but in his place, striding out to meet the caravan-leader, is an imposing, officious Human in baroque armor!
He begins hectoring Barsuvius on the ins and outs of his cargo and its susceptibility to local laws, taxes, et cetera, et cetera....
The Aspis agents are clearly confused but an invisible voice shouts out to them.
“Disable them first!! I will ask questions after they’re secured!! I sense illusion magic at play!!“ the invisible voice shouts.
You see that those that woke up are arming themselves.
~
(+2 in Urban/underground)
]
Initiative
Scarlet
Chirium
Guards
Sihir
Zaigan
Arrius
Brallenera
Wizard
Bold may act!
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Something turns on in the Wayangs brain, who is now fully covered with another wayangs illusion.
He slowly inspects his own hands and spit at the left.. dwarven palm. He sees confused humans around and talks aloud.
-So, fellas! Who are you where going, whats carrin? Usual custom things nothing more. Show'ya papers and if everything clear I won't charge taxes here.
Chirium continues masquerade to provide time and end inspection as far as she clear. Or disappear with Invisibility after some distraction if things go bad way...
The invisible voice speaks up again!
"Listen! I believe you but you will put all your weapons down and then you will step back from the wagons to show your legal documents. Or we will shoot!"
A white raven begins circling overhead. The bird is Sheila Heidmarch’s signal that you should wrap things up and head back to Heidmarch Manor with or without the Aspis Consortium’s gold.
______________