(+4 vs Traps, +2 in Urban/underground)
(+2 to detect invisible/incorporeal creatures and to avoid being surprised)
Being in the room longer makes Scarlet realize that there are several traps at the windows which you should not trigger.
You search the room but large sums of money are not here.
“Yes, yes!!! I’ll leave town!! Immediately!! I do wish to go directly … Minvandu is scary!! You as well!!“ he says honestly.
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Chirium decides not to push after hearing about Abadar related bank as mission sounds to be acomplished.
He stops Burpl from licking mirror and departs taking good smelling candle as a toy for the frog.
You are successful in convincing Dymal Rinks to leave the city!
"Okay, okay! I am going ... " he says while packing his stuff and it is clear that you have nothing to fear from him.
~
You return to Heidmarch manor for the next mission which involves the The Good Doctor.
"Well, I’m not sure yet how we can get Doctor Landis to back out of the auction, or if we fail, if we can outbid him; at least not until we know who is acting as his anonymous patron. I have a strange feeling about the whole thing. I doubt his patron has noble intentions and I suspect the good doctor is probably in a lot more trouble than he realizes." she says with a stern look on her face.
"Go to the museum and see if you can get Doctor Landis to introduce you to his anonymous patron, or at least his patron’s contact. Once we know who it is, we can hopefully drive a wedge between the doctor and his benefactor.”
You arrive at the museum shortly after.
The Founder's Archive and the Museum of Ages are cultural and historical institutions that share a joint campus in the Capital District of the Varisian city of Magnimar. In Varisia, the museum is only rivalled by the Jeggare Museum in Korvosa.
As you climb the marble stairs to Museum of Ages, you happen upon Dr. Landers in the main exhibit hall.
“Ah, well met! I saw you at the Gala for the Key? Are you here to do some research into Varisia’s history? Maybe learn a bit about Thassilonian culture? I’d be happy to guide you if you need anything.” the jovial doctor looks upon you all kindly.
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Arrius is genuinely pleased to see Doctor Landis again. "As the rising sun warms the morn, so do I find your presence illuminating!" he says by way of greeting. "I hope you'll permit me to speak candidly about a concerning situation. May I ask, pray tell, who your patron is behind the museum's bid for the runecarved key? You see, reliable sources of my acquaintance have expressed fear they may be concealing ulterior motives."
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"Both" Scarlet says in Varisian as she produces a Sihedron Medallion.
"Yes, the gala. Interesting event, the key seems to have drawn a lot of people in keen to acquire it"
Dr. Landis puts up a fake smile at Arrius!
“Are you serious? This is the first thing you ask me?“
When he sees the silver amulet that Scarlet has he lightens up.
“Oh, nice item. Very rare. Hmm … I am very excited about acquiring the key for our local museum! At first I thought that I would not have the funds to purchase it, but as I already told you a generous benefactor expressed interest in providing the funds. Isn’t that exciting? But anonymous means anonymous!” Dr. Landis smiles at all of you.
“I can offer you a tour though. Should we start in the Thassilonian rooms?” he asks.
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Scarlet and Poppy both appear keen to take the tour "Yes, the Thassilonian rooms. You must have some rare and select pieces in the collection then, to have attracted such a generous benefactor you must have first built up quite the reputation - can we guess? Is it a famous collector? A benevolent wealthy noble? You can understand our fascination"
Scarlet - Auto aid.
Poppy - Auto aid.
Doctor Landis smiles at Scarlet.
“You are really soooo nice people that I can hardly believe it. I don’t know my Patron’s actual name. I was told they wished to remain anonymous. We have been having to do all our dealing through our mutual contact, a kind lady named Elixia Makorios. I am having her over for a meal.”
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Chirium is highly excited my all the oldy Thassilonian things and swears he saw a bunch of similar Sihedrons but can not remember where exactly.
—Whooooaaa. The whole bunch of fossils and previous civilisation stuff. My far ancestors served Runelords, you know? Although Goblins are not really good in retelling and remembering, some folklore exists. —Chirium shows excitement and historical expertise and hope to wait till misterious contact Elixia appears...
At the mention of Runelords and you being so nice, the Professor lights up. “Oh would you like to come to the meal with me? That would be delightful!”
He considers that a moment. “Er... bur the level of entertainment must be overwhelming for Alixia....”
He thinks a moment. "Well, it's a meeting together then!" The good doctor claps his hands together, and invites you all to his manor.
When you arrive, Doctor Landis welcomes you all profusely. "Thank you so much for coming! Elixia Makorios will be here shortly!"
It is clear that the good Doctor is very nervous about his invitation.
Finally Elixia Makorios arrives in an elegant gown with a very high collar. When she arrives at the door she says, "Oh, Doctor Landis, how lovel--" She breaks off, eyes narrowing. "Who are these people? I thought this would be a private meeting." Her tone is sour, and she frowns at all of you.
(+4 vs Traps, +2 in Urban/underground)
(+2 to detect invisible/incorporeal creatures and to avoid being surprised)
Scarlet, Zaigan and Chirium, you realize that there appear to be two tiny tattoos on the sides of her neck, mostly obscured by that collar. And your keen eyes discern that both those tattoos are in the shape of a nail.
You know that these nails are a symbol of the Order of the Nail … sometimes “branded” on Hellknight initiates when they take their oaths.
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Scarlet Know Local
Poppy Know Local
"We're fellow academics, historians, and artists. We apologise for the intrusion - we have kept the good Doctor overly engaged, but now it is time for dinner and he has graciously catered for us all - we appreciate your understanding, but are not surprised by your benevolence - given you are such a generous patron of the museum...perhaps that generosity and benevolence may extend to other worthy institutions - we'd be interested to hear of your patronages and interests over dinner"
Despite Scarlet’s words, Elixia continues to be rude. "Really Doctor, I wish that you had warned me about the extra guests. Small meetings are superior, don't you think?"
Dr. Landis looks worried. "Oh, but Elixia... They are knowledgeable Thassilonian scholars. And we have such a nice atmosphere! You can't go wrong with these people I think!"
Elixia doesn’t say a word anymore and drinks quite a bit of wine, getting ever moodier as she pours herself a second glass.
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"A wonderful wine Dr Landis, is it Korvosan? They are famous for their wines and ports after all - must be the purity of the water in the Jeggare River feeding the vineyards. We recently did some performances over in Korvosa, a beautiful city steeped in history, from the early Thassilonian ruins underneath, the Shoanti that then settled what is now the city, and then the historically more recent arrival of the Chelaxians and their particular flair for architecture - have you seen the castles and citadels of Korvosa, Elixia?"
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Sihir endeavors to stay hidden from the newcomer without making that immediately obvious to the absent-minded Dr. Landis (a man after Sihir's own heart, mostly!); his benefactor obviously has some hidden force(s) behind her, so it is best, Sihir reasons, that two play at that game.
While it may or may not prove necessary, he takes the extra step of casting a spell by which he may confer with any of the others with some privacy...or set up a most entertaining trick should their host or the stranger prove in need of befuddling!
She tries to wait you out, hoping that you eventually leave so she can speak with Landis privately.
She looks at Chirium and Scarlet with anger in her eyes. She drinks her third wine and remains silent.
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Scarlet SM
Poppy SM
"Oh, where were my manners - did I mention Poppy and I were performers? We have performed for all manner of audiences - we could make this a Hell of a Night, it is still so young, and you know us Varisians, we love to sing and dance until the sun cracks the sky"
Poppy and Scarlet begin to perform, clearly settling in like they could be here for hours.
The doctor is completely astounded about the performance!!
“Wonderful, wonderful!!“ he says clapping.
Eventually, Elixia drops her guard!!
“You will all feel the pain of a nail!! I swear that to you!!“ she says and stands up.
But then Makorios pauses for a moment of reflection, then turns stone-faced and politely excuses herself from the dinner.
As she exits, she curtly adds, “Thank you for the meal Doctor, and best of luck at tomorrow’s auction!“
“Oh no! She … she was from the order of the nail?! That’s horrible!!“ he says and is shocked.
“I now understand that my patron is none other than Paralictor Darean Halst, commander of the Order of the Nail Hellknights in Magnimar, who in his dealings with me surely ultimately seeks to recover King Chadris Porphyria III of Korvosa’s gemstone regalia among other notable relics from the collection of the Museum of Ages!! No!! I won’t allow that!!“ he says fuming and thanks you all!!
Doctor Landis backs out of his deal, and disappointedly recuses himself from the bidding.
You all return to the Lodge and receive praise for your successful mission.
Lady Heidmarch immediately gives you the next mission which she names ‘Glow of the Rushlights’!
“There were two women at the pre-auction who paid their deposit in Minkaian coins which, according to our sources, may have been stolen during a recent caravan raid. If such is the case, the duo no doubt have dubious intentions. The women call themselves the Duchesses and they likely have ties to one of Magnimar’s criminal organizations; I suspect the Rushlight Society!“ she says with a stern look on her face.
“Still, it is their finances and not their intentions that most concern us. Some of our more reliable street contacts informed me that the two women were last seen entering the home of a local merchant named Windun Landers. Perhaps not so coincidentally, Landers has a wrought iron rushlight mounted on his door casing. Head to the man’s residence, and see if you can’t figure out how much money these “Duchesses” have. If all is as I suspect, they don’t have enough to bid competitively. I’m also near certain they’re using stolen funds, so leave whatever gold you find. I don’t want us bidding with illegally gotten coin—that’ll create more problems for us than it will solve. Lastly, whatever you happen to find, do not involve the authorities. I cannot risk the courts subpoenaing your testimony during the auction!“ she says.
Sheila gives you the address of Windun Landers’s residence.
The Venture Captain shrugs.
“You have to find out! But your intimidating prowess can come in handy now Lady Thalkham!“
The Rushlight Society is a bandit organization operating on Varisia's Lost Coast. Rumors are that the Society organizes the majority of criminal activity along the Lost Coast Road, the Yondabakari River and other roads in the hinterlands of Magnimar, though they inexplicably ignore trade by sea.
Their headquarters is located outside of Magnimar, where charmed and dominated guards, such as ettercaps, bugbears, and a marsh giant witch serve as protectors.
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So, Duchissess, Minkai and famous varisian bandit society. We are in! Hopefully without authorities. - Chirium lets the bat out of his kettle-helmet but also takes out a ruby Jewel and observes surroundings with one eye as if using lense. He soon add thoughtfully:
- Dat Rushlight longshanks really badarses. And big. Yeeeeesss. If we go their office we need know moaaar. Ponka can scout also, she may see with sound did you know? - in a minute of peace Chirium looks almost charming grooming diminutive bat whom he born (scratch out) few hours ago.
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Poppy & Ponka try locate a way into the building.
Perception
Poppy pulls out her lockpicks as she goes, clicking over the locks to gain entry to the place.
Disable Device
The Search begins to find the most suitable location to hold a mountain of stolen Minkaian coins.
Stealth
Perception
They then check for any traps...
Perception
+Detect Magic & Detect Evil
Poppy pulls out her lockpicks as she goes, clicking over the locks.
Disable Device
Disable Device
"There we go"
Chirium and Scarlet have fabulous familiars.
The proprietor has obviously visitors as the familiars find out after entering easily via an open window. Obviously he knows them only as the Duchesses as this is what’s written in his ledger.
The familiars also find out where in his home they’re staying—the north bedroom. They can locate an iron strongbox stashed beneath the bed in the Duchesses’ room. The locked box contains 5,000 gp in Minkaian coins.
You return to the lodge and lady Heidmarch gives you a round of applause!!
”It is very important to know that their funds are definitely not extensive enough to be a major threat! So please rest a little bit and I will become back to you as soon as possible!“ she says smiling.
Lady Heidmarch suddenly calls you in again.
"I am sorry! You deserve rest, but we have one more opportunity! Prior to the founding of our lodge, the Pathfinder Society had few contacts and fewer resources here in Magnimar. One of our best was an alchemist and a sage name Darga Cranstone. Cranstone kept a small lab in Ordellia, performing specialized research using rare herbs that grow wild in the Mushfens. Yesterday, word from Absalom arrived that several years ago, our organization paid the alchemist an advance of over a three thousand crowns for some research." she says looking at a piece of paper.
"Several months later, Cranstone had only turned over half her findings, and eventually failed to complete the commission. Then for a short while, the Society lost all contact with her. Just days before the Decemvirate sent a debt collector to hunt down Darga, her apprentice suddenly sent word that his mistress was still working on the project. This kept on for several seasons, with the apprentice’s notes becoming more infrequent, until they simply petered off. While the sum was fairly significant, other matters put recouping the lost sum on hold, and after a few years, it was eventually forgotten. Now that we have again been reminded of this debt, I need you to go to Cranstone’s tower and collect the fee she owes us, with interest.” she says and sends you off.
~
You arrive at Cranstone’s rundown tower to find it long abandoned.
The doors and windows have been boarded up and dozens of old, faded notices plastered on the door warn trespassers to keep out and that the property has been seized by the lord mayor’s office.
Still, it appears like a long time has passed since anyone from the government has paid the premises a visit. The boards pry off easily, allowing access to the ground floor.
~
Long looted of all valuables, it contains nothing but rubbish and rats. A rickety wooden staircase curls about the exterior wall leading a good 60 feet upward to a second floor.
(+4 vs Traps, +2 in Urban/underground)
(+2 to detect invisible/incorporeal creatures and to avoid being surprised)
You start searching the place!
Zaigan immediately finds a compartment beneath the floorboards with a box inside. Scarlet and Chirium also find another compartment which contains another box.
(+2 in Urban/underground)
]
Suddenly, a shadowy figure moves from beneath the boards and attacks Scarlet with a touch that hurts!!! It sways and moves with an erratic grace, as if lit by an unseen fire and moves away into the ground again!
Scarlet feels weakened!!
No enemy is visible anymore!
~
Initiative
Shadow
Scarlet
Sihir
Arrius
Zaigan
Chirium
Brallenera
BOLD may act!
The detect evil spell realizes that the shadow’s probably going to come out exactly where it came out before to attack Scarlet again!
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-Thats curious. Why this thing is so disturbed? I think I can hit it without weapon...
The alchemist slightly changes standing position, clearing mind for Kirin Style .
Chirium prepares one of his holy bombs which he throws into the foe as far is it will be visible at least partially.
Meanwhile Ponka hides under Chirium's clothes and Burpl just kwaking from nearby as sees nothing interesting to lick.
As you go about the tasks set to you, the magically-enhanced words of criers can be heard out on the city streets:
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