[Outpost VII, PF2/Farol] #3-19: Mean Streets of Shadow Absalom (Inactive)

Game Master Farol

Please dot and delete

The adventure begins with the you in familiar territory in Absalom’s Grand Lodge. Here, you receive a briefing from Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, whose impressive mutton chops are somewhat more disheveled than usual. Also in attendance are Envoy’s Alliance faction leader Fola Barun , who is deep in thought; head of security Toldrar, whose heavy armor and battle scars suggest he’s ready for anything; and Seshuun, the curator adjutant of Absalom’s Blakros Museum, who fidgets nervously with a heavy leather satchel and has trouble meeting anyone’s eye.

Once everyone has gathered around the large meeting table, Ambrus Valsin gestures for Toldrar to shut the door. "I’ll get right to it. We need to you travel to the Shadow Plane, find a way into an impenetrable vault, and prevent a wicked night hag from plundering it! Our sources inform us that agents of the night hag Aslynn have set their sights on plundering the Onyx Repository, primary treasure vault of the group known as the Onyx Alliance. We’ve worked hard in recent years to establish an uneasy truce with the Onyx Alliance, but they’ve orchestrated multiple attacks against us this past year—or so we were led to believe! In truth, it seems, the source of these attacks was Aslynn’s forces, and she’s deceived the Onyx Alliance as well. We can’t simply warn them, as recent events have complicated the situation."

Fola nods, "I’ve tried to contact the Alliance’s de-facto leader, Marcien Blakros, directly. He hasn’t responded. Perhaps he does not trust us. Of course, the true leader of the Onyx Alliance is Sarnia Blakros, who we recently freed from a psychic prison of Aslynn’s design. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to contact Sarnia since those events transpired. It’s possible she’s still recovering from her ordeal. Whatever the reason, we’re left trying to deal with her son ourselves."

Ambrus explains, "Recent events have made him paranoid, which leaves us with no other option than to thwart Aslynn ourselves, in the Onyx Alliance’s most secure fortress." Toldrar chuckles. "For once, perhaps the tables are being turned. Attacks on our own lodges have become tiring of late."
"Ironic or not," Fola adds, "We’ve reached out to the Blakros Museum for help, given how they’ve allowed us to use their shadow obelisk for travel to Shadow Absalom in the past. Thankfully, Seshuun here has agreed to assist us."

Seshuun removes a glossy black obelisk from her satchel. "I am certain that the Blakros family would prefer not to invite danger by getting involved in the troubles that have been plaguing your lodges of late, but I am just as certain that assisting you in this manner is the right thing to do." Seshuun smiles knowingly. "Besides, Aslynn caused the events which ruined my Iobaria exhibit! Technically, I’m acting in the museum’s best interest."

Ambrus concludes the briefing. "When you reach Shadow Absalom, I need you to investigate across the city and gather as much information as you can about recent events, Aslynn’s plans, and how to enter the Onyx Repository." He frowns sternly. "This is not a frontal assault. The Repository is too well guarded for such foolishness, and your investigation needs to be just that, with words rather than blades, unless all else fails."

And we have started! Feel free to introduce your PC's and ask some quesitons. I've added some images to the slides and Handout 1

A goblin wearing an ill-fitting, slightly moth-eaten tuxedo complete with a battered top hat tied to his oversized goblin head with a length of twine introduces himself.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hobbs Picklesmith. I am a practitioner of the esoteric disciplines."

He reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a pipe which he fills with an iridescent liquid.

"In layman's terms, you would say that I am a wizard."

He punctuates his greeting by lightly blowing into his pipe, creating a stream of soap bubbles that float around his head before slowly falling to the ground.

Almost as an afterthought he tips his hat to the group, revealing a tiny hedgehog sleeping atop his head.

The goblin turns his attention to Venture-Captain Valsin.

"So you say no blades. I assume that is a metaphor for mayhem in general and that fire and explosions are similarly off the table, yes?"

More bubbles are expelled from his pipe.

Fangor is clearly a cleric of Razmir, his silver mask hides his feature and transforms his voice. Heavy gray robes masks his frame so it's difficult to clearly distinguish his height or build. Nevertheless, his voice seems to be quite aged, almost a murmur, but very melodious and entertaining. Only his pointy ears that appears from time to time betray is elven heritage.

His immaculate white gloved hands are clearly delicate and manipulate with ease the wayfinder he have in one hand, engraved with an intricate F.

With his smooth and melodious voice, like a whisper he says May the blessing of the Living God be upon us. I'm Fangor, His humble servant.

After hearing the briefing he says and Discretion are my two middle name, I will not disappoint you. before asking Do we have a place or a contact to start our investigation or the streets of Shadow Absalom are as good as any other place?

A burly Razatlani human runs a hand over his heavy plate armor as he glances at his companions. "We're not exactly inconspicuous. Do you expect much trouble from Aslynn?"

During the briefing, a middle-aged elf sits at a corner table sipping brandy from a proper snifter and taking detailed notes. He's smartly dressed and clad in studded leather armor with an overfilled book bag occupying the adjacent chair. An elven curve blade is sheathed over his back with an iron hammer strapped at his waist. Seeing others guzzling ale, he mumbles something about "...civilized drinking..."

With an air of superiority that is almost certainly undeserved, he approaches the group and nods to each in turn. "Yes, yes. Greetings. I'm Dr. Lazarus. You may simply call me 'Doctor'."

The Doctor continues, "I'm a renowned forensics professor at the University of Osirion. You may have heard of me..." After getting blank stares (something he's all too familiar with, yet isn't deterred by), he continues, "No matter. While somewhat skilled at healing..." he pats his healer's toolkit on his bandolier, "... I joined the Pathfinders to hone my investigative skills. That's how I make my living, you see. Relying on my books, uncovering clues, solving mysteries." He takes another sip of brandy.

After the briefing, still taking notes, he asks, "I've done research in many places, but never in Shadow Absalom." He turns to Seshuun, "That fantastic obelisk will take us there, Madam?" Then addressing Ambrus, he confirms, "Once there, our goal is to enter the Onyx Repository ?" He continues to write in his journal.

If it's an appropriate subject, Dr. Lazarus will Pursue a Lead on the Onyx Repository.

In Discussion, was it determined we each start with 2 hero points?

A human man takes in the complicated briefing. It's more like an objective than a plan. And Aslynn... he's familiar with her.

He wears an odd set of piecemeal amor with rather more than the usual number of buttons and knobs, which now and then emits a little steam. He has a set of elaborate goggles pulled up over his forehead, and the weapon at his hip is a rather unusually constructed mace (though those familiar with gnomish culture note that the design is similar to a traditional flickmace).

"Oh, is that all?" he says.

"Ah, Liam Prentiss. My mother was a Pathfinder. She taught me to fight, though I'm afraid I've never quite lived up to her legacy skill-wise. My brother is a sorcerer, perhaps as a result of something strange our mother dealt with. I learned about magic to help him master and control his powers, but I'm afraid I don't seem to have inherited the actual gift to go with it.
"But I have my gadgets. I get by pretty well. I have a healing technique I can show you later! It, er, stings a bit, though."

Yes 2 hero points each, @Doctor yes Onyx repository is a fitting lead

Valsin looks at Hobbs and with politness say "Yes, sword was more of a symbol, a guidance. I mean any sort of violance. Try the peaceful way first, and if it fail uses the right method."

Do we have a place or a contact to start our investigation or the streets of Shadow Absalom are as good as any other place?

"There’s no absolute starting point. Make sure you stick to the locations and contacts we’ve provided. While we have some idea of what Shadow Absalom is like, there is much we don’t know, so going beyond the scope of your assignment may be dangerous" Handout 1 gives you a list of places

Do you expect much trouble from Aslynn?

"Unless you go out of your way to instigate conflict, you’re unlikely to face any aggression so long as you stick to these contacts, unless the Onyx Alliance puts up a fight at the Onyx Repository. Aslynn’s forces may confront you as well. Our understanding is that their attack on the Repository is imminent. But, across the city itself, the umbral dragon Argrinyxia keeps everyone in line. She has little tolerance for disruptions and rule-breakers."

"I've done research in many places, but never in Shadow Absalom." He turns to Seshuun, "That fantastic obelisk will take us there, Madam?" Then addressing Ambrus, he confirms, "Once there, our goal is to enter the Onyx Repository ?" He continues to write in his journal.

Seshuun first says "“As an umbral reflection of Absalom, Shadow Absalom is equally cosmopolitan and filled with a wide variety of Shadow Plane natives and others, including fetchlings, Material Plane humanoids, insectile d’ziriak, various creatures from other planes, and some varieties of intelligent undead. The umbral dragon Argrinyxia rules Shadow Absalom, but we don’t expect you’ll encounter her forces directly. And yes you will be using the obelisk." she pauses for a moment

Ambrus simply nods "Aye, you need to get in. According to our sources, the Onyx Alliance is operating as low to the ground as they can. Perhaps they’re trying to protect their treasure, or perhaps they’ve faced hardships of late, like the Society. Part of your job involves learning what’s happened to them recently— such information may help if you manage to contact Marcien Blakros"

Duly noted. I'm ready to depart. says Fangor with his soft melodius voice.

Will take a 5th level scroll of Breath of Life from my Pathfinder Provision

"What will happen to our bodies when we go to the Nether Plane? Will we find some skills harder to perform?"

I recall in PF1 facing some penalties for not aligning with a plane's alignment or whatnot.

"What will happen to our bodies when we go to the Nether Plane? Will we find some skills harder to perform?"

Hobbs studies the newcomer intently. He squints and pulls out a much too small pair of cracked spectacles. He takes a moment to pour some of the soap mixture from his pipe onto the glasses and cleans them with a handkerchief before securing the glasses to his head with string. Eventually he remembers where he has seen the woman before.

"Hey I know you. You didn't introduce yourself but weren't you involved in that business with Urxehl up in Iobaria? You're friends with that loud ulfen woman, right? She spoke highly of you, claiming you were some sort of egghead. Whatever that means."

My intro post got eaten! Quinoline is full of mystery!

"Oh, Astrid! Yes, we go way back. She thinks I've spent too much time reading books and not enough time drinking beer. She's not completely wrong."

Quinoline greets Hobbs in Goblin. (All alchemists know, or should know, Goblin - goblins have some of the best alchemical recipes, and they never write anything down!)

"What will happen to our bodies when we go to the Nether Plane? Will we find some skills harder to perform?"

I recall in PF1 facing some penalties for not aligning with a plane's alignment or whatnot.

Seshuun responds "In Shadow plane magic based on shadow is more powerful while light is weaker. Beyond that you will spot no differences." Mechanically speaking: The Shadow Plane has the Shadow planar essence trait (Pathfinder Gamemastery Guide 138), which affects light sources as well as shadow and light magic. These effects are described below for ease of reference. The radius of all light from light sources and the areas of light spells are halved. Shadow magic is enhanced; anyone Casting a Spell with the shadow trait gains a +1 circumstance bonus to their spell DC or spell attack roll with that spell. Light magic is impeded; anyone who Casts a Spell or Activates an Item with the light trait must succeed at a DC 6 flat check or lose the spell or activation.

Liam, Fangor, Dr. Lazarus, Hobbs and Quinoline begin discussing about Shadow Absalom and soon they summarize what they remember or heard. Shadow Absalom is a shining jewel of cross-planar trade and safety within the surrounding desolate wilderness of shifting shadows. Much of the city exists as a warped mirror-image of Absalom itself, with similar buildings and even oddly parallel events in the course of time. Unless one goes searching for danger, most areas of the city are relatively safe, as few dare defy the city’s ruler.

Quinoline also recalls that Shadow Absalom’s power structure is a cultivated chess board of internecine competition between various organizations including the Onyx Alliance, the Light-Weaver’s Guild, the Collegium Desoleum, and others. They all exist and operate at the whimsy of the shadow dragon Argrinyxia, Lady of Shifting Shadows, who is the sole and unquestioned ruler of Shadow Absalom.

Ambrus takes you to the side before you leave, a concerned and sympathetic look playing across his face, "Before you go, I need you to understand something about the Soul Stalls. Things of grotesque evil go on there on a daily basis, and we’re asking you to go there and talk to someone intimately involved in the trade of souls. As difficult as it may be, don’t take any actions against the trade therein while you’re on this mission. Yes, it’s abhorrent, and we’re taking steps against it where we can, but for now we need information on the present matter. Learn what you can and leave without causing a disturbance, regardless of what you might witness. In thwarting Aslynn’s power grab, we’ll deal a significant blow to her own trading activities, which should be far more significant than we could manage if we tried to cause trouble in the Soul Stalls. After all, Argrinyxia’s forces watch over the market, and we’re no match for an ancient umbral dragon’s wrath."

Fola adds, "I hear she can be even more grumpy than Ambrus, here. As for working against abhorrent practices in Shadow Absalom, that’s where the Envoy’s Alliance faction comes in. I’d like you to do everything you can to secure the trust and allegiance of Onyx Alliance members. The group recently reformed in some ways under Sarnia’s leadership, ending all involvement in slavery and the soul trade, but there are those who would continue to steer it toward evil practices. Try to restore the Onyx Alliance’s trust in the Pathfinder Society. You might even be able to convince some of its members to join our ranks, which would be an incredible boon for the Society in these troubled times."

Beyond the pep talk you also get 4 moderate healing potions. More to come ...

When you are ready to depart Seshuun asks you to focus on the obelisk shards.

The obelisk shard erupts with a cold flash of light, burrowing a doorway across the planes and into the heart of Absalom’s dark mirror twin, Shadow Absalom. The gloomy surroundings are both strange and familiar at once, the street layout is close to that of Absalom, but populated by buildings all in dusky shades of gray and black beneath a starless twilight sky. Beyond the gray and gloom, down the broad, central boulevard is the bright, nearly iridescent lambency of the Glare at Shadow Absalom’s heart, a mystery all its own—and a way out of the city. Far to the south a sea of dust shimmers with nearly liquid motion as trading ships dock at the Powdered Harbor, and reaching up over the bleak and muddled skyline are points of brilliant, dancing color: the multicolored towers of the Light Weaver’s Guild and myriad organic towers decorated by intricate, sometimes garish displays of physically woven light. Light spills out from the occasional doorway or window, and magical lanterns hover above the streets, casting an array of colors and illuminating the passage of the city’s deeply diverse population. Human-descended fetchlings abound, mixed with various shadow fey, shadow giants, termite-like d’ziriaks, and, rarely, a velstrac lurking within the deepest shadows. Visitors from another plane draw the occasional curious glance, but in a place of such wonders, few seem truly out of place.

You arrive near the center of Shadow Absalom on a wide boulevard that runs north to south with a distant view of the docks of the Powdered Harbor to one side, and the brilliant streaming light of the Glare to the other side. To the southeast, rising up over the city skyline are the multi-colored towers of the Scintillating Rise, headquarters of the Light-Weavers’ Guild. Given three such immediate landmarks to see, you have little difficulty in orienting themselves within the landscape of Shadow Absalom.

So a bit of wall of text here, where to?

Fangor has prepared some Razmirian's pamphlets to distribute in Shadow-Absalom's streets. How lucky they are here, they will be able to discover Razmir's blessing! Thanks to me.

When crossing travelers and inhabitants, he distributes pamphlets, asking Have you heard of Razmir the Living God? Let me tell you about His first step toward illumination and wealth!.

As they go, he says I suggest to look for Hive Izt Sixt'Zym first.

Before they leave, Quinoline will offer anyone a greater darkvision elixir (24 hours). Quinoline makes 2/day and drinks one, so the other is literally free darkvision for 24 hours for anyone who doesn't already have it. She also uses a greater olfactory obfuscator in lieu of showering, and has an extra for - literally - the unwashed masses.

---

"The Hive sounds good," Quinoline says, seconding Fangor's suggestion.

She does remind him that the first step towards illumination is a DC 6 flat check.

As the group discusses Shadow Absalom, Dr. Lazarus nods knowingly. "Ah yes, it's coming back to me. Indeed, a trip to the shadow plane would be most enlighteni..." He stops muttering nonsense and continues taking copious notes on the Onyx Repository, Marcien, and Aslynn herself.

Finishing his brandy, Lazarus stows his snifter and his (always full) flask of brandy (aka Jug of Fond Remembrance). He closes his notebook and prepares to depart.

Once in Shadow Absalom, the Doctor looks around knowingly and says pompously, "Yes, yes, exactly as I expected." When Fangor suggest the Hive first, Lazarus agrees, "A fine idea, my dear boy. Let's make haste." He begins heading that direction, taking in his surroundings with interest.

I'd happily take the darkvision elixir for my weak, human eyes.

Karanda gives Fangor a wry smile, "I'm not sure 'illumination' is the tact to take, here."

Everyone need a light in his life. What do you think there is so many illumination here? The Living God can provide that light, even in the darkest corner of the Shadow Plane.

Responds Fangor with his soft and melodious voice.

Fangor smile behind his mask at Dr Lazarus calling him a boy.

"I don't see that we have enough information to favor any place else," says Liam, checking over his gear as they arrive in the shadowy city, "so it's as good a choice as any."

"I concur. The rumormonger is a logical starting point for our endeavors."

Quinoline hands her extra darkvision elixir to Karando.

Rising up over the Hive Dunes that occupy much of the western side of Shadow Absalom, the organic towers of Hive Izt Sixt’zym are a brilliant, ostentatious display of d’ziriak light-weaving. Elaborate colored runes cover wide swathes of ground, slowly fading in and out and changing colors to display mosaic-like images, most abstract but others not. A steady line of merchants, couriers, and other visitors move in and out of the tunnels leading into the hive’s labyrinthine subsurface, along with just as many termite-like d’ziriaks themselves. K’kaviim (CN agender d’ziriak lightweaver) waits near the edge of an ancillary entrance to the larger hive, their back turned as they work on a new public display of molded light. Even amongst their own, vaguely humanoid kind, K’kaviim is exceptionally unique. Their carapace is gilded in silver and decorated with glowing symbols that periodically shift color or flare especially bright. More uncommon still, their hands, thorax, and face are spattered with motes of light. When you approach, they experience a minor brush of something against their minds, like a gentle breeze or passing touch, while K’kaviim holds up one arm with a single finger extended as if to tell them to wait. Upon finishing a particular portion of their current work, an elaborate twisting scaffold of individual glowing runes that race up the side of a small d’ziriak hive tower, they finally turn around, chittering excitedly and briefly hopping about from foot to foot. After several more seconds of excited chittering in D’ziriak, they come to their senses and address you telepathically. "So, what do you think?!"

Image in the slides

"It's beautiful," says Liam, "I have an affinity for things that are both useful and beautiful."
If he's referring to his armor, this assertion is... dubious.

"We've only just arrived here, though. I didn't really know what light weaving was until just a few minutes ago. Do you know someone named K'kaviim? We're supposed to talk to them."

"Yes, very striking," Karando agrees with Liam. "I've never seen anything quite like it."

"It's beautiful," says Liam, "I have an affinity for things that are both useful and beautiful."

If he's referring to his armor, this assertion is... dubious.

"We've only just arrived here, though. I didn't really know what light weaving was until just a few minutes ago. Do you know someone named K'kaviim? We're supposed to talk to them."

The creature looks at you and you can see a movement of his face that you hope is a smile

"I am K'kaviim, and I am glad to see that you enjoy my work. How can I help you, beyond sharing the details of my arts. Not everyone can become a light weaver, it takes particular skills and patience."

Feel free to ask them questions, as you do so, please do give me a skill check to try to influence them to get some gossips, most obvious choices would be any CHA skill (Diplomacy, Deception, Initimidation, Performance) + any construciton related (relevant lores or crafting), with good RP you can try to do any skill check. More than 3 successes are needed

With his soft and melodious voice, Fangor starts talking to the creature.

That's an incredible feat K'kaviim. You're clearly a master in the Art of Light weaving. But, can I ask you a question? Have you heard of Razmir, the Living God on Golarion?

He gives one of his pamphlets to the D'zririak. Let me tell you about His First Step toward illumination and wealth! What you will read and heard from me could change your life as it changed mine!

Performance (oratory): 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 19 + 2 = 39

What do you know about the Onyx Repository? he asks at the end of his story about the First Step of Razmir with his soft and melodious voice.

Dr. Lazarus, an avid craftsman himself, marvels at the amazing display of light-weaving. "Greetings. I'm renowned forensics professor Dr. Lazarus. My reputation may precede me." Realizing where he is, he quickly adds, "Perhaps not here. No matter."

Undeterred, the Doctor puffs out his chest and continues, "From one master craftsman to another, your work here is remarkable. Your color palette and unique use of fractals is most remarkable." As if Lazarus has anything to offer the light-weaver, he retrieves his flask and sincerely suggests, "Perhaps we could share ideas over some brandy." He retrieves his writing pad, fully prepared to take notes.

Almost as an afterthought, he adds, "As my colleague mentioned, we have urgent business with the Onyx Repository and were hoping you could help us."

Crafting: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31
Subject to GM discretion, Pursue a Lead may provide a +2 circ bonus as it involves his lead.

"This architecture is amazing. I cannot even comprehend the technical and engineering skills required to accomplish such a feat."

Crafting: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

"If I had to guess I'd say that the glowing runes are created using some sort of bioluminescent paint, possibly derived from one of several species of lampyridae. Firefly to use the vernacular. How do you manage to control the activation so precisely? It's ingenious."

craft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (16) + 16 = 32

forgot to add +1 bonus item to my roll! So It's a 40 rather than a 39.

Pursue a lead does apply, nicely done folks

K'kaviim engages in a conversation with Fangor, sharing some tidbits of information

"Onyx Repository? It’s an architectural eyesore from the outside, that’s for certain. The inside though is filled with wonders. A shame it’s all bottled away."

When detailing the tricky parts of light weaving he drops another piece to Doctor

"Onyx Alliance pay well, just as much as the Light-Weaver’s Guild, and they don’t mind if I do work for both. An artist can’t be tied down to such strictures as group loyalty. Working for both groups would have been difficult in the past; fortunately, they’ve set aside their squabbles, and I can share my craft in peace."

Then they go into discussing the difference between firefly show, architecture and his art. One word lead to another and they also share

"In years past, the Alliance seized whatever it wanted and had no regard for the destruction they left in their wake. They demolished Guild property, engaged in a variety of unsavory trades, and took actions that threatened to draw the ire of those who should not be crossed. But the Alliance has begun to clean up their act. They’re still no celestials, that’s for sure, but they’ve taken steps to make amends and build connections. Are they making connections for a greater scheme, to protect themselves from declining influence, or for some other reason? I don’t know, and frankly, it doesn’t matter to me. It’s dangerous to ask too many questions."

And with that you succeded!

K'kaviim reaches once again telepatically but vividly gesticulates

"Look, you seem like a friendly bunch, sensitive ot art so let me tell you this. I’ve been inside the Onyx Repository before, more than once. They commissioned me to add my own decorative style in places, though I was blindfolded until we arrived inside. I know there’s a secret entrance, but I’m not sure exactly where. I heard there’s a long hallway with a deadly trap, a barrage of shadowy spears."

You move towards your next destination you pass by a chapel of the goddess Desna illuminated by both d’ziriak light-weaving symbols and lanterns shaped like blue and yellow butterflies, casting a warm light out onto the street.

Where would you like to go next?

Shall we just go down the list? Outskirts of the Unspoken City?

Liam deflates a little. This team is too good at craftsmanship. Makes it harder to show off. Well, maybe he can learn something from them instead.

"Hm? Oh. The necromancer."

That works for me!

"Nice to see the glow of Desna's light here," KArando points at the chapel.

Sounds good

Desna or any god are nothing compared to Razmir. mumbles in his soft and melodious voice Fangor.

Good to go to the Outskirts :)

Outskirts it is

Nestled into the northern edge of Shadow Absalom, the Unspoken City is known for including undead among its citizens. It is ruled by the mysterious Collegium Desoleum, a cabal of necromancers and scholars of death. The Pathfinder Society’s contact, necromancer Viriseth of the Collegium Desoleum has arranged to meet you just outside the district’s gates. The streets are relatively quiet, with minimal traffic to and from the Unspoken City proper. A pair of sentinels in red lacquered armor stand at attention blocking entry to those without business within. Thankfully, your contact is rather obvious, waiting near the gates within a covered sedan chair held aloft by a quartet of masked ghouls, dutifully waiting for the Pathfinders’ approach with his neatly dressed apprentice, undead at his side. The undead greets you warmly. "Greetings on behalf of myself, apprentice necromancer Rensivir of the Collegium Desoleum, and my master, the esteemed Viriseth. I will be acting as a go-between for communication. Please ignore the ghouls, they have been recently fed."

There is a polite chuckle from within the covered sedan chair after Rensivir mentions the recently fed ghouls.

Amazing graphics in the slides

Fangor ignores completely the ghouls as if they were nothing.

Greetings, Rensivir of the Collegium Desoleum and to your master the esteemed Viriseth.
I'm Fangor, cleric of Razmir the Living God, maybe you have heard of Him? and Pathfinder as my colleagues.
As you certainly know, we are looking for informations about what is going on with the Onyx Alliance, what trouble them and what is happening to their leader.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Agreed about the amazing graphics...

Retrieving his flask, Dr. Lazarus joins Fangor in greeting Rensivir. "And I ... well, perhaps my reputation may precede me ... am renowned forensics professor Dr. Lazarus." After pouring himself a drink, he offers a mug to Razmir and asks, "Would you, or your well-fed friends, care to join me in some civilized libation?"

Indicating Fangor, the Doctor continues, "As my esteemed colleague mentioned, we're looking for information regarding the Onyx Repository. Anything you can share with us would be most helpful." Lazarus retrieves his writing pad and begins taking notes.

Diplomacy +Lead: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33

Can Dr. Lazarus make a RK check regarding Collegium Desoleum? If so, he has Academia Lore or Loremaster Lore at +15. In addition, can he make a Loremaster Lore check to recall info about Viriseth?

Karando stands back, arms crossed, and tries not to glower.

"We've been told that you always know what's going on that might not be well-known to others."
Liam doesn't say anything about "fingers on the pulse." It doesn't seem appropriate given the lack thereof around here.

Fangor ignores completely the ghouls as if they were nothing.

Greetings, Rensivir of the Collegium Desoleum and to your master the esteemed Viriseth.
I'm Fangor, cleric of Razmir the Living God, maybe you have heard of Him? and Pathfinder as my colleagues.
As you certainly know, we are looking for informations about what is going on with the Onyx Alliance, what trouble them and what is happening to their leader.

Rensivir nods and speaks "We heared of Razmir, yes. It is a pleasure."

He pauses for a moment and leands towards where Viriseth sits and nods "The Onyx Alliance is facing a substantial suit regarding past activities, though the party behind it remains closed to public knowledge. Whoever they are, they have deep pockets and substantial knowledge of the Onyx Alliance’s internal communications. This is likely a factor in the Alliance’s desire to secret away their holdings."

Turning to Doctor "I am afriad we have not heared of you, but we trust your qualifffffication" says Rensivir

"With regards Onyx Repository, The Onyx Alliance, or rather their leadership, has grown wary of keeping their holdings exclusively there, especially after the events at Wightir House and the legal disputes they face. But they seem to have no other choice."

Doctor know nothing different about Collegium, beside what you already know, an organization of necromancers and undead.

Still waiting for others trying to impress, pick your skill that you think could be relevant ;) And use RP to justify

Hobbs studies the ghouls for a moment. "Impressive. The ghouls do seem to be quite well-behaved. How do you manage to keep them in line? Arcane magics? Or are otherworldly energies involved?"

arcana: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37

"Legal disputes?" says Liam with interest, "That would be this suit you mentioned? Even if their identity isn't public, you probably have some idea of who it is, I'm sure."

Society?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

@Liam don't forget that Skillfull Mentor gives you +2 (instead of +1) to all your skill check

Performance (Oratory): 1d20 + 19 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 19 + 2 + 1 = 36

Fangor starts telling stories with passion about Razmir's power and the first steps towards illumination and wealth!

I'll try if I need to, but otherwise Kanando just stands there grinding his teeth.

Overall each interaction that you have with the lead, requires a skill check and to be succesful you need successes from more than half of the party => 4 successes at reasonable DC for this level. If you decide not to roll you make it harder for others. At the same time it seems that you have some skills in your team

Rensivir smiles at Hobbs question "Well they are here to serve, and yes magic is how we control them, but not arcane magic. I can imagine it to be harder for mortals to follow. Look at Marcien Blakros, he’s a decent mage, for a mortal, though prone to using enchantments as a crutch when leadership fails. He’s doing well for someone faced with so many and myriad recent difficulties. The Alliance is not in a good place. "

Then Rensivir turns to Liam "Well yes, we have an idea ..." He turns towards the sedan chair

The lich pulls back the jeweled curtain to reveal himself and speaks for the first time "I wasn’t entirely sure what specimens the Pathfinder Society would send my way for information, but I’m impressed. Know this: Aslynn has orchestrated a legal case against the Onyx Alliance, motivating Argrinyxia to levy punishment against them. Marcien increasingly relies on enchantments to keep his forces in line, lest they defect." Viriseth then produces a small tourmaline gemstone and presents it to you. "You may find this useful. While I enjoy the company of the dead, I’d rather you remained alive." Viriseth grins and vanishes once more behind the jeweled curtain.

You get for impressing the lich Aeon Stone (Tourmaline Sphere)

Rensivir then says "My master have spoken, You may leave now"

And on that the Ghouls turna and begin to walk away.

Sorry to cut it before Watery Soup posted, but you get all of the bits of information.