GM Valen's Pathfinder Society Quest #8: Shadows of the Black Sovereign (22 CP) (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

You receive a summons requesting your presence in the city of Hajoth Hakados which is located within the nation of Numeria, The Land of Fallen Stars.

A handsome and brash halfling fellow comes rushing up, huffing and puffing. "Sorry to be late - I had some, uh, difficulties back in Absalom that needed... resolving." He glances over his shoulder as he says this, then hurriedly slings his lute on his back, checks his purse to see if it's still empty - it is - and grins at the others. "Oskar I am, and it won't be long before all Golarion is humming one of my ditties. Just gotta write it first. Hope this adventure provides some inspiration, otherwise what's it good for? Less'n ye got rent t' pay, which I does, in which case I'll take inspiration, or at least a nice pay day, mehopes. I don't suppose there's any possibility of getting paid in advance...?" he trails off not very hopefully.

/dot

A Leshy druid shaped like a giant mushroom responds.

"Been away in my cave for a long time... I'm Farnguy! I heal and use herbs and some folks seem to like some of my mushrooms!" the leshy says.

Having responded to the summons, you have been in the city of Hajoth Hakados, located within the nation of Numeria, for more than a week now. During that time, you have been assisting Venture-Captain Dagur Hawksight with preparing the Pathfinder lodge to receive an important guest: Kevoth-Kul, the ruler of Numeria. Dagur has arranged for Hajoth Hakados’s leader, Lady Altouna to participate in the event. Preparations have been going well up until this point, and Kevoth-Kul is expected to arrive the following morning.

To that end, Hawksight's assistant, Vanis Mercuria, have come to find you. After giving you all a brief nod, Vanis, a nonbinary human, begins to speak, "We of the Hajoth Hakados Lodge thank you for your willingness to contribute in this politically sensitive endeavor. Our attentions cannot be diverted from other matters presently. I shall be brief. Our scribe, a gnome named Zatqualmish, has gone missing as of this morning, along with several necessary documents. We suspect foul play, potentially from an internal element, as the documents were magically hidden. A preliminary search has given us nothing conclusive, but you are welcome to investigate any areas or staff of the lodge you feel may help.”

They gather their sheaf of notes and hold out a silver compass. “Take this, should you need something to give you a bit of authority with the locals.” Vanis waits for one of the party to take the wayfinder, then suggests that you speak with the support staff of the lodge.

Welcome Pathfinders to this table! Feel free to continue character introductions. Also, please provide the information requested on this Slide as well as the requested marching orders on this Slide.

Once the requested information has been provided, I will move us along.

A green-skinned Goblin emerges past the other other party members "Excuse me, I'm here for the briefing too" he bows, "Pennypockets, or just Penny is fine" he announces "and I bid you all warm greetings on behalf of the peoples democratic republic of Thistletop" he wears padded armour of a rather dashing cut, with sword, buckler, and crossbow.

"Zatqualmish" he washes the word through his mouth getting a handle on it.

"Who would you suspect of wanting to sabotage this endeavour? Could it be possible you just have a free-roaming Gnoming on your hands?"

Prior to briefing: A dwarf shuffles in, accompanied by an earthly looking fellow. The former, made even shorter that most dwarves by a constant slouch, mutters something indecipherable.

Across his back is a large instrument of pounding; across his front is a large hunk of flattened metal; at his side is a quiver of javelins; and at his feet, soon enough, a backpack.

Prior to the Briefing: The afore mentioned earthy looking fellow at his side stands in stark contrast to the dwarf. Though not tall for a human, he does 'dwarf' the dwarf; furthermore, he sports a smile broad enough to make up for the both of them.

"Ah Hancock, would it kill you to be sociable once in a while? My name is Bruce, and I am the assistant to Hancock here."

During the Briefing: "Oooh, a wayfinder. Can I have it?" As he reaches for it he gets his hand swatted away by Hancock. Bruce looks a teensie bit miffed, but recovers quickly enough.

Bruce is Hancock's hireling.

A tall, lithe elf with a sprightly step glides into the briefing room. Her long golden-blonde hair cascades down her shoulders in an intricate braid. "My name is Dr. Jaehaera," she says in a thick Kaer Maga accent, "And my associate, Dr. Eridanus. A man with silvery hair, and a waxed mustache, doffs his cap beside her. He maintains Jaehaera's equipment

"Is this Zatqualmish under any suspicion before his disappearance? Your gut feeling, is this a kidnapping or a desertion?"

"Who would you suspect of wanting to sabotage this endeavour? Could it be possible you just have a free-roaming Gnoming on your hands?"[/b]

b]"I am uncertain,"[/b] replies the Venture-Captain, "Zatqualmish may be a willing participant or simply an unfortunate witness. Regardless, the timing of the disappearance is what gives me the most concern. I fear that the documents, most likely, will be used as part of some plan to sabotage the proceedings. Whether he is dead or involved in some plot, I need someone to find Zatqualmish and the documents fast."

During the Briefing: "Oooh, a wayfinder. Can I have it?" As he reaches for it he gets his hand swatted away by Hancock. Bruce looks a teensie bit miffed, but recovers quickly enough.

"Certainly," Vanis offering the wayfinder to Bruce, pausing only when Hancock's hand intervenes. The secretary looks around the room to see to whom to offer the device.

Who wants to carry the wayfinder?

"Is this Zatqualmish under any suspicion before his disappearance? Your gut feeling, is this a kidnapping or a desertion?"

"'Under suspicion'? No, I would not say that was the case.""Vanis concludes. "Zatqualmish rarely strayed from his room, which he also uses as his office. He didn't speak much with anyone, though he spoke most with the lodge’s cook, Miro Loamgarden."

"The Lodge needs to focus its efforts on reconstructing the documents as best we can in case you are unable to track them down," Vanis continues. "Although I have confirmed with the staff that Miro currently Miro is browsing the markets in town for ingredients."

"I would be willing to unlock Zatqualmish’s room for you, if you want to conduct a deeper investigation beyond the basics provided in the initial." Vanis offers. "Shall I do so?"

The PCs have an opportunity to slot their boons for the adventure. Each PC has 1 Hero Point available (possibly more if there are any players with glyphs).

Oskar has two Expert Hirelings to choose from - for this scenario he'll slot the one with Society and Absalom Lore.

Oskar also has a Rugged Mentor boon for anyone who is getting a level bump.

Oskar takes the offered wayfinder without hesitation and as he does so there is a swelling up of singing all around, as if the musical soundtrack in his head has become audible to all. Oskar will keep the cantrip Musical Accompaniment going pretty much continuously unless stealth is needed or it drives his companions crazy!

"I wonder whether his disappearance might be connected to some sort of internal conflict within Numerian society, given that the ruler is due to arrive imminently?"

Oskar will use Bardic Lore (+10) to recall Knowledge on any topic, in this case whatever might be relevant about the inner workings of Numeria, and Loremaster's Etude to roll twice and take the better result.

"What sort of documents were they? And do you need us to help reconstruct them if they can't be found? The more you can tell us about them the more we may be able to determine who might have wanted to steal them. And, by the way, who knew that they existed at all?"

"And yes, of course please unlock the room. We'll need to do a thorough investigation!" Oskar pauses and rubs his hands together gleefully. "I think this is going to make for a lovely scene in my opera! Did I tell you all that I'm composing an opera? Yes, I am, and YOU are ALL going to be in it! We may as well begin rehearsals right away..."

"I wonder whether his disappearance might be connected to some sort of internal conflict within Numerian society, given that the ruler is due to arrive imminently?"

Oskar knows the following: Numeria’s Black Sovereign, a mighty warrior named Kevoth-Kul, conquered the city of Starfall in his youth. Later, he succumbed to the influence of the Technic League, a cabal of secretive arcanists and researchers obsessed with unlocking the secrets of Numeriantechnology. The Technic League plied Kevoth-Kul with mind-altering Numerian fluids, and soon the Black Sovereign became addicted, withdrawing from society.

Recently, the captain of the Technic League died under closely concealed circumstances, and the League fell into squabbling, murderous disarray within weeks. The survivors largely fled Starfall, and the Black Sovereign, freed from their control, has begun to break free from his addiction. Many fear that as he regains his senses, Kevoth-Kul will resume his campaign of conquest across Numeria.

The Pathfinder Society now finds itself in a politically difficult position. The Technic League once roused Kevoth-Kul against the Society, using the warrior-king’s compromised state to convince him that the Pathfinders were stealing treasures and secrets that belonged to Numeria’s ruler to invoke his wrath.

Venture-Captain Hawksight has maintained the secret Pathfinder Lodge in Hajoth Hakados, a small border town in Numeria, for nearly 20 years. Dagur has quietly worked to avoid drawing Kevoth-Kul’s ire while waiting for an opportunity to bring Numeria’s Pathfinders out of hiding and reestablish positive relations between Numeria’s leader and the Society.

With the Technic League’s power over the Black Sovereign broken, Dagur has decided upon a dangerous but potentially rewarding course of action: she has sent an invitation to Kevoth-Kul himself, asking the Black
Sovereign to treat with her as a representative of the Pathfinder Society to start a new relationship between Numeria’s preeminent warlord and the Pathfinders.

"What sort of documents were they? And do you need us to help reconstruct them if they can't be found? The more you can tell us about them the more we may be able to determine who might have wanted to steal them. And, by the way, who knew that they existed at all?"

"Among other things, there is a ledger." Vanis notes. "The document logs activities that the Hajoth Hakados Lodge has undertaken in or near Numeria over the last two decades. Unless you possess knowledge of those activities, I doubt you would be of much help in reconstruction. What you are needed for, is to find the originals."

"And yes, of course please unlock the room. We'll need to do a thorough investigation!"

As Oskar prepares his composition, Vanis unlocks the door to Zatqualmish’s room before departing.

Within the room, the party readily notices the following.
• A cold, half-finished breakfast for one is laid out on a small table.
• While messy, the room shows no obvious signs of a struggle.
• The desk and cabinets seem to have hastily stripped of quills, inkpots, and other scribing tools, though none of the drawers and wardrobes seem touched.
• There are no footprints or any other sign of passage below the window.
• Asking around among the staff, a staff member is found who saw Zatqualmish packing a bag. She reports that he seemed clearly agitated.

With a few minutes of careful investigation and a successful check, more may be found.

Each PC may attempt each of the following skill checks.

survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Hancock's attempt to track meets with failure.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Bruce, on the other hands, with his ingratiating ways, manages to find someone else who saw him leave, heading toward the forest.

Farnguy attempts to track the figure.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

"Interesting..." they say. "It appears that it leads to the treeline outside town. Hopefully not turned into mulch."

Following the trail found at the lodge, you find that it is a shortcut to a marketplace in the Homeshore District.

Here, the Homeshore District’s markets are buzzing with activity. Some peruse at their whims, pointing out odds and ends, while others move with focused purpose to exact stalls and prepare to haggle. While it seems impossible to find anyone here, an obvious path of disgruntled citizens winds its way around stalls and storefronts.

Once in the markets, the party easily recognizes lodge chef Miro Loamgarden, who is haggling with a merchant near the entrance for a very large quantity of tubers.

What do you wish to do, Pathfinders?

"Miro! have you seen any wandering Gnomes named Zatqualmish? The one we are looking for may have a lot of ledgers and books. May also have been in carried off by someone." Penny looks aside "Nice tubers"

"It seems we have lost a Gnome,
It may be his feet set to roam,
but he has with him some books,
Upon which diplomacy hooks,
So we need to bring this Gnome home"

Jaehaera takes her time, and makes a few notes about the gnome's room. Setting my Open Investigation on "What led to the disappearance of the gnome Zatqualmish?

"Anything you can tell us about Zatqualmish in the last few days could be helpful, to be perfectly clear. Any sort of unusual behavior recently on his part?" Jaehaera says, as she gently steps over a few spilled tubers.

An elf at least as tall as Jaehaera has followed along, the light softly reflecting from the metallic embroidery on his cuffs, collar, and skullcap. Even apart from the fine needlework, the quality of his clothing is obvious. A sheathed wand hangs from his belt, next to a dagger, and a simpler wayfinder than the silver one offered by the Venture-Captain dangles from a fine chain around his neck (although he tucks it away when the party is outside of the Lodge). He glances around the marketplace, studying faces in the crowd.

Farnguy looks down at the tubers. "Hello fellow tubers! How are you feeling separated from the soil?

Smiling, Farnguy tries to listen in to figure out what the issue with the tubers is.

Hancock watches the disgruntled shoppers, feeling a sort of empathy with them as he waits for some action. He's not much of a talker so he looks around for someone looking for trouble.

Bruce, on the other hand is up front and center, ready to lend a diplomatic hand should the group need it.

"Miro! have you seen any wandering Gnomes named Zatqualmish? The one we are looking for may have a lot of ledgers and books. May also have been in carried off by someone." Penny looks aside "Nice tubers"

"I have not. Not today." Miro replies shortly. The halfling chef is focused on his work and clearly would rather not be distracted at the moment. He does, however, seem rather impressed by the song.

"Anything you can tell us about Zatqualmish in the last few days could be helpful, to be perfectly clear. Any sort of unusual behavior recently on his part?" Jaehaera says, as she gently steps over a few spilled tubers.

As a second Pathfinder presses the issue, it becomes apparent to the chef that the "distractions" will not go away until addressed. He makes time to answer the party's questions about Zatqualmish.

"It is true, I have not seen Zatqualmish today,' Miro notes. "However, Zatqualmish always orders a meal an hour after breakfast of fresh coffee and jam pastries. Today, today, he didn’t place that order." The halfling pauses in thought. "That usually happens only when he plans to travel. 'Jam disagrees with a nervous belly', he always says."

"The goblin seemed to suggest that Zatqualmish is a thief? That he ran off with some important books?" Miro continues. "I have gnever gnome that gnome to be so gnervy as to engage in such gnavery."

"To the contrary," Miro concedes. "Zatqualmish is a coward who does everything he can to avoid conflict. I believe it’s unlikely that he would do anuthing that could cause blowback to himself. If Zatqualmish did run off with some important books, he was most likely coerced into whatever mess he’s in."

Farnguy looks down at the tubers. "Hello fellow tubers! How are you feeling separated from the soil?

The tubers give no response. Instead, they sit near motionless, as if adhering strictly to a code of silence.

Miro glances curiously at Farnguy, then to the tubers, then back to Farnguy. Whatever culinary considerations are coursing through his cranium, the chef does not say.

Instead, he turns back to address Jaehaera. "While I don't know where Zatqualmish has gone, my frequent trips to market mean that I can point out a few individuals who might have the information that you seek."

Miro continues, "Indeed, I can think of three likely sources of information. One is the ink vendor Orin Blackfingers. His stall is just around the corner on the left. Another is a construction worker by the name of Bia Blazebane. Her crew has been working on water fountain over on Court Street. And, then, there is Neesquix."

The halfling glances around to see if anyone else is listening, before adding with a whisper. "Neesquix is the leader of a local gang. The Ash Callers. He usually hangs out in the alley just off this street here." The halfling points toward a rather seedy row of houses.

What do you wish to do next, Pathfinders?

"Thank you Miro! Good luck with your potatoes!"

"In order I suppose, off to Orin Blackfingers?"

Sounds good to me! Never met an ink vender I haven't liked."

"Be good, potatoes!" Farnguy says.

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16 (For potato knowledge)

Farnguy tells the two what they knows about the potatoes and their quality frankly, along about how the tubers should be planted.

He then follows the others.

Aeinquel bows courteously to the cook, then follows the others. "I could use some additional inks." His accent is straight out of Absalom, suggesting that he'd lived there before joining the Society.

Oskar listens to Penny's rhyme with a reverential expression on his face and applauds when they finish. "Bravo, bravo! I do hope you'll collaborate on the opera with me - rhymes like these are just what these sophisticated modern audiences are demanding... Listening to you takes me back to my years spent studying the intricacies of Goblin syntax and tonality."

He busily jots down notes on everything that has occurred, from time to time pausing to consider a question of staging or costuming. Using his time "writing" his opera to Refocus.

When Miro describes the three possible leads Oskar bellows with delight. "Yes, yes, more characters, more scene changes, more plot development - it's just what I would have added here. I'd best talk to wardrobe to make sure these new folks have some striking looks... Now, what about this gang, the Ash Callers? I do hope some of them can sing..." Oskar gazes into the distance, as if contemplating a Golarion version of West Side Story.

Bardic Lore to know something about the Ash Callers, +10, and spending 1 Focus to use Loremaster's Etude to roll twice and take the better result.

"Be good, potatoes!" Farnguy says.

The tubers continue to keep quiet. The do not speak, but each keeps an eye on Farnguy.

"Now, what about this gang, the Ash Callers? I do hope some of them can sing..." Oskar gazes into the distance, as if contemplating a Golarion version of West Side Story.

Bardic Lore to know something about the Ash Callers, +10, and spending 1 Focus to use Loremaster's Etude to roll twice and take the better result.

Not known for singing, so much. But, they have the potential to be entertaining. Oskar knows that the Ash Callers are indeed a goblin gang, reputed to be responsible for an equal number of both outstanding pickpocket thefts and open arson cases. The gang's leader, Neesquix, has a particular love of tricks, which is matched only by his love of fire. A combination of the two--Neesquix's famous gunpowder-pogo stick trick--is the rumored to be the reason why Neesquix has a prosthetic leg.

Neesquix has a network of underlings who report to him. In addition to fire, he respects other thieves and credentialed criminals.

Thievery and Underworld Lore can influence Neesquix. If any PC produces a flashy pyrotechnic effect, such aswith alchemist’s fire or a fire spell of some kind, the DC for subsequent checks to impress Neesquix is reduced by 1.

Aeinquel bows courteously to the cook, then follows the others. "I could use some additional inks." His accent is straight out of Absalom, suggesting that he'd lived there before joining the Society.

Following the chef's directions, the party comes to a male gnome busy fussing over a stall of quills and inks, moving jars back and forth and making minute adjustments to his display to ensure all his products line up in neat right angles.

Sensing some interest from Aeinquel, the shopkeeping gnome says, "Welcome to Blackfingers! May I interest you in a writing set? Only 1 gold piece and you won't find one finer." He shuffles through his stall.

"I have a few here, actually," The gnomes continues his shuffling as he quietly mutters, "somewhere..."

Does anyone wish to purchase a writing set? Those who wish to influence Orin may attempt a Diplomacy check to Make an Impression or a Scribing or Mercantile Lore check to help with arranging the stall.

"Yes! One would be useful! The inks might also be nutritious!" Farnguy says.

Diplo: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

"A writing set!?! Why that is just what I have been needing! I'm writing an opera, dontcha know, and these stubby pencils I've been using have clearly never met a muse. Of course I'll take one."

Oskar purchases a set for 1 gp and then immediately begins using the quills to compose a new aria, dedicated to Orin and the Blackfingers shop.

Oskar has Versatile Performance, which allows him to use Performance instead of Diplomacy to Make an Impression.

Performance, Persona Mask, Virtuosic Performer, Musical Accompaniment: 1d20 + 14 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 14 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 19 Lol! At least it wasn't a 1!

The northern air appears to have put a frog in Oskar's throat. He coughs with embarrassment. "Just a rough draft, dontcha know, very rough..."

"Yes! One would be useful! The inks might also be nutritious!" Farnguy says.

A success on the Diplomacy check.

Spurred by the prospect of a sale, the gnome produces a set of inks and accepts payment of 1 gold piece in exchange.
As a PC has purchased a set, the DC for all subsequent checks to impress Orin is reduced by 1!

"A writing set!?! Why that is just what I have been needing! I'm writing an opera, dontcha know, and these stubby pencils I've been using have clearly never met a muse. Of course I'll take one."

Oskar purchases a set for 1 gp and then immediately begins using the quills to compose a new aria, dedicated to Orin and the Blackfingers shop.[/b]

"Another set, coming right up!" Orin says with a smile. After a few minutes of rummaging, he produces a second set and exchanges it for the proffered gold. "You two now possess my finest sets! As your companions undoubtedly ask you where you have acquired such quality quills, unparalleled parchment, and impressive inks, do be sure to tell them, 'Why, I got them at Blackfingers, of course!'"

A second success!

"By the way, I have more to offer than just writing sets." The shopkeeper continues, eager to make another sale. "Is there anything else that I can do for you fine folks today?"

Bruce looks at Hancock hopefully, but apparently the big warrior is not interested in inks and quills.

"Alas, I am but a poor hireling. I could only dream of purchasing a fine writing instrument like that. I'll wager that the finest calligraphers in the city come here."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

"Do you have any colored inks? I have some expertise in calligraphy and heraldry, and outside of Tien there is a preference for something other than the simple but elegant black inks that they use. Your wares came highly recommended by another gnome--Zatqualmish by name."

Do we need another Diplomacy check?

"Alas, I am but a poor hireling. I could only dream of purchasing a fine writing instrument like that. I'll wager that the finest calligraphers in the city come here."

"That they do! That they do!" Orin Blackfingers affirms vigorously, hoping to make another sale.

"Do you have any colored inks? I have some expertise in calligraphy and heraldry, and outside of Tien there is a preference for something other than the simple but elegant black inks that they use. Your wares came highly recommended by another gnome--Zatqualmish by name."

Do we need another Diplomacy check?

You do not. The party has now obtained all the successes they need.

"Colored inks? Why, there are undoubtedly some in stock. Just give me a few minutes." The shopkeeper again starts rummaging around his stall. Realizing that it is taking him longer than he'd like to find some, he tries to keep the potential customers in the shop with pleasant conversation.

"Another gnome, you say?" Orin asks. "Can't say I know one by the name of Zatqualmish, but I am glad they speak highly of my products and well they should!"

"Speaking of other gnomes," Orin continues, "one ran through the markets in an unheeding rush only a few hours ago, heading for
the district of condemned alchemical and blacksmithing workshops known as the Crafters’ Quarters. Caused quite a scene for a few moments, it did."

"Someone told me they saw the gnome, harried and frantic, enter an old building in the Crafters’ Quarters, Morgan’s, a long-since abandoned potion shop. Though the gnome came to the market alone, word is that when he got to Morgan’s, he was joined by a number of slowly moving humanoid figures who followed his every command and who occasionally twitched as sparks flew from bits of metal in their flesh. It all sounds rather unusual, wouldn't you say?"

Any PC may attempt an Arcana or Crafting check to Recall Knowledge.

Orin stops his rummaging. A look of disappointment on his face. "I must have sold my last set, but I am expecting another shipment within the next two days. Could you come back then?"

The party has obtained all the information they can from Orin. You are welcome to check in with the other two contacts, but they do not possess any additional information.

Where to next, Pathfinders?

Hancock sports a sour expression and the waiting goes on, and on, and on. His slouch deepens as does his scowl. At the suggesting that they return, it turns into an open glare.

Hancock knows nothing about arcane stuff and he doesn't want to either. Then again, if it is big and carries a weapon, it *might* be worth knowing.

"Whrsdshp? he mutters.

Stepping in front of Hancock, hoping to hide the glare, Bruce chimes in with "Don't mind my socially awkward client. Where is this building you mentioned. We would like to investigate these strange occurrences."

Crafting 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"Sounds like Technic zombies, living creatures reduced to zombie-like complacency using implanted electronics"

Sounds like we have our info - let's get after this gnome!

Pleased with having sold not one, but two ink sets, Orin happily draws a map of the Crafters’ Quarters district and presents it to his recent patrons, circling--in black ink, as he could find no other--the location of the abandoned establishment known a Morgans.

Following the well-detailed map, the party makes it way to the district.

At the location of the circled establishment on the map, the party finds a miraculously attached sign creaking above a barred door that reads “Morgan’s”. The sign is the only thing making this squat building distinguishable from the other warehouses crumbling around it. A firmly nailed placard states that the proprietor can now be found at the outskirts of town if needed. The few sooty windows near the ceiling are more for ventilation than passing perusal and are an unlikely point of entry.

None of the establishment's windows allow easy access or a view inside and there are only two entrances: the front where the store once stood and the back. Both have been barred on the outside and secured with a lock.

How do you wish to proceed, Pathfinders?

"I say we try to enter from the back. I've got theif's tools, and know how to jimmy a lock, if need be," Jaehaera says, "Or, perhaps Mr. Hancock can break the door down. It seems like he'd be good at that."

"The back sounds fine with me!" Farnguy says.

"It's a bit gauche, but does seem the best choice at this juncture."

"It seems the Gnome is a fraud,
And comes with his own zombie horde,
So through the back door
Knock them all to the floor
And make V C Hawksight applaud!"

The goblin says with a flourish, and a side-eye for Oskars comment.

"I say we try to enter from the back. I've got theif's tools, and know how to jimmy a lock, if need be," Jaehaera says, "Or, perhaps Mr. Hancock can break the door down. It seems like he'd be good at that."

Feel free to describe the party's approach and to roll any appropriate checks.

"Mmph," Hancock states with a nod. He also pulls out a set of lockpicks and pats his trusty maul.

Aeinquel studies the back door intently, opening his arcane senses to any magical auras. Opening with detect magic and moving on to read aura if he notices anything on the door.

Once she gets an all-clear from the wizard that the door won't blow up in her face, she gets to work on the lock.

Thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

"Whelp, its impossible. Let's go back, and report our failure to Hawksight."

Hancock mumbles something like "ntlktht!" Then gives it a try himself.

thievery: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

Aeinquel studies the back door intently, opening his arcane senses to any magical auras. Opening with detect magic and moving on to read aura if he notices anything on the door.

Once she gets an all-clear from the wizard that the door won't blow up in her face, she gets to work on the lock.

Aeinquel ascertains no arcane auras.

Hancock mumbles something like "ntlktht!" Then gives it a try himself.

Hancock handles the door rather handily.

As half of the party has Search as their Exploration Activity and Jaehaera is waiting for an all-clear, I will assume that the party has decided to make a careful approach and listen before entering the establishment.

As the party slowly opens the door, they can easily overhear an exasperated, if somewhat distant, feminine voice.

“This affair has taken entirely too long and you have drawn far too much attention to yourself,” a woman grumbles imperiously, her rasping growl cutting through static pops and crackles. “Maybe you’ve had second thoughts. I would consider just where that would leave you.”

A cowardly squeak and pleading murmurs are the only response, the words too slurred to understand.

"Get it done, Zatqualmish. I would suggest expediently.” The feminine voice hisses.

In the silence that follows, the only other sounds inside are shuffling feet, the soft crackles of electricity, and the feverish scratching of quills.

“No, no, no!” cries a terrified voice from a back corner of the
workshop. With the noise covering any approach, the source of the cries can be seen: a gnome sitting at a wooden desk with heavy drawers, which is covered with a series of parchments, some loose and others bound.

The trembling diminutive figure of the gnome frantically blows air onto a page while simultaneously putting away numerous inks, quills, and parchments. “I should’ve found somewhere safer to work! I should’ve known... You’re supposed to protect me, right? Well, protect me!”

The gnome--presumably Zatqualmish--is guarded by a trio of humanoid creatures, sporting pale orange, withered skin that peels from their flesh in patches.

"Pennypockets" confirms that the humanoid creatures are technic zombies.

Map now up on Slides.

Looking up from a singed piece of parchment, the gnome spies the part. He hastily shoves the documents on the desk into a sturdy drawer, before muttering some arcane words and ducking down behind the desk.
Cast; Take Cover

MEETING AND MORGAN'S! - Round One Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Gnome (purple) (concealed; cover)
Farnguy
Hancock the Angry
Jaehaera
Technic Zombie (yellow)
Aeinquel
Pennypockets
Technic Zombie (red)
Oksar
Technic Zombie (blue)

Society check (E): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

The wizard murmurs in Common, "That sounds like a medusa."

A dwarf should not be able to move as fast as Hancock does, His slouch gone, he roars and charges down the only clear path to the zombies (for that is what he considers them) and sets himself up to be mobbed.

o rage
*** move (90')

"Whoa! Don't move so fast, dwarfie!" Farnguy says.

*** Stride x3