You manage to bypass the guards and wards, but you're almost certain that you set off an alarm somewhere. How that will affect the rest of your infiltration is anyone's guess.
Again, your exploration proves fruitful, however as you discover a belt in a hidden compartment that is opened as you bypass one of the magical wards.
As you continue your exploration, you round a corner and come face to face with a squad of eight Apsis Security agents. They look as surprised to see you as you are to see them.
Will you fight or deceive?
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Intimidate
(+25 vs. lawful nongood creatures)
"Why are you standing around like you have nothing better to do? What do you think you are guarding here - your lunch? Wrse than dealing with our amateur Armigers!" Svetlana spits out the arrogance of a Hellknight and dismisses then with a wave of her hand like they are just a bunch of subordinates.
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"Come now, do not judge them too harshly, you know all the disturbances happening outside right now. It is a confusing time. No doubt they do their best." says Nadya to her Hellknight companion in her most soothing tones.
Now she turns to the patrol, and ventures a slightly embarrassed smile. She draws the gold badge out of her pouch and holds it up briefly in her palm, before stowing it away again.
"She is certain to want to report you, she is stickler for protocol. Her Order makes her insufferable, especially when she's missed a meal. I will try to talk her out of it--she is out of sorts today, but she is not bad person. But you should probably make yourself scarce, yes? Forget you saw us, and I will try to make her forget she saw you. Quickly, before she gets your names..."
Svetlana does an impressive job of cowing the Aspis agents and Nadya sells it with some soothing words.
However, Yuri and Daedin are less than authoritative, leaving the security forces questioning the veracity of the story.
Will Diazepane and Kal'Ryon be able to convince them?
The Pathfinders start off strong but it's clear that some of them don't have the needed skills to finish it off and some of them just aren't that into it.
Before Kal'Ryon can even step in, the guards muster enough security to bravely begin running away and calling out for help.
It looks like Yuri and Daedin are going to get their wish as the diplomatic option disappears, leaving only violence.
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Sensing that the ploy is not working, and remembering her sensible warning after drawing the card of disaster, Nadya is already reaching for her Harrow Deck.
"So, the mask falls." she states as the Aspis begin to turn away. She draws out The Courtesan and holds it high above her head, her other hand stretching outward toward the enemy. "Taste the vengeance of the Triune Goddess!"
A blast of holy energy bursts out from the floor under the feet of the patrol, engulfing them burning light.
Everyone rolls to see how much damage they can do and the average is compared against a target amount.
Kal'Ryon flies into a Rage and Attacks with Power!
The Pathfinders fell many of the Aspis security agents but a few scatter and quickly disappear in the labyrinthine hallways, no doubt to sound the alarm.
One of the fallen agents is wearing a rather impressive headband, however.
You decide that there isn't any additional loot to be had and resume your focus on your pursuit of Suliji.
Most of the Consortium’s higher echelons maintain offices in the upper half of the towering Aspis Building, far from any windows or other access points that would allow rivals to spy on their work. The only publicized means of accessing this restricted area is through the Argent Atrium, an interior plaza that serves as a meeting place for operatives of all stripes—especially those hoping to climb the ranks by attaching themselves to the high and mighty. Two sets of stairs lead up 10 feet to
a security checkpoint to the north. Other doors lead to offices, scriptoriums, and meeting rooms.
Polished flagstones and meticulous masonry line the floor and walls of this atrium, whose mirrored ceiling and small skylights seem positioned to channel sunlight throughout the entire chamber. The floor bears an intricate serpent design inlaid with silver, and two sets of stairs ascend to a balcony and two heavy doors.
"Good day ladies and gentlemen," a grizzled human man says disapprovingly by way of greeting.
[b]"My name is Mr. Khayn and I am not fond of men and women who simply wish to watch the world burn. This is your single opportunity to see yourselves of the premises. If you fail to do so, I will see you off dead or alive."
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Nadya peers through the doorway to see a single person calmly warning them off and frowns. He wasn't bluffing and no doubt could back up his threats.
"It probably will not matter that we are actually here to save your Patrons, no?" she says matter-of-factly to Khayn. "Well... we aren't leaving. And apparently neither are you. We have job to do, and we will not be stopped by likes of you. Do as you must, and we shall do same."
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Svetlana holds her weapon non-threateningly, bit holds it all the same.
The Hellknight meets the warriors gaze "Burn? Only on the pyre and only the heretics. This is Cheliax, the land of law and order, and I am a Hellknight, charged with ensuring law and order. Sadly this organisation appears to be far less than orderly. So Mr Khayn, you have some decisions to make, make ones you wont regret"
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Yuri chuckles indulgently. "Mr. Cane, it's mighty kind of you to show such interest in our health. You sure that you belong among the Asspiss? That ain't too typical... Anyway, you can be confident that whatever we're doing here, it's fer yer wellbeing and ye ain't got to thank us - yer welcome I'm sure."
"No, it makes no difference that you say you're here to save the Patrons," Mr. Khayn replies calmly.
"Even were I to believe a group of people who have broken into our headquarters, killed our personnel and been suspiciously near the location of items that have come up missing, I would not trust the safety of the Patrons to outsiders.
"I am confident in my duties and actions. Are you?"
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Kal allows a small trickle of smoke to leak out the side of his mouth before he yaws and reveals a small pilot light of flame in the back of his throat, before he swallows it.
"And what, per-say, is wrong with burning? Personally, I enjoy the smell of a nice barbecue. But that is neither here nor there- I am quite confident that you can trust a hellknight and a cleric. Certainly the God's will keep them in line and hold us accountable"
Nadya narrows her eyes.
”He’s stalling.” she says to her companions.
"She's the clever one, isn't she?" Mr. Khayn says as Nadya sees through his ruse.
With no reason to keep up the pretense, he leaps to the attack.
Only two of Daedin's arrows hit and Mr. Khayn shows no signs of falling. But then all of Diazepane's bombs land on target and the head guard falls in a flurry of frost.
Kal'Ryon is left with glaive in hand and no target...for a moment.
A ghostly, desiccated corpse slides through the wall adjacent to Nadya, a swirling cloud of spirits surrounding her.
With a cackle of vengeful glee she reaches out to touch the cleric.
plus
plus
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Nadya's first indication of the undead's presence is of its frigid ghostly claw piercing her torso from behind to clutch at her heart.
She wheels about and draws out The Brass Dwarf from her deck..
"Abomination! The goddess of death calls you home! Renounce this miserable half-existence and go to your rightful end, and judgement at the Grey Lady's feet!"
The phantom creature's cruel sneer turns to agony as Nadya pumps pure life energy into it and it proves defenseless against the attack.
Yuri then beats it into nonexistence with his dorn-duergar.
Kal'Ryon chokes down a flame with some annoyance.
But he's not out of chances, yet as a figure made of earth and rock glides up out of the stone floor behind the fallen Mr. Khayn, strides past his prone form and slashes at Daedin.
[ooc]Round 1, the BOLD may act.
Daedin
Diazepane
Spectral Lady - brained and banished
Kal'Ryon
Yuri
Svetlana
Mr. Khayn - popsicled
Nadya -15HP -2con
Svetlana lays two powerful blows on the earthy newcomer but her third narrowly misses.
Kal'Ryon moves close enough to gut it with his guisarme.
And with that, peace settles on the Argent Atrium once again.
Though they are locked, the nearby checkpoint doors are more a formality than an obstacle for people of your skill level. But before you enter, you hear a magical message from your quarry, addressing each of you by name before adding, “I expected nothing less from you. Welcome, friends. We have much to discuss!” Beyond lies a much smaller series of halls leading to Patrons’ offices, meeting rooms, and several showy galleries.
Suliji's subtle trail becomes prominent here and her violent display
leaves a sufficient trail for you to find your way to an immense lounge and display case for edged weaponry from across Golarion.
Hundreds, likely thousands of swords, knives, and other blades of nearly every size and curvature adorn this gallery, which includes both cases and stands as well as fireplaces and comfortable chairs, as if also serving as an ostentatious lounge. Edged weapons even comprise the frames of three chandeliers that cast cheery, magically sustained light throughout the hall.
Each of the central display cases is a 3-foot-tall wooden cabinet topped with a 1-foot-high glass-paneled case containing a variety of weapons. Several hardwood partitions stand between the room’s columns, breaking the hall into a variety of spaces. Each of the eight straight partition panels bears a tall glass-fronted display cabinet containing yet more weapons; the two curved partitions have no displays, only chairs. A number of glass cabinets line the room’s perimeter, alongside numerous
suits of armor.
You could find and use any kind of masterwork bladed weapon in this room.
As you enter, you see a young Half-Orc woman menacing an older human man across the room. His richly embroidered jacket is rumpled and his dismissive countenance is shaken. He now slouches in a chair in a daze.
"Ah, you made it. I was beginning to wonder what was taking you so long," the woman says as you enter. "But no matter. You're here now. I'm just finishing questioning Iaovin here then we can all go deal with all the other Patrons, as well.
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+50%=18hp
Nadya strolls into the room carefully, taking in all the details before deigning to answer the half-orc. Once beyond the first display case of weapons, she crosses her arms and speaks.
"You are Suliji Peshar, yes? A merry chase you have led us on. You were involved with the Sun Orchid elixir heist in Thuvia, and with the Professor's experiments in Nidal. These things you might perhaps atone for with us. But you were one of the masterminds of the attack on the Grand Lodge, and many Pathfinders died that day. For that you must answer."
"You are mad to think we will actually help you. We have no love for the Aspis, but we have not come to start a war with them. And we certainly cannot trust someone who has betrayed everyone she has worked with in the past. Surrender now, or you will not leave the place alive."
Suliji holds up a hand to forestall them. "Indeed, I am Suliji and I fear that we have gotten off to a bad start and worked at cross purposes.
"I must admit that I was more than a little vexed by your interference in my plans in Thuvia and Nidal. But then, when I researched you, I realized the potential. After all, you are practically legendary. You cannot read about the Hao Jin Tapestry without some of your names popping up."
She focuses on Daedin. "I know that you dislike the Consortium, but you must see that what I'm planning on doing will solve most of the problems you dislike. I'm going to do away with the Patrons and start again."
Then Diazepane. "No, friend, we will do more than make them surrender! This is a golden opportunity to cut the head off the serpent!"
Then Svetlana. "Surely a Hellknight can see the benefits of a revision of the Consortium, one more willing to follow the law. One ready to lead Cheliax into the future. And wouldn't your fearless Dark Archive leader, Zarta Dralneen like to know more about this chamber of blades? I know its secrets. I'd be glad to share them with a like minded individual."
Finally, she addresses she who addressed her first. "There will be no war. I'll be in charge and we'll be allied. The Consortium and the Society can work together and coordinate their activities so there will be no more of this violence when we accidentally bump into each other. And who have I betrayed? Anyone who would not have betrayed me given time? Anyone who did not deserve to be betrayed?"
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"The revision I would actually like is to see its complete absence. No need to be more willing to follow the law if the organisation no longer exists. Matters for the Chelaxian state are matters for the House of Thrune, and whilst Zarta would no doubt be fascinated by this place, obtaining secrets - one way or another - has not so far been a problem for the Hellknight Orders"
"I am not the decision maker though, if you would surrender yourself to our care no doubt you could be given audience with those who are to make your case. Otherwise we can simply deal with the matter at hand" Svetlana grips her weapon with a clear posture of stoic determination.
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Nadya did not survive 8 husbands and 6 children by being hasty. She pauses and considers Suliji's arguments. The fundamental restructuring of the Aspis Consortium to be less immoral and cutthroat was not in itself a thing to be dismissed. And whatever Suliji's role in Grand Lodge attack, it was unquestionably the work of the Aspis Consortium as a whole. All these people had blood on their hands.
Their mission was to catch Suliji Peshar and eliminate her. But should they slavishly obey this order and not consider the situation on the ground? Even Valsin would not expect this -- he trusted their judgement, if he could understand the wisdom of their position.
But could this woman be trusted? Clearly she was simply saying whatever was best calculated to appeal to her audience, as she had done with the mummy and with countless others. The casual admission that it was acceptable to betray those who deserved betrayal jarred her sense of moral propriety.
She imagined the Inner Sea region in 10 years, if Suliji were permitted to take over the Aspis Consortium. How would it look if the Pathfinders had allowed this one chance to stop her to slip through their fingers, and they had allowed a smart, smooth, ruthless operator to take over this organization as its single chief. What would history say of that choice? Would this woman not do everything in her power to undermine and destroy the Pathfinder Society, and try to coax people like herself to join this new Aspis organization instead? Would not her name be cursed and a byword for foolish naïveté?
No, this Suliji woman could not be trusted. Her words were empty, a sweet tingling of bells meant to distract from her dark motives. And what were her motives? Surely not justice and the welfare of all. No one aspired to lead the Aspis Consortium for reasons of honor and compassion for their fellow man. Ambition. Power. Greed. Those were the only motives that could be at the bottom of this mad quest.
As she has mulled Suliji's arguments, Nadya has wandered a few steps closer to the half-orc, when suddenly a realization comes to her.
"You're Three Rings, aren't you?" she blurts out, as if it had been obvious all along.