Round 3
Spoiler:
Markiv ignores the elemental in the wall and moves to the next closest one. He takes two swipes at it with his celestial gauntlets, the second blow rips through rock and soil like flesh and blood.
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Markiv moves into the building, pushing past Calatin and is surprised by the flickering illusion. He moves through it down the stairs where he spots Heward standing off against the three creatures,
Markiv will keep a watch outside the building trying to spot any sign of the villain.
As Markiv follows the other he reaches down to his chest and summons a reinforcing layer of magic. His cloak billows outwards revealing the celestial armor plated with glowing runes.
says Markiv as he follows Heward outside after Auriel.
Markiv responds while watching out the window, tea in hand.
Markiv replies to Heward, He turns to the their hosts,
Markivi calls his eidolon to him, donning the golden celestial form. Trying to be discrete he pulls his cloak on over the armor, doing his best to conceal it. Aware he still probably stands out Markiv says,
Markiv speaks between sips of tea, "Given Millis' warm reception, I think we should focus on the shop. If there's no sign of the suspect by the time the party arrives Auriel may have the right idea. We know that Veristan has layouts of both locations and I wouldn't be surprised if he knows that the shop is protected by the same company as the others..."
"The weather is not kind to me, but with a little celestial aid I'll have no trouble joining the stakeout tonight," he begins to chuckle, "That reminds me, Auriel has not had the pleasure of meeting Kavna."
Exhausted from the fruitless search Markiv returns with Auriel to the headquarters.
Nax & Auriel: "Lass, it would have been foolish not to follow the lead," Markiv says sternly, but winks and continues, "Besides...weren't you the one who wanted to bring the entire division here? We have saved everyone a great deal of time and money."
"You're right about asking around though. This is the part of town we might just get some answers."
Auriel & Nax: "I would like to at least check out the residence before we scamper for reinforcements," says Markiv as he begins to look for a coach.
Auriel & Nax: "Excellent, thank you for your assistance, madam. Time is of the essence, and I must go," with that Markiv takes his leave. Outside the auction house he spots the approaching Auriel, "We've got a name, Veristan Mikobar, he's in possession of three pieces. The last two are at the Manor and that shop. We know he has the plans for both locations. I think we need to pay a visit to Mikobar and find out what he has to say for himself from the safety of a cell."
Nax: "Veristan Mikobar, hrmm..."
"You mentioned there was a bidding war, but only for one of them? Do you remember if it was the first or second piece, and who was doing the bidding?" "We're looking for two individuals, one a lady half-elf, possibly Varisian, who's description we lack; the other a bald Shoanti covered in tribal tattoos. Either of those sound familiar?"
Nax: The old man searches his pockets for a moment and retrieves the MSI badge, "Perhaps I should have mentioned, that this is of a proffesional interest. The people who purchased those items may be in danger and I aim to protect them."
"I understand the need for privacy, and I can assure you that their identities and associations with this establishment will not be revealed to anyone outside of the investigation."
Naz: "Ah, yes. Thank you ma'am. I have recently begun to acquire an interest in rare Shoanti artifacts. I've been told that this auction house was in possesion of a pair of pendants and I may be able to find out who purchased them from you," Markiv removes his glasses and carefully polishes the lenses, "Now I know, the next time I need an item of utmost rarity I will have to visit during one of your auctions."
Markiv wanders off to the auction house to see if he can find out the mystery buyers identify.
"Excellent, now we can see what might have been stolen. Could lead to a big break!" says Markiv eagerly as he finishs his breakfast, "Do you mind if I look through these Heward?"
After having paid the tab Markiv sleep at the watchhouse for conveniences sake. The next morning he is pleased at the hiring of a cook, "Thank you, Mr Brigglespan. That is just what I had in mind. I believe I'll have smoke breakfast before we delve into the case. Did anything new crop up while you folks were out last night after dinner?"
"If that's the case, I don't understand why he had his eidolon fetch an object after the building collapsed. Why not retrieve it while he was positioning the dead man," Markiv is deep in thought while he pokes at his dinner, "But wait, didn't the homeless man say he heard someone shout after the eidolon entered the already collapsed building? That makes it sound like he was crushed, then finished off by the snake, then the snake retrieved the item." Markiv reaches into his pockets for a pair of amber spectacles, "I think this case is turning out to be," he puts on the glasses, "Pretty slippery."
"An eclectic idea, I was leaning towards summoned earth elementals."
"Of course, we'll return to the MSI building," says Markiv as he flags down a ride. "I fear my efforts since the last time we met the others have not borne any fruit. Let's hope they faired better."
If we ever level I'm totally changing my 1 evolution point from Reach to a Skill Bonus for that sweet +8 to Diplomacy checks. I'd ask if I could do it now, but that seems like it might be unfair with how much we're using Diplomacy...
I'm no Paizo staff, but here's my 1st level biped synthesist.
"We'll start here, at the Stone of the Seers, and see what turns up from there," he says pushing his way into the tavern. "Keep an eye out for anyone who acts strangely if they over-hear my questioning. A lot of people think if you're not talking to them, no one is paying attention to them."
"I don't know about a distraction, but it's certainly the means to an end. Like I said, he took a necklace out of the second location, and I suspect something was removed from the first as well. The others should be questioning for what was missing exactly. Perhaps if they can find out what was so important about this necklace we'll know what else the suspect might be looking for and where he'll strike next."
Ignoring her jabs Markiv responds, "Ah, Ms. Minick, how interesting. The MSI attracts all kinds. I'm in need for someone with a keen eye for unique individuals. We'll be going to Keystone." As they travel Markiv explains the details of the case so far, "...as a summoner myself, I've taken a special interest in our suspect. I find it offensive that he uses his gifts in such a manner. Perhaps my own eidolon drive me against such a dark creature."
Bananaz: "So our suspect seems to be new to crime or new to town. Thank you, sir. I think I'll hit the streets and see if I can find any leads. Keep MSI posted if any said reports come in," a tad dissapointed, Markiv begins to depart the building. He intends to spend some time visiting the taverns frequented by the magical community. If this man has been active, someone somewhere would have noticed a snake and sigil...
The Nazler: Markiv rubs his forehad, "I'm sorry, sir. I was thinking more along the lines of any recent victims of snake attacks, unexplained corpses crushed or bitten. Reports from witnesses seeing someone with a glowing sigil floating near his forehead."
Nazman: "My names, Markiv with the new Special Investigations group. We may have a lead on the collapsed building case. I wanted to check the records and see if our possible suspect has ever been on the books before," explains Markiv, then relays the information told to him by the homeless guy, leaving out the fact he got it form a possibly crazy person.
Markiv says thoughtfully.
Having summoned his eidolon, Markiv loathes to dismiss it. The creatures lends him the body of youth for reasons unknown. Someday I may learn the price I pay for calling upon this creature... I only hope its intentions are as divine as its appearance. intones Markiv. Attempting to be as non-threatening to the others as he can within the golden armor. Having earlier explained to them its magical nature he finds their glances to be unnerving, but to be free of his aching bones is worth the absurdity. I'll convince you to appear less flamboyant sooner or later, Kavna. The eidolon's name rings in his head. Reminding him of the day he found it among his father's arcane studies.
Markiv turns to Heward, " Remembering where he is, the synthesist addresses the gawkers, He seems to take joy in the understatement.
Shocked at what the homeless says Markiv enters a deep meditative ritual, after a minute golden light coalesces around his form. Where once an old man sat there is now a suit of shining armor. Markiv can be seen meditating within the amber-like plates, but the eyes of the armor are those of a different entity and when he speaks there are two voices at once, Markiv's arm, clad in a glowing armor, ends at a huge clawed gauntlet. He raises it to the helmet's forehead where an arcane symbol blazes in the air.
"Very well. Maybe they have some mead, I'm parched from all this traveling about. Come along then," says Markiv without showing any signs of irritation.
As Markiv approaches he sees Heward futily negotiating with the homeless man. Figuring the guardsman wouldn't be talking to vagrant unless there was something to gain he decides to assist. After a quick stop at one of the nearby street vendors he joins Heward. In one hand steams the largest meat pie he could purchase. "Mr. Wallas, I must be growing senile. I purchased this meat pie, but now I remember we just had lunch. Are you still hungry by any chance?"
The old man walks directly towards the guards, lifting the new badge and not pausing for a reply. Once they've found the marks in the collapsed area he speaks up. "Mr. Wallas, we seem to have found a common thread. I just don't understand what kind of material its made from. As soon as the others arrive we should ask if any of them recognize these markings," Markiv straightens up from inspecting the marks. He takes a closer at the surrounding building mumbling, "If this was caused by someone...I wonder if they are getting better at it. I'm going to look around. See if the standing parts of the building show these signs as well. I might be wrong, perhaps what caused it was simply weaker this time."
"Thank you Mrs. Rumblemountain, that will be all for now. We're going to join our colleagues at Irefoot Hall, perhaps we will meet again." As they leave the collapsed building Markiv speaks to Heward, "I'm curious about those missing papers, we'll have to keep that in mind. For now I think it would be best to find out what the others discovered and look for those marks at the hall."
"Marks coming from inside the stone you say? At least it will be easy to tell if the same phenomenon occurred at the other building..." Markiv takes a seat somewhere that looks safe, weary from the journey over. "Sir Wallas, why don't you take a look around the area. Maybe a pair of fresh eyes will uncover something that was missed by laymen. I need a moment to dwell on how this could have happened."
After resting for a minute he stands and joins Heward.
"The guard was likely just a bistander. Might have saw something, but was probably asleep. I'm going to talk with this Rumblemountain. Buildings don't just fall down, and if she's an expert she'll have spotted what happened the first time, be it termites or hacksaws," says Goldroth as the others eagerly set off to the security firm.
"Do you know if the City Planners had any architects or engineers investigate the previous collapse? Perhaps there is a report available we might use to compare with today's accident," muses Markiv. Thoughts:
Markiv pockets his money and thanks the matronly sectretary before turning to the captain, "Captain, how far away is this situation you mentioned? I think once Calatin is rested we should head out immediately. Is there anything you can tell us about it now? Any chance of violance occurring?"
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