[IC] The Trailblazer's League <Part 1.5>: Downtime Adventures with "Jamie"

[Lord Of Mantas]

The Lord of Mantas presents
A Pathfinder Tabletop RPG Adventure
THE TRAILBLAZER'S LEAGUE
Downtime Adventures with "Jamie" (a.k.a Kiriel)



https://static.squarespace.com/static/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/51ce6099e4b0d911b4489b79/51ce61cbe4b0d911b44a1359/1358820906093/1000w/assassinscreedchinaart1192912222.jpeg

It had been a few months since the fateful venture of Guardian, Mirana, Stray, Brigitte, Auva, and "Jamie" (real name Kiriel, not that anyone in the league besides Christoph knew that) to the little village of Woodshaven, where they had found incredible wealth beyond their wildest imagination. In that time, word of the Trailblazer's deeds had spread far and wide across Andoran, as gossip snowballed and bards embellished. And given the magnitude of what had happened, it was suprisingly not far off.

Though of course, to Kiriel, such things were much less important. What truly mattered was that, thanks to their work, his family's future was secure.

Thanks to their newly acquired wealth, Stray, along with his newest tagalong Pun-Pun, had even managed to kit him out with quite the new arsenal, including some rather important upgrades to his trademark sabers and new armor. And with these latest upgrades, it was time to take care of something that had been on the back burner for quite a while... namely, Kiriel's previous "family".

As much as they could be called that.


***


Walking into the Succulent Eel, a rather opulent tavern in the Liberty District of Almas, Kiriel stopped for a moment to take in the sights. It was getting rather late into the evening, but even so, it was only now beginning to darken, the summer nights being short and sweet (to the average person, at the very least). The tavern was packed, the various patrons feasting on sausage and grilled eel and washing it down plenty of cheaply made ale, the air filled with songs of revelry and joy as several impromptu singalongs dueled for control of the air. All around, waitresses and tavern wenches in modest, yet surprisingly form-fitting outfits rushed around to deliver food and drink.

Two people, in particular, caught Kiriel's eye. The first of these was a dark-haired and clean-shaven man dressed in rather plain clothing - dark grey trousers with a coat and tunic that had a remarkable similarity in color to the the wooden timbers of Almas' buildings. He was not tucked away in the corner, but did appear to have his back turned to the wall, on the outside of the revelers. His eyes darted around the room very quickly, as if he was waiting for someone.

The second person, an almost grotesquely obese man with large spectacles and blonde hair, was dressed in what had to be the most garish, eyesplitting outfit Kiriel had ever seen. Short white breeches cut off just above the knees, with a large, hot pink shirt with green palm trees sown onto it covering his rotund torso. He appeared to be drinking from a very large glass of glowing purple liquid, with a little umbrella in the top.



What do you do?

[skypse]

Kiriel wandered casually inside the tavern, seemingly trying to breathe in all the various odors from the foods and drinks but actually carefully observing everyone in there. As he walked towards the counter, the bards started to sing for someone's birthday and the whole tavern sang along with them except for two men. One looking pretty anxious, almost sweating and seemed like waiting for something, or someone and the other dressed very weirdly for such a place. He changed his course and walked towards the funny-looking guy, and by wearing a very innocent-looking smile he asked him:

"Excuse me kind sir. I didn't mean to bother your thoughts but I couldn't resist myself from asking what is this delicious-looking drink you seem to be enjoying? I'd love to taste something that exotic for once in my life!"

While Kiriel was speaking to the man, he positioned himself in such a way so that he could keep an eye on the other one. He didn't have anything important or out of this world with a first sight, but Kiriel was very curious to see what was the matter that didn't allow him to enjoy his time in the tavern.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Turning to Kiriel, the obese tourist gave out a hearty laugh and raised his cocktail in the air, before replying in a drunken slur.

"Y-you don wanna bother me? Frrriend, you're not bothherin' me at all! *hic!* Come, come, shiddon! You an' me're gonna drink double purple ticklers (http://www.completecocktails.com/DrinksByColor/PurpleColoredDrinks.aspx?Page=3) 'til the mornin' comesh! *hic!*"

The tourist slid over his own glass, then leaned in close to the ex-Red Mantis Assassin. "And with one hand I give you mine. Take it. *hic!* I'll jes... Jes get ush another..."

It struck Kiriel that with one hand I give had been given particular emphasis in that sentence - and that the man's drunken slur seemed strangely exaggerated, almost as if he were faking it. Looking back over his shoulder out of the corner of his eye, he saw the clean-shaven man's eyes roaming over him ever so briefly. However, he looked away, Kiriel having apparently not caught his interest. Across the room, as the man's attention turned toward the door once again, Kiriel then spotted something. His tunic slipping, Kiriel could just make out the faintest hint of leather armor concealed underneath - dyed a very familiar shade of red.

[skypse]

"Hahaha!! Aren't you a joyful one! So, Jes right? Nice to meet you my friend! My name is Jamie and I just arrived in this place. It's very fortunate to run into someone like you, such a friendly and hospitable person! Thank you!"

With the last sentence Kiriel tried to pass a secret message to Jes, acknowledging the Norgorber's circle salutation.

"Thank you my secret brother. What business brings you here?"

[roll0] vs 15DC for simple messages or 20DC for complex ones. Opposite sense motive check for anyone other than the target who hears it, to decipher the message

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Th-thanksh for the compliment, buddy ol' pal. *hic!* If'n yer a new arrival, *hic!* I've got shome pamphlets I can loan you..."

Kiriel's contact's eyes at this point were deadly serious, and nodded at the message he had passed on. Checking briefly to make sure no-one else was paying them any heed, he almost imperceptibly inclined his head toward the staircase leading upstairs.

The clean-shaven man, in the meantime, continued to look toward the door, drumming his fingers on the table and barely appearing to pay the waitress heed as she put down a stein of some rather watery-looking beer beside him.

Making their way up the stairs, the 'tourist' broke into a brisk walk as soon as they were out of sight of the others. He quickly showed Kiriel into one of the rooms, dark and lit only by the moon shining through the window. Pulling the curtains, he turned back to the assassin and placed his hands together in a kata.

<SPYRT DSPG.>

A flash of magic went around him, and in that instant the overweight tourist was transformed into a dark, hooded figure in loose robes, his face covered by an iron mask. He spoke, his voice this time a rumbling, scratchy bass.

"Good tidings, my secret brother. I have important business with you tonight, business that concerns you in particular - a warning, if you will."

[skypse]

"What do you mean "concern me in particular"??? Only 1 person knows where I am and why and I doubt that you would know him. Do you know who I am?"

Kiriel suspicious to the stranger tries to read his voice and body language for any tells on him.

[roll0]
Sense Motive check *

[Lord Of Mantas]

"In a manner of speaking. When you spend your days looking for useful information to pass on to the Reaper's Children, you start to notice certain patterns. A contact whose lips are too loose, who notes that certain people are in a given area at the same time, et cetera. Of course, what I've found out most recently helped with that, as well."

The lone eye visible through the mask took on a serious look. "I trust you have heard of the Red Mantis Assassins, yes? Exceptionally creepy bastards, but you have to admire their prowess. Anyway, the circle has recently heard that they've come here, to Almas, on a mission to kill the People's Voice, Jarlisa Hermedas. Ordinarily this wouldn't be of particular concern, except that they apparently plan to try and pin the blame on the local Norgoborians. If they succeed at framing us, it will drastically compromise our operations in Andoran. More to the point, they've apparently found out that one of their former operatives is in the area, and plan to try and kill him as well. Funny thing is, said operative is described exactly like you under that disguise. Very good work, by the way, almost couldn't recognize you."

Kiriel could detect no falsehood in the man's voice or demeanour.

As a resident of Almas, Kiriel would be aware that the People's Voice is the elected repesentative of the People's Council, the representatives of all the various territories in Andoran. (In terms of American Politics, think Speaker of the House.)

[skypse]

"The assassins are mere pawns. Coming that far from Mediogaldi must mean that the queen there wants to expand in Andoran and that's no good for anyone. However I doubt they can accuse the circle of an assassination that big unless there is a traitor inside it. After all the circle's existence is not to be publicly known. Worshipers of Norgorber are not exactly welcome in such regions. In any case we can't let such a strong authority figure to be taken out of picture, no matter who gets the blame. We need to find our brothers in the government and discretely reinforce her personal security, even putting one of them to keep an eye on her. At the same time we have to go undercover and break their operation from the inside. I bet you have already noticed the mantis downstairs right?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

"I highly suspected, but I didn't actually see any proof. Good eyes, there. If that's the case, then we need to move quickly, because that leads into what I know next. The information I got about the planned assassination didn't go overly much into details, as it was an intercepted communique to one of the Mantis'. More specifically, it was a call to the Mantis we currently see downstairs. He is due to meet with his contact here within the hour, at which time he will receive the instructions and details on their plan."

[skypse]

"Get back to your disguise again then. We need to move quickly and keep an eye on him. We can't take on the Mantises alone so it's better to gather some information and then share them within the circle. Tomorrow morning we have to contact with our acquaintances inside the government. Just a thing before we move though: I'm not used to working with strangers so I'd appreciate it if you shared your name."

[roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

"My true name is largely inconsequential. For the purpose of this exercise, however, you may feel free to refer to me as Talon."

With a second kata and magic utterance, Talon changed back into his tourist disguise, and made toward the stairs - then held up a hand.

"It looks like our friend found his friend. They're going out the side door into the alleyway beside the building."

Peeking past the disguised Wizard, Kiriel could see that this was, indeed the case.
"There should be a window overlooking the alley directly further down the hall. We can slip out of the building and observe them from there."

[skypse]

"Ok. You go over the window. I'll follow them invisible in case they walk away to have their meeting elsewhere."

Kiriel walks back into the room so he would minimize the noise from his spellcasting and then casts invisibility and spider climb on himself. He then moves out of the window and walks on the wall above the alley trying to be close to them so he can hear and see them clearly.

[roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Copy that."

Talon scuttled away toward the window overlooking the alley, while Kiriel followed after the pair. Silent as a shadow in the dark, he was able to completely avoid the notice of either of the Red Mantis Assassins, the two not sparing so much as a single glance in his direction. Crouching behind a conveniently placed crate mere feet away from them, Kiriel opened his ears as the two began to talk, the one who had been in the pub earlier initiating the conversation.

"It's about time. I thought you would never show up."
"If you want to blame someone, blame those infernal Eagle Knights. Getting my sabers by them was not an easy task, and I'll hear no complaints about it from someone who's been in Andoran so long he might as well have gone native."

The first man's voice took on a warning tone. "My loyalty to our Mistress and the Assassins has never been in doubt. In any case, what's the situation? I've never been on a mission requiring more than one of us."

The second man grumbled, but continued. "So here's the situation. We've been hired to kill the People's Voice of Andoran - Jarlisa Hermedas. She's holding a party at her villa north of this city here, and will be there the whole night, surrounded by a crowd of people from diverse backgrounds. Our mission head has decided to strike there."
"In the middle of a party?! Won't that leave tons of witnesses? And tonight - that's not a lot of time to get there...""Our client was very specific about the request, to the point where he offered our Mistress an unspecified future favor."

A brief moment of silence.

"You'd think they'd learn that's never worth it."

"No skin off my back. Anyway, I copied down all the relevant information here." The second man waved a small piece of parchment. "You can revise it while we're on our way to pick up our horses at the north gate."

[skypse]

Kiriel closes up to the two men talking, drawing his swords out and staying next to them trying to read the note without making any noise.

[roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

It was difficult to read the note, clutched as it was in the RMA's hand, without any actual light to see by, for Kiriel's darkvision did not allow him to distinguish the colors necessary to read in the dark. However, for a brief moment, the assassin held it up to an errant beam of light coming from the tavern, and Kiriel caught a brief glimpse of the note. From the words he was able to glean, it appeared as if the RMAs were planning on disguising themselves as servants - one as a guard, one as a cook, and another as someone Kiriel didn't catch - and causing a disturbance to drive the People's Voice to her private quarters.

[skypse]

Kiriel struggled with the idea of slaying both of them at the spot but after thinking carefully he put his swords back in their sheathes and went back to the tavern. Climbing the wall from the outside he steps in from the window and breaks his invisibility.

"We have to act fast. You must inform the brothers in the circle. The assassins will infiltrate the party that will be held tonight at Hermedas's mansion. They will disguise themselves as servants, guards and something else that I could not manage to read. We have to talk with the People's Voice and alert her. It would be a big shame if the only worthy politician nowadays gets slain for a bitch's favor. I asked before: Do we have anyone from the circle near her? We will need his help and it will make our lives so much easier since we are bonded by the same oaths. He will believe us."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Talon rubbed his chin. "Most of the circle really doesn't give out contact info, aside from meeting in the same place at preset intervals. But, as it happens, I do know one guy who's quite good at infiltration and can be very discreet. And if all you want is someone to make a run to the People's Voice to deliver a message, I know this guy who can't fight worth a damn, but he owns a very fancy and very fast horse."

He reached into his pack, pulling out a scroll. "If you want them, I can contact them both right now and then we can make a beeline for the mansion. I know how to let us fly magically."

[skypse]

"Tell the infiltrator to help tighten her security. We need as many as we can near her. Tell him to also warn her and let her know about the assassins' plan to put the blame on the circle. He doesn't need to admit his place in the circle since I doubt she will be happy for it. We should catch up with the other two; they won't expect a fight and we might be able to take them down fast by surprise. If not, then do enough damage so their plan will be aborted. They are headed for the north gate, let's fly over there and strike them before they reach the mansion. Can you fight?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

"Fight? Ha! I can do you one better, my friend. I can warp the fabric of space time itself."

Talon held up a hand glowing with magic energy before pulling out both his scrolls, chanting softly. He then stared off into space, as if talking to someone illusory.

"Delivered info to Watchbug. He requests help putting the vermin down before they can muck things up. Can you infiltrate Talker's Mansion? Pay determined later."

A pause passed by for a minute before Talon looked back at Kiriel. "Went ahead and offered to do the job for free. Apparently there's something there he's interested in... best not to ask questions of him, I've found." Energy flowed through the arcanist's hands as he infused both he and the assassin with the ability to fly.

"Let's move."


***


Flying through the air, Talon and Kiriel were easily able to evade the not-so-watchful eye of the Almas City Guards, the Eagle Knights largely dismissive of the idea that anyone could possibly pose a threat to their city - and, even among those who did, none of them really ever thought to look up. As such, it was 7 minutes of solid flying later, and a sizeable distance away from the city walls, when they spotted the RMAs. Pulling in close, they hovered 30 feet above the roving pair...

And something clattered on Talon's belt, leading both the RMA's heads to flash upward.



Roll for Initiative.


They beat Talon's stealth check by one point. Since this is a very small encounter and you're the only one playing, we're going to use traditional Initiative for this. Kiriel gets to act first, followed by both RMAs and then Talon. A map will be up shortly, but basically at this point you're flying 30 feet above the both of them.

[skypse]

Before Talon used his magic Kiriel put on his mask to hide his face from anyone that might see them. As soon as they flew close, he drew out his swords but right before he made his move the two men turned their heads towards him.

"Damn! Fast, take out the horses!"

Saying that, Kiriel flew like a dart straight for one of the horses, trying to cut through it so the rider would fall down and not run away.

Full round action charge attack, attacking the closest horse to Kiriel. If the horses are considered flat footed add 5d6 damage.
Charge Attack roll: [roll0]
Critical on 34-35: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Critical Damage: [roll3]
Sneak Attack (if horse is ff): [roll4]

[Lord Of Mantas]

With a snicker-snack, Kiriel's twin sawblades cut the first hapless RMA's horse to pieces, sending the assassin flying off into the dirt with an oof and causing the first horse to rear wildly. The second assassin, after looking first to the horizon and then to the Trailblazer, apparently decided that he would have a higher chance of surviving if he stayed and fought, and made to try and leap off his horse.

Unfortunately, the RMA's foot caught on the saddle horn, and though he managed to right himself he lost precious seconds. The second RMA, getting to his feet, subsequently gave Kiriel an opening to lay down some hurt on the hapless man. Determined to go down fighting, however, both swung a saber in Kiriel's direction...

RMA 2 Falling Damage: [roll0]

Kiriel's AoO vs. RMA 2 Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

RMA 1 Attack: [roll3]
RMA 1 Damage: [roll4]

RMA 2 Attack: [roll5]
RMA 2 Damage: [roll6]
Kiriel's attack found its mark, while the RMA's attacks were easily sidestepped. Talon, in the meantime, stayed flying, choosing the moment to unleash a magical ear-piercing scream at the second RMA...

Talon Spell Attack (vs. Fort): [roll7]
Sonic Damage: [roll8]
The scream found its way home, the red mantis visibly wincing in pain as the sonic scream dazed him.

You're up.

[skypse]

Kiriel laughed at the pointless efforts of the two assassins.

"So this is what the once glorious RMAs have become? 2 wimps that can't even land an attack? You disgust me. Don't kill them. We are going to need them for later"

With a swift swirl Kiriel attacked both the RMAs hitting them carefully in order to just make them faint.

Free action to activate boots of haste (9/10 remaining)
Full attack Action


Attack 1: [roll0]
Critical on 32-34: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Critical Damage: [roll3]

Attack 2: [roll4]
Critical on 35-36: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Critical Damage: [roll7]

Two-Weapon Fighting: [roll8]
Critical on 27-29: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]
Critical Damage: [roll11]

Improved Two-Weapon Fighting: [roll12]
Critical on 30-31: [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]
Critical Damage: [roll15]

Attack from Haste: [roll16]
Critical on 35-36: [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]
Critical Damage: [roll19]

Kiriel will start attacking at the injured RMA (R2) and once that RMA drops unconscious he will turn to the other. He only attacks until they fall unconscious and not to slay them.
New AC from Haste: 31 until my next turn

[Lord Of Mantas]

With a series of quick strikes, Kiriel lashed out at the RMAs, downing the second - who fell to the ground, unconscious and bleeding - and severely crippling the first, who lashed out in turn.

RMA 1 spends a Ki point to gain 1 extra attack.

Attack 1: [roll0]
Attack 2: [roll1]
Attack 3: [roll2]

Damage 1: [roll3]
Damage 2: [roll4]
Damage 3: [roll5]
Despite Kiriel being much quicker than the RMA, one lucky strike found its way through his armor, leaving a gash down his chest.

Meanwhile, Talon lashed out with another spell, spewing magic missiles from his fingers at the conscious assassin.

Magic Missile 1: [roll6]
Magic Missile 2: [roll7]
Magic Missile 3: [roll8]
Magic Missile 4: [roll9]
Magic Missile 5: [roll10]
And because he failed his CON check, RMA 2 is now at Negative 8 HP.

[skypse]

Kiriel stares the assassin that attacked him while he was dropping the other one down.

"Too bad you couldn't finish it. You won't have another chance"


Full Attack action on the standing RMA

Attack 1: [roll0]
Critical on 34-36: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Critical Damage: [roll3]

Attack 2: [roll4]
Critical on 37-38: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]
Critical Damage: [roll7]

Two-Weapon Fighting: [roll8]
Critical on 27-29: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]
Critical Damage: [roll11]

Improved Two-weapon Fighting: [roll12]
Critical on 20-21: [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]
Critical Damage: [roll15]

Kiriel turns to Talon: "We need to stabilize them, break their legs so they can't escape and wake them up."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Talon looked at Kiriel curiously as he suggested stabilizing the two Red Mantis', touching down to earth. "Honestly, it seems less risky to just try to read what they've got written down, but alright. I'll warn you, I haven't got any spells for this, so we're both going to have to do it manually."Touching down beside the first Red Mantis Kiriel had killed, he began haphazardly tearing off strips of the RMA's outfit to try and bind his wounds...

Talon performs an untrained DC 15 Heal check on RMA 2 to Stabilize him.

Heal: [roll0]

RMA 1 Stabilization Check: [roll1]
RMA 2 Stabilization Check if Talon fails: [roll2]
Surprisingly, Talon proved to be better than he thought at stabilizing the bleeding-out assassin, and in seconds he was bandanged up and the wounds had stopped gushing. Similiarly, the other one no longer appeared to be bleeding out either, having managed to stabilize on his own.

Tottering off to the side of the road, Talon soon returned with two large rocks.

"Breaking the leg of either of these ones will probably wake them up, so I recommend we start off with just one. You pick him, and we'll both bash a leg on three."

You may also elect to ask your first question when you post to bash.

[skypse]

"Pffff actually nevermind. Help me tie them up. We tie the one who was in the tavern like a deer and put the dead horse on top of him so he can't escape and let him sleep. We'll tie the other one on that tree and wake him up to ask him questions. Meanwhile let's take all their items and clothes so they won't have anything to attack us with. Keep in mind that RMAs have some magical training so he might try to use magic on you. Do you have any magical abilities to affect his mind so he talks to us easier?"

Kiriel searches the two men for any information on their identities or their mission while he and Talon remove their equipment and clothes. After they secure the first assassin lying under the dead horse and Talon works his magic on the tied up RMA, Kiriel wakes him up.
"Good morning sunshine. Sorry for that but you didn't seem like you would hear what I had to say otherwise. Would you care to explain what you're doing here and what exactly is this paper I'm holding?"
*shows him the paper that he handed to the one in the tavern*

Just to clarify, the one who was waiting in the tavern is now under the horse tied up and the other one who had the letter initially is the one we are questioning that is tied up on the tree.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Working quickly, Talon pulled the dead horse, the still-living horse (which, for some reason, had not run off screaming into the night), and both red mantises off to the side of the road. The horse corpse was promptly placed on the first of the unconscious assassins, while the second was lashed to a nearby tree, as per Kiriel's instructions. Both, of course, were relieved of all their possessions, which were piled unceremoniously into a heap, and Talon was able to find the scrap of paper that had been previously bandied about, handing it to Kiriel. Examining the note, it took a while to decipher, mostly because the assassin who'd written it had very messy handwriting.


Target: Jarlisa Hermedas
Place: Summer Mansion, 3 miles north of Almas

Plan is to go in the rear entrances. I'm assigned to go in first, subdue a guard, and then either bluff the rest into going elsewhere or draw their attention while Vain Narwhal and Laughing Panther sneak in. Vain Narwhal, who I'm going to rendezvous with, will attempt to disguise himself as a cook and poison the pheasant - with any luck, we'll take out the People's Voice and several others at the same time without even having to show ourselves. Laughing Panther has the riskiest job of all of us, and that is to disguise himself as one of the target's bodyguards. If all else fails, the master, Screaming Pheonix, is waiting inside the Voice's panic room - where he will be awaiting our target as she attempts to retreat to safety.
This style of codename seems unfamiliar to you, as it was not in use when you were a trainee. However, Screaming Pheonix seems vaguely unsettling, as it reminds you of an old saying of your masters.

"Even if one of you should fall in the line of duty, as a herald of Achaekaek, you will never falter - for like a pheonix, we arise screaming from the ashes of defeat, to subsume our enemies in the glorious explosion that results."

+1 Keen Sawtooth Saber
2x +1 Sawtooth Sabers with Effortless Lace wrapped around the handles
+1 Agile Sawtooth Saber
2x Red Stalker Armor
2x Scroll of Alter Self
[roll0] Platinum Pieces
Working his magic on the unconscious mantis, Talon then poured a potion of healing down his mouth ("Not going to get any info out of him otherwise.") and jostled him awake. Blearily, he blinked before perking up at Kiriel's question.


"Good morning, sunshine. Sorry for that, but you didn't seem like you would hear what I had to say otherwise. Would you care to explain what you're doing here and what exactly is this paper I'm holding?"
The assassin shrugged. "Never could keep all the mission requirements straight if I didn't write them down - awful memory for names, in particular. I'm good enough with a saber for them to keep me on despite that." The assassin looked upward. "I'd say the others will be arriving relatively soon - in about half an hour, or so I'd guess. If we don't arrive they're due to infiltrate on their own and proceed with the plan."

Happy New Year, skypse! Sorry about not updating yesterday, but by the time I got around to it I was really tired and lacked the mental focus to put together anything coherent.

[skypse]

Kiriel stayed silent for a moment thinking over what the assassin was telling him. Eventually he takes out his waterskin and pours some into the assassin's mouth.

"Here, drink some. ....... So, it seems that only you 4 are part of the plan right? That Screaming Phoenix guy you said is your master? Could you describe him?"

He takes a moment after the assassin gives him the description and then whispers to Talon

"Check this message. It seems like they really want her dead if they plan out 3 additional plans. Using people just because they are good with the sword is unlike the RMAs. I believe all of these is just a diversion so they will raise the alarm and let the master take care of everything in the panic room. Do you think you can disguise yourself as the other guy?"

After the assassin drinks and speaks, Kiriel turns back to him.

"Where is the randevouz point with the others? Is it far from here? How would you recognize each other?"

Feel free to roll yourself any diplomacy rolls you deem necessary. The modifier is +16

[Lord Of Mantas]

The assassin drank gratefully from Kiriel's waterskin.

"Thank you, friend. Not quite like being untied, but I was pretty thirsty. Screaming Pheonix... I only saw him once, and he was in his full garb. I did see a little of his appearance as he was adjusting his mask, however - he's got black salt-and-pepper hair, and there was a scar on his left ear - jagged, and going up to the tip. Had a bit of a reverberant baritone voice, from what I remember."

Kiriel noted that this was consistent with his master's appearance. At his question, Talon nodded and smiled grimly.

"With one of these scrolls? Easy as pie."

To his second question, the red mantis replied, "The rendezvous point is on top a hill to the north of the mansion, beneath an oak tree with a symbol of Achaekek carved into the bark. Can't miss it - it's one of the only trees on the hill, and it's right near the peak. Apart from Screaming Pheonix, we've never seen each other, so there's a password and counterphrase. The password is 'beware the green monkey', and the counterphrase is 'He barks at midnight'."

[skypse]

"Hmmm... From what I understand they just need you guys to create a diversion. As you can tell by my gear and mask I am a former member of the RMAs. Got through the training like nobody before me. Trust me when I say that the RMAs have so much faith in themselves that they never need a 3rd backup plan. It seems to me like their original plan is for Screaming Phoenix to assassinate the People's Voice in the Panic Room after you guys fail. I mean do you have any idea what kind of security will be at that party??? I'll tell you what: How about my friend here disguises himself as your partner, you go with him to the randevouz point and I follow you invisible behind and after you meet with the Screaming Phoenix and the other poor sacrificial soul we take the Phoenix down all together. Noone will live to tell the story and if you prove yourself worthy I can arrange a job meeting for you with the great Christoph Carloman himself so you can join the ranks of The Trailblazer's League. I bet you've heard of them right? They are like the biggest thing in all of Andoran nowadays."



[roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

The assassin could not help but look rather uncomfortable at Kiriel's suggestion.

"...leave the Mantis'? No-one leaves the Mantis'. Well, you said you did, but still, the very idea! But then again, you have a point about this whole 'multiple assassins being unusual' thing..."

The assassin contemplated the suggestion a while longer.

"Very well. I'll do it. We'll have to move quickly, though, because if we weren't all there by a certain time, the instructions were to go in anyway."

Kiriel deduced that the assassin appeared to be honest. Before the assassin could be released, Talon pulled Kiriel aside briefly and whispered in his ear.

"Just so you know, the spell I used will last more than long enough for us to take care of this - about 9 hours - but after it wears off? He's probably going to try to attack you again. Just thought you should know."

[skypse]

"Well I guess that we either have 9 hours to make him truly like us, or we just have 1 more body to get rid of. In any case, he is of much use given the fact that he can take a hit or two from the others instead of us."

Kiriel turns back to the assassin and starts untying him. They afterwards give him his clothes, armor and the two sabers with the lace while he puts everything else back in his backpack. He turns to Talon and asks:

"Do you happen to know any spells to summon a horse or something similar? We need to hurry and the others most probably are waiting for 2 riders to arrive."


.....................

While on the road Kiriel asks the assassin:


"So how should we call you? My name is Jamie and this is my friend Talon. Do you have a name or just a funny nickname like the rest of them?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

At Kiriel's question regarding a horse, Talon shook his head.

"I'm a Norgorborian. Most of my spells are specialized toward killing people quickly and quietly, and escaping the same way. Summoning's usually counterproductive to that." He looked to the horse. "That horse looks reasonably strong. It can probably carry the three of us - slower than full speed, mind, but it's better than walking." He then scratched his chin.

"Although... there is another way. I was saving this for a rainy day, but this is a bit of a drizzly situation." Talon pulled out a scroll. "Now that we've taken care of these two, there's no reason for us not to get there as quickly as possible - and this scroll of Greater Teleport would let us do just that. 'course, I'd have to bill you for a replacement. Bit of a discount, though, for a regular - 1000 gp."

I almost moved you along, but then it occurred to me that you might want a say in the two choices, or present another.

Once you move to the next 'scene', you will be officially halfway done! Congrats!

[Lord Of Mantas]

With Kiriel's acceptance of the Greater Teleport, Talon cut the Red Mantis loose. The assassin dusted himself off before turning to Kiriel.

"The Red Mantis call me Creeping Ocelot, but you may call me Bram."

Gathering the two around, Talon hit Bram with several charges from a wand of healing...

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]

...before opening the scroll, light swirling around the group. "<GREATER TELEPORT!>"


***


A flash of light enveloped them, and when it had disappeared, Kiriel took in his surroundings. They were on a hill exactly like Bram had described, on the norther face. Looking around to the south, Kiriel could make out a large mansion, its windows alight and sounds of music and laughter rolling over the hills. Off in the distance, a few carriages could be seen arriving at the entrance in the dim lamplight.

Apart from him, Talon, and Bram, there was no-one else upon the Hill.

[skypse]

"Are we late?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Bram scanned the hill.

"I doubt it. There's no tracks, and judging by the position of the moon..." The assassin gazed up. "Yeah, we're early."

[skypse]

"Very well then. Talon, use your magic to disguise yourself before they get here. Also take that guy's swords and clothes to be precise. Bram, you scout for them and warn us when they are here. I'm going to hide up on the tree and when they come close I'll turn invisible and climb down. As soon as I give the order, we take them down. Try not to slaughter them, especially the Screaming Phoenix. He might prove useful."

Take 10 to climb the tree, Invisibility as soon as they are within 2 minutes of distance.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Bram gave a mock salute before hurrying off into the northern forest, eager to carry out Kiriel's orders. Talon then turned to the assassin.

"If you need me, I'll be hiding over in that bush and wondering how the heck I got into this mess. Before anything, though..." Talon pulled out a wand, and expending three charges, healed Kiriel's wounds. "If we're going to do this, we'll need to be full up on healing."


***


The minutes ticked by. To Kiriel and Talon, they seemed like centuries. Their only company a light breeze rustling through the branches in the shrubbery on the hill and the gleaming light of the moon, the two members of Norgorber's Circle watched... and waited.

Lilting laughter, as well as the beginnings of music, trailed out over the hill from the Voice's mansion. The contrast between it and what the two anticipated made it all the more eerie.

And then, the silence was broken by a twang.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Poison (vs Fort.): [roll2]
If unsuccessful at save, Talon will be Staggered for: [roll3] rounds.
Out of nowhere, a crossbow bolt buried itself into Talon's bicep. However, the poison it was carrying did not make its way into the wizard's veins, and so he was left with a mere flesh wound.

"You are not who I expected to find."

As the invisibility vanished, Kiriel's eyes flickered to the appearing character at the base of the hill - and recognized him instantly.

He was older, to be sure - a little more weather-worn, one or two scars extra where there had not been before, and there was more grey in his hair than Kiriel remembered. But it was him. His old master.

"I have to give the Mantis you suborned credit - he actually managed to spot us before we spotted him. Unfortunately, one stray stick is all it takes. He is in our lord's hands now." Dropping the crossbow he had been holding out of his right hand, the master slammed his Red Mantis mask down over his face.

"It matters not. I shall kill you, and then, if what that dying coward told me is true, I shall track down that wayward little cub of mine. It is time to end that hunt, once and for all."

As the assassin advanced toward Talon, it struck Kiriel that, against all odds, his master appeared to not have noticed him.

"I am a pheonix. And with my scream, I will immolate all who stand before me."

Drawing his left sword, a sching! sound rent the air, and the wind picked up. Out in the distance, a choir began singing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5ZY8Fz9GGU).

Kiriel remembered that term - 'cub' had been his master's old way of addressing him. Initially, he had taken it as a term of mild affection. Eventually, it had begun to chafe as Kiriel began to grow dissatisfied with the order.

Roll for Initiative.

Kiriel is up first, then Screaming Pheonix, then Talon.

[skypse]

Kiriel was stunned. Everything happened so quickly. He blamed himself for the operation's failure. He shouldn't have trusted all their hopes for an ambush on an incompetent assassin. He needed to think fast, to act before his location was given away. He quickly activated his mask to be able and see invisible creatures. He then used his innate magic power to cast glitterdust to create a momentary confusion. He knew his master wouldn't buy that it wasn't Kiriel who did that, but even the slightest flinch would be enough to give Talon some precious seconds to defend himself.

If the See Invisibility does not reveal any other threats nearby, Kiriel will move out of his hiding place and cast his Glitterdust SLA before moving to Y14. Otherwise, he will do so, still hiding. SLAs have no verbal components so he wouldn't give away his position.

As part of move action Kiriel unsheathes his swords.

Standard Action: Spell Attack VS Will: [roll0]

[Lord Of Mantas]

As the glitterdust covered him, Screaming Pheonix shielded his eyes, protected from the spells blinding effects - and no sooner had he re-opened them than his eyes latched onto Kiriel once again.

Kiriel (Stealth): 22
Screaming Pheonix (Perception): 33

Ouchie.
"Ah! So you join us after all, little cub! A cunning plan from you, as usual, though it seems your sneaking skills still leave something to be desired."

Talon took a few steps back. "Okay, sparkleass. I don't care what sort of honor thing you've got between the two of you, I'm breaking out the big guns."

In a quick kata, he mimed plunging a dagger into his chest, then quickly vibrated it.

<PHANTASMAL KILLER!>

Will Attack: 14
Fortitude Attack: 11

Double ouchie.
Gritting his teeth, Screaming Pheonix shook off the spell with no ill effects whatsoever. "I am of the Red Mantis, Herald of He Who Walks In Blood, and my will shall not be shattered by some token enchantment. Now, little cub, let us settle this in a proper contest - a duel of sabers!"

Rushing toward Kiriel, Screaming Pheonix lunged forward with a sword...

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Only for Kiriel to side-step it with ease.

"Well, it seems your swordsmanship has not suffered, at the very least."

[skypse]

"You are as arrogant as ever old man. And despite your spirit, your body can't follow anymore. I have grown to surpass you as I was always destined to do so. And just like the forgotten legend of the Phoenix bird, you will be forgotten. Soon enough the RMAs will fall and perish; and the last words you will ever hear are "Bow before the glory of The Trailblazer's League. Those who will destroy chaos and anarchy." Now, die."



Activate Boots of Speed (8/10 left for the day)
Improved Two-Weapon Feint: Bluff roll: [roll0] VS 10+BAB+WIS mod or 10+Sense motive if he is trained in Sense Motive.

Attack 2: [roll1]
Critical on 33-36: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Critical Damage: [roll4]
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll5]

Attack 3: [roll6]
Critical on 22-23: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
Critical Damage: [roll9]
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll10]

Attack 4: [roll11]
Critical on 28-31: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]
Critical Damage: [roll14]
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll15]

Bonus Haste Attack: [roll16]
Critical on 37-38: [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]
Critical Damage: [roll19]
Sneak Attack Damage: [roll20]

If he drops down from any of those attacks, Kiriel will not stop attacking him. Slice the ****er up.

[Lord Of Mantas]

It was a furious clash of swords as Kiriel unleashed a flurry of attacks against his former master. Forced onto the defensive, the assassin's former teacher blocked one, then the other... but then Kiriel struck with his boot, and caught off guard, the teacher took a blow to the left arm. Then one to the right. Another across the chest, a dodge, but then it left him open...

*schllurk*

Impaled as he was on Kiriel's saber, Screaming Pheonix could do little more than cough up blood, gargling as he attempted to speak. Surprise, pain, sorrow, all were visible in his eyes. And... maybe just a little pride...

At last, with a weak sputter, he was able to speak.

"And so the circle of life continues..."

The spark in his eyes dimmed, and he was unable to speak in more than a whisper.

"Farewell... Kiriel..."

And with a mighty *sching!* and a great pull, Kiriel completely bisected the Red Mantis' body vertically, the spray of blood creating a morbidly beautiful arc in the moonlight. As Screaming Pheonix fell to the ground, all was still. The breeze had died down, and the moon shone brightly, big and pale.

Then, Kiriel looked up. Was the moon growing larger?..

It was. Rapidly, rapidly, it was going to crash, all was violent, all was bright!..

Consumed by a cloud of magic, an explosion rocked the hill, and when it subsided, Kiriel was no longer there.


***


http://1920x1080hdwallpapers.com/image/201508/games/1772/assassins-creed-alamut-arabic-mountain-art-snowfall-650x366.jpg

Gradually, Kiriel's senses returned to him, and he opened his eyes.

He was lying, he gathered, upon a grey clifftop, the night dark and cold before him and the sky cloudless. Looking above, he saw a huge, blue-gray moon looming over the earth. And was that the visage of a skull in it?..

Getting to his feet, Kiriel felt the wind blowing through his hair, and shivered as the cold wind bit into his flesh. Looking down the sheer cliff face, thousands of feet below, he could see a perfect, circular city, divided into sections like a pie. Wherever he was, it certainly couldn't be Andoran.

And that was when he heard the chittering.


http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w431/LordOfMantas/Achaekek_zpsfhaxediw.jpg

Looking above and behind, he saw the colossal, blood-red mantis looking down on him, its head cocked to the side as it peered at him through compound eyes.

<LITTLE CLAW.>

Achaekek advanced step by step, ever so slowly. As he chittered and hummed in his insectoid language, Kiriel realized that the Red Mantis God had to be transferring his thoughts directly into his mind.

<I HAVE NEVER BEEN ONE TO ACTIVELY SEEK OUT WORSHIPPERS. I HAVE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT TASKS. BUT YOU... IT IS NOT OFTEN, I THINK THAT PEOPLE LEAVE THE RED MANTIS. AND YET, AFTER YOU LEFT, YOU SEEM TO HAVE SURPASSED SO MANY OF THEM.>

He Who Walks In Blood was almost upon Kiriel, his claws snapping.

<YOU BELONG BACK WITH ME, LITTLE CLAW. TOGETHER, WE COULD ACCOMPLISH SO MUCH...>

"AND YOU BELONG ELSEWHERE."

Whirling around, Kiriel noted that he and Achaekek were not alone. At the opposite end of the plateau on which he stood, a colossal woman with skin the color of ash and hair as white as snow sat on an enormous throne, hewn from solid rock. She wore a black, hooded dress with red accents, and had an hourglass sitting at her right hand with a dagger at her left.


http://shadowspirits.pbworks.com/f/1336954886/Pharasma.jpg


Achaekek's head swiveled toward the Lady of Graves.

<HE IS MINE, PHARASMA. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING HIM.>

"AS HAVE I, AND IT WAS I WHO CLAIMED HIM FIRST, WHO BROUGHT HIM INTO MY DOMAIN. WHICH YOU ARE INTRUDING ON - OR HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THAT THIS IS NEUTRAL GROUND?"

Achaekek bristled visibly, but at last backed down.

<WE WILL MEET AGAIN, LITTLE CLAW.>

And so the Red Mantis skittered over the edge of the cliff, clicking and chirping off in the distance before a plume of magic indicated his return to his home plane. Pharasma, letting out a huff of relief, turned her attention to Kiriel.

"GREETINGS, AND WELCOME TO MY SPIRE, 'JAMIE'. OR SHOULD I PERHAPS CALL YOU BY YOUR TRUE NAME?"

[skypse]

Kiriel was out of words. He couldn't believe all this was happening. Trying to focus his mind in an attempt to resist what he thought was illusion magic, the Aasimar eventually realized that all this scenery was indeed reality.

"****.. This is more suitable for Stray and his ambitions. What am I doing here?"

He thought

Worried that the Goddess would be able to read his mind he replied while sheathing his swords.

"He Who Walks In Blood and The Lady Of Graves fighting over a mere Aasimar soul? It matters not how you will address me Goddess, I am but a mortal being who has long forgotten his celestial roots and has long lost hope of returning there. I assume you already know a lot about me, including my allegiance to The Circle and my denial of worshiping a Deity. However I mean no disrespect to the Goddess whose purpose is to keep in balance the dead and the living."

Kiriel paused for a moment, sitting down on the floor in a meditative position before continuing:

"I hope the reason you brought me here is not the body count I've sent towards your Heralds and you. But even if it is, I regret nothing of my years past the RMAs. Truth is great Pharasma, that my heart and soul rests upon one man and the family we have created together. Cristoph Carloman and The Trailblazer's League. Even in the face of death, even in the worst situation, nobody not even the whole Pantheon can or will change that. However I am no fool and I assure you I have complete knowledge of how this world is being run. Tell me what you need Goddess; and we shall discuss it."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Listening patiently as Kiriel addressed her, Pharasma then replied, her voice echoing across the vast emptiness.

"INDEED, I KNOW ALL THESE THINGS ABOUT YOU, KIRIEL, AND ALL THAT THERE EVER WILL BE ABOUT YOU - FOR I WOULD BE REMISS IN MY DUTIES AS THE MOTHER OF FATE AND ULTIMATE JUDGE OF THE DEAD IF IT WERE NOT SO. BUT I HAVE NOT BROUGHT YOU HERE TO BE JUDGED FOR YOUR DEEDS, AASIMAR - THE HOURGLASS OF YOUR LIFE HAS SAND IN IT YET."

Pharasma reached for the hourglass at her side and contemplated it briefly before setting it back down.

"NO, I HAVE BROUGHT YOU HERE FOR A DIFFERENT REASON ENTIRELY. RECENTLY, AN ASSOCIATE OF YOURS - PRINCE STRAY OF THE FEY - MADE A BLUFF SO AUDACIOUS, SO LUDICROUS AND BALDFACED IN ITS NATURE, THAT IT WARPED THE SPACE-TIME CONTINUUM AND ATTRACTED THE DIRECT ATTENTION OF THE DIVINES. THE 'ACCIDENTAL GOD'..."

Pharasma punctuated the final words with a note of mild exasperation.

"...IN PARTICULAR, SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN A SHINE TO THE PRINCE, AS WELL AS TO YOUR COMPANION BRIGITTE LESTRADE. YOU, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAVE CAPTURED MY ATTENTION, AS WELL AS THAT OF HE WHO WALKS IN BLOOD. TONIGHT, YOU SHOWED YOURSELF AS A TRUE HERALD OF DEATH - BRINGING IT, BUT NOT IN UNNECESSARY QUANTITIES, FAIR AND BALANCED IN ITS ARRIVAL. FOR THAT, I HAVE BROUGHT YOU HERE TO MY HOME, THE BONEYARD, TO GIVE YOU A WARNING."

"IN THREE MONTHS TIME, ASMODEUS WILL ATTEMPT TO ENACT A PLAN TO USURP THE NATURE OF CREATION, AND THROW THE ENTIRETY OF THE PLANES OF EXISTENCE OUT OF BALANCE - A HELL ON THE MATERIAL PLANE, AND IN ALL PLANES."

Pharasma frowned for the first time.

"IN ADDITION TO BEING A PERVERSION OF THE NATURAL ORDER, TO PLUNDER THE BONEYARD, I HAVE FELT THE STRINGS OF FATE VIBRATING. FOR THE GOOD OF ALL CREATION, THIS PLAN MUST BE STOPPED. AS SUCH, I HAVE BROUGHT YOU HERE TO TELL YOU THAT, NO MATTER WHAT, YOU MUST ALL REMAIN COHESIVE AS A GROUP, AND ACT AS ONE, WHEN THE TIME COMES - FOR THIS IMBALANCE CANNOT STAND."

The Lady of Graves paused to let this sink in.

"THERE IS ALSO A BOON I WOULD GRANT YOU, IF YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT IT - BUT FIRST, YOU MUST PROVE YOU ARE WORTHY OF IT."

[skypse]

"So the Accidental Prince got the attention of the Accidental God you say? You must be talking about the Woodshaven incident. Not to take anything away from the boy, but that dragon god of chaos, blabbering and yelling was in a pretty weak form so the whole story wouldn't have ended any differently. Anyway...."

Kiriel takes a minute to focus himself. He was relieved that he wasn't there to be judged, but he was still talking with a deity. He remained calmed and collected, but deep down he was so excited and terrified at the same moment.

"For centuries now mortal beings have been the pawns in the grand chess table of you Gods and Goddesses. What you classify as evil and unfair makes pacts with so-called "lawful" Gods. Or need I remind you who is the one holding the Key of Abadar's vault? It seems odd that the most bureaucrat God would go into the trouble of opposing all of you, especially after the incident with that monster you imprisoned. In any case I am not a lorekeeper and to be honest with you I don't believe most of the stories that each cult says. After all what is the meaning of being a Deity if even a drunk human can become one by accident?

You don't need to worry about my family breaking apart. I already told you that this will never happen. Some of us might be impulsive or have selfish motives sometimes, but we are loyal to each other with similar goals and mutual respect. Our family will only grow, never extinct.

However you want to present it, the matter at hand is that you have a job for The League. And that boon of yours sounds like the payment for the job. And I am sure Cristoph would hate me if I ever declined a payment; if anything he would want me to barter with other Gods and collect more boons instead, but you don't seem as stupid as those orcs. So go on Keeper Of Balance, tell me what you need of me and my family and what is in for us to save the whole Golarion for a second time in 1 year?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Pharasma leaned forward as Kiriel spoke.

"DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS, KIRIEL. IT IS TRUE THAT ASMODEUS STOOD WITH US AGAINST ROVAGUG, BUT THAT WAS LESS A MATTER OF CARING FOR CREATION AND MORE BECAUSE HE CANNOT RULE OVER IT IF THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO RULE OVER."

"AS TO WHAT I NEED YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO DO, THERE ARE TWO SIMPLE OBJECTIVES. WHILE I CANNOT REVEAL TOO MUCH, LEST THE ENEMY GET WORD THAT YOU KNOW AND ALTER THEIR PLANS, I WILL REVEAL WHAT I CAN. FIRST, KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS SHARP, AND YOUR BLADES READY, AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE, FOR TROUBLE WILL FIND YOU WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. SECOND, WHEN IT DOES ARRIVE, YOU WILL FIND THAT THE TROUBLE COMES FROM TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS - ONE DARK, ONE ROUGH. THE ADHERENTS OF THE FORMER SEEK AN ITEM OF GREAT POWER, DELIBERATELY MISLEAD BY THE SECOND. THE ITEM CANNOT AFFORD TO LEAVE ITS RESTING PLACE."

"AS TO WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU..." Pharasma frowned. "FOR YOU AS IN MANKIND, YOU ALL GET TO CONTINUE EXISTING, AND NOT BE UNDER THE THRALL OF A DEMON LORD OR OBLITERATED INTO COSMIC DUST. FOR YOU SPECIFICALLY..."

The plateau between Pharasma and Kiriel began to widen significantly, Pharasma growing further and further away. Then, out of the ground, by sheer divine will, a massive sanctum spread, and the ground behind Kiriel crumbled away until there was nothing behind him but a formless, endless void.

"THE BOONS THAT I OFFER YOU ARE NOT SO MUCH PAYMENT FOR YOUR SERVICES AS THEY ARE AN ASSURANCE TO HELP YOU SUCCEED. HOWEVER, TO ENSURE THAT I AM PLACING MY FAITH IN SOMEONE WHO IS WORTHY OF MY POWER, I WOULD HAVE YOU COMPLETE A SERIES OF TESTS. WITHIN THIS SANCTUM ARE FOUR ROOMS, EACH LADEN WITH GUARDS AND CHALLENGES. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR WAY THROUGH THESE ROOMS TO MY THRONE AT THE END. THE DOOR AT THE END OF EACH ROOM WILL ONLY END UNDER ONE OF TWO CONDITIONS - ALL THE GUARDS MUST HAVE BEEN DEFEATED, OR THEY MUST NOT BE AWARE OF YOUR LOCATION. IN THE OFF-CHANCE THAT FIGHTING THEM BECOMES NECESSARY, AND IT AFFECTS YOUR CONSCIENCE, KNOW THAT THEY ARE PROJECTIONS OF MY WILL - THEY ARE NOT ACTUAL SOULS. FOR EACH ROOM YOU MAKE IT THROUGH, YOU WILL RECEIVE A BOON, WITH THE BOON GROWING LARGER AS YOU PROGRESS."

"ALTERNATIVELY, SHOULD YOU NOT WISH TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE, SIMPLY STEP BACKWARDS INTO THE VOID. YOU WILL FALL BACK TO THE MATERIAL PLANE, AND AWAKEN AS IF IT HAD ALL BEEN MERELY A DREAM. THE SAME WILL HAPPEN SHOULD YOU FALL IN BATTLE WHILE WITHIN THE SANCTUM."

[skypse]

"Well, life is just a never-ending stream of experience and learning right? I guess I could use some exercise after all."

Kiriel stands up from his position and adjusts his armor and clothes.

"I will proceed with your trials Goddess of Balance but I need to know a couple of things before I do so. First of, what is going on in the Material Plane right now? I bet Talon wouldn't be happy with my absence and to be honest I would like to have the honor and joy of looting my former mentor's corpse. Has time stopped there? I have no idea how interplanary travel works in such situations. Secondly, do I have to just walk through your guards or do I have to do something else while I am in each room? I am not the type to just march into unknown areas. That's more the field of the Accidental Prince. Third, you said that I can go on without killing, but if I get spotted I have to kill everything in the room. Does this apply only for each respective room or in case they spot me in room 3 I have to wipe out the rest of the rooms as well?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

"TIME CONTINUES BACK ON THE MATERIAL PLANE; TALON WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS FROM THE BLAST FROM THE SPELL LAST I CHECKED. YOUR FORMER MENTOR'S CORPSE, BEING IN PROXIMITY TO YOU WHEN THE SPELL WAS CAST, CAME HERE TO THE BONEYARD WITH YOU; I WILL SEND IT BACK TO THE MATERIAL PLANE WHEN YOU LEAVE."

"FOR THE FIRST TWO ROOMS, YOU NEED MERELY REACH THE EXIT; HOWEVER, FOR THE FINAL TWO, THERE ARE SPECIAL OBJECTIVES I WILL ASK YOU TO COMPLETE. I WILL TELL YOU THEM ONCE YOU ENTER THE ROOMS. AND FINALLY, IN REGARDS TO YOUR LAST QUESTION, IT INDEED ONLY APPLIES TO THE RESPECTIVE ROOM YOU WERE SPOTTED IN - BUT, IF THE FIGHT IS TOO GREAT, YOU NEED NOT NECESSARILY KILL ALL OF THEM. MERELY DISTRACT THEM, LOSE THEIR LINE OF SIGHT AGAIN, AND THAT WILL ALSO WORK."

Creaking open the door, Kiriel was struck by a sense of forboding as he rushed forward, taking cover behind a 10-foot long chest high wall. The room was rather small, only about 40 feet long, with a large stone column in the center. And then, it stepped out from behind the column.

The psychopomp - for that was the name, Kiriel thought after some effort, of the outsiders who resided in the boneyard - looked very much like a morbidly beautiful woman, clad in spider silk and leaning upon a staff topped by a giant spider. Savage fetishes hung from her form, mummifying her angular face.

Kiriel felt the touchings of telepathy stirring his mind.

<THE FIRST CHALLENGE IS MORE OF A WARM-UP THAN ANYTHING. SNEAK PAST THE ONE GUARD AND TOUCH THE DOOR. BE AWARE, HOWEVER... SHE IS VERY, VERY PERCEPTIVE. AND HER STAFF STRIKES ARE GOING TO HURT A LOT MORE THAN YOUR MENTOR'S SABERS.>

[skypse]

"This seems easy"

Kiriel thought

"Ok, lets give it a try shall we?"

Kiriel walked invisible towards the door, fast but steady so he wouldn't give away his position.

Free Action to activate boots of speed (7/10 left for today) to gain 60 speed.

Standard action to cast Invisibility and move action to walk towards the door thanks to your behind-the-scenes stealth roll :)

[Lord Of Mantas]

The simulacrum of a psychopomp peered southwest, waiting for the sign of the assassin whose way she had been asked to bar, her abilities at the ready.

It never came.

One must first realize something is there to be alerted to it, and with hardly a though, Kiriel snuck past the her, touching the door. Immediately, the psychopomp merged back into the essence of the boneyard, and Kiriel felt the strings of thought plucking at his mind again.

<EXCELLENT. I WOULD HAVE BEEN CONCERNED IF YOU HAD FAILED TO PASS THAT ROOM. FROM HEREON OUT, YOU WILL FIND YOUR STEPS EVER-SO-SLIGHTLY LIGHTER, YOUR ABILITY TO BLEND INTO THE SHADOWS INCREASED.>

For sneaking past the psychopomp, you gain a permanent +1 trait bonus to Stealth.
Entering the next room, Kiriel ducked down behind yet another set of chest-high boxes. An empty liquor bottle stood atop the one to the left. Looking around, Kiriel noted the room was about 20 feet high, and filled with about 8 different 10-foot-high crates that were standing atop raised platforms. Looking down, Kiriel realized that each platform had a crawlspace beneath it, big enough for a man to hide in by going prone. Then, he spotted them. Another four psychopomps, but different in form from the first. These ones were shaped like hunchbacks, with the horns of a ram and giant snail-like shells on their backs.

All around the southern, eastern, and western edges of the room, a 10-foot deep moat of water stood.

<TO THIS ROOM, THERE ARE TWO EXITS, EACH OF WHICH WILL TAKE YOU TO THE NEXT CHALLENGE. YOU NEED ONLY REACH ONE OF THEM.>

[skypse]

"Thank you for that Keeper. I will make good use of your gifts"

Kiriel lied down to the floor, and started crawling towards the right door. Once he reached the second set of crates, he gathered his mental energy to use the special arcane training of the RMA and summon a couple of Giant Mantises to create a diversion. Once the Psychopomps were attracted by the creatures, Kiriel took the opportunity and reached for the door.

ok so I'll roll my stealth adding 40 from invisibility and normal modifier. Kiriel will summon 1d4+1 regular Giant Mantises to the squares AH78, AH79 and if I get lucky with the roll to their adjacent squares as well. Due to "Sudden Strike" special ability, once the mantises are summoned, they will get a full round action during the surprise round instead of a standard or move. They will attack the psychopomps and move away towards AF79. Once P4 moves away, Kiriel will go to the door.

Stealth: [roll0] Please let it be a good roll...

Mantises: [roll1]

[Lord Of Mantas]

The plan worked flawlessly.

Even if they had not been occupied fighting the mantises, the psychopomps, even with their enhanced senses, were completely unable to spot Kiriel, the assassin sneaking to the door quiet as a mouse.

<AN EXCELLENT USE OF RESOURCES - A MUST FOR ANY AGENT OF MINE. FROM NOW ON, WHEN YOU ARE IN BATTLE, YOUR BLADE, AS WELL AS THE CLAWS OF YOUR MANTISES, WILL STRIKE JUST A LITTLE QUICKER AND CUT A LITTLE DEEPER.>
You and your summons gain an additional +1 to both Attack and Damage.

Entering the next chamber, Kiriel was met with a much more challenging layout.

A raised stone platform, jutting out in the center of the room and shaped vaguely like a half-cylinder, dominated the chamber. Above, fixed into the cieling, a large spotlight shone down upon it, illuminating the four psychopomps on patrol.

<NOW IS WHEN THINGS START TO GET INTERESTING. ON THE EXTREME EAST AND WEST OF EACH ROOM, THERE IS A RED LEVER THAT WILL DEACTIVATE THE SPOTLIGHT YOU SEE ABOVE YOU. YOU MUST DEACTIVATE THE LIGHT BEFORE THE DOORS WILL OPEN. BUT BE WARNED - WHEN YOU DO, THE GUARDS WILL TRY TO TURN IT BACK ON. AND IF THE SPOTLIGHT SHINES DOWN ON YOU, THE GUARDS WILL ATTACK.>

The terrain bordered in yellow indicates where the spotlight is shining. If you are hiding beneath something, or inside something, it cannot detect you.

The terrain bordered by red borders indicates a 10-foot wall where the border is, while the orange border indicates a 5-foot wall. The red squares are the levers.

In the event you should desire to jam the levers to buy extra time, I will point out that the Disable Device skill allows you to do just that.

[skypse]

Kiriel enabled his armor's special ability and his body became light as a feather as the Aasimar started levitating. Slowly he flew over the room, avoiding the light and still invisible until he reached above the left lever where he started quietly and carefully working on the mechanism to jam it off. Then he quickly ascended again, flying towards the left door while the Psychopomps were trying to revert the situation.

Free action to activate fly from Celestial Armor. Double move action to go above the left lever.
Take 20 on Disable Device for a total of 35 (13 skill modifier +2 from Mwk thieve's tools) to try and jam the lever. If the lever gets jammed then Kiriel needs 1 round with a double move action to reach the door. If it doesn't get jammed with 35, then Kiriel will stick in the lever 1 of the swords he took from the 2 RMA he and Talon defeated and try to jam it using the sword as a counter-lever. If this doesn't work either, he will ascend and wait for his next move.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Flying over to the lever, Kiriel was able to both pull and jam it.

The reaction was immediate. All four psychopomps whirled toward the area of the lever, their eyes piercing through the darkness.

"He is here..."

"Yes, he has pulled the lever..."

"I sense his presence... But not his location..."

They turned to the location of the lever, sure to begin stalking over soon. That said, none of them actually seemed ot have spotted him as of yet.

Assuming you succeed in evading them, you will be able to open the door out.

[skypse]

Kiriel flew towards the door and touched it with a grin.

[Lord Of Mantas]

<IN THE SAME WAY THAT THEY ATTEMPTED TO SENSE YOU, YOU SHALL NOW BE ABLE TO SENSE OTHERS. FROM HEREON OUT, A LIMITED NUMBER OF TIMES A DAY, YOU SHALL BE ABLE TO SENSE THE SPIRITS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT HUMAN.>

You can now use Spiritsense (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid/archetypes/paizo---druid-archetypes/menhir-savant), as per the Menhir Savant ability, a number of times per day equal to your Charisma modifier.

<AND NOW... THE FINAL CHALLENGE APPROACHES.>

Entering the next room, Kiriel saw that there was a large fountain in the center, with two raised alcoves on either side. On those alcoves, two ladders went up into the rafters, and at the top of the cieling, just above the fountain, was a small green orb hanging from a rope.

More importantly, however, were the occupants of the room. Unlike the previous two rooms, the psychopomps here resembled the one he had seen in the very first room.

<FOR YOUR FINAL CHALLENGE, YOUR TASK SHALL BE TO SNEAK PAST ALL FOUR OF THEM AND RETRIEVE THE ORB. UNTIL YOU TOUCH IT TO THE DOOR, IT WILL NOT OPEN - AND TO MAKE THINGS MORE INTERESTING, I'VE ALERTED THEM THAT YOU ARE HERE, THOUGH THEY KNOWN NOT YOUR EXACT LOCATION. SO IF I WERE YOU, I'D FIND SOMEPLACE TO HIDE QUICK.>

Since they are now on alert, you will need to specifically outline your turns as if you were in combat - however, they are not as of yet knowledgeable of your exact location, so you would not have to fight them to get out.

[skypse]

Kiriel flew up high in the air to the top of the ceiling and started moving towards the gem. Once he was above it, he took a second to observe what the psychopomps were doing.

Double move action to reach the top of the ceiling and then fly right above the gem. I got 60 ft per move action so I believe it's enough. Feel free to roll any fly or stealth checks that I might need.

[Lord Of Mantas]

It was a simple matter for Kiriel to grab the orb, dangling gently as it was from the cord.

But then, the gazes of the psychopomps were drawn upward. For a moment, Kiriel's heart stopped, their sight boring straight through him.

"HE IS HERE..."

"HE MUST BE, IT IS GONE..."

"BUT I CAN'T SEE HIM..."

"THIS CALLS FOR SOME MAGIC..."

In unison, all of them cast a spell upon themselves, their eyes glowing briefly.

Thank distance modifiers, because your stealth roll was ridiculously low. 1 more pip on one of their dice and they'd have spotted you.

[skypse]

"****! They must be able to see me! I have to act fast!"

Kiriel activated his boots to gain a boost of speed and then flew like the wind towards the door and touched it with the orb in his hand.

Activate Haste (7/10 left for today)
This brings me to 90ft fly speed. I believe it is more than enough to reach the door.

[Lord Of Mantas]

He moved like the wind.

Eyes latched onto his body as he moved.

But before they could act, fully comprehend his presence... he touched the door.

Chance to Activate the Door before Combat Alert is initiated - 10%.

5.

You are one lucky son of a gun, skypse.

A chuckle reverberated throughout the room.

"SO YOU MADE IT THROUGH TO THE END. I CONFESS, I WAS FULLY EXPECTING TO SEE YOU TRY TO DISTRACT THEM AGAIN, RATHER THAN SIMPLY MAKING A DASH FOR THE DOOR - BUT IN THE FIELD, IF IT WORKS, ONE SHOULDN'T COMPLAIN."

The door, now touched by the orb, grew and grew, until it was 80 feet tall and 40 feet wide - yet, with a slight push, it creaked open.

And there she sat. The goddess of death herself, Pharasma, in all her glory. Even from far away, on the bluff where he had met her, Kiriel had known she was colossal - but up close, seeing was believing. Standing at least 60 feet tall, she lounged upon her throne, the dagger and hourglasses within arms reach.

"COME FORTH, KIRIEL, AND RECEIVE MY FINAL GIFT."

Dumbly, Kiriel obeyed, his body not quite under his own control. Pharasma reached out to him, a spark of divine power dancing upon her fingertips.

"AS THE LADY OF GRAVES, THE DOMAIN OF DEATH IS MINE TO CONTROL. LIFE IS MINE TO TAKE - AND A REPRIEVE, TO GRANT."

She touched his shoulder delicately. Kiriel felt his body thrumming with power.

"ONE TIME, AND ONE TIME ONLY, SHOULD YOU OR ANY OF YOUR COMRADES DIE IN BATTLE, I GRANT YOU THE GIFT OF ANOTHER CHANCE - TO RESTORE YOURSELF AT FULL HEALTH, INSTANTLY."

One time, and one time only, if someone else in the party dies, you may cast True Resurrection as a standard action that provokes an Attack of Opportunity. If you die, you come back alive again on the next turn, also as if by True Resurrection. You must actually die, and not fall to negative hit points, for the ability to activate on yourself.

The world was turning white again.

"NOW RETURN TO GOLARION ONCE MORE, AND REMEMBER: TO BE FOREWARNED IS TO BE FOREARMED."


***

The next thing Kiriel felt was the damp, dew-laden grass, the smell wafting up his nose and giving him an almost peaceful feel. Opening his eyes, he sat up to find that he was on the same hill where he had confronted his old master - Talon, it seemed, was nowhere to be found, though his teacher's body lay lifeless a few feet away. He then looked to the horizon. Dawn was coming, the first edge of the sun peeking over the distant hills.

It would be best to do anything of note and disappear before the light came.

+1 Mithril Breastplate
+1 Keen Sawtooth Sabre
+1 Sawtooth Sabre
Mask of the Mantis
Belt of Giant Strength +2
Effortless Lace
A drawing of Kiriel


***


"Extra, Extra! Read all about it! Attempt made on the life of the People's Voice!"

Once more in disguise, and nursing a cup of coffee and some pastries on the deck of The Succulent Eel, Kiriel reflected on what had happened. Apparently, if the news was anything to go by, the People's Voice had made it out alive after an unknown assailant had been taken out by an unknown wizard - no-one else had been hurt in the exchange, though a few had gotten trampled. Of course, Kiriel had much bigger things to worry about. Somehwere out there, great forces conspired against Golarion - and he and the Trailblazers were headed right into the storm.

But they'd make it out. They always did.


THE END
(For Now)




To Be Continued...


You have made it to the end of your side adventure!

You are now Level 12.