Renew the Pact: Time of our Lives, part 19
Log Info
- Title: Renew the Pact: Time of our Lives, part 19
- Emitter: Whirlpool
- Characters: Paenitia, Aryia, Seyardu, Lyme
- Place: Goldcoast of Veyshan, Tashraan, Akoniril's Residence and Auction Vaults
- Time: Friday, October 08, 2021, 9:13 PM
- Summary: The Time-tripping adventurers consult further with Akoniril, and obtain additional information regarding the Star. They are at a loss what to do, they may be time travellers, but they don't have all the time in the world. Finally, they decide to inspect the item storage area. They meet with the auction house staff and employ their ruse. The High Priestess of Taara wishes to put something up for auction, and they are her inspection team. They are taken to the vaults. The vaults are secure, the guards are professional. Yet, items are stolen, they know that. The question remains, will they wait to see who does it or do it themselves?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Paenitia 3'0" 34 Lb Halfling Female A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery. Aryia 4'8" 110 Lb Shadow Elf Female A heavily scarred mul with a curious look about her. Seyardu 5'6" 150 Lb Sith-Makar Female A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint. Lyme 7'2" 435 Lb Orc Butch Black-skinned oruch of suitable stature. Fallon 5'6" 145 Lb Half-Elf Male A short hooded man. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= NPCs of Note =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Akorinil 4'5" 98 LB Shadow Elf Female Diplomatic Delegate, Priestess of Taara -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the GM -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Whirlpool 5'0" Otyugh I am stinky! -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
previously
The Time Trippers continue to question Akoniril, and finally admit they need her help and share enough information to convince her to give it. She rents them a safe house, which they retreat to, and discuss the Auction list, their prior experiences, and what they might focus on for the next few days. The Star of Rune, remains an interesting object, that Akoniril is very cagey about. The auction list is nearly completely different from the one they remember on the day. Paenitia proposes that they could bribe, borrow, or steal the locations of the items from the Auction House, and then steal those and stack them where Akoniril can watch them. They review the murder they were accused of, and find the guards didn't give them much information at all. While still several steps behind, they are at least moving forward.
Especially when Akoniril relents and provides some information.
"Very well," she remarks, tiredly. "The Star is one of the items up for auction, yes, and it was one of particular interest to me. Really, I had assumed you'd be here for it as it belongs to Rune -- but it was looted during the Rune-Dran conflict some years ago by Dran soldiers. How it wound up here in Tashraan, who can say? But it might be we ll what draw Farland and Griva's eyes originally, or it could be what they sent you here for is what they sent you here for and it's all a big coincidence." She smiles.
"I do have to live down to expectations on *occasion*."
Lyme pauses for a moment. "What did it do?" A pause. "Assuming it was more than symbolic because Rune."
Aryia raises a brow at the explanation, her nodding at Lyme's push for an answer.
Paenitia mountain-climbs her way out of the upholstery, leaps to her feet and clanks about looking for something to drink. "I know nothing of this thing. It not even what they ask us here to buy, and the things Farland say he for, at least one of them change before we buy it."
Seyardu listens, growling a bit at the lie. "Did we not just say we need to work together? Please be clear with us. And by acting like that, you put everything into question again. So yes, tell us what you can about the star. Why do you care about some bauble from rune? There is a reason you are not saying."
The silverscale chuffs, and looks around the room. "This may work, but , I may be able to attempt a divination. Ask a question, but I should think what to ask. About the course of action we should be taking?"
"Ah, yes. A divination could help you," agrees Akorinil. "I'd suggest my own but somehow i doubt you'd trust the results." She smiles, eyes full of amusement.
"The Star was an item of ritualistic significance but little more. It was said to be a touchstone for the Sea of Mana. Unlikely, but possible." She shrugs.
Now
Aryia scratches her head. She understood that there is a thing called the Sea of Mana, but didn't have a clue how it was related. Or even what a touchstone was. She glances to the others, the more educated others, on the matter. Though, she does motion, "I don't know what that is." <Handspeech>
"A-ha!" Paenitia says, as if the information reveals all. "I recognize the touch stone. It is a stone, you touch. The other things, I am not the mage. Friend Dragon, what do you think?"
She turns her smiling mask towards Seyardu, who is also not 'a' or 'the' Mage, but could possibly know more. "It this a thing you hear of?"
Then, she strokes at the pencil beard of her mask, as if lost in thought, and actually searching her memory for anything relevant.
Fallon continues to sit and listen, having nothing to really contribute to the conversation. He wasn't a mage, or a cleric, and couldn't see the relevance of the Star any better than the others could... though something considered the 'touchstone' of anything sounded pretty significant. He just makes a displeased sound, like a grumpy cat.
GAME: Paenitia rolls knowledge/local: (18)+10: 28 GAME: Aryia rolls knowledge/local: (1)+2: 3 (EPIC FAIL)
In terms of Festivals involving the Star, mentions of it or uses it was put too, the Dark Lucht doesn't know of any directly. She ponders, chances are it played a role in Rune's various rites if it was a sign post to the Sea of Mana. Also, it's probably not a coincidence that all this timefuckery and weirdness surrounds an object of Runish ritual significance. She decides to share her thoughts.
"Oh! Oh I have heard of this thing," Paenitia says, as cheerful as her grinning mask. "I not know the uses, but Rune have the great defenses and various rites, and the chance is good it play a role."
"The coincidence it is not, that it surround the object of Runish ritual importance." She taps at her chin once more, "Odd, it was not on the list we see at all."
She looks around at the group, "So, the plan today, we try to get that list? Or more guesses?"
"Ah, yes. I suppose that would be why I thought oyu were here for it," remarks Akorinil, dryly.
She glances at the others, puttting a hand behind her head and leaning back. "Ah! Time shenanigans. Headache."
"I am not sure. Apologies, Paenitia." Seyardu sighs. "I cannot prepare for a divination yet, it would need to be tomorrow, and I would need to purchase supplies. And perhaps for an augury as well."
She turns to Aryia to explain. "It is essentially, a ritual for asking the gods for guidance. And depending on what is asked, they may be able to provide guidance about what should be done."
"So it is not some useless bauble it seems. I cannot help today, but we should not squander it either. There should be something which can be done."
"Oh! I can always ask Taara," says Akorinil, cheerfully.
There is a big smile.
Everyone: "No."
Fallon sighs and rolls his eyes ceilingward. "I'm sure that'd be enlightening," he asides to Akorinal's suggestion. "The list seems like it's our only alternative, then, if the divination is off the table. For now."
"I'm glad *someone* sees reason," remarks Akorinil, smugly.
Then mention of invoking Taara makes a scowl appear on Aryia's face. "Thanks but no thanks," she gestures to Akorinil before turning her attention to the group. She nods at the explanation the Lucht Knight and silver scale give before giving a long sigh. "Alright. The list it is then." <Handspeech>
So what is next for the time tripping adventurers. Do they try to locate the items, or learn more about the auction process, or try to steal the items and stash them yourselves. So many options. Well, two.
"I agree, the list." Paenitia says, turning to look at Akoniril, "Do you have the extra money for the bribes? I am short."
There is only a week, the time is limited. Locating and staking out the objects is an option, if something happens overnight it could be reacted to. That might require splitting the party, however. There is also the need to prepare for a divination.
"Yes, I am sure Taara would give an excellent response for furthering her own goals." Seyardu sighs, shaking her head. "Not so much for helping others. So I will pass on the divination from them, if that is alright."
"We should determine the current lists, and where they are being held. And then make sure they do not taken. Whether we wait for the divination is up to the group, however."
The group knows the auction house, they have a list of items and know which ones will disappear. Finding out where they are stored would be helpful. The only question is how to get them to help.
Bluff, bribe or beatdown.
GAME: Lyme rolls diplomacy: (19)+3: 22 (Aid Another) GAME: Paenitia rolls diplomacy: (13)+8: 21 (Aid Another) GAME: Fallon rolls diplomacy: (12)+1: 13 (Aid Another) GAME: Aryia rolls diplomacy: (10)+-4: 6 (Aid Another) GAME: Seyardu casts Guidance. Caster Level: 8 DC: 14 GAME: Seyardu rolls Diplomacy +1: (17)+14+1+6: 39 (+1 Guidance, +6 Aid Another)
A brief discussion amongst the group and it is decided. Diplomacy, and a -bribe-, will be the way to go. Who should speak is the next question. As Fallon and Lyme reluctantly put their weapons away there's a collective decision, probably best if it wasn't them.
When it's time for the legbreaking though, they are contenders.
Aryia is mute, so it comes down to the little knight or the silverscale.
"Friend Dragon," Paenitia says cheerily, "You look like money. You should be offering the coin."
Aryia is, indeed, mute. Something that she strives to work around. And there is a very, very good reason she has to do a lot of striving.
She's kind of an asshole.
She nods in agreement with Paenitia.
Fallon doesn't break legs, he shoots them! But he's relieved they didn't push him forward again. It seems they learned from his last performance.
Lyme folds his arms, and does his best to look conciliatory. In that, there's-a-choice-here-so-let's-talk-so-we-don't-have-to-get-mad-you-wouldn't-like-me-when-I'm-mad element that is undeniable.
"Bribery will be a last resort, but it may be necessary." Seyardu responds, not seeming pleased by the idea, but it may be a necessary evil. "Surely those here would be willing to be of assistance in some form?"
The silverscale blinks, realizing what she just said. "I will handle the gold, and make sure it is clear and accepted."
It takes time, you know.
There's a lot of talking that you have to do to get your way into the auction house' staff, the kind of people who'd have your answers. It's not really so much a bluff to pose as interested buyers, amongst other things, and fairly soon things are going well for you there. In fact, it feels like the first time things have gone really well the whole time you've been in Tashran.
Before long, you find yourselves in an room with one of the auction houses officers and there's a lot of talk about how the items, once put up for auction, are stored in sealed vaults that no one could possibly get into, that are opened only twice a day to verify the contents of the vault, are magically sealed thereafter, and are off site. It's a great system, from the sounds of it, except for the fact that you know the items are already being stolen by someone(s).
"Friend Dragon, the helpful reminder." Paenitia says, still in her fantastic garb but acting a more subdued manner, "We are to ask if the late item can be added to the Auction. The one of the High Priestess of Taara."
"Remember, she instruct we are to see the secure storage, before she willing to part with the regalia."
Seyardu looks to the lucht with her, and she nods. "Yes, they wished to put an artifact up for auction, and as you know, Taara has a very, eventful history. But with any priestess, they wish to ensure the safety of their wares when they leave their possession. As her envoy, she gave us leave to come to that decision for her, but not without first ensuring that everything will be alright."
GAME: Aryia rolls perception: (18)+21: 39 GAME: Fallon rolls perception: (18)+10: 28 GAME: Paenitia rolls perception: (16)+4: 20 GAME: Seyardu rolls perception: (12)+5: 17 GAME: Lyme rolls perception: (5)+4: 9
Lyme tries to hide his look of alarm behind his facade.
Seeing the vault takes some finessing.
Invoking the name of one of the High Priests of Taara known to be in the city is a sure way to get it done and works relatively well -- and with some hunting, it seems they're able to confirm you're associated with her. You were seen, after all, at a cafe with her today. Then comes the waiting.
.. a lot of waiting, actually. They were serious when they said the vault opens only twice daily.
So you hang outside the vault with the clock ticking, patiently awaiting that time. The vault is, of course, in a separate building. You had to go *there*, too, across the city to a completely different locale. It's not like it's kept on site, and boy, is it heavily guarded. Magical words are spoken, kept from your ears, to bypass the watchful arcane eyes. The heavily armed and armored guards are observing you. Stealing from this place won't be easy, and of course, why should i it?
Then there's the whole vault itself, a sealed, heavy metal door that only opens with three keys inserted by three different guards, unlocked at a specific time, and no doubt further warded -- and oh the inside smells musty and dusty and you're allowed to look in, seeing shelves and crates upon crates of items donated to the auction house for auction, or else held in storage here for evaluation. There's a lot.
Tashraan is a city full of wonders -- so many wonders that they can be put in crates to collect dust.
"Does this satisfy the priestess' concerns over our security?"
Aryia, in all of her long lived life, had never. Ever. Ever ever. Even considered the fact that she would be standing in a place like this, right here. Right now.
She gulps silently, a cold sweat running down her back as it felt like that were a hundred spells and arrows pointed at her back as she looks in.
The mute elf takes a breath. Aligns her emotions from the riverbed to the surface tension. And looks. Hard. Taara's gift to pierce the dark proves helpful here.
Anything out of the ordinary. Items that change places or morph, a touchstone (whatever that was), scrolls, a Star. The Star. Anything that gave them a hint or showed them that they've been down this path before.
She was sweating in anxiety.
"It does seem like it would be secure enough, for certain." Seyardu agrees after she looks around and peers into the room. "Though, being forced to open only twice could be dangerous. Something could be missing for half a day, and nothing could be done about it in that time."
It looked secure, but the fact they knew things had gone missing was concerning.
Fallon frowns slightly when it becomes clear just how secure the vault was. Normally this would be a -good- thing, but... things were still obviously being stolen, somehow. There was no way it could be completely secure. He looks expectantly at the others, wondering if they've found something he missed.
GAME: Aryia rolls perception: (14)+21: 35 GAME: Seyardu rolls perception: (16)+5: 21 GAME: Paenitia rolls perception: (16)+4: 20 GAME: Seyardu rolls sense motive: (20)+8: 28
Aryia is looking for changing items in front of her face, or The Star.
"This is the very secure looking place, yes." The little Red Knight says, taking a slow stroll in amongst the boxes, "Very clean, the well organized. There is no damp."
She's looking for clues. What sort of clues? She's not sure. Scrape marks, hand prints, mysterious foot prints. Boxes that perhaps have hidden hinges. She's a brewer not a cabinet maker, but she might see something.
It's very much none of that. Everyone is professional and on guard. Everything is secure. Whatever's going to happen, hasn't happened yet -- and yet you know it will, somehow.
It's a problem. Either you do it, or someone else does it. Which will it be?
OOC
<OOC> Aryia record scratch. Freeze frame. "So you're probably wondering how we got here, in a maximum security vault."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "I'm glad you're enjoying it. You've got some new info, and you know that there's a theft going on SOMEWHERE."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "TIME HEIST. ;)"
<OOC> Aryia cue time splitter music
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "you know the theft happens before the auction far enough that you they're able to replace it."