Swamped

Well. Maybe they're raising the temperature based on how much you are. So it's time to get a little more personal.

"Have to wonder how much they're willing to pay a lowlife wretch."

They start cackling loudly. Probably going to go for it, then. You look carefully around the room, readying for your move. If you mess up, you won't get a second chance.

"At least I don't pretend to be more than a wretch! I've seen those flyers. You're just some phony actor who says she's descended from a phony noble. Whatever I may be, I ain't a phony."

Interesting. This is the first sign they've shown of recognizing you. So if they know you're an actor, maybe they had a hunch you were faking it.

Well, that might have been a problem if you hadn't just made a new plan where it doesn't matter.

"You can say what you like about me, but Grandmother was far more than a fake!"

That sounds nice and angry. And you make the feint you were thinking of, taking a few steps out towards the center.

But instead of the second part of the feint, you fling the stone fish at the glowmoss-lamp and back away. They rush out, just as the lamp shatters and the crypt goes dark.

Thing is, auras are still easily visible without a light source. You tackle them while they're flailing around.

Their aura dims a bit. Unconscious. Well, hopefully not too deeply, you've got some questions for them.

First, though, you should probably figure out how to open the door. Which would probably be easier if you had some light. You walk over to the spilled glow-moss and pick it up - better than nothing, you suppose.

Next step, you think, is examining the door from this side. You close your eyes, and focus on auras. This always gives you a headache, but it's your best bet at figuring out where the door is. If you're using regular vision, it's very insistent you can't see through walls.

And indeed, you can see three auras nearby. One of them is a little weird, but that should be your allies. You walk towards the door, and start examining it. Eyes open this time, because you don't need the distraction of auras.

Still, in this weak light, it takes a little time to find something helpful.