| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Absalom.
Considered by some to be the city at the center of the world, it is certainly one of the most important trade hubs in The Inner Sea region. Millions of gold pieces worth of cargo circulates throughout the city on a daily basis. Absalom, however, is not just the home to merchants and those that support mercantilism. It is also the home to several different well-known organizations within The Inner Sea. The group that is the sponsor for your trip to Absalom might just be the most famous amongst them: the esteemed Pathfinder Society.
Winding your way through The Foreign Quarter, you hear the snippets of dozens of conversations spoken in hundreds of languages. Finally, you find yourself standing in front of the gate to The Grand Lodge, made distinctive by the pattern in the road in front of it: the sigil of the open road, which the society has taken to be it's heraldry. Approaching the guards, you present your letter and are escorted into the hall proper; Again, the walkway of the massive foyer is dominated by the sigil of the open road, only this time there is a hustle and bustle that you would expect from such an organization: messengers running back and forth, groups either leaving or returning from some far off land; your escort, however, moves with all haste through the foyer and to an ornately carved door. removing a circular disk from a chain around his neck, he places it smoothly into a groove in the door and with a slight hiss of air being released, the door opens.
Inside, you find your eyes drawn to the ceiling, where a moving display of the night sky can clearly be seen. Obviously the work of some sort of magic, the stars twinkle and sparkle just as they did the night. Tearing yourself away from the panoramic view of the sky, you see a man who appears to be watching you with interest, a smile on his face that is somewhat dimmed by the worry lines and bags under his eyes. Here, clearly, is a man who does not get much sleep.
Standing and greeting you in the manner is normally reserved for royalty amongst your people, Ambrus Valsin says simply "Welcome. Please, help yourself to some refreshments while we wait for the rest of your expedition to arrive." He gestures to a sideboard that you missed on your initial perusal of the room, which is loaded to bear with a variety of foods from across Golarion. Dates from the nation of Jalmeray sit next to a hearty shepard's stew from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. A variety of various apertifs sit on a side cart, with glasses enough for a small group.
You notice for the first time a curious collection of objects sitting on Ambrus' desk: an old journal, upon which sit a small pile of what at first glance appear to be rocks, but with a more studied eye appear to be chipped pieces of worked stone, each of which appears to have a pattern that looks....wrong to your eyes. You can't explain it, but your subconscious mind rejects it as vile. Noticing your gaze, Ambrus steps in between you and the "rocks", saying "All in good time. I don't like to repeat myself." He then lays an open scroll across the pieces of stone, which cuts off the beginnings of a minor headache you didn't realize was forming.
An aged dwarf enters the room and scans for potential threats. In time, his eyes rest on the Venture Captain and a tight smile slides through his beard.
"Valsin! It has been a long time. Still burning the oil from both ends I see."
When the laiden board is presented, Baergar nods eagerly and moves to it, a massive, ivory sword strapped to his back.
The graying dwarf raises his once blond eyebrows in delight at seeing the shepards' stew, but fill his plate liberally with a thorough smapling of the fare.
"Surely I am not the first to arrive?" Baegar asks having come from the very opposite corner of the world.
Ambrus nods and simply says "It would seem that you are." He then walks to the sideboard and pours himself some water, before returning to his desk.
It had been quite a while since Manisha had received a summons from VC Valsin. She hoped that was because the Decemvirate was pleased with her management of the relatively new Korvosan Lodge.
After ensuring that her second was up to date, she returned to her quarters and packed her gear for what was likely to be some routine series of boring meetings, but just maybe, hopefully, might be a call for an adventure! She'd been behind a desk for too long already.
With some trepidation, she stared at one wall of her room, a look of concern longing, and excitement crossing her face. She half-turned to leave the room before sighing and returning to stand in front of the wall. Passing her hand across the stone, she whispered the incantation and reached into the magicked stone. With her arm thrust in past the elbow she grasped the object hidden within and drew forth the blackened and twisted staff. Gazing down on its swirled design she reached back and thrust it into her pack.
Concentrating for a moment she teleported to the receiving room of the Grand Lodge, and asked one of the scurrying messengers for directions to Valsin. Manisha had long grown accustomed to the stares she received by just being in an area, and even in the Grand Lodge, she could sense that her presence was creating a disturbance. Maintaining a calm and determined pace, she smiled at those brave enough to make eye contact, but ignored everyone else.
A tall woman with fiery hair neatly pulled back into a braid stepped into the planetarium she had been directed to. For all intents, she looked like a tall human though a subtle aura indicated that she was someone special, a divine connection of inherent goodness.
She was dressed in a Kimono decorated with strange designs that seemed to shift and change as she moved. A cloak of mottled grey shades adorned her shoulders, helping her to blend into the background when she stood still. Under the cloak the outlines of a slim backpack were visible. The hood was pulled low over her emerald eyes as she pushed open the door of the planetarium. Close and keen observation revealed that her silent walking was due to her feet hovering just above the floor as she 'walked'.
Venture-Captain Manisha Johar, reporting, as requested.
Glancing at the door as Manisha enters the room, Ambrus simply says "Welcome, Venture Captain. Have something to eat. We'll get started in a moment here."
Lefty double-checked his gear, making sure it was all in place. He took one last look out the window of his study, remembering the view. He wondered how long it would be before he'd stand there again, gazing at the sea, and the unique harbor town of Erages, which had been his home for almost twenty years, now.
He actually hadn't spent much of his time there. Working for the Queen meant a lot of travel, and it was time to get going, once again. He cast Mind Blank, first. No need to advertise his whereabouts. He's made some enemies over the years.
Then, eschewing any form of disguise, he cast Greater Teleport, and found himself in the bustling Foreign Quarter. His sudden appearance surprised a group of kids playing in the street, but they didn't ask any questions.
He made his way to the Grand Lodge, and once he met Ambrus Valsin, smiled and bowed, introducing himself.
I'm "Lefty," agent of Queen Telandia Edasseril of Kyonin, at your service for as long as I'm needed. She sends her regards.
The pommel of the elven blade under his cloak, visible at his right hip, was evidence that he was indeed a "lefty." His robe had an intricate pattern of stars embroidered on it, but the rest of his clothes looked sturdy and utilitarian. He was tall, thin, and fair-haired, looking like a fairly typical elf.
Ambrus stood and bowed and said "How is the queen? it's been too long. please enjoy some refreshments while we wait." he gestures to the sideboard.
She's as regal as ever, and doing quite well. She seemed rather concerned, though, and wanted me to hurry. I'll hold my tongue and wait for the briefing.
Lefty didn't need to eat, but he liked to. He grabbed a snack and introduced himself to the sturdy dwarf and the mysterious looking woman.
Ambrus returns to his paperwork, leaving you all to get acquainted.
Manisha watches the dwarf sample the delicacies laid out. The touch of divinity was evident on the dwarf. And interesting. With a slight tilt of her head, she watches as the dwarf digs into his plate of food. I do not recognize you. To which lodge do you pay homage?
She looks over the food herself and selects a few items that she didn't recognize, interested in trying something new as she was.
When the elf walked in she was just sampling a several pieces of grilled fruit on a stick. Quite handy, though a bit spicy for her tastes.
Casting mage hand to hold her plate, Manisha steps forward, I am Seneschal Manisha Johar of Korvosa, Countess Jeggare, Chosen of Calistria. I visited Kyonin some time back and provided a little assistance with the Winter Council.
"You do not recognize me as a Pathfinder, lass, because I had likely stopped working for them before you were born."
"Maybe you just don't know me. I never can tell how old you humans really are, it's just you all look so young to me."
"I am Baegar, High King in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, and I am glad to meet you."
He dips a chort bow, then turns to Valsin. "Am I to be the only member of the expedition not in your employ, Venture Captain? I do wonder at your summons."
Ambrus looks up, appearantly not having paid attention to the conversation. "No. we have a couple more people who are not part of the society." then he goes back to his reports.
Seneschal Johar. I don't think we've met, but the queen has spoken highly of you. A pleasure. Lefty bows deeply and sincerely.
And you, good King, are said to be a just and kind ruler, not unlike my Queen. It is an honor, sir.
This better be good. Troy thinks to himself just before he crosses the threshold.
Shoving the door hard, as if annoyed at the mere presence of the hinderance, Troy comes storming in, his iron shod feet ringing loudly upon the hard floor.
As he walks forward, he looks everyone in the eye, taking their measure and weighing each one, assessing them. Finally complete with looking at the others, he presents himself to ambrus.
This had better be good, ambrus. you know what i was searching for out in the sandhill regions. To call me back like that isnt exactly pleasent for either of us. Troy gruffs out before returning his attention to those present.
I am Troy Mcclure. He says to everyone, before walking off and grabbing some food and drink.
Ambrus turns to Troy, then says "Good you could make it. Just waiting on one more then we'll start.
"You honor me, but what shall I call you?"
A tall man of indeterminate age soon joined the company for the evening. Despite his only obvious armament being a dark wood cane with a hefty looking bronze eagle as the handle he was an imposing presence. His eyes were a depthless dark purple color and his hair, while trimmed pragmatically short, was clearly a beautiful silver and would likely be rather lustrous if he were to grow it out. He was dressed very finely in the style of an Andoran gentleman but a signet ring baring the seal of the previous dynasty of Chelish royalty betrayed that image.
An imposing individual indeed and even intimidating if it were not for his stony countenance breaking into a wide and remarkably friendly smile at the sight of the gathered company.
"High King Baegar Mammoth Master," he said and bowed immediately, "An honor, your Highness. Seneschal Johar, as well." Another bow before turning to the rest of the company.
"And Master McClure and Master Setiva here as well. A formidable group so far. We must be fighting a war then." He was clearly enjoying playing up the enigma of his personage.
Baergar chuckles.
"So they did dig you out, eh Morrow? Now I have an idea of the trouble we must be in."
"You honor me, but what shall I call you?"
"Lefty" will do, good King. I have no titles.
These are some heavy hitters, he thought to himself. Whatever this is about, it's serious.
Master Morrow! Good to see you still kicking. Love the haircut! It suits you.
He turns to Troy. Well met, Master McClure.
"I'm here to kick kyton ass and drink ale, and I'm all out of ale!" Ha! that was great!
Ambrus looks up when Hiram enters and says "Hiram, good to see you again. Feel free to eat something, we're just waiting on one more person then I'll begin."
Ambrus returns to paperwork.
"Lefty?" Baergar notes the hanger on the elf's right hip. "Ah. I see."
"It is you and Miss Johar I do not know or at least know of/" He nods at Troy McClure.
"What will you two contribute to this venture: whatever it may prove to be?"
I'd work best doing reconnaissance for a party of this stature. Sometimes, I can find out what we're up against before we're up against it, good King. Spot them before they spot us. Strategy.
In combat, you may not see me, but I'll be there fighting.
I'm told that the King on his beast is a real juggernaut. I may yet see it for myself, the elf adds with a grin.
In fact, I've never been asked to accompany so many legendary adventurers at once. But, I trust my Queen. If she sent me, then she knows I can help.
I go through. I hold a unique set of skills, skills that ive aquired through a long and hard fought career. Skills that are benefitial to you, and a nightmare to those that stand before me. I am resolute toward the end goal, and not even death will stop me from achieving it. Not matter the odds, no matter the foe, i will accomplish the mission and i will not die. I have stared death in the eye more times than a Pharasma worshiper, and each time i deny her my sweet embrace. There are those who embrace death. Death tries to embrace me, and i spur her every time.
While the others are busy talking, the food table's assortment of various cheeses and sliced meats begins to make itself scarce. A pitcher of water pours somes its contents into a cup and then sets itself down. The cup raises into air, its liquid promptly vanishes, and then it places itself back on the cart before more food starts vanishing again. It continues on for a couple of moments at a steady pace, but the disappearance of the refreshments finally comes to an abrupt halt after Lefty's comments.
"Oh. Waiting for me, aren't you? Sorry. Been here the entire time. Just listening," a soft, feminine voice says from seeming nowhere.
A tiny figure promptly appears into sight, hovering about a foot or so above the refreshment table. Standing at least a foot shorter than Baergar, she is easily the smallest individual in the room. Upon further inspection, the miniature woman heavily resembles some sort of fey (or perhaps a corrupted parody of one). Her slender, petite frame is wreathed in a thick, misty darkness that occasionally twinkles like the starry ceiling above. Four thin appendages - a set of translucent, inky faerie wings - beat rapidly from her back, keeping her aloft. She slowly lowers herself the ground, examines everyone present with two piercing green eyes, and then takes a bow, causing her long braid of obsidian hair to shift and fall to the side of her head.
"Name is Lorelei. Some call me Star. Very estimmed group here. Unlike me: No One of Consequence. Pleased to meet everyone," the fey-like creature whispers as she straightens her hair and ascends once more. She levitates over to a certain elf and floats herself to eye level. "You especially, Mr. Lefty. I like reconnaissance too."
Now that each of you is settled, Ambrus clears his throat and then begins without preamble "Well, we have quite a situation on our hands. One that effects not just the Pathfinder Society, but the fate of the world at large. As there's no safe way to say this, I'm just going to come right out and say it: Tar-Baphon is mere months away from escaping Gallowspire, the prison that was his capitol, yet was sealed to prevent his escape. If that were all it was, it would be bad enough, but through some means we are not aware of, he has managed to summon Urgathoa, the Pallid Princess, to Gallowspire, and, if our divinations are correct, plans to enact a ritual by which he will steal her power and claim his place as the god of undeath."
Pausing for a moment to steady himself, Ambrus takes a sip of his drink and then continues, "We were made aware of this by our allies among the crusaders in Lastwall, who say that a divine servant of Urgathoa appeared outside the walls of the city and made a proclaimation that on the 30th of Rova, the world would be unmade by the mad power that would be Tar-Baphon unleashed. the servant then disappeared in a flash of divine power. Messagers were sent at once to all the allies that Lastwall could call it's own, and we were lucky enough to receive such a message. While we wish luck to each group that will be sent to attack Gallowspire, The Decemverate has decided to take a slightly more.... pathfinder.... tact: We have decided to send in a small group of highly skilled individuals which we believe will have a chance of success where a larger force will, if our military and religious experts are to be believed, fail. Thus, we consulted our lists of people who we believed would be able to accomplish such a feat, and we have called upon you all."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rising from his seat, Ambrus lifts the scroll and picks up one of the chips of stone, hefts it, and then sets it back down. Again you feel the sense of wrongness that the rock exudes. "While we try not to interfere with the affairs of sovereign nations and independant organizations, that doesn't mean that we don't keep an eye on them. One of the organizations that we keep tabs on is the Whispering Way. Operating in small groups, the way's stated goals, to bring unlife to all of Golarion, make them dangerous. Normally content to inhabit small cabals that do small things, about 6 months ago, every group of The Whispering Way that we were monitoring suddenly became active, recruiting new members and raising a small army of minor undead (mostly skeletons and Zombies, according to the reports). While we would normally leave this as more of a "local" issue, several of our analysts determined that the only reason for such a mobilization would be that someone in the organization had found a way to free The Whispering Tyrant. Tasking additional resources to tracking known and suspected members of the way, we learned that each member of the organization had received one of these"
Ambrus gestures to the rocks before continuing "With instructions that all true believers of The Whispering Way should wear these. If the post-mordum interrogations are to be believed, these are actually holy symbols of Tar-Baphon. In addition, our scholars and smiths believe that these chips of stone are attuned to the mystical energies of Gallowspire. Indeed, they say that they are from the outer walls of the place. It is believed that these stones allow the passage of the members of The Whispering Way to and from the dread location."
Taking a moment to allow all that he has told you to sink in, Ambrus once again picks up without preamble: "What we want you to do is actually quite simple: enter Gallowspire, find and destroy the phylactory of Tar-Baphon, and the find and kill him. and you must finish before the 30th of Rova, 25 days hence, or all that we have fought, strove, and bled for will be for naught!"
"We have prepared magical transportation to the only safe spot directly outside of Gallowspire, which is a site that The Whispering Way uses to approach the dread tower. I know that this is alot to take in, but we have precious little time to waste, and thus I require an answer from you here and now: Will you undertake this mission?"
By my life or death.
Lefty looks at the newly-appeared apparition, and smiles. Well met, Star. A little "sneak and peek" may just help us do this. Those Pathfinders know how to make a team, I'll give them that.
A long, low whistle plays out from the depths of Baergar's beard, and he scratches his head.
"I haven't had to think on this scale for some time. Ruling many kingdoms has its own routine. I suppose I may have grown complacent in my old age."
Baergar frowns and tries to recall all he can before answering.
I know I must agree, but to do so without consideration would make me look the foolish schoolboy.
Gallowspire:
(ancient mysteries, magic traditions, arcane symbols, constructs, dragons, magical beasts)
(lands, terrain, climate, people)
(wars, colonies, migrations, founding of cities)
(legends, personalities, inhabitants, laws, customs, traditions, humanoids)
(lineages, heraldry, personalities, royalty)
(the Inner Planes, Outer Planes, Astral Plane, Ethereal Plane, outsiders, planar magic)
(gods, mythic history, ecclesiastic tradition, holy symbols, undead)
Tar-Baphon:
Whispering way:
Urgathoa:
I did some reading on that whole sordid history a few years ago. The very idea of Tar-Baphon set loose and enabled by the power of Urgathoa is frightening. It cannot happen!
So how did I sound, Aunt Rose? Was my speech coherent?
You did well, dear, though you said 'estimmed' instead of 'esteemed' when you were talking about the group's membership.
...Noted.
Gallowspire:
Tar-Baphon:
Whispering Way:
Urgathoa:
As the Oracle pondered what she knows about the subject at hand, Lorelei makes her own comments on the matter, "I agree. This is bad. Don't care much for the undead. They don't dream. That's crazy. Tar-Baphon must be stopped."
"Come now, old man," Hiram says, turning his slightly unnerving eyes to the dwarf, "Age has yet to slow either of us. I have been enjoying my quiet life but I doubt that will last for long if the Boney Tyrant has his way with things. If we're quick about it, I can get finish designing my tidal generator before the project deadline."
"You speak true enough, Morrow."
"Alright Valsin, we're in."
you have 7 points related to gallowspire (I'll explain what that means in the main room.) In character, you know the following info about it:
Gallowspire was once the fortress tower at the center of the city of Adorak, and consists of a single tower of jagged black stone and torn iron. You know that is was during the crusade against the Whispering Tyrant that the shield of Aroden, a potent artifact, was destroyed, but allowed him to be imprisoned within the fortress tower by the great seal.
you know that Gallowspire is located in Ustalov, in the county of virlych, and that it was at one point one of the more promising cities in the country and a beacon of magical learning.
Tar-Baphon:
You have 9 points on Tar-Baphon. In character, you know the following:
you know that he was a powerful wizard king that was killed by Aroden himself, but that he later rose as a lich. You know that he conquered Ustalov using the Orcs of Belkzen, and took the city of Adorak as his capitol. You know that he ruled for 500 years, until the shining crusade was undertaken against him (by taldor, the dwarven kingdom of Kraggodan, and the knights of ozem). You also know that during the crusade, Arazni, the Herald of Aroden, was summoned by the crusaders, and was promptly slain by Tar-Baphon. Finally, you know that while it is commonly accepted that he was at his core just a powerful necromancer, There are some who theorize that he must have been more, as he was able to slay the Herald of Aroden and even the power of a major artifact was not enough to kill him.
The Whispering Way:
you have 12 points related to the whispering way. here is what you know about them in character:
you know that they are a hidden and highly secretive organization that promotes undeath as the purest or truest form of existence. You know that while many credit Tar-Baphon with the creation of the organization, in reality it had existed for centuries prior to the life of the Whispering Tyrant. you know that they tend to operate in cells, and that each cell tends to only know about one or two others, as they primarily leave each other alone to pursue their own goals, as long as they advance the cause.
Urgathoa:
Urgathoa, also known as the pallid princess, is the deity of undeath, gluttony, and disease. feel free to look her up.
oh is that all? just walk in, destroy the phylactory, and then destroy the arch-lich. Oh, and we have what, 25 days to do all this? While we are at it, you want us to jaunt up to Iz and close the tear? Or how bout we go and steal the Starstone? Heck, it would be easier to reach the Starstone, achieve godhood, and then step in and remove the area from this plane all together.
Troy shakes his head, stands and walks to the bar, pouring himself another drink. Taking a long hit, he then stares up into the pseudo-night sky, thinking.
Finally, he turns to Ambrus and says When i get back from this, i get full access to Society's library and all journals. Everything. Even the hidden archives of the Decemvirate.
Ambrus looks at Troy, sizing up the man, before stating "there are no hidden decemvirate archives. While various members most likely have their own collections of books, scrolls, and tomes, there is no centralized place where such a thing would be kept; and while I can certainly make a request for you for access to any of their information regarding what you seek, I can't promise that to you now, as it's not my promise to make. As for the rest, I can make sure that you are given access to the hidden tomes room, with an escort, of course." Ambrus shrugs, then continues "the only thing that I would warn you of is that we put those tomes in there for a reason, and it's not to keep information from you. You could very well lose your mind reading some of the things in there; it has happened before."