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The annual Torchbearing, one of the most distinguish events held at the grand lodge, has kept you busy these last three days. Pathfinder's from all over the globe, even the multiverse, have come to participate to build repertoire and share knowledge.
A little bit of talks and inspiring speeches were held by the Master of Scrolls, Master of Spells, and Master of Swords. A few simple teambuilding exercises here and there by a few Venture Captains. And not to mention the after hours drinking that has kept all the nights extremely lively. A corporate getaway at it's best it seems.
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Dark is an average height human with dark hair and hazel eyes. He is wearing charcoal colored dyed leather-type armor with a long sword strapped to his waist and a book hanging from his belt. He looks like a strong warrior with a hint of the arcane about him.
During the event, he doesn't have much to tell about personal stories but greets everyone friendly and is more than willing to share drinks with everyone. He reveals that his name is Dark, a joke his father thought was funny when he named him. His father telling everyone that he will be the Dark Lord one day. But Dark has no desire to be the ultimate evil and just humors his father when around him.
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Kahwen is a Tengu of average height, which is fairly short for most races. He has bright, golden eyes and dark, shiny feathers.
He moves with quick, but graceful motions and always seems to be focused on something, his gaze darting from one location to another continuously.
That stops when Kreighton Shaine speaks, the Master of Scrolls getting his full attention.
He also eagerly partipates in all the activities.
"Isn't this great, Companions? All these Pathfinders gathered in one place?!"
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A short gnome wearing a royal purple robe and a fancy new cloak seems to enjoy everything about this event. Isn't this the best festival of the year? I attended last year as well. I learned a lot from a class on noticing small details. I hope they hold classes again this year. Nigel wanders away from the group when he sees a small group of pathfinders playing dice.
After a bit of playing and oddly breaking even on the gabbling he heads back to his assigned table. How foolish of me! The name is Nigel Flit the Third. Let us hope this year turns out better than last! Say, did any of you come to this festival last year?
When Nigel notices that he is at a table with a Tengu, he extremely excited, as gnomes often are when seeing something new. You are magnificent! I know I have been told that the society takes your kind as agents, but I have never encountered one! I have explored with a frog person, and a few lizard people, but never one like a bird. I hope I offer no offense. I just love interacting with new things!
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The fourth and final day of training has come to a close at the Grand Lodge of Absalom, heralding the end of this year’s Torchbearing. Pathfinders the world over attend this annual symposium to share their knowledge, teach each other new skills, and reinforce their connections across the Inner Sea and beyond. To celebrate the end of festivities, the lodge has hosted a grand banquet in the visiting agents’ honor. A refreshing winter breeze blows through an open window, flickering torches and sending papers scattering. The smell of freshly baked desserts fills the air while initiates clear away the remnants of the first course.
If you are a member of the Restful Pathfinders’ Lounge (by possessing the vanity of the same name from page 61 of Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide), you can attend a special private banquet that grants you the benefits of hero’s feast for the duration of Part 1. Each player character with this vanity can invite one guest (such as another PC or an animal companion) to gain the benefits, too
During the annual Torchbearing, the Three Masters, along with other notable Pathfinders, taught a variety of seminars and panel discussions, from Golarion’s history to spellcasting techniques, and ran obstacle courses and a triathlon. Rumor has it, Janira Gavix offered an unauthorized but popular filking class for aspiring bards and other social misfits under 30--inches, not years. You also heard some salacious gossip about an exclusive, late-night VIP experience Zarta Dralneen arranged for some her favorites. According to one hungover Pathfinder who claimed to have been there, a disgruntled Drandle Dreng was turned away at the door.
Speaking of the imp, ever the social butterfly and self-appointed mentor-to-the-masses, the halfling bard Janira Gavix approaches your small group. “Hi, friends. It’s been awhile since last we met. Have you enjoyed the Torchbearing? I volunteered to organize all the classes again this year. Kreighton Shaine always said I should have been a teacher. Did you learn anything useful?”
Janira looks over her shoulder as she catches sight of another group of Pathfinders refilling their tankards at the grog bowl. “Oh, those are some more students of mine!” She bounces on her toes as she waves at the group and they wave back. “Excuse me? I’ll need to check in with them too!” Pleased that you appreciated her pedagogical efforts, she excuses herself with a smile and moves on.
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The Three Masters use the event to keep an eye out for particularly talented agents that embody the Pathfinder Society ideals: Explore, Report, and Cooperate.
At the end of the Torchbearing, the most exemplary agents are publicly recognized and given special wayfinders.
Sometimes Pathfinder agents disappear for hours during the course of events. Rumors suggest they are brought before The Decemvirate, but no one can agree on why.
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Each of you should choose one skill. For the duration of this adventure, you will either treat it as a class skill or gain a +1 bonus on checks with that skill if it was already a class skill.
Dark smiles and greets Janira warmly and then sees her scurry off again, just like a squirrel. He sips on wine while the gathering goes on, but finds himself not paying that much attention to his surroundings.
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When the ever peppy Janira Gavix shows up and asks how everything is, Wonderful! I think this festival has gone even better this year than last. I look forward to attending future ones and see how it grows. I took the class on how to find things and notice things again. It was a lot of fun. The test was a huge scavenger hunt. The winner got to spend the evening in the fancy pants lounge. Clearly, I didn't win. But I had a blast and I learned a lot. I can't wait to see how the professor updates it next year!
As Janira Gavix bounces away Nigel looks at his table. I met her last year, but I can't say I remember much about her. But she is sure an interesting one.
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A halfling in a blood-red suit jacket and pencil skirt watches the scenery for a moment before catching sight of the papers blowing away. She gives a sigh. This year as well? I swear next year we are bringing rocks or something to weigh down those papers... But that's not my worry today.
Notebook in hand she follows Janira to the group of pathfinders witht he tengu and chatty gnome, looking over everyone with eyes that, despite being the same height or signifcantly shorter, seem like she's staring down her nose at you. She strides up to the group behind Janira, wiating for hte much more personable halfling to make her introductions and ask about the event. Angela then gives a sigh as Janira then immediately disappears off to another group. "We were supposed to be getting feedback on which classes people liked, together, but I guess not. I am Angela Isafira, a secretary and occasional mission auditor for the Society, and I would love to hear what you thought of the classes. I'll make sure Janira gets a copy of your feedback. Things you would like to see next year would also be useful."
She then starts taking notes of everyone's comments in her journal. When the last person finishes she looks up and nods. She makes as if to move off, but decides better after a second. "Wait, i guess it would only be fair for me to introduce the class I found the most useful... Hmmm, while the class on noticing things was good this year as well, like Nigel said, I would have to say the class on how to use your voice to better influence people was extremely informative."
When Ibona talks about the pathfinders appearing and disappearing, Angela gives a nod, "Ohh, I hadn't heard that, I guess my head was too buried in helping organize. I had heard that the Three masters were looking for people who exemplify the core ideals, Explore, Cooperate, and Report."
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Kahwen's eyes widen and he ducks his head shyly at Novel's ebullience at first but then pretend from the attention.
"A frog person? I have never been on a mission with a frog person. I was on a mission with a rat person before my last one. He was very dangerous and an interesting cook. And last mission I was on, when we saved the Runecarved key, I was joined by another Tengu."
Once he has started talking it seems it is hard for him to stop. And he jabbers on excitedly.
"These don't really work. I mean they can prevent me from falling but I can't ascend," he says with obvious chagrin as he flutters his arms, which actually are quite winglike. Along with his croakibg voice, they make him seem particularly birdlike.
"Still, I took the flying class this year. I took it last year, too. The teachers cast spells to make you fly. It's worth it even for just a little while even beyond what you learn."
He looks and listens raptly to Janira and his eyes shine at mention of Kreighton.
"She took me on my Confirmation and he gave me this," he holds up an old Wayfinder which has been highly polished and he's obviously very proud of.
He scowl at Ibona and her suggestion that anything untoward or underhanded might be going on at the Torchbearing.
"We are all Pathfinder here, Friend Ibona. There is nothing here to be worried about or suspicious of."
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Hadza is a tall, broad shouldered Kellid with the marks of his following visible on the exposed portions of his skin. He eats with gusto albeit without conversation--he was taught that it was not polite to talk with his mouth full, and with all this well prepared food around, his mouth is more often full than not--but his attention stays on those who are speaking. Occasionally, he offers a nod of agreement with something said or a shake of his head in sympathy.
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Nigel listens to what Angela has to say. Odd, I didnt get an interview like this last year. But I think it is brilliant! Nigel goes on and on about every detail he can think of to comment on. When she mentions that she was in the same class as him but liked the talking class more, Ahh I almost went to that one but napped instead. Needed to keep my energy up for the party! I know being a merchant that I should be able to tak people better and I am damn good at selling people things, but my ol' noggin can't seem to get those skills to translate to talking to people out side of selling. But it is what it is. Maybe by next year, I will be a smooth talker like you!
He nods when the rest of the group talks about the disappearance of people. I have heard that they looking for people who are exemplary agents to show off, but I hadn't noticed anyone disappearing! Odd. Well if any of us get pulled away, we will notice!
When the tengu starts talking about all the oddities that he has adventured with, he gets Nigel's complete attention (something he gets the impression is not that easy to do). Yep the frog person was my first adventure. He had a weird name for what he was... something with a G but I don't remember. He didn't like being called a frog. He claimed to be a prince or something. I don't know. But I haven't traveled with a rat yet. Though I helped with the hunting of the Key and fought a rat person! He was scary. I must say, this Society brings about so many unique people!
Nigel is fascinated by the wings. That is unfortunate they don't let you fly! I have always wanted to fly! Will they ever grow strong enough to lift you off the ground?
Nigel reaches into his pocket to show off his wayfinder as well. Mine wasn't a gift. I was told it is a good idea for all pathfinder one so I bought. Haven't used it yet.
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The main course arrives, succulent rack of lamb or tender filet's from fine Andoran cattle. Good company and great food seem to be the highlights of the day as you enjoy the lavish meals presented to you. As the dessert conclude, a small origami swan flutters through the room and lands on the center of the table. In moments, it unfolds itself into a crisp and crease-less piece of paper.
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"Greetings, Friend Hadza!" Kahwen exclaims when the Kellid man approaches, since they met at the last Torchbearing.
He speaks to Nigel as their dinner arrives. He pauses as the swan flutters to the table, always fascinated with novel magic. He reads the note but knows little about anything involved. Fortunately, he doesn't need to know much. The whole point of Pathfinders is bringing together with various skills, knowledge and ability to overcome tasks they cannot do individually.
He looks around expectantly as he talks.
"I'm glad I didn't run into a rat person when I was going after the key. The human I faced was dangerous enough. She paralyzed me with poison! And,I heard from my companions that she almost escaped."
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"Greetings, Kahwen," Hadza swallows his mouthful of food and smiles at the tengu before responding. "I hope that you have been well."
He listens to Ibona relay her insights. "Trouble in a magical museum full of relics of the past? That certainly sounds like it will be eventful."
He stands and brushes off his hands. With a last wistful look at the food on the table, he says, "I suppose I should go get my weapons for this."
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The front doors of Skyreach burst open with a loud crack. Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin strides to the edge of the platform, with a slender elf dressed in practical but expensive clothing trailing meekly behind. The red-faced venture-captain addresses the crowd in a booming voice.
“Pathfinders, I regret interrupting the festivities, but we have something of a situation. Approximately twenty minutes ago, unknown forces invaded the Blakros Museum. Fortunately for everyone involved, the Torchbearing is about cooperation and helping our colleagues, so let’s think of this less as an inconvenience and more as an opportunity to practice what we preach.”
The elf, Nigel, exhales sharply, then speaks, “Now, Ambrus, I’ve spent a king’s ransom fortifying the museum from all sorts of invaders: sentinels from the Golemworks, magical wards from the Arcanamirium, and even contracts for guard beasts, both magical and mundane—spared no expense. I didn’t want to come here, but I’ve got no choice.”
Valsin’s forced smile cracks slightly, showing his annoyance. “Out with it, Nigel. Get to the point.”
“Someone broke into my museum and set off the magical protections! I was preserving priceless Shining Crusade pieces for our new exhibit when the first alarm activated. I sent for district guards and went to investigate, but by the time I arrived, the thieves had already locked themselves in my study. They somehow caused the Shining Crusade relics to fly around the museum and attack my sentinels. Everything is going haywire! The magical traps started to target me, the sentinels are not responding to my commands, and—”
Valsin holds out a hand to steady the increasingly agitated elf. “The last you knew, the thieves were still in your study?” Nigel nods. “Very well. Pathfinders: the Seekers should prepare to teleport directly into the Blakros study—“
“That won’t work,” Nigel interrupts, “The study is magically sealed. After that dreadful Numerian exhibit, I turned it into a magical safe room. The robbers must have figured out how to activate it; no one can get in or out while the wards hold. I can work on breaking the wards, but meanwhile my sentinels are smashing up the collection. Some of those priceless relics are on loan from your own Society lodges, so helping me is really helping yourselves.”
“Fine.” Ambrus Valsin takes a deep breath and then turns to the assembled Pathfinders. “Pathfinders, go to the Blakros Museum, secure any relics you can, disable the security systems, and apprehend the looters if possible. Stay safe.”
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Dozens of Wise District guards surround the Blakros Museum. The sergeant nods to Ambrus Valsin as he approaches, a subtle smirk dancing across the venture-captain’s face. The museum itself is alight with swirling whorls of color and the sounds of metal and stone clashing. Occasionally, brief flashes of light burst from the front entrance, illuminating a toppled banner that says “Legacy of the Shining Crusade.”
The broad-shouldered, middle-aged Ulfen man salutes, a somewhat bemused expression on his face.“Well met, Venture-Captain Valsin. I am Svaralk of Asleifar, Sergeant of the Learned Guard. The Guard appreciates your assistance.” He points to his subordinates, “Our initial attempt to quell the animated relics within failed. I’ve ordered the Guard to withdraw and form a perimeter.”
Ambrus Valsin returns the sergeant’s salute, a gesture of mutual respect. “You once served in Grand Prince Stavian III’s Ulfen Guard, did you not?”
Svaralk nods, “That’s right. Afterwards, I retired to Absalom and have served this city for seven years. This is not the first catastrophe I’ve responded to at the Blakros Museum, though none has been quite so dramatic as this. As if anyone needed further proof of the museum’s reputation for trouble.”
The Ulfen confides to the Venture-Captain, “After Nigel Aldain harangued me for dereliction of duty in not immediately retaking the museum, I’m in no rush to sacrifice the lives under my command until the warring creatures inside wear each other down.” He holds up a hand and shakes his head, “I don’t hold Nigel Aldain’s outburst against him. I recognize the elf is rightfully concerned—albeit rather precious—about his exhibit.”
Svaralk turns to your team of Pathfinders and says, “Before you enter, I can provide you an overview of the museum’s layout and tell you that there are animated relics and guard animals on the ground level, and clockwork creatures skirmishing with each other on the floor above. We also have an especially challenging problem in the gardens at the southeast corner of the museum grounds. Some kind of magical runes displaying swarm-like behavior, more magical devices really than living creatures. They proved too complicated a challenge for me and my guards; we simply lacked the skills to disable them.”
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Kahwen pats his sword and pack, ensuring all his gear is properly in place as they make their way to the museum. He watches the lights coming out of the building with such rapt attention that he misses much of what the guard captain says.
Nonetheless, he draws his sword. "I think we should take the most direct path to the study, don't you, Companions?" he suggested.
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Nigel huffs. Seems like we can never enjoy a nice celebration with this museum around! But he packs up and heads there with his allies.
Nigel thinks when he is informed about the situation. While I think those runes in the garden would be fascinating to look at, I don't know if we are the most prepared to handle a swarm! I am okay with the direct approach.
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Dark watches the show inside the museum with amusement but he focuses himself to get down to business. "My selection of spells is not the best to handle swarms unfortunately, though I am with Nigel, I would like to take a look at the runes. So the direct path seems to be the consensus and therefor I say lets go that route."
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Favouring the most direct path, the group turns through the door heading right up the stairs.
Gears, glass, and chunks of wax litter the polished wood floor under a sign that proclaims “Scars of the Lich.” The corpse of a Kellid warrior lies in a pool of blood, her furs soaked through. A constant ticking and whirring sound echoes in this area.
This eerily expressionless humanoid with an unusual glistening quality as though it's covered in an oily sheen, roams around the area and notes your entrance up the stairs! Although it has no real facial features, you're definitely sure it looks with upon you with hostile intent!
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Angela gives a slight huff as she watches the swan come floating down. "I was just getting to the good parts, crum, looks like we all might have to sortie. Any objections to me sticking along with you?"
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outside of the museum she is dressed in a slightly less pristine version of her pervious outfit with a few chain links glinting at the edges of her suit jacket. She tests the longspear strapped to her back pack before addressing everyone. "I agree on taking the most direct path, it would be the most efficient. However that last time the museum was acting up I could handle the swarming runes single handedly, so as long as we can disable them I can get clear them permanently, and I am willing to bet Ibona would be a great help as well."
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As she climbs up the stairs, Angela catches sight of the clockwork humanoid and gives a shudder. "Oh, nastry work that thing, it's a ...." She proceeds to explain what the thing is and can likely do that might surprise someone as she drops her pack. She grabs her longspear and moves closer to the golem thing.
Taking the longspear with regular marks along the shaft she starts to give a detailed and technical explanation, pointing out particular weakspots in it's anatomy. "If you stand here at just over five feet away it has a harder time of attacking you. Now, can you direct your attentions to this spot, this spot and that point? These are particularly weakpoints in it's anatomy and it will have a hard time blocking a hit form there."
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Cumulatively, the group knows that the creatures has no special means of attack, nor does it have any extraordinary defensive abilities or resistances.
Additionally, like things made out of wax, it is susceptible to fire. But like most magical constructs, it is a mindless being and "lifeless" being, who is immune to coldness and most forms of magic.
The group cautiously approaches the monster, spreading themselves around it. Dark fires a frost spell, but his accuracy questionable as it flies right past the golem into a exhibitive piece nearby, causing it to break. Hadza swings his Lucerne hammer with great force, with some helpful pointers for Angela, but also finds himself barely short of knocking the wax golem.
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Nigel moves forward. Well don't you look familiar As he moves, he starts chant and when he stops moving, he draws a circle in the air with his finger. As he draws, a golden light follows. Once the circle completes, a hole to a different plane appears and a angelic eagle flies out. It finishes forming right in front of the golem.
The eagle is pulled into this plane right next to an enemy and decides to try and rip it apart with talons and bite.