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Cirri has spent the last few months on the sea- eventually even dragons get tired of your constant pestering. On the plus side she did scrub all of those negative levels away for free, probably in exchange for a light reprieve.
The human nearly bled out deep inside a tomb, and she vaguely remembers some beach where she could have swam away. But she lives.
"Hi everyone, I'm Cirri!" She waves hello. "And this is Riddywhipple! Pleased to meet you!"
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Not much worse for wear from his last few months of travels the tengu scholar applies oils in preparation for Osirion's sun and it's many tombs.
He greets the party as he carefully stows a set of esoteric documents among his several scroll tubes.
"Hello, I'm Watts Helm and grateful to be able to join you today. I'm hoping we are able to uncover yet another of the mysteries from the past."
"It is wonderful to see you again Cirri, I hope your last few months have been fruitful."
"Watts, good to see you again." The pseudodragon blows a few bubbles. "We actually met the Sages, and then we entered a horrible tomb dedicated to a dreaded foe from long past! Terrible." Riddywhipple is playing up the danger. Slightly. "However we persevered and succeeded!" He smiles.
"I thought Cirri was going to anger Tahonikepsu with all of her questions, though- she became quite curt!"
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"Yes, although I would certainly describe her as more murderous than weird. 'Weird' could be used to describe most of those in the Society's employ."
Watts wastes not time to take a few notes for himself on the latest activities of the pair.
"I'm glad you both come out of that affair well. I know far too many tombs have taken lives before their time. I'm surprised any questions would bother Tahonikepsu, I mean I must have asked a variety of questions of her thoughts on the current affairs of Inner Sea. Although now that I contemplate it, her responses were far more clipped toward the end of our interactions."
"I have had spent far more of my time traveling than I have enjoyed. Since last we met I have traveled from Garund to Northern Avistan and back again. Throughout I have been fighting aged undead threats that have been in a dormant state for centuries."
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Cirri shudders. "Ugh. I still hate fighting undead. And then that undead sage... I hope I didn't anger him. He tried to smile once, I think. Or maybe he was trying to suck out my soul."
"But Tahonikepsu! I had so many questions to ask her. I have to use magic to fly or ask the winds to carry me. And Riddywhipple gets to fly too. But Tahonikepsu is a huge dragon. We flew so high I could see the plane's curvature. She does that regularly, too! The only thing cooler would be swimming through the ocean, like a fish or a manta ray."
Cirri pauses. "I always thought about being a manta ray merfolk... I had this dream about talking to one. I wanted to dive in, but she said I wasn't ready yet? And then I was conscious in the depths of a tomb. Riddy said I almost died."
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"I'm still wary of the undead sage. Most of the positive experiences I have had with the undead have been when they move on into the afterlife with their grievances resolved. I'm relatively certain he wasn't attempting to suck out your soul though. From my experience they are much more blatant when they do so. I mean from my limited experience, I do not wish to present myself as an expert in this matter, although maybe I should make a point to poll the priests on the matter next time I go through their temple." Watts withdraws a notebook and jots a reminder for the topic.
Watts nods solemnly listening to Cirri's experience. "I haven't thought or dreamt of changing into something else. Beyond using alchemy to mimic your own magic I mean. I will say though I had a similar experience out in the field. It was very brief, but I believe I was flying in my vision. It was ... pleasant."
After a moment of contemplation Watts continues, "I will do my best to avoid such experiences on our journey today."
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Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir rubs sleep from his eyes as faint pre-dawn light filters into his office. He shutters the window as a thrush begins singing loudly in the garden below before gesturing for everyone to have a seat and addressing the matter at hand. “I’ve received a request from the Diamond Sage, Tahonikepsu, the leader of the Jeweled Sages. You may be familiar with her as an associate of Amenopheus, longtime friend of the Society and our trusted expert on matters of Ancient Osirion. She has asked the Pathfinder Society to send its best Osirionologists to the Pillars of the Sun to help explore a sealed-off area in the sages’ stronghold there—so I have recommended you.”
He searches his desk for quill and ink and scribbles out two notes, sealing one with wax imprinted with the Way of the Open Road. “I’ve made arrangements with a caravan to Eto and provided directions from there to the Pillars of the Sun. Once you’ve reached the Pillars, Tahonikepsu has promised a guide to see you the rest of the way. We have maps and sketches from the last expedition if you want to familiarize yourself with the site, and I have also withdrawn several scrolls from our reserves in case your Ancient Osiriani is rusty. Feel free to arrange alternate transport—at your own expense. Don’t try using magic to reach the sanctum directly, though; there’s no telling where you’d end up.”
The venture-captain rises from his seat to see everyone off, and hands over the two letters. “Show the first letter to the caravan master. The sealed one is your letter of introduction to the Diamond Sage. Remember, the Jeweled Sages are invaluable allies in our exploration of Ancient Osirion, and it’s a privilege to be invited into their sanctum. Treat everything there with care, and help to preserve the region’s past.”
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A stout male walks into the room, he wears his dragonhide armor proudly. He carries no weapons, but does have a few scrolls tucked away.
"Good day all. I am sorry that I am late. I only just received the missive. So Tahonikepsu calls upon our services once more. It is an honor to meet with her once more."
Tahonikepsu, our paths shall meet again
Coming back to reality, Deyno looks to the Venture Captain, "I thank you for this chance.
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"Where exactly you'll be exploring has not been disclosed to me, however, I am familiar with the region. Some very dangerous beasts and ancient magic reside in those mountains. Tahonikepsu has secured a path but wants to keep the route a secret. I can understand her caginess on the matter, but if you could document your path to assist future expeditions, I would appreciate it."
Norden hands a small bundle to the party. In addition to the 2 sealed letters are 3 scrolls of comprehend languages, a scroll of tongues, and a field primer on Ancient Osiriani .
Knowledge (History or Local)
Knowledge (Geography)
desert and rocky terrain, full of cliffs and chasms.
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"That is a more than reasonable reason to be tardy, I must admit I have been slow to reach scheduled meetings after I got lost researching chains of documents that build upon the work of others."
"I have a slight hesitation in crossing the judgment of Tahonikepsu's ... stature, but I will keep it in mind. I must side with the idea that knowledge is better utilized when shared than kept hidden."
Watts with some glee goes into the excited chirping of information about the historic region. "While the Pillars of the Sun are dangerous region it is one well warded, likely to maintain the hidden ruins within. Those wards have been failing over the centuries though, making magic around them far less reliable, but if one is prepared for them, you might be able to turn them to your advantage."
"If we are lucky we might even encounter the tomb of An-Hepsu, a horrible pharaoh of his time who used dark magic to maintain his existence, but there is little to know records of anyone returning alive from his tomb! Presuming we survive, we would be able to delve into an area that hasn't been touched by mortals in centuries!"
Catching himself drawn too keep into this chain of thought, Watts calms himself before continuing on to the matters he finds more mundane.
"I'm much more familiar with the Jeweled Sages than I was several years ago, but they are an organization that draws upon lore from the Age of Destiny, however they suffered a great loss as Qadira took claim over the region. While the Pharaohs of the time did not favor the Sages, the Qadiran satrapy went as far as to enlist the aid of outsiders to wipe out the order."
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As if on cue, a tall elf with dark robes, with his cloak's deep hood cowled on his head, enters the Venture-Captain's office on the heels of Deyno and stands absolutely silent.
Occasionally, he turns silently, pacing for a few steps to look out of the office's window.
After a few moments, he silently nods to Deyno and the Venture-Captain.
***...I have followed your bodyguard here...well met...I am Yanndu of the Dark Archives...I am here on behalf of the Society's leadership with main task to help cataloging any find we make...***
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It's been a long time since my last mission, I hope I still got it... A gruff and rather burly looking elf slips in on the conversation towards the end, He's got white blonde hair and emerald eyes. His armor and body show wear, but they still look funtional. He nods towards the Venture Captain. I hope you'll forgive my tardiness, I have to admit, I was hesitant to lend my services. My last several missions haven't gone quite as fondly as they did to begin my career here, and I contimplated retirement...He pauses for a moment, closes his eyes and faces the ceiling. At any rate I'm here now, and don't want to bore you with my misfortunes, I am Ramesses, right hand of Gorum, and bringer of judgement. Ramesses greets everyone with a smile and a bow. You can see a rather fine looking greatsword on his back, a black leather trench coat covering elvish full length chainmail.
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"I remember when I first met Tahonikepsu," Says the strange, small, dark man. "Now that was an adventure for the ages!"
He turns to Watts, and looks up at him with eyes that only some of those present may recognize as authentically ultraviolet in color. "I see I am not the only one to have acquired an interest in Osirionology. I am Sihir Aneh Yang Mengembara Alam Semesta - 'Sihir Aneh' will do - and I side with the idea that not all information is *knowledge*. Where I come from, just because a map becomes available does not mean the path cannot still be hidden." He smiles a small, cryptic smile.
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"Ah! Mental communication! I have experienced this on multiple occasions prior to this, but only as the recipient. I am grateful to have this opportunity."
Watts is very ecstatic to relate Yanndu's introduction to others as he sends some time to find the proper phrasing to convey the meaning.
"I am honored to have you here with us Ramesses even through your hardships. I hesitate to offer advice without knowing the full extant of your dealings, but I will state I have more faith in someone who has experienced failure and returned than another who claims to have never failed."
"While I understand the idea of obscuring knowledge within an abundance of content Sihir Aneh, I can not say I find the idea healthy. Although I must admit I enjoy parsing hidden knowledge from such texts."
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Cirri shakes multiple hands. So many new people!
She's not sure if Yanndu will accept a handshake. Maybe he'd prefer a mental handshake? Cirri quickly thinks about handshaking Yanndu in the same room, where she would shake him from physically.
"Retirement. I want to build a beach house and spend the days flying around the coast, deep diving occasionally! That would be great!" Cirri shakes Ramesses's hands.
"I like the pursuit of knowledge, but I'm never certain what to do when I actually get it." Cirri thinks as Sihir Aneh debates maps. "I'm like a dog sometimes. What do I do when I catch the bone?"
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Your journey to west to Eto and then south to the Pillars of the Sun is uneventful. You are met by a pair of sage acolytes, a handsome young Garundi man in white robes, and a sweating middle-aged Taldan woman. The man bows his head. "I am Garai Weheliye, I have been told you are the best Osirionologists the society has to offer. We appreciate your assistance."
The woman adds. "I am Helena Arendall, please, come follow. The Diamond Sage awaits."
The pair lead you along a winding trail that forks dozens of times, and appears to be marked by a hidden series of glyphs of some sort. Finally you find yourselves at a concealed entrance leading into the side of a mountain. At a distance, illusions disguise the structure's features, however as you approach to near a hundred feet the illusion fades, revealing a beautifully engraved facade and door carved directly into the mountain face. A small tent community surrounds the entrance, and around a dozen or so acolytes appear to live in this area.
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Cirri spends a lot of time talking to her teammates. And thinking at Yanndu. She's all too eager to compare arcane magic to his psychic effects and is amazed by the mental discipline required. Watts and Sihir Aneh provide an interesting discussion about the thirst for knowledge (and what do you do when you find it.)
Deyno and Ramesses are plain newcomers to her and she gladly spars with them along the way, sticking to her lucky quarterstaff for protection. She also asks how they handle flying creatures- she's all to happy to spend a few minutes in flight, or taking the form of a harpy once they are on the road.
Cirri waves hello to Garai and Helena. "Oh, thanks for inviting us here. We'll do everything we can to explore the... huh. What are we exploring, anyway?"
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Watts spends a portion of the journey testing the boundaries of the mental bond Yanndu offers and how it conveys underlying meaning and words with double meanings.
Otherwise he is deeply interesting in the prior adventures of others, taking notes to try to learn from the experiences of others.
=
Watts follows Cirri as he looks upon the structure with some nostalgia. He forces himself to move forward to avoid spending hours to reexamine the multitude of carvings. "I must say I wonder that as well. I can only assume some significant level of danger is assumed if Pathfinders are being involved rather than risk anyone else here."
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Helena smiles at Cirri. "While we live here, and use this secluded encampment for meditation, there are still some areas within that are unexplored or off limits. But she can answer more of your questions."
She gestures for you to enter the large doors.
Ornate rugs and a small pile of sitting pillows create a small soft space in the marble room, where a finely dressed Garundi woman sits by a fountain. She looks up from a puzzle of broken pottery fragments as the two escorts announce the Pathfinders. After thanking and dismissing Garai and Helena, she beckons her visitors forward. “Welcome, Pathfinders. You and your venture-captain have my thanks for agreeing to aid us. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage.”
She turns and nods ever so sleightly to each of you. "Watts Helm, Cirri Merryweather, Deyno, Yanndu, and Sihir Aneh Yang Mengembara Alam Semesta, it gladdens me to see you in good health continuing this important work."
She turns to Ramesses and studies him for a moment. "And I hear you come with a referral from the Pathfinder Society?"
She beckons for the letter of reference from Venture Captain Norden Balentiir, then checks the seal before opening it. She reads the letter, then nods.
“The venture-captain has great faith in you. I shall extend you the same courtesy.” She gestures for everyone to sit before continuing. “My sage jewel grants me some knowledge of this complex, and my own research has confirmed many of those memories. That said, the site’s long abandonment has made exploration difficult. I believe the next most productive step would be to reopen the archive, whose interior has defied our attempts at divinations. On the lowest floor of the library reside the written history of our order and a crystalline artifact attuned to the sage jewels. I would like you to explore the area, inventory the contents, and report your findings to me. Please be careful; these halls contain delicate, irreplaceable cultural treasures and writings.”
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"I relish the opportunity to not only delve into this ancient holding once more, especially to enter the archives, but experience tells me this will not be limited to mere pleasant hours of pouring through tomes and codices. Do you recall anything of the guardians stationed at the archive?"
Watts is a bit distracted from most lines of questioning, his thoughts fill with his various theories on the particulars of the lore of the ancient land as well as categorizing how best to index an ancient library to find those answers.
"I we respond with your trust by performing all I am capable of to ensure the safety of the relics that lie within."
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"Oh, hi Tahonikepsu! I hope you guys are doing alright. Since the last time." Cirri trails off. "I'd love to fly with you again some day- I'll try to ask fewer questions though."
"It sounds like we should be prepared for whatever's down there. Do you think it's trapped? Are there any odd creatures you expect down there?" She mumbles. "Any creepy cultist ghosts?"
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"I have expended considerable effort communing with the memories of my predecessor, who was so kind as to store her memories and those of her proteges in the sage jewel I carry. Even then, not every memory is perfect and her knowledge is limited to what she personally knew or saw. Any wards or guardians are outside of the scope of her memories."
"Ha! No worries, Tahonikepsu! Once Cirri hears something about a lost tome she can't help herself. Lead the way!"
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"Based on previous experience, while we aren't bound to encounter an incorporeal spirit, it is highly likely there is some remnant of former life still clinging within. However I feel my preparations for such an encounter have never been stronger. Although they would be far less useful if we find something far less expected down within."
Watts pauses as he considers his not entirely effective attempt to assuage concerns before trying to try to correct himself.
"However, isn't it far more exciting to run into something unexpected?"
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Well Tahonikepsu, it’s good to finally put a face with the name I’ve been hearing around the Society. I’ve heard nothing but great things about you, and I ensure you I will do my best to keep everything...intact. Ramesses pauses for a moment, then remembers a question. Earlier you mentioned your divination attempts being thwarted by a magical force, does it affect all schools of magic or have you tried others?
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"We will inventory everything and destroy all wards and guardians you no longer remember. Thankfully, my ancestors may remember them."
Yanndu sits on the ground cross-legged, and focuses inwards, until he feels the external world no more, and becomes one with past, future and present.
Telepathically, to those connected:
***...Keepers of the Secrets of Lost Azlant, Spire Seers of the Approaching Starstone and Saviours of All Elves, reveal thy knowledge of the Pillars of the Sun, as well as the tomb of the Pharaoh of No Rain, An-Hepsu XI and its traps, wards and guardians...***
Riddywhipple borrows Cirri's Mage Armor wand and applies it. "Does anyone else need Mage Armor?"
"And a Mage Armor for you, sirrah!" Riddywhipple activates the spell and taps Sihir Aneh's hand with it. Gently.
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"I am grateful for the offer, but barring some rare circumstances, others would benefit from the magical armor more than myself. However I should get my own ensure my own extracts are well prepared."
As Watts goes aside to prepare his alchemical concoctions he does make some notes on the path taken through the Pillars of the Sun as he recalls it within his notebooks.
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Yanndu, you find that very little knowledge of the specifics of the tomb, however down your lineage you find that many seekers of knowledge have attempted research into the rituals that extended the Pharaoh of No Rain's life. They were frequently made the target of ire of those who consider such acts unnatural and evil, ranging from local clergy and lords, to extra-planar intervention.
Tahonikepsu leads you to the adjoining hall where a 5-foot diameter crystal hovers a short distance off of the floor. She begins to chant in Ancient Osiriani, causing the stone to hum and the glyphs on the west door fade away. Finally the stone cracks open and melts into the surrounding walls. "I thank you for coming to our aid. You are welcome to rest with the acolytes outside whenever you need. I have other business to attend to, so if you are ready to begin your work I shall depart."
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Yanndu listens to the Ancient Osiriani chant and memorizes the lyrics.
Telepathically, he warns the others:
***...Be on your guard...cast your long-term spells now...before we enter...rituals that extend life are by design unnatural and go against the cosmic order...one could say that similarly to undeath...unnatural long life is tainted with evil...by extension, I posit that anything altering the flow of the River of Souls is tainted by evil, and would be of interest to the heralds of Pharasma...***
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Watts covertly starts to make a map of the path to the Sanctum, but primarily focuses on the geological history of the area and material of the ruins within to be a useful guide for travel.
"You are quite correct and that is very likely. Although if the Qadirian satrap were those calling upon the aid of the those from the outer shells, it quite possibly they would call upon the servants of Saerenrae to eradicate the undead as she is quite a potent enemy of the undead."
In any case, closer to unknown danger, Watts will drink more of his long term extracts to prepare for whatever may come.
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The Ancient Osiriani chant seems to be similar to many other rituals used to seal or unseal tombs or other protected places. There is little to be gleaned from the words alone.
"Good luck. There are disturbances elsewhere in the local solar system I must investigate." With that, the Diamond sage steps back out into the encampment, then reverts to her natural form as a time dragon. With a growl, she leaps straight up into the air, taking off into the midday sky.
After you finish lifting Ramesses's jaw off of the ground, you follow a passageway 50 ft down that opens into a magically lit chamber.
Fragrant scents float on the warm breeze that circulates around this columned chamber. Jasmine, grapevines, mandrakes, and anemones grow from pots hanging around the room, vibrant and fruitful despite the lack of sunlight. Sycamore saplings fill the alcoves, and a phosphorescent moss has overgrown some of the walls and ceiling. A great seal bearing a written inscription covers the center of the floor.