Pathfinder Society Master of Spells Aram Zey stands
impatiently in front of the Hao Jin Tapestry in the bowels
of the Grand Lodge in Absalom. The extraplanar realm
within the frayed cloth has been the talk of the Society
since it was recovered as a prize at the Ruby Phoenix
Tournament earlier in the year, and the fact that the
Pathfinder leader waits here to deliver the assignment
implies the mission will take place within the tapestry.
Once the entire party is assembled before him, Zey begins
speaking in a terse, no-nonsense tone.
“Behind me is one of the greatest treasures to come into the Society’s hands in decades—an entire demiplane containing some of Golarion’s greatest treasures, whisked away from the Material Plane by the legendary Tian sorceress Hao Jin. It should be ours alone to explore, but the Aspis Consortium has found another way into the isolated pocket dimension, and they’ve already begun plundering the treasures within with reckless abandon for the secrets they might contain.
“A recent expedition to observe one of the Consortium’s encampments uncovered a fact we must act upon quickly. Aspis Consortium agents within the tapestry are currently, or will shortly be, meeting with a tribe of ratfolk in a place called Round Mountain in order to form some sort of alliance. These ratfolk are incredibly powerful within the tapestry, and their influence stretches far beyond the mountain itself. If the Consortium allies themselves with such a dominant organization within the tapestry, our efforts to rid the demiplane of their encroaching filth will be all that much more difficult.
“Thus, you must stop them. Get to the ratfolk stronghold—a place known as the Pagoda of the Rat in a cavern at the center of the mountain—and prevent the Consortium from negotiating an alliance with the ratfolk there. Form such an alliance yourselves if you can, but your priority is preventing official cooperation between the ratfolk and the Aspis Consortium within the Hao Jin Tapestry. Prepare yourselves for a long journey, Pathfinders, because I fear you will not be able to easily return here until your entire mission is complete. I trust you will take the necessary precautions, but if you must return early, simply step back into the extraplanar eddy that will appear behind you when you arrive. Before you step in though, I have a few missives for you”
News has reached me that you will be venturing to a location within the Hao Jin Tapestry known as Round Mountain. It is said that Round Mountain was once a part of the Darklands beneath Tian Xia inhabited by ratfolk. These ratfolk are known to most as a race of vile thieves; however, we in Andoran know that their true nature is one of freedom and independence. The ratfolk of Round Mountain are a sovereign people and should be treated as such. Should you encounter their kind, make every effort to be respectful and avoid violence unless absolutely necessary.
For Liberty!
Major Colson Maldris
All too often we are subjected to the narrow-minded views of a world blind to the reality we hold to be true. We are frequently described solely as a bunch of evil devil worshipers, our detractors openly neglect the positive aspects our nation has brought to the world; law, order, beauty, obedience... It’s time we have a little fun with the lesser creatures of the world and make them believe we’re only here to help. On the next foray for the Society, I want you to play nice with the rest of your group, especially those who may not see the world as it truly is. Offer to assist them with any special assignments they may have and discover what they’re up to. Report back to me with details of who they’re working for and their activities.
Anxiously Awaiting You,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
Our duties as Pathfinders are often complex and varied, and require soft skills as often as hard steel. We need to stop the Aspis Consortium from forming an alliance with the ratfolk of Round Mountain. Part of your mission will likely require you to physically eliminate the Aspis contingent, but we must also forge our own alliance with the ratfolk. Should you encounter any hostile ratfolk, do everything within your power to diffuse the situation. It is of the utmost importance to stay on good terms with the rulers of Round Mountain.
In Service to the Society,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
Over 500 years ago, one of Lanming’s most respected families lost a precious piece of jewelry to a band of thieving ratfolk during one of their countless invasions. To most, the simple golden necklace of Shu Ri is but worth a few platinum, but to her descendants it is priceless. Attempts to recover the stolen property were thwarted when an entire section of the Darklands disappeared. Now, word comes to me that you will be traveling to a place called Round Mountain—a mountain rumored to actually be the missing piece of the Darklands. Search the mountain high and low for Shu Ri’s necklace and bring it back to me in one piece. You will know you’ve found it by the unique five-threaded weave of the chain.
With Deepest Respect and Gratitude,
Venture-Captain Amara Li
It has come to our attention that you have been given the glorious opportunity to travel within Hao Jin’s personal dimension. One can only imagine what ancient treasures and secrets await you there. Hao Jin was famous for collecting anything and everything she desired, including some of the most amazing creatures of this world. It is one such creature that commands our attention, a dragon of considerable power. It is rumored that before Hao Jin’s disappearance, she captured it in the depths below Lung Wa and sent it through her tapestry into her dimensional pocket. Don’t worry though, I’m not asking you to actually fight this majestic creature, for doing so would be certain death. What we need to know is the dragon’s name. See what you can dig up and report back safely.
May Our Ancestors Lead You True,
Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage
The profits to be made from this tapestry are unimaginable and thankfully they go unrealized by most. We’ve learned your latest journey into the personal dimension of Hao Jin will take you to the center of Round Mountain, a piece of the Darklands plucked from Nar-Voth beneath Tian Xia. Round Mountain is ruled by a ratfolk civilization that also sees the value of power through trade and wealth. My sources say that there is only one way into Round Mountain and the ratfolk control it. Speak with whoever is in charge of this passage, give them this letter with my seal, and secure a lucrative deal for our future goods transport.
Trade is Life,
Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam
When most would see only a large mountain rising out the water, we Sczarni see an opportunity. My sources inform me that the Qadirans are going to attempt to set up a very profitable arrangement with the ratfolk of Round Mountain. Fortunately, that same source also has methods in place to guarantee an inconspicuous portion of those profits finds their way into our hands. Go to Round Mountain, help the Qadiran agents arrange their deal. If you arrive before any of their agents can set it up themselves, take this letter with the Trade Prince’s seal. Convince the ratfolk you represent Aaqir Al’Hakam and make the arrangements yourself.
May Luck Ever Favor You,
Guaril Karela
Once again you are being asked to follow in the wake of the most hated Aspis Consortium. This time it is even more personal. I have it on good authority one of the Aspis agents sent to negotiate the alliance with the ratfolk of Round Mountain was none other than Lialda Longsorrow. Lialda was once a prominent member of the Shadow Lodge, but she turned traitor when we reconciled with the Decemvirate. Lialda was never one you’d send to negotiate with words, so she must have been sent as protection. Should you find the apostate, kill her. You’ll know you have the right half-elf when you see her face. The left side of it looks much like mine. Be careful with this one—she’s a known master of both melee and magic.
Wishing You Success,
Grandmaster Torch
Rumors abound that you leading the charge into the depths of darkness once again. The Darklands’ inhabitants are famous for their worship of all things evil and unholy. They seek to shroud the light we so desperately protect. Should you encounter any sites of heinous worship, see to it they are destroyed.
May the Light Protect You,
Ollysta Zadrian
Many in this world would argue that we Taldans are incapable of learning from the past or refuse to push forward to the future. Here is but a small chance to prove them so very wrong. The ratfolk of the Darklands below Tian Xia once launched a very successful campaign in Lung Wa and were only thwarted through the most powerful magic. These ratfolk are very cunning, and their structural achievements may provide valuable insight into defensive fortifications. Should you have the chance to explore such a structure, take very detailed notes of its construction and return these notes to me personally. Be sure your notes are complete—be extra diligent and leave nothing out.
For the Glory of the Empire!
Lady Gloriana Morilla
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Seelah unfolds her note and reads it quietly to herself. Finishing the text she folds the parchment up and tucks it away.
Remembering the countless objectives she has helped secure for the society and the order she thinks to herself, Well, at least the two missions have some unity for once.
"Am I to understand that we will be entering a...tapestry?" She seems to be waiting for the punchline that will obviously never come.
Round Mountain was created over 500 years ago as an attempt to stop a ratfolk invasion of the Tian empire of Lung Wa.
The powerful sorceress Hao Jin—known by many as the Ruby Phoenix—teleported a massive sphere of stone from the Darklands, collapsing many of the ratfolk invaders’ tunnels and preventing further incursions to the surface world.
Histories from the subterranean cultures beneath Lung Wa speak of entire communities that disappeared from Nar-Voth when Hao Jin removed the chunk of stone that would later become Round Mountain.
Nar-Voth is the uppermost layer of the Darklands and consists of countless caverns connected by winding secondary and tertiary tunnels. The stone that makes up Round Mountain is likely to have come from this layer of the Darklands.
Common denizens of Nar-Voth include brain oozes, cave giants, dark folk, derro, duergar, gremlins, seugathi, and troglodytes. Ratfolk are not generally present on this layer, preferring the deeper layer of Sekamina.
Some of the Darklands’ fiercest predators are well known for setting traps within frequently traveled tunnels, using the terrain to trap or weaken their prey.
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Phos will communicate his knowledge to the party, and will also go through his notes to find anything that might prepare the party should they encounter any of the denizens.
Brain Oozes (Dungeoneering):
Cave giants (Nature):
Dark Folk (Nature):
Derro (Nature):
Duergar (Nature):
Gremlins (Nature):
Seugathi (Dungeoneering):
Troglodyte (Nature):
I'm not looking for detailed explanations of them, or trying to slow down the game; only looking to see if there are any suggestions I should give my party mates on how to prepare themselves for what may lie ahead.
Phos turns to Miss Elizabeth and says, "Are you as skilled with finding and manipulating traps as you as with your blade?"
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"Well Phos, at the risk of being boastful, I'd say my abilities with traps and locks exceeds those skills I possess with my blades."
She offers the elf a wry smile, "Now, I can only hope that this other plane doesn't differ too far from our own in regards to the workings of various traps and mechanations."
Aram Zey turns to Seelah. "Of course you'll be entering the tapestry. That's why we entered the Ruby Phoenix Tournament. Now it's ours and it needs exploring."
"Unfortunately, we don't know much about the ratfolk inhabiting the mountain. I guess you'll find out when you get there if you can reason with them and find a few allies amongst their ranks."
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Also, I just updated my character stats using Hero Lab (just got it) so there's some other stuff on there, including the spells Phos copied from Solarious after the last game. I'm new to Hero Lab, so if anything looks odd, let me know.
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Knowledge (Arcana):
And while we're at it, let's look up anything he can find about the Ratfolk.
Knowledge (Nature):
5 (3/day) Teleport, Prying Eyes, Cone of Cold (DC 24), Hungry Pit (DC 24)
4 (4/day) Black Tentacles, Invisibility, Greater, Acid Pit (DC 23), Arcane Eye, Emergency Force Sphere
3 (5/day) Blood Biography (DC 23), Haste, Haste, Stinking Cloud (DC 22), Dispel Magic, Daylight
2 (6/day) Darkvision, Resist Energy, Mirror Image, Invisibility, Web (DC 21), Detect Thoughts (DC 22), Protection from Evil, Communal
1 (7/day) Expeditious Excavation (DC 20), Magic Missile, Mage Armor, Comprehend Languages, Ray of Enfeeblement (DC 20), Air Bubble, Touch of Gracelessness (DC 20), Vanish
0 (at will) Prestidigitation (DC 19), Mage Hand, Detect Magic, Message
Aram Zey turns to the latecomer. "That's essentially it, yes."
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Phos looks through a few of his notebooks, takes the missive and places it as a bookmark in a particular page, and says, "In general, be prepared for a subterranean environment, where light sources would be of optimal use.
It appears that we may encounter creatures such as brain oozes, cave giants, dark folk, derro, duergar, gremlins, seugathi, troglodytes... and possibly a dragon of some sort.
I'm not terribly familiar with brain oozes, but from what I've read, they appear to attack the psyche. Should we encounter any, expect that I will not be joining in close combat.
Cave giants, as far as I can tell, are little more than giant humanoids that live in caves.
If we encounter dark folk, be forewarned that they have a tendency to implode when they die, harming those around them. I've seen the effects first-hand and it is not pleasant.
Derro are subterranean fey creatures, twisted and insane. They are known to use poisons to great effect against their enemies, but they do not light bright light.
Duergar are akin to dwarves, though aside from their dour personalities, I know little else about them.
Gremlins *sigh* are little, mischievous fey. There's little you can really do to protect against them other than staying aware and vigilant for them. There are various types, but they all particularly love to dismantle machinery and devices.
Seugathi are mad aberrations, wormlike creatures that wield magic, sword and poison, and are resistant to all such things as well.
And Troglodytes... well, troglodytes just stink. You may wish to bring noseplugs.
Dragons are far too mighty to cover in a briefing, but be aware that they are physically, mentally and magically mighty. Should we encounter one (and there is no guarantee that we will), it is best to treat it with respect, and attempt to work things through peacefully rather than through battle. There are many kinds of dragon, and if one actually does exist in the Tapestry realm, there is no telling of what kind it may be.
Finally, the creatures we are going to visit are the ratfolk. They are generally considered to be pleasant creatures, and will work with other races for mutual benefit. I do have a particular note here that they are fond of elves, and enjoy elven art and music. This could be of use to us."
"Well," Aram Zey interjects, "it sounds like you lot are prepared for everything. I've told you about all I can so if you're ready step up and I will assist you in entering the Tapestry."
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"Excellent , then let us be on or way."
Reiko gently brushes her shoulder against Miss Elizabeth as she walks to the front of the group
Bluff check to conceal a hidden message
So, I hear you and I share a Cousin Vinny... I don't see any Qadiri around, so we'll have to improvise to get the job done... Just the way I like it.
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Aamiri only only able to retain a small percentage of what Phos has said...her excitement at encountering, and killing, new and exciting types of creatures only exacerbates her already too short attention span. A dragon! Did he say a dragon?!? Her companions suddenly seem intent upon the tapestry Aram Zey was talking about. Something about being infested with rats? Surely some apothecary can contact something to still my mind during these briefings!
As you teleport into the tapestry, you arrive at the base of Round Mountain, at the foot of a winding stairway climbing the mountain’s spherical face.
A massive hemisphere of stone rises out of a wide lake, as though a ball had been dropped from a great height and the dent left in the ground had filled with water over time. A set of wide switchback stairs has been carved into the mountain’s face, climbing the impossibly steep slope in a dizzying series of twists, turns, and reversals. A blur of green far above indicates that vegetation thrives atop the dome, where it finally levels out enough to hold their roots.
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Miss Elizabeth manages to Bayushi Reiko a nod of acknowledgement. Once through the portal, Elizabeth gapes at the sight before her. Whoa, I didn't think the name would be so literal! That's a lot of stairs!!
She turns to Phos, "Well, my man, you seem to know the most about our environment. Do we just... go... up the stairs?"
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Phos takes a moment to survey around the area around them, to account for the team, then takes a hard look up the stairs ahead of them. For a brief moment, he considers casting teleport to bypass the rigorous climb, but shakes the thought from his head, knowing it better to keep the spell in reserve should the party need an immediate departure. Finally he stands, "That seems the most likely entryway. We should make our way towards it, but keep an eye out for any other possible passages. The Aspis Consortium likely has a head start, so let's get moving."
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Linnea adjusts her pack. "Yes, let's get those stairs underneath us. Why don't I take lead and keep an eye out for any traps the ratfolk may have waiting for unexpected guests such as us."
I'll go ahead and roll. If you need more as we go along, I won't feel like you're stepping on any toes if you roll it. With the Trapfinding ability, my perception to locate traps is +16.
You face no challenge other than weariness during their ascent up the stairs. The climb takes you nearly 10,000 feet above the lake’s surface, and the view down to the ground is dizzying. A glance at the horizon shows a vast stretch of land spreading out in all directions. Despite the altitude, you experience no effects normally associated with cold or thinning air, even further evidence that the atmosphere here is not the same as that of Golarion.
Where the entrance to the Sundered Path should be stands thirty-foot-tall stone fortress. Its black granite exterior is covered with a dozen arrow slits, and two looming iron doors bar entry into the tunnels beyond.
Through one of the arrow slits a voice calls out. "Halt! We've watched you, weary travelers, for some time now. Explain your business or turn around." The voice then follows up by staying something in
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Kuduro presents her holy symbol and says a small prayer to Sarenrae () and then opens her arms wide looking toward the arrow slit that spoke and bowing deeply.
"Greetings and blessings unto you, guardian. I am Kuduro al-Lazuri, Keleshite Princess of Qadira and Holy daughter of the sunlight given form, Sarenrae. My companions and I come seeking safe passage to the Pagoda of the Rat. Please allow us to pass."
Diplomacy:
There is some muffled speaking from behind the massive stone wall and the gate booms open. Several ratfolk guards escort you to a sizeable office on the ground floor.
This austere room sports little decoration aside from a single wool tapestry on its east wall. The only furniture here is a simple wooden desk and chair, and a pair of chairs opposite the desk for visitors.
The tower captain and three of his guards stand in the room. After you are escorted in, the captain motions for you to sit and the guards stand to the side of the room.
"Well met. My name is Tang Man Kuo and I am the captain of the gatehouse here. I hear that you are travelling to the Pagoda of the Rat. Well, that journey can only occur if I grant permission and I will only grant permission when I have heard your tale and deemed you peaceful travelers and friends of the ratfolk."
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Seelah nods her head in reverence to the captain and speaks, "My lord, we assure you that our presence here is not one of malice, and we recognize your people as a sovereign race who value freedom and independence as much as our own. We come as representatives of the Pathfinder Society and wish only to treat with you on matters that could directly impact us both. It is our understanding that the unlawful and dangerous Aspis Consortium has managed to slither their way into this realm as well and seeks to deceive you and abuse your trust. This we are duty bound to assist you in avoiding if at all possible."
Seelah observes the captain for a moment and continues, "Their goal is to plunder whatever riches they can from the Round Mountain, gain your trust, and exploit it however possible to their direct advantage. Such is their way, and it is a way we are sworn to oppose."
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Phos rests his hand upon the paladin's shoulder as she speaks, bestowing another magical bonus upon her (+4), and says, "What she says is true, and though you may trust us no more than they, if you allow us entrance into your realm, we will present our case to your people, and let you and your kindred be the judge."
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From her seat, Kuduro bows to the guard captain. "Thank you for allowing us in Captain Tang. I believe your people have yet to fully come to know the true nature of the Aspis Consortium, If only I could share with you the heart ache and memory that I have personally experienced at their hands. The brothers and sisters in arms, tricked, betrayed and at times outright murdered by them." Kuduro shakes her head in sadness. "They seek to take things, steal and plunder what they will. The Pathfinders are an organization that seeks knowledge and understanding through cooperation. By building friendships, alliances and trading partners we are able to increase knowledge and understanding of all parties, not at the expense of those who's trust we simply betray when it suits our interests. Unlike the Aspis. Why name yourself after a snake, unless a snake is what you wish to be?"
Aid Other Diplomacy:
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"Captain Tang, I too have had experience with the Aspis Consortium, and I fear them. All that we ask is what my companions have already offered. We seek an alliance with the noble Ratfolk."
Miss Elizabeth adjusts her posture in the chair, "We realize that talk is worth little. Therefore, please tell us what we may do in order to earn your trust?"
The guard captain sits back in his chair. "Hmph. You folk seem to know quite a bit more about the Aspis than I do, but I'm inclined to side with you on the issue. It sounds like your cause is noble and peaceful enough for you to pass with the grace of the ratfolk behind you."
Captain Tang reaches into his desk and pulls out a paper and begins to write. "I will send you along with this letter granting you allowance to pass along the Sundered Path in case any other folk accuse you of trespassing. I will unlock the door and let you pass when you are ready, although it is late and you seem to have had a long journey today. I can provide you housing tonight and you are welcome to join us in the mess hall for supper tonight and for breakfast before you head off in the morning."
He finishes writing the letter and signs his name boldly at the bottom before rolling up the paper and handing it to Seelah. "It truly was a pleasure to meet with you, Pathfinders. I hope to see you once more if you happen to pass this way again."
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Once the party leaves the captain's office, Phos will cast mage armor on himself, using his Lesser Extend Metamagic Rod to double the duration to 18 hours. He will then take another moment to cast message (range 190') on every member of the party, planning to refresh it every 90 minutes.
The captain thinks about Kuduro's question. "I don't know of any Aspis activity lately, so I can't tell you for sure whether they've made friends with some other clan. But I can assure you that with my note you will be accepted by any decent ratfolk you'll meet on the road."
"Now if you'll care to join me in the mess for a bite to eat?"
The captain leads you to the large cafeteria-style mess hall. A large stone table with stone benches on either side dominates this simple, military-style mess. The room appears often used, as evidenced by the pile of dirty dishes heaped in a basin.
When you are done eating the captain dismisses himself and several guards show you to some beds where you can sleep for the night. Seven small beds, appropriately sized for the slight build of the tower’s inhabitants, are spread throughout this room. Each bed has an iron footlocker at its foot.
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As everyone gets ready to bed down for the night, Miss Elizabeth approaches Bayushi Reiko.
"So, Guaril has a fairly straightforward task for us on this outing, it seems. I recently had to remove the tongue of an informant. Believe me, my fellow Pathfinders were none to happy that I did that.
"So, if we are to pass ourselves off as Quadiran, and representatives of Al'Hakam, I don't know successful I would be on my own. I am not blessed with the ability to bend the truth with my words.
How about you? Do you have any ability to bluff people? I do hope so."
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With a stomach full of food and a head slightly clouded by ratfolk ale Aamiri chooses a bunk and lays herself down, only to discover that her feet hang off the end of the cot.
After several moments she takes the pillow from a neighboring bunk and places it atop her footlocker, extending the length of her cot by a foot or so. Before long she is fast asleep.