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Gwen walks on scene picks up Florin's dot, and turns it over. Realization dawns, and suddenly Gwen is caught up in the wavy distortion, and dreamy harp transition of a flashback.
"Oh, yeah! Our first adventure... cooped up on a boat for six weeks...."
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Smiling at the half-orc, a very pale young half-elf with a black outfit and a lot of piercings says.
Nice meeting you again Florin.
The young half-elf then bows to the others and says Greetings ladies and gentlemen. I'm Darksid'Ious, from Nidal, follower of Zon-Kuthon.
May Pain help you to achieve greatness.
The woman in the red mask was quiet. She had been watching all the teams, taking note of each one on her clipboard as they filed in.
Would they be ready for what lay ahead? She had no idea. Whatever happened though, she knew it would be out of this world.
The Society's Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr, looks up with approval upon the 30 foot platform the society is erecting around the base of the Spire of Nex. Her slate-gray skin seems to blend into the stonework behind her, but her manner is lively. She grins as she addresses the unkempt beggar beside her. ”See, Drandle, we were ready in time. You owe me a beer.”
The old Venture Captain titters. “Heh. You’re not away from the spire yet. We’ll see.”
“So we will.” Sorrina nods, then waves at the assembling crowd. “Pathfinders—welcome and well timed. Please, make your ways to the designated safe areas quickly and carefully, and please mind the wards. Try to keep the paths clear, as we have some very delicate equipment coming through. I have some amazing discoveries to share in just a few more moments.”
Meanwhile in the crowd, the aura of excitement continues to build. Rumors are flying everywhere as Pathfinders ask each other, “What’s this all about?”
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Starlight brightens the grassy plain surrounding the immense Spire of Nex. Overhead, a comet lazily streaks across the night sky. Heavily armed patrols guard the perimeter, and the shadow of great wings occasionally blots out the stars. Sharp flashes of amethyst light, quick shouts, and chanting briefly periodically rise above the waiting crowd’s chatter as spellcasters hurriedly construct and maintain crackling wards. These efforts revolve around a thirty-foot-tall upright gleaming metal ring constructed at the Spire’s base.
Moving through the several crowds of Pathfinders you hear numerous rumors.
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Several dozen vendors move throughout the crowd, pushing well-stocked carts carrying prepackaged stacks of small rucksacks. A young man, likely an apprentice follows closely behind.
"How are you all tonight?" A man asks as he looks up at the star-lit sky. "The Venture Officers asked us to come through and offer what magical assistance that we could muster for your trip outside of Golarion's atmosphere and into low-gravity situations."
He snaps his fingers as the young man grabs one of the bags. "We won't be able to join you on the comet itself but I can help protect you from the alien environment, extreme temperatures, vacuum of space and radioactivity."
The boy pulls a few items out of one of the packs to show what they contain.
"These will last the better part of a day and my Master can cast them on each of you at no extra cost as you will be risking your lives already. I highly suggest you take it."
The man looks to each of you as if he is in a bit of a hurry. "Speak up if you want it otherwise I will move on. I have a lot of ground to cover in a short amount of time."
The young boy picks up each item from the ruck sack "In addition you will each get a cache of supplies." The young boy passes a rucksack to each of you. "These will help you a bit more in the hostile conditions."
"Each pack contains two pouches of air crystals, a potion of endure elements and a single snapleaf."
The boy digs through a box of well-used wands "Don't forget this Master."
"Ah, Yes! Here is a wand of cure moderate wounds as well"
These unpleasant-tasting, alchemically grown crystals release breathable air when chewed. A pouch of air crystals provides 1 minute of breathable air. Placing air crystals in your mouth takes a standard action; chewing them each round is a free action. Any attempt to speak while chewing air crystals negates any remaining duration.
This crystalline carving looks like a hand-sized tree leaf. It is usually worn around the neck on a strap so it is within easy reach, but can be affixed to a belt or clothing just like a badge. Activating a snapleaf is an immediate action and gives the bearer the benefits of feather fall and invisibility. The duration of the two effects work independently; ending one early does not affect the other. The item cannot be activated to provide just one of these two effects; they are always activated simultaneously.
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A poised half elf wanders around the grounds. If the glaive he is holding isn't a good hint, the symbol of a long tailed bird hanging around his neck gives him away as a worshipper of Shelyn. Slung across his back is some kind of portable keyboard instrument, which those more familiar would recognise as a portative organ. He nods at passers-by but not seeing anyone he knows, he does not intrude onto any group for now.
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Celebdan mingles among the crowd, listening in to rumours, and connecting them to what his studies both years ago and recently. He starts to get a sense of the mission the Society has chosen to embark on this time. The idea of travelling beyond the confines of Golariom fills him with quiet excitement. Rare is the chance to see the beauty that is truly out of the world.
His suspicions are confirmed by the vendor. Celebdan replies in an almost musical voice, "Thank you for these items, master trader. I trust they will come in useful. And yes, I would indeed take up your offer of the spell. Seems it would be wise."
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As always, Darksid'Ious move across different group of Pathfinders and people alike. Is dark charm is able to give him several information about what's going on this time and why so many people gathered around the Tower of Nex.
He learns that an ambassador from the elves of Kyonin has meet with members of the Decemvirate. Shortly afterward, the Society’s leaders commissioned scribes to copy a number of elven scrolls concerning the solar system and interplanetary travel. More, the Society has gathered a number of rare Numerian relics related to survival in airless environments. Additionally, the Society recently recovered fragments from a broken aiudara (also known as an elf gate) and shipped them to the Cairnlands north of Absalom.
The pale half-elf thanks the young boy and accept the offer for the spell.
I hope that pain and suffering will be on our travel, it will reinforce the sensation we will experience! and what a tale to tell !
He turns to the man who casts on him the spell. What do you think we will find up there? Aliens? Monsters?
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Having heard of the mass call to arms, Samildanach had bid farewell to his most recent travelling companions and headed to the mustering field in his full regalia. Gray, sea stained robes with a dark steel breastplate form the basis of his outfit. Matching greaves and gauntlets enacsing his lower arms and shins respectively, Samildanach has a fine black longcoat over the top.
Carrying a Darkwood shield and several Tridents, the privateer finishrs his look with his face painted in the terrifying visage of a Demon hound snarling. Nodding to those of his team he messes with the wooden leaf around his neck as he spies the dedicated warrior of Zon Kuthon.
"Greetings! Glad some of us have met before, but i don't recognise any of ye. The name's Samildanach, of the crew of the Archon's Shadow. I've heard of the comet around town but not much else."
Thanking the support agents for their pack he also indicates the wand. "Aye, ah'll take that planet spell, sounds useful! I can work the wand too. Oh i'm a priest of Gozreh. he ponders Dark's question for a time. "Aye aliens sounds about right from what i've heard. Monsters? Well some would call you and I monsters eh?"
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What do you think we will find up there? Aliens? Monsters?
The vendor shrugs "Hard to tell, they are just paying me well to go around and split these bags up and make sure you have what you need to head out any moment."
"I'll be happy to have your master cast such a useful spell on me. Even better if I could learn the complex incantations of such a spell."
"If you make it back we can see what we can work out."
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Gwen's a tall woman in a practical green pants suit. She has a small owl on shoulder even though she is carrying an obvious staff/perch. She one of the the Society's core of Extreme Librarians.
Meanwhile in the crowd, the aura of excitement continues to build. Rumors are flying everywhere as Pathfinders ask each other, “What’s this all about?”
"What's this all about?"
The idea of travelling beyond the confines of Golariom fills her with quiet dread. Oh no. Not again.
Sorrina Westyr, the Pathfinder Society's returning Master of Spells, hurriedly concludes her conversation with Drandle Dreng before stepping onto the platform in front of a giant metal ring the Society has constructed. The starlight glimmers in her crystalline white hair, though her obsidian oread features are visible only in flashes from the nearby glowing wards.
“I thank you all for traveling here on such short notice, Pathfinders. A unique opportunity has come to us from the stars.” She gestures gracefully to the comet trailing gas in the sky above her head. “The asteroid Aucturn's Tear quietly travels our solar system once every fifty-six years. For the first time it now flares with brilliance. We have learned this phenomenon is the work of an entity trapped on Aucturn's Tear and, whatever this being is, it is calling out for help. We do not know its intentions, yet it is in our interest to learn more. If it is benevolent, it may prove a powerful ally and friend to the Society if we can free it. If it is malevolent, then we will do what we can to ensure it stays sealed away where it can do no harm.”
She casts a spell, briefly creating an image of Golarian’s solar system, and the asteroid’s trajectory within it.
“As it approaches planets, the entity has opened gateways in magic-dense regions, as if calling out to powerful champions that might come to its aid. Based on our calculations, the first of these gateways on Golarion should appear in a matter of minutes, and we have gathered in this magically infused site to draw the portal here and stabilize it, allowing us to travel to the asteroid ourselves. Our observations show billowing clouds pouring out from three locations on Aucturn's Tear. These both create a livable environment we can navigate as well as provide three entrances to the asteroid's interior so that we can find the source of these events.” Red arrows appear at each entrance as the image keeps focusing closer and closer to the asteroid itself. “The first entrance is at the base of an enormous crater, where there are monumental fortifications— likely making that the most difficult approach. The second plume is coming from the remnants of a frozen fortress, which could contain incredible secrets in its own right. The third plume is coming from the sunward side of the comet and is issuing from a number of lava tubes. Our observers also spotted the wreck of a metal craft near there.”
Sorrina pauses a moment, letting the significance of all of these observations sink in, and then continues.
“This will be an unusual environment, so prepare for unusual conditions: extreme temperatures, low-gravity, and airless pockets are likely. Everyone should have received a package of supplies to assist in managing these hazards. While the gateway should remain stable, a contingent of conjurers is staying here to monitor it, and additional teams are on standby to provide escape routes to extradimensional shelters in case of complications. Perhaps most importantly, we've ringed this area with defenses to prevent any outside interference with this expedition, and the bronze dragon Ahelvetinn has agreed to keep watch in case any evil attempts to escape through the gateway into Golarion.”
The Spire of Nex begins to hum, the vibrations creating a stomach-churning resonance as a pinpoint of light appears in the center of the portal ring and begins to grow.
Sorrina Westyr shouts to be heard over the deafening noise, “It's beginning! Be ready to move through and split into teams to investigate each of the three possible approaches. Once we're inside we can regroup and compare notes.”
The metal of the portal ring incandesces, and a blast of freezing air pours out as the gateway opens. The place beyond is a field of jagged grey stone, and once several dozen Pathfinders step through, the earth itself springs to life in the form of countless elemental creatures that swarm toward the gate. From further in, a terrible draconic roar accompanies the appearance of a flight of crystalline dragons sweeping out from the lip of a crater.
“Secure the gate! Do not let any of them through!” Westyr shouts as she sends a lance of swirling black and white energy into one of the wyrms, sending it careening end over end as the forces meet.
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The view once through the portal is breathtaking; The asteroid has a barren stone surface, with some remnant of ruins of a foreign civilization. Broad rocky stripes crisscross the landscape, displaying countless stratigraphic layers. However, with little obstacles on the surface to obscure the view, the dark void of space can be seen all around. Thousands of tiny stars in the distance dot the sky all around, and the sun hangs low on the horizon. It takes a few cautious steps to get used to this new environment, once through the portal. For one, the gravity is a lot less than normal on Golarion. The temperature is comfortable and there is apparently breathable air here. The protection of the planar adaptation spell isn't needed yet.
Aucturn’s Tear has gravity that is only one-fifth that of Golarion. PCs can jump five times as high and lift five times as much as normal, and projectiles have their range categories quintupled. Reduce the die size of damage dealt by falling to 1d4.
Following Sorrina Westyr’s words, there isn’t much time to get accustomed to the new conditions. A small humanoid creature with skin like slate approaches, flying with the help of leathery wings to intercept the new arrivals, 15 foot off the ground. The ground rumbles in its wake, hinting at the possibility of another creature with hostile intent, underground.
Celebdan
Gwendolyn
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Humanoid (DC 13 Knowledge Planes)
?????
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Florin
Samildanach
Darksid'ious
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Celebdan suddenly notices the symbol hanging from the neck of one of his teammates. Instinctively the trip in his glaive tightens to the extent that his knuckles turn white. But my Lady, it can't be.What fate has brought about this?
Celebdan does not have much time to ponder over this though with the creature descending upon the party. He tries to recall if he has come across it in his studies.
Regardless he knows the creature is hostile and he begins to sing a wordless tune, his powerful and angelic voice carries through the air, rousing the spirits of his teammates, even the follower of Zon Kuthon.
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Celeban recognizes the creature as an Earth Mephit. Earth mephits are commonly found on the Plane of Earth. These mephits are plodding and humorless.
Celeban knows that they are quite resistant to weapons unless they are magical. They are able to summon more of their own from their own realm as well as soften the earth around them. Earth Mephit's are able to unleash a blast of rock and pebbles from their mouth, bludgeoning a person to death with their breath alone. An earth mephit also is able to heal extremely fast if underground.
Letting the group know what he knows about the outsider Celeban begins to sing and sing loud as songs rise up all around the several dozen Pathfinder groups.
Inspire Courage +1
Chock
Celebdan
Gwendolyn
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Humanoid (DC 13 Knowledge Planes)
?????
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Florin
Samildanach
Darksid'ious
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Chock's arrow is spot on as it strikes the Mephit, though it doesn't seem to do any damage whatsoever.
Gwen readies a spell if anything hostile comes within range.
The earth Mephit hurtles through the air towards the most concentrated group of Pathfinders and breaths in deep. Rocks and rubble blast all around as it strikes all but Gwen and her companion.
nearby the ground rumbles and pulses upward as the soil itself forms into an earth elemental that slams into Celebdan.
The earth elemtal's fist slams into Celebdan's head, caving it in and continues to follow through into Dark Sid'Ious' chest.
Florin quickly draws a wand and applies magical armor defenses to herself.
Inspire Courage +1
Chock (24/26)
Celebdan (-4/28)
Gwendolyn
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Earth Mephit
Earth Elemental
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Florin (27/29)
Samildanach (20/22)
Darksid'ious (3/23)
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Pain it is! Thinks Darksid'Ious when the creature strikes him after having almost killed his comrade next to him.
Through pain you will find my way Celebdan. Darker and better.
Realizing he was too close to death and to the creature, Darksid'Ious decides to break the fight and to reposition behind his comrades.
While moving he draws his crossbow.
Tries to help poor Celebdan, I will take care of myself!
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Celebdan manages to dodge past most of the blast from the mephit but fails to notice the elemental that arises from behind him. He receives a nasty wallop to his head, falling unconscious but Shelyn must have been watching over him, as his condition stabilises. His rousing song ceases, replaces by noise of the fierce combat.
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Holding his shield to deflect most of the breath, Samildanach scowls as his fine coat is scorched by the acidic breath which swiftly turns into a curse as one of his allies drops and another falls back bleeding heavily.
Stepping forwards to defend the fallen bard, Samildanach raises his holy symbol of Gozreh and calls out a prayer, the God of Storms avoiding enveloping the elemental creatures in the healing embrace.
"God of the storm, focus yer fearsome power into a warm touch!"
The Half Orc then draws his Trident and holds it ready.
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Samildanach raises his shield to defend his fallen comrade while he sends out a wave of healing to his comrades. Celebdan regains consciousness though he stares facing up at the earth elemental hovering over his body.
Getting battered dark Sid'Ious withdraws to some semblance of safety.
Gwen continues to ready her spell if someone is able to push the earth elemental just a few feet back into the effect of the spell.
Chock (26/26)
Celebdan (2/28; prone)
Gwendolyn
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Earth Mephit
Earth Elemental
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Florin (29/29)
Samildanach (22/22)
Darksid'ious (8/23)
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Chock fires a pair of arrows into the earthen elemental. the arrows chip away at it's hard exterior with ease.
Lying below Celebdan begins his rousing song, once again inspiring those around him.
The earth mephit cackles as it flies after Dark Sid'Ious, clawing at the half elf every inch of the way.
Dark Sid'Ious swats the outsider's claws away with his rapier as it lands on the ground.
Sam weathers the massive blow against his shield as the Pathfinders seem to be gaining the upper hand.
Inspire Courage +1
Chock (26/26)
Celebdan (2/28; prone)
Gwendolyn
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Earth Mephit
Earth Elemental (-16)
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Florin (29/29)
Samildanach (22/22)
Darksid'ious (8/23)