Cosmic Captive Special
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.
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Alvin is a red-haired, older looking gnome. Though quite old , he still is jubilant and fresh as he has ever been. He has a cloak, headband, and necklace. You also see a spell pouch by his side.
"I'm Alvin, and I deal with the power of illusion." He waves his hands around making a display of casting motions, but doesn't actually cast anything. He then quickly looks around at his company.
"Oh my! A repeat of last time? Good to see old faces once again! Sad Giovanni couldn't join us!"
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You see a thin man of medium height and an unpleasant face. He is wearing a mithral chain shirt and has 2 quivers on his back but no apparent bow.
You also (possibly on your way in) see a large snake with a fancy green hat tied to it's head.
"Ah yes. A pleasure to see you all again. If our hidden masters insist on sending us out to slaughter those who would interfere with our loo.. *cough* saving valuable relics, Then I am glad they keep giving me competent companions to help. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of my company before I am Ragnar and the large snake is Hugsy. Don't touch his hat."
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Gwynnis rubs her hands together vigorously, using friction to heat the skin, and then places her warmed hands against Hugsy's scales in greeting. Upon entering the room, she sits directly on the floor and addresses the group as a whole, "I'm glad to see everyone still in good health! And what about you, little Riddywipple?"
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Logan floats into the room, a glass of wine in one hand. Good to see you all again, I hope everyone is looking forward to whatever is to come?
Floating to a stop on a nearby table he begins gathering his various bits and pieces of equipment. Hmm, wands in place? Barkskin, bless, cure, may need a new one, endure, freedom, heroism, bought another of those, might be able to hand them out to people, invis, restoration, mage armour, this is nearly spent but happy to use it up for people, shocking grasp, vanish. OK, everything looks like its in place.
He starts leafing through his scrolls, pausing at one point to secure an ancient looking piece of yellowed parchment. Proper full on restoration here and a bunch of lesser. This could be a long trip, best be prepared people as we don't have no god botherer with us today.
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Sir Godfrey is ever still Sir Godfrey. A large, imposing man in the shiniest full plate you've ever seen. His hair is combed and glistening, his teeth actually ting with a sparkle when he smiles, and he stands with his hands on his hips and the pompous airs you'd expect only from the most cliche of Paladins.
"To be perfectly honest, gentlemen, ladies, and small shoulder sitting dragons, I have no idea why I'm here! I was told to report, and report I did." He takes in a deep breath in pride over being chosen yet again for such dangers that clearly he was necessary to overcome. "Greetings my friends new and old. May we shatter all the evil that stands in our way for Sarenrae!"
He greets Riddywipple with a pat on the head and by slipping him a few pieces of candy.
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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The paladin has little of value to offer in terms of knowledge or social graces. Instead he just shifts his way out of the path of any 'equipment' while he complains to the nearest agent who will listen about how they never explain anything ahead of time.
If some grand adventure was going to start, he would have liked to know sooner so he could properly prepare. "I think our masters are up to schemes that are intended to get us all killed... per normal. We shall have to deny them that once more."
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.
You might hear rumors of the Society’s latest activities related to this gathering.
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You might know the significance of the Spire of Nex and what it might be used for.
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You might know more about the new comet in the sky.
A tall elven man approaches your group. He is followed by a youngster dragging a small cart in which you see stacks of small rucksacks. You notice other people moving around the group that are also followed by an adolescent with a cart.
”Well met, I have been tasked by the Venture officers to provide magical assistance on your trip outside of Golarion’s atmosphere and into a low-gravity environment."
He waits for a moment to let the news sink in.
"Yes, the comet! I won't be joining you there. But I can protect you from environmental temperature extremes, the vacuum of space, and damage dealt by radioactivity. I wouldn't plan on leaving Golarion without it!"
"It lasts for the better part of the day and I can cast it on each of you. The faction leaders have agreed that together they will pay for the costs. Of course they will find a way to make you pay for it in the end, but you first need to survive on the comet...”
He reaches into his spell component pouch "So, what do you say? Who wants it?"
Later the elf takes one of the small sacks from the youngster ”In addition, the Society has put together caches of supplies to help Pathfinders trapped in hostile conditions make it back in one piece.” He hands over the rucksack.
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Alvin places his hand to his chin as he started explaining.
"Hrm. The Spire of Nex. It's a mile-high column of smooth grey stone a few hours north of Absalom, as we know. The Archmage Nex constructed the Spire during his unsuccessful siege of Absalom in 166 AR. There's no way to enter it, but is said to have contained Nex’s armies. It seems to have timey wimey wibbly wobbly powers as well as intergalactic powers."
"There's also a new comet in the sky that doesn't seem to have a regular trajectory. It recently traveled past Akiton, and it should travel past Golarion within the next 24 hours. Initial observations showed it was rotating slowly, but it has now stopped spinning altogether. The comet is venting a tremendous amount of air, rather than the ice crystals and water vapor normally associated with such objects. A shallow atmosphere has formed around the celestial body."
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Alvin, identifying the spell that the man is casting, says, "Neat trick there with Planetary Adaptation. I'll take that spell for both myself and Riddywipple. I'd like mine and Riddy's with resistance to cold if possible please, since it's the vacuum of space and all."
"I don't need these Air Crystals though. Here, someone else can have them."
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"My last mission took us to the Plane of Fire, but I've never been to another planet or outerspace before." Gwynnis secures the snapleaf to her robes, then continues. "I wonder what their artwork is like? On the Plane of Fire, we actually visited a very interesting water naga whose home had the most interesting sculptures.
"And the meal she served us was even made with an eye to artistic principles!"
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.
The gateway that the Pathfinders open outside Absalom connects to Aucturn’s Tear on the ridge just outside the immense impact crater. The gateway is between the dark and bright sides of the asteroid and maintains a comfortable temperature and normal lighting. This region was once part of the planet Iovo’s crust, and broad rocky stripes crisscross the landscape, displaying countless stratigraphic layers.
As you arrive, you see to large figures patroling the area, who take notice of you.
Round 1
Bold May Act
Ragner
Alvin
Sir Godfrey
Big
Logan
Gwynnis
Ugly
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Sir Godfrey is distracted for the initial part of the speech, having let his comrades receiving their magical assistance first. It was the polite thing to do, as he was loudly reminding the elf. "Yes, please provide me with your assistance, my good man. The Silver Crusade is wise and has served me well. I will trust in their judgement in regards to the protection you provide." He'll pin on the snapleaf, and pocket the other items while the spell is being cast on him.
As Sorrina speak he grows visibly excited, smashing his two gauntleted hands together at the mention of dealing with malevolence. "The Dawnflower will guide my blade true, rescue or assault. Let the whelp have his candy, for we walk into the maw of the beast!"
The last spoken as he pulls his great sword from his back and marches through the portal despite the threats of elementals and dragons. As he moves his shadow tears away from the ground to begin strutting alongside him.
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Sir Godfrey is among the first through the portal thanks to his zeal, and it's this frontal position that gives him early notice to the large creatures likewise taking notice of the arriving pathfinders. He can see the aggression in their stance and trusts in Sarenrae to guide his blade. Thus he springs off his heals with a shout of "Onward to Glory!" for his fellows.
He moves with unnatural speed for a fellow so weighed down, and deftly ducks under any potential blows from the larger of the two rocky monsters as he brings his massive blade in to carve at whatever most closely constitutes a leg.
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Ragnar takes a 5ft step then launches many arrows at Ugly and send Hugsy at Big.
for
for
for
for
for
for
Hugsy moves up to Big.
for
if successful
The clay golem is still standing at the end of the volley, many arrows sticking from it.
the elemental is drained if the strength, however, has plenty to spare as it retaliates. Trying to take out both of them in one swing.
Round 1
Bold May Act
Ragner
Alvin
Sir Godfrey-25 damage
Big
Logan
Gwynnis
Ugly
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Floating in place Logan decides that discretion is the better part of valour and flies up hopefully out of reach of the two rather large opponents. As he does so he twists in mid air and hurls a stream of multi coloured light at the Golem which impacts and explodes against it.
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Gwynnis looks around at all of the fights erupting across the asteroid. I hope everyone is okay, some of those Pathfinders haven't even been confirmed yet! We can't let this beast free or it would kill them in an instant. "This many guards means there's something very valuable being guarded. Our information was spot on!"
She enchants her quarterstaff, then moves closer to the elemental, trying to keep her guard up while she runs. Anything that ugly must be evil. "Let's take this thing down quickly, Sir Godfrey. Before it can hurt you anymore."
Free Activate daredevil boots
Free Activate Chronicler boon
Swift Spend ki (+4 dodge) (33 AC, 37 vs. AoO)
Move Movement
Free Sheathe wand
Assuming I don't avoid the AoO, I will stop using Acrobatics after that. Instead, I will move 10 ft. farther.
Logan attempts to blind the golem, and is successful.
Gwynnis attempts to move in on the elemental, but is caught in the over swing.
The golem moves to where it saw the snake, and slams it fist into the snake.
Round 2
Bold May Act
Ragner/Hugsy- 21 damage on Hugsy(Pending if the golem is still alive)
Alvin
Sir Godfrey-25 damage
Big
Logan
Gwynnis
Ugly