Still a few weeks from kickoff, but feel free to dot in.
Orange-and-violet skies streaked with clouds surround the expansive city of Armun Kelisk, the largest settlement on the Plane of Air. Armun Kelisk’s six other districts float far above upon platforms of ice and stone. The pull of gravity - unlikely everywhere else on the plane - is strong here: even objects that are not secured rest firmly upon the ground rather than floating into the air. Hundreds of thousands of genies and other beings of air fly through the streets of this bustling metropolis.
Ashasar, Liaison to the Seat of Balance, sits perched on the low roof of a building labeled the Four Winds. Although he represents the most powerful member of the Concordance’s ruling council, his manner is whimsical. A cloud of dust in the shape of an airship flies around his head, bobbing, weaving, and making whooshing noises.
As the six of you approach, Ashasar turn and smiles at you. "Good. I am glad to see all of you here. Step inside, please.” He hops gracefully off the roof and enters the building. The dust-airship follows closely behind him. Inside the building, travelers gather around low tables, enjoying the establishment’s renowned cooking. An air elemental carries a trio of plates to a new table, each bearing some sort of pie with a halo of bubbles floating above it. “It simply would not do to set a team without the proper balance on a task as important as this one—we must combat what may be a grave threat, and we have the chance to gain respect from those who dismiss us as a radically idealistic organization. But I’ve gotten ahead of myself again, haven’t I? Your task is simple in the telling, meaning that it promises to be anything but simple in the doing. That is always the way of things, is it not?
A small humanoid creature with blue skin, feathery wings, pointed ears and a tail of water trailing behind him, also speaks up. "Yes, yes! I agree! Please explain what you need us for. I'm a very busy, busy wizard, you see. No time to waste...oh, and no need to keep it simple. I'm very smart so...ah, the less simple the better!" he clears his throat in a theatrically pompous sort of a way and flies forward towards the front of the group to get a better view of the briefing.
Dressed impeccably with expensive Qadiran fashion, Jamila steps forward to support her allies' questions. A hawk perches on her shoulder, its eyes never resting in their vigilance over the proceedings. "I couldn't agree with these fine companions more. What is our purpose here? I can see already that the team has been chosen with care... very well balanced... to what end will we bend this array of strength and capabilities?"
Ember hovers just high enough to be eye level, as she listens to Ashasar.
"If you tell a story in the best light, there is nothing simple in the telling. A chance to keep the balance and float on the currents while collecting stories? What an opportunity. How long has your problem been going on? How many stakeholders are involved? Are there others that already have started to investigate your problem?" Ember asks completely in the mood for adventure!
Ashasar pulls up a chair at an empty table in the corner and sits. He gesutres for you to do the same.
Please, take a seat. And order whatever you would like. The Four Winds has a remarkable selection.
He locks eyes with Krakos and then Octaris. The task at hand then. Airship captains have reported a region of disturbed currents where the flows of air upon which they rely have become erratic. Several ships have disappeared entirely, and all travel through the area has ceased. As far as I’ve been able to discern, no one has had the crucial combination of courage and dedication to journey to the heart of the irregularities and uncover the sources of the imbalance.
No one yet - I'm sure you can see your mission then. He smiles Find this source of disturbance and put a stop to it if you can. It’s far enough away that you’ll need an airship for at least part of the journey. How close you’ll be able to get, well, that I cannot say. It depends upon the bravery of the captains and the silver on your tongues, I suppose, Ashasar chuckles.
So, while we enjoy our breakfast, do you have any questions for me?
"Good. Then we will restore the balance! A heroic and lofty goal. I must beseech my companions, however." The blue-skinned man looks at everyone earnestly. "We must do our best to understand the greater cause behind this disaster if we wish to prevent it from happening again! " He looks back to the great leader and bows. "If we are capable without endangering the mission, of course. May I ask, have you already hired a captain for us? I do hope it is a brave one!"
The tiny dragon flutters and buzzes in the inn.
At the table, the creature hovers midair, listening intently.
"I will take a tiny slice of pie, pleae!" she says to a waitress.
"I know that we know each other but you should also that I am called Ember, the Chronicler of the Planes, so if you could please speak clearly I would much appreciate it!"
Ember hovers lower and starts speaking very fast.
"How many ships have gone completely missing? Are the currents like a river? Do they have a point where they begin or do they just appear?"
A passing air elemental server nods at Ember Of course. Our daily special is a bubble-halo pie I would highly recommend. The bubble create a magnificent symphony of aroma.
He turns to the rest of you Are there any other items I can put in for you?
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Ashasar first turns to the dragon. ...Like a river I suppose, yes. Much of the air currents on the plane are fairly stable and known, but some of the 'tradewinds' so to speak shift and move over time. But not so erratically as is being reported here. Whatever this irregularity is it seems to be quite strong. Unfortunately, while I know the general region of the disturbances, I do not know its exact location. Fortunately, no one knows the skies better than a seasoned airship captain. I’m certain you’ll find one who knows the way.
The Suli reaches in to his robes and pulls out a solid parchment scripted in neat Auran.
This letter of credit should be sufficient for your airship fare, assuming you can find a captain willing to take you. Travel to the docks and start asking around. You’ll need someone brave enough to head o into dangerous weather and unstable currents. Besides that, in my experience, airship captains can get a bit touchy around fire, so you might need to reassure them that you are safe passengers. At this he cranes his neck and frowns. Hmm, there was a Thoqqua agent I had expected to be joining us. perhaps he is merely running a bit late.
Octavius looks up from biting into one of the pies. "Mmm, not bad, although a little bit dry for my liking!" He puts the rest of the pie down and squirts a small spray of water from his fingers into his mouth. "So, are we ready or we're waiting for a late arrival? You've chosen well for this mission. Very well, indeed. We should have this wrapped up soon and be back by lunchtime!"
Zephyr smiles at the waiter. One of those aerated cocktails, please. And another of those pies. That looks delicious. He looks at Ashasar and shrugs. "I'm not on the job yet. A little bubbly won't hurt!" The sylph smiles and leans back. "And if we're waiting for our last companion, I'll have another!" He laughs and rests a moment, then looks around. "I'm no good at the powers of persuasion. Will any of you have better luck finding us a captain?
”Of course I can find a captain and I will not only find one but convince him or her to bring us as near to this phenomenon as possible! They will know that they are participating in an epic adventure and for that reason alone it will be their duty to support us!“ Ember says full of confidence.
I fear that lunch may be a bit cold. Ashasar say to Octaris. The disturbance seems to be located several days out. Still he looks around the restaurant and frowns. Perhaps the message may have gotten lost. And in the worst case your band should be more than capable of success without her.
As he speaks the air elemental waiter has returned with Ember's pie, whose top continually threatens to rise and break away as churning bubbles underneath attempt to escape, and then flits back to procure more food and drink for the mephit and the sylph.
[ooc]Giving Rhyol just a moment more time to jump in, but will have next bit later today. As you eat though, you may recall things you know about both this plane (Knowledge Planes) or airship travel (Geography)
"So team, just so you know a little bit about the environment here ... " and you hear Ember talking and talking.
"I'm sure that I can help convince a captain to take us where we need to go. The currents are fast and reliable; we shouldn't have any difficulty." Jamila joins the others in taking advantage of their host's largess, especially as they wait for another companion to arrive, ordering another dessert to tide her over as they wait. "And a drink, some cocktail if you don't mind. Surprise me!"
The Storm listens rapturously talk about the planes, something he knows only a little about. Then, between sips of his cocktail, he goes on and on about airship travel. "Its so exciting, it can take you to practically wherever you want to go! "
The waiter returns with a wide selection of drinks. The elemental nudges a pale green concoction towards Jamila. A 'wyspsplitter'. Contains some 'earthy' tones that should run smooth for your palette. For Zephyr, he continues to bring out a series of light bubbly 'Mist-mosas'.
----
When you finally have your fill of the food and drink, and depart the restaurant (with some of you perhaps a bit looser than when you entered), you walk once more in the bustling city of Armun Kelisk. While the solid streets are packed with citizens and visitors alike, the air above is just as busy as elementals, mephits, and countless other creatures of air flit too and fro.
Your path through the docks wind through a busy series of bazaars and back-streets. Close by the Four Winds, you spy a group of air elementals holding fliers advertising today’s special, bubble halo pie. The elementals spin, and the posters fly off in all directions yet miraculously affix perfectly to nearby walls right-side up. Further down, you pass a square whose center is occupied by a massive jumble of pipes. A large sign in front of the pipes proclaims in Auran “For public use”. Groups of aerial creatures take turns racing through the pipes, and as they do it produces music that ranges from delightful to ear- splitting, depending on the racer's speed and skill.
Zephyr travels behind the small dragon, smiling and helping out in conversation. "Yes, we are a brave, strong group of adventurers! I'm glad you noticed!"
As Krakos suggests the group diversify their search, Ember (and potentially others) begin asking about around the city. Armun Kelisk is certainly not wihtout a wide crop of airship captains: the skies and docks are filled with vessels constantly arriving and departing. As you talk with them and bring up your destination however, the majority of these captains change their tone. It seems rumors have spread fast, and most pilots are unwilling to give up their standard trade routes to risk their ship ferrying an unknown group to such a site.
With a bit of searching and cajoling however, your party does eventually hear of three individuals who may be able to aid you with transport however, though they would likely take some convincing. Sisivel is an air mephit who is part of Ashasar and your group - the Concordance of Elements - and thus should be sympathetic to you. Nix, a gnome form the Material Plane world of Golarion has a bit of a rep as a daredevil, and would liekly be up to the challenge with her...unusual boat the Vast Assemblege. Finally, the djinni Razakim has a magnificent airship the Razakim VI in the city at the moment: and while the wealthy and connected captain generally transports more prestigious cargo he is known to have the occasional eccentric choice of passenger.
"Loyal or not, Sisivel probably will not be willing to risk it all for us." Zephyr shrugs and looks at the others. "Perhaps the daredevil or the well equipped captain would be better choices."
"Yeah, those air mephits are so flighty!" Octavius sighs. "Razakim's ship sounds fine enough to be worthy of such an esteemed group as us, wouldn't you say?"
At the end of one of the city's grander docking wharves, you approach a massive ship. As much a gleaming work of art as a vehicle, the airship is made of silver and violet crystal blended together beautifully, with silk sails unfurled across four stout alabaster masts.
Near the Razakim VI, a large djinni in a deep purple cloak yells orders in a booming voice. He seems to finally take note of your odd assemblage, and spins, looking down with curiosity.
A magnificent ship is it not? Are you here merely to take in its splendor, or do you have business with me?
Zephyr nods politely, but asks a biting question. "Does it fly as good as it looks? " He peers at it intently. " We are looking for an exceptional ship manned by an exceptional crew. "
It flies like a dream. Razakim looks at the vessel behind him lovingly. And the crew is the finest in the skies.
The djinni turns back and looks at you lot curiously. But you can clearly see that. But I admit I am at a loss as to your own presence. Who are you, and what are you looking to do with such a ship as this?
Ember starts to beam!
”Did you ever dream of adventure? Did you ever dream of seeing a phenomenon that few can ever witness? A crisis in this plane that brings chaos to this world has affected several air ships. You and we are the only ones that can find out what happened! Please guide us so that we can investigate this phenomenon!“ she says.
I've seen my fair share of wonders! the djinni laughs while looking down as the enthusiastic dragon. Enough to know that a few missing boats is more a ripple than a crisis. I'm old enough to rememebr the Tears of Degradations and the Lapis Breech - now those were interesting times.
Razakim leans down towards Ember. But, it has been a bit stale as of late and if you odd sorts have the coin it may break up the monotony to bring you lot a bit closer. He takes and inspects the letter of credit Ashasar gave you. The djinni's face takes on a puzzled expression as he reads.
So, you've got this Concordance of Elements funding the trip. What might that be: some sort of band, or a new guild?
I wish it was a band, that would be rad." Zephyr shakes his head, smiling. "Yes, a new guild. One curious and concerned about these ripples. And one with the coin to pay." He looks at Ember sideways. She is better with words than I, I'll let her take the front seat.
Ember looks at the djinni with open eyes!
"Whhaaaattt??? You have not heard of the Concordance of Elements? We are the coolest and most capable group of experts from the elemental to the material plane! Ever heard of the Pathfinders .... of well ... they are not that great ... but we joined them and now these Pathfinders are super great! Super great! And you seem to be great too so let us be super great together!" Ember says flying up and down and sometimes almost singing the words.
Octaris looks on, impressed with Ember's persuasive appeals to the djinni. "Did she mention we are very important...and that some of us are also very smart and can do magical stuff!". The water mephit puffs out his chest a little, clearly referring to himself with that last bit.
Razakim raises a skeptical eyebrow at Octaris's boast. Its nothing however, compared to his reaction as Ember and Zephyr describes the Concordance: a deep and rueful laugh.
Ha! A fine jest! If you're patrons would rather remain anonymous, it would be simpler to just say so. Razakim takes in the expressions on your faces and suddenly scrunches his own in surprise. Wait, you mena this 'Concordance' is a real group? To 'balance' each element perfectly against each other? I am sorry, but the very idea is absurd. If some dirt fro the Plane of Earth gets mined, are the other planes supposed to shrink in solidarity?
The djinni shakes his head with a grin. Still, I remember what is was like to be young and idealistic. And if they wish to pay for your transport...
He nods. Very well. I will chart your course. It will take a few hours to get the Razakim VI prepared for departure. I suggest you make any preparations you need before then.
Zephyr smiles, ready for adventure.
Ember purchases three vials of acid before they leave but is quite eager to get the mission started.
Jamila seems pleased that the group was able to secure a captain without her assistance. Of course, she'd been ready to step in had the negotiations gone sour, but they seemed quite capable. Yes, whatever this Maelstrom is, I think these are the folk that I'd like to explore it with. We'll survive... I think.
"I'm sure I won't need any extra supplies. Did I tell you that I was smart and knew how to do magic?"
Octaris is ready to go.
"I'm sure I won't need any extra supplies. Did I tell you that I was smart and knew how to do magic?"
I surmised. Razakim says bemusedly. Perhaps on our journey you can grace us with some of your arcana.
Eager to depart immediately, before the disturbance expands or the rumored forecast of 'forum turbulence' strikes the city, the five of you board the Razakim VI. On the airship you see Razakim's crew is a blend of mostly mephits and janni, though a few other species can be spotted amongst the sails and decks. The wheel seems to turn itself as the vessel cuts loose from Armun Kelisk's docks and begins to set out. Noting your surprise, Razakim explains that this is not just magic - his pilot is an invisible stalker.
The Razakim VI cuts through the skies as smoothly as any craft you've ever seen, a bullet slicing through the plane. As Armun Kelisk recedes into the distance, the sheer vastness of the Plane of Air comes into focus. The open sky is everywhere with the occasional distant dots emerging in the distance only at rare intervals. Even time itself becomes hard to measure as outside of the city's borders the light seems eternally a midday glow. Despite this, the Razakim Vi moves forward unerringly, never pausing as it takes you towards the troubled region.
Zephyr talks to the crew about the route the boat is taking, even taking some time to talk to the Stalker. You never know what will happen on a voyage like this. It would be good to know how to get home.
Ember will try to befriend with the crew and learn what they know of the gossip about the phenomenon.
As the Razakim VI makes an adjustment to its course after sping a floating crystal structure off to the stern, Zephyr tries to observe the ship's path and talk shop to the invisible stalker pilot. The pilot - Isshuress - is surprisingly personable for an inviisble stalker, and gives the sylph a few pointers as to how to orient oneself amongst the vast, mostly empty sky.
Ember meanwhile flits about to chat with what seems like every lviing being aboard. Reactions vary form friendly conversation to mild annoyance at having their work disrupted, but the dragon's enthusiasm wears down most of even the more reticent crew members. Their thoughts and theories on the phenomena vary (though most aren't exactly thrilled to be going close to it). As best the rumor mill can tell, at least 6 ships have vanished already, and several vessels who came close to the region reported chaotic shifts in even the more reliable jetstreams nearby. One of the gnomish crew members heard form a cousin's friend's boyfriend that he was in the area a bit before the ships started vanishing and saw a tower floating in the distance, but the gnome also mentions the boyfriend's known to go heavy on the Feysplitters so who knows.
On the third day of the journey, the Razakim VI makes a sharp port-side turn in response to nothing you can detect. Shortly afterwards, the pilot Isshuress calls over Razakim, and the two speak in frustrated tones. Eventually Razakim bellows out. Where is that mephit? Octaris! You're a mage, aren't you? You certainly mention it enough! The planar sail's caught a snag: even it out will you?
Zephyr whispers to Octaris, "I fear Windy Escape is all that the skies have seen fit to reveal to me. That won't be enough to get these sails going. Hopefully your learning has served you better for this situation." He shrugs and looks a little worried.
Ember is truly amazed that so little is known about the phenomenon but that is truly a good start for her grand tale!
One morning when the crew and concordance agents have gathered she flies into the air and speaks in a loud voice.
”My dear friends, in the last couple of days I have contemplated on the significance of our endeavour for the plane of air and the acceptance of the Concordance as a beacon of stability and balance! The crew and captain of this ship are the enablers for this grand adventure and deserve mention in my epic story! Of course I play a major role too!“ Ember says with a sly smile.
She flies and starts to tell you about the start of this adventure mentioning all relevant characters and their heroism up to now ... exaggerated to some extent but true.
"What's this? You have need of my magical knowledge? Well, of course! Let me take a look at this. I am sure it will prove simple for someone as smart as I am!" Octaris comes forward, making what looks to be perhaps a little bit too much fuss as he somewhat theatrically attempts to fix the troublesome sail.