Gameplay thread. Dot in away!
The early-morning rays of the sun are just beginning to beat down on the city of Sothis below, as you gaze out the window of the Sothis Lodge's waiting room. Venture Captain Nordin Balentiir has summoned you to his office, but it looks like you have arrived somewhat before even the VC himself.
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Nox blinks in surprise at you look at him. That's... impressive. It's startling in it's own way how hard it is to see him in the first place, since he's standing in the middle of the room. You'd swear if your eyesight wasn't so amazing he would disappear altogether. A tiny little wayang, his gray skin patterned with ritual scars and his cloak and armor shifting with him making him even harder to see, he looks like some child's idea of a half formed boogey man. He carries a bow on his back and lots of arrows in the quiver... and he also doesn't seem to have a shadow. Odd.
Enora, a small female halfling in fine robes looks at all of you with interest. She walks through the room and quietly sais "Hello, my name is Enora. I assume we are all waiting to meet with Venture-Captain Balentiir. Might be a good chance to get to know each other. I am from Rahadoum originally and am quite interested in magical phenomena - I hope to have your support in uncovering the secrets of this wonderful world. And I am quite optimistic that we will be successful!" she sais cheerfully.
“Oh that is so sweet of you, thank you very very much! If my family would be as welcoming as yours I would return the favor.” A little sad she continues smiling: “But be assured that I will have your back in this endeavor.”
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A voice seems to float from out of nowhere.
Hello... I am Nox....
As he speaks, a small form appears between the two of them. "Appears" isn't the right word though... it's like he was always there, and somehow they never noticed him standing right in front of them! Even with him speaking and standing there, it's still hard to keep your eyes on him, like he will fade from existence if you blink. He lowers his hood, showing his ritually scarred and pierced face. His smile is warm... but incredibly creepy, like something from a children's book to keep them out of the woods.
And this is my partner, Xon.
He holds out his hand as a flat shadow slides up from the floor, a cutout of Nox, complete with creepy smile.
We to will be supporting you all the way... though you won't see us much.
One of the doors off the waiting room swings open, to reveal a yawning Osiriani man rubbing sleep from his eyes. He looks around, blinking. Ah, the Pathfinders I sent for, yes. Venture-Captian Balentiir. Please come inside for a - GAH!!
He starts as he finally spots the wayang and his companion. Now seeming much more alert, Balentiir continues back into the room he emerged from, holding a hand over his hear. Yes, Nox. I forgot you were on the list. Far too early for this....
Once in the office, the Venture-Captain shutters the window as a thrush begins singing loudly in the garden below before gesturing for everyone to have a seat. [b]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, long- time 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. If a caravn isn't for you then you can 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 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.
Enora jumps up and says: "Oh this is so exciting! We are looking forward to meeting Tahonikepsu and the renowned Diamond Sage. And of course we would like to study the maps and sketches from the last expedition and please do not worry - Ancient Osiriani is a well known language and I am more than willing to translate for the others." She looks around and then notes: "And I am sure that my colleagues understood your warning and will behave given this unique privilege.""
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Nox and Xon look at each other, and nod once before Nox speaks, with the creepy smile appearing again.
No worries boss... we'll be happy to assist, and we won't cause any trouble. It'll be like we aren't even there...
And with that, the shadow sinks into the ground, and the Wayang fades from sight.
Enora starts to look at the materials presented:"Hmmm ... what can I deduce from this?"
Balentiir looks around nervously as the wayang slinks away. here. Yes. Quote amusing...
I'm sure she is eager to meet you as well. the Venture-Captain says as he kneels down and pulls out a set of scrolls. And its good that a few of you know the tongue - for the rest, this primer may be able to assist. Somewhat at least.
He offers your party 3 scrolls of comprehend languages, one of tongues, and a 'cheat-sheet' primer on ancient Osiriani (that gives those who don't speka it a +2 bonus on Linguistics to at least attmept to understand it).
Now I would suggest using the few hours before the caravn departs wisely. Sothis' markets are amongst the greatest in the Inner Sea - but once out in the desert the odds of you finding a merchant to re-provision with are slim.
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Looking at his assigned companions and listening to their reactions, the human nods. "Okay, the halfling and tiefling are the mission specialists I am to protect. Got it. I'm guessing from the wayang's presence that we're expecting some truly unusual threats this time. If anything shows up, hopefully it will be something entertaining, and not more constructs or animated objects."
"And don't worry, I know how to look like a bodyguard instead of a diplomat. Makes keeping my mouth shut more acceptable."
“Giovanni, of course I will use this scroll on you whenever you desire. “
A few hours later, the sun has at least somewhat risen in the sky as you wander near Sothis' gates to meet the caravan driver guiding you onwards. A Garundi man with a thick Katapesh accent turns from barking orders at a port loading casks onto a wagon to face you as you approach. Ah, the Pathfinders of Norden's, yes? Good, come. I have some camels for you. Are you all prepared for the journey? It is best we depart soon, before Sarenrae's pet heats up the dunes.
Enora has packed everything and is ready to go.
The trek out of Sothis is not exactly pleasant – most of the journey is spent staring out at endless permutations of dunes and breaking to take cover under the caravan wagons’ coverings during the worst of the days. But your Katapeshi leader seem to know his way around the region well, and as you move west towards, he keeps you fed with well-spiced jerky and meats as well as dried fruits and cool refreshing water. A small Decanter of Endless Water. A wedding gift from my cousin. Has saved my life on many occasions!
The caravan swings out southwest-ward, reaching the city of Eto after a few days. Following a quick resupply, it continues directly south for several hours. As a series of hills and mountains loom higher and higher as you approach, the Katapeshi points to two white-robed figures standing off in the distance near a cut in the mountain range. This is where I leave you. They will guide you through the pillars. Follow carefully – the Pillars are tricky to move through, and your Sage friends guard their paths well.
The robed figures approach the stopped train as you gather your things. A Garundi man nods to you and gestures towards his companion: a Taldan woman whose sweating face shows she is somewhat less adjusted to the climate. Greetings Pathfinders. I am Garai Weheliye, and this is Helena Arendall. It is wonderful that you and your group have come to aid our work in restoring the order. Come! Tahonikepsu is most eager to speak with you.
The path they begin taking you on through the mountainous Pillars is a winding one twisting and curving in a near-labyrinthine way. While both are eager to talk about your journey, and their work, occasionally one will stop and chant a minor incantation as they scan the terrain
Enora greets both them silently with a bow and follows.
It takes some time for Garai and Helena to lead you through the Pillars of the Sun, and at times you seem to lose your sense of direction from where you came. Eventually however, their pace picks up and Garai eagerly waves you on as he strides directly toward a steep mountain face. It is only when you approach cloesly the the illusion shimmers and fades - revealing not a rocky slope but a wide clearing backed by a beautifully engraved door carved directly into the mountainside. Before the grand entrance sit dozens of brightly colored tents, moving about around which are several acolytes dressed similarly to your guides. Snippets of conversations about gemcutting and debates over Nethys' Book of Magic land in your ear as you walk past them, towards the main entrance hall in which a bald Garudni woman with vibrant purple eyes sits by a fountain.
Hassam, Merrick. It is good to see you again. And you, new Pathfinders, welcome. You and your venture-captain have my thanks for agreeing to aid us. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage. Please, she gestures around her. Sit.
Ornate rugs and a small pile of sitting pillows create a small soft space in the marble room. The sage sets aside a piece of broken pottery she had been studying, and dismisses Garai and Helena. She then turns to you, smiling. Now, did your Venture Captain give you a missive for me?
Thank you Merrick. the Sage says as she accepts the letter. Reading it, she also adds And please, you are assisting me in this. you do not need modesty.
Tahonikepsu opens the sealed scroll and scans it, then lets it drop casually onto the cushions below her.
I have only met some of you before, but it seems your Venture-Captain has great faith in you. I shall extend you the same courtesy.”
She relaxes on a pillow and gazes eagerly at each of you. “The reestablishment of our order is a new one, and I, Amenopheus, and those who believe in our cause have yet to fully explore this sanctum of our predecessors. My diamond sage jewel grants me some knowledge of the 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 so far defied out 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. As you explore and catalogue, please be careful; these halls contain delicate, irreplaceable cultural treasures and writings that must be carefully preserved.
She looks at your faces. I assume you may have questions for me?
Enora waits until Hassam's question is answered and asks: "Dear Tahonikepsu, as a member of the Scarab Sages I know of your power and your wisdom. You also revealed that you have insights about this complex but nonetheless you have not started the search on your own - why?"
Enora waits until Hassam's question is answered and asks: "Dear Tahonikepsu, as a member of the Scarab Sages I know of your power and your wisdom. You also revealed that you have insights about this complex but nonetheless you have not started the search on your own - why?"
Tahonikepsu looks down towards the halfling. I have numerous tasks and obligations both here an elsewhere, and our numbers are still slim. I hope that our partnership can alleviate some of them.
As for the crystal artifact, I am not sure the exact extent of the collection. The sage who bore the amethyst jewel was responsible for the archive, along with several assistants. My own predecessor - the Diamond Sage - had other responsibilities. I do know the archive is divided into three levels. Librarians cataloged acquisitions on the first floor, repaired them on the next, and stored them in the library below, which is accessible only through a special gateway. This last level is where the crystal artifact should be. She explains. The portal requires a sage jewel to activate, and should activate when I unseal the complex. If not, await my return.
"I fully understand Tahonikepsu - thank you for your trust and your guidance!"
Any sense of what sort of security measures the Sages might have used in ages past? Is there any chance of finding more Sage Jewels below?
The sage smiles. It would be wonderful news if another Jewel were to be found below. I do not expect it however: the Jewleed Sages fled far and wide when the Padishah Empire sought to root them out. It is unlikely one of the Jelwes would have been left in this place, unbound and unguarded. Still, she continues It may well be that reocrds below could help reveal where the Jewels are now. That alone would be a great boon to us.
As for what wards may be below,though I have expended considerable effort communing with the memories of my predecessor within the diamond I carry not every memory is perfect, and her knowledge is limited to what she personally knew or saw. I would expect some potential protective magic or traps, but hopefully most will fall dormant once the wing is unsealed. And if not, I skilled agents like yourselves can bypass them. Without a more stern expression crosses her face for the first time. damaging the archive and its relics overly much.
"We completely understand Tahonikepsu!"
Enora then turns around to the group and says: "Look guys, we can only work well as a team if we know our history, our strengths and our weaknesses."
She looks at Hassam and continues: "Hassam tell us about yourself, please"
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I'm ready for you to unlock the archive and to discover what secrets it holds!
Flashback to during the journey, and a conversation between Enora and Merrick:
You need a trap disarmed? I'm you're tielfing. You need something blown to bits? I'm your guy. I've got all kinds of special tricks: smoke screens, clouds that'll make enemies sick, bombs so loud they'll knock you out. You need texts deciphered? I'm your scholar. I'm also using what I've learned about the ancient art of mummification to make some alterations to my current physical limitations.
"Well, to be honest I do not want to expose you Hassam so let us start with myself." she says with a grin. "I am a scholar with a wide knowledge base and a spell caster that usually concentrates on supporting the group, i.e. by hasting. I know a couple of attack and utility spells as well..." and continues with endless explenations.
Enora then continues "As a matter of fact Merrick was one of the first to share his skill set with me, so Merrick if you allow I will share with the group how diversified your skill set is ... " and then she gives you the information Merrick provided.
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Hassam smiles back at the gnome "If I were to describe myself in one sentence I'd say I'm a Rahadoumi archaeologist. In combat my banner is quite inspiring so stay near. As for myself I've been told I'm pretty good with this spear."
Hassam proudly holds his spear with a banner with the symbol of the open road on it.
I am glad to hear you are eager to assist. Tahonikepsu says. She rises up from the cushions. And I can see your Society selects their teams only with the utmost care: your skills should complement each other nicely.
The sage begins stepping towards an adjoining hall, looking behind her as you follow. Shortly your path is obstructed by a five-foot diameter crystal hovering above the floor, blocking a glyph-covered door behind it. Tahonikepsu begins chanting in Ancient Osiriani, with the crystal emitting a rising hum in response. The crystal cracks in half, each end drifting to the wall into which it melts. Beyond the glyphs on the west wall fade, followed by the stone itself. A revelaed hall illuminated despite the lack of any apparent light source extends 30 feet where it then descends down a twisting flight of stairs.
Well, Tahonikepsu looks down the new passage I wish you the best of luck in your exploration. Should you need rest during your work, the acolytes outside should be able to refresh and shelter you whenever you need. Now, I must depart to take care of other matters. Garai will be able to get a message to me if needed. With a final smile, she walks back and out towards the courtyard outside. From a distance you see her looks up at the open air before her form expands dramatically and transfigures into that of a huge purple dragon. She spreads her wings and takes off, quickly becoming no more than a speck in the bright sky.
Once you are ready to decend down into the Archives, fragrant scents hit your nostrils as you move down the stairs. The five of you spill out into a columned chamber that is surprisingly lush with vegetation. A warm breeze floats through the jasmine, grapevines, mandrakes, and anemones that 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:
Life is fleeting; memory is eternal
At the chamber’s far side and to the right, tow hallways seem to connect to the large room, but a thick fog clogs them and obscures what lies beyond. On the west wall, a smooth stone door is partially obscured but several tree branches.
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What fascinating botanical specimens! I wonder how they’ve survived and he wonders if there are any alchemically important or worthwhile specimens. Regardless, he will will attempt to document what’s present.
Once documentation is completed, if no one else has, Merrick will listen down the two fog-choked corridors and examine the obscured door.
As Merrick looks closely at the plant life around the chamber, his eyes widen. Not only do these seem to have kept growing in these strange conditions, but the tiefling spies several species that are thought to be long extinct. He takes some quick notes, before his ears perk up to noises down the north hall.
The sounds of footsteps echo down from ahead of you, accompanied first by moans, and then crackling noises. A thick fog continues to obstruct most vision, but you feel the temperature begins to rise and think you spy a faint red glow through the mist. Smacks and thuds ring out - someone or something is fighting within the halls ahead.
for
Initiative
Nox
Merrick
Hassam