DM Kludde |
The guardians cease hostilities. As Hagnar tries to open the portal, he feels a slight resistance, and only after he consciously confirms that he wants to open the portal by trying again does the gateway actually activate.
The gateway leads to what is undoubtedly the library of the sages. The library is an artificial island in a vast underground lake. Its floor consists of thick marble tiles, and the structure is ringed by a low iron railing.
A cool breeze swirls off the water of a vast underground lake surrounding the location, carrying the scent of old parchment from the vast library. To the north, three statues appear to support an immense crystal. Constellations shine in the darkness above, while a luminous solar disk drifts slowly north to south, brightening the library with golden light. A door to the south leads into a small building.
The crystal supported by the statues must be the Beacon, while the solar disk corresponds to what Saruna explained to be the Sky Vault.
At first slight tremors ripple through the cavern, then the Sky Vault begins to travel toward beacon, like a meteor hurtling toward a planet in slow motion.
The consequences of a collision are likely disastrous.
On two ends of the library, Hagnar recognises Zelekhut warriors standing guard.
That's a lot of information, and it ain't even half of what is going on here. Feel free to ask for clarifications. The pressing matter right now is the sky falling on top of the beacon, something that will lead to a catastrophic explosion if it happens. You have about two minutes to fix that...
Shandor "The Beast" |
Shandor's mind races to understand how the Sky Vault works and how they could stop it. "Hagnar, any insight?"
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
At the same time, he gazes at the zelekhut to check if they're agressive. In doubt, the sorcerer shouts: "We need to stop the Sky Vault from falling! Let us do this first, then we can talk. What say you?"
Diplomacy (improve attitude): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Kress brawler pregeen |
Seeing that the wood golem is no longer fighting she releases it.
Taking all the new stuff in, Kress comments "I this where the old sage is? Maybe he is still around." She moves to open the door and look in the small building.
perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23 Looks in small building
DM Kludde |
Identify yourselves. We seek the individual known as the amethyst sage. This land's lawful authority has marked the criminal who designates himself as the "Jewelled Sages" for execution. the Zelekhut answers, without making any aggressive overtures. It's clear the creatures want answers. When they say 'the land's authority', it's clear that they refer to a regime long gone, when the Qadirans ruled the land.
The beacon can be controlled empathically once you're close enough. I'll tell you how once you're there
There's no sign of any person other than the two Zelekhuts
Shandor "The Beast" |
"We aren't Jewel sages, that I can assure you. In fact, we're also looking for the Amethyst sage. However, you are no longer under your jurisdiction. Qadira no longer rules this land, Osirion does. The Sages are no longer marked as criminals. Your actions have been unlawful, since removing artifacts from where you don't have jurisdiction is not allowed."
DM Kludde |
And what proof do you have of these claims? These fugitive sages have long defied our rule - what proof do you have that the regime has truly changed? the Zelekhut answers to Shandor, while the steady descent of the solar disk continues.
Hagar knows that the Crystal Beacon can be commanded by whoever holds a sage jewel - even the flawed one he's holding currently. He also knows that Zelekhuts are beings of pure law, set to hunt and destroy chaos wherever they can. The follow law to the strictest sense, so if indeed Shandor can prove that Qadira no longer holds rule in Osirion, the two Zelekhuts are likely to stand down.
Kyra - Pregenerated |
Kyra steps forward. "Hear me, servants of Qadira. I am Kyra, daughter of Qadira and follower of the Dawnflower. I speak with her favour and authority, and I tell you that my companion speaks truth; Qadira has not ruled this land for centuries."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
DM Kludde |
Very well. Be that as it may, no artefacts in this library may be removed in either case.
The Zelekhuts stand down, convinced the adventurers are not criminals.
Hagnar Grimstone |
Hagnar nods his head in agreement, and proceeds towards the Crystal with the jewel in hand, concentrating on stopping the imminent destruction! (He is still fast and may still be displaced...depends on how long the previous actions have taken =)
DM Kludde |
As soon as Hagnar steps into range of the crystal beacon, he feels a kind of empathic bond with it. Through the jewel, he manages to command the solar disk from falling, simply by commanding it to stop moving.
Hagnar also finds that the beacon allows the tracking of other sage jewels. The process is one that taxes the flawed jewel heavily, an might not be repeatable.
You can select a jewel: sapphire, diamond, emerald or amethyst, to try and track that sage. Of course, Hagnar is well aware that the sapphire sage (Amenopheus) is in Absalom, and the diamond sage (Tahonikepsu) is close by.
Shandor "The Beast" |
Amethyst, go for Amethyst! I'm dying to know where he is now.
DM Kludde |
The light of the Sky Vault dims slightly, and stars and constellations begin glowing across the cavern's ceiling. The sand in the pool below sweeps into a coarse image.
The sand shows a flawless amethyst set in a strange device next to a humanoid figure with no discernible facial features. The person startles and stares at the scrying sensor before the gritty tableau collapses.
The alignment of the stars suggests the amethyst sage jewel is somewhere in Katapesh or northern Nex.
Hagnar Grimstone |
Amethyst sounds good to me!
Kn(Geography): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 9 + (1) = 22
Kn(Nature): 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (6) = 19
Hagnar looks intently at the image displayed by the shifting sand, but can't quite make out where the Sage is located...
DM Kludde |
And with that revelation, we're basically at the end of this scenario. I'll start preparing the rest of the chronicles and report the game. I'll post a full conclusion later.
Shandor "The Beast" |
Thanks for the game, DMK! What's Tahonikepsu's take on the Amethyst sage? I'm curious.
DM Kludde |
After the party emerges form the library, it takes several hours before Tahonikepsu returns. You have surpassed my expectations she says as the party reports particularly your fashioning of a sage jewel, is indeed something extraordinary.
The exploits of the Amethyst sage bothers. It makes me wonder what other sages may have resorted to similar means. Procuring extra-ordinary longevity, passing down the jewel from generation to generation. Who knows what might have happened since Qadiran rule?
Saruna has emerged from the library as well, and briefly remarks to Tahonikepsu Shackled by purple, will transparent unfetter?. Tahonikepsu thinks a while, then says Of course, I will make sure the spell is terminated.
Saruna, free to go, announces her own path Freed from bonds, I will now serve the tome, to share what may have been lost.
Hagnar Grimstone |
Hagnar will try and speak with her, asking her questions about the knowledge she has and recording it in his notebook. He is infinitely curious and intelligent enough to ask leading questions that require ever more detailed explanations...
Kress brawler pregeen |
Kress bows, "I am glad the adventure turned out well, It seemed I was out of my element for most of it."
(Thanks DM Kludde, the adventure was diffidently more knowledge and skill based. The Brawler was just a poor match for the adventure. My bad.)
Oloch, Warpriest |
Thanks, DMK, for another fun game. As far as the Brawler being a poor match, that's one thing I would like to figure out: how can I know, short of going and buying the scenarios myself, whether a particular character (or some boon, perhaps) is going to be all but useless?
DM Kludde |
I'm downloading the new scenarios, so I'll try and give a hint on what character to bring :)