GM Woran |
You cant pass on your benefit I'm afraid Kaa
Shaine strokes his chin. "Good question my gnome friend. Advanced magical theory was always more Aram’s bag. But then, it does seem to be a sort of magic, so anything you have to shut down magical effects should do the trick. And if it is a magical effect, it will certainly expire upon their deaths—tragic, certainly, but better than all of us dying here. Then again, these Harbinger spellcasters must be of some relative skill based on the spells they performed. You may be able to coax them into dismissing the effects themselves, though their temporal investitures seem to have made them a bit… erratic.”
Aarion Belanor |
"What do we know about the Harbinger spell casters? What are their motivations, and what kind of temperament have they had in the past. Are they known to be evil or are they acting on a primes that they are doing good."
"They may feel that we have crossed a moral line when it comes to playing with time. I ask this because if they attacked the society in an attempt to correct our arrogance, their role in this may not be out of line. After all, who are we to thinking we could just stroll back in time and do what we please without it having sever repercussions. If this is the case then it might be better to speak with them. If they have a history of evil deeds, and this is just an attempt to gain the power of the key for themselves, then killing them would prove to be the better option."
Ranalus |
From their words, they seem to be attempting to bring Aroden back. I have no doubt they believe they are doing this for the greater good. Doesn't mean they are correct.
Aroden didn't become a god until long after Azlant fell, so we are in the time of his mortal self. Do they mean to bring him back from this time to ours? Although I am no expert in these matters, their meddling with the timeline seems to be more consequential than ours.
Ranalus pauses.
Unless one of those slaves we freed was Aroden. Hmm.
I am willing to try speaking with them, but if they are religious zealots we may not have a lot of luck.
GM Woran |
Kreighton Shaine shrugs, not in dismissal, but in weariness. "The Harbingers of Fate are a rather fanatical cult, but until now, our resources say that they tried to resurrect Aroden by forcing prophecies
from their Book of 1,000 Whispers to come true. Now that the last predictions in their book of prophecy have passed last year with no sign of Aroden’s return, I heard they had grown increasingly frantic and desperate. I think they surmised that if they can’t raise Aroden
by rekindling his powers of prophecy, then a desperate attempt to snatch a previous version of him from the past to save their foundering future must have been the only option they thought was left to them. They are not an evil organisation. They would not have been able to justify it to Aroden himself if they had managed to bring him back. But from my point of view they are selfish. They can not live without prophecy, but the world has done just fine without it. These Harbinger mages all must have had their reasons to join the cult. They are running amok now, but if you can try to appeal to some of their left over humanity, it might do us more good in the long run, then just outright slaying them."
Concerned, Kreigton Shaine looks up at the sky, where a comet appears just a little bit more closer then it was when you arrived. "I'm afraid there is more bad news. Aroden is not yet a god in this time. When hijacking the Sky Key, Lady Arodeth must have focused on Arodens power. When it overloaded. She must have overshot. Aroden's source of power, is very much here. That," and he points towards the comet, "is the starstone. This, is earthfall."
Around you, you see groups of pathfinders leave the square with their own copy of Kreigton Shaine. "Whatever you choose to do, I shall acompany you. I am currently stretched thin, but I can try to aid you where I can, and I am here for all your questions and advice if you need it. But let us hurry. The cataclysm of starfall will be enough to destroy us and the key."
Aarion Belanor |
Aarion watches as the starstone draws closer. "I am ready to aid in what ever capacity is best. I see that time is short. What is needed of us, and where do we start?"
Ranalus |
I think Ranalus is best suited to, in order, finding the Sky Key, killing Harbingers, and persuading Harbingers. So given that #3 is a preferable outcome to #2, I would lean towards #1.
Aarion Belanor |
"I thnk we should attempt to talk with them. We could always revert to killing them if diplomacy fails."
GM Woran |
The Azlanti town would be a treasure trove for the society, were it not for the imminent doom of starfall.
With the strange appearance of the dome, most citizens have taken cover inside, but some are up and about to check the strange phenomena.
Spotting you, the citizens decide they rather be somewhere else.
Kreighton Shaine follows you, unusually quiet.
Wandering for a bit, you suddenly see a man in Harbinger robes sitting at a street corner. He sits cross legged on the ground, and is shuffeling a harrow deck.
Spotting you, he calls out. "Ah, more travelers. Welcome, welcome. I see you too have sought out Binui Skostravalus, master fortune teller! Come closer, and lets see what the fates have in store for your."
He appears to be of Varisian descend. As he beckons you closer, there appears to be no malice or subterfuge in his invitation.
Aarion Belanor |
Aarion steps closer while opening up a conversation with the man in the robes. "It appears that you wear an unusual looking garment, sir. May I ask if you are associated with the Harbingers?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Aarion steps even closer and agrees to have his fortune told. "You are welcome to divine my fate. My road has already been paved by the will of Sarenrae. My present, holds only to her desire, and my past sheds a darkness that none can forget. Come harbinger, assuming that is what you claim to be. Come and see the world through my eyes."
GM Woran |
The man motions before him. "Sit down good sir, sit down. A man of the faith I see. A tough customer for sure. But Binui is used to it you see. Laughed at him in Varisia. But the Harbingers did not. Arodens death blocked my natural abilities, but now, now I see the future unerringly. Laugh at me they will no more."
He fans the harrowdeck out before him. "Lets see what the fates hold. The first card, your past."
The first card he draws pictures a red devil. "Ah, the Fiend. A card of strength. It is a devil that devours the masses of the innocent, and can represent the deaths of many."
He looks at you for a moment, before drawing a second card. "The second is for your present."
With a flourish, he places a card picturing a wounded man on a throne surounded by ghosts before you. "A card of constitution. It represents a creature that has managed to survive a terrible ordeal, when everyone thought him lost."
Again he looks at you for a moment. "The third card represents your future."
Again a little flourish. Before you, a card with a cyclone that ravages a village on it. "Hm. How strange. The cyclone. It has been in everyones future today... It represents an unstoppable, destructive force unleashed through the plots of intelligent creatures."
He looks again at the cyclone card, concern on his face. Then he gives you a smile a scarni would be jealous of and lets the cards thwirl trough his fingers. "That's a short reading. Gave you a a taste so you can judge my abilities for yourself. For a detailed reading I would need to see some payment."
Aarion Belanor |
First time I have seen someone actually utilize the harrow deck in a society game. A welcome addition. )
Aarion pulls out a gold coin and holds it between his thumb and forefinger. "Your reading is in itself quite accurate. Your gift is undeniable. What I wish to know, before partaking any further into your skill, is what connection you have with the Harbingers. They have set a cycle of events into play, that I believe is destined to undo their very existence. This event would explain the cyclone's reappearance, as their plot could unravel time itself. I seek an audience with these Harbingers, so I can share some words of reason and enlightenment. Would you be able to facilitate such a meeting?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
GM Woran |
The man laughs, a little hint of madness at the edge of it.
"Sure sure, seeing power makes one want it, no? But you will need to prove yourself worthy. If you can beat me at a game of Towers, I'll see what I can do."
It is obvious he is supremely confident in his abilities. But again you detect no malice in him.
Towers is a traditional game of cards played with a harrow deck. Its been around long enough that most people know at least the basics. You can play the game straight using a bluff check, or cheat using slight of hand. If someone has profession: gambler, that is also a viable option.
Aarion Belanor |
"There was a time in my youth when I had the luxury of entertaining a young lady who also enjoyed a game of Towers. Unfortunately the evening didn't end well, but I managed to grasp some of the basics before her departing. Let me give it a whirl."
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Henrikuaxian |
Aarion and I are both at a +6 to bluff - any way I could Aid him in his check? Perhaps give him some pointers before he starts his game or something?
Edit - nevermind, he did quite well on his own!
Dax Rya |
huh, have diplo but not bluff. Should remedy that.
Dax watches the ongoing activities with a bit of awestruck fascination. Time travel was one thing, but meeting a god and potentially before their apotheosis? If you slew Aroden before he was the god of men, would men cease to be? Would all recollection of Aroden die out? Would you in fact be responsible for his demise? Was this in fact why Aroden ceased to be?
Too many questions.
"I am capable at Towers, if you should need someone to stand in your stead. Or I will simply watch, whichever suits."
Aarion Belanor |
"Pointers are welcome, seeing I'm a beginner up against a skilled adversary. That's assuming advice is ok with my opponent."
Henrikuaxian |
Henrik talks quietly with Aarion: "I'm no expert at Towers, but here's what strategy I do know..."
Aid Another Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Henrik proceeds to give Aarion a few decent tips on his game.
Ranalus |
Ranalus will keep an eye out for any cheating by the Harbinger.
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31
GM Woran |
Frantically, Binui grapsp his cards. "No, nononono no. This cant be right. You cant just beat the great Binui! Something must be wrong."
Half, desperate, half mad, he shifts trough the cards, seeing if there is some foul play happening. Finding non, he looks up, a muscle next to his eye twitching.
"Hah, the fates must have had pity on you, seeing the destruction in the future! Only the fates themselves could let you win from the great Binui! But you cant do that a second time, no no no no. No. You wont be able to do that a second time. Not even with some help! Try me again!"
Sitting so close to the man, seeing his desperation, Aaarion thinks that this man, or maybe the strange magic gripping him, crafted some kind of mental illusion, but that the illusion is cracking now, under reality. Another lost game, and some carefull words, might be enough to break it, and to let him release the magic.
Aarion can make another bluf check. Henrik can aid, but not more people, as tips from one person make sense, but more tips would confuse the game. Henriks roll of 18 works.
Aarion Belanor |
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heading Henrikuaxian's recommendations, Aarion begins to carefully layout cards that match the ones making the tower. On more than one occasion the inquisitor hesitates, and then glances over to Henrikuaxian. After considering the gnomes guidance, Aarion continues to lay his cards out in succession.
"My hand is ordained by the will of a god. I can not loose, less it be ordained by Sarenrae herself."
"Know that with each card I match, a ripple through time will reveal my destiny. The harbingers are meant to hear my words. My audience with them is meant to be."
As Aarion matches the last of his cards, he looks up into the mad man's eyes. "I have now played your game of fate. I have divulged my soul. Now it is time for you to honor your vow and help me complete my destiny. Show us to the Harbingers."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Bluff: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
GM Woran |
Increasingly desperate, Binui tries to match the cards Aarion plays, but he falls further and further behind in points.
Seeing the final score, he clutches the cards to his chest and lets out a long, desperate wail. For a moment, the green, temporal energy around him flares up and crackles, then it slowly starts to leak away from his body in a stream of green smoke.
Sobbing, the man lies on the ground, cards still clutched to his chest. "No... It was not meant to be this way. We would save aroden, make the world right again. Save all those people from the worldwound. And I would finally be able to tell the future. Make my father proud of his half blood son. Please. Please leave me alone in my shame. I know nothing of the others. Everything went mad when the key overloaded. We never meant for this to happen."
Aarion Belanor |
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 (On Aroden and his legacy.)
“I understand your turmoil. I too feel an unyielding connection with my god. I understand that you, and those who continue to follow Aroden, feel that the unfulfillment of the Starfall Doctrine is a sign that Aroden is truly dead. Your faith should extend far beyond a mere prophecy. Prophecy's can be miss interpreted, forked over time, and (or) outright wrong.”
“Aroden's legacy is fare reaching and undeniably invaluable to those who were inspired by him. To remove Aroden from this time, would unravel all that he has done going forward. People such as you, who have chosen to live within Aroden’s legacy, would no longer recognize the man’s deeds. His accomplishments would no longer exist, nor would his legacy. Remove Aroden from his rightful place in time, and you will destroy the very nature of his existence. This will impact everyone in our time, including you. Yes the man may live, but his influence will have been erased. The stare stone would not have been raised, Taldor and all those within the great nation will have lost their patron deity, the inner sea will have never been created, and humanity will forever be changed.”
“I know your love for Aroden is restless, but at what cost do you attempt to embrace him. I doubt that Aroden himself would want his reinstatement to come at the expense of humanity. Besides, the unfulfillment of the prophecy isn’t proof that Aroden is dead. Many are awaiting his return, and have joined Iomedae in his absence. It isn’t too late. Help us return order to the world. Tell us what you know of the event we now face.”
GM Woran |
Shamed, the man buries his head in his hands. "We never meant to end up where we are now. Something went wrong. We tried to focus on the last of Aroden's power. To snatch him right before his death. The eye of abadego would not wreak havoc. The worldwound would not open to pour untold horrors upon the world. Cheliax would never descend into anarchy and the worship of Asmodeus, preventing generations of slaves and bloodshed and ritual sacrifice..."
"Somehow we overloaded the device. I dont know why. We spied on the society for weeks, following your calculations, adjusting them for our own purpose so we would have exaclty the right amount of energy to bring Aroden forward in time, and only Aroden."
The light of the green dome overhead, coupled with the bright streak of the star stone make Binui's eyes seem deeply sunken. "I've regained enough of my old self to see now that instead of latching on to the end of Arodens power, we're now somehow connected to the start of it. I guess starfall is a fitting punishment for our hubris. I wish I could help you more, but this is more then we ever planned for. Lady Arodeth should still be connected to the Key, in the vault. Perhaps if you can find her, and aid her, this can be undone. But I dont see how."
Aarion Belanor |
"To assume the maladies that have taken place over the course of time would not happen, in the event that you where successful, is short sighted. The fates have a way of balancing things. I have little doubt that those events would very well find different conditions to manifest."
"Anyway, we could speculate about the effects of altering time all day. At this point, I believe we are out of time, and we need to know what is the quickest way to the vault?"
(Regardless if the man gives instructions to the vault or not, Aarion turns to the group and suggest heading out. If no instruction is given, then Aarion will turn to the master of spells for guidance.)
________________________________________________________________________
In departure, Aarion glances back over his shoulder and utters a final statement. "You should know that your fortune was flawless. Your skill as a fortuneteller is something to be proud of. If we are successful, you will have a second chance. Don't waste it. Seek out the followers of Iomedae and join their ranks. Many of them also wait for Aroden's return."
GM Woran |
The Binui has no idea where the vault is.
Kreighton Shaine looks a bit worried after the conversation. "If the Harbingers have no idea where the vault is after our unfortunate time jaunt, we need to go search for it. Or we could search out more Harbingers. While I doubt they know where the vault is, getting them to releasse the time energy will weaken the dome. And we need it weakened, otherwise we'll never get the Sky Key unstuck from the loop it is currently stuck in now."
Henrikuaxian |
"It seems to me that there are likely several groups of pathfinders searching out more Harbingers, and it will be hard to know for certain when we have weakened the dome enough; for all we know, by the time we find the Key, it will be weakened enough already. If we do not find the key, no amount of weakening of the dome will be sufficient. So it seems reasonable that we should seek out the vault immediately, and then deal with more Harbingers if the need arises."
Glancing at Aarion, Henrik adds "your work with this Harbinger is admirable; if you want to continue on this route, I am willing. I just wanted to add in my opinion."
Aarion Belanor |
"At this point, any opinion is welcome. I have no idea where to begin looking for the vault. Under normal circumstances I would ask around and see if any of the locals had any viable information, but with the language barrier I don't believe this is going to be an option. I have a spell (Comprehend language) that will allow me to understand their language, but It doesn't allow me to speak it. If we had more to go on, we could attempt to gather information through one of their libraries using the spell, as it allows me to understand their writing, but as it stands, I wouldn't even know which books to begin looking at.
"If we could find a cleric, bard, or wizard that has the ability to cast tongues, then we could attempt to gather information about the vault."
Aarion turns back to the master of scrolls. "What do we know about the vault?"
Ranalus |
Detect Magic might help locate the vault, and Ranalus can move fairly quickly while concentrating (his single move is a gnome's double).
If the vault is in a populated area, it may have drawn a curious crowd. If there is no such crowd to be found, then it is likely in an inaccessible area, anything from a palace to a sewer. Do we know anything of the layout of this city from history?
Henrikuaxian |
"Not so sure about history, but we do know something of the Vault from our time; specifically, it was below ground. The rods connected from the surface down to the room where the Sky Key had been assembled. It stands to reason that the vault would still be underground here. Perhaps the sewers or the basements of some of these buildings would be good places to start? Or perhaps any large buildings or churches that might have cellars or crypts or any sort of fun underground locations?"
Henrik looks over at Master Shaine, and says "unless you have some more specific ideas on where we should look, sir"
Aarion Belanor |
As the group moves through the city, Aarion keeps an eye open for anyone dressed in the unusual garments of the Harbinger's.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
GM Woran |
Kreighton Shaine speaks up. "The vault is underground. It moved here with us, but its entrance has been lost as the timelines clashed. The key maintains most of the vault, as it needs space to exist, but the entrance must have fallen at the edge of its influence bubble. It will covered up with architecture of this time. Hopefully a street, but if we are out of luck, a building. Questioning the locals would certainly help, but the language barrier. I can cast tongues one person. I am afraid most of my spells got lost when I got... multiplied. Which is a shame. Divination spells would help immensely. I dont suppose one of you have some left?"
Thinking for a moment, he turns to Ranalus. "I seem to remember you have some knowledge of the lay of the land? Perhaps we can get you to a higher vantage point."
Looking for the vault is a worthwile endeavor. The scenario gives several options, but if you have a plan, go for it. Tell me what to do, what skills/resources to use, and we'll take it from there.
Ranalus |
Questioning the crowd with the use of Tongues seems the best starting point. Ranalus has a decent (+6) Knowledge (geography), if that helps; he may be able to correlate locations in this city with the ones in Absalom, narrowing down the search radius to locations that are close enough to the vault to contain the entrance. He also has History and Dungeoneering at the same bonus, and his Perception is +15. His only Divination spells are Detect Magic and Find Traps. His Door Sight ability may help look through doors or relatively thin walls (9 inches) which may save some time if we find a building that seems promising.
Ranalus |
I may have an idea of where we should start our search.
Knowledge(geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Henrikuaxian |
Looking at Master Shaine, Henrik replies "unfortunately, divination is not my forte; I focus much more on illusions. I don't believe I prepared any divination spells at all today!"
He looks over at Ranalus as he replies. "Well then, good sir, lead the way. Perhaps we can piece this mystery together!"
As they walk, Henrik questions Master Shaine more. "How far below ground was the Vault in our time? How large was it, compared to the size of the dome?"
Aarion Belanor |
“Assuming the ambient magic from the green glow doesn’t hamper the detection, if the vault is concealed with an illusion, detect magic might be able to pick it up.” Aarion says to Ranalus.
After reaching the location indicated by Ranalus, Aarion accepts the tongues spell from the master of scrolls. While watching for any more people clothed in the unusual garments of the Harbingers, the inquisitor begins asking around for unexplained changes in the environment, as it pertains to the vault.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Henrikuaxian |
"One would assume the Sky Key itself would radiate a quite strong magic aura, so if it is within range it should stand out from any other sources of magic in the area I would think. Worth a shot anyway; up to Ranalus, though, as I did not prepare it."
"Another option - I can cast speak with animals, if we spot any digging animals nearby. Don't know how well that would work, but you never know."
GM Woran |
Ranalus uses his knowledge of Geograpy to scout out an area that looks depressed from the surrounding area. Such a depression could happen if suddenly an underground vault would appear...
Shaine casts tongues on Aarion. While reluctant to talk to the strangers, they can confirm that this area sunk a little bit the moment the dome appeared.
Shaine speaks up. "The key has a very strong magical aura, but we buried the vault deep so it would offer protection against any contingencies of the explosive kind. But if we could find or summon a burrowing creature, that would speed up our search immensely."
Henrikuaxian |
"I don't have any summons prepared, but perhaps we could find a digger."
Henrik begins to look around for some sort of burrowing creature.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Know(nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Aarion Belanor |
Aarion begins asking around about burrowing equipment or people willing to dig.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19