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Astronomers have marveled as the famous comet Aucturn's Tear once more soars through the solar system, yet this cycle, strange portals have begun opening on each planet the comet passes. Rumor about the Grand Lodge is that some powerful entity trapped on the other side of these gateways is desperately calling for help.
Could this be a once-in-a-human-lifetime opportunity to discover what lies through these portals? And will the Pathfinder Society free the captive trapped within or ensure that it remains sealed forever?
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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Having received a summons from the Pathfinders, Kramac enters the room and throws his hood off of his shaved head. He is a tall, well built half-orc wearing a breastplate. He has a shield strapped to his back, and a Kukri at his hip. An intricate tribal tattoo snakes down his right arm. Kramac surveys the room and greets his fellow pathfinders in a warm, booming voice.
Greetings companions! It appears we're being thrown together on this particular mission. It sounds like this one will be a bit more interesting than your typical tomb excavation or jungle trek!
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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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.
Vendors wander the area, allowing you to purchase any last-minute supplies they may need, though it looks like some of the more senior agents are slowly ushering them away.
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A tall robed figure approaches your group and hands each of you a package.
"Never let it be said that the Pathfinder Society does not provide for its agents at least every now and then. These supplies have been allocated to your group for this mission. Do also take note that you will be traveling beyond Golarion’s atmosphere and into a potentially low-gravity environment. If you wish to purchase anything form the vendors, do so quickly. Finally, I have been asked to use what power I have to cast a few planetary adaptation spells on some of you, but I am still trying to ascertain who to cast it on. Can't dawdle so hurry up, take your packages and move along, you lot," he says briskly.
DIPLOMACY (GATHER INFORMATION)
Absalom is all abuzz with numerous and colorful tales about the sudden appearance of a new light in the night sky. Fortunetellers and doomsayers crowd the streets, shouting stories and warnings of what
this portends.
KNOWLEDGE (ARCANA) OR KNOWLEDGE (HISTORY)
KNOWLEDGE (GEOGRAPHY) OR PROFESSION (ASTRONOMER)
The comet 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.
The comet is actually an asteroid known as Aucturn’s Tear, a piece of the Diaspora asteroid belt. Aucturn’s Tear passes through the solar system every 56 years, but according to records and eyewitnesses, it has
never shone so brightly before.
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.
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Not having any relevant knowledge, Kramac stands in awe of the spectacle arrayed before him.
Well, this will be a more exotic adventure than usual. Never been to an asteroid before...
He jogs after Ralph
I wouldn't mind one of those planetary adaptations if you've got one to spare. Seems prudent to have some protection from the elements up there.
Kramac quiets down and listens intently as Sorrina briefs the Pathfinders on their mission. As the spire begins to hum, Kramac straps on his shield and begins jogging in place, both to warm up and get ready for what lays on the other side of the portal and to burn off some nervous energy and calm his nerves.
Once the gate springs open, Kramac walks through with his companions.
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Doldrak stands there before the portal off planet feeling horribly underdressed with just his scale mail to protect him from the emptiness of space.
He leans over to Kramac, "Hey, thesee missions always this crazy, or did I join up at just the right time?"
The dwarf pulls out his axe and shield and follows the half-orc through the portal.
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"Hey guys, good to meet you. We should get to know one another if we're gonna be wor.... oh hell we're starting already?"
The slender unarmed man looks over to the portal as it hums to life.
"Guess introductions will have to wait," he chuckles as he cocks his fists and follows the feisty dwarf and half-orcs to the portal.
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With Sorrina Westyr's magically-projected command ringing in your ears, you rush through the portal to fend off the creatures and prevent them from passing through the portal into Golarion. All around you pathfinders do battles with rocky monsters, and you own group is accosted by 2.
The locals are more prepared than you and attack two of you before you are able to respond. Melicsa and Doldrak are attacked by 2 small humanoid-creatures comprised completely of earth, and they are hit hard!
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Melicsa misses again. Doldrak also misses this time. But Kramac and Els strike the remaining elemental from opposite sides, squashing it between their fist/foot.
”You handled those earth elementals with flair!” A Varisian woman is leaping towards you, she is obviously enjoying the low gravity.
”We have located the three avenues of approach and have some more information on them. It is your choice how to proceed, so here is what we know:”
”The crater is swarming with defenders. If you choose to go there you need to be prepared for combat, but it seems the most direct route to the center of the asteroid.”
”We have located a frozen city on the asteroid’s dark side. If you want you can explore the city to see if we can find the means to help the trapped being.”
”On the sunny side we have located the wreck of a metal craft. It might contain the same kind of objects as can be found in Numeria. If you want to explore that be aware that that side of the asteroid is bathing in direct sunlight, without any protection from an atmosphere.”
”It is your decision, I’ll be off to brief that group over there on what we found” and she moves away before you can even start to think of questions.
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After the elemental falls, Kramac waits a moment to make sure all the assailants have been defeated before sheathing his kukri. He talks as he scans the area.
Hmm, I wouldn't recommend punching animals. The scarier ones have a lot of fur, and if my experiences fighting my cousin, Rothgar the Hairy, are any indication that fur absorbs a lot of the impact. Nah, I think one's best bet when fighting a bear would be to kick the joints or go for the eyes.
Kramac watches the woman come and go quickly. After she leaves, he pipes up:
Well, I'm always up for a good scrap. I vote we clear a path through the crater and let the more academic and sneakier types go exploring while we secure a beachhead once they've learned what they can.
Kramac votes for area B.
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"Pleased to meet you all."
Melicsa retrieves her cure wand. "Can any of you work one of these?"
She continues without waiting for an answer.
"For once, strength would seem to be our strength. We might do well in the crater. On the other hand, reaching the centre unprepared for a rescue would seem unwise. The only thing I'm unkeen to do is work on my tan..."
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"No punching of animals please," Els replies drily.
"I can use those wands, so if none of you have the skill, perhaps I should hold on to those. The crater looks like it will be a continual combat-slog, but if that's what you're well-disposed to handle, I will do the best I can to keep you all standing with these wands. From the description we were given, the icy side will probably reward those with a more scholastic bent, and the sunny side those who are equipped to handle heat and skilled with Numerian technology."
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After some preliminary discussion, you decide to head down the crater and face the enemy head-on in true murder-hobo fashion.
From the edge, the crater’s bottom is a distant sight, and the vastness of stars and void looms overhead. Some incredible force tore open the ground here, leaving the stone shattered and sharp. The rocks are unusually warm to the touch and willfully twist and cut when grasped. In contrast, the gentle breeze pouring up from below is pleasant and hale. Far below, a fierce battle rages between pathfinders and creatures of earth and stone.
The path down to the enemy however is not straightforward. You will need to climb down the sides of the crater to join the melee, and from the looks of it, your progress will not go unhindered.
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Melicsa asks Els to heal her up before she starts the climb. She climbs down the first part easily.
You begin to climb the second part. This time, Els, Melicsa and Kramac make progress, but Doldrak finds himself falling behind and makes no progress. Your climbing has also attracted the attention of some of the defenders. Els and Kramac avoid the flying projectiles, but Doldrak and Melicsa are struck by a few.
In the third part, Els' luck runs out and he falls to the bottom of the crater, which is fortunately not far away. Kramac climbs down and helps him to his feet. Melicsa makes no progress this time while Doldrak climbs down to her. The defenders throw more rocks at you, and once again only Els and Kramac manage to avoid the projectiles.
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Kramac reaches the bottom of the crater. He jumps off of the wall and lands in a crouch, shield out and surveys the battlefield, looking for any hostile creatures in the immediate area. Sensing no impending attack, Kramac draws his sling, loads a bullet, and sends it whirling through the air at one of the creatures harassing his companions who are still climbing down the side of the crater.