|
"Gah! Eshimka, lend me your strength!" The crusader cries out as he's hit by a swarm of force missiles. D blasts him again.
He aims at where he thinks he can see Cup, then fires a few arrows!
Cup is pelted with arrows, and is filled with a sense of despair.
Meanwhile, green swings at Uesugi, slicing into his flesh.
Green (-15), Cup (-24), Uesugi, Longjing, Sirettis, Red (-15), Mr. Peppers, Sir D, Gallix, Blue (-66), blind)
|
|
Even blinded, the crusader dodges to the left as he feels the aura of Sirettis' positive light come close to his ghostly form.
Uesugi takes down the third skeleton with the sweep of his blade. What will Cup do?
Voice of the Shadow: Cup (-24), Uesugi (-6), Longjing, Sirettis, Red (-15), Mr. Peppers, Sir D, Gallix, Blue (-66), blind)
|
"I'm on it, Sis! Yaaaaahhh" Gallix bellows out with a mighty roar as he rushes into battle alongside his brother in arms. Rushing past the samurai, he moves into a position where they can begin to set up a flanking position if the skeleton endures the next few attacks, though Gallix does his best to make sure that doesn't happen.
|
|
Gallix swoops ahead, punching the undead with such force that he knocks the skeleton up through the sky and in a nice arc. Upon its landing, you hear a loud thud and someone yelling "Ow, damn it, that hurt!"
Voice of the Shadow: Cup (-24), Uesugi (-6), Longjing, Sirettis, Mr. Peppers, Sir D, Gallix (heroism), Blue (-86), blind)
|
|
Mr. Peppers takes down the crusader with a final blast of missiles, ending the fight!
You need to be inside the circle to Shut Down the Portal, but enough positive energy can suppress the effects of the black tendrils for a round (these tentacles will grab you if you march in). Or you can just put up with the Negative Energy and Black Tendrils for a Round while you do the Ritual, hoping to seal it!
Skills you may use to shut the Portal: Knowledge (arcana, planes or religion), Linguistics, Perform (oratory), Spellcraft, or Use Magic Device. Each PC gets only one check. You may take ten on these checks if you wish.
SPECIAL: If you played Tome of Righteous Repose with this PC in the Undead Arc, let me know.
ANOTHER SPECIAL: If you expend positive energy you can give yourself or another PC a bonus on their skill check.
|
Seeing the creature finally fade out of existence, Mr Peppers gives a small fist pump And that folks is how its done! before hustling down the stairs towards the stone circle, as he gets there his eyes turn their tell-tale dark blue as he sees the magical auras surrounding the ancient site "We need healing energy to push back those angry tentacles, everyone grab your wands, your holy waters, your healing potions. On the count of three lets unleash the healing energy so we can get in there and close this thing down!"
Mr Peppers pulls out his healing wand and waits for the others.
|
|
As the Black Tendrils recede, Cup steps gingerly into the circle, clutching a Pathfinder Chronicle. "I've read about those of you from the darker planes, but you don't belong here!"
♫ These are my glasses, this is my book
I put on my glasses, and open up my book
And I read, read, read and I look, look, look ♫
She waves her hands in banishing gestures, firm and confident.
♫ Begone foul creatures,
Begone foul spooks!
Let's seal up the portals,
Medda, it's closing, come take a look! ♫
She glances at the others. "C'mon Pep, and Sirettis, let's close this thing!"
|
|
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Gallix shouts up at the portal in every language he's learned in his wide travels, calling out some variation of "Shut, you damn portal!" in each language as he cycles through.
Before entering the circle, Gallix calls upon an old friend to help drive back the tentacles. Seemingly from nowhere, Nolaria of Saringallow appears and casts a spell at the writhing mass of tentacles.
|
|
While Gallix, Sirettis, and Mr. Peppers hold back the tentacles thrusting from the portal via positive energy, Cup and Mr. Peppers get up close and attempt to determine the proper arcane phrases and theoretical knowledge to shut down a portal such as this. The portal seems especially familiar to Cup, likely owing to her experiences in planes beyond, and Mr. Peppers is, well, Mr. Peppers.
As the two perform magical gestures in a grand display of teamwork, the tentacles begin to foam and move erratically. The rift shines brightly, emits a shower of sparks, and then begins to fade from view.
Medda runs up to the Standing Stones. "The portal is fading! With me, brothers!" She forms a huddle with the six of you, Kragr, and Jala, surrounding the portal and willing it mentally and somatically to complete its sealing!
|
|
"We've done it! Great work Miss Cup, and the rest of you as well." Mr Peppers adds, not wanting to diminish the group's accomplishments. "We've all got our strengths and our not so strengths, but as the team of Red Arm we are at our strongest."
He steps back a bit from the stone circle, his eyes returning to the normal dark brown color and his lips curling up every so slightly into a small smile. Lets hope this is the last of this 'adventure', I think we've earned a soft bed and a glass or two of fine wine.
"Medda, is this it? Are we victorious?"
|
|
"The portal is closed, for now. We were hopefully in time. I have much to talk about with the Blakros Museum. They must learn to respect lands that aren't theirs."
Sirettis tends to her own wounds. "There is a joy to banishing the dead I did not realize before. I have much to learn."
Looking at the Twinhorns, she smiles. "And more friends to make."
|
|
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
As Medda and Anok join your group of Pathfinders around the stone circle, she assists you with the binding ritual. Medda thrusts Ivvora’s hilt into the portal, calling on Vildeis for aid. The shadow rift shrinks and closes, releasing a massive shock wave that knocks the Pathfinders, the Twinhorn warriors, and Medda to the ground. A field of dark, rippling energy remains, suspended above the stone altar. As Medda reaches out to pick up Ivvora’s hilt—the already broken blade now spider-webbed with new cracks—a supernatural silence descends. Only the telepathic rage of some unseen menace cuts through the quiet. “You dare to shut me out?” it rages. “I see you, but I do not see her. Where is the dwarf woman, Ivvora, who fought me so long ago? Has her mortal body failed at last? Has the realm of the living at last lost its protector? Know this: when the long shadows reach out again, I will grasp them and claw my way back into your world to see your flesh devoured by my children.”
Sound returns to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, and Medda cautiously stands. “It seems that Eshimka still lives and has even left this foul scar on our world,” she declares. “If we are to believe its promises, the fiend will attack on the next winter solstice. If we are to survive, we must be ready. Nearly a millennium ago, Ivvora held the key to defeating Eshimka. By following her legends and discovering her fate, we may harness the same holy power that banished this fiend—and together end the beast entirely.
“When we set out, it would be the privilege of this following to have the Pathfinders at our side. But that is a trial for another day. Tonight, at last, we rest.”
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After the long trip North, his feet a bit sore, his lips a bit chapped, and his hair still perfect. Mr Peppers takes his favorite seat in the library at the Grand Lodge, does a quick double take as he sees a Gnome walk past Is it? Whew, a few days break maybe. Silence is golden.
He pulls out his now worn journal and a stack of parchment and starts recording his findings and experiences for the leadership of the lodge to hopefully approve. Hopefully I've finally got the formatting down, no matter how many times they mention that Formatting 101 Class, I just don't have time for that nonsense!
Forgo your Downtime to finalize a report to the Pathfinder Society. Doing so requires a successful DC 15 Intelligence, Wisdom, or Profession (scribe) check.
|
|
The Red Arm of Absalom has returned -- to Absalom. Mr. Peppers sits with his nose in a book at the Grand Lodge archives, while the rest of you spend a few days singing, painting, perfecting your stealth, or whatever else a Society agent's day job might entail.
Just days after returning, a halfling courier tracks down each of you and tells you that Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine needs you back at Skyreach posthaste. "Something about planes and water. Lots of water was what he said," the little bald halfing says, shrugging. "You might want to pack a bikini or something. He said to get there as soon as you could, so get going!" He pulls his oversized rucksack over his shoulders, using both arms to support its weight against his tiny body, winks, and happily marches off.
|
|
Sirettis's gaze has been fixed on the moon every since she returned. "I always associated you with the wind, but your lunar influence is strong."
<What's this? You're learning. Another lesson from your friends?>
"No, just more insight. The world is frightening, but it's so beautiful. You should say hello more."
<A coming out party? What do you suggest I wear? A fancy dress? A curtain of blood? Or maybe I'm naked as a newborn babe...>
The wind faintly blows in what Sirettis thinks is a chuckle. "I'll let you decide as long as you don't hurt anyone."
The moon glows faintly, and Sirettis smiles as Isa sleeps.
---
The next day Sirettis and Isa enjoy their newfound magical abilities as the Halfling courier catches up to them. "I see. Thank you. While I will skip the bikini, I will take the rest of your advice." She grabs her equipment and heads toward Skyreach.
|
|
"Skyreach? The plane of water? Who put you up to this?" He looks around a bit to make sure there isn't any snickering coming from behind a bookshelf.
"Fair enough, I'll get going as soon as I turn in this report."
The Lodge has been reminding me about accomplishing more planar travel to be 'more well versed'. I guess this is my chance to get them off my back so I can focus on the more important things... I'll have to see how fireballs react when cast underwater...
|
|
Up the grand stairs and into Skyreach's courtyard, you find the Master of Scrolls picking dirt from under his fingernails. He stops suddenly and throws his hands behind his back as you approach.
"Ah, the Red Arm of Absalom! It is a pleasure to see you again. We've got some extraplanar fun for you today. You see, our contact in Vialesk, the city in an air bubble in the Plane of Water, has requested some urgent help." He picks up a handful of sand and rubs it in his hands, then begins gesturing frantically. A tear in the statue ahead forms, and then, a portal bursts open, a furious gale pulling in everything nearby. Longjing's wings can't compete with its force, and he's quickly sucked in, Rawwwwking down into its depths.
"Oh, dear. Now you've really done it, Shaine!" Sorrina Westyr calls out, rushing down the stairs towards the portal. She places two glowing palms on the portal and balances out its magic, quieting the force.
"Er, please, forgive me, the bird could not have gone far," the elf sheepishly mumbles. "Through that portal is Vialesk. Please, step through and meet with our contact. Her name is Zahra. The portal should take you right to her. I..."
Westyr interrupts. "Won't try that again? That's what I thought." she pointedly says. "Your pet could not have gone far, despite the instability of Shaine's ritual. Zahra will have all the details of your task ahead. Good luck!"
|
|
Uesugi watches as Little Dragon gets sucked through the sheet of furious rain. "Wu jen trickery..." He gives the Master of Scrolls a respectful but quick bow and a similar bow – albeit he maintains it a little longer – to Sorrina Westyr. Not wasting anymore time he runs through the storming gate the only concern his missing companion.
|
|
Mr Peppers watches on in interest as the Master of Scrolls casts and opens a portal My knowledge is growing... this higher end magic is becoming more and more familiar. Someday I will command the power to travel from plane to plane! He nods to the others to indicate the safety of the portal.
His eyes go a bit wider seeing the little dragon get sucked in "Well that's an unforeseen side effect. Looks like its time to go..." He casts a spell on himself just before he heads through the breach, and hopefully safely on the other side.
|
|
Stepping through the portal, the landscape of Skyreach's intimidating towers quickly shifts to grand city in the center of the sea. The din of a great metropolis fills the giant air bubble encasing Splendor’s Docks, the district where trade goods and travelers usually arrive in the city of Vialesk. The smells of fish, salt, and strange spices waft through the air at the docks. Outside the air bubble, a pod of whales lazily circles the city, tended by an ocean giant shepherd.
A blue-skinned woman wearing gossamer robes approaches through the bustling crowd. "Hail, Pathfinders!" the woman calls, "Welcome to Vialesk, greatest city in the Plane of Water. My name is Zahra; I am the Pathfinder currently organizing our interests on this plane. We have much to discuss."
She motions for you to follow her to a table made of coral and flanked by seven chairs that were once clams. She gracefully sits down and continues, "Over the past several years, I have slowly pieced together rumors and legends pointing to the location of a hidden font of elemental power. I believe an artifact is stored away inside a giant seashell hidden within the Lambent Bloom—a forest of jellyfish. I set out to inspect the shell recently, but my expedition ran afoul of a spy working for the shell’s current occupants. It seems that it is currently inhabited by a tribe of sahuagin under the rule of a cunning leader named Baron Zemdar. With the help of other Pathfinders agents, I discovered that Zemdar is using the power of the shell to control the tides."
"Zemdar's control of the tides remains a looming danger to the citizens of Vialesk. To this end, I have organized a new expedition in partnership with the city guard and a brine dragon ally named Razethka. We will lead the expedition to the shell and help deal with the sahuagin threat. Then, once Zemdar is defeated, we can freely explore the site and locate the artifact hidden inside. Additionally, I believe the shell acts as a magical amplifier of sorts, so once we remove the artifact, we might be able to redirect the shell’s energies to more useful purposes. We have roughly twentyfour hours until the expedition departs, so use this time to prepare."
She reaches underneath the table and pulls a cloth bag from underneath her robe. Inside are six pens. She hands them out individually, taking a moment to think on it before deciding who gets which one. "These pens contain ink gathered from a rare species of squid that preys on jellyfish. Should you encounter jellyfish, a blast from one of these should stun them in place." She smiles as she hands a golden pen with swirls of emerald to Cup, then continues.
"You should be able to find whatever supplies you need in the markets of Vialesk. Razethka will be able to provide you with unlimited water breathing spells, but it might be wise to pick up additional underwater supplies. There will be no air once we leave the city. Also make sure you stop by the Azure Armory; I have arranged for the city guard to loan you weapons designed for underwater fighting from their stockade, if you desire."
|
|
Mr Peppers waits for the rest of the group to head inside, eager to see this new place, but concerned with the difficulties of spellcasting and water. This is a new challenge, hopefully my studies and experience will keep me from embarrassing myself and the Red Arm. He sets his brow with a determined look and steps through.
The scenery is like nothing he's ever seen "This is amazing. One of the many true powers of the Arcane on display!" His eyes flash their telltale blue as he looks to see what magic is at work here.
He sits in the strange chairs, squirming a bit on occasion, trying to get comfortable. "Water breathing, excellent. That was my main concern. Can you tell us more about these jellies? Are the large schools or large creatures? I apologize for all these questions, but I don't think many of us have much experience in this type of environment."
|
|
"Is Longjing alright?" Sirettis seems to ignore a chunk of the briefing until she ensures the bird is alright.
"It is good we can breathe. We will have to worry about moving freely, as well as the local animals. I know of magic that would help, but only Miss Poshkettle could use it without trouble."
|
|
Mr. Peppers and Sirettis know that the jellyfish in the Lambent Bloom are poisonous to everything ... but sahuagin. "The Lambent Bloom is a forestlike bloom of poisonous jellyfish that is nearly one hundred miles wide. Although the bloom can be navigated with care, most creatures simply go around the region, which is why the sahuagin have been able to flourish there unimpeded," Zahra explains.
Mr. Peppers knows that the sahuagin of the Plane of Water are actually not natives, having traveled here from Golarion in a massive exodus millennia ago. Upon arrival they made war on the fractured marid civilization, attempting to gain an empire for themselves. Upon achieving their objective, however, they fell into infighting and eventual civil war. Now the sahuagin inhabit the darker reaches of the plane, grouped into small kingdoms controlled by tyrants or mutant warlords who long to reestablish their lost empire.
When asked about Longjing, Zahra shrugs, narrowing her eyes. "I have not seen a parrot here, but I could have sworn I heard a roar coming out of that golden pen of his. If he came through the same portal as you, it's only a matter of time before you're reunited, I'm sure. How far could a parrot have gone in the Plane of Water anyway?" She smiles.
|
|
Mr Peppers nods his head slightly as Zahra explains the jellyfish and Sahuagin relationship "It sounds like they've got a perfect stronghold. How do you expect us to travel to it safely, just these pens?"
He stops as he realizes his tone was a bit combative "My apologies, like I said, this is a new environment for us, trying to accomplish a mission such as this, underwater, in an unfamiliar environment, puts me on edge. That and our parrot friend is missing."
Mr Peppers mood droops a bit as Zahra says she hasn't seen Longjing, giving a reassuring look to the others "We'll find him soon enough, lets start the search on the way to the Armory. I'm sure Uesugi and Gallix may need some new weapons."
|
|
Uesugi emerges with the others his eyes immediately looking for any sign of the Little Dragon. His hand instinctively moves for the hilt of his katana upon seeing the blue skinned woman. His eyes widen at the scene before him. 'Is this possible?' His eyes shift to the pod of whales swimming around the city.
"I do not see Little Dragon?" He shakes his head and faces Zahra looking for answers. When she directs them to sit down and brief them on their mission unaware of their missing companion Uesugi cannot help but be irritated.
"We are looking for our companion. Where else would he be? He entered the same way we did?"
Listening to Zahra's answer he nods wondering what has happened to Little Dragon.
"What of our armour. My tatami-do was not made to be submerged in water and swimming through the water will pull me down eventually whether or not I am able to breath the water. I will see this armory you have and see what is there that can be of use to me."
|
|
"We will find Longjing, I assure you." Sirettis places her hand on Miss Poshkettle's shoulder, and her hair instinctively wraps around her like a hug. "Isa feels like a part of me. We will do what we can to find him."
"Let us spend time today preparing for the trip as well as searching the city for our dragon friend." Sirettis looks up, searching for celestial bodies.