For the past two weeks things aren't going very well on Golarion.
Strange runes have begun to appear in the night sky, the weather during the is abnormal to say the least. The temperature drops and rises seemingly at random, the season has changed twice in four days. The flaming hail yesterday killed almost as many people as the twelve tornadoes the day before.
Magic has become unpredictable as well. witch has led to the death of many casters.
You've decided that you must do something to help resolve this situation. But were to start?
Conjuration magic has become impeded to an extent (calling, summoning and teleportation spells now require a dc 20 + spell level caster level check to succeed) and spells that banish creatures to their native plane has cease to function entirely. Also when a the duration of a summoning spell expires the creature doesn't go away and is no longer under the summoner's control. Also teleportation spells have a 20% chance of mishap regardless of how well you know the destination.
In addition to this Divine spell casters have difficulty drawing on the positive or negative energy planes and they can no longer communicate easily with their deities. Divines spells are all cast -2 caster level and channeling uses 2 less dice than normal and the dc for the save is at -10.
Spells to communicate with beings on other planes also fail unless the caster succeed a dc 20+spell level cast level check*. Spell affected include: Augury, Divination and Commune. *The -2 penalty above applies to this.
Sets out towards Magnimar to see what the pathfinder lodge there knows about the troubles, it may cost him some gold but those contacts usually come through!
As Trihedron walks again through the streets of Magnimar, he cannot help but be amazed at how things look different from the last time he was here, more than a decade ago. Where before there was a city bustling with merchant activity, full of vibrant life and prospects for the future, now he finds doubt and conversations held in hushed tones at every corner, concerns and fear showing in the faces of everyone he comes across.
He is not the same either - both his body and his consciousness had progressed much since his last visit - his training has been considered all but complete - the last steps for him to take on his own. Considered by many at his own temple to be a force to be reckoned with, involved in more than one campaign against overwhelming odds, the resolute, silent dwarf is now at odds with what to expect from the recent events.
His steps are sure, movements honed by years of practiced discipline, both of body and mind, taking him straight to the Pathfinder Lodge - he had been in the area when the world started to change - while the first few hails could be considered freak incidents, the recurrence and seriousness of the disasters could not be ignored.
His first instinct brought him to the closest Lodge for information - He can only surmiss that surely the Pathfinder Society possesses additional details of what indeed is happening and its significance... If any.
You walk trough the street and you can see that the weather has been hitting Magnimar pretty hard you can see damage caused by fire, wind or hail on most buildings. The people are going about their business as usual trying to pretend it doesn't bother them while others repair the damage.
You arrive at the pathfinder lodge and are welcomed inside.
An older scholar named Sazed welcomes you "Ah master Wyatt, and master Tihedron I believe? your arrival is timely indeed. Things are looking rather grave I'm afraid."
A large cat strides down the streets of Magnimar.. On his back sits a lithe character dressed in leafy armor and has a bow strapped across her back.. Arriving at the pathfinder lodge she dismounts and strides to the door, knocking gently.. Once the door opens.. "Reverie Stormflower at your service.. Any idea why my woods are dying?"
"Ah greetings Lady Stormflower, I hoped that you would come, I don't suppose you can do something about the weather?...The short answer to your question is that your woods are dying because someone is attempting to block out the gods from our world...Almost succeeding at it too."
Reading his lips carefully he then says Does the Grandlodge have any information on this? My connection to nature is... diminished? it's awkward to say the least and uncomfortable!
"Casters everywhere are reporting similar things. If our guess is correct this is only going to get worst, unless something is done in a matter of weeks you will no longer be able to use magic at all. Divine magic will be completely gone and arcane magic will be erratic and dangerous to use."
Any idea what's causing it or where it seems to be the worse? The grand lodge has extensive connections I know!
Down the street from the pathfinder lodge in Magnimar, at the Green Table Inn Elara is in her room trying to figure this strange girl that has come to see her.
Her name is Naila and she claims she is the daughter of Lucather Maj, a psion craftsmen respectable power who has apparently vanished.
"Well can you help? He told me if something went wrong I should come see you, that you would be able to help." she says
"Well if your looking for someone trying to be rid of the influence of the gods then Rahadoum is the place to look apart from that there was that break-in at the grand temple of Abadar in Absalom. Some powerful relics were taken from the vault but we don't know witch ones yet as the clerics aren't saying."
Frowning at the news.. "I don't have that spell today, but i can certainly try on the morrow.." Noticing the others here.. "Well met all, are yall here to help as well? We must act at once.. Do have any other knowledge in this matter?"
Elara's thin form leans back on a well-padded chair as she studies the girl in front of her, possibility and plans running through her mind. Finally she raises a hand to her forehead and removes her stone mask, revealing her beautiful face to the girl. She gives her a look of concern. "You poor girl; of course I will help you find your father. But first, are you yourself alright? Would you like food, or drink?" Elara waves at an untouched platter of food and wine on the table, before continuing "As to finding your father... I may be able to locate him with magics; but it will take a night's meditation for my power to work. Do you have any sign that your father might be in imminent danger? Or has he simply vanished?" Elara stands up to walk over to the girl and rest her hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes as she smiles reassuringly. "But in either event, I promise, I will find your father." Holding her gaze for a moment, she returns to her seat.
After a few moments, she continues in a casual tone "Might I ask how your father named me? And here; your father may have secretly given you some magical method of finding him. Let me search you for any traces of such power... Elara's eyes glow bright silver as she examines the girl.
After days of long travel Bjorn finds himself at the gates of Magnimar, standing almost 8 feet tall and enemating an aura of menace he heads to the gates, stopped by a border guard.
"And what brings you here today? You know you had best behave or I'll bring the entire guard down on your... uhhh... umm..."
He his silenced by one look from Bjorn, one look is usually all it takes from the hulking brute.
Bjorn just keeps on walking through silently continuing on his journey and leaving the stammering guard behind.
Going to one of the shadier pubs in town and ordering a strong drink he waits for trouble to find him. He doesn't wait long.
Moments later 5 guards come into the bar and head purposefully over to the orc.
"Well what do we have here? A beast from the wilds wandered into my city and thinks he can drink in my pub? Well we will have none of that! Hey I'm talking to you!"
Completely ignoring the solder, Bjorn just continues drinking.
Now trying to physically turn the orc around the solder grunts
"Oof! Your a strong one aintchya? Hey guys help me out a bit wontchya?"
Now there were 5 guys all straining to move the Orc but they might as well been trying to push an iron post buried in concrete for all the good it did until finally out of frustration one of the soulders takes out his sword and stabs him in frustration.
With a detached look of annoyance Bjorn turns to him and gives him the look, finally speaking
"I am here about the strange happenings that have been going on lately. Where should I go to get information?"
"Uhhh... ah... you would want the Lodge Sir." clearly unnerved by the beast.
"Good. Take me there."
Then indicating the blade sticking out his side
"And I'll be keeping this." not even bothering to remove it.
I'll see if I can talk with them and get some answers, not everyone trusts the pathfinders, they see them as relic thieves and hoarders... Is there anything else you can think of to help? I'm sure I can't be the only one looking into this problem.
The girl has only goodness in her heart. "I'm perfectly fine" she says with pride "My father told he had sensed something and he needed to go investigate it. He was only supposes to be gone for a few days but it's been three weeks. He told me that if he didn't come back I should find the previous owner of this hair." she hold up a hair that looks like it could be Elara's. "I have powers too, like him...and you. He tough me how to use them a little. Enough to find you anyway."
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As Bjorn walks down the streets he hears a "splotchs" sound a a small piece of green goo lands on his shoulder and a hissing sounds as it starts to melt trough his armor.
One guard looks up and gets a similar chunk of goo in the face and starts screaming as his face starts to melt and he drops to the ground.
Looking up he sees some nasty looking dark clouds. Look likes lots more of that goo is about to fall.
Already it's falling all over striking others and melting wood and steel alike on impact.
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Everyone in the lodge hears screams coming from outside.
You walk trough the street and you can see that the weather has been hitting Magnimar pretty hard you can see damage caused by fire, wind or hail on most buildings. The people are going about their business as usual trying to pretend it doesn't bother them while others repair the damage.
You arrive at the pathfinder lodge and are welcomed inside.
An older scholar named Sazed welcomes you "Ah master Wyatt, and master Tihedron I believe? your arrival is timely indeed. Things are looking rather grave I'm afraid."
Nodding, and offering a bow to the man greeting thme at the door, the dwarf offers - "Greetings friend Sazed - meditation has gotten me no forward in trying to grasp the meaning of these dire events. I have pondered, and quickly decided it was time to return to Magnimar after all these years. We need to get to the bottom of this affair as soon as cna possibly be done"
Turning to the other newly arrived, he offers his hand and a smile - "Well met friend, I am Trihedron Khezed. Good to know I am not the only one intent on taking decisive action"
Frowning at the news.. "I don't have that spell today, but i can certainly try on the morrow.." Noticing the others here.. "Well met all, are yall here to help as well? We must act at once.. Do have any other knowledge in this matter?"
Trihedron bows deeply at Reverie - "I have not yet managed any further insights on the matter at hand, in spite of having travelled far and wide as fast as possible..." - the dwarf shakes his head slowly - "I am here also looking for additional information, during my travels I have witnessed the impact this is having on a huge scale so I agree - Time does seem to be of the essence and yes, I am here to help in any way I can"
Well if you suddenly find yourself devoid of a primal connection, say your sight... you'd go looking for answers too! He chuckles a bit Although if we can't remedy this, with any luck my hearing might return! I'm Wyatt Myved, nice to meet you, with any luck we'll find more adventurers to join us!
Noticing the others screaming and ducking for cover he pauses for a moment
"Is just rain. Well? Which way? Nevermind, I will find it myself."
And with that he continues down the street, taking no heed to the acidic blobious rain.
Appon finding the Lodge he enters, having to duck a bit to get inside.
"Nasty bit o weather out there"
The girl has only goodness in her heart. "I'm perfectly fine" she says with pride "My father told he had sensed something and he needed to go investigate it. He was only supposes to be gone for a few days but it's been three weeks. He told me that if he didn't come back I should find the previous owner of this hair." she hold up a hair that looks like it could be Elara's. "I have powers too, like him...and you. He tough me how to use them a little. Enough to find you anyway."
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As Bjorn walks down the streets he hears a "splotchs" sound a a small piece of green goo lands on his shoulder and a hissing sounds as it starts to melt trough his armor.
One guard looks up and gets a similar chunk of goo in the face and starts screaming as his face starts to melt and he drops to the ground.
Looking up he sees some nasty looking dark clouds. Look likes lots more of that goo is about to fall.
Already it's falling all over striking others and melting wood and steel alike on impact.
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Everyone in the lodge hears screams coming from outside.
The dwarf's head seems to jerk around a split second before the screams are heard from outside - standing up he gravely comments to the others - "Something is afoot" - as he unceremoniously dashes to see what is happening.
Elara nods and surveys the girl with interest. "You tracked me with my hair alone? An intriguing power, I must admit; your father has taught you well. I presume you have attempted to follow him by the same method? Has something prevented you, or is he out of range?"
As he crosses paths with the huge Orc, Trihedron seems a dwarf more than ever - "Are you coming from outside friend? What is all this ruckus about? Are you ok?" - he stops only momentarily, dashing almost immediately after.
is oblivious to the screaming
Damn man, that's rude to just go rushing about what on earth is the issue!?
In the lodge
Make lets say 3 fort saves Bjorn. Dc 24. If you make all 3 you take no damage.
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Elera's room.
She nods blushing a bit. "I tried many times but I cant sense him. Last I check he was south of here in Rahadoum."
You hear screams outside and a bit of slime melts tough the ceiling and falls on the table in front of you.
"What is this??" says Neila rising up and going to the window.
Poor gut indeed. 6 con and 1 cha damage from the slime.
I guess the best place to start would be the lodge here, they'll have someone investigating this for sure and Galgar wanders from his room to the pathfinder lodge
Elara blinks in mild surprise as the blob lands in the floor in front of them. Covering a sigh of irritation, she mutters "Tsk, this is going to get undignified." Bending over, she pulls out a small empty glass vial and scoops up a tiny portion of the goo. Capping the tube carefully, she turns to her charge. "We should get to the basement. On the way down, grab a table or any surface large enough to cover you and get through doorways at the same time. Walk closely behind me, and keep an eye on the ceiling and any patrons hear. Do not worry child, I will let no harm come to you, I promise, though I doubt not that you are capable of defending yourself." Turning, Elara grabs any table or surface that fits her needs and heads through the door down to the ground floor of the inn.
Hearing screaming outside Reverie rushes to take a look and upon seeing the disaster quickly calls Reggie inside from the stoop.. A large cat easyily reach the 500lbs mark strides into the lodge and flops down in a corner.. "Wow thats really bad out there.." Seeing the Orc come busting in moments later she instinctively goes on guard.. Seeing hes a friendly.. "Well met stout Orc.. Some nasty burns you got there."
"Meow.."
Most people were lucky and managed to avoid the goo entirely and most others managed to get away after being hit once or twice by the goo.
Some however were not so lucky and four lie dead in the street near the lodge. The dead bodies seem to be melting into piles of that goo whatever it is.
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The girl's name is Naila. You manage to scoop up a small sample in a glass container before the rest melts into the floor and drops to the floor below. The glass container doesn't melt and contains the goo.
You climb down into the common room were the innkeeper and many patrons have gathered around a poor soul who managed to crawl into the Inn after being struck by several blobs of goo. He has apparently succumbed to the goo and died and is little more than a puddle in the shape of a man at this point.
Elara ignores the puddle-corpse and walks up to the innkeeper, pulling him aside. "You. Where is your basement or cellar? I have no time for dithering."
Why does everyone have a startled/worried expression? Looks around to figure out what's going on
"The cellar? The stairs are in the kitchen..." There is a audible gasp in the crowd as the man shape puddle begins to rises up and flings itself on the closest onlooker. Naila screams along with many of the other patrons.
The patrons flee as they can heading out in any open door they can find some even going outside...
"What....IS....THAT" says Naila seeming terrified.
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Outside several of the dead have begun to rise as slime creatures as well.
Elara ignores the creature, grabs Naila by the hand and heads for the kitchen cellar, closing doors behind her as she moves.
Reverie tugs on Wyatt's sleeve and motions for him to follow.. COming to the door she points outside to the horrible goo rain.. Then as the bodies of the dead start to arise she gasps and quickly closes the door.. "That rain is turning the dead into some sort of zombies.. We must do something.." She starts chanting..
"What are you doing? That monster is going to kill them...Cant you stop it?" says Naila as you drag her along.
Moving through the inn quickly, Elara gives a small smile. "Oh I absolutely can, Naila; as soon as I get you to safety I'll go back out and destroy it. But I promised to protect you and so I'm getting you to the cellar first."
Not knowing much about the creatures Reverie decides to see if arrows will hurt one.. Opening the door she clicks her heels, activating her boots, and takes aim at one of the vile creatures..
Confirmations
You can see four of them from the lodge door.
The nearest creature explodes from the barrage of magical arrows...and the pieces start moving back towards one another and the creature begins to reform.
The remaining three start moving towards the lodge.
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Neilar nods and follows you to the cellar.
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Outside the slime rain seems to have stopped it lasted about 3 minutes.
Calgar is about to make his way to the lodge but finds his way blocked by one of the slime creatures.
Entering the cellar, Elara scans it and makes sure it's empty. Closing the door, she and Naila barricade it shut with barrels, tables and anything else that will work. Turning to the child, Elara smiles to her takes her hand. "Now say here, and keep quiet; I do not know if those things can hear. If they find you, scream loudly. I will come for you."
Turning away from her, Elara takes several deep breathes and closes her eyes. Spreading her hands, black shadows envelop her fingers, curving into sharp black claws as her teeth turn dark and similarly pointed. A small aura of shadows flickers up around her making her blur slightly before Naila's eyes. Finally, she raises her left hand and points her palm to the right and a small cloud of darkness emerges, grows and then takes shape as an exact double of Elara. With another breath, the two vanish.
Reapparing in the center of the inn next to a terrified patron, one Elara moves and steps forward to strike at the goo-creature as another turns to the patron and snarls, showing black animalistic incisors and pressing her hand into the patron's chest.