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Nefti and Kafar notice Untir releasing the burning hands and avoid some of it!
Kafar falls ill to more enchantments placed on him by Hoprah and Robyyn!
Amun and Lebraerio go for the direct attack but is unable to knock Nefti with his many images. One of the images disappears as Amun knocks hard into it.
Unable to see through the glitter, Kafar risks it by throwing a stink bomb into Untir's direction in hopes to hinder your advances. It misses Untir, but burns him a little nonetheless, soon a stink cloud engulfs Nefti, Untir, Robyyn, and Amun!
Realising his own life to be in eminent danger from all his current wounds, Nefti raises his hand and retreats begging for mercy. "Stop! Stop! Let's talk things out! I surrender!" However Kafar still looks mean...
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Recalling that the journal they found suggested that one (or both?) of the Aspis agents might be open to switching allegiance, Hoprah is very amenable to accepting Nefti's surrender. "Tell your friend to surrender as well, or it will not go well for him! We know that the Aspis have not treated you well, and you can be sure that they are not worth giving your life for!"
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Ayrii, undisturbed by the smoke that's bothering his master, has only Robyyn's original command still on his mind. He circles in place above Kafar. Suddenly his shadow on the ground seems to grow larger as the bat screeches noiselessly at the Aspis agent. The no-longer bat-like shadow stretches and grows in ways that assault primal fears, hearkening back to the beginnings of life on Golarion, and the dark things that used to call this plane home!
Once per day, the familiar can use cause fear as a spell-like ability as long as it is in an area of normal or dim light, affecting a single living creature with a number of Hit Dice up to the familiar’s Intelligence score . Thus, creatures normally immune to cause fear because they have 6 or more Hit Dice may not be immune to the familiar’s cause fear spell-like ability.
The affected creature becomes frightened. If the subject succeeds on a Will save, it is shaken for 1 round.
Creatures with 6 or more HD are immune to this effect.Cause fear counters and dispels remove fear.
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A spell-like ability usually has a limit on how often it can be used. A constant spell-like ability or one that can be used at will has no use limit; unless otherwise stated, a creature can only use a constant spell-like ability on itself. Reactivating a constant spell-like ability is a swift action. Using all other spell-like abilities is a standard action unless noted otherwise, and doing so provokes attacks of opportunity. It is possible to make a concentration check to use a spell-like ability defensively and avoid provoking an attack of opportunity, just as when casting a spell. A spell-like ability can be disrupted just as a spell can be. Spell-like abilities cannot be used to counterspell, nor can they be counterspelled.
For creatures with spell-like abilities, a designated caster level defines how difficult it is to dispel their spell-like effects and to define any level-dependent variables (such as range and duration) the abilities might have. The creature's caster level never affects which spell-like abilities the creature has; sometimes the given caster level is lower than the level a spellcasting character would need to cast the spell of the same name. If no caster level is specified, the caster level is equal to the creature's Hit Dice. The saving throw (if any) against a spell-like ability is 10 + the level of the spell the ability resembles or duplicates + the creature's Charisma modifier.
Some spell-like abilities duplicate spells that work differently when cast by characters of different classes. A monster's spell-like abilities are presumed to be the sorcerer/wizard versions. If the spell in question is not a sorcerer/wizard spell, then default to cleric, druid, bard, paladin, and ranger, in that order.
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Once his stomach settles, Robyyn steps forward. While the stronger Pathfinders work on securing the two Aspis agents, Robyyn addresses Kafar. "Good. That was a smart decision. Now, you stole some jewels, and we're here on behalf of the owner. Return them to us, now. Anything less and we're going to have problems."
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Kafar responds accordingly, but not in a way that Robyyn or any of you would have expected. "Well, you see... We've kind of sold the jewels."
Nefti nods, and pulls out a couple of documents from his bag and present them to you. Two terms of sale and a letter of credit worth 6,000 gp, all three signed by some buyer named Angvar Branmaz.
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"You did what?!?" Robyyn asks, incredulous. He rips the papers out of Nefti's hands and continues berating them as he begins to read. "Did you even know what you had? 6,000 gold is all you got? You've been completely bamboozled!"
He lifts his eyes from the page. "And this is why..." he says, ominously, pointing to the name. "There's no 'Angvar Branmaz.' That's just an alias for Grandmaster Torch. You sold Sage Jewels to Grandmaster F-ing Torch."
"Idiots..."
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Branmaz.. that name should ring a bell, I'm sure, but I can't put my finger on it. If anyone has some clues, you would be most welcome. As far as the legitimacy of those documents, only this one
He shows the one matching the six thousand gold value on the letter of credit
is real. Could you please explain?
Hearing Robyn's angry burst of words, he continues with an amused smile
Ah. That's the clue I was missing. Of course it was Torch.
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After the combat, Untir reverts to his usual composed and serene self. "Robyyn, what is done is done. The jewels are sold, and we next need to figure out how to retrieve them." Turning to Kafar and Nefti, he continues, "That, however, leaves the question of what to do with you? The two of you are clearly talented and brilliant operatives to have stolen the jewels, yet you did not return to the Consortium and instead, sold them away. My conjecture is that perhaps, just perhaps, being a part of the Aspis might not have turned out to be quite an attractive deal as it turns out. It would be a waste for such talents to be wasted."
If Amun's information gathering is accurate, these two might be ready to turn against their former masters. Let's see if we can nudge them along. He gives the rest of the team a knowing look.
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Having rejoined the rest of the group, Hoprah attempts to aid Untir's efforts to turn the two Aspis agents towards a new allegiance to the Pathfinders. "It doesn't seem like your Aspis masters have treated you very well. Nor recognized the true value of your talents. Why throw your lives away for such ungrateful masters?"
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Their eyes immediately lit up at the discussion of inclusion into the Society. Kafar and Nefti look at each other as if an opportunity of a lifetime has dropped on their feet. Kafar speaks, "The Aspis have no longer our hearts, and we do look to forward out of it. But they have been hot on our tails as of recent, and betrayal to them would mean punishment. But we would not refuse the Societies goodwill to take us in as one of your own. For we too seek grand adventures and hidden treasures."
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Untir studies the two men carefully.
"You have much to make amends for, but there are few that can claim to have made no mistakes in their past." Those more astute notices a strange catch in his voice. "If you can prove yourselves, we will recommend your entry to the Society upon our return. But until then, be assured that I will watch you like a hawk." As if to emphasise that point, the spirits fleeting around him flares briefly.
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The two of them nod synchronously and shake your hands to display their affection and sign of trust towards the society. As you turn towards the direction of the Sanctum, a familiar face appears from behind you.
Amenopheus manages to catch up with you, though he seems exhausted, and although any wounds he may have sustained have been healed, his clothing is scorched and torn badly. He deigns not to go into details about his recent travels, but he notes with grim satisfaction that the Pillars of the Sun are now a safer place. Instead he takes a greater interest to your situation and inquires how you caught up with the (former?) Aspis duo and ask of your explanation on your way. And after your detailed explanation, he assures confidence in your actions. "You have proved to be capable candidates of taking this task, and it looks like we are near to where the supposed Sanctum lies." He tells and for a moment stops and mutters a few words under his breath dispelling away an illusion built into the canyon.
Behind the seamless illusion of a rock wall lies the mountain pass to the Sanctum of the Sages. Beautifully engraved columns support the ornate entablature topped by a wide tapered cornice. The style hearkens back to Osirion’s golden age, and the impeccable design and craftsmanship lives up to the standards set by the ancient dynasties. A short flight of stairs ascends to stone door in the mountain.
Pressing in to the sanctum, you stop in the second chamber. This chamber’s floor angles upward as it meets the walls, which in turn angle inward like those of a pyramid, creating a space shaped like a cut diamond. The walls are smooth and somewhat transparent, like foggy quartz, save for where three opaque doors stand to the north, east, and west. In the center of the room, a clear 5-foot diameter crystal hovers a short distances from the floor and spins slowly. Amenopheus stops and beckons you to do the same. "I recognizes this from the visions of my crystal, the stone is the gatekeeper, it only allows the worthy through." Then Amenopheus presents himself to the crystal. "I am the Sapphire Sage, and I come here in seek of the Diamond Sage." . The crystal briefly shows an image of a Garundi man walking toward the north door in the room, then a small, keyshaped sliver breaks off of the crystal. Amenopheus nods, picks up the key, and tells, "This door will lead us onwards." And as the sage approaches the door, it opens for him and closes as he walks through.
As you approach the crystal, you receive an empathic feeling of curiosity and inquiry.
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An image of the Ruby Sage in whole appears as a reflection in the crystal to Lebraerio and nods, as if in accepting and understanding your identity.
Kafar and Nefti look at each other in concern. "The crystal bids us a warning not to travel further." Kafar announces.
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Before entering the sanctum, Untir pulls out a couple of wands and attempts to activate them on himself. He can't quite the knack for one and eventually gives up on that, but quickly activates the other.
---
Untir studies what the Sapphire Sage does, followed shortly by Leb. He nods in understanding and walks up to the diamond.
"I am Untir Jonrot, and I come here to seek the Diamond Sage."
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An image of the Ruby Sage in whole appears as a reflection in the crystal to Lebraerio and nods, as if in accepting and understanding your identity.
You feel and know that you are able to will the door open as you approach it.
Kafar and Nefti and nods, and opts to stay in the room here while waiting for your re-emergence.
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After declaring yourself to the jewel, you are easily able to will the door open and follow Amenopheus through to the next area. Two curved ramps ascend gently from one end of this semicircular room toward its northwest entrance. More than a dozen statues line the intricately painted walls, and all face toward an immense crystal that projects from the southeast wall. The statues are carved in the Osiran fashion, some bearing the heads of animals, and many holding objects like staves, ankhs, oil lamps, and scepters in their supple marble hands. Four engravings in the likeness of gemstones are set into shallow circular recesses in the floor arrayed before the huge jewel.
Amenopheus approaches the crystal gate, and looks at the key he acquired. "I believe this will let us through."
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"Any resemblances might be coincidental. I certainly would know if I had met the great Nethys" Amenopheus smiles and calmly response as he attempts to use the key to open the crystal gate. Suddenly, the door flashes with blinding array of lights stunning your vision momentarily. As the light fades, and you come to your senses, Amenopheus is found trapped within a crystalline prism like an insect sealed in amber, and the four oil lamps held by the statues have lit with bright white light.
At the same time, a spoken message in Ancient Osiriani echoes through the room.
Amenopheus shouts, though his voice muffled, you are able to make out his warnings. "Behind you!" He points to two recently animated statues.
In addition to that, you notice that two of the gem carvings on the floor now reflect light, the colours red and yellow. Turning around you notice that 4 of the statues carrying oil lamps have them now lit with different shades of colours, green, red, yellow, and blue.
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The quick witted Lebraerio informs his companions of the nature of the current threat, two mythically enhanced Graven gardians.
Seee that oil-carrying statues? THey reflects different colors; the natural order is red-yellow-green-blue, as can be seen in a rainbow. We should try to reproduce that patterns maybe
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Robyyn quickly begins trying to process the Osirian riddle, with his eyes darting between the gem-shapes and lights, but he gives up on that task, filing it away for later. "It's a riddle! I've got an idea, but we're going to have to neutralize those first!" He points to the two animated statues with urgency. "They've got the same kind of power Amenopheus granted to us! They're not going to be easy to defeat!"
Without much indication of how he did it, Robyyn begins lifting off the ground, taking to the air and flying close to the ceiling.
You gain a bonus on Fly checks equal to your tier. As a standard action, you can expend one use of mythic power to fly (as the fly spell) for a number of minutes equal to your tier. At 6th tier, you instead gain a supernatural fly speed of 60 feet (40 feet if you wear medium or heavy armor, or are carrying a medium or heavy load).
The subject can fly at a speed of 60 feet (or 40 feet if it wears medium or heavy armor, or if it carries a medium or heavy load). It can ascend at half speed and descend at double speed, and its maneuverability is good. Using a fly spell requires only as much concentration as walking, so the subject can attack or cast spells normally. The subject of a fly spell can charge but not run, and it cannot carry aloft more weight than its maximum load, plus any armor it wears. The subject gains a bonus on Fly skill checks equal to 1/2 your caster level.
Should the spell duration expire while the subject is still aloft, the magic fails slowly. The subject floats downward 60 feet per round for 1d6 rounds. If it reaches the ground in that amount of time, it lands safely. If not, it falls the rest of the distance, taking 1d6 points of damage per 10 feet of fall. Since dispelling a spell effectively ends it, the subject also descends safely in this way if the fly spell is dispelled, but not if it is negated by an antimagic field.
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"That voice! It said, “As the light aligns, so too do the sages stand.” Untir calls out immediately after that voice fades away.
"I understand. Red, yellow, green, blue. But how do we get the correct sequence?"
With two creatures closing in on both sides, Untir decides that they need to delay one so that they can focus on the other. Reaching to the heavens, he quickly calls upon the mythic power granted to him to summon a small earth elemental which starts attacking the red-hued animated statue.
Almost immediately, Untir shifts his attention to the blue statue. He takes a step back and sends his horde of spirits to harangue and harass it!
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"Those statues! The ones that have come to life - they are Graven Guardians but they - like us - possess some mythic power. Have a care!"
Noticing the colored lights on the floor, Hoprah reminds the others, "Don't forget - in the light spectrum, the order of the colors is red, yellow, green, yellow!"
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A graven guardian as they are called, are constructs that are created in the image of a deity. As such, they are bounded to the deities ideals. They hold on them magical favoured weapons of their god. Enhanced with magic they are a little harder to hit than most constructs.
As Lebraerio takes a quick glance around the room, he makes some keen observations. One of the statues have the likeness of Amenopheus, and another of the Ruby Sage. Four of the statues line perfectly against the gem carvings that if held their light would be reflected against the carvings.
In reaction, Robyyn gets himself to save situation away from the Graven guardians while Untir summons a distraction to keep the guardians occupied. The elemental immediately knocks into the guardian, but does barely any damage!
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Drawing upon her reservoir of mythic power, Hoprah swiftly sends a spell that she heretofore did not even know - Drain Construct hurtling towards the (hopefully misfortunate) Blue guardian.
Hoprah shouts at Amun, "I've softened its skin for you but the effect will only last for a brief time (4 rounds) so hit it hard quickly!"