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The tengu groans as turns away from the rest of the room for a moment.
"I wasn't expecting to have any sort of civil inter-"
"Discourse. I said discourse. In this case meaning to have a conversation. One that uses words rather than balls of fire, blade, or bolt being the primary method of communication. Through which multiple parties can exchange various types of information. More than jabs at the opponents strength or intellect. But if that is all there is available, then I should not dally. In any form of the word."
"I will help combat the ice. Although I would argue Aldebert would benefit from cooling off, this is far from what I would have in mind."
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Watts needs to pause for a moment thinking on Eadie's statement, holding a blade as he aims it for a precise cut at the ice.
"Eadie but you ... didn't you state that ... no, I apologize I must have misheard you over the din of battle. I will do a sensory check after this matter is settled as well. It is quite possible my extracts are causing hallucinations once more."
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"Oh dear, Aldebert, you seem to be stuck... You need to break free!
Vim steps up to the stricken Taldan and lays a healing hand on him.
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Cirri also hovers up to the mage. "Riddy, distract him for a second."
Riddywhipple flies into the mage's face, hoping to Aid Cirri's next strike.
Cirri enchants her staff once more and strikes with her staff.
Cirri also uses her two talons to kick and scratch at the mage.
Attack
5 BAB
4 Str
1 Monstrous Phsique Strength
-1 Combat Expertise
-5 Secondary Attack
=4
Damage
4 Str
1 Monstrous Phsique Strength
Divide by half because it's a secondary attack
=2
"You know, if you just surrendered we wouldn't have to kill you..." Cirri kicks the flying mage. "Man, I like these talons. I can't wiggle my toes, though..."
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Ascalar grits and pushes through as the arrows pierce him, but finally Cirri's staff drives him out of the air and he lands with a sickening crunch on the ground below.
Virtually every inch of wall space in this chamber is covered with art or holds some work of art. Marble busts, bas relief carvings, and painted frescoes adorn the walls. Hundreds of stone shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, holding thousands of figurines, statuettes, decorative masks, and various other items. A massive pair of iron doors stand in the center of the far wall.
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"Sorry buddy." Cirri whacks the mage in the head and flies down. "This is so cool!..." Cirri lands and checks out her talons and plumage. "Wow, blue feathers- WAIT! What's in his spell book?" Cirri searches the mage, hoping it's a wizard with a spellbook and not a sorcerer who does things by instinct.
Once that's done, Cirri helps the party investigate the area.
Well, Cirri's still distracted by the potential spellbook she can look at.
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Watts continues to help remove ice inhibiting the Taldane warrior's movements for a few moments before turning his attention to the room.
"If the codex is still accurate, while each of these items are of immense value, there are some number that we should look for here: a statuette of a lich made of ivory, a merchant's scales made of onyx, as well as two incantations inscribed onto a wooden katana and a golden brick."
Before moving through the room he pauses as he raps his cane lightly on his blade, listening for the sound of metal. After a few tests, he seems more or less satisfied with the results and returns sword to sheathe.
"I'm in favor of sparing others where I can Aldebert, although given his absolute desire to destroy us, I hesitate making a plea for him."
"It also may be reasonable to attend to the fallen as well in an expedited manner. If cursing his name has significant effects on interest rates, I hesitate to ponder what would be the result of a death of one his priests within his own temple."
Clearly at odds with how quickly he should begin personally analyzing the vast number of historical artifacts, Watts eventually takes his own words to heart and goes to check the cleric of Abadar followed by a prayer in the name of the Master of the First Vault. Then with extremely restrained excitement he moves toward the relics.
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“I saw plenty of asshat clerics when I worked at the Korvosan (Northpoint) branch of the Bank of Abadar, Watts.”
Eadie doesn’t seem sorry the dwarf is dead. “The kind that deny loans to desperate and starving people, while gloating about how much profit they’re making.”
“They make me sick.”
“Aldebert, take as many of my crossbow quarrels as you like. I have 20.”
The young warrior waits for the spiteful terrain to disappear before rejoining the others. “Can anyone detect magic to check for loot and those items Watts is talking about?”
“I’m particularly after healing potions again.”
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"If you are feeling ill I can attempt to prepare a tonic to soothe the pains. I do concur and admit I know a great number of callous individuals among various faiths, but I continue to believe that there exists a logical argument that can persuade them to put their knowledge to better use. I fear only being one who avoids the rigors of debate by relying on the sword."
"Now, I wish only they were more willing to lay down their arms and allow that opportunity."
Watts checks the bodies for potions or other items that might serve to aid Eadie and others before doing the lengthy and thorough search of the room.
Regarding Aldebert, Watts doesn't know how to react to Aldebert's chosen course of action. He shows an amount of confusion along with fury before, uncertain on how to express it, takes a moment to seal it away within himself.
With a calm demeanor on display, he asks a question of the Taldane master of arms.
"Aldebert, how many years do you think has it been since this shrine has been host to any sort of traveler? My query comes in response to the fact you are currently attaching your bolts to this floor."
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“I really wish I could agree with you, Good Watts – but I can’t.”
Eadie stands her falchion on its point, covers its pommel with her folded hands and bows her head.
“Perhaps it’s different in Tengu culture, but as a Korvosan citizen and Pathfinder I’ve witnessed enough individuals enjoy … I dunno what you'd call it, Watts …
• Power-madness?
• Extreme selfishness?
• Blatant disregard for the welfare of others?
to believe that some human beings just cannot be reasoned off the dark path they tread.”
She raises her face to the investigator and *sighs* “I’d love to be proven wrong.”
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Poking through Ascalar's gear, you're unable to find a spellbook, nor a component pouch. It appears his magic was gained through his bloodline, and not research.
On Ascalar you find the following:
Potion of Cure Serious Wounds
Wand of False Life (CL10, 7 charges)
Wand of Mage Armor (19 charges)
Wand of Shield (CL5, 6 charges)
Wand of Spontaneous Immolation (15 charges)
Masterwork Dagger
Cloak of Resistance +2
Headband of Alluring Charisma +2
Ring of Protection +1
On Haelvora you find the following:
Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds
2x Potion of Cure Serious Wounds
Masterwork Full Plate (sized for a Female Dwarf)
+1 Battleaxe
Light Crossbow with 20 bolts
Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2
Silver Holy Symbol of Abadar
The bugbears only have mundane equipment.
It takes a while to search through the room, but it is not a difficult task to locate the items that Watts has mentioned. The sheer size of the room makes it a bit time consuming, but after about 3/4 of an hour you're able to find the Ivory statuette of the lich Takaral, a Child's wooden training katana, a Golden brick taken form the city of Axis, and the Onyx merchant's scales. The brick and katana each have the expected inscriptions.
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"It is rare for me to hear Tengu society even hinted at having a high moral standing, but I can't offer support for the the claim. I do not come from saints, but nor was I born to devils. I have seen and read of those who exemplify the traits you speak of and it is likely a clear example of my own arrogance to believe I can sway them any more than I can slow the rise of the sun."
"Even with that, I feel compelled to try and go in with the conviction that I will succeed because if I do not, I will have this way on my mind pondering what the outcome may have been if the attempt had been made."
The tengu's head bobs a bit as he mulls this line of thought before adding, "I don't know why I act with an assumption that individuals can change as it was not one I originally held entering the Society. Even though I hardly call the Society a true force for good in the world, I've seen them take action to undoubtedly change the world for the better. At least, when they are not requesting body parts. Even the individuals I have worked with have acted in such a way that I felt a desire to match their efforts in order to warrant the effort they put into aiding myself."
"Do you predict harsher challenges within Vim?"
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“It is rare for me to hear Tengu society even hinted at having a high moral standing.”
“And that’s a shame, because it’s like saying all Chelaxians are devil worshippers or all Taldans are daft <beat> snobs …”
Eadie gives Aldebert a knowing look. "Anyways, I think it’s only right to give people the benefit of the doubt."
“I mean take Black Orchid for example. She was itching to kill us, before we turned out to be armed thieves.”
Eadie *shrugs* “I won’t lose a minute’s sleep tonight over putting her group to the sword.”
“Even though I hardly call the Society a true force for good in the world, I've seen them take action to undoubtedly change the world for the better.”
Eadie refills her quiver with the dead priestess’s quarrels but discourages anyone from looting her silver holy symbol. “I view the Society as my employer.”
“Its goals are at worst morally grey, set by a non-evil ownership and middle management, of which I am neither.”
"They pay me to do a job I enjoy – and leave me alone when I’m not on the clock. Not too many mercenaries can say that."
"Oh, and I have met some great people from all over Golarion through the Society, who I wouldn’t have met any other way."
At Vim’s urging, Eadie takes up a potion of CSW. “And once I have a few more years’ experience, I will be able to decide for myself whether I want to stay in, forge my own path or retire from adventuring life.”
The young warrior smiles. “Assuming I survive of course!”
“Now what about this door? Is everyone ready to go through it?”
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"Argh, instinct mage!" Cirri squawks in frustration. "Good idea, Vim."
"Normally I would prefer to spare them, but we did offer them a chance to surrender. One of them said she was under contract, and the other wanted to spare exactly one of us. You can only give someone so many chances, you know?"
Riddywhipple clasps onto the wand of spontaneous immolation. "If no one minds, I'll be able to help out a bit with this wand. Who likes fire!"
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"Ah..." emits Aldebert as the last bolt finds it's way into flesh and stone. "Well. Aha. Perhaps we can ... mend this away.. Ahem. I'll begin pulling these troublesome bodies off" he adds before beginning the process of "fixing" his mistake. "Oh, Taldane Exhuberance, why must ye lead me to such easily avoidable pitfalls. No matter. Tomorrow we shall do better!"
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Chak's inspection of the doorway reveals that the door is not trapped, nor is it ostensibly locked, however it is impossible to so much as get the door to budge.
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Cirri lifts Chak out of the spiky mess and spends the next few minutes flying around, clutching onto walls, and quickly scribbling what she looks like before her form melds back into human form. "Hehe, that was fun!"
"So...how do we open this door? It seems really heavy. There must be a key or something here?"
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“I’m guessing Vim has to do something with Black Orchid’s old book.”
Eadie inclines her head. “Might involve some of those weird relics Watts found on the shelves.”
“Can you change into a faerie dragon, Cirri? Would Riddy get jealous if you kept two dragonlings? Maybe he would ask you out on a date.”
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"It is quite possible. On the matter of the door I mean, I have no relevant opinion on Riddy's feelings."
"I had originally thought the components we were collecting here would be necessary for the final ritual past the door, but it is possible that opening the door into the chamber is the ritual itself. Beyond that the I see nothing that immediately reveals a way to open the path."
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As soon as Vim taps the tome up against the door, it silently swings open revealing a large hall. Many statues, each depicting a soldier from a different culture and era, line the walls of this vaulted chamber. Standing at the center of the hall is a pair of what look like large mechanical centaurs with golden clockwork wings that sprout from their back and arms. They each end in barbed chains.
Their eyes remain fixed on the party as they move to block passage through the room.
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"So there is a core here made of abysium as well? I must question whether my theory as to the reason the codex was crafted of the material was in error."
"Yes. A lawful reason for us come here now."
A moment passes as Watts contemplates the statement.
"The Pathfinder Society, of Absalom, has come into the possession of the Tapestry that allows access to this demiplane and, in theory, caretakers of the contents. We are executing an order from leaders within the Society to better leverage the dynamics of the situation and allow for a more agile workforce."
"Exactly as my companion states."
“Can you change into a faerie dragon, Cirri? Would Riddy get jealous if you kept two dragonlings? Maybe he would ask you out on a date.”
"E-excuse me?" Riddywhipple gets defensive. "We are co workers, partners in action, seasoned adventurers and tightly bound allies. But romance? Perish the thought."
When the mechanical centaurs confront the party, Riddywhipple pipes up. "They are correct and truthful! The Pathfinder Society looks to open safe passage through here. You're the first people to mention this Abyssium Heart thing."
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The Zelekhuts eye over the party. They look at Eadie's symbol of Abadar and nod, then look over at Watt's bundle of items retrieved from the antechamber. "Your cause is just despite its flaws. Your behavior thus far has been acceptable despite some forgivable lapses in judgement. You may proceed into the Inner Sanctum."
They step aside, flanking the door, then each touch their respective panel and the door swings open revealing the Inner Sanctum.
Dominating this chamber is a vast statue—twenty-five feet tall, composed of a strange blue-green metal shaped in the likeness of a Tian woman wearing exotic robes. It’s partially shrouded in a churning vortex of multi-colored energy that hisses and crackles with menace. Extending from the statue to the walls, floor, and ceiling is an immense web-like array of shimmering energy tendrils that seem to phase in and out of reality. A white marble altar, studded with dozens of multi-colored glass knobs and metal levers, lies a few feet in front of the statue.
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“May you be counting coins in the Golden Vault an hour before Asmodeus knows you’re dead.”
Eadie makes the ‘circle-and-tail’ sign of the Key over her heart, and bows to both guardians of the Inner Sanctum.
“I guess the statue is of Hao Jin. Is it made of Abyssium, guys?”
The swirling eddies of energy remind Eadie of the charged atmosphere she experienced recently on a mission beneath the Numerian hills.
“What is Abyssium anyway?”
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"Only if the person you are talking to isn't a dirty Qadiran. Or a Varisian for that matter, for entirely different reasons. Varisians will talk the ear off a statue and each second you spend with them is a moment they try to take the contents of your coin purse" replies Aldebert with aplomb, following the two women into the large chamber.
"As for Abyssium, I would posit with utter certainty that I know little about it. Something I will rectify with aplomb once we return to civilization. But it is likely of little import, otherwise I am certain it would be mentioned in the many Codices of warfare the Empire possesses. Now if you'll excuse me, I seem to have a habit of finding ghosts, golems and other unnatural things when presented with a statue. Mathilda, let us ready ourselves for war" he exclaims, cranking the crossbow's gear and placing a bolt within, ready for trouble.
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"Just hold the crossbow for now, I hesitate what the effects would be if the statue were damaged."
"I hesitate to approach, but my assumption is yes. I do must admit my own ignorance of the material. I was so focused on the knowledge contained within the Codex, I barely hesitated to question the material it was created from aside the hazard it initially presented."
Watts moves to join Cirri in the examination of the panel with a slow trepidation and awe as he watches the arcs of magical energy pass through the room.
"This control scheme seems highly unusual. I have seen some like it, but typically only ever when the controls were to be utilized by someone without spellcasting talents. I do wonder who Hao Jin intended to use this chamber. That statue may not be of her however, although I think that it is quite probable, it might also be someone she loved or highly respected. A caretaker or a teacher perhaps."
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“Yeah it’s kinda weird to see an enormous statue of a mortal inside a chantry consecrated to the Judge of the gods.”
Eadie scratches the side of her helm. “Maybe it’s a Gokan depiction of Abadar? I understand He’s revered throughout Tian Xia.”
“Or perhaps Hao Jin thought she was an Aspect of Abadar?”
“Anyhoo, I s’pose we should work out how to get the ceremony started.”
Eadie looks expectantly at the oracle. “Does the book say what to do next, Vim?”
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The statue in the center of the room does appear to depict Hao Jin and seems to be made completely out of Abysium, just as the Codex. Abysium is a blue-green skymetal, often known as Feverstone, which is rumored to have mystical properties.
As the party enters the room and begins to move forward towards the statue, a bolt of lightning erupts from the vortex.
The bolt crackles around the room and strikes Cirri and Aldebert.
Once the light clears you, the form of a massive creature forms from the vortex, which lunges forth and attacks Eadie before leaping back up into the air.
As it breaks loose, the vortex begins to churn slowly, and Watts notices something interesting. The levers at the base of the statue at the center of the room appear to move nearly imperceptibly. It appears as though the vortex may accumulate enough charge to emit another arc in 15-20 seconds, but the altar in some way allows the user to slow the effect. Furthermore, it appears as though the elemental is NOT supposed to be in there for normal function of the device...
Round 1:
Elemental (Flying 10 ft up)
Aldebert (Save vs Lightning)
Vim
Eadie (-53)
Chak
Watts
Cirri (Save vs Lightning)
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Watts yells as Eadie is struck and stares with frustration with the elemental. "An elemental formed from lightning among the most powerful of it's kind. It's presence here is disrupting the entire system."
"Be careful, there may be additional electrical discharges through the room. It is complex and difficult to understand, but for the moment it may be placated like any other trap. If I am able, I will deal with it in a few moments."
Watts draws a scroll from his bag and reads the arcane writing in an attempt to compel the magical item to release the power it stores, but ultimately fails to perform the precise motions required.