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The journey to the fields north of Absalom began strangely enough.
With a whispered invitation, even.
"There will be an unveiling. And we need you to be there for it." was the gist of it, spreading through the Grand Lodge like dust in the morning.
So all the available agents in Absalom (almost 200 strong) stumbled forth on this fine last week of Arodus. Ahead of you, an open field bustles with much activity. Around you are Open Road companions, new and old.
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With a tired sigh the red haired woman gathered her things. Working in the Archive could be dangerous at times. So she had already put on her armor before she even left her chambers. Ever since her last time out in the field Kahel had been wanting nothing more then to curl up with an ancient tome and do research. Sadly that was usually not possible. There was always some new artifact or enchanted object to safely catalogue, store, and schedule research into. Such was the life of a librarian in the Dark Archive.
Due to how often a simple meeting had become an extended adventure which risks life and limb, Kahel decided to attend the unveiling kitted out as if on an expedition. So she double checked her supplies and slipped her haversack on her shoulders too. As was her wont, she went out in her human guise. Even though it had been becoming more and more public knowledge that Kahel was a kitsune, she still preferred to maintain the fiction. And that was before taking into consideration just how long it took to clean one's fur when you are forced to slog through sewers. That came up far too often for her liking. Just before leaving she stopped. Wait, she thought. I'm forgetting... Oh yes, that's right. I bought that cestus last week. Maybe I should bring it along too. You never know.
That item too was slipped into her haversack before heading to the unveiling. Seeing the numerous other pathfinders also there caused the young woman to frown slightly. Just what was being unveiled? And why? Hopefully it would go better then the attempt to use an artifact during her first expedition. That had... not been pleasant. Speaking of unpleasant, it was uncomfortably warm to her due to how many others were in the area. So with a thought a cool breeze started to gently swirl around Kahel.
"Greetings, my name's Kahel. Don't think I've seen any of you before. Are you new, or have I just spent too much time cataloging ancient tomes?" She asked those nearest to her. She didn't recognize them. Then again it had been a while since she'd last left the Archives regularly.
(basic aerokinesis to keep cool, +2 to save vs hot weather}
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Until she spoke, you had not realized that the human woman with close-cropped dark hair was standing amongst you, wearing a blackened Mithral chain shirt and a voluminous cloak that appeared to be designed to obscure her features without unduly impacting her mobility. "You may call me Wraith." she said, as if that were explanation enough.
A masked woman by the name of Wraith had been recently tearing through the puddles district, dealing harshly with criminals that she found there. While there had been no deaths, the was a statistically significant uptick in the amount of injured people who were turning themselves into the guard and confessing their crimes.
The woman is actually a half-orc, not a human, and you can ask me about who I am.
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With a scraping of wood shield against mithral breastplate, the young aasimar woman struggles up the hill. A curious purpose overwhelms her face as she smiles at those passing close-by. She is, on one hand, very striking in appearance. Her long platinum hair glistens in the morning sun and she greets everyone with a wide smile that deceives the effort with which she navigates the terrain.
For a moment, it seems that her slow pace is due to some injury, or perhaps the heavy burden of the weapons and armor she bears. But it quickly becomes apparent that her guided steps are due to a much less noticeable trait. She cannot see anything beyond a simple stone's toss away. You can almost tell the exact distance, for as you approach, her head cocks instinctively to your footsteps and then, as you enter her cramped view, the wonderful smile appears once again.
"Hello, I am Solange, devotee of the heavens that Sarenrae commands."
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"Ah, Ameri! I haven't seen you since that time in the Wounded Wisp. How have you been? Oh, wait. Sorry. I suppose you might not recognize me from anymore. I was decidedly a lot more male back then. Just one of the dangers of curating the Archives, you know."
The woman with the large sword was one who had impressed Kahel with her bravery. And her recklessness too. The two had seemed to go hand in hand. But at least she wasn't a drunken lout like that other man Kahel had encountered before. The others were far less familiar to her.
"A priest of Sarenrae? I've traveled with one of your brothers in arms before. A finer man I rarely have encountered. Welcome Solange." She then turned to Wraith. "An interesting appellation to go by. One I assume you manage to live up to if you are a member of this storied and well traveled organization. As I mentioned, I am Kahel. Son, well, daughter I suppose now, of Kel Ran the trader. Although I am often called Kahel the Stormbender. When first I was referred to as such it was quite the shocking experience. In more ways then one."
She grinned slyly.
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A long legged elf wanders through the crowd, peering at all of the excitement. her cloak floats around her from narrow shoulders, and several wands hang from her belt while a curved elven blade bangs against her leg. She is most distracted when she almost walks through the middle of a group that had formed and were conversing among themselves. "Oh! Terribly sorry! There is just so much going on here! How are you? My name is Amelia. I am pretty new at all this.. does anyone know what is going on?" Her guileless eyes wander over the group and she exudes an aura of innocence
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I've got it...We are lemmings headed for the nearest cliff to jump off. A tall human woman fully armored states in a jovel tone. I am Seelah, Paladin of Iomadae, by the way. Some of you are familiar. Hi Amiri. Nice to see you again. For those to whom I am new, well met. She continues to head in the direction of the crowd. An unveiling of some sort. I just wish it were closer, walking in metal and all.
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"And yet the oppressive weight of armor has saved my life many a time. Although it isn't as oppressively hot as you claim. Do you not feel that nice cool breeze. And Seelah, lemmings do not jump off any cliff which they wouldn't survive the jump from. If they were as suicidal as you imply, there would be no lemmings."
In truth it was a hot day. Then again it usually was a hot day in Absalom. But at least it wasn't humid too. That usually was annoying. Almost as annoying as the cold. "I wonder if it has anything to do with that expedition into the north I went on a while back? Speaking of which, it will be interesting to hear from Vliyara when she returns from her latest expedition."
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"Not exactly a priestess of Sarenrae, more of a pupil. You see, I was cursed at birth with blindness, but the more I read from her divine words, the farther my vision has spread."
Solange continues up the hill, a slight flush upon her cheeks.
"Even more curiously, I found that her words inspired me with talents. A particular talent to cloud the minds of those around me with the wonders of the sun and stars. I've brought down a great yeti before just by imagining the heavens for it."
She laughs and pauses to see if anyone is still listening.
"I believe she will one day reveal all to me. All which remains veiled in darkness to me now will be uncloaked deep within my mind and eternal soul. Then I shall be blind no more."
Realizing her words have shaken her somewhat, she casts them aside with a firm nod and turns to overhear Wraith.
"Yes, I too wonder what all this fuss is."
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"Well, since in these sorts of situations, we'll probably end up getting pushed together in random groups, we might as well just have a group ready to go, and you lot seem fairly experienced. It might help to discuss what our various skill specialties are."
Wraith pauses for a moment before continuing "Since it's my idea, I should go first. I specialize in ambush combat and have been known to be terrifying to my enemies. I have several contacts, both pathfinders and not, that I work with who are useful, but usually require that I perform services to assist them while they are assisting me. I am an unarmed combatant trained in several different fighting schools, including the sisterhood of the golden Erenys and all three of the houses of perfection, but I never stayed long enough to learn more than the basics. Needless to say, should I punch you, you will most certainly feel it."
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"Eh, why not? Fore worned is fore armed after all. As the rather evocative title others have applied to myself imply, I bend storms to my will. Or more precisely I can control the very air around me for various effects, and call forth elemental lightning to strike my foes. Or to put it another way, I am a psychic who calls forth the elemental plane of air to do my bidding. Occasionally being able to project such elemental forces as much as a little over a hundred feet away. As such, while I am capable of forming a short lived blade of solidified electricity to strike foes who get too close to me, I would much prefer to keep my distance.
"In the past I have acted as the diplomatic envoy for the teams I am assigned to. A good thing when Croc was with us. Nice fellow, and rather brave. But not exactly the sharpest sword in the armory. In addition to that I am rather knowledgeable on the inner workings of many artifacts and enchanted objects. And recently I have developed a near instinctive understanding of the natural world, as well as the denizens of the elemental plane of air. Of necessity I have also become something of a linguist."
Kahel then began to speak in a rather beautiful language
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Continuing on, you reach your assumed destination. The towers of the Patchwork City are visible over the horizon, as are a few crumbling siege castles, but the field lies far enough from the city to keep curious onlookers from approaching—or being endangered should things go wrong.
The sun beats down across this muddy plain, a scant five miles from the walls of Absalom. Fellow Pathfinders gather on all sides, including well-traveled field agents and more permanent staff from the Grand Lodge itself. In the center of the field stands a wooden platform, raised some ten feet off the ground. The excited chatter drowns out the buzz of summer insects as the gathered adventurers speculate on what’s to come.
Curious circular markings scratch the field and seem to culminate in the raised platform at the center.
The crowd buzzes with excitement at Master Shaine's words. Hurried conversations ensue all around you.
Groups of vendors, including some of the more mercantile-minded pathfinders you have journeyed with, wander through the crowd. They are hawking scrolls and potions, and other alchemical preparations. A makeshift armory (on a cart) has a small line as well.
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The gathering had the air of a carnival crossed with war preparation. this caused Kahel to become even more curious about what was going on. The inscribed sigils told her nothing. Nor was she particularly aware of the city's history. But spying some potion vendors reminded Kahel that she still hadn't replaced a quite useful consumable in her kit.
"I'll ask around. Surely someone here knows what's going on."
With that she started going from vendor to vendor. She stopped to browse their wares and ask a few questions. The answers were her main priority, although when she located one who was sellling potions of darkvision Kahel made sure to buy one. Those were needed far too often for her liking.
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"Well, I am somewhat knowledgeable on a few subjects, but in addition to my mind-influencing powers, I will of course, by Sarenrae's grace, grant any healing that may be required. I'm not afraid of melee, although I am sure I do not hit as hard as many of you."
Solange greets the groups next to her as she gazes at the circles that appear within her limited range.
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Amelia follows Kahel and Solange through the impromptu market, perusing the wares offered. She doesn't really need anything, but with the festivities and excitement, she gets sucked into the atmosphere pretty quickly.
"Solange, I completely agree. I carry a sword and bow, as is a right of my elven heritage, but I much prefer not to get too close and personal. I can't wait to see what Master Shaine has in store for us!"
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"My tactics are fairly straight forward. Trusting in Iomadae, I close and trust that she will guide my sword true. If something prevents me from closing, I use my bow until I can close. I am not adverse to other tactics, but primarily I keep it simple. Seelah then heads to the perimeter of the newly banded group and listens to surrounding conversions.
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Skykey, wasn't that what we were searching for in that gods forsaken frozen land? She thought to herself. So this does have something to do with that expedition. I never did get to examine the artifact. I heard another team actually recovered the piece from the tapestry. It was a bemused kitsune who rejoined the others she had recently met.
"I was right, it is connected to my expedition up north a while back. It's too bad I wasn't able to go with the group sent to recover that piece. I would have loved to examine such an artifact." She told the others. "Since it is likely we shall be working together soon, at least if past history of how such things tend to go is any indication, does everyone have either the ability to see in magically induced darkness or a potion to grant said ability? Such a state of affairs occurs far too often in my experience. And on a similar note, everyone has a healing wand, or at least a few potion, right?"
With a soft chuckle she then added "I have nothing against the gods. But I'd rather we put our trust more in preparation then the whims of a greater being."
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You know, this field.. its been marked out like they were preparing for an arcane ritual! If it has something to do with the Sky Key like people have been talking about, then I imagine that they are going to try to activate it! I don't know why they would do so here of all places though.. This has been an assembling field for armies attacking Absalom for time immemorial." Turning to Kahel, Amelia responds "I have a wand of healing, but its not one of the spells I normally cast. If someone else wants to carry it, that would probably be best."
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"From what I gather, today is a big test and our Decemberate leaders want a large group on hand for whatever happens." Seelah looks in her backpack and shakes her head. "No potions, but I have my cure wand and my holy symbol. I can with Iomadae's help provide healing as well and my sword arm is yours."
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"I agree Kahel. With that in mind, does everyone have a way to make ranged attacks and a way to deal with swarms? a backup melee weapon and holy symbol or spell component pouch, Should you need one?"
"Amelia, Take this scroll. It should be useful for whatever we find ourselves doing. It has 4 castings of the haste spell on it. Also, use this wand on everyone."
"Finally, should you use wands, I would recommend getting spring loaded wrist sheathes. I saw a vendor over there" she says while pointing at a stall, "who was selling them"
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Amelia bows her head in thanks as Wraith hands out the gear. "Thank you. This may make a big difference!" she says.
Amelia stands transfixed, as Master Shaine finally fills everyone in on the plan. "By the gods!!" she exhales, as the rose wilts before their eyes. Once the larger portal is created, Amelia scrambles to keep up with her duties. Sorting out the Endure elements, she immediately begins tapping the group with the wand, making sure everyone is protected. She stows the wand away and pulls out another, this time tapping herself first. "Any of you need Mage Armor?" she asks. She then puts the scroll and her wand into her pack. "Off to the races, my friends! Lets go explore!!"
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"I've carried wand since my first expedition. And can usually activate it if needed. I have an assortment of alchemist fire, acid, and holy water flasks. Although when it comes to swarms, I am a good deterrent. I've yet to encounter one that can't be disbursed with a few bolts of lightning. Since we are all pathfinders, I assume everyone has a water skein and a few days worth of food? It's always a good idea to plan for nobody being good at hunting and there to no convenient taverns around."
When Wraith mentioned the wrist sheaths she dryly said "That is why I have my havershack. It's quite handy. Speaking of which..."
Reaching into her pack, Kahel pulled out the cestus she bought recently. This she slipped on her right hand. The idea of testing to see if this would hinder her abilities occurred to her. But she was unsure if doing so would interfere with whatever ritual was being done. So she decided it wasn't a good idea to try.
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Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls and de facto Master of Spells in the wake of Aram Zey’s untimely assassination, steps forward. A broad smile graces his youthful, elven features, and his golden hair shines in the sunlight.
“Welcome, my countless eager scholars! Today we are about to witness a wondrous and strange new chapter in the Pathfinder Society’s history. But first, please everyone take a moment of silence to remember our lost Master of Spells and my close friend, Aram Zey. While many of you found his manner abrasive, he fully believed in the Society’s goals of exploration and cooperation, and I know his loss will be deeply felt by us all.” After a moment, Kreighton Shaine continues.
“You may have heard rumors about the Sky Key, an artifact coveted by the dwarves of Jormurdun. A few of you even managed to recover pieces of it. But—and this is the important part—the Sky Key is no dwarven relic. The dwarves found this artifact in one of Numeria’s many wrecks and struggled to master its abilities just as we have spent the past several months doing. But now… now we have this assembled... wonder.”
The Master of Scrolls pulls back a canvas tarp, revealing… a bed of withered roses.
“The Key itself is secure in a small chamber we’ve constructed below this field, and it is connected to the surface here by a series of adamantine rods and mithral cables.” He taps a dark metal shaft beside him. “This formerly-award-winning bed of roses, however, we have left sitting here for two weeks without sun or water.”
His hands weave an arcane pattern, and arcs of lightning leap from his fingertips to the rod. A chest-shaking hum rises from somewhere below, and a bubble of green light enfolds the roses, revealing a flower bed of vibrant reds, purples, and yellows where only withered brown stood moments before.
“This is the power of the Sky Key: It creates a window into the past. No longer will the Society have to pick at the precious few scraps history leaves behind. Instead we can watch the greatest moments of Golarion’s history unfold before our eyes! We can watch the Eventongue Rebellion shatter Taldor into a dozen smaller states. We can witness Irrisen before the coming of Baba Yaga, or study the godcallers of Sarkoris before the Worldwound. We can witness the Starstone plunge Golarion into an age of endless night, or watch Aroden himself pull Kortos from the sea in its wake. Anything we want, we can study. And all it requires is lightning!"
“Unfortunately, we must content ourselves with study. While our modern forms can enter these temporal bubbles unaffected—” he reaches a hand into the shimmering energy and plucks a rose. Pulling it from the iridescent field, the flower ages and crumbles into dust, “—anything removed collapses under the weight of time itself. We can witness anything we like, but any treasures of history, or great figures, belong to their own age, beyond our reach.”
“It takes the magic of one accomplished wizard to reach back thirteen days. How far, then, do you imagine twenty will reach? A hundred?” Several other teams across the field begin assembling adamantine rods. “Our math says: The Age of Serpents, some tens of thousand years before the present. And that is where all of you come in. If this works—and it will, mind you—then we estimate we’ll have four to five hours to see what Kortos looked like at the dawn of the Azlanti Empire, when our earliest ancestors still warred with the serpentfolk empire of old. We need all the eyes and ears the Society can muster to take notes and make observations. Oh, and keep those eyes and ears from getting killed. Anything in the bubble can’t get out, but these roses... they still have thorns.”
He nods, and Pathfinders across the field begin casting spells, directing arcs of lightning into the waiting sky metal rods. Something deep below the earth thrums, and across the field a massive bubble takes shape, expanding to reveal a cube of earth and stone hundreds of feet to a side, as if sliced from the land and laid out in celebration. Low, stone buildings peek over from the very top, while networks of caves riddle the lowest level. Ophidian faces peer out, then retreat back into the darkness.
“It seems the ground level was a bit higher before the Starstone drove it into the sea,” Shaine observes. “Regardless. We have three-hundred and seven minutes remaining. Let’s make the most of it!”
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There is a noticeable grinding as the earthen cube settles into place in front of you.
You now have a choice, as do all the pathfinders around you. Enter the caves near ground level, or somehow scale the walls to reach the top surface.
As you pause to discuss, the proud sight of dozens of experienced agents flying straight to the temple above catches your eye.
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"I would assume that entering the caves would be the best idea, given our party makeup. This would probably be a good time for spells that have durations measured in hours. We may be walking for a while."
With that, Wraith will begin making her way towards the caves, turning a small hourglass on her belt as she goes, and trusting the rest of the group to follow...
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As she walked Kahel's features started to quickly flow. Red and white fur sprouted all across her body. Her face elongated into a snout and narrowed. At the same time her ears became triangular and moved to the top of her head. The bushy tail that erupted from a cleverly concealed hole in her breaches gave yet another clue as to her nature. She sighed while this was happening.
"I so dislike having to clean my fur after such excursions. But it would be better for me to see well in dim conditions."
Since she specialized in hitting things from a distance, Kahel decided to take position behind Amelia. That way she wouldn't get in the way of those who wished to engage in melee, while still being able to support both directions as needed. A wistful glance was sent the way of those flying through the air. Maybe someday.
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As you enter the dark cube for the first time you quickly realize that the lowest levels of the complex consists of sprawling networks of caverns and artificial tunnels.
Other Pathfinder groups scatter down tunnels to the left and right of you, but you proceed down the largest avenue. Before long, the passageway ends in a stairway, and you carefully descend.
The stink of animal scat and rotting meat fills this massive cavern. Shelves, passageways, and fixtures have been carved into the wall by careful hands, each stylized to resemble a serpent’s head or body.