GM Erich's Salvation Of The Sages (Subtier 10-11) (Inactive)

Game Master Thereus, Silver Crusader

This is amazing. The story is so rich in this mod...

"Evad, Sinuhotep: everything good? Rogar, Magor: everything ok?" says Theodric, before handing his wand of bull's strength to Rogar and kindly asking that he empowers Theodric with it if some kind of hostilities break out...

I see thank you Sinuhotep, that is most interesting.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (14) + 21 = 35

Evad studies the '14' canister closely to make sure it seems sealed tightly; if so, he gathers it.

The fading light should not see the light of day, I think. I must be destroyed. He thinks to himself.

Sinuhotep what's that crystalline substance that's moving over there? He motions to the wall.

The canister is sealed surprisingly well for an 8,000 year old artifact. Tahari was a master of technique to be sure.

Sinuhotep glances at the vial. "More of the strange substance we found in the acid room and the paladin's tomb. Crystalline aether, I believe she called it. As there is so much of it around, I assume it has some alchemical purpose."

He notices the lab notes with a passing interest. "She recorded all of her esoteric thoughts in there. I suggest we study it."

Rogar turns to Theodric takes the wand and tabs him "We're good so far... Rogar eyes the lich warily.

Yes, we should rejoin the others and review the notes together. Evad begins to head back toward the others.

Only Qad picked up a negative level.

The save does fail.

Evad offers the notes to Rogar, You may want to look at these. He offers.

"Hmmmm...Thanks looks interesting. We'll share with the others"

In the Mindscape: It seems you have figured out to avoid his suggestions for now, so here are the other door "memories". Marouf, of course, objects each time you don't take his suggested door.

Also, Tahari's picture is now on the battle-map for reference.

"Hope they get back soon"

Wonder if everything is okay. Evad checks the bodies to see if they are still breathing.

Perception: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27

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"What now?" Sinuhotep reflects as you wait for their return.

Just to recap: you have three vials of "crystalline aether", some notes from the lab, several hazy memories from the mindscape, two somewhat unsearched bone "libraries", and a canister marked #14.

Pinch yourself as a free action.

With the sleeping bodies still apparently breathing Evad tell the Lich,

We wait, for these to depart from the slumber. Is there something else you long to do Sinuhotep?

Rok and Vladek snap to, their bodies awake again.

"Welcome back. We've been busy while you were gone." Sinuhotep remarks.

"Glad you gentlemen are ok. Sinuhotep is right. Evad, Rogar, Magor and him have uncovered important information in the room next door. It sounds like there could be a cure for this plague, in the form of some crystals of some kind. Did I understand this correctly, Sinuhotep?"

Rok retells what he saw in the mindscape as he listens to the others discoveries. Go ahead a read the mindscape events.

Sinuhotep nods in acknowledgment. "That does seem to be the case Theodric. Rogar, allow me to peruse the notes you found?"

Rok is ok sharing the notes.

"Let us search the south archive. Sinuhotep, do you r-r-remember being uncomfortable with Tahari's memories?"

"Sure he can read them"

"At this point I think it would be prudent to investigate the libraries and benefit from all of Sinuhotep's memories... Esteemed Sage: do you have a fail safe or contingency in place should the jewel memories take over your psyche? is there something we could do if you lose control?"

"Uncomfortable? No, I relish them. Why would I be uncomfortable with the release of hidden knowledge? It's what I lived for. I'm sure I will stay strong enough to reject any control she tries to subject me with as a result of this prying. But if I am wrong, which I'm not, then I guess you just do what Pathfinders are renowned for... and destroy me. But let's not worry ourselves about that now. Let's make some of these cures for your little fragile bodies." Sinuhotep speaks with either humor or disdain, your choice.

He moves with you over to the archives, where after a quick search, he discovers a vellum sheet in a bone scroll tube that includes Tahari’s notes on refining crystalline aether, the last piece of the puzzle, and hands it to you with a sigh. "Back to the lab.."

Sinuhotep steps with feigned urgency and leads you back to the lab. Opening himself up to the memories of Tahari's work here, he outlines a four-step process to create antidotes to the bizarre disease.

• Gather supplies of Crystalline Aether check - three vials worth. Looks like you have just enough aether to create 10 doses of the simple cure.
• Follow Tahari's Notes from the library on how to distill it check
• Collect a disease sample to test the cure on
• Manufacture doses of the cure in this room Should take 5 minutes per dose

"Looks like all we need is a sample of the disease, and of course, that is what is in that mysterious container #14." Sinuhotep adds sarcastically.

Whoever wants to gather a sample of the disease from the container may give me a DC 33 Knowledge (nature), DC 27 Heal, or a DC 21 Profession (herbalist) check to handle it successfully and without risk of exposure. Anyone with the Poison Use ability will also succeed automatically.

Once, you have successfully gathered a sample of the disease, just let me know how many cures and/or Blood of Nethys’ you wish to create. So 10 simple - 0 blood, 8 simple - 1 blood, 6 simple - 2 bloods, 4 simple - 3 bloods, 2 simple - 4 bloods, or 0 simple - 5 bloods

8-1 would appear prudent as we have NPCs

"What is this Blood of Nethys?"

"The Blood of Nethys is an extract that can enhance or negate magic, while still protecting one against this new plague."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (20) + 16 = 36

Qadathra flutters back up to Vladek's shoulder, but looks less perky than anyone else there has ever seen him. He cranes his head back in the direction of the memory chamber with a baleful expression.

I think I...lost something in there...does anyone know what it was?

Qadathra's been saddled with a negative level; I don't know if it's temporary or permanent. Can someone restore it?

Rogar helps gather samples "Be careful folks"

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Rogar turns to Magor "Good information. Could be very useful"

No restoration sorry :(

"Dear Sage: must the antidote be administered prior to disease exposure, or as a response to an infectation?"

"It is a cure.. what does that mean in Taldor these days?" Sinuhotep answers curtly.

Role-playing, not a cranky GM :)

Rogar manages to pull out a sample of the disease to test the cure on as Magor works on distilling the aether.

I do need a fortitude save versus disease from Rogar.

All the pieces are in place now. So, how many cures and bloods did you decide to make?

I vote for 8 cures and one blood; I understood you were roleplaying the Lawful Evil lich! :)

"Your knowledge on these matters is clearly superior to mine, but I would request that you please answer my question nonetheless, for the good of the live members of this mission. There's no room for sarcasm or mystery in times like these, Esteemed Sage. Clarity and communication can mean life or death."

As he sees his fellow Pathfinders about to handle this ancient disease, Theodric says, "Wait Pathfinders! I was not done discussing this with our Esteemed Sage here. Master Sinuhotep: would you be so kind as to handle the disease cannister instead of the live members of this expedition? your... gifts protect you from the effect of any disease, I believe. Yes?"

"I wouldn't expect a warrior such as yourself to be able to figure this out, but in reading the most advanced cases of this disease in her research notes, even I am susceptible to the ravages of her Fading Light plague. Being an important member of the ritual, I'd rather not take that risk." Sinuhotep pedantly explains.

Rogar tries to ward off the disease. I think the antiplague has work off? I hope that works.

Fort: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Rogar feels fine..

As Magor works on the cures, the sounds of footsteps in the hallway gathers everyone's attention. The remaining sages round the corner and are somewhat startled by your presence here.

"Well, here you are!" Tahonikepsu smiles. "We came to the labs to find you. We wanted to tell you we found a suitable location where we shall do the ritual to draw out the malignant presence in the sage jewels."

"The Pathfinders should help us, too. They are at least marginally capable." Sinuhotep groans as he joins the other sages to confer.

Once you are done making the cures (still need to know how many and what type...), they take you to a new chamber. New map now.

-----------------

"Welcome to the Black Moon's Sanctum..." Tahonikepsu says, her words echoing in the hall.

This vast library holds stacks of books filling every ward-inscribed shelf. The room’s design draws the eye toward a central ritual area, inscribed with arcane markings as complex and nuanced as a living mind.

Amenepheus casts a wry smile at you. "I must warn you, the ritual is a very sensitive one. Once we start it, casting any spells, activating magical trinkets, or even consuming magical draughts could have dangerous side effects— I suspect anyone that can possess a sage jewel could as readily hijack another magic item or magical process, putting all of us at extreme risk. So you must refrain from doing so. Having said that, if you have any longer-timed spells (more than an hour duration, I would guess) I assume those would be safe to cast before we begin."

"Then lets begin. We should set up the area." Tahonikepsu exclaims proudly. For even as a time dragon, you can tell that this event means something to her.

Sinuhotep examines the area further and growls. "This will never do. The area is rife with anomalies and defects. We will need to prepare the area suitably before we begin. We will not get a second chance to do this right. And if you don't know what you are doing, do us a favor and stay out of the way."

Grandmaster Torch sets down his pack and begins to pull out a variety of devices and utensils. Dhiara rips off a piece of her wrap and begins to polish the stones near the ritual circle.

To prepare the ritual area, you can each help in one of two ways:

A. You can clear the area of extraneous debris and identify any damage that needs to be repaired quickly (Perception or Survival).

B. You can provide academic and technical assistance while properly aligning the components, drawing ritual diagrams, and the like (Knowledge [arcana, planes, or religion] or Linguistics).

DO NOT MAKE THE ROLL YET. Just tell me which you would like to do, and if you would like to lead or assist another player. You do not have to participate in the preparation of the ritual if you don't like your chances. Taking 10 on the main roll is allowed. Failure on the main roll may have consequences.

Rok will carefully prowl the perimeter pointing out extraneous debris.

Aid perception: +9 (+11 w. stonecunning)