Welcome to Solstice Scar! Go ahead and dot in here.
The fourth and final day of training has come to a close at the Grand Lodge of Absalom, heralding the end of this year's Torchbearing. Pathfinders the world over attend this annual symposium to share their knowledge, teach each other new skills, and reinforce their connections across the Inner Sea and beyond. To celebrate the end of festivities, the lodge has hosted a grand banquet in the visiting agents' honor. A refreshing winter breeze blows through an open window, flickering torches and sending papers scattering. The smell of freshly baked desserts fills the air while initiates clear away the remnants of the first course.
During the annual Torchbearing, the Three Masters, along with other notable Pathfinders, taught a variety of seminars and panel discussions, from Golarion’s history to spellcasting techniques, and ran obstacle courses and a triathlon. Rumor has it, Janira Gavix offered an unauthorized but popular filking class for aspiring bards and other social misfits under 30--inches, not years. You also heard some salacious gossip about an exclusive, late-night VIP experience Zarta Dralneen arranged for some her favorites. According to one hungover Pathfinder who claimed to have been there, a disgruntled Drandle Dreng was turned away at the door.
Speaking of the imp, ever the social butterfly and self-appointed mentor-to-the-masses, the halfling bard Janira Gavix approaches your small group. “Hi, friends. It’s been awhile since last we met. Have you enjoyed the Torchbearing? I volunteered to organize all the classes again this year. Kreighton Shaine always said I should have been a teacher. Did you learn anything useful?”
Janira looks over her shoulder as she catches sight of another group of Pathfinders refilling their tankards at the grog bowl. “Oh, those are some more students of mine!” She bounces on her toes as she waves at the group and they wave back. “Excuse me? I’ll need to check in with them too!” Pleased that you appreciated her pedagogical efforts, she excuses herself with a smile and moves on.
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A tall humanoid with green tinged skin and overgrown incisors grins at Janira, his voice deep and booming, "oh my, you must be Janira! I've heard wonderful accounts of your prowess. Pleased to meet you, I am Daniel. Yes yes, I did learn some wonderful things about some quite foul creatures. The lecturer was almost too interested in them, if you catch my drift." He winks and tosses a scrap of meat to the small mottled raptor begging at his feet.
He continues in a friendly voice, "anyway, excellent to meet you. Enjoy the evening!"
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Vasily nods knowingly at Janira, remembering the time she nearly died at the hands of a brutal minotaur saving him and his entire confirmation class from almost certain doom. That was several years and many adventures ago.
He considers the new bits of lore and snatches of songs that he has learned at the Torchbearing and agrees that it has been a most successful event.
Learning long ago not to judge a book by its cover, Vasily steps forward to meet the green skinned ranger who was just speaking with Janira. "Well met, fellow Pathfinder! I am Vasily, I see we have a common friend in Janira. Tell me, how did you meet her?" The young bard has the dark hair and eyes of his Varisian blood, wears a fine set of leathers, and carries a finely crafted lute on his back.
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Dortlin is a well built homely man of medium height. Accompanying him is an odd sight: A large, skinny, overly muscled ape wearing a custom made fancy outfit with scattered gems on it. Dortlin is wearing a matching though smaller version of the outfit. He is standing ramrod straight.
"Good to meet you again Janira. Father Thwait was instructing me on the many forms of undead horrors. I think he drinks to forget what he's seen but even drunk he knows his stuff."
Dortlin nods to the other nearby Pathfinders.
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Daniel turns to Vasily and replies in kind, "well met Vasily, I am Daniel. This little fellow here is B.C." He ponders the question posed and with a large grin answers, "well I met Janira in a place quite similar to this and a time not long ago... not long ago at all!"
He takes a long drought from his tankard of ale and then points out the ape, "I don't think I'll challenge that fellow to any arm wrestling, he looks quite strong."
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Peribras greets Janira warmly. "It's good to see you again, friend. Yes, I took an obstacle course class. I feel ready to face new dangers!"
Peribras turns away from the retreating Janira and introduce himself to the others. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and is fairly decorated in adventuring gear. Occasionally peeking out of his clothes are a pair of rats, and nesting in his hat is a little thrush. Although his face is open and friendly, it doesn't have quite the same naive quality so common in his kind; he seems to be one that has seen many things and lost his innocence.
"Oh, this is Darkpaw."
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Darkpaw, laying beside Peribras with her head on her paws, looks up at the mention of her name, then relaxes again and continues her contemplation of everyone's feet (as well as the raptor and ape, which she eyes curiously).
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As the Pathfinders conclude the dessert course, a small origami swan flutters through the room and lands on the center of the table. In moments, it unfolds itself into a crisp and crease-less piece of paper.
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The front doors of Skyreach burst open with a loud crack. Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin strides to the edge of the platform, with a slender elf dressed in practical but expensive clothing trailing meekly behind. The red-faced venture-captain addresses the crowd in a booming voice.
“Pathfinders, I regret interrupting the festivities, but we have something of a situation. Approximately twenty minutes ago, unknown forces invaded the Blakros Museum. Fortunately for everyone involved, the Torchbearing is about cooperation and helping our colleagues, so let’s think of this less as an inconvenience and more as an opportunity to practice what we preach.”
The elf, Nigel, exhales sharply, then speaks, “Now, Ambrus, I’ve spent a king’s ransom fortifying the museum from all sorts of invaders: sentinels from the Golemworks, magical wards from the Arcanamirium, and even contracts for guard beasts, both magical and mundane—spared no expense. I didn’t want to come here, but I’ve got no choice.”
Valsin’s forced smile cracks slightly, showing his annoyance. “Out with it, Nigel. Get to the point.”
“Someone broke into my museum and set off the magical protections! I was preserving priceless Shining Crusade pieces for our new exhibit when the first alarm activated. I sent for district guards and went to investigate, but by the time I arrived, the thieves had already locked themselves in my study. They somehow caused the Shining Crusade relics to fly around the museum and attack my sentinels. Everything is going haywire! The magical traps started to target me, the sentinels are not responding to my commands, and—”
Valsin holds out a hand to steady the increasingly agitated elf. “The last you knew, the thieves were still in your study?” Nigel nods. “Very well. Pathfinders: the Seekers should prepare to teleport directly into the Blakros study—“
“That won’t work,” Nigel interrupts, “The study is magically sealed. After that dreadful Numerian exhibit, I turned it into a magical safe room. The robbers must have figured out how to activate it; no one can get in or out while the wards hold. I can work on breaking the wards, but meanwhile my sentinels are smashing up the collection. Some of those priceless relics are on loan from your own Society lodges, so helping me is really helping yourselves.”
“Fine.” Ambrus Valsin takes a deep breath and then turns to the assembled Pathfinders. “Pathfinders, go to the Blakros Museum, secure any relics you can, disable the security systems, and apprehend the looters if possible. Stay safe.”
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During dinner, Vasily shares some of the rumors about Torchbearing he has heard from others. "I have heard that the Decemvirate will pull special Pathfinders aside during this event, recognizing their service and awarding special wayfinders. I wonder if any of us will be so honored this year?"
When the origami swan enters during dessert, the Varisian man grabs the flying sheet of paper, giving it a quick once over and barking with laughter. "The Blakros Family, needs our help...again? Some people are always living on the edge! They are a wealthy family with business connections throughtout the Inner Sea, like many of you, I have been their guest before."
He continues to those that gather near him in the hall of Skyreach for the Ambrus Valsin/Nigel Aldain show. "I hear the museum is enchanted with shadow magic that makes it larger inside than it appears from the outside. I have also heard the showrooms have been closed for a display of the Shining Crusade, which Nigel seems to verify."
"Speaking of Nigel, I'm not sure I trust that guy fully. He helps the Pathfinders from time to time, but is always getting into trouble he can't get out of. Must be something with those artifacts this time."
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"Looks like the party is over for now Clyde, Time to go to work."
Dortlin will help Clyde exchange his fancy clothes for some light armor then do the same for himself. He will then cast Shield Companion on Clyde. And lastly he will put an odd looking saddle on Clyde and mount up.
"We are ready to fight these thieves. Who is with us?
As we get near the museum Dortlin will use a charge from his wand of Heightened Awareness, Which he will discharge at the first sign of trouble.
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The handsome half-elven minstrel stops playing his mandolin for his small audience of fawning starlets and wanders over to the main table, his clothing is all beautifully cut and tailored, and the colours highlight his warm coffee skin tone and amber eyes that are reminiscent of a cat as they glint with a promise of mischief. A well made sword hangs at his side, and the belt buckle is the symbol of Shelyn.
"Ahhh it seems that this gathering will turn into work, and here I was thinking that it was all going to be fine eating and leisurely times" he looks back wistfully at the now disappearing bright-young-things, he plays a slightly sorrowful tune on the stringed instrument.
"The Three Masters are supposed to use these events to keep an eye out for particularly talented agents that embody the Pathfinder Society ideals: Explore, Report, and Cooperate. At the end of the Torchbearing, the most exemplary agents are publicly recognized and given special wayfinders. There I was just now merrily entertaining som potential new contacts who seemed more than open to Exploring and Cooperating, the Reporting part I am not so sure on, but this new change certainly alters my plans for the evening"
"My uncle Percy is a Blakros, they are one of the wealthiest and most well-known merchant families from Taldor. They own a variety of businesses with interests all over the Inner Sea. For years, the Pathfinder Society and the Blakros family have been allies, even if only at arm’s length. Occasionally the family invites notable Pathfinders to one of its high-society affairs. Suppose that's why he married into the family, he was always very politically minded" the musician changes the tune on his Mandolin and plays a more upbeat tune.
"The Blakros Museum is located in the Wise District, owned by the Blakros family, and curated by Nigel Aldain who himself was a Pathfinder once, It is open to the public when an exhibit is on display. Nigel is an alright sort of fellow for a boring old academic, the relationship between the Society and Nigel is often strained, they remain steadfast allies. Nigel often collaborates with the Society, loaning artifacts and trading information, he's been on about the Shining Crusade for a while now. The minstrel corroborates Vasilys observations.
At that point the fellow parks himself in the until now empty seat at the table and picks at the cold dinner left (until now) untouched whilst pouring himself a glass of wine.
"Lance" he offers by way of informal introduction.
A rather boyish looking elven woman with short cropped mousy-brown hair appears by his side, her attire well cut but clearly that of a squire "Baron Lance Sinclair of the River Kingdoms" she politely continues for him. Lance looks up to her with a kind expression "Thank you Bobbi I quite forget my manners at times. Please fetch Flash, and my armour - it seems I shall not be plucking many strings this evening"
Dozens of Wise District guards surround the Blakros Museum. The sergeant nods to Ambrus Valsin as he approaches, a subtle smirk dancing across the venture-captain’s face. The museum itself is alight with swirling whorls of color and the sounds of metal and stone clashing. Occasionally, brief flashes of light burst from the front entrance, illuminating a toppled banner that says “Legacy of the Shining Crusade.”
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Daniel listens with half interest as his companions at the table prattle on about this and that. No reason to add anything to a conversation I know nothing about. He does seem to be enjoying the food and drink.
B.C., with a gullet full of strips of meat finally decides the other animals aren't threats and curls up at his feet, lightly snoring.
When Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin strides in and busts up the relaxing evening, Daniel sighs and starts listening intently. As the group seems to be rousing for the mission he checks through his gear and secures his weapons in place, stringing his bow for action.
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Lance arrives at the scene looking every bit the classical knight, mounted atop his mighty charger.
He wears a fine plate embossed with roses - which on closer inspection appear to have very sharp thorns wrought of cold iron. His shield bears the device of a rose, and heraldry of both Taldor and the River Kingdoms. Out of place and out of style is a slightly worn and torn sandy coloured keffiyeh around his neck that looks like it has seen a fair amount of use.
His steed is a beautifully presented white stallion in gleaming mail, though as the horse walks there is no tell-tale clip-clop of the hooves... you notice the horse is floating around half a foot off the ground.
Trailing behind him on a more subdued steed is his trusty squire Bobbi,
"We meet again my fellows, it appears any party here is already in full swing. Whilst I hate to be late to festivities, I am always fond of making an entrance" he smiles to himself "Surrender is always offered, and quarter begged for is usually given. If it comes to blows then my preference is to seek out any enemy casters - be they followers of foul gods or fell sorcerors, and then I prefer the largest of the enemy host. Whilst I am amenable to delaying for a tactical advantage, I favour seizing the initiative and parleying from a position of strength - once people lose their leader I find they are far more inclined to negotiate a truce"
"Other than that, this lovely horse is my companion - Flash - and I ask you to stay to his back or sides and not stand between us and our target, he's hard to turn when charging"
"Any questions?"
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A substantial humanoid hidden away inside a set of well polished full plate with odd vent-like holes saunters into the scene, making final adjustments to the straps and buckles holding the proud steel to his body.
"Hello comrades and compatriots! Did I miss anything"?
He removes a heavy darkwood shield inlaid with gold leaf display of the sovereign court's icon from his back but leaves his sword sheathed at his side.
The shield is wreathed in slow lapping flames and jets of fire shoot from the vents in his armor.
"You sir" looking towards Lance "are stunning"
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Peribras smiles up at Lance from his seat on Darkpaw's back. "Her tracking skills are alright, though she can be a boon to me in that regard at times. Her sense of smell, on the other hand, is invaluable." He gives Flash an admiring glance. "Your steed is quite majestic."
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"Hmmm" Lance ponders out loud "So we have exhibits about the Crusade, and their detractors are probably demonkind, and at the same time Nigel has bought defences from the Arcanamirium and Golemworks in Magnimar - so we could have a horde of demons beset by a horde of constructs?" his face creases in thought, "I'll stay with the magical lance for now Bobbi, perhaps the cold iron one soon though" he calls back to his obliging squire.
"Yes, very hard to sneak up on a wolf and she looks like a rather clever one too. Her breed run in large packs through the River Kingdoms, the true embodiment of The Freedoms, the six 'laws' of the Kingdom"
"Flash here is a majestic steed indeed, I am lucky to be his friend, and I admire his tenacity"
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As Lance rides in proudly atop his courser and Ajir makes a scene with his shield and plate, Vasily makes a much less dashing figure in his worn leathers and dusty traveling cloak with the hood pulled up.
"Glad to have your lordship make a scene but I prefer to work from the shadows. Glad to have your steel and sinew on hand! But there are times when subtlety, lies, and finesse serve, and at those times, I am your man. Meantime, I will work around the edges of any foes we see, disable traps, sneak about and make a general nuisance of myself. Let's see what trouble Nigel has got up to this time."
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"You are correct, some days it is not about the cut and thrust of open battle but rather a more circumspect approach involving careful planning, swift minds, and dextrous fingers - if that were not so, then Taldor would not have the secretive Lion Blades who do exactly as you describe. A war of ten thousand swords can be averted by a single knife in the dark. You are our knife today"
"I am Svaralk of Asleifar, sergeant of the Learned Guard. Can I help you gentlemen?"
He points to his subordinates, “Our initial attempt to quell the animated relics within failed. I’ve ordered the Guard to withdraw and form a perimeter.”
“After Nigel Aldain harangued me for dereliction of duty in not immediately retaking the museum, I’m in no rush to sacrifice the lives under my command until the warring creatures inside wear each other down.” He holds up a hand and shakes his head, “I don’t hold Nigel Aldain’s outburst against him. I recognize the elf is rightfully concerned—albeit rather precious—about his exhibit.”
“Before you enter, I can provide you an overview of the museum’s layout and tell you that there are animated relics and guard animals on the ground level, and clockwork creatures skirmishing with each other on the floor above. We also have an especially challenging problem in the gardens at the southeast corner of the museum grounds. Some kind of magical runes displaying swarm-like behavior, more magical devices really than living creatures. They proved too complicated a challenge for me and my guards; we simply lacked the skills to disable them.”
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"Dereliction of duty? I think not sergeant. You have acted prudently in preserving lives and not risking needless deaths - if Aldain feels so strongly about taking forceful action then, by all means, I have a spare sword he may borrow as he leads the vanguard."
Lance ponders the information provided "I suppose we need to secure the ground floor first and see to these creatures, once we have a firm foothold we can push our advance upwards. Sergeant see that you keep the gates under watch and that nothing escapes past us and into Absalom, and likewise, prevent anyone not sent by the Society from coming in behind us"
Lance then urges Flash to move to the front, the pennon on his lance flapping gently in the wind.
Under a sign that reads “The Shining Armory,” priceless Shining Crusade artifacts displayed on pedestals creak and move by some unseen force. Eerie light seems to dart between the objects while the din of a raging battle echoes throughout the chamber. The central feature is a low, artificial hill atop which stand two stuffed owlbears surrounded by shattered undead foes. Each of the beasts wears chainmail barding and an orange-and-black caparison depicting a stylized owlbear. A dead man dressed in furs lies on the floor before a suit of fullplate armor.
Companion: low-light vision, scent +5
+4 if heightened awareness
(Lookout feat)
As you enter the room, you see one of the owlbears has come to life.
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"I will trip it."
Dortlin will take on a stubborn aspect and grow small horns as he takes on the aspect of the bull as a swift action growing stronger. He will then have Clyde double move into position and ready an action to trip any pesky... Owlbears? He wonders if they have any special defenses such as damage reduction.
Trigger: aoo from Dortlin due to Paired Opportunists for
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Trigger: aoo from clyde on crit due to Outflank for
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Daniel glances down at B.C. and puts his finger to his lips and says, "shhhh."
He moves up quietly and quickly to where Vasily has set up. Seeing a hallway with a side entrance to the main chamber he slips through and sets up just behind the doorway, hopefully out of sight.
B.C. follows along making very little noise as well.
The owlbear moves forward, smashing other exhibits along the way.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
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Peribras knees Darkpaw forward and into a corner where he has some cover from the approaching Owlbears. He trains his bow on the nearest Owlbear and releases a pair of arrows at it.
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Darkpaw bares her teeth at the owlbear, and a low rumble rolls out of her chest.
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"Steady girl, wait for the trap" Peribras whispers. He takes aim and again releases a pair of arrows at the approaching owlbear.
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