Once again the halflings move lamps around with great alacrity. Pim strikes out again, but Eveline finds success on her second try -- the emerald is now green!
The Maiden steels herself for further battering...
Round VI -- bold may act!
1. Kailun, Numair, Charis (25/45 hp, bleed 2), Pimwrick, Lionel (23/39 hp), Eveline
2. Nethys
Numair staunches the Maiden's bleeding!
Round VI -- bold may act!
1. Kailun, Numair, Charis (25/45 hp, bleed 2), Pimwrick, Lionel (23/39 hp), Eveline
2. Nethys
Kailun summons vapors long unseen in this ancient chamber in a drier part of the world. Lionel hesitates.
Nethys is unrelenting.
MISS
MISS
MISS
However, the Pathfinder's defenses hold firm!
Round VII -- bold may act!
1. Kailun, Numair, Charis (25/45 hp), Pimwrick, Lionel (23/39 hp), Eveline
2. Nethys
|
Lionel grits his teeth. "Come at me, ya dumb sack of bricks!", he shouts, trying to grab its attention. "Ya alright, Maiden?", he quickly asks, turning his head towards the nimble fighter, rushing to her side in the fog.
"That gotta getcha covered. We're holdin' him, go an' get them lamps!", he shouts back towards Eveline.
Pim sets the final lamp in place and Nethys at last stands down, returning to his place among the arranged statues.
Frazzled by his experience as a trapped bug, Amenopheus is apologetic for the ordeal. "I am sorry, friends, I do not truly understand what has happened. Let us quickly move one before the guardians decide to attack again--look, the door has bisected itself!"
Numair spots a couple of interesting crystals among the shards of the Sage's prison, which detect as magical.
|
Numair breathes a sigh of relief when the second statue stands-down.
"Well, that was exciting... Hopefully, whatever we find behind the door, won't be quite as challenging..."
He then pauses to collect some interesting crystals.
"Anyone know what these are? They are definitely magical items of some sort..."
Numair nods at Amenopheus' suggestion.
"Agreed. Let's move forward... after you, of course."
|
After darting back and forth with the lamp, casting concerned glances over his shoulder as the statues attack his friends, Pim comes to a relieved halt and lets out a long breath. "Phew! I'm glad we figured that out before Charis and Lionel got smashed to bits by that thing!"
Approaching the Maiden, he says, "Are you in need of healing? How about you, Lionel? Who knows what else might be waiting for us in this place?"
|
|
Eveline takes a deep, relieved breath, and moves in with the rest of the group. "Charis and Lionel sure took a pounding," she says half-jokingly, "ncie work everyone, toughest fight yet. I must admit I felt terrified when my arrows did nearly nothing."
She glances over at the multiple splinters and shattered arrows strewn across the room. She shakes her head and look at Pim. "Guess you understood it from the start, no use to pierce a stone statue." Eveline offers him a smile. "You stayed untouched, didn't you?"
|
|
Lionel huffs and puffs, reaching for a familiar foul smelling roll in the rim of his hat. He lights it up, letting out a cloud of silvery gray smoke, and the smell, vaguely familiar of burning socks. "I ain't gon' say no, Pim. I still got som' healin' in tha healin' stick, but them don' last foreva." He cautiously removes himself from the currently still statue, looking guilty at the smoke. "Sorry 'bout that. So, I don' think I'm tha only one itchin' ta find what tha hell's this all 'bout, am I?", he relates, pushing his spear to lift himself up.
"Ya hella right 'bout that poundin', Eveline", he grins at the Halfling. "Reminds me o' a time we got real boozed with tha crowd an' ended up in a hella puritan district. An' I don't think we got more than one an' a half trouser legs between 'bout halfa dozen o' us!", he grins.
Indeed, the crystal has shrunk from itself like shadow before a light. Amenopheus steps through and beckons, cautiously, to the party to follow.
A broad, simple, flat-topped column of sandstone rises from a deep pit in the circular, domed chamber with a white tiled floor. Though no wind can be felt, particles of sand slowly blow around the pit as if circulated by a lazy breeze, their movement creating a soft, rasping susurrus. Standing atop this column is a Garundi woman of regal bearing, bedecked in a noble style of old Osirion. Her diadem bears a magnificent diamond, and her face bears an expectant expression.
"Welcome home, Amenopheus. And welcome to your companions. The Maiden of Copper, hidden behind masks. Eveline Bleakrock, halfling paragon. Kailun, an adept in our language. Lionel Wynne, who dotes upon his Lady. Numair Salmalin, master of magic. And Pimwrick Swiftfeather, ever the protector. I have watched your movements with interest, and you have achieved much to reach me ahead of your rivals. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage. I bid welcome to you all."
She bows a shallow but prim bow to each and straightens. A small smile dances across her lips as she regards Amenopheus. "Some years I have watched you, Sapphire Sage, and I have chosen this moment to emerge from my obscurity to contact you. Do you want to know why?"
Hesitation and even regret play across the Sapphire Sage's face. "Of course!" he replies with pained cordiality. "Why did you take so long? To think of what we might have accomplished together in that time, rebuilding the Order!"
"Ah, but the right Order? For this to be clear, I had to wait. The ancient Order was flawed, and must be rebuilt with care. At enormous cost, the Jeweled Sages of old were hunted down like rats on a starving ship, their mission in ruins."
"Who among us could have predicted the Kelish invasion would be so successful, or so ruthless in their purge? An accident, at most," Amenopheus shakes his head, "but one driven by outside forces. Had that calamity not arisen, the Sages would have thrived."
"I must disagree, Sage," Tahonikepsu returns. "The invasion and purge were merely a symptom of the disease. The Order was spread out. Leaderless by design. Under such a structure, the Sages could not respond quickly or effectively to new threats. If not the Qadiri, another force would have soon done the same damage."
"By design indeed! The Order was intended to be egalitarian; each member could act as needed independently, using their own power and knowledge to tackle any situation that arose. This is a source of strength, not weakness!"
"Egalitarianism is for discussion and debate. Crisis merits action. Without consistent and decisive leadership, the Jeweled Sages will always be vulnerable and disorganized whenever a new threat emerges. We may rebuild, but only again will we fall."
"We may learn from our mistakes without undoing the fabric of our Order. Once we recover the other sage jewels and select worthy bearers from among the most learned of scholars..."
Tahonikepsu raises an eyebrow at that. "Learned scholars? Should we not look beyond libraries, to seek out energetic and innovative individuals worthy of the jewels, and not merely cloistered academics?"
"Only a well-trained mind will be able to harness the millennia of memories storied in each jewel," Amenopheus replies.
"Perhaps. But scholars are rarely adept at anything but recording history. More agile and eager minds can use the Order's vast knowledge to make history and better the world. Who better to act as advisors to kings and khans, understand the evolution of the world, and predict the future's portents?"
Tahonikepsu's smile recedes and her brow furrows as she continues. "Indeed, Amenopheus, I must admit that I worry about you and your ability to lead the Sages' rebuilding. The Ruby Prince has released you from his service. That may prove a liability as we try to reclaim our place in Osirion. And your unwavering embrace of a failed model, which resulted in the Order's destruction, is troublesome. We must not let history repeat itself."
"And I am skeptical of you, as well," Amenopheus agrees, his cordiality wavering but not evaporating. "Until moments ago, you were a stranger to me. I have worked to re-establish the Sages for years, and ceding that responsibility to you seems unwise. To be frank, who knows of your history, your qualifications... your motives?"
Tahonikepsu smiles wanly and steps back to the center of the platform. "I present my credentials."
In an instant change, the Garundi woman transforms into a sizable dragon that fills the platform, rippling purple scales dotted with many horns, some old and brittle, others new and supple. "Now we are strangers no more! My kind are the guardians of history and time itself. I am ageless and patient, and armed with the knowledge of the ancient Sages, the Order under my leadership is certain to thrive."
Amenopheus gives a wry smile. "So you contend. I do not think we are likely to reach agreement. I aim to rebuild the Order as it once was, and you to rebuild it as you see best. I propose a Convocation of Sages to settle the matter."
The dragon shrinks back to noblewoman form. "Very well. Let it be decided."
Amenopheus quickly explains what is about to occur. A Convocation of Sages is an ancient ritual the Sages used to decide important matters of the Order's future with a vote. Each Sage receives one vote. As bearers of the Ruby Sage's power, each Pathfinder will contribute to the Ruby Sage's sway and likely decide the outcome of this monumental decision.
Once this explained, Amenopheus joins Tahonikepsu on the platform and begins the ritual.
"The Order was crafted with care and purpose. It must be restored. The Sapphire Sage chooses as leader of the Order: the Sapphire Sage."
"The Jeweled Sages must learn and grow to both preserve history and create it. The Order must innovate to survive. The Diamond Sage chooses as leader of the Order: the Diamond Sage."
Both Sages turn and look expectantly at the assembled Pathfinders.
|
|
"Hides behind masks. I like the sound of that." The Maiden muses. "Then you know my profession requires a lot of quick thinking and improvisation. Sometimes the guards change patrols. Sometimes the target is moved from its expected location. Very rarely, it's a trap and the owner is waiting for me to arrive. If I were to blindly follow my plan in those situations, I would have been caught. Or something even worse..." She shakes her head.
"Even the finest built houses of cards can be ruined by the lightest breeze. No matter how much planning is done, you cannot predict the future perfectly, down to the last detail. If your organization cannot adapt to new challenges, then you will crumble under the latest unexpected turn."
"I agree with the Diamond Sage. The Order must innovate to survive."
|
|
Numair chooses his words carefully before responding.
"I can see the merits of both points of view; on the one hand, an Order that focuses too much on the past, with little understanding of the present, risks becoming, at best, irrelevant, and at worst, annihilated. However, on the other, an Order that does not understand the past, and have the wisdom to learn from what has gone on before, risks repeating the errors of their forebears."
He then nods to the Diamond Sage.
"You present yourself as a force of progress, of change, and clearly expect us to be wowed by your 'true' nature. However, that aside, you are effectively an unknown."
Numair then gestures to the Sapphire Sage.
"Amenopheus, on the other hand, is something of a known quantity. He has always done right by me, and has proven to be a valuable ally of the Society."
He then sighs.
"I cannot predict what the future will hold, or begin to pretend that I know best when it comes to the path that a continent-spanning organisation should take, but I do believe in loyalty - and Amenopheus has earned mine."
Numair smiles wanly.
"Therefore, I formally declare my vote to be in favour of the Sapphire Sage."
He sighs again.
"That said, I hope that, whatever is decided here today, the two of you can work together constructively - I honestly believe that a fusion of your two plans would probably be the best course of action."
|
|
Pim goes quiet during the debate between the two sages, though his eyes harden slightly as the Diamond Sage demonstrates her strength by transforming into a mighty dragon.
"My faith is that of Erastil, community and family," he says when asked to choose which sage should be leader of the order. "Part of my code, in serving Old Deadeye, says 'I keep to the old ways, the true ways' and this leads me to support Amenopheus as leader, as he represents the long-standing traditions of the Order. The code continues, though, in words that compel me even more, 'I am not seduced by the lure of money or power.' I see the Diamond Sage as building an order to serve her, and build up her own power, while the Sapphire Sage wishes merely to serve the Order and carry out its mission."
"I choose the Sapphire Sage."
|
Kailun frowns, obviously deep in thought. Finally, he speaks, and although brief, it is apparent that he has put significant consideration into his decision. "If your order was built on a solid foundation of effective traditions, we wouldn't be here right now, would we?"
He takes a deep breath, then adds, "It is true that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it, but those who fail to adapt rarely live long enough to have that luxury."
Nodding, he concludes, "While I am uncomfortable deciding the fate of your organization, my vote is more closely aligned with the Diamond Sage."
|
|
Eveline looks to contemplate the future of the organization carefully, taking a long moment faceing towards a corner to make her decision. She doesn't want others' opinions affect hers, so she refrains from discussion.
Eveline turns to see the convocation and clears her throat. "So one proposes a stern leadership lead by one dragon of unknown power, and one proposes an egalitarian order composed of equal individuals. Sure, one mind can make the decision faster than a larger group of sages, but I'm hesitant to say this lone decision would be the best. Even a great mind requires opposition, as one becomes blind to its own mistakes and errors."
"The sages fell because they went in hiding, secluded in isolation. They turned against each other, because they became one, a solitary mind composed of multiple sages. Anyone who has been confined in forced solitude knows that captivity does to a healthy mind..."
"As Numair well put it, Tahonikepsu presents a path of change and progress. Amenopheus presents a path of rebuilding and preservation. The order we are all speaking of still lasted for centuries if not millenias. The only flaw was the limited number of sages."
"I side with the Sapphire Sage."
Eveline scoots over next to Pim, and shares a smile to him. "Glad we got to the same conclusion, whatever the final decision might be. Neither is bad, after all," she says quietly to the other halfling. "I wonder if this journey makes an end now. Are you appointed to return to Absalom after this?"
|
|
Lionel listens and nods, before seeing all eyes turning towards him, as he's deep in thought. As much as I'd like them folk helpin' here an' there, people with power, rarely share it, am I right? An' a society o' scholars isn't goin' to poke as many eyes as one filled with nosy explorers.
He sighs. "I ain't an expert in rulin' things, but if ya ask me, ya got plenty o' folk tryin' ta get y'all even before ya start pokin' around. Ya got all them knowledges and whatnots, an' if ya start goin' around an' changin', ya gonna get even more enemies." He grins. "Usually not tha follow ya passions advice Lionel'd give ya, but that's what I think. But, fo real, is what Nummer here done said, ya gotta work together. Two heads are betta than one,'s what I'm sayin'."
He looks up, hitting the haft of his spear on the ground. "I'm sidin' with Aminofeas."
|
|
Pim returns Eveline's smile, glad that they see eye to eye on this important question. He's a little disappointed that everyone doesn't see it their way, but Charis and Kailun have their reasons. Still, when Lionel voices his support for the Sapphire Sage, Pim reaches out quite unconsciously and takes Eveline's hand, excited to share the joy he feels.
"Oh, Evie! I think we've done the right thing here!" he says in quiet excitement, turning to face the buxom halfling woman. He realizes with some alarm that he's holding her hand, but he takes a calming breath, looks her in the eye, and chooses to keep her hand in his, hoping she does not pull away.
"Don't you think this is right?" he asks her, though it's not clear if he's referring to the part they've played in selecting the leader of a famed scholarly order aimed at preserving the knowledge of ages past, or the simple pleasure of a boy holding the hand of a girl.
|
|
Eveline is slightly startled by Pim's sudden, exuberant burst of jubilation, and looks at him with mild confusion. She glances at her hand, and his hand, noticing he isn't instantly letting her go, which is what she initially expected. She keeps hold, even tightening the grip ever so lightly.
"...We, uh," Eveline starts, at a loss of words, "there were two good options. Often this is a choice of lesser evils." She realizes her reply came out blunt and very nonempathically, so she shakes her head a bit as if to undo what she had said. "Yes, we did the right thing."
|
|
It sounds like the votes have been made...again fate conspires against me, stifles my every decision. The Maiden shakes her head as the party makes their decision.
She considers speaking up, but notices Eveline and Pimwrick. To think, I offered to prevent Pimwrick from gawking at her. Love does bloom in the strangest of places, doesn't it? She coughs.
"I think we have made our decision. Let it be known it was done fairly and without coercion." She stows her nunchaku at her hip and looks to the two sages. "What comes next?"
Amenopheus smiles and nods his appreciation to the Pathfinders. Tahonikepsu smiles and bows, good-natured and reflective in her defeat. "Thus it is decided. Now, let us begin together the real work: to rebuild."
* * *
Several days later, in Eto, each Pathfinder receives a letter from one Hestia Themis, Venture-Captain of Cassomir, thanking them for finally putting down one of the most infamous villain-duo's on the Inner Sea. They also receive a handwritten missive from the Sapphire Sage.
Pathfinders,
Tahonikepsu and I have already begun our work. We have agreed to keep the Society as a close ally and look forward to continuing our work with you soon.
Although the ruby jewel remains damaged, we have begun exploring some ideas on how to restore the Ruby Sage's true power. Additionally, we have discovered that Kafar and Nefti may have sold the emerald jewel to none other the Grandmaster Torch -- we will track down this stolen property and restore the Emerald Sage to their rightful place.
Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the restoration of our Order.
In memory,
Amenopheus
With the Pillars of the Sun long behind, the power of the Ruby Sage has receded -- yet each Pathfinder's considerable skills remain strong as ever.
|
|
"Rebuild and recovery. I wish all of you the best of luck." She bows to the sages and briefly removes her mask, revealing her scarred eyes. "Friends, allies. I has been a pleasure fighting alongside you. We have begun a new age and should be proud. By fighting so closely, we have formed tight bonds." She takes a look at Eveline and Pimwrick. "Some closer than others."
"I wish you two the best of luck, in particular. I see a bountiful future for you both, together." She approaches the two, bows and puts her mask back on.
---
Several months later, The Maiden lounges at the Pathfinder Lodge, enjoying her latest deal. She reads the letter and smiles. Ah, Grandmaster Torch. I wonder how he plans to deal with Tahonikepsu...
|
|
Pim smiles broadly at Eveline, giving her hand a squeeze, savoring the feeling of her hand, both warm and strong, in his. He knows he must focus on the matter before them, and reluctantly releases his hold on Eveline's hand - but he feels as if he's still holding it, in his heart.
He bows before the sages, glad they appear to have reconciled their differences, and turns to smile at all his fellow Pathfinders. "I'm glad we all survived, and succeeded. It has been a pleasure working with you all." He hooks a hand into his belt and relaxes for the first time in days, a feeling of happy warmth bubbling through him. Without even realizing he's doing it, he takes a step toward Eveline, then turns to her and smiles...
|
|
Eveline's feelings are mixed; she's still hesitant but also relieved to have met an honorable halfling. A single gesture isn't enough to undo all the bad experiences she has. Pimwrick's subconscious step towards Eveline is the final clue for her that he is, in fact, having a crush on her. She maintains her cool though, as she has many times before, but this time the he isn't a repulsive moron.
The journey back to Eto is, thanks to magic and endure elements a pleasant one, and at the lodge she makes an open request to travel somewhere colder. Eveline feels she needs a more secluded place next, as all these crowded markets and streets are creating stress for the small halfling.
"So where are you heading next?" Eveline asks Pimwrick, no hiding her interest in his itinerary. "Wouldn't mind having another archer by my side. And I still own you those lessons, you sure did seem to have some trouble with your bow at times." She lets out a wry, maybe a little wicked, smile.
|
|
Even after so much time in her company, Pim's feelings for Eveline can still make him blush a bit - and he does just that as she asks him about his plans. "I don't really have any definite plans, maybe visit my family, maybe go to Absalom and explore a bit...but I'd love those lessons from you! We should travel together." The smile he gives in return is that of a lad who can't believe his good luck, tinged with just a touch of concern that he'll somehow wake up from this wonderful dream.
|
|
Eventually when the ruby sage's powers diminish, Eveline's hair returns to the familiar brown. She seems happy about this transformation back to to the norm.
"I'll let the venture-captain tell me where to go next," Eveline says, "I just hope it isn't some place warm or hot. And not Taldor."
"Where are you from, anyway? Andoran? Countryside I reckon, Erastil and all."
|
|
Lionel unpacks the mounts, carrying several massive bags inside the lodge, the bags looking large even on his massive frame. He lays them on the ground nearby and jumps into a heap of pillows, greeting the rest. "Hells, all! I'm feelin' hella thirsty, if ya ask me.", he grins, before reaching into one of the bags, pulling out a big water pouch. "I picked that up as we was passin' through town. Told me it's some sorta wine or somethin'. If our magical folk care ta cool it down, pass it along.", he says, reaching for a roll behind his ear, before putting it back.
He sighs with relief. "Well, it was damn good workin' with y'all, as ya said." He sends a grin towards Eveline. "Do play nice, though!", before starting to chuckle and looks away.