Having responded to his supercilious summons, a team of peerless Pathfinders now sits in a private conference room at the Grand Lodge across from the enigmatic druid known only as Osprey. "I've summoned you here to perform a task of dire necessity. An influential, uh, venture-captain has been afflicted with a terrible curse, and we can’t seem to break it. I’ve done extensive research and believe I know what needs to be done, however. I’ve collected humors from a number of vile creatures, all with supernatural shape-shifting properties, and hope they can be utilized to revert our dear associate to her rightful form. One of these reagents—the yellow bile of a doppelganger -- I entrusted to an old..."
The druid's face twists in discomfort. "Let’s call her an ‘acquaintance,’ shall we? Her name is Eya Uygroulis, though she is often better known as the Phitoness of Axioms, and she’s an extremely powerful seer. She was to prepare the reagent for the forthcoming reversion ritual and deliver it here three days hence; I have heard nothing from her and the prepared reagent is nowhere to be found."
"Eya lives alone in a sacred hermitage high in the Mindspin Mountains, along the border between Nidal and Molthune. I need you to travel there immediately to speak with her, but be subtle with your investigations. She’s a wily one, and quite powerful. Find out why she hasn’t sent the reagent and what I must do to earn her cooperation." Osprey's expression turns sour once again. "She and I have a ‘history,’ and I fear she may ask more than I can deliver. You are authorized to do whatever you may do within your own means to persuade her to cooperate. If something’s happened to her, of course, I ask that you do your best to ensure her safety, but your priority is the reagent."
Osprey comes to an abrupt halt, staring intently in the direction of the assembled adventurers.
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A bearded Ulfen man looks lost in thought. He traces lines idly along a bronzewood staff. With frayed black robes and a worn cloak, he seems out of place. Those who know him see past the threadbare facade, recognizing a great wizard. And they are among the people who call him... Nym?
"I would like ask," he begins, a thick burr in his accent. "which Venture-Captain has been afflicted? I've not seen Adril Hestram recently. Is he well?"
The enchanter doesn't give Osprey a chance to answer, interrupting with a second question. "And can you describe the Phitoness of Axioms? Her appearance and general disposition? Oh, and have you tried scrying magic upon her?"
He then stops, watches Osprey intently, and waits for an answer. His staff absently thumps against the floor.
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A dwarf glides into the room. His corded muscles are on full display as he arrives bare-chested. His beard and hair are tied tightly; indeed everything about him appears taught. He carries little for equipment, though what he does have with him is immaculate.
When he opens his mouth his Taldane is oddly accented, a mix of Dwarven and Minkaian.
"I've summoned you here to perform a task of dire necessity"
(In a false whisper) "You know it ain't taking a shower! HAR HAR!" He elbows Nym
To Osprey "If done gone and invited me you're likely assuming it's going to be something other than a negotiation."
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A thin Halfling, tall for his race, with fine blond hair strides into the room. His face breaks into a smile when he sees Nym,"Tim!!...err Nym! good to see you. Last time I saw you we were saving the world from the elemental invasion. We nearly left our poor carcass on that cold rock didn't we?"
Linslo takes his seat and waits for the others to arrive. He starts to get a bit antsy to get underway.
Osprey titters at the poorly dressed wizard. "Adril is in fine health, as ever. The afflicted Venture-Captain's identity is confidential and none of your concern."
"As for the Phitoness..." Osprey breaks eye contact and releases a deep sigh. "She is most often a rail of a woman, a fair face and blackened hair. Somewhat taller than I. She has a small cleft in her left ear. But I don't expect you will find many others in her remote reach of Golarion."
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Markolf's eyes widen to the size of dinner plates as Osprey describes the collection of reagents.
"Do you have any plans for the left-overs? Asking for a friend."
Markolf lowers his voice.
"The friend is me."
"Lycanthropy, huh? Listen, if we can't cure the Venture Captain, and if we have to put him or her down, I know a guy who can dispose of the body."
"The guy is also me."
Markolf strokes his beard in a manner that would generously be described as 'grave robby'.
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In clomps another dwarf--this one in a fine suit of full plate (or, it would be fine if it weren't so dinged and dirty) and a mighty double-axe (again, dinged and dirty).
Sorry Ahhm late. We're goin' inta mountains?!?! Aboot time we travel in some decent places!!
He sits unceremoniously, peering at his fellow Agents. His gaze falls on each in turn, giving everyone a nod. He stops for a moment while looking at Senzo, gives a broad grin, and says you don't LOOK like Tanaka...
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Finally, a grimy, unkempt gnome steps into the doorway. An enormous sword is strapped to his back, and a close inspection would indicate that below the layers of caked on mud, blood, and other filth, his armor and cloak are also of exquisite quality. Unfortunately, the odor emanating from them would make any such inspection none to pleasant. The gnome glances around the room, quickly flips on a pair of spectacles, and looks down at the note in his hand that summoned him here.
"Seems this is the place. What did I miss?"
"If you think it makes sense, I can acquire a scrying mirror. After one hour, I may be able to find her. Unless you have tried this, Venture-Captain?"
"I have put a great many resources to use. Among them: you. If you have such skill, I'll not stand in your way."
Osprey clears his throat. "If that is all, you'd best be going. The sooner you return with my reagent, the sooner we can cure the Venture Captain." With that, he strides from the room, leaving only a crude map on the table.
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Linslo leans over to Nym, "What are these dwarves talking about?
"Dwarves are very particular about the company they keep. Do not worry. You're small, you'll fit once they know you."
To the Venture-Captain, Nym says, "Excellent. I will need a connection to her. A picture of her will do, an article of clothing would be better, and hair or nail clippings would be best."
To the rest of the group, he says, "I can use powerful magic to transport us. I will need to prepare though, and so should you."
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After acquiring an expensive silver mirror (and assuming that I have her likeness), Nym finds a quiet area in the Grand Lodge to cast his spell. The process takes intense focus and an hour of his time. Finally, the Enchanter gazes at the mirror...
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Markolf casts Investigative Mind and Heightened Awareness (80 minutes each). Then he plumbs the depths of his mind...
(2/7 uses of Investigative Mind)
Markolf watches Nym with great curiosity as he performs the scrying.
"What you are doing right now is a complete breach of privacy."
"Teach me."
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Thighbite observes the preparations with a growing sense of unease, and then dismay. Off to the side, he starts rambling, to no one in particular. "Oh of course. 'Thighbite, come back, we've got the perfect task for you!' And what is it? Certainly not just to team up with some honest folk to explore a ruin, no no no, can't have that. Nope, let's stick poor Thighbite with a bunch of wizards," he spits, "to go check up on another wizard, and watch him squirm. And now I'm going to go get poofed hundreds of miles away because horses are inconvenient or aren't trustworthy? Ha. Oh but I'll be ready, always ready, stay alert, they all go crazy at some point..."
This, with some variations, simply repeats on and on. It seems Thighbite's preparations are solely to ready himself for the horrors of teleportation.
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Thighbite looks over the two dwarfs and considers this.
"No, Hack is good. You...no weapons. Suspicious. Could just be a wizard that exercises..." Thighbite chuckles a bit, and then breaks into a fit of laughter over the absurdity of such a thing. "Maybe not. Be careful though. You never know when they might turn you into a chicken. Safe one minute, then BAM never the same again!"
Osprey does not have a habit of writing things down and is not what one would call an artist. His description of the Phitoness is the best he can muster.
Markolf has never heard of the Phitoness of Axioms. He is, however, familiar with the Mindspin Mountains: a forbidding mountain range situated primarily between the Varisian steppe and the orc-infested Hold of Belkzen. The journey will likely involve climbing, a good deal of snow, and frigid conditions.
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Nym breathes in sharply, releasing the image. "I have seen her, and she is not well. She seems to be unconscious, and the voices of others could be heard. A language I know not, and I know many languages. I don't how long she'll be there, but I can only transport us on the morrow. But... When I do, gird yourselves for battle."
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Nym has Spider Climb.
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The next morning, the wizard lays out his plan.
"So... there will be danger. That's why we have you three," he gestures to Harnac, Senzo, and Thighbite. "And to a lesser extent, you." he gestures to Linslo. "Where I will take us is surely dangerous, so Markolf will ready you for battle. It's probable that the Phitoness is a captive, or is dead. But I will take us directly to where I saw her. It will be dangerous. I warned you."
Nym continues. "I will magically teleport myself, Harnac, Senzo, and Thighbite first, then return here, then teleport Linslo and Markolf. If the danger is great, I will suggest we immediately return instead, and try a different approach. That is plan A."
"Plan B is that I, under the cover of magical invisibility, teleport there with two warriors, quickly grab her, and teleport us all back here. I could try to scry her first, but given that she's unconscious we may need to return there to get what we need anyhow. Probably better to deal with the danger. Though, again, I warned you..."
"Thoughts? I favour plan A."
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Markolf casts Bull's Strength, extending the duration with his lesser metamagic rod of extend and increasing the enhancement bonus with Powerful Change.
Senzo, Harnac, and Thighbite each get a +6 enhancement bonus to strength for the next 16 minutes.
He marvels in appreciation at his work.
"Go, my beautiful pets. GO!"
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Oh, and he taps the four teleporters with his newly acquired wand of Endure Elements*.
*Markolf would like to spend 2 prestige to procure a wand of Endure Elements.
Then he taps himself and Linslo. He also casts Investigative Mind and Heightened Awareness.
ETA: Scribing the following
Endure Elements 10gp
Spider Climb 40gp
mirror image 40gp
Rage 90gp
water breathing 90gp
gaseous form 90gp
black tentacles 160gp
dimension door 160gp
elemental body I 160gp
greater invisibility 160gp
monstrous physique II 160gp
scrying 160gp
stone shape 160gp
overland flight 250gp
teleport 250gp
Auto succeed on all spellcraft checks if Nym is willing to assist on the L4 and L5 spells.
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A full day of anticipation seems to be taking its toll on Thighbite's mental state. The rambling has ceased, and now he stands aside, quivering, sword drawn, and aside from the seemingly random and completely incomprehensible occasional outburst, silent. It's not clear how much longer he's going to be able to hold it together.
With an audible pop, Nym and three companion Pathfinders abandon Linslo and Markolf to mute contemplation within the sturdy halls of Skyreach. At least, for now.
The first sensation that joins the travelers on the other side of the void is a wintry chill. This patch of unremarkable dirt is devoid of the Phitoness -- or anyone else. Tall pines break the slope of gentle hillside, frostbitten but not yet washed in snow. Uphill a short distance are the remains of what might have been a half dozen hovels. The whistle of a gentle wind and the creak of the trees are the only sounds in this lonely expanse.
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He casts a spell, then disappears.
The enchanter touches a ring on his hand, then casts a spell.