Hmm's 9-07: Salvation of the Sages: An OutPost Musical (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

I have moved you all into the Laboratory on the slides, Fendel.

Fendel looks at #14 and realizes that it is a larger canister of the same style as the other numbered vials along the back wall. It is just much larger, and like the others has a complex seal to keep it contained. It does not appear to be trapped.

Meanwhile, the crystalline fluid that you found in the cabinet in the back does not have such complex seals. It shimmers, making ever more complex fractals in its vial. Rather fascinating to look at, really.

Are you taking anything with you as you head North to the next room, Memory Extraction?

craft, Alchemy (w/bonuses & Inspiration) vs crystalline fluid & fractals: 1d20 + 21 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 21 + 5 + (4) = 34
Sounds like an Enya Album, lol

"The crystal fluid is not numbered, possibly meaning is was not one of the experiments. Perhaps we should hold on the this." the detective slides the container into his haversack and continues to the 'Extraction' room.

I will take it unless there is a general consensus to leave the fluid in the cabinet.

Is there any sort of roll we could make to identify the fractally fascinating fluid?

Dunia listens to the translation of the next room with a wry grunt, Soun' like a good place for a fittin' punishment for a mind. Best be on de look out for Divs.

Craft Alchemy was fine.

As Fendel studies the ‘Fractally Fascinating Fluid’, he notes that the concoction is something he's never heard of or seen before. It's most definitely magical, and could possibly be that waste 'by-product' that Aryana Tahari referred to in her research notes*. The lore surrounding crystals has often associated them with healing. Still, there have been dangerous crystals too, and these did come out of Tahari’s laboratory. Without further evidence, it’s hard to know what it does.

_____
*Those research notes are now on Slide Five

As he walks down the hall, Fendel's nimble mind continues to process what they have learned.

Sample 14 proved 90% fatal in test subjects. The crystalline material came from the 'infected', meaning the survivors. A possible cure or inoculate against the finished lethal product. Best to keep it close at hand for the time being.

So... The group heads to 'Memory Extraction'.

Wall alcoves hold rust-covered stone pits into which the soupy liquid covering the floor spills. Along the north wall stands a complex gold and bone framework linking dozens of crystals set into the stone. Ancient, rusty blood covers bronze shackles bolted to plates in the floor near the mechanism.

A strange distortion appears as you approach the center of the room.

From the outside, the shimmering distortions appear much as the way you believe the town of Resa did during its prosperous years before Tahari took over. You see shadows of old men gossiping in desert robes, women haggling over produce in the market, and a shadowy caravan with camels and wagons pulling into town. Then these shadows fade away, leaving only the buildings. Their doors open and close, giving glimpses of partitioned memories behind them with flittering, shifting shadows beyond.

You may step within one of the doors to view the memory.

@GM Hmm: I just realized that your 'Standard Door Opening' is missing the +1d6 to my perception roll.

Know, Arcana vs DC 27: 1d20 + 22 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 22 + (6) = 35

"This apparatus creates a magical field capable of removing or retrieving memories. It is possible to activate it's various settings, and I am confident I can manipulate the controls. There also seems to be memories already stored within. How would we like to proceed?"

@Fendel: Good catch. I'll fix it in my prep google doc! If you wish to adjust the controls, you may take ten if you wish.

Rufeo pops out of his stupor...."Should we see what memories it holds? Maybe it can help us figure out what exactly was experimented on."

Those crystals hold a potent magic. Almost certainly the pure 'by-product' referred to. A potential remedy, or component of a remedy. If we should need to make more, we will also need Sample 14. Let us hope it does not come to that.

What do you make of these distortions? I could reach out with my magic... We must step through the door. This is a rare opportunity, to experience history. How miraculous that I came to join the Pathfinder Society. I have witnessed Earthfall first-hand, I have viewed stored memories and travelled in dreams. Now, I will see Resa in the time of the ancient Pharaohs! Retrieve the memories Fendel!

So, how does this work. Does it effects everyone in the room, or one at a time? Does someone have to stay outside of the effect to use the controls? Anything else a super smart & paranoid character would think to ask that I am not?

Fendel, you can attempt the check to change it from memory removal to retrieval, then everyone on the team can go in to the Mindscape, and even check out different doors if they wish. Just remember that there are risks to doing this -- but also the chance to uncover all sorts of intel.

Are you going to make the check? You may take ten if you wish.

NOT super-smart (and less paranoid than your average Pathfinder) Eadie *claps* her hands together with glee.

“Oooh, yeah! I’m on board for the Ancient Resa Experience.”

“Can we do it, Fendel? Can we, can we? Pleeeease …”

Dunia'a suspicious nature is somewhat mollified by the promises of uncovered knowledge from forgotten ages.

So though she asks Fendel, An' you sayin' it's safe? It's clear she's hoping for the yes.

"I think it best that at least one of us stay behind to activate the portal. Remember, our quarry mentioned having a place to put a mind. This would certainly qualify. Keep an eye out for a div, his name was Kabede."

Set to Memory RETRIEVAL!! (Disable w/ bonuses): 1d20 + 28 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 28 + (5) + 5 = 47

Know, Planes and/or Religion (plus bonuses): 1d20 + 22 + 1d6 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 22 + (2) + 5 = 45 To quickly brief the team on divs.

I feel I have dominated much of today's story, so happy to share the spotlight with whomever cares to step through.

Fendel opts to stay behind and monitor the controls. He easily shifts the mindscape from Memory Removal to Memory Retrieval. The doors of ancient Resa beckon. What dangers await those who step forward? What answers will you find? Only one way to find out.

Are you quite certain you won't come with us Fendel? Think of the knowledge you might gain!

When everyone has decided, and after any final preparations have been made, Quenly and his dragon enter the portal.

I feel I have dominated much of today's story, so happy to share the spotlight with whomever cares to step through.

I don't see it that way, but if you actually don't want to come, I'll have Eadie back off :)

Eadie grabs Fendel by the arm. "Ariana! Do you wanna grab his other arm and leg?"

"Haven't you always wanted to be thrown back through the ages, Fendel? Here we go! 1 ... 2 ..."

She gives the detective a look of *mock* seriousness. "Now do you really want to land in ancient RE-sa on your RE-ar?"

I'll join the chorus of not feeling shut out of the game :)
Also, leave it to the Scarab Sages scenario to have a pile of characters all clamoring to voluntarily go into a Memory Retrieval device that we heard about when we read the mustache-twirling bad guy talk about using it to torture someone...

Dunia scowls at Eadie's roughhousing, stepping in to help extract Fendel from her grasp, If you don' want to go in, it's fine, but less we need someone to stay outside, we could use you in de portal.

"I'll stay outside while you all go..I'm not about to mess with my mind or anyone else's for that matter"

Quenly and his dragon step within the mindscape. It’s a pleasant day, hot and dry, with a light breeze sending sand lightly blowing over the elf’s feet. All around him is a shadowy market, full of running children and haggling buyers and sellers. Interestingly, it no longer feels to Quenly like they are speaking Ancient Osirion. No, the conversations come into his head directly as elven, though he knows that cannot be what they are speaking.

“You want me pay half a camel for this inferior tea? Are you out of your mind?”

“...and then she said, ‘My goat is hung better than that!’”

“Try this cloth, it is spun by the djinn and is lighter than the air itself!”

However, he can hang on to none of the conversations for very long. The people are momentarily sharp and distinct one moment, and then fade away to shadows in the next, though the marketplace remains thronged, the population within is constantly shifting... except for one man, with skin of polished stone and gemlike eyes, towering above you. He’s also been wandering, seemingly lost in the crowd of shadows. Then he notices Quenly, and his onyx eyes widen and he starts to sing in a lovely but wistful baritone.

♫ Oh I come from a plane
Of the great earth domain
The fabled Opaline Vault
Where tourists come to gawk
As we glide through the rock
Never heard of it? That’s your fault!

Thuvian nights
Strapped to our slabs
Death came to call
Brought plague to us all
Trapped in her labs ♫

Source: “Arabian Nights” from Aladdin

A shadow family passes in front of you, the mother and father holding hands while their children play a skipping game. The man watches them, shaking his head. “It is sad to look upon them, is it not? They are so happy here, as I once was, not knowing that she was coming.” The gemlike eyes study you, still looking surprised at the elf’s sudden appearance in this place.

“But, where are my manners?” One hand raises up in greeting. “An elf! Who would think to see one here? It’s been so long since anyone has entered here. My name is Marouf, and I am a Shaitan. That witch found me interesting, hoping to figure out a way to spread the plague to my beloved earthen plane! She is a madwoman, and she trapped my mind within this place. You should be careful or she’ll find you too. Are you here to free me? But no, that wouldn’t make sense… why are you here?” There’s a hint of desperation to him, and he seems to hesitate at reaching out to grasp hold of you. Like he’s not certain you’re real or if you’ll flee and leave him alone here again. “Perhaps I could help if you could find a way to end this place and free from this eternal solitude? I have been here for weeks, I think. There are so many doors! Why, I could show you all the best ones!”

Greetings, Marouf of the plane of Earth. I am called Quenly. I am come from the future. I am not a shade. Although, this place is most fascinating. It bears some passing similarities to the Void. Mayhap there is a link of some sort.

Others may follow me here presently. They are my friends and allies. We come seeking knowledge, knowledge of the one who trapped you here, that we may finally defeat her. Perhaps we can help each other. Do you know ought of the Jeweled Sages?

Massouf jumps, startled, at the telepathic speech. He glances around, suddenly wary, then recovers himself when he notices the dragon. “Oh, pardon, Quenly!” He kneels down to speak with the dragon. “I did not see you there! Are the other friends who are coming dragons like you?”

He stands back up again, brushing sand from his trousers. “And you, fine elf, what is your name? You’ve been so silent. Have I offended?”

“I’m not sure what you mean about Jeweled Sages, but if they’re anything like the witch who put me here, I want nothing to do with them.” He shudders, looking at the dragon with sad onyx eyes. “She had an unhealthy interest in jewels and even plucked out my eyes to experiment to see if they had special properties.”

I am the elf, noble Marouf. The dragon is a thing of elf-magic. I speak through it. Since the gods chose me as their vessel I hear no voices but theirs. But the dragon touches my mind directly, and hence I understand.

My friends are scholars and warriors, as am I. We are affiliated with the Jeweled Sages, and are enemies of the witch who took your eyes. You appear to have regrown them. Is that a property of this place?

“Ah, that’s what’s happening here,” Marouf says, nodding in sudden understanding. He grins, raising a single rocky brow. “Have you not figured out what this place is? This is a place of memory and the mind. I can remember my sight and my eyes. Can you remember your ears, Quenly?” He points to the elf’s ears. “Here you can hear through them, because deafness or blindness does not really matter, only the mind. Think. What language am I speaking now? What language do you think that I hear you in?”

Quenly thinks. And he hears.

"I assumed it was merely a function of my creation's telepathy. Or of my ring. But they only translate words. I hear wind! I hear you brushing sand off yourself! You are right! I remember hearing the world around me, when i was younger. And now, though the gods are still speaking to me, they no longer drown out everything else! Thankyou Marouf!"

“And you also get to hear Eadie Navhelan! Just how lucky are you, Quenly?”

The warrior steps into this new existence -- seemingly from nowhere -- with her cold iron falchion balanced casually on one shoulder.

“Who’s your friend?” Eadie asks bluntly. “Can he help us with our quest?”

Once brought up to speed … though it’s a crawl rather than a sprint for Eadie, she asks "If this is a place of memory and mind, could I run into my Aunt Alix here? Or a fallen adventuring companion named Brother Grimdoc of Kravenkus?"

"You see ... I never got the chance to say goodbye to either of them.”

She looks on the verge of either anger or tears. “And would they be real? I mean … I’m not interested in cheap parlor tricks or mind games. If they’re not real – I’d rather NOT disrespect their memories.”

Marouf bites his lip. “They are not here,” he finally says. “And it is a good thing.”

He gestures around at Resa. “Every thing that you meet here or experience is but a memory. These shadows are people that I watched and met. As for the clearer memories...” he gestures at the doors, “..the witch liked record keeping. One thing you should know is that every memory you find — all of us — were extracted and cataloged by the same mad woman. If you found your friends here, in all likelihood they would have arrived here after being experimented upon and murdered. Though it is possible that I am still alive, part of me doubts that this is so. If I am still alive, what state am I in, and for what purpose? Perhaps the witch has turned me into a living time bomb, intending to deliver my plagued body to my homeland and my people.”

Marouf looks anguished at the thought. “Really, all things considered, I hope that div put a knife in me. It would have been a kind, quick death.”

Before Entering the Mindscape.

Ariana laughs, and grabs the other arm and leg lifting Fendel off of the floor. "Come on you are much smarter than me. You are needed inside." She'll laugh again and put him down.

Inside the Mindscape
"Tell us about the div please." Ariana asks as she steps into existance. "We were hoping he was here with you. She said she stole his mind."

Dunia hangs back while the others speak with Marouf, confirming that the shaitan speaks the truth, and that they are not awash in a sea of ghosts.

Once her suspicions are assuaged, she relaxes and looks around, carefully making notes about her surroundings, though she stops when Eadie makes her request, a strange expression on her face.

All things considered, I'm glad we won't be dropped into some memories.

What should we expect to see behind de doors?

“About the div?” There is a pause, and an intake of breath. “Why would you ever want to find him?” The jeweled gaze bores in to Ariana. “He’s a div! Distrustworthy and out to destroy things! Not even the witch trusted him!” Then his shoulders slump as he looks at Quenly’s dragon. “Remember how I jumped when you talked to me? I thought that you were him!” he looks around, agitated, as if seeking a hidden tormentor. “Kabede got into my head, mind-to-mind! If he is lost, good riddance!”

“If you want the witch dead, could you tell us something to help us destroy her?”

“Kabede got into my head, mind-to-mind!”

“The Div are full of tricks and lies say the Scarab Scholars.”

Eadie draws a vial of bless weapon. “Those onyx’s you wear as false-eyes are pretty, Mister Marouf.”

“If you can see here without your eyes, may I take a look at them, please?”

Dunia's eyes go flat as she nods, Tricks an' lies... Why is it you on a first-name basis wit' de Div, Marouf? She says the shaitan's name with a particularly sarcastic twist.

Quenly's dragon communicates telepathically to the party only: You think Marouf here might actually be Kabede? Why? He has already helped me to hear. Surely he is a victim of Black Moon; a former Jistkan genie servant, captured and experimented upon. What reason is there to doubt him?

In the Memory Extraction Chamber

Torch turns to Fendel and Rufeo. “If you two want to go into this Resa of the past, I can watch the controls for you. Go, be with your team. I will watch the controls, I promise you.”

He gestures to the center of the room, offering the opportunity.

★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★

In the Mindscape

“You want my eyes?!” Marouf turns to Eadie. “The eyes that the witch strove to take from me? Why? If we are working together to destroy the witch, why would you want this?” But that does not agitate him as much as Dunia’s question. “Of course I knew Kabede’s name. He tormented me on a regular basis, watching my decline. He liked to believe that he was my warden and keeper, when in reality, he was as much a prisoner as I was.”

Marouf closes his eyes, clenching and unclenching his fists as he remembers. “Even blind, I could see that, and I told him so. I told him stories of the Opaline Vault, but not finishing them, so he kept coming back for more, a different part of the story each night. I felt like Scheherazade, bargaining with bits of story and lore. Perhaps in a way, I got into his head too.”

Looking up at Torch, "No I am fine in the real world." He then goes over to where Fendel is. "Fendel, go ahead and go. I know you brainy types like to mettle with minds and history and all the other weird stuff that goes with it. I will keep watch out here with Torch...if needed, I can always some on Ki'lala."

"I must apologise on behalf of my fellows, noble Marouf. We know how deceptive the divs can be, and know also the atrocities committed by the witch. We are all on our guard, and tensions run high. We have just come from a battle against the witch's undead slaves.

Ah, how curious it is to hear voices again!"

If memory is enough, perhaps if I had a Sage Jewel of my own I could use it to hear in some fashion. It could store the memory of sound...

An' so you'd be able to finish de stories 'bout de Opaline Vault, since you ain' de Div. Dunia's voice remains laden with sarcasm.

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 Trying to recall any specific tells or tests that could be helpful in unmasking a div.

"Eadie here is just curious whether your onyx eyes have any special significance because we know that gemstones can be used as repositories for memories and for spirits."

“Just so.”

Eadie gives a curt nod. “You can put my mind to rest by giving us a practical suggestion on how to defeat the witch, Master Marouf.”

“Though it is possible that I am still alive, part of me doubts that this is so.”

She returns to the philosophical in an attempt to smooth any hard feelings. “You indicated you’re not even sure if you’re alive or dead. If we were to find out – would you want us to tell you?”

Ariana stands back and watches the interactions going on between her fellow pathfinders and the elemental being.

Interesting development. Could it be the div? That makes sense, but is it true? She tries to get a sense of the area around the group.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 20 + (5) = 27
Well, it seem Torch is on the up and up on this. With a nod to the two staying behind, Fendel steps into the gate.

Perception: 1d20 + 30 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 30 + (1) = 36
This is well and truly fascinating. Constructed from the memory of an individual, or from a conglomeration of entire villages? Seemingly uninterested in the conversation between the others, the detective checks his own gear. He withdraws his Wayfinder and begins to seek out magical auras. It should be all or nothing I would think. Why are they talking about eyes?

Marouf is looking more and more agitated. When Eadie asks him how to defeat the witch he cries out, “I don’t know! If I knew, wouldn’t you think I would have used it if I could?”

Her voice still dripping with sarcasm, Dunia presses on; she holds up her had, fingers spread wide, Marouf, how many fingers on my hand?

“Two!” Marouf shouts, unable to help himself. Sweat beads down his forehead and he’s shaking. “No, ONE! Three! Aaaaagh! My mother never taught me to COUNT!”

To the party only, Quenly communicates via the dragon's telepathy: Oh! Oh, well done Dunia. Well caught. But what shall we do with him, this shade of Kabede? Would fighting him here be any use at all? Can we turn this knowledge to advantage and force his cooperation perhaps?

“Aaaaagh! My mother never taught me to COUNT!”

“Mine didn’t either. But I can still tell you the number of fingers on my hand.”

Eadie reconsiders this bold statement. “Two times outa three, anyways.”

The warrior is very confused by Dunia’s actions and Quenly’s telepathic musings.

She readies her blade. Does someone want to think me what the heck is going on??

Again, communicating only to the pathfinders: Eadie, don't do anything rash. It still might be in our best interests to talk. But I believe that Dunia has just shown us that Marouf is in fact the Div Kabede. There is no reason why a shaitan could not count. Am I right, Dunia?

GM, does Quenly's Deathwatch spell reveal anything?

With a grim smile, Dunia confirms, Ain' much to a div but lies'n deceit. So it ain' easy for 'em to tell de truth, even when that'd help 'em.

Marouf, gem eyes popping, glances at Eadie’s raised sword and then shouts at Dunia. “You’ve ruined EVERYTHING! I could have been HIM!!”

He vanishes in a puff of incense-laden smoke, leaving the nine semi-open doors behind him.

Okay, everyone, it’s time to pick a door, 1-9. Any door will do, though some are dangerous. If you peek, you’ve opened the door. If you can’t decide, feel free to roll it. Let me know who’s going where. Splitting the party is fine.