As some of the most powerful adventurers in the inner sea region, each of you is highly sought by organizations of all types, for tasks both good and ill.
And normally you would have scoffed at a request for services from the Aspis Consortium! But this official Aspis letter was signed by the young assistant of an old friend of yours, Professor Von Lunershine. The girl's name, you vaguely recall, is Charlotte "Nixie" Blackwell. In the flickering firelight of the Tavern you read this letter again now...
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**official Aspis Consortium Correspondance**
**Security Level: Classified**
Dearest beloved friend of my former patron, Professor Von Lunershine,
Forgive the shortness of my explanation. I am in need of your help! The Aspis Consortium has come upon what they are calling an archeological wonder in the wilderness. Something of Azlanti origin. As you are aware, the Professor is an expert on all things pertaining to "Somal", Golarian's bright and beautiful moon. So when the Consortium approached him claiming their discovery pertained to Somal, the good professor left Absolom to join the dig. But three weeks ago all reports back from the dig site ceased. The Consortium sent three gold agents to check in on the site, but they too have vanished. Rumors in the local town of Avelonia claim they saw our gold agents with, in their words "a women more beautiful than nature intended" just before the agents dissapeared.
The Aspis Consortium has no more resources available for this task. But the dig site is too valuable to be left without investigating. If you are willing to help me, as you helped me and the professor so many years ago, please meet me thee weeks hence at 11pm at the Dancing Lancer Tavern in Avelonia, and I will accompany you to the dig.
Love, your loyal friend,
Charlotte "Nixie" Blackwell
You look up at the clock above the fireplace. 10:45pm. Plenty of time for another drink.
Having reread his letter, Sandin folds it back up and places it back in his pocket. He checks the time once more, contemplating what could possibly be this important. He finishes off the rest of his Brut and sighs. He looks over to his friend, Simwyn. Raises his eyebrows and nods his head. He pulls out a pocketbook, and jots down the names of those who have introduced themselves.
Valena reexamined the letter she had received. Pulling it out and opening it, a card fell out. Embarassed she had left a card out of the deck, she quickly scooped it up. The Midwife, she saw it read as she replaced the card into the deck. Her eyes danced across the letter once more, the phrase "a women more beautiful than nature intended" gave her pause, filling her with a sense of foreboding.
The end of the letter also concerned her, but not with the same kind of dread. "Avelonia," she said slowly. Geography had never been something that interested her. "I don't suppose any of you know where that is?" she asked a bit louder, turning to the others in the room.
Also casting greater false life while I have the chance.
Vidar took a moment to read the letter and looked back at the people sitting at the table. Chugging a mug of ale, with the usual grin on his face.
"Hmmm, don't know the details but there is definitely going to be some action."
Valena wrinkles her nose and raises an eyebrow at the woman's comment. "Wha-" she begins. Comprehension dawns on her face as she realizes what the woman was thinking. Valena smiles and laughs, Ohhh, no I didn't come up with that from the Harrow, I'm good but I'm not that good!"
She waved a dismissive hand, then stopped in mid-gesture, "Well, actually I am. I probably could figure it out with a divination, that's not a bad idea actually." She snapped out of her little reverie suddenly remembering she was in the company of other people. "uh, that is unless someone here can illuminate the situation on their own?" she interjected, hoping she hadn't come across as rude.
At the Dancing Lancer Tavern there stood a tall whip thin elf of dignified mien next to the fireplace; the warmth there was drying what remained of the dampness from his cloak.
Duke Elros waited with one hand clasped behind his back, the other held a wineglass. He turned to face the room, idly thinking of the letter and the upcoming meeting. Curious that the Aspis Consortium would be involved; said organization had a somewhat... unsavory reputation.
His eyes had idly skipped over the red haired woman at the table for some time until it finally dawned on him who she was. Lady d'Apcher, society dame of Absalom and special agent of the Pathfinder Society!
Why on earth would she be here? But he had traveled all over Avistan on missions against the forces of darkness for many years, and he no longer believed in coincidences.
Focusing his perceptions more sharply, he reexamined the other patrons present. And... yes. Half the patrons present were some of the most accomplished at magic and combat in the known world.
The Dhampir Necromancer there, the Dwarven Evangelist there, the most famous big game hunter there...
Were they all here for the same thing? He wondered.
Almost to late the door opens and a dwarf walks in. Holding himself erect with a long spear, he slowly walks inside. Only dressed in white robes, with the holy symbol of Iomedea and the symbol of the silver crusade prominently seen on the robe he searches the room. A little owl sitting on his shoulder looks around, emancipating a serene calmness. Identifying the the other people he was meant to meet by their magical auras he walks to the elf and nods to him. "You were also called by this bunch of misfits and double crossers?"
Having a number of questions, he decided to just ask and see what happened.
He stepped up to the red haired lady and bowed.
"I beg your pardon madame, but I thought I had recognized you. Would you be the famous Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher, of the Imperial Opera?"
To Knut:
He looked at Knute with surprise.
"So; were you also sent a letter by someone you trusted, asking to meet here at this tavern, and at this time?"
He nodded sagely.
"Yes indeed I was sent the same message. As for the rest, only time will tell. Would you like some wine? This red is very nice."
Lady Gabrielle, how have you been? Sandin says in a warm regal tone. It has been what a couple of years, we simply must keep better in touch. Do you have any insight into this Somol matter?
@Elros "Nay, Lad, I take a Mug of Strongstout. And if I remember who asked me to come here, with a shot!"
A quick look of realization flashes for a second across the face of the tiny genie, recognizing one of the most learned men on the material plane. He floats over to the Dwarf and Elf before introducing himself.
In a somewhat airy tone, It is a pleasure to be in such esteemed company, I am Simwyn, research assistant to Mr. Graysmire.
Each zhyen appears as a miniature djinni from the waist up, broadly muscular and attractive. Beneath the waist, the zhyen has no form at all, instead dissipating into a “tail” of the genie’s favored element: a wisp of mist for air, a flowing wave for water, a trail of flame for fire, or a seemingly endless shower of stone for earth. This appearance is reflected in the skin tone of the zhyen as well, but has no influence on the genie’s powers or abilities.
Sandin's knowledge geography check: you know you are at the edge of the Mindspin Mountains in the wilderness nation of Nirmathas. Avelonia is a junction town between Skelt and a dormant volcanoe which you know is called "the Growling Skald".
Sandin will turn to Valena and reply, We are at the edge of the Mindspin Mountains in the wilderness nation of Nirmathas. The town of Avelonia is nestled between Skelt and a dormant volcano called the Growling Skald.
When he has a moment he will walk over to Knut and place two scrolls of Harm in his hands. As I am sure you know, my soul is powered by different energy than most. If I am in a dire situation I request that you use one of these on me.
"My dear Simwyn, you may ask your master and the lady to join our table!" With a little wave of his hand and a smile Knut dismisses the familiar and returns to Elros chatting about his last trials and quests. He will admit, that he hasn´t been adventuring lately as his duties for the silver crusade has prevented any greater journeys. That he wouldn´t be here if it hadn´t been a question of honor.
Vidar looked at the group of colorful people assembled around here. The task must definitely quite dangerous. They were not like the amateur adventurers out there. Chugging down again some ale, the big game hunter smiled at the elf approaching their table.
"The Growling Skald heh? So when are we heading out?"
Joining the table Sandin replies, I assume soon, it is nearing the appointed hour. Looking up at the clock he wonders to himself, I hope she is not late.
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To Elros:
"You have identified me correctly, sir," she replies, her pleasant tone turning more playful as she continues. "Might I ask what it was that betrayed my identity? It has been too long since I have taken the stage, and I wondered if I was fading into oblivion."
To Sandin:
"Sandin Graysmire, it certainly has been some time. Since that little incident at the Chelish Embassy, I believe?" she greets him, referring to some adventure in the brief period in which their paths crossed. "I know that there are plenty of superstitions associated with the moon, and it is likely that plenty of moon worshippers have existed over time."
Grabbing his mug and taking a big draught, Knut puts it down and wipes his long beard. "My dear Lady Gabrielle, you are surrounded by people who made it a habit to know who is who. It helps to stay alive. Even I, who has been hard at work at the worldwound for the last 50 years, have heard of you. Mind you chelich opera is for my ears as if you suck a a cats tail and then suddenly bite hard on it, nothing personal of course, but you had once a sterling reputation. Also your not so common knowledge of interesting skills. But that is your ... personal intrest."
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The Lady adjusts her glasses in order to look over to the dwarf. "The Worldwound? That is a rather surprising place to have any reputation at all. Even a strange one. I find myself wondering, just what is my accepted appearance in the gossip of Mendev?"
With a smile Knut replies."My dear lady. Some people seek Knowledge... seek secrets. Wisdom ... seeks me!
Sandin's Knowledge checks...
You know that the moon is tidally locked with Golarion, making it's days and nights each about a month long. It will surely be a steamy place by day and a chiller by night.
Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
You know one cannot travel there with teleportation magic, which does not work between planets. So you assume the moon is uncharted.
Knowledge Planes: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (7) + 29 = 36
You know the zarkonian azimuth lines of the Abyss intersect the moon, but no one knows why.
A young women enters the Tavern dressed in Varisian red velvet. Her eyes light up as she recognizes each of you from some low level adventures years ago...
Map updated
"Nixie... as always a pleasure to meet you. You are as always a promise for interesting times!" With a toast he bottoms up.
Prompt as usual Sandin thinks to himself. If nothing else at least the company will be interesting.
Simwyn, are you ready? I believe I am. We did not forget anything did we? Ah yes, I nearly forgot, the moon is either very hot or very cold. We should be prepared for either case. Simwyn see if the bartender has some Auroch's Breath, excellent beverage that can help with the heat.
Price 1 gp/pint
This bitter stout bears a flavor that hints of auroch meat, and helps hardworking dwarven craftsmen endure long hours at the forge by lessening the sting of ambient heat. Drinking a pint gives you the benefit of an endure elements spell for 1 hour, though only against warmth and heat, not cold.
And see about fetching me a wand of endure elements as well. Could make life more comfortable for us.
Knute knows everything from Sandin's knowledge check above.
Simwyn:
Elros bows gracefully to the tiny elementalkin.
"I am honored to make your acquaintance Master Simwyn. Will you be joining us as well?" He replied curiously.
Responding to Knut's conversation; Elros replied that his missions took him away from the tumult of the worldwound frequently, as fiendish forces used it as a convenient distraction from their own activites.
Gabrielle:
"I have noble friends in Oppara who introduced me to the Theatrical productions there madame. You stood out then as you stand out here, a blazing light amongst a field of fireflies."
Nixie:
Elros looks sternly down on Nixie from his height advantage.
"Nixie, slow down young lady. I would really like to know more about this expedition you proposed. Your message was frustratingly short on specifics."
@ Elros Of Course, I would not miss this opportunity for the world. I have a thirst for knowledge, this should turn out to be quite the adventure. Getting a little quieter, Plus I need to make sure Sandin stays out of trouble
"Take much more than that to get me drunk. Good, straight to business then, alright now I'm kind of curious how we are getting there. A little bit of cold, shouldn't be too bad. Either way I'm ready." As Vidar chugged down another mug.
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Elros: "I am pleasantly surprised to have acquired an admirer from so far away. Once this business in concluded, we will have to return to the city and see what the season will be bringing. I find myself missing it now more than ever."
Nixie: "Charlotte, it is a joy to see you once again, but could you tell us more about the purpose of this expedition?" she asks. "I would prefer not to return to the evening's weather prematurely."
When asked to give some details Nixie sits down at the table, pulls out a slim cigarette and looks around nervously.
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Three weeks ago the volcano rumbled. There was an earthquake. No damage was done here in town, but up on the mountain, just below tree line, an ancient Azlanti structure was exposed. A large vertical ring, like a portal mabe, sculpted with motifs that we know to represent Somal. We still don't know what it is for sure. Aspis has always had an interest in Azlanti sites wherever they are found on Golarion. We sent a team to investigate, led by our beloved Professor. A few days ago we received word back: when Somal reached it's zenith at the fall equinox, this "portal" sputtered to life! There was great excitement. But then all communication from the site ended.
Nixie looks out the dark window at the warm rain outside.
And since then it seems that anyone we send up there just...disappears. Including the professor. There are whispers at Aspis about what they might have found. Just guesses. Based on what we know of Azlanti attempts to terraform Somal.
Nixie looks at Knut. Do you know what Terraforming is, das Auge?
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I fear what the Azlanti were doing to make the place more habitable, may have caused some type of coterminality with the Abyss.
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Nixie tries to hide her surprise at your accurate assessments. Then she lowers her voice. Well, the official mission here is to retrieve the consortium's lost peeps and protect the dig site. More than that is considered top secret...But I'll tell you what I know. She leans in and whispers in Gabrielle's ear, though you can all hear: Dominax Annuli!