I actually have quite a good deal of experience in souls and gems. And quite regularly use such magic. Has anyone tried to draw her soul out using a spell like magic jar? Once her soul is in the new receptical destroy the focus and then dismiss the spell? Or are we worried about what her soul might do if released?
Both Amenophus and Tahonikepsu look incredibly startled when Mr. Madison brings up this line of reasoning. The Sapphire Sage manages to recollect his wits first. "Why, yes, that was actually a significant basis for the ritual I had devised. Though it relies more heavily upon Ysuran's Principle of Empathetic Resonance to generate a sympathetic effect at a place of significant egotistical import-" Tahonikepsu clears her throat loudly to bring Amenophus back out of his theoretical musings. "There are some similarities, yes. This process should not damage the sage jewels if done properly. We can discuss the details of the ritual more indepth later if needed," she says with an amused twinkle now in her eye.
"If these sage jewels are tinged with evil, ye'd best weigh their value in doin' good against the darkness they might unleash. Might be that destroyin' them be the only thing te do."
The twinkle in Tahonikepsu's eyes vanish, and a disapproving frown now graces her visage. "Amenophus suggested that Tahari's influence could be intrinsic to the sage jewels and that we should consider destroying them as well if the ritual fails. We are nowhere near considering such an option."
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Barnaby looks somwhat sheepishly at Tahonikepsu as the others speak. Great, good start to get Her mad. And she's probably one of the only things who might be able to clear this thing.
Just a last resort, obviously. He agrees with the now frowning woman/dragon. But so we can be prepared to make sure it doesn't come to that. Amenopeus said something about control. Has she seemed to even come close to that yet? And who's going to be part of this? Just us here and you?
Also GM, could Barnaby attempt a Know Planes check to see what he recalls about divs? Specifically if there's anything he should be aware of as to how, generally, to slay them (typically have DR?, Spell resistance?, etc)
But so we can be prepared to make sure it doesn't come to that. Amenopeus said something about control. Has she seemed to even come close to that yet?
The sages glance at each other, and Amenophus finally speaks. "The spirit of each jewel offers its bearer wisdom and knowledge from the past, but a second voice whispers and drives darker impulses. A thoughtless action or response could nudge one towards more ruthless methods. So far, the urges are easily quashed, but they have grown more insistent as of late."
And who's going to be part of this? Just us here and you?
Tahonikepsu nods at this question. "We will be gathering the majority of our order at Resa. Dhiara and Sinuhotep, the Topaz and Amethyst Sages, will be meeting us at a base camp at the mid-point of our journey to the village. Padrym and the spirits of the Spinel and shattered Ruby sage jewels will also be assisting our efforts. There is another..." She pauses, passing a significant look to Amenophus. He looks hesitant and almost squirms slightly under her unflinching draconic gaze. With a sigh, he pulls a scroll from his robes; sealed with a purple wax stamp that bears a stylized swirl of smoke flame.
"Grandmaster Torch, through disreputable means, now bears the Emerald sage jewel. He has...requested...the opportunity to contribute to our expedition in person and purify his jewel. He is untrustworthy, but allowing the gem to corrupt him holds its own dangers. He was an ally once; perhaps he could be again." Amenophus looks at each of the gathered party members directly for a response. "As Pathfinders, you may know him best. Should we invite him to join our expedition?"
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Never met the man, but he's not exactly got the best rep in town. Barnaby muses.
However, if it's like you say - that the gems may be getting corrupted - then not cleansing his jewel too could just mean further trouble down the line. I'd say bring him. He causes torubel, it's still ten on one.
The half-elf turns away from the sages towards Diya. Taking a step towards the Venture-Captain, he whispers Ms. Akan, I was wondering if I could have one of your assistants head to the lodge's archive and pull out a few things for me. Send this missive to Ms. Dralneen in Absalom, he hands her a smalls sheet of paper. And your supplies should be restocked promptly
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Radek shrugs when Tahonikepsu turns angry at his remark. Perhaps his warning will be remembered when and if the time comes. Or not, it makes little difference to the dwarf. When Grandmaster Torch is mentioned, he scowls, but growls. "I have met Torch a few times. He is a scoundrel an' can't be trusted half as far as I could throw 'im. But I think if we keep a close eye on 'im, he could be useful. Also, if yer idea works an' the darkness can be driven from the gem, Torch might not be influenced further by the evil. An' if yer plan don't work... " The dwarf shrugs again. "If'n Torch falls entirely under the influence of the evil gem, I be thinkin' he'd be the ideal experiment. His heart is nearly black already. If we be forced te kill 'im, better that than another Pathfinder more pure o' heart that falls te one of these gems."
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See, master dwarf, you are incorrect on one count. Torch can be trusted quite far, trusted to act in his best interest, as he sees it. The key is understanding his understanding of his interests. Turning back to the sages, If you would be more comfortable, I can take measures to ensure that he does not betray us.
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Radek gives the well-dressed man the stink eye. "Same can be said of anything, Mr. Madison. Whether it be a demon in the lowest layer of the Abyss or an information broker lookin' te make a profit. I'll not trust either one, no matter it's 'interests', as ye say - e'en though I can probably toss tha' Torch character a fair ways. Can't be said o' most demons. Well, mebee the smaller ones. Ha!"
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Demons I would never trust. They are prone to acting randomly, even against their best interests, often just to cause misery, pain and suffering. Torch is methodical and his actions follow some deep logic. A man does not create deep and winding plans just to blow them up in a bout of random chaos. A person wise like yourself can discern the difference. We may not like it, but think about it.
Seeing a general consensus towards including Torch, Amenophus unseals the scroll and jots a short response on the parchment with a quill. The scroll flares with a green fire and vanishes after the Sage finishes. Tahonikepsu nods in approval as she moves from the table.
"Make what preparations you need to, we leave at first light tomorrow. Please meet me here in the morning at the pavilion, and we will travel to Resa," says Tahonikepsu. She and Amenophus depart for further preparations and discussions. Diya nods in response to Barnaby's requests and handles the requisitions appropriately. The Venture-Captain shows the group to their quarters for the evening.
In the morning, the rays from the dawning sun wash over the Agents as they gather in the pavilion once more. Amenophus awaits the group, but accompanying him now is a huge violet dragon that looks to the skys in anticipation. The dragon's gazes falls upon the group, and a deep feminine voice telepathically sounds in their minds. "I am able to provide a ride to those who wish it," says Tahonikepsu in her natural form as she shows several riding harnesses that have been rigged up on her back. "Otherwise, Amenophus has several maps to the base camp if you need them; we will meet up there if you travel on foot."
Tahonikepsu Dragon Form Image Link
For those that choose to join Tahonikepsu, she takes off into the air shortly after all passengers have boarded. Surprisingly, she took no precautions to hide her appearance; Merab's citizens shout and point in awe as the huge dragon soars through the sky above the city. The dragon lauches upwards, soaring until the curvature of the world is visible and then coasts down towards a long stretch of desert south of the Thuvian coast. A small encampment comes into view, in which two individuals can be spotted moving about the camp. A dark-skinned elf waves at the approaching dragon, while a robed white-haired humanoid observes passively. After unloading any passengers, Tahonikepsu's form blurs and shifts back to her humanoid form; she and Amenophus join Dhiara and Sinuhotep to discuss their plans.
A modest lunch is served in the afternoon as a male human comes flying through the sky towards the encampment on a magic carpet. Wrapped in concealing robes against the sand and wind, the figure unlayers a bit to reveal Grandmaster Torch as he greets the gathered Sages. His eyes seem to glint with a green hue now in the glaring light of the desert, as the sun illuminates the numerous burns and scars on his face. "Pathfinders," Torch says with a slight incline of his head in greeting to those gathered. He shoulders a deceptively light backpack and a slight smirk graces his singed visage. "I am rather...well-provisioned...at the moment. Should you find yourselves needing anything in particular during our journey, let me know. Free of charge, of course; consider it a gesture of my...goodwill."
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Cassandra will thank Tahonikepsu for the unique and exhilarating experience of traveling by dragon.
"Grandmaster Torch, Cassandra bows slightly, thank you for your generous offer. I wonder, do you possess 2 scrolls of Breath of Life in your exceptional pack? I would hate to lose a companion if such precautions are available."
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"Hmph. Either way, ye expect me te ride on somethin' rather than te use me own legs? Garr... Folk today always in a hurry te get here an' there, never stoppin' te just enjoy the view. Well, if'n me choice is between a smelly, spittin' animal with a great big hairy hump or a flyin' lizard, I guess I'll take the quicker trip. The dragon it be, then."
In truth, though he would never admit it openly, Radek is quite excited by the prospect of flying upon the dragon - once he checks the harness himself to make sure he'll be secure on its back. Perhaps if one or another of his companions glances at the dwarf during their flight, they'll catch a huge grin on his weathered face as he sees the lands of Golarion from an entirely new perspective. Radek picks out landmarks here and there that he recognizes from previous expeditions in the nearby area, and all too soon the flight is over.
Keeping up appearances, the dwarf grumbles and curses as he disembarks, complaining in Common laced with several choice curses in Dwarvish about stomach sickness from all the unexpected dips and banks, the harsh winds that batted at his eyes, how he likely swallowed either a large bug or a small bird up there...
When Torch makes his appearance, Radek scowls in the scarred human's direction and gives a brief, if grudging nod - though he says nothing.
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Barnaby will gladly accept Tahonikepsu's offer. As the dragon soars above, the half-elf clutches tight even as he tries to yell over the wind.
When they eventually land, he looks at the two other sages. Eyeing the lich with a wary eye, he introduces himself. Barnaby Rockford. Hope you don't mind skipping the handshake, given the circumstances. But looks like I'm helping you with you me little problem. You are the Amerhyst Sage I take it,[/b ]Barnaby speaks in ancient Ositriani to the undead, giving a nod of the head. [b]and that would make you Dhiara. The folk at Tar Kuata still think the world of you. I see you decided to take up A on his offer?
In truth, though he would never admit it openly, Radek is quite excited by the prospect of flying upon the dragon - once he checks the harness himself to make sure he'll be secure on its back. Perhaps if one or another of his companions glances at the dwarf during their flight, they'll catch a huge grin on his weathered face as he sees the lands of Golarion from an entirely new perspective. Radek picks out landmarks here and there that he recognizes from previous expeditions in the nearby area, and all too soon the flight is over.
Tahonikepsu seems to pick up on this, and includes several loops and barrel rolls in the sky throughout the journey; much to the dismay of Amenophus, who gives the dragon very dirty looks after the group approaches the encampment. "Dragons!" he mutters as he debarks with rather wobbly legs. This is returned by a very smug, sly half-smile from Tahonikepsu; the kind that only a dragon can truely master.
"Grandmaster Torch", Cassandra bows slightly, "thank you for your generous offer. I wonder, do you possess 2 scrolls of Breath of Life in your exceptional pack? I would hate to lose a companion if such precautions are available."
Hold on, Mr Torch, we don’t want to use all your generosity at once. Mr. Madison says with a grin.
When Torch makes his appearance, Radek scowls in the scarred human's direction and gives a brief, if grudging nod - though he says nothing.
Torch nods graciously towards Cassandra and Mr. Madison, "Aye, I think I might have one of those somewhere. Let me know if you need something." He gives the dwarf a big smile, causing his face as it stretches to show his burns even more brazenly. "Pleasure," Torch says pointedly to Radek and turns to join the Sages in their discussions.
Eyeing the lich with a wary eye, he introduces himself. Barnaby Rockford. Hope you don't mind skipping the handshake, given the circumstances. But looks like I'm helping you with you me little problem. You are the Amerhyst Sage I take it. ]Barnaby speaks in ancient Ositriani to the undead, giving a nod of the head
Sinuhotep gazes upon Barnaby, his eye sockets burning slightly with purple-tinged points of flame.
The lich lifts a white-haired eyebrow, actually appearing to show an impressed demeanor towards the detective. "It appears that we will be in good hands," Sinuhotep says with a slight smile. "I am pleased to meet another practitioner of my craft. Speak with me during our journey to Resa, there is much that I can share with you."
-and that would make you Dhiara. The folk at Tar Kuata still think the world of you. I see you decided to take up A on his offer?
The elf performs an elaborate bow towards Barnaby, the style reflecting her martial background. "Ah, Barnaby. Aeotsep had written about you in his letters. It is good to finally meet you." Dhiara looks at the detective and the gathered Pathfinders joining the Sages pensively. "Indeed, I took up the Topaz sage jewel. It is my hope that I can do much good with the knowledge that I may learn from it. Nevertheless, you and your friends can rely upon my strength in the upcoming struggles."
Several hours later, the gathered Sages and Pathfinders break down camp and continue by foot towards Resa. Tahonikepsu leads the way; with the other Sages trailing behind or amidst the other Agents, most lost in thought. Sinuhotep will happily engage Barnaby in conversation during the journey; the lich almost seeming to have a didactic library of information and ancient history in his mind to discuss with the detective.
As the group crests a dune, Tahonikepsu points out the village of Resa; now a flat stretch of desert, with a few scattered bricks being the only sign of civilization. The wind whips up as a feminine voice telepathically, in a different tone than Tahonikepsu's, announces "Home again at last." The ground shudders; then sand begins draining down unseen fissures and rising in plumes hundreds of feet high as buildings begin to emerge from the desert ahead. The Sages realize that their sage jewels are the source of this effect, and hurriedly attempt to suppress it as the voice continues. "Young, old, war hero, or coward; all served the Plague, and the Plague served me." In the village square that now surfaces from the sands, a basalt monolith suddenly looms amidst an avalanche of humanoid bones. "Living flesh may rebel, but the dead are ever so obedient." The bones twitch as a wave of unholy energy washes over the area. Sickly gray flame illuminates the bodies as the dead rise up.
Tahonikepsu cries out over the rumbling earth. "Pathfinders, that monolith empowers the dead. One of us will aid you in disabling it, while the others hold the creatures at bay!" The winds howl in response as spectral giants appear and disappear within the whirling sandstorm descending on the area.
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Radek squints his eyes against the blasting sands, but his grin is fierce as a wand drops into one hand, and he uses its magic upon himself before drawing his adamantine waraxe from its sheath. The small steel shield is, as always, already readied in his left hand. "Ha! Bring 'em on! I'll grant ye all the time ye need!" The dwarf shouts against the howling winds.
Any chance of identifying some of our foes before combat begins? Wasn't sure if we are getting any sort of idea of exactly what we're facing as they coalesce and move to engage us.
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Mr. Madison draws a tiny piece of metal from a pouch and with a small gesture and a few words it disappears and a low thrum is heard for a second until he reaches out and touches Radek ablative barrier.
This should absorb some of any blows you receive.
He then pulls out a dark root, And this everyone appreciates .
Will UMD work on the pillar as well? Mr. Madison is quite practiced at getting magical devices to do what he wants, even when he does not fully understand them.
I can't seem to be able to target my tokens to move them
Pre-Initiative
Radek: Uses a wand of protection from evil, possibly casting bless weapon
Mr. Madison: Ablative barrier, haste
harming the living and healing undead creatures in a 60 foot radius around the pillar. You may be able to anoint the pillar and perform a prayer to halt or even reverse the flow of negative energy.
Barnaby: Awaiting action
Psycho: Awaiting action
As the sandstorm intensifies, the Sages rush off to engage the other undead creatures lurking out of sight. Dhiara runs up to the group, shouting over the winds. "Do not worry, I will assist you in this fight!" Meanwhile, the gaggle of ghasts seems to have reached critical mass and is now orienting towards the group in a slobbering horde.
Initiative, Round 1:
Mr.Madison
Horde of Ghasts
Dhiara (Controlled by Psycho)
Psycho
Barnaby
Radek
Cassandra
Something Ominous
Jing
Something Even More Ominous
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, If you see a ghast messing with the pillar, don’t attack it. It is me.
Mr. Madison drops a small diamond in the sand, then walks ten feet away.
With a slight motion a sphere of force surrounds Mr Maddison.
He then looks at the diamond outside the sphere, and with a word and a flick falls over dead.
The horde of ghasts swarms through a gap in the broken wall to the left of it; pouring over Jing, Tiny, and Dhiara in a massive pile of clawing bodies. Tiny and Dhiara make attacks at the ghasts as they go by, cleaving several undead in twain and punching holes in their skulls; even Jing manages to stab one with his dagger if it is out. They still proceed to bite and claw at the individuals they swarmed over, as well as lashing out at Radek nearby. Jing, Tiny, and Radek abruptly stiffen as they are wounded by the ghasts; their bodies apparently frozen in place. They flail at the dangling feet of Psycho and Barnaby, the two of them just out of their reach.
Initiative: Round 1
Mr.Madison
Horde of Ghasts (-26 damage, moved to encompass E5 to H8)
Dhiara (Controlled by Psycho)
Psycho
Barnaby
Radek (-5 damage, paralyzed x 5 rounds)
Cassandra
Something Ominous
Jing (-5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds, Tiny -5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds)
Something Even More Ominous
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Even as Radek's limbs lock up as he is injured by the ghasts, the talisman on the dwarf's necklace snaps, and suddenly he is able to move! At least for a few critical moments...
Radek swings his axe and slams his shield with terrific force at the swarming undead, then quickly scrambles away, trying to get of their reach.
Lesser Talisman of Freedom snaps, granting Freedom of Movement for 3 rounds. For this round, Radek will utilize two-weapon fighting and take a full attack action:
vs AC
bludgeoning
vs AC
bludgeoning
vs AC
slashing
Stats above include -3/+6 attack/damage for Power Attack; -2 to attack roll for axe in off-hand (shield is at no penalty, due to Shield Master feat) and half damage from STR and Power Attack for off-hand weapon.
Take a 5' step NW (on map), hopefully staying out of the swarm's reach next round (though probably not...)
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
"Barnaby hurry, you must see this!"
Psycho manages to manipulate some of the arcane energy within the monolith, causing the next burst of negative energy to be delayed by 1 round. Dhiara lets out a flurry of swift punches and kicks, attempting to reposition the horde. However, the ghasts manage to resist her efforts and remain in place. She readjusts slightly for a better vantage in battle.
I can't see where on the map is Dhiara because of low resolution of the map. Can you make high resolution picture of map?
Initiative: Round 1
Mr.Madison (Emergency force sphere + magic jar)
Horde of Ghasts (-26 damage, moved to encompass E5 to H8)
Dhiara (Controlled by Psycho, -5 damage, 5-foot step to D6)
Psycho (Fly to O6, delayed obelisk effect by 1 round)
Barnaby
Radek (-5 NL, Freedom of Movement x 3 round, paralysis x 2 rounds after. Full Attack pending)
Cassandra
Something Ominous
Jing (-5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds, Tiny -5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds)
Something Even More Ominous
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In a minute Psycho, Barnaby yells out over the winds. Just need to make sure those on the grounds aren't a meal while we shut that thing down.
The detective lets out a sigh as he drops closer to the ground, batting away the ghasts' grasping hands with his mace as he gets within their reach to wallop as many of the undead as he can.
for
for
for
for
In a minute Psycho, Barnaby yells out over the winds. Just need to make sure those on the grounds aren't a meal while we shut that thing down.The detective lets out a sigh as he drops closer to the ground, batting away the ghasts' grasping hands with his mace as he gets within their reach to wallop as many of the undead as he can.
Barnaby lays into smacking the ghasts with his mace, and after he is finished finds that all of the ghasts are critically injured; they weakly twitch on the sands, limply chewing on each other to sate their dying hunger. Radek readies his weapon to lay out some significant damage, but finds that there really are no targets left for him to meaningfully attack.
Initiative: Round 1
Mr.Madison (Emergency force sphere + magic jar)
Dhiara (Controlled by Psycho, -5 damage, 5-foot step to D6)
Psycho (Fly to O6, delayed obelisk effect by 1 round)
Barnaby (Descend to H7 5-feet above ground)
Radek (-5 NL, Freedom of Movement x 3 round, paralysis x 2 rounds after)
Cassandra
Something Ominous
Jing (-5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds, Tiny -5 damage + paralyzed x 5 rounds)
Something Even More Ominous
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Radek grins up at the flying half-elf. "Ha! And 'ere I was was wonderin' if ye even knew which end o' that weapon te hold! Well done!" The dwarf readies himself to attack anything else that comes into range, thankful that the talisman has at least given him a few seconds to stave off the effects of the ghasts' paralyzing touch.
Heck, kill-steal away my friend! Those ghasts were nasty... Will 'ready' an attack against anything that comes into range. Note that if this attack is triggered (and if I can use my previous roll in my above post), this 'standard' attack will consist only of the first shield attack and will Shield Slam (i.e. Bull Rush) that foe as well. Depending on what it is, I may or may not move along with it or I'll back up to avoid it's full attack. I'll decide that when/if it happens and post accordingly.
"Radek, guard the others. I'm going to help Psycho with the obelisk. Stay close to them and I'll be able to care for you all."
Cassandra moves to M7, trying to keep her allies in sight, and studies the obelisk from up close.
Through Cassandra's efforts, she feels that the negative energy burst from the monolith will be delayed for another round (now two total rounds at this point). As she steps up onto the stone floor amongst the ruined building, a rumbling sound from the ground becomes evident to everyone. Abruptly, countless humanoid corpse hands jut up from the sands and begin grasping at anyone on ground level; with the exception of Cassandra, the hands seem unable to pierce through the stone dais the monolith rests on. The hands easily grasp the paralyzed forms of Jing and Tiny, they are unable to pierce through the sphere of force that Mr. Madison's body is now encased in. Dhiara dodges the hands easily; whereas the hands momentarily grasp Radek, they immediately let go as if by an invisible force wresting the dwarf away from their clutches.
As Jing and Tiny remain paralyzed, a hulking form lumbers through the sandstorm to the east into view. Appearing to be a huge sized skeletal creature, with what looks like countless skulls and bones of medium/small creatures making up its "innards," it walks through the air towards the monolith on top of spectral buildings that seem to come in and out of existence where it steps. Its evil presence seems to drain away at one's fortitude, almost inducing incredible pangs of hunger.
Initiative: Round 2 (Map Updated)
Mr.Madison
Dhiara (Controlled by Psycho, -5 damage)
Psycho (-3 NL, Fatigued)
Barnaby (-3 NL, Fatigued, 5-feet above ground)
Radek (-5 NL, Fatigued, Freedom of Movement x 3 round, paralysis x 2 rounds after)
Cassandra
Monolith Effect (Delayed by 2 rounds)
Jing (-3 NL/-10 damage + Fatigued, grappled, paralyzed x 4 rounds; Tiny -3 NL/-10 damage + Fatigued, grappled, paralyzed x 4 rounds)
Gashadokuro (Moved to encompass O9 to Q11, 15 feet above ground)
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Seeing only the mass of souls near him, and oblivious to what is occurring to his body, Mr. Madison reaches out and pulls at the most powerful soul powered by negative energy.
Seeing only the mass of souls near him, and oblivious to what is occurring to his body, Mr. Madison reaches out and pulls at the most powerful soul powered by negative energy.