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Amarok keeps his bow trained on the two thieves whilst the others search through their belongings trying to find clues of what they have been perpetrating. Upon finding only one of the two Jewels, Amarok shakes his head sadly.
"Purchased by someone for a mere 6000 gold? Who were you delivering this jewel too at the sanctum?"
Turning to Amarok, this time Nefti answers, "The Diamond Sage of course."
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Luna, in anticipation of the impending charge, starts to kick into high gear just as the two thieves surrender. He checks his mount, and the two approach under control in a nice trot.
"Smart. Unlike others we have fought." Pooka dismounts and begins collecting the gear and goodies from the thieves.
"So who did you sell the first one to? And were you planning on selling this one to the diamond sage? Or are you working in his service to retrieve it?"
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Toorin looked the bill of sale over, considering whether there might be some kind of coded message hidden in the words. Then he remembered one of the servants at Torch's bathhouse talking to a greasy looking man in finely crafted clothes who asked if he could see Angvar. The orc said, "He's with another guest." It clicked. Angvar was Torch. "Well, it looks like we may have to pay Cutie Pie another visit, if we want to recover the jewel they sold." He makes eye contact to make sure the others picked up his meaning.
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The servant of the scarab dages nods his head, his bow not leaving its position to ensure the thieves do not attempt to flee further. He feels the tension in his shoulders rise at the mention of Grandmaster Torch's 'codename'.
"Where is the sanctum? Mayhaps we should confront the diamond sage? If only Amenopheous were here he would give insight on ehat to do woth his wayward brother. As for the other gem, we must travel back to Eto it seems."
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Kafar smirks. "We don't know exactly where it is. Just that we are supposed to be following the path.
"Deadened abruptly."
2nd - bull's strength, delay poison, detect thoughts
1st - ant haul, cure light wounds, detect secret doors, endure elements, shield
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"They had a contract to fulfill, nothing worth killing them over," Xûll notes, "Best to get them back to Eto while they can still walk and let the authorities there either heal them or arrest them if they've broken any laws."
The big Shoanti sits down and ponders the situation and re-reads the letter, passing it around to his friends so they may read also.
Loyal Pathfinders,
The Sapphire Sage has requested our help once more as his hunt for the lost order of the Jeweled Sages and their iconic gemstones continues. Amenopheus tells us that Kafar and his pupil Nefti have snatched two of the gems: an emerald and a yellow topaz. It goes without saying that the Aspis Consortium’s involvement in this matter troubles me deeply; I will not have them outwit us as they did my colleague, Hestia. It saddens me that such a pair of brilliant operatives may die before your mission is over, but I would sleep better knowing that they were no longer a threat to the Society. Were that they had chosen to become Pathfinders rather than pawns of the Aspis Consortium!
I hereby deputize the Sapphire Sage Amenopheus to lead this expedition, and you shall assist him in his quest. Remember our tenets: explore, report, and cooperate. I look forward to receiving word of your success.
Godspeed,
Venture-‐Captain Norden Balentiir
"It seems that killing you is well within our remit," Xûll looks over at the ex-Aspis agents, "But you have not offended me with your actions or your answers. Ah well. I guess we go to the sanctum with the gem in hand and meet this Diamond Sage. It is, after all, what our 'employer' wants. We can visit Cutie Pie after that, if Amenopheus wants. Personally, I'd be happy to never see his ruined-leather face ever again. You'd think someone as powerful as he would be able to afford a regenerate spell... at least to restore his lips."
Finally, Xûll kneels beside his former quarry. "Now, while our instructions pretty clearly say that our venture captain would sleep better if you died, it also says you are quite brilliant and he wishes you had joined the Pathfinders. I think you can see now which is the better organization. Perhaps you would be willing to defect? There will be all kinds of lie detections to pass to determine if this is the case, but I for one would rather welcome a new brother than kill an enemy. Sorry, that sounded like a threat. I will not kill you, but neither can I guarantee your safety - or that we will be able to find a cure for those parasites infecting you. I will try, though, whether you accept our offer or not."
An infected creature who dies rises as a void zombie 2d4 hours later; cure 2 consecutive saves.
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I'll do a luck blessing on myself before I check them out gaining two rolls.
Yuck.
Aw, nuts.
"I have no idea how long those parasites will take, but I wouldn't want to be you two when they do their thing. It may be that it doesn't matter WHAT we do, you two are dead. You had best do what you can to stay alive."
At that Warpac starts looking himself over. That last axe blow caused quite a splatter.
"Anyone else want to gain a little help from Desna in the future, just ask. The luck only lasts a minute, but it sure helps for things like this. Only it didn't seem to help me this time. Oh well."
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Toorin asks the Aspis agents, "Have you found yourselves having difficulty keeping your balance or unusually fatigued? It usually takes the parasites a few days to a week to cause death and some people can survive if they have strong constitutions. have your symptoms worsened in the past day?"
To the other Pathfinders, he says, "So far as I know, they haven't done anything worse than take something that we were also instructed to take. I would not support killing prisoners for such crimes, but if we don't kill them and they die from the parasites, we'll need to burn their bodies to prevent them from rising as void zombies. Let's keep a sharp eye on them and see what the diamond sage says. Might be able to cure their parasite infestation. If they want to switch teams, I'd support bringing them back to let the Pathfinder leadership decide their fate."
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After Xull points out a resemblance to a different parasite something clicks.
"Aha! Now I remember the nasty things. They aren't going to kill you. Well, not a dwarf anyway, which is probably why it slipped my mind for a bit. They might kill you however. In fact they probably will. Now if you were of strong constitution you could probably fight it off, but from the looks of things you will probably die without help. You will feel yourself getting less and less resistant to sickness as time goes on and lose more and more of your motor skills until you can't even walk. When you can barely move you will be close to death. After you die things get interesting and the parasites take over, turning you into, well, one heck of a zombie. In fact because the nasty things ruin your health and good health is the only way to fight them off without magical healing, I would expect things to accelerate near the end... Of course the society takes care of its own - oh, but you joined the Consortium, didn't you? Bad timing, huh?"
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Pooka allows Luna to sniff each of the men over while he picks out a magical cloak and a potion from the haul, not hiding the fact that he is wearing one and keeping the other.
"Xull is astute, as always. I see no reason to kill you now, as long as you behave. Behave and I'll even give you a glowing report to the society officers who will vet you for fitness to join, should that be what you want."
And maybe they will overlook just how easily we caught you, and not hold it against you.
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Now that the Pathfinders have finished with Kafar and Nefti, they are astounded to see Amenopheus round the bend and come to a screeching halt in front of the party. His clothes tattered and torn, he appears to be in good health, other than begin quite exhausted.
"My, what adventures I have had. It appears that there is a group of bandits in the Pillars that have hijacked a shipment of firearms from Alkenstar. It seems these Chekhov's Gun are quite powerful, but I used a new spell that I have learned. Toorin, I must teach you Deus ex Machina.
"So what have you all been up to? Oh, I see that you caught up to the thieves, and retrieved the Topaz sage jewel. My you have been busy.
"Come, let us enter the Sanctum of Sages and confront this diamond sage."
As Amenopheus and the Pathfinders follow the path, they see it dead end at a wall. A closer inspection, and Amenopheus can deduce that it is just an illusionary wall.
He casts Dispel Magic and they can now see the Sanctum before them.
Behind the seamless illusion of a rock wall lies the mountain pass to the Sanctum of the Sages. Beautifully engraved columns support the ornate entablature topped by a wide tapered cornice. The style hearkens back to Osirion’s golden age, and the impeccable design and craftsmanship lives up to the standards set by the ancient dynasties.
A short flight of stairs ascends to stone door in the mountain.
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Seeing that his friends intend to recruit the two thieves and heal their wounds, Amarok lowers his bow and ceases his overwatch on the two Aspis agents. Retuning his arrow to his quiver he gives the Sapphire sage a deep bow at his appearance.
"We have recovered one jewel and have a lead on the other honoured sage, these men are infected by parasites but we will hope to heal them once we return."
Amarok will request that Toorin refresh the mage armour spell from a scroll before entering the sanctum, doing so with bow drawn and examining the floor for any tracks left.
Examining the path that leads up to the Sanctum, Amarok doesn't find any signs that someone has pass this way recently.
Kafar and Nefti are a sorry state as they stand at the rear of the party. Bleeding, diseased, they give each other secret looks.
Finally, Kafar speaks, "We have heavily weighed our options, and what you say makes sense. We are often underfunded, under manned for our assignments. If what you say is true, I would like to opportunity to speak with your Veneer Capitols. See what they have to say.
"I ... we thank you for sparing our lives. Were we in your shoes, it is unlikely we would have acted as you did. You have given us much to consider."
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"Yes, we should Warpac." Pooka confirms and then devolves into explaining everything that has happened so far, including the information that Torch has already purchased one of the sage jewels for himself.
"My inclination is that it is doubtful he will re-sell the jewel. Information and knowledge is the true source of power and wealth, which is what Torch is ever after. He will likely make himself a jeweled sage, tapping into the power of the gem himself. You've already seen what the Ruby sage was able to do for us, imagine weilding that power for yourself?"
Pooka pops the cork off of the barkskin potion and drinks it down in a quick gulp. "Eh... tastes like bark."
Pulling the second cloak of resistance over his shoulders he nods to the others. "Let us confront this diamond sage and get the answers to this riddle."
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To Kafir and Nefti, Toorin says, "I hope you survive to enjoy this reprieve and make amends for the life you've led."
"Toorin, I must teach you Deus ex Machina."
"I have heard of that spell," Toorin comments. "I've heard it requires components that can cause harm to demons, something to provide cold irony effects."
As the group walks down the hidden approach to the gates of the Sanctum, he again marvels at the priviledge to be walking in such a historic and ancient place. He tries to imagine what it must have been like to see it when it was new.
Toorin obliges Amarok's request for the Mage Armor casting and then does the same for himself using his wand.
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Xûll pats Kafar on the back, "Well said, new friend. I am sure Venture-Captain Balentiir would be more than happy to talk at length about this. He was most impressed with your abilities."
Nodachi drawn, Xûll heads down towards the Sanctum of the Sages without another word. He is ready to see this over with. He just wishes he could remember if he was supposed to talk to, subdue or kill the Diamond Sage. It's too embarrassing to ask Amenopheus now. No doubt the demands of the situation would make themselves clear in the end.
Water gurgles in fountains set at either end of this crescent-shaped chamber. Fourteen columns support the vaulted ceiling, and the walls are polished to a smooth finish that reflects and scatters any light that the Pathfinders introduce or that shines in from outside. Spouts in the wall replace any water removed from the fountain, replicating the effects of a decanter of endless water.
Much of the sanctum would be sealed to anyone not of the order of the Jeweled Sages, so this room provides pilgrims and petitioners a safe place to take shelter until a sage might acknowledge them.
This chamber’s floor angles upward as it meets the walls, which in turn angle inward like those of a pyramid, creating a space shaped like a cut diamond. The walls are smooth and somewhat transparent, like foggy quartz, save for where three opaque doors stand to the north, east, and west. In the center
of the room, a clear 5-foot diameter crystal hovers a short distances from the floor and spins slowly.
As Xull and Amenopheus approach their sage jewel hum with a sympathetic resonance.
Amenopheus recognizes this crystal. "Friends, this is a gatekeeper built to prevent non-sages from traveling deeper into the sanctum.
"Guardian, I am the Sapphire Sage. I am here to seek the Diamond Sage."
Simply stated, the crystal briefly shows an image of a Garundi man walking toward the north door in the room, then a small, keyshaped sliver breaks off of the crystal.
Amenopheus nods, picks up the key, and tells the Pathfinders that the north door will lead them onward; it opens as he approaches. He also adds that they should announce themselves and their intentions to the gatekeeper.
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"Guardian, my name is Xûll," says the big Shoanti, moving forwards and bowing deeply, "I am here to help the Sapphire Sage and the now dead Ruby Sage, also seeking the Diamond Sage. The Ruby Sage's power is within me and I am one of her representatives in this quest."
Xûll turns to the two potential recruits, "It would be best if you stayed out here. The crystal does not want you inside just yet. We will conduct our business and collect when we are done. Is that okay?" Xûll passes them a skin of water to help with their thirst.
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"I am Warpac. As Xull, I am here on the behalf of the Sapphire and Ruby Sages. The Sapphire Sage seeks to reestablish the order of the sages. The Ruby Sage, dead now, wants to make sure the Diamond Sage does not abuse his responsibilities as one of the sages. We recovered the fragments of the Ruby if you are interested. It is through those fragments that the Ruby Sage was able to relate her concern and enlist us in aiding her in addition to our mission to aid the Sapphire Sage. Also, it may become necessary to recover the Topaz from one who wishes to use it for personal gain. One who goes by many names..." - of which my favorite is Cutie Pie
As usual his axe is whirring about as he announces himself, though he is careful to keep his distance from anything that might get damaged.
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"Guardian, I am Pooka, and this is my loyal steed, Luna. We serve the Sapphire Sage and have been imbued with the remnants of power of the Ruby Sage." Pooka looks around, a little uncomfortable with repeating some information, but by the sounds of it, it looked important.
"We seek the Diamond Sage to speak with him. We hope to restore the order of the Jeweled sages before we are finished with our work."
Pooka bows slightly, not entirely sure how to act beyond his stated intentions. He looks back to the two new tag-alongs. "Xull is right. There is a fountain back there that never seems to run out of water, and shelter that should keep you safe for as long as we are in here. It would be far to dangerous to try to run across the desert, and rather pointless if you are serious about joining the society."
Pooka then looks to their deputized leader, waiting for an indication to move forward, and that it is safe.
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Korasu looks around at the rest of the party, then bows his head solemnly. "Guardian, I am Korasu, herald of Nevermore, avatar of Vengeance. And yet still, I am a scholar of the ancients and seek to allow those that preseve Knowledge to grow. More to the point, I am a proud member of the Scarab Sages!"
He bows low once again, making a sweeping bow.
"May you judge my words and actions worthy."
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Amarok marvels at the guardian change from crystaline form to simple Garundi man and gives a sweeping bow, his weapon is drawn yet no arrow is nocked and he keeps it in a non threatening stance. Maintaining the bow he speaks softly and calmly to the guardian.
"Greetings and well met honoured protector of the Sages' Sanctum. I am called Amarok Sandstrider, humble servant to the Jewelled sages within our own organisation as pathfinders. I too, as my friends before me, carry a spark of the power granted by the great Ruby sage and hope to restore her, along with ensure the safety of the jewels."
He finishes his bow with a straight back and keeps his eyes respectfully on the guardian.
"Yes best if we stay here." says Kafar. "My you fare well Pathfinders." Nefti adds in.
Both men sit down and drink deeply from the cool, refreshing waters. Nefti tilts his head back and closes his eyes, taking in deep breaths. Kafar extends a hand to his shoulder and you can barely hear him whisper, "All will be well friend. We will live, I promise.""
Two curved ramps ascend gently from one end of this semicircular room toward its northwest entrance. More than a dozen statues line the intricately painted walls, and all face toward an immense crystal that projects from the southeast wall. The statues are carved in the Osiran fashion, some bearing the heads of animals, and many holding objects like staves, ankhs, oil lamps, and scepters in their supple marble hands. Four engravings in the likeness of gemstones are set into shallow circular recesses in the floor arrayed before the huge jewel.
The wall paintings portray many scenes of Garundi scholars carrying Osirian treasures, using architectural tools, surveying a mountain range, cutting gems, and receiving gifts from three supernatural figures.
Amenopheus approaches the door with key in hand. As he inserts the key and begins to open the door, the door flashes with blinding light. When the light fades, Amenopheus is trapped within a crystalline prism like an insect sealed in amber, and the four oil lamps held by the statues have lit with bright white light.
"مثل محاذاة الخفيفة، فكذلك فعل حكماء تقف."
At the same time that Amenopheus is trapped, the two statues closest to the door animate wielding quarterstaffs, while another arises from the door to join the fight.
- A shatter spell damages a glass golem as if it were a crystalline creature.
- A keen edge spell affects all of a glass golem’s slam attacks as if they were slashing weapons.
- A magical attack that deals cold damage slows a glass golem (as the slow spell) for 3 rounds (no saving throw).
- A magical attack that deals fire damage ends any slow effect on the golem and heals 1 point of damage for each 3 points of damage the attack would otherwise deal. If the amount of healing would cause the golem to exceed its full normal hit points, it gains any excess as temporary hit points. A glass golem gets no saving throw against fire effects.
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Toorin holds back until the others have gone through, pondering how to introduce himself. When Amarok has finished, Toorin steps up to the crystal. "I am Tûrin Valpamiucon, son of Barathon and Daeralda, ambassador for the elves and Pathfinder. The Ruby Sage provided me with some of her power that I might assist in the recovery of the sage jewels, seeing that they provide wisdom in the hands of those of good will."
After receiving confirmation, Toorin gives a wary look back at the remaining Aspis agents and then follows the other.
As Toorin enters and waits for Amenopheus to insert the key, Toorin points to various gods depicted on the walls, saying, "Nethys again, although the image is a very early one. There is Ptah, god of architecture and inventions. Thoth, god of wisdom and writing."
As the statues come of life, Toorin hurriedly calls out a translation of the words spoken in ancient Osiriani, "'As the light aligns, so too do the sages stand.' I think that's a clue as to how to keep these graven guardians from attacking. Put the sage jewels in the slots in the floor and perhaps it will align the light. I'll throw snowballs at the glass golem. That will slow him down. Display holy symbols of Nethys or Ptah if you have them."
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Xûll pulls out his deity's holy... damn it, got the water, forgot the symbol... adamantine nodachi and lets the rage overtake him again.
"Nethys forgive me for assaulting your creations," Xûll mutters, "And nice work on the puzzle solving, there, Toorin. I'll see if I can keep these things off you!"
Xûll steps up to his companions' backs and has at one of the glass statues.
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"Teamwork, friends. We can do this with teamwork"
For some reason the simple words are charged with energy, bolstering confidence, limbering mental and physical muscles, and bending reality as only magic can do.
Warpac is using the Mythic Rally ability: As a swift action, you can expend one use of mythic power to rally your allies. This gives you and each of your allies within 30 feet the option to reroll any one d20 roll after the roll is made. The granted reroll must be used before the beginning of your next turn, and the creature must take the result of the reroll, even if it is lower.
He will cast Divine Favor on himself as an action and then takes a 5' step towards the door guardian, shield up high, providing a barrier for Toorin. The door guardian will get a shot on him as he casts if it has reach.
Note: I reserve the right to use a mythic action depending on what happens with the characters that go before me.
Also note that if you want the bonus this round you may want to delay until after Warpac goes.
As Xull closes in, he obliterates the guardian of his patron.
As Warpac tries to bolster his companions, he realizes that he is too close to the glass golem. It reaches out with it's crystalline hands.
Luckily, both arms flail wide as the golem tries to hit the dwarf. Maybe Desna really is with him this time.