PFS 6-04: Beacon Below (7-11) (Inactive)

Game Master Sior

In the capital city of Osirion, Sothis, Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir rubs sleep from his eyes as faint pre-dawn light filters into his office. He shutters the window as a thrush begins singing loudly in the garden below before gesturing for everyone to have a seat.

Opening thread for dotting and introductions. I'll post the rest tomorrow(ish)!

Iacobus leans his banner of the Pathfinder Society in the corner of the room before taking a seat, a slight jingling sound betraying the chain armor hidden under his leather jacket. His bright green mohawk shines in the light from the window as he swings his guitar around to in front of him and plays some light music as everyone else arrives.

A lean woman leans against her tiger companion, fighting sleep off herself. Her elvish ears are less pronounced than one would expect, betraying her mixed heritage. "That music isn't going to help me stay away any. Don't you have something a little more up beat?"

As it's early, will say she hasn't prepped any spells yet. Will allow for flexible choosing after the briefing, assuming we have time.

*grumble grumble*

An elderly gentleman with silvery hair pulls out a chair and stands dutifully behind it as a dark haired gnome clambers up onto it. The gnome is dressed in light mail, and has dark bags under his eyes, as though he hasn't slept in several days. He sits nervously, constantly checking over his shoulder, as though expecting danger to leap out from every corner. His apparent manservant stares passively forward, evidently unconcerned with his wards behavior.

"Ah.... h-h-Hi there.... names Whitwood, glad to meet you all. Ummm this is....ah.... my friend. I call him my friend. You can call him my friend too. If you want." He wrings his hands together and looks back up at the elderly gentleman standing over him. "He doesn't talk much, umm...he says its nice to meet you as well."

Iacobus smiles at the half-elf. "Travel with me and there will be a lot more upbeat music. My singing and strumming have been known to strike heroics in the hearts of my fellow agents, bringing them to heights that they did not know themselves capable of.

"But for now, a quiet song, for the morning is still young and the team is still gathering. Let the tune soothe you and calm your spirit, for the excitement is yet to come."

Iacobus turns to the gnome and nods. "It is a pleasure to meet you and your friend Whitwood. My name is Iacobus Higgenstrom, and I look forward to our adventure together."

Well, apparently in PbP Iacobus talks in flowery language. I am not complaining about this.

A dashingly handsome young man of slight build with striking features almost dances into the room. His hair is more red than brown, but just barely. Greetings all. he says as he takes his seat. I do hope I have not missed introductions. My friends call me Radient. he says flashing the most friendly of smiles and looking to each you for a name.

He wears a chain shirt of fine links that moves almost like water. You are sure it must be mithral. He has a short bow over his shoulder and a both a quiver of arrows and a quiver of javelins on his back. the pommel of some curved blade rides at his belt. And his backpack looks light and under packed.

Looking down at the papers on his desk, checking some names off a list, Venture-Captain Balentiir mutters, "It would seem we're missing a couple, but that always seems to be the case, doesn't it... I'm sure they'll show up sooner or later."

He looks up and addresses the matter at hand, "I’ve received a request from the Diamond Sage, Tahonikepsu, the leader of the Jeweled Sages. You may be familiar with her as an associate of Amenopheus, longtime friend of the Society and our trusted expert on matters of Ancient Osirion. She has asked the Pathfinder Society to send its best Osirionologists to the Pillars of the Sun to help explore a sealed-off area in the sages’ stronghold there—so I have recommended you."

He searches his desk for quill and ink and scribbles out two notes, sealing one with wax imprinted with the Way of the Open Road. "I’ve made arrangements with a caravan to Eto and provided directions from there to the Pillars of the Sun. Once you’ve reached the Pillars, Tahonikepsu has promised a guide to see you the rest of the way. We have maps and sketches from the last expedition if you want to familiarize yourself with the site, and I have also withdrawn several scrolls from our reserves in case your Ancient Osiriani is rusty. Feel free to arrange alternate transport—at your own expense. Don’t try using magic to reach the sanctum directly, though; there’s no telling where you’d end up."

The venture-captain rises from his seat to see everyone off, and hands over the two letters. "Show the first letter to the caravan master. The sealed one is your letter of introduction to the Diamond Sage. Remember, the Jeweled Sages are invaluable allies in our exploration of Ancient Osirion, and it’s a privilege to be invited into their sanctum. Treat everything there with care, and help to preserve the region’s past."

Those with Knowledge (history) and/or (local) might be able to recall - or use the library in Sandswept Hall to research - more about the Jeweled Sages.

And those with Knowledge (geography) might be able to recall - or use the library in Sandswept Hall to research - more about the Pillars of the Sun.

Take 10 on K(history) for 21, Take 10 on K(geo) for 20

"I have yearned for a chance to explore this fine country, but I could never have dreamed that I would be exploring with such a grand ally." Iacobus stops playing momentarily as he takes the Venture-Captain's hand. "Thank you for this illustrious opportunity. While I have not had the opportunity to personally delve into Osirion's history, I hope that my experience in other such historical experiences shall prove your decision wise."

Iacobus hesitates, then says quietly "Although I must admit, I did not partake as well to Ancient Osiriani as well as I did to Thassilonian. Perchance what were these scrolls you mentioned?"

Know(geo): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Lia shakes her head at the bard's... enthusiasm? It's going to be one of those trips. Could be worse.

"So we're off to see the desert and explore some ruins. Sounds like an interesting time. I can't wait to see it."

Whitwood seems to calm as the sun begins to crest the horizon. He gestures to the manservant, who bows before fading from view.

I'm going to grab some sleep now that... umm.... before we head out. I'll uh.... If you wouldn't mind waking me before we leave? he says to Iacobus.

With that, he collapses into his chair and begins snoring softly, oblivious to the goings on around him.

Staggering into the lodge is a stout looking dwarf wearing full plate and has a large sword strapped across his back.. "Why do they have these dam meetings so early in the morning.." There is an obvious look of discomfort on his face. "Why is this damnable place always so freaking hot! Better yet, why is it I always selected for the desert missions.. Where is my wand.." He pulls out a wand and taps himself with it.. "Now thats better.. Grimnir Foehammer reporting in."

Considering the Venture-Captain's words Radiant thinks of a moment.

Knowledge History: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

Knowledge Geography: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Yes, I would like to see those maps and sketches from the last expedition. And while my Kellish is quite good I fear I have not mastered even the basics of modern Osiriani, so I personally would be grateful for those scrolls you mentioned. Also, what can you tell us of the caravan master that we will be traveling with, the goods he is transporting, and the length of the journey? Can you show us the route he plans to take on a map?

Addressing the group Radiand recommends After our briefing I believe we can find more information on both these Sages and the Pillars of the Sun. Would any of you care to join me there?

"Yes, of course, the scrolls..." Balentiir says as he rummages about his desk. "Ah, here we are. You might find this useful, as well," he concludes, handing over a small leather-bound book.

Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir gives you three scrolls of comprehend languages, a scroll of tongues, as well as a field primer on Ancient Osiriani (gives +2 bonus on Linguistics checks to decipher Ancient Osiriani).

"You wish to know about the... caravan? I assure you, the caravan comes well vetted by the Society. I don't know the caravan leader personally, but he checks out. I don't know what he'll be transporting, goods wise. That's his business, not mine. I only made arrangements for him to take you to Eto, not taken stock of what he's carrying. As for the route he intends to make, you'd be better off asking him about that."

Of that you can be sure. Radiant says with a quick smile. I have found it wise to know the business of those you are traveling with. But it reassures me that you vouch for the caravan leader.

He opens the aps and sketches from the last expedition and begins to study them.

History: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

An impeccably dressed cleric of Sarenrae enters just before the briefing, "Grimnir, well met, and don't let the heat get to you too much. Tombs are usually reasonable in their temperature. I grew up speaking Kelish, so no worries there. Do we expect this to be a rescue or a recovery? I'm ready to go, though I'm sure I'll have questions for the caravan master."

The cleric makes friendly eye contact with each of the Pathfinders, "I've not had the pleasure of working with each of you. I am Sareth Manudea of Sarenrae. I'm looking forward to this mission. I find it best to work as a group, so by all means feel free to make requests of me for spell preparation and before you ask, yes I'd be happy to hold and use curative magics from your own supplies."

Well met, brother of my faith. Radiant gets up to shake Sareth's hand. He likely notes the silver holy symbol of Sarenrae about the ninja's neck.

Upon noting the symbols of Sarenrae on two of his compatriots, Iacobus makes a mental note. "It appears that my door joke would probably not be in good taste here. Must remember to do other hideous laughter jokes."

Iacobus nods to Whitwood. "Do not worry yourself compatriot, for I shall make sure that your slumber shall end when we are prepared to head onward on our mutual journey."

Speaking to Radiant, Iacobus adds "If you know of a place where we can find out more information, I will be glad to join you. It is important that we can find out as much as we can before we head out into dangerous territory."

Turning to Sareth, Iacobus adds "While I have no requests for spells from you good sir, I would like to point out that my music tends to speed people up and cause increased competence and morale among the party. I would recommend that when you pray to the Dawnflower, focus more on blessings that will harm those who wish to seek us harm or to remove conditions such harmseekers inflict upon us."
(Feel free to look at my char. sheet for my spell loadout - I've probably got buffing covered between bardic performance and flagbearer. I wouldn't mind the overlap on dispel magic. I have it, but I'm way more likely to spend those 3rd level slots on haste or jester's jaunt.

Iacobus receives the scrolls from the Venture-Captain. "Thank you for making these resources available to us. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to explore the markets of this fine city to pick up a couple of things I need in order to make myself properly prepared."

GM: I'm going to buy a wand of endure elements and a wand of comprehend languages.

Flagbearer here as well. :(

You know, I'm really surprised that I don't run into more flagbearers in Society - it's a really good feat. That being said, I'm going to overlap you since I have the banner of the ancient kings. Still good to have though since if the battlefield is big there's a decent chance that there will be areas where our flags don't overlap.

I agree its a good feat IF you can afford to keep an empty hand for the flag. You be primary. That will let me use my bow if need by. Can't carry the flag and use a bow.

"Blessings of Fervor are never a bad thing in major combat. Other than that condition removal is nice to see."

After a scant few minutes asleep, Whitwood jerks awake with a start. He looks around the room fearfully for a moment and then seems to calm upon realizing where he is.

We should get moving to find this caravan then.... ah if you all think so. Ohhhhh, a book of ancient Osiriani. I've been studying their language for years. Still can't pronounce all the vowels correctly, but hpefull i can help with translating.

Whitwood hums in concentration whilst flipping through the book for a minute, and the elderly gentleman appears next to him once more. Whitwood hands to book to My Friend and gestures subtly. My friends form shimmers and waves, and at one the old Man is replaced by a fit young Dark skinned Osirion man, dressed in the dessert garb. He reaches down to the gnome and takes the book, tucking it it into a well worn pack slung over his shoulder.

Well, My Friend is keen to go, ummmm whenever you are all ready.... we should go find a caravan.

Upon Whitwood changing his friend's form, Iacobus gives a polite but enthusiastic applause. "Well thought. While we do not have an actual native of Osirion, having someone who can pass as one will probably help us in our upcoming mission. Good forward thinking."

Grim shakes his head.. "Lets get going already.. If need be I'll just punch someone in the face till they speak common tongue.." The dwarfs mood has obviously not gotten much better. His hangover had not yet lifted.

"I can help with that hangover my friend. I recently explored the first couple of floors of Bonekeep. I made it out alive, and even have a lot of my supplies left. Agreed, let us begin this search."

It's easy enough to find the caravan with the directions given you, and soon enough you're off. As you journey west to Eto and then south to the Pillars of the Sun, you encounter no noteworthy obstacles. At the base of the winding path between the many peaks of the Pillars of the Sun, two sage acolytes wait for you: a handsome young Garundi man in white robes named Garai Weheliye and a sweating middle-aged Taldan woman named Helena Arendall. They greet you excitedly and lead you to meet Tahonikepsu.

"It's not often we receive visitors here!" Garai exclaims during the trek.

"Pleased and well met."

Grimnir eyes the way to happy man suspiciously.. Which is completely normal for him since he eyes everyone suspiciously..

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (14) + 20 = 34

34!!! Dang. You pick up that Radient is trying to like you but having a hard time with it. :P

Iacobus returns the friendly chat "Well, it is not often that I get the opportunity to visit! I must say, I am quite excited to meet with Tahonikepsu. While I have had the opportunity to meet with and play for quite a number of important people, I have heard quite a bit about your organization from various compatriots of mine, and they have generally good things to say, so I'm sure this meeting while be quite productive."

Whitwood stands back from them, nervous around new people. He is happy to let Iacobus do as much of the talking as he like, if it means fewer people are looking at him. Besides, Iacobus has a good voice, and everyone seems to stand taller when he sings.

Umm.... Hi there. nice to meet you. This is My Friend, he's ahh.. happy to meet you as well.

My friend stares unblinkingly forward.

"That's his way of saying Hello. And goodbye. And watch out for the bandits behind that rock. Not that there are bandits behind that rock... I don't think there are bandits behind that rock.....

Whitwood glances up at My Friend and seems to take solace in his companions unwavering gaze.

Umm...No, Apparently there aren't. Sorry. I don't suppose you know anything about this caravan do you? VC Norden was kind of.... vague

"Oh! The caravan you came in? I hope the journey was pleasant and uneventful. There's enough of that going on here for your trip here to be just as bad," the man replies as he leads the way up the trail. "Unfortunately, I don't think any caravans would be able to make it up the trail here. Much too difficult for a wagon, I'd think."

You took the caravan here already. Fast travel!

Oh, my bad

So, do you know anything about this site we're visiting?

Lia snaps out of her reverie to see that the journey has already begun and ended. Interested in the question Whitwood asks, she remains silent and listens for an answer.

She also chuckles slightly at those who suffer discomfort from the heat of the sun.

"Well, it's the Sanctum of the Sages. Surely you've heard of it. You could say it's the fortress retreat of the Jeweled Sages. Look! We're almost there!"

At first, you see nothing unusual, but approaching within about a hundred feet of a rock wall, the wall itself shimmers and reveals a beautifully engraved facade and door carved directly in to the mountain face. Outside you see a small tent community, where a handful of acolytes meditate and others seem to debating the finer points of Nethys's holy text, the Book of Magic.

Your guides bring you in through the door into a marble room. Ornate rugs and a small pile of sitting pillows create a small soft space in the room, where a finely dressed Garundi woman sits by a fountain. She looks up from a puzzle of broken pottery fragments as your two escorts announce you. After thanking and dismissing Garai and Helena, she beckons you forward, "Welcome, Pathfinders. You and your venture-captain have my thanks for agreeing to aid us. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage."

After introducing herself, she requests your letter of introduction. She reads it carefully before again addressing you, "The venture-captain has great faith in you. I shall extend the same courtesy." She gestures for everyone to sit before continuing, "My sage jewel grants me some knowledge of this complex, and my own research has confirmed many of those memories. That said, the site's long abandonment has made exploration difficult. I believe the next most productive step would be to reopen the archive, whose interior has defied our attempts at divinations. On the lowest floor of the library reside the written history of our order and a crystalline artifact attuned to the sage jewels. I would like you to explore the area, inventory the contents, and report your findings to me. Please be careful; these halls contain delicate, irreplaceable cultural treasures and writings."

"You ask a Gorumite to be careful? HAH!"

Grimnir keeps quite although a slight smile comes across his face when asked to be careful..

"The honor is ours munificent Sage. Are you aware of any.... guardians we may face? Did your fore bearers leave traps and counter measures? I hope we don't appear as simple tomb raiders...."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Lia thinks, adding her own question to the mix. "If it responds or reacts to the sage jewels, should we not bring one? Or at least someone who has been entrusted with one?"

-Posted with Wayfinder

Radiant greets the sage formally and listens to her request. I am sure you understand that if we must defend ourselves items may become damaged. But i will do my utmost to preserve what can be preserved.

Iacobus bows to Tahonikepsu. "It is an honor to meet you. We shall obviously do our best to maintain the library in as good of condition as possible, but with it having been sealed for so long, I would be aghast if there isn't some terrible creature or hazard that resides down in there now.

"You say that the library is on the bottom floor, do you know what floor that is? It would be most convenient for us to know how many floors we need to explore so that we don't make a terrible counting error and assume that an ersatz library is actually the one we are looking for."

Whitwood stands at the feet of My Friend and chirps up with 'I'll try not to break anything. I'm very sorry if I do."

"I am not sure of the extent of the library. The sage who bore the amethyst jewel was responsible for the archive, along with several assistants. The Diamond sage had other responsibilities. i do know the archive is divided into three levels. Librarians cataloged acquisitions on the first floor, repaired them on the next, and stored them in the library below, which is accessible only through a special gateway. The portal requires a sage jewel to activate, and should activate when I unseal the complex. If not, await my return."

Radient nods, ready to proceed.

Sareth too is ready. Thankfully I've refrained from any large scale damaging spells. We'll do our best. There's no reason to rush this, is there?

Before heading into the library Grimnir Extended Heroism, Perceive Cues, and See Invis. All last 3 hours.

"If yall don't mind I'll take the lead."

Note GM that my Perc is raised to +23 now, with darkvision and see invis.

Whitwood is ready to move in as well.

With that settled, Lia is ready to go. She grabs her bow from where it rests and plucks the bowstring to test its readiness before moving out.

Tahonikepsu leads you to the adjoining hall where a 5-foot-diameter crystal hovers a short distance off the floor. The stone hums in response to her chant in Ancient Osiriani; the glyphs on the west door fade and the stone cracks open and melts into the surrounding walls. Beyond, a hallway illuminated with magical light extends 30 feet and then descends down a twisting flight of stairs.

The Diamond Sage thanks you again, and welcomes you to rest with the acolytes outside whenever you need before departing for her other duties and responsibilities.

At this time you can prepare any spells you fell will be necessary.

After some preparations and spell-casting, and a 50-foot descent, you arrive at the Halls of Study.

Unless otherwise noted, the floors and walls here are smooth stone. The rooms and halls have a 20-foot ceiling, and magical illumination provides dim light.

Fragrant scents float on the warm breeze that circulates around this columned chamber. Jasmine, grapevines, mandrakes, and anemones grow from pots hanging around the room, vibrant and fruitful despite the lack of sunlight. Sycamore saplings fill the alcoves, and a phosphorescent moss has overgrown some of the walls and ceiling. A great seal bearing a written inscription covers the center of the floor.

The halls to the east and south seem to be filled with fog.