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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 and addressing 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 We have maps and sketches from the last expedition if you want to familiarize yourself with the site, and I have also withdrawn several scrolls from our reserves in case your Ancient Osiriani is rusty.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.”
*****
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"Yes, I have been a friend of Amenopheus' and Tahonikepsu's for some time," the towering Garundi man says, his gleaming mithral armor decorated with the red scarab beetle of Osirion on his chest. Two large polearms cross his back and he stands straight at attention, as if used to military or guard duty. "I am Atum Nakhti the Constant, a servant of the Ruby Prince, second lieutenant of the Fangwood Strikers, and blessed by sphinxes as a member of the ancient order of Living Monoliths," he announces in way of introduction.
"Although I have studied some Osirionology and ancient history, I consider myself more of a protector of such things than an actual student. I have worked with the Jeweled Sages only indirectly through Amenopheus and do not know their full history. I look upon this as an opportunity to serve my country though."
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A lithe half-elf, dressed to accentuate his elven heritage and downplay his human traits, gives Balentiir and the others gathered an impassive look.
He wears his black hair short and cropped and dresses in what appears to be nothing more than preserved, lacqured leaves.
Bowing slightly, he introduces himself.
"Doctor Eli'thir Gilhalean... Osirionologist, doctor, practicer of science..."
He appears almost insulted that his proficiency in Ancient Osirian or acquaintance with Tahonikepsu may be called into question.
"Ek kan jou verseker my vaardighede in die Ancient Osirian is baie vaardig."
Translation: "I assure you I remain quite proficient in Ancient Osirion."
Feeling redeemed in his somewhat egotistical display of proficiency, Eli'thir accepts the letters with a curt nod.
"Did Tahonikepsu entrust you with further details of what she requires? Or perhaps such details are to be explained upon our arrival at the Pillars?"
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"A caravan will be a nice change of pace since we had to rush through the dunes last time I was doing a job for Amenopheus. Ah I remember well the first time I saw the Diamond sage. She was a beaut. She liked me beard he he." The dwarf giggles.
"I be Tyrion Wyrmbane, Inquisitor, judge an executioner of Abadar, savior of Absolom, slayer of dragons, behirs, demons, minotaurs and lots of other beasties with horns. They make great drinking horns ye know!" The dwarf says bashing his emblazoned shield with a gauntleted fist. He is wearing a fine set of wooden armor, two falcata's (one cold iron, one adamantine) and many other weapons stick out from his backpack and belt. He is currently drinking beer from a horn which appears to be from a black dragon.
"Ah donne be insulted elf, he dinne mean any by it."
"Ye, can ye tell us how long the caravan will take. Do we have to bring our own supplies? Does this have anything to do with them scolars that left last month to study with the sage?
And what of the way back. Will Amenny cast another of his fancy spells again?"
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Oswin carefully considers the gathered adventurers. It seems his skill with the blade will be of littlr use. But the blessings of the divine were always welcome...
He is tall, though not quite Atum's height. He wears brightly polished heavy armor, and carries his own assortment of weapons, chiefly a pair of longswords.
"I am Oswin Durnhelm, servant of the Inheritor. My knowledge of ancient Osirion is limited, but I was asked to provide the group with divine protection."
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Balentiir nods to the dwarf. "Of course, food supplies will be provided. I don't expect the caravan trip to take long, but you know the road better than I do, Tyrion. I expect Taikonhepsu shall remember you." he concludes with an amused smile.
The Venture-Captain offers you three scrolls of comprehend languages, a scroll of tongues, and a field primer . You also receive, of course, the sealed letter of introduction.
Barring any other question, you embark on your journey to Eto and then the Pillars of the Sun. It is mostly uneventful, and you encounter no noteworthy obstacles. Once you reach the ever-famous 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 explain they shall lead you to the Diamond sage. The road to the Sanctum of the Sages is full of twists and turns, a maze-like path in the rocks. Even Tyrion, an accomplished guide who already ventured to the Sanctum, doesn't recognize the way, as if magic was at work. However, Garai and Helena lead you through it very naturally, occasionally stopping to cast a spell before resuming their trek across the boulders and dust. When asked, they simply declare that "the Diamond sage enjoys his privacy", and that "you shouldn't attempt to memorize or record the way, for such things are best left unknown - for the sages' safety, of course".
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Tyrion harrumps. "Bah no need for secrecy. I expect she can take care of herself just fine. I assume you boys know her nature."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The Sanctum of the Sages is an extensive underground complex set into the side of a mountain. At a distance, illusions disguise the structure’s features. Within about a hundred feet, however, the illusion fades, revealing a beautifully engraved facade and door carved directly into the mountain face. A dozen acolytes live outside the sanctum in a small tent community, where they meditate and debate the finer points of Nethys’s holy text, the Book of Magic. Both guides remain outside and smile at you, wishing you good luck.
Inside the hall, ornate rugs and a small pile of sitting pillows create a small soft space in the marble room, where a finely dressed Garundi woman sits by a fountain. She looks up from a puzzle of broken pottery fragments as the two escorts announce the Pathfinders. After thanking and dismissing Garai and Helena, she beckons her visitors forward.
"Welcome, Pathfinders. You and your venture-captain have my thanks for agreeing to aid us. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage. Ah, but I recognize some of the famed thralls to our cause who deigned elect me the new head of the Jewel Sages order. Tyrion, it is good to see you again. Your beards is as magnificent as ever! And Elithir - I am glad you returned to us for another mission of the utmost importance for our order."
After she had a chance to read the letter of introduction you brought,
"The venture-captain has great faith in you. I shall extend you 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 out 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."
"Undoubtedly your mind must be racing with questions. I shall gladly answer them, friends of Osirion."
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Tyrion bows before her "Greeting my lady, you are a sight for sore eyes after the trek. And thank you for the compliment, I wash it with beer that's the trick to keep it so springy he he."
He takes a seat and hears her request. "Lady, why not have some of your thralls or juniors catalog the items? Are you expecting trouble? I hope not the topaz gem bearer. Ooooh, how I wanna slap his burnt face with me fist." Tyrion says as he clenches and shakes his fist.
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Eli'thir arches an eyebrow at Tahonikepsu's use of the word thrall but makes no inquiry as to her choice as she explains the details of her reason for summoning them forth.
After the other set forth their questions, he voices one of his own.
"I am curious at to what defenses or guardians you would expect within these archives. Undoubtedly, we would find additional golems or constructs that could survive the ages... perhaps you could provide details such that we could better prepare for this unknown?"
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The Diamond Sage first answers Maldoc's question. "I am not sure the extent of the collection. 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. As for what is more important, I like to think that since our goal is the preservation of Osirion's memories, everything is important."
"I don't expect any particular trouble, friend Tyrion." Taikonhepsu smiles. "But it is simply a task too important to be put in the hands of mere apprentices. That particular section of the ruins hasn't been explored for ages, so anything could happen, in truth. There could be defenses, but we aren't sure what they are. Since these archives were sealed off, it's unlikely anything survived for such a long time."
After ensuring you are ready, Tahonikepsu leads the Pathfinders to the adjoining hall where a 5-foot-diameter crystal—the Screening Stone—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.
"I can't thank you enough for what you are doing for us, Pathfinders. Should you need to rest, you may do so with the apprentices outside whenever you need it. Good luck, and may the sands of time hasten your success."
You descend into a great hall that has seen better days. 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.
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As Maldoc's attention is drawn to the plants, there might be something peculiar about those.
The southern passage is drowned in an unnatural fog.
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Tyrion checks the foggy passageway and casts detect magic to see if he can pinpoint what kind of spell it is.
"Well it's obviously magic, no idea what it is though."
When Maldoc pulls his attention to the plants, Tyrion gives those a once over as well.
"Hmm it seems that the archive’s magic has sustained the slow growth of these plants, several of which are subspecies that have long gone gone extinct. Their cataloging would certainly be precious to Tahonikepsu. Let's make some notes and drawings just to be sure."
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Eli'thir pauses to take in the sight of the preserved plant-life.
"Fascinating..."
Immediately, he withdraws a pair of chronicles from his pack and begins consulting them.
The half-elf appears too distracted in the interaction of his own wooden "skin" in the underground chamber to come to a conclusion about their vitality
He does find a passage related to the wards of the complex.
"It appears we are dealing with magical guards and wards, which indicate we can expect..."
Eli continues on in excruciating detail, explaining everything that can be expected.
"Curious. They should be dispellable..."
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Oswin remains stoic throughout the exploration. His mind races as he takes in all the new sights. While the more gifted explorer types chronicle what is here, he keeps his eyes alert, standing ready to shield others from harm should the need arise.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The corridor to the east is charred, and a creature made of pure blazing heat is standing in the middle. Further to the south, three more fire creatures move forward in the large creature's wake. Antagonizing the fire creature are two shambling mummies, and the two sides are duking it out. There's a shouting from behind the largest creature (coming form the east), as well as a voice commanding the mummies to attack, further north. The hallway shows no discernible passages in either of those directions.
Your immediate concern is for the scrolls contained in the niches along the walls, since the large fiery creature's aura threatens to set fire to the precious documents!
Mutagen +1
Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Atum, Tyrion, Maldoc, Elithir
2. Fire creatures
3. Oswin
4. Undeads
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Maldoc conjures a magus's arcane might of frost to strike the elemental. Atum quickly joins him, and with their combined efforts, the creature vanishes into nothingness, defeated.
A voice comes from the north. "We are victorious! Thanks to you, strangers. Approach so that we may speak, my mummies won't hurt you."
The mummies do not make a single threatening move towards you.
Initiative - round 1 - bold may act!
1. Atum, Tyrion, Maldoc, Elithir
2. Fire creatures
3. Oswin
4. Mummies
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Oswin steps forward, approaching no closer than 20' to the mummies.
"My name is Oswin Durnhelm. We have been sent to aid in the cataloging of these discoveries. Are you here for the same purpose?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Eli'thir hesitates upon seeing the undead wrapped in cloth seem to be under control of an unknown voice.
"Curious... yet, our priority is to save the precious scrolls first."
Advancing to stand near the mephits, he swings his curveblade at the closest.
for
for
Perception: +12
HP: 66/66
AC: 29 (T16 FF24)
F: +10*, R: +11*, W: +6*
Extracts Used Today:
3: Fly
2: Ablative Barrier, Alchemical Allocation X2
1: Ant Haul
Bombs Left: 12/13
Mutagen Left: 1/1
Spontaneous Healing Left: 15/15
Ablative Barrier Left: 25/25
Effects Active:
Ant Haul: Triples carry capacity
Ablative Barrier: convert first 5 lethal to non-lethal (25hp)
Barkskin +4: +4 enhancement bonus to natural armor
Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks
Dendrite Mutagen: +4 natural armor, +2 Dex, -2 Wis
(above saves include +1 to Reflex and -1 Will from mutagen, and +2 from heroism)
(above saves include +1 Reflex from haste)
Eli AC break-down:
10 base
5 armor (+2 darkleaf studded leather)
1 deflection (+1 ring)
5 dexterity
4 dendrite mutagen
4 enhancement to natural armor (barkskin)
2 combat expertise (when used)
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29 or 31 total
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Elithir moves into the fray and outright slays one of the mephits!
The two remaining mephits escape through the wall, as if nothing was there.
"Preservation? Yes, of course. We have the same goal. Come to me, walk past the mummies, they won't harm you." answers the voice coming from the north.
Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Atum, Tyrion, Maldoc, Elithir
2. Fire creatures
3. Oswin
4. Mummies (D)
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Eli'thir slashes as the mephit as it departs, certain the fiend's intent is to simply harrass them later.
for
Round 2
Eli'thir arches an eyebrow at the fog beyond the mummies.
"Perhaps it is better if you simply proceed past the fog out to us, that way we are all at an equal advantage as we discuss our... intentions."
Eli leans closer to the wall, uncertain of it's actual composition, and curious that a mephit could simply vanish into it.
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Atum and Maldoc pass the mummies unharmed. The hall continues north, but is drowned in fog. In the mist, both pathfinders discern the shape of a strange masked creature, beckoning you.
After a successful strike at one of the mephits, Elithir shakes his head, blinks several time, and suddenly it's as if the wall had never been there. He sees a chapel beyond where the air carries the scent of incense and old parchment. A simple altar occupies the east wall. An ibis statue sits behind it, silently gazing over any visitors. Pale light shines on the altar from a painting of the moon on the ceiling, illuminating stray motes of dust. In the room, the two mephits are slowly making their way to the back of the room, where a massive mummified sphinx stands, bearing fangs at Elithir!
Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Atum, Tyrion, Maldoc, Elithir
2. Fire Mephits, Mummies
3. Oswin
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"Bah tis merely an illusion." Tyrion says as he charges through and bashes a mephit in range.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Tyrion finishes off the mephit! The remaining fire creature, cornered, breathes a torrent of flames at the dwarf, then flutters his impllike wings to shift backwards and protect her mistress.
Suddenly, a strange mist of a different color than the one in the halls descends upon Tyrion and lashes its mist-like tentacles at him.
Tyrion is bruised, but doesn't let the tentacle ensnare him.
Initiative - round 2 - bold may act!
1. Atum, Tyrion, Maldoc, Elithir
2. Fire Mephit, Mist-like creature, Mummies
3. Oswin
4. Mummified sphinx
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As Tyrion rushes past in pursuit of the mephits, Eli'thir briefly contemplates the adages of the Society.
"Never split the party..."
With a sigh, he steps through the illusionary wall, announcing its presence to those who may not have yet identified it.
"There is a magic wall here, beyond which are possibly more enemies..."
Once through, he advances towards the lone remaining mephit, giving the sphinx and mist a quick glance.
for
for
Perception: +12
HP: 66/66
AC: 18 (T14/FF14)
F: +10*, R: +11*, W: +6*
Extracts Used Today:
3: Fly
2: Ablative Barrier, Alchemical Allocation X2
1: Ant Haul
Bombs Left: 12/13
Mutagen Left: 1/1
Spontaneous Healing Left: 15/15
Ablative Barrier Left: 25/25
Effects Active:
Ant Haul: Triples carry capacity
Ablative Barrier: convert first 5 lethal to non-lethal (25hp)
Barkskin +4: +4 enhancement bonus to natural armor
Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks
Dendrite Mutagen: +4 natural armor, +2 Dex, -2 Wis
(above saves include +1 to Reflex and -1 Will from mutagen, and +2 from heroism)
(above saves include +1 Reflex from haste)
Eli AC break-down:
10 base
4 armor (+1 darkleaf studded leather)
5 dexterity
4 dendrite mutagen
4 enhancement to natural armor (barkskin)
2 combat expertise (when used)
--
27 or 29 total
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Oswin moves 20' ahead, to the corner of the hall. He concentrates on breaking up the fog, but will also try to disbelieve the wall illusion if possible.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Oi OI, the little beasty tried to singe my beard. And whats this, some critter trying to hump my leg?"
"I guess it looks like a mishtu an air elemental like beastie. What's it doing here!"
Tyrion looks at where the remaning mephit has flown off to and spots the sphinx.
"And that be a mummified Gyrosphinx, what a mix of critters this be. We might need some help over here lads!" Tyrion shouts at the others.