Opening the game thread so everyone can dot it. Gaming will not start untill the 5th of November due to this being the special.
Every year, the Grand Lodge hosts the Grand Convocation at its campus in Absalom.
While the Grand Convocation is ostensibly not a party, it is an opportunity for the Decemvirate and Absalom’s resident venture-captains to express their gratitude to field agents and those venture-captains stationed abroad.
The Grand Convocation also serves the practical purpose of encouraging networking, relationships, and shared intra-Society communication. The Twelve are well aware that some interaction between field agents will only ever occur informally, hence the festivities serve to provide an excuse for agents across the Inner Sea to meet and mingle, if only for a week.
Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus strides up to the large crowd and claps his hands together for attention.
“Welcome Pathfinders, one and all! And welcome to our traveling venture-captains stationed abroad as well our honored guests! I am Marcos Farabellus, and on behalf of the Decemvirate, I welcome you to the Pathfinder Society’s annual Grand Convocation!
I shall address all of the attendees later this afternoon to announce some of the Society’s greatest accomplishments over the past year and our plans for the future.
In the meantime, I invite you to stroll about the campus, meet with your peers, and enjoy all the sites of the Grand Lodge. We have set up numerous challenges and contests so that you can show off your skills or sharpen them if need be. I’ll send around ushers when it’s time to assemble for the speeches on the north lawn. Enjoy!
The Grand Lodge campus is PACKED with people. Its busy, even by Absalom standards.
After the announcement of the Master if Swords, the crowds disperse over the grounds, looking for the challanges.
Before you, a young woman of mixed heritage (you can discern some Osirian features), turns around, face beaming.
"Isnt this exiting! I am so happy to be here at the grand convocation!
She has a thick mop of black hair. She wears leather armor that has seen its fair share of wear and tear. Underneath she wears sensible clothing of good quality.
"Have you attended a convocation before? This is my fourth. Its fantastic and oh... silly me! My name is Nigella Illintain the third. Altough you can leave of the number. My parents, altough good pathfinders, werent that creative with names."
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So excited to be here? Apparently she didn't know bars serve alcohol, too...
"Name's Priddy. Don't bother with the jokes, I've heard 'em all and, well, punchline takes on a whole new meaning. Anyway, that may have been a bit rude. Been working on that. So..." Percival trails off.
So... hmm...
"So... what's going on? Anything interesting?"
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Saphera follows the group as they make their way across the campus. “This place is somewhat overwhelming.”
The young inquisitor slowly turns while observing the entirety of the convocation. “Well-met Nigella, my name is Saphera Moonglade. It would seem that we are in for quite a festivity today. ”
Saphera relaxes her shield arm, allowing the large barricade to drop to her side. In its absence the mural depicting the battle of heaven and hell, worked into her chest plate, glistens from the afternoon sun.
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Clothed in the orange and brown robes of his eastern order, a short monk stands before you. His crow-like visage is often as stern and uncompromising as the rigorous physical and mental training he has endured. He wears a simple bamboo hat upon his feathered head, and typically bears an exotic staff in hand. He has a light pack strapped over one shoulder.
With one hand in prayer position at his chest as the other remains gripping his staff, the robed tengu gives the young woman a polite and very formal bow. From the distant realms of Tian Xia judging by his accent, he enthusiastically addresses her, "I bow to the inner perfection within you, most honorable Nigella Illintain the Third-chan! I am Kuaizi Wu, at your service."
As his recent acquaintances introduce themselves in turn to Nigella, the monk seems to fidget uncomfortably a bit. With a lowered head and mild shame in his tone, "I beg forgiveness, Hassari Ehnieh-san and Saphera Moonglade-chan. I meant no disrespect earlier today..."
With a raised index talon-finger, his demeanor is that of one making a solemn vow. "I promise henceforth to name you both with full and proper respect."
He then listens attentively as the young woman answers Priddy's question.
Nigella smiles exitedly. "Ow its all so very nice to meet you!"
She shakes hands and bows to kuaizi.
She then nods to Priddy. "Anything interesting? Well, apart from the concvocation itself, there are severl contests going on all over the grounds. Well, not really contests. There is no prize exept recognition by your peers. Very important in itself of course. And the oppurtunity to learn from your fellow pathfinders. There are also various lectures taking place.
And I heard from my friend Lissy that the budget to maintain the menagerie has been temporarily expanded for the Grand Convocation. The Grand Lodge is capitalizing on the large number of visitors to present as many unusual specimens as possible."
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Able, a big shoanti, wearing weapons and armor that look like he ripped it off the bodies of his beaten opponnents, is busy exchanging parts of his equipment around his belt and backpack, judging the utility of each item, and placing them at reachable pockets, discarding others, like chains and manacles into the backpack, although he opts foor the quicksnap manacles to be at his belt, as a sigg of his occupation.
"Competition is good and healthy. I would like to honour Kurgess with a victory" he claims.
"Although I hope I don't have to juggle tables like last time.."
Nigella takes out a crumpled piece of paper. "No... no... No juggeling on the program as far as I can see. But there is weight lifting? And an obstacle course?"
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Contests... these kids all feel like they have something to prove. Where was Kurgess in Varno...
"Not too terribly interested in competin', truth be told. Had more than my fill for one lifetime. But I also have nothin' better to do, and I'd hate to think I wasted my one drink limit so early in th' afternoon."
Percival regards his companions a moment. Saphera and Kuaizi, while familiar faces at the Temple of Sarenrae where Ollystra Zadrian operates from, remain relative strangers. Saphera's almost supernatural beauty and wizened actions are unnerving, and the birdmen have always been a bit of an enigma -- one Percival is happy to preserve. The sylph, one of many relatively new additions to the Society, were another group Percival remained blissfully ignorant of.
Humans... 64% of Absalom, 5% of the Society...
Nigella gives Priddy a sympathetic nod. "I understand. We work hard for the Society. Its nice to have a day off."
She points at her piece of paper. "There is however a storytelling and/or boasting event? You look like you have some tall tales to tell."
Nigella turns her attention to Zanu and scans her paper. "Nope. No illusion contest. There is however a lore symposium. You know. For the mental muscles. Oh, and sleuthing! I heard they set up a complete fake crime scene."
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Storytelling... never considered myself the "entertaining" type. Likely a bunch of braggadocio... but...
Percival responds to Nigella's recommendation: "I figure we all have a story or two if we've been in the Society longer than a minute. Might have somethin' I can contribute, if pressed. Whether anyone'd be interested is a different story." he adds with a short laugh.
"Dont sell yourself short Priddy. I am sure you have done some impressive feats in service to the society."
Nigella turns towards the party.
"I am going for some refresments, and then look at some of the contests. If I dont learn anything, I might at least laugh at some poor fellow falling in the mud."
She gives a mischivous wink and starts off towards a consession stand that is handing out meat on a stick.
"Anyone want some?"
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Taken-back by the sheer ferocity of the festivities, Saphera nods quietly to Nigella and follows her over to the concession stand.
"I'm afraid i'm not much for celebrating, or participating in games." Saphera says with an uncomfortable smile.
"I'm a little surprised that the society invests so much effort in an event like this when there are fare more pressing matters continuously developing worldwide."
The young inquisitor cautiously observes the people as they mill about the Convocation.
"This place looks like a lightning rod for trouble."
Nigella mulls over Priddy's words for a moment.
"Hm. Yes. There are more pressing matters in the world. But we are not an organisation of nations. We hold no positions in parliment. We can only hope our actions in the field set an example to all, that there are better ideals to strive for. That we may through working together reach a better society."
Nigella gestures to the fellow society members milling about. "And the convocation is more then just a party. Its a chance to learn. See friends we might have missed for years. And it is a day of remembrance. Of those who went before us and showed us the way. Taught us about the world and how we could make a difference. A day to remember all the good people we've lost... a party does not do this day justice."
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Saphera nods her head acknowledging her understanding of Nigella's intent. " this feels like it would provide a lucrative target for those wishing to undermine the society. I feel a little uncomfortable with all this, but I do see the value and opportunity this event will provide."
Saphera takes a deep breath and then puts on the best smile she can muster under the circumstances.
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I understand both Priddy and Saphera's reasoning, and I would like to share with them my view on these matters as well. But life IS a competition, and prowess must be shown, especially if this here team wants to know what's it able to do. And Able can do anything
"You should watch me at the obstacle course, and you'll win that storytelling contest by describing my victory. I hope.", Able adds, knowing life has pulled it's tricks on him often enough.
He looks at Kuaizi.
"Care to join me?"
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Kuaizi perks up at the mention of a lore contest. He asks the gracious Nigella, "Hmmm. Might it include religious lore, Nigella Illintain the Third-chan?" With a knowing glance, he adds, "For it might be a splendid opportunity for me to spread the beneficial knowledge of the Perfected One."
To Saphera and Priddy, he nods in agreement. Giving each Pathfinder a knowing look, "The Society has many enemies. Keep alert to danger as we participate, honorable companions."
He humbly bows to Able, "Indeed, good sir. But first, so sorry, but I believe I did not get your name..."
A magical announcement rings out over the grounds.
“Pathfinders, please get settled. All campus-wide events are
closing. All venture-captains and field agents are invited to
gather on the north lawn for refreshments and the keynote
address in several minutes.”
Slowly the crowds start moving towards the north lawn, where you can see rows and rows of benches lined up.
Nigella smiles apolegetically. "It was really nice meeting you all. But I promised some old friends I'd meet them when the speach started so we could all dine together. I hope you all have a wonderfull day."
She shakes everyones hand again, bowing to Kuazi, and starts off towards the north lawn.
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Slightly miffed that they have wasted their time talking, Able Stone, sighs, but than perks up, and introduces himself to Kuaizi, but in a loud enough voice, so the rest can hear him.
"I'm Able Stone, of the Shundar-Quah, the Spire Clan. When I was young, I travelled with my father, who went from tribe to tribe to negotiate, and so I picked up a lot of things, and techniques from all these different clans..."
Able lowers his voice as they approch the benches, and picks out a corner seat.
With most of the people seated, the magically enhanced voice of the Master of Swords rings out over the grounds.
“Greetings! Once again, I am Marcos Farabellus, Master of Swords, and it is my distinct privilege to welcome you all to the annual Grand Convocation of the Pathfinder Society! We have sent expeditions throughout the Inner Sea and beyond – from Tian Xia to Jalmeray to Irrisen, we have explored, worked together, and uncovered more mysteries about our world than ever before. It has been an incredibly successful year for the Society, and the ones responsible stand before me today: each and every one of you who continues to make the Society great. On behalf of the Decemvirate and your venture-captains, you have our sincerest thanks."
“As most of you know, one our greatest triumphs of the decade has been the location and exploration of the lost sky citadel, Jormurdun. Those of you who joined the Jormurdun expedition may recall the unusual artifact that we discovered on that mission: the Sky Key. The key gave us a momentary glimpse of the past—an unparalleled opportunity to meet and interact with a lost civilization. Unfortunately, the key was not whole. So, for the past year, teams have scoured Golarion in search of its missing components. I’m pleased to announce today, the Sky Key is whole! Soon we will again bridge the divide to ages past and…”
The Master of Swords pauses for a brief, questioning second as he peers into the air above the gathered crowd. There, an immense Glyph of the Open Road hangs in midair before booming an angry retort.
Farabellus’s eyes narrow as he stares at the symbol.
“Who are you and who put you up to this?”
the voice retorts.
With each accusation, cracks appear in the Glyph of the Open Road before the whole symbol ignites and drips flaming tears upon the crowd below.
Screeches from above announce scores of winged humanoids launching themselves from Skyreach’s many roofs, just as howls from the menagerie accompanied by explosions from the outbuildings that send painful reverberations through the Grand Lodge.
The Pathfinder Society is under attack!
Sir Laribold Croome, an immaculately dressed Taldan nobleman scrambles for cover behind a table, which his halfling manservant helpfully flips onto its side.
Catching his breath, the Taldan fumbles for his monocle before addressing the nearby Pathfinders. “Monsters and villains are attacking all over the grounds,” he states with perfect articulation, punctuated by a crossbow bolt that embeds itself in his makeshift barricade.
“Spread out, patrol the grounds, and snuff out trouble as you find it. If you should discover any clues about what the devil is going on, report back here at the base of Skyreach.”
He pulls his sword cane free from its sheath and raises it overhead. “Look alive, and show initiative,” he shouts before performing an elaborate dueling salute in the direction of an elephant and setting off after it.
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Able grabs one of his javelins, eyeing the flying creatures
"Okay, we need a plan, and we need it fast. I suggest not splitting up, and getting some room. That means getting these people out of the way and into safety, before we start really hamering these..these..what ever they are"
Able looks at the others.
"Look, I can do a lot of things, but that mainly involves interacting with unfriendlies in a stern manner. Who among us has the bigger insight, because all I can come up with is lifting these tables as cover and use them to get the people away"
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Desna's damned wings...
Percival assesses the situation and decides on his ranseur.
This'll do for now.
Percival looks around, seeing a few of the familiar faces from earlier proceedings nearby.
"Able! Saphera!..." What were their damn names... "Round up the others and form on me... hate to sound bossy, but someone's on our turf trying to fight dirty, and that's kinda my specialty."
Who is this... what do they want... Robbery? Awfully bold with everyone here... wonder what the scale of this thing is...
The suddenness of the alarming mobilization of the Pathfinders exhilarates Percival to action.
"I suggest we start local... try to get the innocents off the campus so we can minimize collateral damage. I'll defer to someone's better judgement once we get organized, but we need to get while the gettin's good!"
You dont become a pathfinder field agent because you really want it. Most go training before going trough their three year initiate phase.
The Pathfinder Society Grand Convocation is perhaps the only time most of its agents are found in one place. Its no noblemans tea party. Whomever chose to attack, must be certain of themselves or their numbers...
Having been pathfinder agents for quite some time, you realise that if something is currently running amok in skyreach, the best protected building of the society, it would be something well and truely beyond your powers.
A lot of the other buildings are either not significant enough (a lot of lecture and study halls), or are way more high end buildings probably better suited to others to defend.
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"Caw!" Kuaizi announces as he raises a taloned hand to the sky and swiftly assumes a defensive stance with his handy bo staff.
The tengu spiritual warrior assesses the scenario unfolding before him. His first thought is to protect the innocent and the weak. But he quickly dismisses the necessity of that, since this is a Pathfinder gathering.
"Agreed, Able Stone of the Spiral Clan-san and Percival-san." He looks around as he goes along with the others, trying most of all to discern who might need his immediate help. He also puzzles over the Society's known enemies to identify who they might be, as well as identify what kinds of enemies they are facing.
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Saphera draws her sword, making sure the weapon's cord is well in place, and then moves defensively towards the rest of the group.
“We need to stay tight and address one problem at a time. If we try and take on this mass of chaos, we will be divided and likely fail. Take a deep breath, remain calm, , and cautiously select a location that requires our assistance.”
While the grounds are in chaos, its not the massacer you would expect. Many pathfinders are rallying in small teams, their training kicking in almost instantly.
The flying creatures are starting to get resistance from those easier able to fly then yourself. As to what they are, you are unsure. Its not an enemy you've seen or heard describe before.
From what you can see, several buildings appear under attack. Some are ignored by your fellow pathfinders, as their loss would be of no significance to the Society, while teams rush to the buildings more important to defend.
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Realising that Pathfinders can actually fend for themselves, Able decides to concentrate on the enemy, and what it wants
"Priddy, you are the crafty one. What part of this particular dance is just show, and what is the real goal?"
Able tries to spot which of the to buildings attracts the most attention of the enemy.
You head off towards the Mausoleum at a brisk pace.
It is an enormous, columned stone structure. It is both temple and
fortress. Two wings flank an open courtyard. Viewed from a distance, you can still see the damage done to the right wing during earlier troubles. Some of it is still in scafholding.
Approaching the courtyard, you see shattered statues and religious sculptures pertaining to death and the afterlife are strewn about the courtyard.
The bodies of two caretakers are slumped to the sides of the western doors.
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Percival follows quickly behind the group, tactically staying close to the center.
Regarding Able's question, Percival replies between breaths during their hustle: "Best guess is... if they're familiar with the Society... they're trying to distract us... they know we're too strong... there's too many of us to face head-on. Might be something abroad... hell of a way to keep us busy. If they aren't familiar with the Society... they made a big mistake... practically a declaration of war."
This whole ordeal reminds me of the Worldwound...
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The orange-robed tengu holds on to his bamboo hat as he speeds up ahead towards the mausoleum with the group. He seems to have considerably less trouble keeping up. In fact, he takes the lead as some of the others huff and puff. A speedy little fellow for one of perhaps four and a half feet in height...
As Saphera takes a moment to scan the area, the monk wastes no time approaching the fallen caretakers. He gives each a very brief medical examination to see if they are as dead as they appear, and how their fates were sealed if so. If deceased, he recites a short prayer for the departed to find final rest, and gives each a bow of respect. If alive, he produces several sashes, binding wounds quickly to stop the bleeding.
After reporting his findings to the others, he soon after gives the courtyard a once-over for himself.