The Fabric of Reality
Arriving in the city of Goka in Tian Xia, your group is directed to the headquarters of the Lantern Lodge and ushered into a meeting room adjacent to the lodge's well-stocked library.
A table of polished teakwood dominates the middle of this room. Around it sits a number of padded chairs. A handsome Tian woman, dressed in a simple silk dress, sits at the head of the table, which you quickly recognize as former Venture-Captain Amara Li.
”Thank you for coming, Pathfinders.” she says softly after gesturing for you all to sit. ”Let me first get this out of the way, I am assisting the Society in this mission to continue to foster a mutually beneficial spirit of cooperation. I will not be returning to the Society in an active role otherwise.”
”Now to business. As I’m sure you know, the Society came into possession of the now infamous Hao Jin Tapestry after winning the Ruby Phoenix Tournament last year. This magical tapestry contains a demiplane, one in which the ancient sorcerer Hao Jin placed a vast collection of treasures and magical wonders. The Society has been sending Pathfinder teams into the demiplane for months, mapping its locations and cataloging a staggering number of incredible finds.”
“During the course of these expeditions, we uncovered a secret entrance—backdoor, if you will—that links the tapestry with a site in distant Varisia. Aspis Consortium agents bent on plundering the demiplane secretly exploited this entry point. However, thanks to a daring band of Pathfinders, the Society took control of the Varisian entrance.”
“We hoped to use the tapestry as an instantaneous method of traveling between Absalom and Varisia, but the route to Varisia is currently only one-way. The Decemvirate wants to change this.”
Amara pauses as the Temple of Abadar’s bells mark the midday hour. As the twelfth bell sounds, a thin, middle-aged Keleshite man appears out of nowhere standing next to her, carrying what appears to be a rolled-up rug over one shoulder
”Greetings,” he says sharply. “I am Aram Zey, and this—,” he says as he unrolls the rug and attaches it to the wall, “—is the Hao Jin Tapestry.”
“As the former Venture-Captain was saying, the Society needs the link between Absalom and Varisia to work in both directions. I believe it’s possible to re-attune the tapestry by accessing a site called the Sacred Shrine of Abadar at the very heart of the demiplane. After much research, I believe that the instructions are documented in a tome called the Abysium Codex. With it, you should be able to re-attune the tapestry and allow us to travel to and from Absalom and Varisia at will. After we’ve achieved that, we can establish our own permanent portals in points all over Golarion where we need quick access to. Just imagine having rapid, two-way travel from wherever the tapestry is held to points all over the world.”
“First thing’s first: we need you to retrieve the Abysium Codex,” interjects Amara Li. “You’ll find it in the possession of a woman named Shadow Orchid, who operates a bookshop called the Learned Crane here in Goka. But be wary, Pathfinders. Though Shadow Orchid is very old and feeble, she is a former Xun assassin—a master of the art of murder.”
"Any questions?" Aram Zey asks with a barely restraint look of annoyance.
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"What else do we know about this Shadow Orchid?" Asks a tall, athletically-built Elf with platinum hair, turquoise eyes, a stunning panoply of quintessentially Elven-looking weapons, and an elegant silver spellbook at his side. "What difficulty should we expect in acquiring this book, and how might we circumvent it?"
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"How does the Codex look like?" Vailis looks with curiosity at the new elf in the squad "I mean, they have tried to trick us multiple times as of late, I would no like this book to end similarly"
"Also, will you show us the exact location of the Learned Crane? What kind of business is it? Are we allowed to accept further tasks on name of Orchid?" the half-elf becomes a bit worried at this point "I do not want to end charged to assassinate an enemy of the Xuns in order to recover the book"
Vailis closes up on the Tapestry and inspects it with great interest "That's a great idea. About using it for transport I mean. I would like to have an idea to the Codex myself, even more than getting money for this task"
"If Shadow Orchid isn't willing to negotiate for Codex, then you are authorized to use all necessary force to obtain it." Zey answers the first question from Melufiuos.
Amara Li fields Zeno's questions next, "Shadow Orchid is a female elf and a Xun assassin. She once was a notorious assassin of the Golden League, though she’s been retired for over a century. We believe she assassinated Hao Jin—leading to one of the Ruby Phoenix’s many rebirth —several centuries before Hao Jin’s final disappearance, and then absconded with the Abysium Codex. As a Xun, Shadow Orchid may have lived several reincarnated lives prior to this one. I'm afraid all we currently know is that she still possesses the Codex and keeps it in the building, I cannot give you more specifics on the dangers you may face there."
Aram Zey then takes the lead for Vailis' inquiries, "You'll be given the exact location of the building, it won't be difficult to find. It is a bookshop that supposedly specializes in rare books. Do whatever you need to do to get the Abysium Codex as long as it doesn't run counter to the Society's goals. As for a description of the book itself, it’s a heavy tome with pages made from sheets of hammered abysium, a blue-green skymetal known for its mystical properties. Be cautious, and try to limit direct contact with the book, for abysium has been known to sicken those who have prolonged exposure with the substance."
"Sickened such as a general malaise. If there's any diseases involved I'm not aware of it." Zey replies to Ophelia.
Amara Li then answers Ophelia's other question, "The Xun are the tattooed assassins and soldiers of the Golden League—remorseless specialists in murder and intrigue. Their tattoos depict all manner of mythical monsters, and it’s said that when a Xun dies, she immediately reincarnates as the creature painted on her body."
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When the party sees Mel, they notice something odd (odder?) about him. There is now a very large and colorful parrot perched atop his head. He introduces her as Lady Beltona. Periodically he tries to brush her off to his shoulder, but it doesn't last. In no time she is back on his head.
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"I think I got it" Vailis turns to Zeno then and makes a small reverence "Allow me to present myself. Vailis Zorch, searcher of the planes. I believe we have not had the opportunity to met before. Are you settled here in Goka?"
"Settled? Here? No. I'm from Kyonin. But I wander. Like most any good Pathfinder."
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Valik moves from the corner where he stood silent, stoic, taking it all in. A single eyebrow raises at the overgrown pigeon perched on Mel's shoulder. He focuses on the current task at hand.
Hmm...interesting indeed. Trading with a "known" assassin is peculiar to say the least. I just hope the ends will justify the means of obtaining the information. Do we need any special carrying case for the Codex, to limit exposure to it? Is Shadow Orchid expecting us?
"A carrying case sounds like a good idea, although we don't have any suggestions what would be best. Shadow Orchid will not be expecting you." Amara Li replies to Valik.
* * *
After finishing your mission briefing and taking a small detour for Melufiuos to go scroll shopping, the group heads to the Learned Crane. Arriving at your destination, you see that the building is a three-story stone building located at the end of a long, twisting alleyway in the heart of Goka. A simple wooden sign over the door has some words written in Tien under a silhouette of a crane standing atop and open book. Upon entering you see that though adequately illuminated, this bookshop feels gloomy and somewhat claustrophobic. There are many tables holding piles of books and several bookshelves that stretch from floor to ceiling. The entire east wall is a single bookcase, completely filled with books.
Sitting in at a desk against the north wall is an aged but graceful appearing elf with jet black hair worn up and piercing white eyes, wearing a simple black silk robe and sandals. A young human man sits at a desk in the south leafing through a book.
As you enter the elf woman stands up and bows formally, before addressing you in Taldean, "I welcome you to my humble shop. How may I be of service?"
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Vailis stretches his eyes looking at the unexpected human. He makes a sign to his companions for them to be careful.
Answering in Chelish the half-elf greets back the elven woman "Greetings Shadow Orchid. We were told this is the best place in Goka to find specially unusual books. I am actually interested to collect books made in strange skymetal alloys and some people pointed out you might have some"
"Strange alloys? I must apologize, but I am not a purveyor of such items. May I ask why would travelers like you be looking for such things?"
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"duh, how often do you find books made of metal, let alone freaky metal? "
The parrot rolls her eyes and pecks at his left ear, sharply.
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At Melufiuos' statement, the elf woman just stares at him blankly, although it could be due to the parrot on his head.
The older elf appears completely forthright to Vailis, while the man in the chair continues to be lost in his reading. The elf replies, "I am sorry that I cannot be of help. Have a pleasant day."
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Zeno wards himself against harm before entering the shop...
...and has since been busy looking around the room.
He also tries to surreptitiously snoop out any poisons that may be in this unlikely assassin's den.
Those looking around the shop see a number of books in a variety of languages, but few seem of any real value except to those interested in their respective topics of esoterica. There does not appear to be any books composed of skymetal, in any event. Both Zeno and Valik hear the very faint rhythm of a conversation going on up the stairs, but can't make out any of the words.
While looking around, Zeno casts Detect Poison but does not find any in the room.
A vague look of concern creases the woman's brow as the group proceeds to look around, and she appears to note Zeno casting a spell, "Unless there is a specific item you are interested in, I think it would best if you left."
With that, the man who was reading stands up and glowers at your group, the kukri in his belt now visible.
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Quiella looks between the faces of the shop inhabitants. How do I defuse this one?
"I think there's been a misunderstanding here. We're looking for an ancient codex. We believe you were the last to possess it. Do you have any clues as to how we might be able to obtain it?"
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At Vallis words, Mel rests his hand on his rapier and rises to the balls of his feet.
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"Oh, now I understand. That particular item isn't for sell..." The elven woman trails off then as Vailis and Melufiuos attempt to intimidate the man with the kukri. She sighs and whistles loudly as she places herself in a combat stance. "I'd have to kill you eventually anyway, I suppose."
Taking the advantage, she chops her hand at Vailis' neck in an attempt to instantly kill him by cutting off his aorta. Sadly for her, but fortunate for Vailis, he is aware that she's an assassin so he moves just enough to avoid almost dying. He does, however, take some injury. Afterwards she moves to the other side of the room.
Showing some concern for Vailis and Melufiuos, the man with the kukri moves back 5 feet while drawing a tanglefoot bag and tosses it at Quiella. Despite her being a flat-foot target, in his excitement he overthrows the bag and it covers the desk in the corner with tar and resin.
Three more men armed with kukris quickly make their way downstairs, two of them placing themselves to the southeast of the woman, while the third stays in the stairwell and throws a tanglefoot bag at Valik. It too misses, landing at the feet of Vailis and exploding harmless on the ground.
Initiative (Round 1)
Shadow Orchid
4 Thugs
Melufiuos <= Up
Zeno <= Up
Valik <= Up
Ophelia <= Up
Vailis [13 Damage] <= Up
Quiella <= Up
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Vailis makes his hands to the neck just in time to barely avoiding being assassinated "You, crazy bastard!"
"This does not need to go this way Orchid!" the half-elf makes an effort to move into the desk. He then produces a small shovel focus from his pouch and looks at the new men with a smile "Bad timing for you", the summoner conjures an extraplanar hole with create pit under them three.
"Let's stop this before someone gets killed Orchid. Surrender, release the book and we are all done" suggests Vailis.
Vailis casts Create Pit, forming an extradimensional hole under three of the four thugs. Two of them jump to safety, while the third falls 30 feet and lands on his back.
"I assassinated Hao Jin herself to procure that book. I'm not going to surrender it to pigs like you." Shadow Orchid replies to Vailis, sounding offended at the very notion.
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Zeno sighs gently, then imbues his trusty bow with extradimensional power, causing it to thrum with force.
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Quiella moves in on the orchid, drawing her greatsword. "You'll pay for that one." She says, then swings at the old woman.
for
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Zeno casts a spell to strengthen his bow, while Melufiuos casts one to provide cover for his spell casting.
Quiella then advances as she declares Shadow Orchid an enemy of good and proceeds to hit her with her greatsword.
Afterwards, Valik moves next to Quiella and punches the bald bodyguard next to him.
Ophelia's assists the group in battle with a Bless spell.
"Give me assistance." Shadow Orchid hisses to her thugs and the bald one attempts to tumble past Ophelia. He both fails to make it through her and leaves himself open to attacks from Valik, Melufiuos, Quiella, and Ophelia. If he somehow survives those attacks, he attempts to strike Ophelia with his weapon and misses.
The thug with the beard has far more success as he successfully uses his acrobatic skills to make his way across the room and past Ophelia's legs.
The bodyguard with tattoos attempts to jump the pit from the stairs, but his failure to start with a run severely hampers his attempt and he misses the other side by a few feet, falling down into the pit with the thug in the headband. He promptly stands up afterwards.
The headband thug climbs about 8 feet up the walls of the extradimensional pit.
Despite her advanced age, Shadow Orchid athletically tumbles past most of the group to get into a flank with the bearded thug. She then attempts to strike Ophelia with a fist, but the cleric's armor deflects it.
Initiative (Round 2)
Shadow Orchid
4 Thugs
Melufiuos <= Up
Zeno <= Up
Valik <= Up
Ophelia <= Up
Vailis [13 Damage] <= Up
Quiella <= Up
Effects
Bless: +1 to attacks rolls and fear effects
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Zeno glimpses seconds into the future...
...before lining up a shot in the terribly crowded little room.
[dice=thistle arrow damage]2d6+14[/dice]
When Valik attempts to trip the bald thug, he retaliates with his kukri and misses. His legs swept out underneath him, he then falls to the floor. As he stands back up, the thug finds himself slipping into the pit.
As Zeno snaps off an arrow, Shadow Orchid flicks it away with a snap of her wrist.