Achmed is able to give a brief symposium on the City of Brass, and many of the arcane scholars take copious notes during his recitation.
Otieno then follows that up with an engaging discussion on the mating habits of snapping turtles. Which really seems to appeal to a certain segment of the crowd.
After the discussion, a pair of half-elves (they look like brother and sister) dressed in subdued garb approach the two of you to discuss your topics further. During the course of the conversation, the topic meanders over to the keynote speech. Master of Spells, Aram Zey was slated to deliver the keynote address but begged out of the privilege, citing his general dislike and disdain for the Grand Convocation as a colossal waste of time and expense. Marcos Farabellus, Master of Swords, volunteered to take his place.
Felix decides to try his hand at the sleuthing event. He does a good job, and actually impresses the judges with his keen powers of observation.
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Shortly before the keynote speech is about to commence, the party regroups near their initial meeting site.
”So, how’d it go? Learn anything?”
Bevek listens to the group’s retelling of the various contests and competitions. He’s obviously impressed with the group’s performance.
”Maybe I had you pegged wrong. I think you will do alright in the Society. In fact, I haven’t seen this much new talent in general in the halls of the Quadrangle in years. The recent successes at Nerosyan and the sky citadel Jormurdun probably have something to do with that. Really captures the imagination, doesn’t it? World class scholarship, and possibly a chance to do some good.”
“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.”
The (magically enhanced) voice booms out over the noise of the crowd.
Marcos Farabellus addresses the collection of Pathfinders and guests on the North Lawn.
“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 of 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.
“You’ll do what? Steal the past? Like you steal everything else?!”
Farabellus’s eyes narrow as he stares at the symbol. “Who are you and who put you up to this?”
“The better question is, ‘What am I?’” the voice retorts. “I’m not a liar, and I’m not a hypocrite. Nor do I rob captives of their livelihood, claiming the moral high ground of historical preservation!”
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.
“But the Pathfinder Society is that and more, and today it shall answer for its countless crimes!”
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.
Many Pathfinders scatter as snipers from the nearby gardens begin firing on the crowd. Several of the venture-captains from distant lodges begin organizing a defense while local leaders rush to Skyreach to assess any damage to restricted areas.
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.
The most prominent feature in this quadrant is the Pathfinder monument. This tall statue is cast in the likeness of Durvin Gest, the most famous Pathfinder of all time. Carved in a likeness of the adventurer in his later years—still dashing and bearing an assortment of scrolls and adventuring gear—the statue stares intently off into the distance. Beneath the statue, pedestals stand adorned with angelic figures and elaborate friezes showing some of the more memorable scenes from the Pathfinder’s long and celebrated career.
As you approach, two of the angels break off from the base of the statue, and attack!
Initiative:
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix
2nd: Angels
Otieno and Kardiv fire arrows at the male angel, which both hit and cause chunks of stone to crack off and fall to the ground. Otieno's wolf, Luna, lunges in to attack the other one, but is unable to connect. Achmed casts a spell of protection on himself. Lynn's inspiring words bolster her comrades attacks.
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix
2nd: Angels
The northern angel moves forward and engages Kardiv, while other one takes a swipe at Otieno's wolf.
Neither one is terribly coordinated, and all attacks miss.
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix (x2)
2nd: Angels
Otieno manages to tumble his way past the angel, flanking it. Luna manages to land a bite on the female statue, but it only takes off the tip of a wing. Kardiv lands a solid blow, with an assist from Achmed, managing to knock one of its hands off. The creature is still moving, though. Lynn swings at the nearest statue, but misses wide.
The two statues continue to flail at Kardiv and Luna. One manages to hit the wolf, knocking her back a step.
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix
2nd: Angels
With a mighty swing of his sword, Otieno lands a solid blow, reducing the statue to dust. Luna, however, can't connect. Kardiv moves forward and swings at the female angel, knocking off one of its wings. Lynn moves up to the other side of it, but her weapon does not seem to do any damage.
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix
2nd: Angels
Female 9 dmg
Achmed attempts to help Kardiv, but his efforts are ineffective.
The remaining angel turns its attention to Kardiv, flailing away at the paladin. It manages a lucky strike to his head.
1st: Otieno, Kardiv, Achmed, Lynn, Felix
2nd: Angels
With a mighty swing, Otieno reduces the second statue to dust!
The groups success is short lived, as the Grand Lodge continues to be a scene of chaos.
As the group moves into the northwest quadrant of the campus, a tall, gray-haired woman of Azlanti lineage dressed in the latest Qadiran fashion corrals the party. Her wayfinder indicates she’s a visiting venture-captain. ”I heard a commotion over in the Starhall. Go check it out, and secure the building.” She then rushes off after another group of Pathfinders who are chasing a zebra that escaped from the menagerie.
The outside of this large keep was designed with Azlanti architecture in mind. Two wings extend from the center structure, with a domed tower at the end of the east wing a smaller patinated bronze dome over the center hall. Starhall serves as an observatory, library, and museum for otherworldly and extraplanar objects and lore. Inside the main entrance is a library with several display cases of objects recovered from Numeria, as well as a curator’s desk and a staircase to the eastern tower.
Four owl-headed humanoids with large wings, dressed in clerical robes, are busy rifling through the library. On hearing the group approach, they take up defensive stances and eye the group warily.
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Lynn would move her hand over Otieno's arrow ushering him to lower his bow. Sheathing her own weapon she stood in front of Otieno.
"Please none of us have to fight over any of this we can all talk with as much time as we are allowed, but it must also be understood that the whole of the Society is in conflict. These texts and artifacts are sacred in their knowledge and it would do neither of us any good to see it lost. Please humble owl-kin speak with us, we mean you no harm unless it is an absolute must I pray that it will not come to that."
The lead individual cocks its head to the side as it considers your words. It replies in a high-pitched twittery voice, but clearly in the Common tongue.
”We are Hruul. You are Pathfinders? We have been told much about your organization and its motives. We have no care for your fight with Aspis. We merely wish to return to our home. We search for heavens-map to aid our endeavor.”
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Lynn looked to the others believing that they would know not to fight an enemy should it not be present.
"If it does not take too much of your time I would propose a deal. I am sure if you aid the pathfinders we could surely find a Wizard willing to send you to your home after the ordeal is dealt with. That is assuming you have no other plans that would befit our demise. I can assure that the Pathfinders help those who assist them in return. Would you be willing to assist us if we promise to return you to your home within our power of doing so?"