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Over several weeks, chatter along the corridors and on your missions suggest something has been afoot within the Society. Though you are not clear of what is happening, you know that the Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr is in the centre of all this.
And lately, it seems a large group of Pathfinder agents have been summoned to meet in a couple days in the Cairnlands outside of Absalom. Among the list of volunteers, Six Pathfinders find their names listed on the roster under the team titled "Red Team Go". The group meets up in the halls of the Grand Lodge to get acquainted, share rumours and make the final preparations.
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Red Team Go is a stupid name. Why do I always have to be in the groups with the stupid dishonorable names, or the stupid dishonorable crazy people, or the stupid crazy missions thinks to himself Rahab as he drums his fingers upon his armor.
"Maybe you should chill Rahab. Or maybe think of trying drugs" pipes up the longsword at his side in it's scabbard. "Of all the Pathfinders I could be paired with, I had to get the crazy one."
"I WILL NOT TRY THE DRUGS. I will wait until my brothers have joined me. Or whatever the Ten send my way. There will be MUCH GLORY. AND LEARNING ON HOW TO GET MUCH GLORY. AND ON HOW TO SURVIVE TO GET EVEN MORE GLORY!"
"Desna weeps, what did I do to deserve this?"
The woman in the red mask was quiet. She had been watching all the teams, taking note of each one on her clipboard as they filed in.
Would they be ready for what lay ahead? She had no idea. Whatever happened though, she knew it would be out of this world.
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An armored Garundi man looks over the list, surprised at how many names and groups were included. He adjusts the spell pouch and wands hanging at his side. Whatever this is, it must be big. I don't know what it is, but it is big. Some new artifact? Problems with a previous one? A strike at the Aspis to make up for the last Grand Conclave?
He then overheard the apparently crazy pathfinder talking to a sword. "Did you say red team go? I am Argent Vosk of Ecanus, and it would seem we will be working together."
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"I did." The Half-orc offers his hand, barking: "I am Rahab Seven-Blades, and I am here as an Educator to teach and learn. I am not very good at teaching yet. BUT I WILL BE. The Lord in Iron be my witness."
He looks around, clearly biting at the bit and anxious to be in action. "So" he continues awkwardly. "What is Ecanus? Is it in the Mwangi Expanse?"
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"South of the Expanse actually. It is the greatest city in all of Nex, center of the military and home to the fleshforges." Argent takes the halforcs hand. "I suppose I am a bit of a student and an educator as well. I have joined this society to find new magics to take back to my country to fight the evils of Geb. Perhaps this coming mission will be the one to uncover some kind of knowledge or artifact that can end a millennia of bloodshed."
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As the other Pathfinders chat amongst themselves, a small creature emerges from the shadows of the room, where he had been intently studying the others. Those not paying attention probably didn't even know anyone else was there. The small wayang is just over 3 feet in height, and covered in an old grey cloak. His features are tough to make out, as his face always seems to be covered in shadow. When he begins to talk, it comes out as a low gravelly whisper "Hmmmph, what's our purpose? Like to be prepared. Will make more concoctions if needed." He comes across a bit gruff and would much rather focus on the task at hand than niceties.
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Late to the gathering, a hooded figure in a black cloak steps out of the shadows. You can tell that he is humanoid, but bears the talons of a bird of prey instead of feet, and has several exotic blades on belts.
He bows deeply to each gathered.
" Great honor to travel with each of you it is. More consistent hoping this mission will be than my last."
The Society's Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr, looks up with approval upon the 30 foot platform the society is erecting around the base of the Spire of Nex. Her slate-gray skin seems to blend into the stonework behind her, but her manner is lively. She grins as she addresses the unkempt beggar beside her. ”See, Drandle, we were ready in time. You owe me a beer.”
The old Venture Captain titters. “Heh. You’re not away from the spire yet. We’ll see.”
“So we will.” Sorrina nods, then waves at the assembling crowd. “Pathfinders—welcome and well timed. Please, make your ways to the designated safe areas quickly and carefully, and please mind the wards. Try to keep the paths clear, as we have some very delicate equipment coming through. I have some amazing discoveries to share in just a few more moments.”
Meanwhile in the crowd, the aura of excitement continues to build. Rumors are flying everywhere as Pathfinders ask each other, “What’s this all about?”
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Starlight brightens the grassy plain surrounding the immense Spire of Nex. Overhead, a comet lazily streaks across the night sky. Heavily armed patrols guard the perimeter, and the shadow of great wings occasionally blots out the stars. Sharp flashes of amethyst light, quick shouts, and chanting briefly periodically rise above the waiting crowd’s chatter as spellcasters hurriedly construct and maintain crackling wards. These efforts revolve around a thirty-foot-tall upright gleaming metal ring constructed at the Spire’s base.
You might hear rumors of the Society’s latest activities related to this gathering.
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You might know the significance of the Spire of Nex and what it might be used for.
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You might know more about the new comet in the sky.
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A tall elven man approaches your group. He is followed by a youngster dragging a small cart in which you see stacks of small rucksacks. You notice other people moving around the group that are also followed by an adolescent with a cart.
”Well met, I have been tasked by the Venture officers to provide magical assistance on your trip outside of Golarion’s atmosphere and into a low-gravity environment."
He waits for a moment to let the news sink in.
"Yes, the comet! I won't be joining you there. But I can protect you from environmental temperature extremes, the vacuum of space, and damage dealt by radioactivity. I wouldn't plan on leaving Golarion without it!"
"It lasts for the better part of the day and I can cast it on each of you. The faction leaders have agreed that together they will pay for the costs. Of course they will find a way to make you pay for it in the end, but you first need to survive on the comet...”
He reaches into his spell component pouch "So, what do you say? Who wants it?"
Later the elf takes one of the small sacks from the youngster ”In addition, the Society has put together caches of supplies to help Pathfinders trapped in hostile conditions make it back in one piece.” He hands over the rucksack.
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As Varuna slinks through the crowd, he pauses intermittently to listen in on the gossip from the other agents. He shares what he learns with his 'Red Team' "Hmmph, some worried about this comet appearing. Could mean doom. Could mean fortune. Causing odd gateways too, hmmph. Even elves involved in meetings. Studying heavens and elemental planes."
And though he has never been to the Spire of Nex before, he is actually quite knowledgeable about it, and points at it as he rambles off some facts "Made by Nex, hmmph. Ancient. Said to contain armies, but no entrances. Odd effects on time and space. Interesting location given circumstances, hmph."
He pears up at the skies, trying to remember what he knows about the heavens "Doesn't make sense, new comet this one. Rotation stopped. Venting air instead of ice. Very odd. Hmmph, hope we get to study more." He says all of this matter of factly, as if it should be common knowledge for all.
As the vendors approach the party, the wayang happily accepts the magical protection and sack of supplies, adding it to his own stash in his haversack.
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Waki extends his hand in friendship to Varuna.
Well met again, friend.
***
Waki gladly accepts and stows the spell and magical items with a bow.
Very hostile environment must be to warrant such gifts from VC this is.
Studies other than blades never my strong suit were. Of this spire of Nex whom it is named, little I know.
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"There is a place where flesh is forged for war? It must be a GLORIOUS place. I am happy to meet someone who is from such a HOLY place!" barks Rahab with a smile, which is quickly dampened by the arrival of the others. Rahab looks confused by Waki's statement, and seems ready to ask for a clarification when the Halfling's words reach his ears. "So you are saying we are NOT to be your friends? Well then, I am in awe of how you were able to perform your Confirmation without showing that you could Explore, Report and COOPERATE" he barks as he bends down to be eye level with the halfling.
"Oh Gods, there he goes again."
"YOU WILL LEARN TO COOPERATE, AND WE WILL GO IN AS ONE TEAM OF PATHFINDERS. AND WHEN WE ARE DONE, WE WILL COME OUT AS ONE. AND NONE OF THE PATHFINDERS HERE WILLING TO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR YOU WILL HEAR YOU MAKE FUNNY JOKES ABOUT HOW WE AREN'T WORTHY TO EVEN BE YOUR FRIENDS" he roars, phlegm flying about in his tirade as previously unseen stress veins appear on his forehead.
"Hey you, Elf-dude. Yeah, the big meatstick here will take one casting of that spell. He'd tell you himself, but he's too busy being rude."
"DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND. ME" he thunders, somewhere at the edge of apoplexy.
Sorrina Westyr, the Pathfinder Society's returning Master of Spells, hurriedly concludes her conversation with Drandle Dreng before stepping onto the platform in front of a giant metal ring the Society has constructed. The starlight glimmers in her crystalline white hair, though her obsidian oread features are visible only in flashes from the nearby glowing wards.
“I thank you all for traveling here on such short notice, Pathfinders. A unique opportunity has come to us from the stars.” She gestures gracefully to the comet trailing gas in the sky above her head. “The asteroid Aucturn's Tear quietly travels our solar system once every fifty-six years. For the first time it now flares with brilliance. We have learned this phenomenon is the work of an entity trapped on Aucturn's Tear and, whatever this being is, it is calling out for help. We do not know its intentions, yet it is in our interest to learn more. If it is benevolent, it may prove a powerful ally and friend to the Society if we can free it. If it is malevolent, then we will do what we can to ensure it stays sealed away where it can do no harm.”
She casts a spell, briefly creating an image of Golarian’s solar system, and the asteroid’s trajectory within it.
“As it approaches planets, the entity has opened gateways in magic-dense regions, as if calling out to powerful champions that might come to its aid. Based on our calculations, the first of these gateways on Golarion should appear in a matter of minutes, and we have gathered in this magically infused site to draw the portal here and stabilize it, allowing us to travel to the asteroid ourselves. Our observations show billowing clouds pouring out from three locations on Aucturn's Tear. These both create a livable environment we can navigate as well as provide three entrances to the asteroid's interior so that we can find the source of these events.” Red arrows appear at each entrance as the image keeps focusing closer and closer to the asteroid itself. “The first entrance is at the base of an enormous crater, where there are monumental fortifications— likely making that the most difficult approach. The second plume is coming from the remnants of a frozen fortress, which could contain incredible secrets in its own right. The third plume is coming from the sunward side of the comet and is issuing from a number of lava tubes. Our observers also spotted the wreck of a metal craft near there.”
Sorrina pauses a moment, letting the significance of all of these observations sink in, and then continues.
“This will be an unusual environment, so prepare for unusual conditions: extreme temperatures, low-gravity, and airless pockets are likely. Everyone should have received a package of supplies to assist in managing these hazards. While the gateway should remain stable, a contingent of conjurers is staying here to monitor it, and additional teams are on standby to provide escape routes to extradimensional shelters in case of complications. Perhaps most importantly, we've ringed this area with defenses to prevent any outside interference with this expedition, and the bronze dragon Ahelvetinn has agreed to keep watch in case any evil attempts to escape through the gateway into Golarion.”
The Spire of Nex begins to hum, the vibrations creating a stomach-churning resonance as a pinpoint of light appears in the center of the portal ring and begins to grow.
Sorrina Westyr shouts to be heard over the deafening noise, “It's beginning! Be ready to move through and split into teams to investigate each of the three possible approaches. Once we're inside we can regroup and compare notes.”
The metal of the portal ring incandesces, and a blast of freezing air pours out as the gateway opens. The place beyond is a field of jagged grey stone, and once several dozen Pathfinders step through, the earth itself springs to life in the form of countless elemental creatures that swarm toward the gate. From further in, a terrible draconic roar accompanies the appearance of a flight of crystalline dragons sweeping out from the lip of a crater.
“Secure the gate! Do not let any of them through!” Westyr shouts as she sends a lance of swirling black and white energy into one of the wyrms, sending it careening end over end as the forces meet.
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Everyone seems to be caught of guard as the gateway opens up. Nonetheless, the multitudes and multitudes of pathfinders charge towards the gate hastily in effort to ensure none of the elementals make it to this side.
The view once through the portal is breathtaking; The asteroid has a barren stone surface, with some remnant of ruins of a foreign civilization. Broad rocky stripes crisscross the landscape, displaying countless stratigraphic layers. However, with little obstacles on the surface to obscure the view, the dark void of space can be seen all around. Thousands of tiny stars in the distance dot the sky all around, and the sun hangs low on the horizon. It takes a few cautious steps to get used to this new environment, once through the portal. For one, the gravity is a lot less than normal on Golarion. The temperature is comfortable and there is apparently breathable air here. The protection of the planar adaptation spell isn't needed yet.
Following Sorrina Westyr’s words, there isn’t much time to get accustomed to the new conditions. A small humanoid creature with skin like slate approaches, flying with the help of leathery wings to intercept the new arrivals, 15 foot off the ground. The ground rumbles in its wake, hinting at the possibility of another creature with hostile intent, underground.
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for magic piercing damage.
Putting away the wand with his others, Argent Vosk pulls his crossbow and charges through the portal. The sensation of low gravity takes a moment to get used to, but there is little time for adjustment as he sees the Mephit nearby. A small threat, but a threat, and it seems a predecessor to a larger threat. Infusing the crossbow with magic, and moving to a clear vantage point, he fires a bolt at the flying creature, hoping to dispatch it before the rumbling creature reveals itself.
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The flying creature is an earth mephit, a humorless creature usually found on the Plane of Earth. It’s reasonably skilled at flying, has small claws to attack with and has minor magical abilities.
Vosk, arrow strikes right at the creature, hurting it in the leg. It looks to have taken the full brunt of damage from his arrow, but keeps himself steady.
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Rahab looks upon the halfling with disbelief as it begin making nonsensical gestures upon receiving it care package. Turning, seemingly ignoring Varuna's tense stance, he begins to ask a question but the portal is opened, and Rahab sets such foolish things aside for now. "LET US SEE WHAT THIS ASTEROID HAS FORGED FOR US!" he bellows, before moving in at a steady pace, never overtaking his companions.
"A mephit made of earth?" he asks, almost in wonder, before continuing: "I will deal with the creature it heralds. Argent of the Forge, Our Lord in Iron smiles upon you today. Have his blessing" as he places a hand upon Argent's bicep, and the tattoo of the sword in the mountain, Gorum's holy symbol, glows with metallic approval.
He then steps towards the rumbling, drawing the talking sword. "Wait, you bought me to use me????"
"COME TO ME DIGGER! TONIGHT YOU WILL REGRET NOT HAVING DUG ELSEWHERE!"
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Waki steps thru the portal with blades drawn and ready for anything...except this.
Unlike anything seen I have. Mephit like a gargoyle it seems...maybe in appearance only.
He hops to the side wall in a few clumsy bounds, while trying to remain unseen.
Waki will ready to strike any hostile creature moving within his reach.
for
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This particular mephit has no special resistances.
The pathfinder's spread themselves out and prepare for the oncoming attack. Rahab brings a blessing onto the team to assist them against the elementals. Benny follows Argent Vosk's leads and tries to fire at the creature, but his arrow is ill shot and flies right by the mephit.
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The Mephit flies himself towards the ground, right into Magt's range. Magt strikes it accurately, but without a magic weapon, the damage is not as effective. As the Mephit touches the ground, it seems glow as if it were healing.
Then the creature breaths out and unleashes a fury of earth and stone on Magt.
Soon after, the ground near Magt rumbles, and slowly emerging, a earth like creature who immediately picks Magt and slams him.
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Magt takes on a lot of damage as he is unable to dodge the series of attacks, leaving him critically wounded. Rushing to his aid, the (crazy?) Rahab comes alongside.
Seeing the mephit hit the ground, Waki makes a gamble and rushes through to the Mephit and strikes it, the strike is accurate pinpointing a weakness under it's wings. And the pain is enough to knock the mephit unconscious!