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She winced when she realized that Fentar was attempting to engage the... thing... in conversation. There was no telling what was going to happen. Still, it wasn't as though they had anything better to do just yet. If it worked, they wouldn't have to fight - and if it didn't, she and Razdin would be in position to do something about it. She sidled along with the trapsmith, not wanting to draw any undue attention to herself - or to him. Seeing the crossbow in his hand, she winced before carefully putting her rapier away and tugging out her sling.
Considering her luck thus far, she'd let him get in the first shot if it came down to a fight, but she'd do her best to follow up.
A group of other pathfinders come up to the same area you are in and yell out to you "We will deal with this foe, you all press forward. We can handle this." and with that encouragement you all leave the area.
As the asteroid starts spinning again you notice that the air cools down. The sun starts sinking below the horizon and soon it will be night on this area of the asteroid. The plantlike madness seed also cools down, quite literally and looses it's interest in you.
A senior pathfinder directs you to a tunnel entrance and bids you good luck. You enter the tunnels, which are 10 foot in diameter. The dim glow of heated rock illuminates the area while a cool wind accompanies you from the surface. Although it cools the tunnels, the temperature here is severely hot. You are all relying on your potions of endure elements and take a sip from your waterskins as you continue through the tunnels for some 25 minutes.
Plumes of cool air grow hot and dry as they rush out from the network of igneous tunnels. A palace constructed of obsidian bricks stands high within a large cavern, surrounded by cultivated gardens containing brass mockeries of plant life and elegant pools of lava. The gates stand open without a guard in sight, while sounds of revelry emanate from within.
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At that, Kaya hastily replaced her sling, called out a quick "Thank you!" and urged her group on. Things were going by so quickly, she wasn't sure they'd be able to say they'd contributed anything by the end of this endeavor! As safe as she wanted to stay, she was also excited to contribute.
When they slipped into the tunnels, heat washed over her, near singing her fur. Her eyes near watered from the dryness and she couldn't help but bless the soul that had packed the potion of endure elements into everyone's sack. That said, she still took a few deep drinks of her water as they continued - she had the feeling she'd sweat it all out fairly quickly.
When at last, the air dried and they stood before a strange palace with an oddly elegant gate, she paused.
"Well?" she asked her group. "We were slow to deal with that strange... plant thing. What about this? I think we ought to at least investigate it - it's worth noting, don't you think?"
You find fine decorations and plush carpeting line the palace’s floors and walls, and the scent of rich delicacies wafts from tables laden
with opulent dishes. You see several of the ifrits that you saw earlier, they are lounging on soft cushions and look at you with interest but make no move to stop their lounging.
At the end of a long hallway you enter a large room that is even more luxurious than what you have seen so far. A muscular giant with crimson skin, smoldering eyes, and small black horns lounges here. Smoke rises in curls from its flesh as it stands up.
His booming voice welcomes you "Welcome to the realm of the Master of the Labyrinth of Flames! What brings you here?" the muscular giant says tapping his chest when he says the word master as if any of you had any doubts.
He does not wait for a reply, but snaps his giant fingers at an ifrit "Go and prepare a feast for our guests!" Tapping the soft cushions around him he looks at you "Sit, you must be tired. Now tell me, what brings you to the court of Fahaz Nahlam? You all fascinate me."
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Fentar replies with all friendliness, accompanied by a deep, respectful bow power demands respect, not a time to be cocky, "We are explorers, from Golarion, and could not pass up a chance to visit Aucturn's Tear. That's the name our astronomers give to this asteroid."
"We simply seek to know more of this land so that, when we return to our planet, we can share our knowledge and further the understanding of the world."
Fentar looks around admiringly, "This is a beautiful court, how do you keep it in such splendour?"
Impressed by Fentars greeting the efreet says "I work tirelessly to keep myself surrounded by comforts and adorned as i see fit. Someone in my station should." he takes a goblet and begins sipping from it "So please... tell me all of your story... but I warn you to choose your words carefully... although i am intrigued by you all... all of you all."
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"Well, I am a healer, I suppose. I dedicate myself to the creed of Immonhiel, The Balm-Bringer."
Fentar looks around at his peers, "We are all members of the Pathfidner Society, an organisation of explorers based in Absalom, one of the largest cities on Golarion. This is my first venture as a Pathfinder and I am impressed by the spectacular experiences. I had certainly not expected the honour of meeting a noble Efreeti Malik so soon, if ever."
On acknowledging his hosts status, Fentar bows again. While also giving a meaningful look at his companions, hoping to communicate the need for good manners and great care.
"I know there are others of your kind running amok in this place." he responds to Razdin in a voice suggesting a matter-of-fact attitude with everything.
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"Yes, well, we're trying to avoid the 'amok' bit and just get to know what kind of place this is. It's certainly beautiful, as my peers have already said." Kaya spoke almost absently as she obeyed his invitation to sit, too busy drinking in the beauty of the place. The sheer vivacity of the environment alone near had her breathless - or that could be the heat - but the people here were beautiful in their own way, too.
After a moment, she snapped out of her fascination, keeping track of what they were telling this man - and taking in the knowledge that he was some sort of... Efreeti Malik?
Whatever that meant, it seemed to imply they ought to be careful. As did the magnificent man himself.
"Forgive me - I was preoccupied with the splendor of this place," she murmured, giving as near a curtsy as she could.
She couldn't help but ask, inquisitive, "Pardon me, but... Is Fahaz Nahlam a name or a title? I mean no offense - I seek only to cure my ignorance."
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"People on our planet have been hearing a call of sorts coming from here. Some kind of entity is opening gateways allowing us to travel here. It would seem something is trapped here and asking for assistance. We have come to find it and determine its intentions. We want to find out if it is ally or enemy. Do you have any information about what I speak of? Or the history of your home here? Razzy says finally getting to the meat of the conversation.
"Do sit down, all of you! Please help yourself to some of these dishes" The giant takes a platter and with surprising delicacy for his size takes some of the finger-food and eats it.
He listens to the immediate questions and then continues [b]"Oh, this is not my world, I am glad it is not, dreadful place that it is. I have been merely placed here on guard duty by the Queen of the Inferno. It is a dull assignment and can't be as exciting as exploring new worlds, even though Aucturn's Tear is just a small asteroid. And Fahaz Nahlam is what name I go by at the moment."
He motions with his hands and the platter floats to each of you for food to take.
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Kaya nods thoughtfully at Fahaz Nahlam's words, eyeing the finger food before looking for something that she could stomach. When she finds something she thinks safe, she'll try a bit.
Kaya listens intently, curious about the Queen of the Inferno. Whoever she was, the queen bit implied rather a great deal of power. Frankly, she couldn't help but wonder if there weren't some profit in the knowing of her - or of the Efreeti before them.
"Yes, this is my home. Like I said earlier I was placed here on guard duty by the Queen of the Inferno. I do not think that guarding a prisoner is the best job for someone with my abilities, but what can you do if your family made an ancient pact offering the firstborn of each generation to her service? Although it is great to be able to order these ifrit about." he plops some food into his mouth and then continues "The Queen is a title for Ymeri. Now who are you all?" he takes the time to casually scan the lot of you "You... you look familiar... have we met before..? Or maybe I know someone from your family ages ago" the Efreet says winking at Ree...
The Queen of the Inferno is Ymeri's title. She is the (Neutral Evil) Elemental Lord of Deserts, fire, volcanoes with the Destruction, Evil, Fire, War Domains
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"We are members of the Pathfinder Society on a mission to find the being responsible for opening portals to our world. What do you know of what's being held prisoner here? And could we see it?" Razdin says losing patience. Focused on pressing issues that needed to be addressed that couldn't be solved eating and chatting.
He turns to Razdin "The Pathfinder Society....? I have never heard of them, what is the goal of your society and what does it stand for? As for the asteroid, we move through space and that's about it. Although I must say that interesting things are happening now that we came near your planet. First I heard you appear, then suddenly the asteroid starts spinning again... I wonder if you all had anything to do with it...As far as moving around... while I cant stop you, I would prefer if you did not go into some places."
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"Our goal right now is keeping our planet safe from weird asteroid prisons that are causing portals to show up. Our society studies all things known and unknown and we do our best to protect our people at home. We did start the asteroid engines again, although it's odd they were broken down in the first place.
To be frank, I'm not so sure we should be trusting you. If you're here to guard the prisoner why does all the equipment look abandoned? Where are all the people that used to run it? Most importantly who are you guarding?"
To see if he is being honest or hiding something.
To notice anything out of place (other than a palace on an asteroid) in the room we are in.
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Wary of the food that she thinks might not be actual food, Kaya attempts to maneuver in such a way that she's politely taken a bite of the finger food spread and discreetly pockets a piece.
"I'm more curious to know if who he's guarding might be the voice they were talking about...? Maybe we really should leave it be?" Kaya shrugs, trying to keep from being threatening and returns to examining the food. She's not sure what's so strange about it, seeing as Huck is apparently enjoying it. Still, why an illusion? Why bother with faking something like this? Now a bit more concerned with what was going on, Kaya takes another look at their surroundings.
She also thinks to ask, "You said you would prefer we not go certain places, but that you can't prevent us - where should we keep from straying? And..." She pauses. "Why can't you stop us? If I'm not being too pert?"
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FOR REE SOIEL from HERE
Ree just grins happy as a clam as she enjoys the food and drink.
"The Pathfinders also pay well for men and women of interesting talents too. I don't suppose you yourself do any interplanetar...er...interplana....er... any trading with others?
While chatting gleefully with the Efreeti Ree also is stealthily attempting to
Stealth DC 16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
"Oh, the prisoner should be of no concern to you. But if there were holier than thou counterparts to certain extra-planar rulers we might be guarding a certain ruler of winds at the center of the asteroid. All purely hypothetical of course."
"I find you... Pathfinders is it?... I find you Pathfinders intriguing... you have impressed me once with your sweet talk... I am in the mood for more impressing..."
You get a sense that the Ifreeti is being truthful in everything he says, not that it is much. He seems disinclined to speak openly about his intentions, which is the same as when folks can't break their word/promise/vow but still want to help someone else- he is thus using creative speaking to get by his obstacles.
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Kaya's not surprised when she finds that the odd bit that she'd hidden away had disappeared. She's not exactly happy about it, considering the implications for their current situations, but she doesn't hate it either. As disappointing as it is that it isn't real, she can't help but look around. For all the place's apparent falsehoods, the inspiration had to come from somewhere. She thought it might be valuable, useful even.
She did, of course, keep an ear open as they looked around. Their host spoke not unlike a merchant - unwilling to lie outright, but not wanting to be straightforward either. She takes a break from the conversation to let Fentar and the others take point as she allows her eyes to wander.
After a bit more of banter the Efreet says "I am afraid the fools of earth and water are not as considerate as I am to explorers, I can give you no council on what areas to avoid. Most inhabitants of the asteroid will likely see you as intruders and attempt to force you out or kill you."
He takes another morsel and turns to Razdin "I would only wish for another assignment, the agreement has brought my family and myself much. Now if there was no prisoner to guard I would likely be relocated... of course I cannot actually make that happen..." and he leaves the last part as an open suggestion.
He seems lost in thought for a while before he replies to Ree "You have piqued my interest little one, please continue... all of you. Or you could show your prowess against some of my minions, if you are the stronger ones I will be forced to call them back to preserve their strength and they would not be present for whatever you decide to do next."
“We’ve discovered a path to the Vault Entrance!” Sorrina Westyr’s image appears drenched but defiant, in the midst of pouring heavy rain. Ignoring the water sleeting off her, the Master of Spells points with her wand as she illuminates the asteroid map behind her. “Reports from those traveling through the Ice Reservoir indicate that most of the enemies in that region have been mopped up, though a few scattered groups may still be dealing with ongoing fights.” She taps the map. “We’ve discovered an entrance to the Vault through this area. If you’re nearby, proceed here as fast as you can!”
Then a serious expression crosses her face. “Our efforts have not gone without notice. My divinations indicate that Kelizandri, the Brackish Emperor himself, is displeased and wreaking havoc. Beware of flash floods and rain! Take care, Pathfinders!”
It starts to drizzle inside the palace! Although the droplets quickly evaporate in the sweltering heat the giant looks a bit displeased. "What did you people do? How did this come to be?" he shouts.
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Listening to his speech, she can't help but notice he seems reluctant to stay here and... Well, if he wanted his prisoner gone so he could be relocated...
Perhaps there was something that could be don---
The announcement happens and a slight cloud of steam begins to rise.
Good grief, I hope he didn't catch that warning! Kaya thought, a bit panicked. Honestly, as convenient as the announcements were in terms of communication, she couldn't think of them as being particularly helpful or timely when actually in the field or attempting to navigate things! All the same, she attempted to kind of... proceed as usual, sticking to normalcy.
To the lord of the place, she added, "Rather than calling them back for a bit of light sparring, why not invite them to enjoy Ree's skill in dancing? They could stay and watch and maybe take a bit of a rest... I imagine guarding can be pretty tedious!"
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"Well, in our gratitude for your gracious hospitality, and staying true to our natures as explorers, perhaps we should inquire if your prisoner has anything to do with this strange phenomenon? We would not want them to take advantage of your decency and flee: then we would not be able to feast together here on this forsaken rock."
Fentar stands, "Where is this wretch? We shall repay your noble generosity."
"Huzzah!" the Efreet says after watching Ree dance a fire dance. "You do your fire-kin justice with that dance... too bad your talents are wasted on these mortals you travel with. I do not think they appreciate your fire sophistication."
After listening to Kaya and Razdin speak the giant stands up and says "I am so sorry, I should not have forgotten that mortal skulls are home to clumsy tongues, although I will still give you the opportunity to redeem yourselves by fighting with two of my subjects, perhaps you are more elegant combatants than negotiators. You are also free to leave here as I am getting bored and am no longer intrigued by your presence."
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Kaya could feel the fur along her body slowly rising, the Efreet obviously annoyed - if not outright angry. While she didn't think the large being would agree to give his guards a break, she didn't think that lying to someone of his power was a good idea.
She struggled not to cringe at the very idea, though she could certainly understand why Razdin had tried. After all, hadn't she tried something outrageous only moments past? Still, she got to her feet with the others, preparing either to fight or flee. She wasn't quite sure which yet, but turned to her companions for their opinion on this.
It wouldn't do, after all, if she ran face first into the enemies herself. She'd just be, you know, really, really sad.