The gearsman robot engages with the armor, trying to get it to move out of the way.
Seeing its spear do nothing the robot starts slowly moving towards James.
Fethril and James take out the man honing in on the tome, cutting him down as he prepares a spell.
The zenj armor continues its fight against the gearsman robot, swinging its fists with deadly fervor.
It appears to have the same issues that the gearsman robot had, unable to get through the tough exterior of its foe.
The mercenary steps away from the golem, swinging his guisarme around to cut down the golem before it can really get going.
He seems surprised when his blade doesn't cut through much of the golems thick exterior. The golem, meanwhile, ignores him completely to attack the leader of the Technic League assailants.
After screaming in pain she steps back and begins casting a spell.
Kelris moves in to stop this and attacks her.
Her concentration slips and she loses the spell before it can be completed.
Morka's arrow flies true and nails the sorcerer, drawing out more cries of frustration than pain. The robot, seeing its leader in peril tries to move past James, but can't because of the man's size. So it takes its spear up against him, stabbing to get through.
The blade pierces James' defenses, and the electricity dances up and down the big man's flesh, leading to a disturbing meat cooking smell.
The armor jumps to comply, rushing to pound the robot into the dirt.
It's blows are hampered by the robot's thick armor-like exterior.
The mercenary tries to bring Kelris down before he can get to the leader of the squad.
The wood golem continues following the technic leader, swinging its massive arms at her.
It beats her down without issue, allowing Kelris to turn toward the mercenary and try to cut him down as well.
Morka's arrow takes out the last remaining human, leaving only the robot left. In an effort to complete its objective it tries to move around James and behind a book shelf. The zenj armor takes the opportunity to continue beating on it.
Seemingly spurred on by Fethril's "support" James scythe shears straight through the gearsman robot, dropping it into two twitching, sparking pieces.
By preventing the Technic League from destroying the invaluable copy of A Thread of Silver, you have ensured that the Pathfinder Society can study its contents and gain valuable insight into Numerian technology.
You may stay in the Nantambu lodge and recover, possibly even assisting in repairing any damage done during the siege. During this time, you may not only study A Thread in Silver but make a copy of it. All copies of the book should be closely guarded or disguised as other books, however, as owning a copy (much less several) brings with it severe risk of reprisal from the Technic League (as this assault demonstrates).
Aya arranges passage back to Absalom aboard a trading partner’s cargo vessel headed there anyway. She sends word with you of all she knows of the lodge’s true venture-captain’s whereabouts, and swears to act as his proxy until he returns. She thanks your group for all you did to protect her place of business, but also urges you to take all copies of A Thread of Silver with you and depart as quickly as possible, lest the Technic League attack again.
Your group finds itself in the Pathfinder Society Lodge in Katheer, where you meet with Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi.
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi sits behind his immaculately clean desk with his head in his hands. He sighs, takes a deep breath, and rises to address his guests.
“Originally, I wasn’t planning on sending a team back out to the Zho Mountains. The risk of losing another team is, frankly, too high. If that weren’t enough of a reason, the Society’s assault on the Worldwound has left the lodge’s coffers much lighter—too light to fund another expedition into dangerous territory so soon. However, following some conversations with fellow agents, I am reminded that all Pathfinders must come home—no matter the cost, no matter the danger. The lessons of the Shadow Lodge still resonate.” He nods toward a Pathfinder who stands silently in the corner. “In fact, the recent disappearance in the Zho Mountains has brought a surge of monetary support from the onetime disciples of Grandmaster Torch. It was enough to finance your voyage here, and I would happily provide you the remainder if you succeed.”
The venture-captain takes a few steps toward a map of Qadira hanging from his wall. “Six years ago, a team of Pathfinders received a map of an unexplored area in the Zho Mountains, and ever since they have stayed busy surveying the region and sending me updates. Until recently, they had uncovered only a few dozen small sites and a plethora of new plant and animal species, but their most recent update referenced a large illusory barrier. Since then we have not heard from them, and I believe they found something dangerous beyond.
“I ask that you use what notes I have on file to track down these agents and make sure they return safely. Investigating the nature of this illusory... field, barrier, shield... is secondary at best." Esmayl pauses for a moment before continuing. “If you have any questions, I shall answer them as best I can, though most of what the Society knows about the mountains is in the logbooks of those agents."
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Morka comments, "Large illusory barrier? Well this ought to be fun." He pauses, before asking a question, "Can you tell us more about what else they found, i mean before they stumbled into the barrier? Can we take a look into their research before we go there, maybe there would be clues to what happened to them."
Unfortunately the mountains are ill documented, making them a natural subject for Pathfinder investigation. The previous team's documentation is mostly about the various paths, landmarks included, that they've taken and local flora and fauna, but you are welcome to look through it. They never sent word of finding people or settlements in the mountains, so assume nothing if you meet anyone.
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"You know guys, Qadira’s spellcasters have long practiced elemental magic and conjured genies, and geniekin are relatively common in the region. It is believed that most have gravitated toward settlements in the Zho Mountains, though nobody seems able to confirm this rumor. The few explorers who’ve tried to locate these communities have found the mountains to be deceptively difficult to navigate, and what looks like a mountain pass from afar is often merely a mirage. Morka explains.
Once you've purchased any other supplies you need, another agent leading a dozen horses and wearing a wayfinder meets you, loans you horses, and offers you luck in the name of the Shadow Lodge. Your journey to the Zho Mountains is relatively uneventful, and you reach the foothills in a less than a week.
The first Pathfinder team’s notes and maps provide an incomplete picture of the mountain range and its myriad pathways. Finding the team’s trail based on this information requires a Perception or Survival check to spot landmarks, find marks scraped into wind-blasted rock faces, or follow nearly obliterated spoor.
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What actually happened is that Kavor Doan was called away on another mission. The dwarf hefts his waraxe and says his farewells.
In his place, the Society sends three other agents.
Merisiel, the elven rogue with whom you have worked before.
A swaggering human warrior named Valeros.
And, a human druid named Deluge.
Morka gained most of the facts from the mission briefing, though Deluge can roll the Geography check if he wants.
Once you've purchased any other supplies you need, another agent leading a dozen horses and wearing a wayfinder meets you, loans you horses, and offers you luck in the name of the Shadow Lodge. Your journey to the Zho Mountains is relatively uneventful, and you reach the foothills in a less than a week.
The first Pathfinder team’s notes and maps provide an incomplete picture of the mountain range and its myriad pathways.
The trail is very hard to find, but Fethril's keen elven eyes pick it up.
The trail winds around and over several of the lower peaks, gradually taking your group several dozen miles into the Zho Mountains and several thousand feet higher in altitude. Signs of the first groups’ progress vanish as you enter an alpine meadow filled with scrub brush and dry grasses that cling to the thin soil.
Where to now? There are no signs of the first group...
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While content to see the dwarf go, Fethril offers a tolerant nod toward the warrior and druid. The closest thing to a smile comes to the Nethyian's lips when Merisiel steps into the room. Finally, another elf has joined me. Too long have I been bereft of a true companion! "Merisiel. I am glad you are well." He steps forward and introduces himself to the new arrivals. "Greetings. I am Fethril. It is my hope your addition to the team validates the judgement of the of Venture-Captain Qaradi." Despite the words, it is clear that he questions the newcomers.
Why can't they just place me on a team of my people? No task would be beyond us. I tire of this patchwork approach. Even one such as I can tire of constantly having to be the rock that hold the others to a higher standard.
"Glad to meet you Fethril! a friend of Meri is a friend of mine I say! Now that the pleasantries are over, let's talk tactics. In a fight, Meri and I are pretty mobile and we like to get to the front lines as fast as possible. Stay behind us and cover us if you don't mind: the best way to dominate the fight in the front-line is to know someone responsible and dependable has our backs covered!"
As Valeros says, I'll try to get on the opposite side to expose the tender bits... the rogue says as she greets the others with a nod.
Now...I need some wine...gotta top up before stepping off...
"By Cayden, you're speaking my language sister! let's have a few rounds before we depart! ah... Meri... we have so much in common... wine, ale, and many other beverages... are you sure we don't also share a mutual desire for nocturnal exercise? I've been meaning to try this new type of calisthenics I've witnessed in Jalmeray, if you're interested... or at least curious..."
Valeros involuntarily straightens as he finishes, flexing his chest and shoulder muscles, before turning to Fethril and adding, "And nay, kind elf master! I was gifted by the gods of nature upon my birth, and do not require any 'size enhancement', as Meri knows full well."
Valeros idiotic grin threatens to split his face in half, as he beams towards Merisiel and shouts to the barkeep for another round.
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An excited young gnome rushes up and shakes the hands of his new companions, "Greetings! Merisiel, Valeros! I am Morka the Magnificent! Although Fethril over there might say "Hey, there is nothing magnifiscent about him!" I am here to prove that wrong! I am here to record all your magnificent feats throughout our adventures together! If there is anything you need, just ask me. I am veeeeeeeery smart!" She puts his hand up to his mouth all secretive like, "Muuuuch smarter than that wizard over there."
On the trail, Morka sighs from fatigue of travel, "Hey James, mind if i hop on your shoulders? All this walking is doing my head in. Hey Valeros, what is your favorite song? I will sing it for you!"
Morka looks around, "This looks like a dead end, but something doesnt feel right. Anyone have any ideas?"