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A tall half elf strides into the room nonchalantly. He is well rested and cleaned up nicely, obviously he has been in the lodge for a little while now, but his worn and weathered gear bespeak of many missions and excursions under his notched and faded belt. Long dark hair flows over his collar to where it is gathered at the nape of his neck into a leather tube that is intricately worked and painted.
He carries a heavy warhammer with little apparent effort, and a well oiled bow stave peeks above the shoulder of his Mithral Kikko armor. he carefully chooses a chair with a good view of the door and sets his gear in a neat pile before sitting and relaxing for a moment.
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A dwarf of above-average height for his people walks into the room with a graceful ease. Though he walks with a cane the manner in which he uses it makes it clearly an affectation as opposed to something he needs. His white hair is clean and coifed immaculately and his beard and mustache are cleanly trimmed and oiled. His clothing is clean and fancy like that worn by nobles and their hangers on, though he fidgets occasionally with the signet ring on his finger like someone not yet used to wearing such an item. His face is weathered and his hands bear calluses and odd stains that belie the noble upbringing his clothing might otherwise suggest.
As he enters the room, his eyes sweep over every inch of space, taking mere moments to appraise the room and its contents. He nods to the half-elf and any other occupants of the room before selecting a seat that places him with a good view of the door. As he sits down he places a worn haversack on the floor beside his chair
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Dioneo is a noble young man very confident with himself. As he enters the room, he quickly glances at the other pathfinders and smiles widely.
"Greetings, fellow adventurers! Wonder no more, for I am indeed the Baron Dioneo, second of his name, of House Starnon. A pleasure to meet you all. Haha!"
As he enters, the room's temperature increase by a few degrees.
You notice quickly that, even if he has the manners and the noble grace, he is not human at all. His white-flaming hair and his burnt skin make you think he is an Ifrit. His clothing includes some features you recognize as chelaxian.
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The Dwarf acknowledges the half-elf's nod and sticks out his hand, "Name's Montgomery. You?" As he says this a lanky dog, an Embeth hound, trots into the room. "There you are, Aiden. Get over here." As the hound walks over to him, Montgomery holds out a scrap of meat that he pulls out of the haversack to the dog.
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A short, well muscled half orc enters the room. He is wearing glimmering mithril fullplate, with a fine shield strapped to his back and an odd looking sword at his side. Around his neck hangs a holy symbol depicting a flexed arm.
Hahaha! Friends! My name is Kramac! This certainly is a fine looking group!
As he speaks, you hear the sound of heavy footfalls approaching from outside. After a moment, the footfalls stop. Kramac goes to look outside.
Jino! Come in and meet our friends! What do you mean you can't fit in the door? Nonsense! Get in here! Say hello!
All of a sudden, you all see a T-rex's head attempt to squeeze through the doorway. The beast gets stuck, then shimmys and pushes a bit, before finally making it through the door, though he does knock the door frame askew a bit as he enters.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir rubs sleep from his eyes as faint pre-dawn light filters into his office. He shutters the window as a thrush begins singing loudly in the garden below before gesturing for everyone to have a seat (and doing a double-take at the massive dinosaur) and addressing the matter at hand. “I’ve received a request from the Diamond Sage, Tahonikepsu, the leader of the Jeweled Sages. You may be familiar with her as an associate of Amenopheus, longtime friend of the Society and our trusted expert on matters of Ancient Osirion. She has asked the Pathfinder Society to send its best Osirionologists to the Pillars of the Sun to help explore a sealed-off area in the Sages’ stronghold there, so I have recommended you,” He says directly to Lord Thorent. "And since it seems that not even I can ever get my hands on more than one qualified Osirionologist when I NEED them, I've brought the rest of this lot in." Turning to the rest of the party with an expression of minimal self-consciousness, he explains, "All chosen, of course, for what I imagine would be your superlative ability to confront most anything one may reasonably expect to find in one of the ancient, forgotten tombs that make Osirion such a great nation."
He searches his desk for quill and ink and scribbles out two notes, sealing one with wax imprinted with the Way of the Open Road. “I’ve made arrangements with a caravan to Eto and provided directions from there to the Pillars of the Sun. Once you’ve reached the Pillars, Tahonikepsu has promised a guide to see you the rest of the way. We have maps and sketches from the last expedition if you want to familiarize yourself with the site, and I have also withdrawn several scrolls from our reserves in case your Ancient Osiriani is rusty. Feel free to arrange alternate transport — at your own expense. Don’t try using magic to reach the sanctum directly, though; there’s no telling where you’d end up.”
The Venture-Captain rises from his seat to see everyone off, and hands over the two letters. “Show the first letter to the caravan master. The sealed one is your letter of introduction to the Diamond Sage. Remember, the Jeweled Sages are invaluable allies in our exploration of Ancient Osirion, and it’s a privilege to be invited into their sanctum. Treat everything there with care, and help to preserve the region’s past.”
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"Glad to be of service Venture-Captain, and you can skip that 'Lord' stuff, just call me Montgomery. Same goes for anyone I'm working with, Montgomery will do just fine."
After a pause he continues, "What can you tell us of Tahonikepsu and the Jeweled Sages."
Leaving time for the Venture Captain to answer and for his companions to ask there own questions he continues, "Is there any reason we should be concerned about bandits int our travels to the Pillars? What about any other dangers we may face on the way there? Do you know anything about the Pillars of the Sun that you can share with us?"
Looking to the others, "We should avail ourselves of the library here before we go."
"What can you tell us of Tahonikepsu and the Jeweled Sages."
“The Diamond Sage can give you the official version. Put simply, the Sages are a group of scholars who preserve Osirian history. Each possesses a potent magical jewel that contains the memories and knowledge of past Sages. As to Tahonikepsu, The Diamond Sage herself, she was discovered not too long ago by an expedition directed by Amenopheus. A vote was held among those present, and Tahonikepsu thus took Amenopheus's place as head of the organization.”
"Is there any reason we should be concerned about bandits int our travels to the Pillars? What about any other dangers we may face on the way there?"
“Some very dangerous beasts and ancient magic reside in those mountains. While we're on the subject, I should inform you that Tahonikepsu has secured a path, but wants to keep the route a secret. I can understand her caginess on the matter, but if you could document your path to assist future expeditions, I would appreciate it.”
"Do you know anything about the Pillars of the Sun that you can share with us?"
"Me? I'm truly sorry to say that I've now told you all I know."
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Not having a clue about where they are going and who they are meeting, Eladrian keeps to himself through most of the explanation.
However, given the chance, he speaks up with more materiel concerns. "You say there are some pretty powerful creatures between here and there, and you have no idea what we may find below. Is there any gear or anything you would recommend for us to take or that might be useful?"
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The ifrit, having stood almost still until then, looks at the scene with delight.
"Hmm, yes. I have heard that several scholars in the royal library left Sothis to study with the Diamond Sage last month. It looks like a massive and beautiful woman-dragon is appealing... MWAHAHHA!" he says, bursting out laughing.
Regaining quickly his composure, he clears his throat before continuing.
"By the way, did you know that both the ancient pharaohs and later the Qadiran satrapy outlawed the Jeweled Sages, but the current dynasty seems to enjoy warm relations with the order? A chance for all of us! And for me, the Baron, which had a huge impact on Tahonikepsu being elected head of the Scarab Sages faction!" he declares with a large grin.
"Is there any gear or anything you would recommend for us to take or that might be useful?"
"I was going to give you this before you headed off; the rest will have to be up to you." Captain Balentiir gives you three scrolls of comprehend languages, a scroll of tongues, and a field primer on the Ancient Osiriani language .
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"Me sincerest apologies for the delay," the harried Tengu explains as she enters the office. Cederick, my companion, ate the note saying what time the meeting was. I assure you that it will not happen again."
After being caught up, Etu looks more than a little excited. "Oh my, that does sound like a rather good time for a bunch like us, doesn't it. I'm afraid I'm not knowledgeable in any of these fields, but I'm quite fond of languages, and I was planning on learning Ancient Osiriani sooner rather than later, though it seems not soon enough. But where are my manners." Etu took a small bow to the group. "I am Etu Free-as-Wind, Lance Corporal of the Eagle Knights. I'm looking forward to this expedition with all of you. I'm sure my companion would have some words for all of you, but he's currently indisposed of until he learns to stop eating important documents."
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A somewhat dour looking man interjects, "I cannot read Ancient Osiriani, but I am conversant with the modern tongue, and I am not completely incapable of reading ancient languages, even though I do not know them entirely." He has a long beard with tassels tied into it, and a topknot. He exudes a vague feeling of "otherness." He wears a breastplate, and carries a shield slung over his shoulder, but otherwise carries no visible weapons. "I would introduce myself. I am Branson Davelock. I am quite interested in the Sages, and all things Osiriani, although I cannot claim to be an expert. I am pleased to offer my assistance in this venture."
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Eladrian accepts the varied scrolls with a nod of thanks, then studies his companions for a moment. "Here.. I am not versed in the magical arts, and do not know which of you would be best for these. Take your pick!"
Turning back to the Venture Captain, he continues. "Our thanks for this, sir. We will endeavor to make you proud."
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I'm game to make some more rolls! And since we're going to be resting before we actually get to the temple, I'll pass out Heightened Awareness to everyone except Eladrian I guess. So everyone gets +2 on their knowledge rolls.
Kramac dives into the library the same way he does everything... with gusto! He initially falls down a rabbit hole researching things not relevant to the task at hand - the Shining Crusade in particular catches his attention this day. However, while looking into things other than what he is supposed to, he stumbles upon a few books on ancient Ossiria that have been mis-shelved and might aid in Montgomery's research.
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Spending some time in the library, Dioneo try to gather some more information about the Pillars of the Sun, accepting Kramac's gift of a spell.
After hours in the library, he comes out of it with Etu and Cedrick and a bunch of information.
"Companions. Gather around for we have eventually gathered interesting information about the place we're supposed to go. The Pillars of the Sun is a mountainous region in central Osirion. It is a treacherous labyrinth of harsh desert and rocky terrain, full of cliffs and chasms. But note that the region is also home to numerous monsters, ancient tombs, and lost ruins."
The man pauses to make the suspense higher.
"Some historians even believe that the tomb of the Pharaoh of No Rain, An-Hepsu XI — infamous for using numerous dark rituals to extend his own life — is hidden in among the Pillars of the Sun. An interesting yet dangerous treasure to uncover, isn't it?" he says with a large grin.
He eventually answers the question asked Branson.
"No, I don't understand it."
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"As it happens I speak both the modern and ancient variations of the Osirian tongue, though with something of an accent according to the locals here. If anyone is interested I would be happy to tutor you in the basics of the language as we travel."
As the group leaves the office, Montgomery calls over one of the young apprentice Pathfinders, gives him some instructions, and hands Aiden into his care.
Montgomery nods in thanks to Kramac as he feels the spell's effects as they enter the library. During the course of his research in the library he confers with an elven woman as well as his companions on this mission.
Montgomery face palms himself, Then realizing he is still within the Library he looks around apologetically and waits to continue his explanation until the group is gathered outside the library.
"So, everything Dioneo remembered earlier is accurate. In addition, each Jeweled Sage carries a unique sage jewel as a badge of membership. These jewels are potent magic items that contain the history of Ancient Osirion and some of the power of the Age of Destiny."
Montgomery pauses for effect before continuing, "Certainly interesting, but that is not the most immediately useful thing I found. You remember Dioneo said that the ancient pharaohs and later the Qadiran satrapy outlawed the Jeweled Sages? Well they didn't just outlaw them, the Qadirans mercilessly hunted the sages and employed powerful outsiders to track them down. I found some suggestions from scholars that I believe we can use to help in communicating with any such outsiders we may encounter."
The elven woman is representative of my use of the Savior of Knowledge Boon.
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Eladrian sits back, listening to the intellectual types research the situation and offers a drink from his flask to Kramac.
"Oh, I have no doubt there will be plenty of excitement!" he says. "I have explored several old tombs, and not one of them has been dull, to say the least!"
As the results are made public to everyone, he muses over the implications. "This one sounds like it may get pretty nasty, but it will be nice to have that extra information about the scarab sages!"
"Before we go too far, however, Branson, dear, this is what I usually prepare, in case you would like to make suggestions or work it around your list." Etu passes a piece of paper to her cleric friend.
You encounter no noteworthy obstacles in your journey west to Eto and then south to the Pillars of the Sun. There, two Sage acolytes wait for you: a handsome young Garundi man in white robes beneath Nethysian vestments named Garai Weheliye, and a sweating, middle-aged Taldan woman with a sword at one side and a spellbook at the other, named Helena Arendall. They greet you excitedly and lead you to meet Tahonikepsu by way of a twisting path among the Pillars of the Sun, guided by hidden glyphs visible only to those who can perceive magic.
The Sanctum of the Sages is an extensive underground complex set into the side of a mountain. At a distance, illusions disguise the structure’s features. Within about a hundred feet, however, the illusion fades, revealing a beautifully engraved facade and door carved directly into the mountain face. On your way in, you pass a dozen acolytes who live outside the sanctum in a small tent community, where they contemplate and debate the finer points of Nethys’s holy text, The Book of Magic.
Within the marble entrance hall, ornate rugs and a small pile of sitting pillows create a small soft space at its center, where a finely dressed Garundi woman sits by a fountain. She looks up from a puzzle of broken pottery fragments as the two escorts announce the Pathfinders. After thanking and dismissing Garai and Helena, she beckons her visitors forward. “Welcome, Pathfinders. You and your venture-captain have my thanks for agreeing to aid us. I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage.” Those of you whom she's met before, she each greets by name before taking the Society’s letter of introduction, which she reads carefully before returning her gaze to you.
“The venture-captain has great faith in you. I shall extend you the same courtesy.” She gestures for everyone to sit before continuing. “My Sage Jewel grants me some knowledge of this complex, and my own research has confirmed many of those memories. That said, the site’s long abandonment has made exploration difficult. I believe the next most productive step would be to reopen the archive, whose interior has defied our attempts at divinations. On the lowest floor of the library reside the written history of our order and a crystalline artifact attuned to the Sage Jewels. I would like you to explore the area, inventory the contents, and report your findings to me. Please be careful; these halls contain delicate, irreplaceable cultural treasures and writings.”
She gestures toward you, as if 'opening the floor' in anticipation of questions.
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Being a member of the Scarab Sages, Montgomery has no intention of undermining Tahonikepsu's secrecy regarding this location, however he will not do anything to interfere with his companions attempts.
Montgomery looks a bit nervous at the sight of Tahonikepsu, but stays silent as she speaks. Once Tahonikepsu finishes, Montgomery stands quietly thinking for a few moments before he asks a question.
"Could you make a map of what you remember the layout of the archive to be?
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As far as spells go, Kramac knows Heightened Awareness, Divine Favor,
Expeditious Retreat and Protection from Evil. He generally uses them as self buffs, but won't hesitate to drop a prot evil on someone who is dominated or whatnot. I also have a wand of CLW, wand of Remove fear,
and scrolls of see invisibility and remove paralysis.
Greetings! Your sanctum is truly magnificent! I am awed and privileged to get to visit it. I assure you that Kramac and Jino, along with the rest of the Pathfinders will be paragons of caution in our explorations. As we prepare to enter the archive, are there any known hazards or guardians? What kind of defenses are typically in place for this sort of library? And is there any knowledge or artifacts that you are especially interested in that we can keep an eye out for?
"Could you make a map of what you remember the layout of the archive to be?
Tahonikepsu gives Montgomery a gentle smile, though whether it is more of approval or of condescension, it is difficult to tell. "I've never been down there, myself. All I know of it, I know from my Sage Jewel. I do know the archive is divided into three levels. Librarians cataloged acquisitions on the first floor, repaired them on the next, and stored them in the library below, which is accessible only through a special gateway. The portal requires a sage jewel to activate, and should activate when I unseal the complex. If not, await my return."
"With all due respect, we were told that there were many different physical threats as well. Could you tell us what creatures have stymied your efforts thus far?"
"No need to wax apologetic for such a fair question - on the contrary, I find that I am obligated to apologize to you, because I don't know. I have expended considerable effort communing with the memories of my predecessor, who was so kind as to store her memories and those of her protégés in the Sage Jewel I carry. Even then, not every memory is perfect, and her knowledge is limited to what she personally knew or saw."
Greetings! Your sanctum is truly magnificent! I am awed and privileged to get to visit it. I assure you that Kramac and Jino, along with the rest of the Pathfinders will be paragons of caution in our explorations."
Tahonikepsu smiles and nods in a manner suggesting that she learned the gesture out of some not-particularly-sympathetic anthropology primer.
"As we prepare to enter the archive, are there any known hazards or guardians? What kind of defenses are typically in place for this sort of library? And is there any knowledge or artifacts that you are especially interested in that we can keep an eye out for?"
Her demeanor becomes more 'natural' once Kramac gets to the point. "Again, I regret that I must tell you I know nothing about hazards. If you find wandering beasts, lost souls, or worst of all, cliocidal profiteers down there, they'd have to have found their way in sometime between the not-insignificant length of time between the archive's disappearance to History and its recent recovery. The Sage who bore the Amethyst Jewel was responsible for the archive, along with several assistants. It is entirely possible that some are still down there in one form or another, still observing their sacred duties. If so, seek their aid."
"Tahonikepsu, is there anything you'd like for us to bring back from these chambers? Or would you like us to leave as much undisturbed as possible during our incursion?"
"Catalog and preserve. That is your task, nothing more. The relics are already where they belong."