|
Mr Peppers lowers his hands to a calm, resting position once the huge and angry lightning being is dispursed. He reaches for his spellbook and is quickly shocked by the dissapating static of the room "Gah, careful Sirettis or your hair will stand on end in this place." He advises with a smile as he makes his way towards the control panel.
"We need to make this quick AND concise. Who knows if that thing will reform, not to mention my stomach is already churning being close to this much abysium." He waves the others over to help participate if they wish and starts eye balling the controls to begin the ritual needed.
"And we need the items, prepped correctly!" He hollers as he works, taking the ivory statue devoted to his beloved Nethys and crushes it into a powder.
|
Sirettis uses her healing magics on Stali, recovering hit points.
She looks at all of the Abyssium, thankful she prepared against the feeling of sickness.
Even without the magic, she isn't affected at the beginning of the ritual.
She moves up to help with the ritual. But first, she casts Remove Sickness on Mister Peppers as he volunteers to lead the ritual.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Mr. Peppers tears his way through the Abysium Codex with certain determination. The rooting out of the assassins at the bookstore and the takedown of the trapped Aspis must have been with purpose, and with the key to the portal in his hands, Mr. Peppers knew what he had to do. It would just be a matter of time.
And so as he smashed the idol to Nethys into a fine paste and threw it into the energy arcing from the Abysium Heart, Sirettis held the onyx merchant's scales aloft, using them to focus the unstable energy. A thick black beam of light shot out towards the scale to a point just behind D's head in what looked like the beginnings of a portal. As Gallix put on his recital of The Order of Numbers in his most booming skaldric voice, Uesugi quietly muttered the haiku printed on the katana. And with the final word, the portal grew to the size of the door that Stali stalked near, a loud humming ringing from it. You're certain you can see a muddled Aram Zey peering into it from the other side.
The Abysium Heart has stabilized (though your stomachs have not) and with a new portal in front of you, the ritual seems to have worked!
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Shouts Mr Peppers in a combination of excitement and forcefulness. His power growing and its becoming obvious to all that are here to witness it. The smile on his face can't be missed. His eyes wide and focused, glowing in his element.
Once the ritual complete and the portal appearing stable, Mr Peppers thanks each person for their contribution, especially Sirettis for her spell protecting him from the poisonous metal. "We've done it team. We've done it." He peers into the portal, then back at the door they came through.
"Before we go we must let the guardians know that all is well here now."
|
Looking through the portal, Stali says “Will this stay stable, and allow us to create other portals?”
He seems genuinely curious about it.
Then looking directly at Aram Zey, he mentions “The guardians of the tapestry mentioned they could use some reinforcements. It seems to me that getting them some would be in the Society’s best interests.”
|
|
Sirettis simply bows as Mister Peppers enjoys his triumph in the arcane arts. "I was glad to help you."
And I'm glad to leave this area.
"We should inform the guardians of our success, and urge the Society to help them keep the road accessible to all." A short pause. "Also, we need to clean up the mess Aspis left. The sorcerer will have many questions to answer."
|
|
Mr. Peppers finds that the portal is safe, and a set of levers beneath the recently calmed Abysium Heart's altar looks like it controls the location and destination of the portals in some mechanically magical way.
You step through the portal and you're back in Lantern Lodge. The moment Stali mentions reinforcements, Amara Li calls in a contingent of well-armed Pathfinders and quickly dispatches them into the tapestry. "They'll ensure it's kept safe, and away form the Aspis," Zey adds. "Oh, and congratulations! It seems the ritual worked, and the tapestry is now able to link us to Varisia! How wonderful. And here I thought you were mere apprentices!" He shoots a mocking grin at Mr. Peppers.
"Oh, come on. Praise where praise is due," Li rolls her eyes. "They are heroes for providing us with safe travel, and now you and the others from the Spells branch will be able to create entry and exit points between the tapestry and all throughout the Material Plane. Think of the potential!"
"Yes, yes, I suppose. Let's keep it safe from Aspis, shall we? They'll go to any length to get to it, including murdering whoever they need to. Even I admit I don't feel safe from them," Zey adds.
"If you're so afraid, perhaps we should be looking for your replacement already." The Venture-Captain laughs. "Just kidding. A job well done, Pathfinders. The Society truly appreciates the Red Arm of Absalom's persistent triumphs."
|
|
<I... I didn't grant you that power. You took it on your own.>
Sirettis stares up, confused. "But why... how." Sirettis drifts above the ground.
<We have spent so long together, haven't we? I saw you as a pawn, then as a rebel, then as a... friend? You haven't collapsed from the raw power I offered, either. We'll continue this conversation at a later date- your friend is getting your attention.>
Sirettis finally notices Sir D. tugging at her shoes. She's began to wander 20 feet above the ground in the middle of town. She turns a shade of red as she lands and folds her hair. Time to act normal.
That is short lived when Sirettis wraps her hair around Lady Poshkettle. It has been too long. "Miss Poshkettle. I hope you have done well."
The hug lingers for a bit too long, and Sirettis's pulls her hair away. Miss Poshkettle is in good health and sports no obvious injuries.
|
|
"Oh you know me, always traveling! I went to the Plane of Air for a while, but caught a ride back to the Material Plane. I was hoping that the nearby Lantern Lodge might have a portal back to Absalom, but if they don't, we could take a ship! It's so good to see you all!" She hugs Sirettis back. "Love what you've done with your hair!"
|
|
Mr Peppers walks in towards the back of the group, his sad excuse for a chest puffed out a bit and his head held high after their latest mastery of a mission. Especially one in his field of speciality. He stops short and smiles when he sees Cup. "Greetings Miss Cup. Taking a break from the Society for more appropriate pursuits?" He quips.
After an longer than necessary pause he lets out an awkward laugh "I jest. I hope you've been well. You look to be in good health." He does not offer any physical hugs or handshakes, not that he ever does to anyone.
"You would have enjoyed the Tapestry. A magical marvel really, minus the uncomfortable abysium anyhow." He quivers a bit remembering the feeling in his stomach. "We've finally recovered and this is our celebratory meal. Do you have a table you'd recommend?"
|
|
| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
There is a knock on Aram Zay's office, behind it is Mr Peppers "Master Zey. You said this tapestry allows us to travel anywhere on Golarion, and thanks to our expertise in setting this up we will be allowed access to it when needed."
He raises a long finger tip to his chin and smiles "Well, I am here to collect on this promise..." He pushes the door closed and steps inside, heading towards the tapestry, with purpose as he scans the map with a learned eye.
---------------
Stepping through the portal, tall dark and excited is immediately hit in the face with a blast of heat and humidity. The sound of exotic birds rings into his ears instantly. Voices speaking in an unknown language, smells he has rarely, if ever encountered assault his delicate nose. He immediately digs out his faithful jar of frosty mold and tucks it into an inside pocket of his robes. Ahh, better. He thinks as he starts to cool off to a more comfortable level.
Before him is a magnificent, and ancient city situated on the shores of a slow moving river. All around jungles erupt from the landscape in the distance. Scores of colorfully dressed, dark skinned humans wander by, smiling and nodding, occasionally greeting him in an unknown language. Not an Elf to be seen, and most importantly, not a gnome either!
He heads inside the city walls, casting a simple spell to understand the foreign speech before making his way to a great library. His eyes blaze with bright blue as he surveys the scene in front of him. A vast array of beautiful and ancient magic auras floods his vision. The hair on the back of his neck stands at attention; his excitement building. A well dressed local approaches for a question "May we help you?"
"I am here to learn. My name is Mr Peppers of Absalom. May I study the ancient magics of the great Old-Mage Jatembe? I have learned much, but there is still much more to learn..." Mr Peppers level of excitement is palpable, the man can feel it.
He nods in acceptance. "We shall speak of this. Only the most learned may study at the Magaambya. Follow me if you wish to take the tests." He leads the Elf away.
And so it begins.
|
|
Not long after the Red Arm of Absalom solved the mystery of the Hao Jin Tapestry, they receive an invitation. A black raven flutters down onto a window sill just next to the table the party is seated at. Inside its beak is a folded note, stamped with two wax seals: one plain, that looks like it had been cracked at some point, and one intact seal with the glyph of the open road.
Greetings, Red Arm of Absalom,
It's been a long time, but we've been thriving here in Saringallow! No more demon's bile, only the odd goblin, and that Wormgnash... thing.. is all but forgotten.
Yet, knowing our history, I write to you with a request. I have recently learned of something falling from the sky here in the Isger region. It fell in Dustspawn, to be exact. Some say they saw a falling star, others say it was a meteor, and still others say their magically-gifted friends are just playing tricks on them.
It's too risky not to investigate. I dare not chance putting our town in danger again. As I'm sure you can appreciate, leaving otherworldly things unchecked for too long only gives them ample time to fester. I'd like you to travel to Dustspawn, and find out what the thing is. Your contact is Dalviss Crenn, a retired adventurer and business man. Seek him out when you arrive, and he will explain.
Yours,
Mayor of Saringallow, Sandra Trinelli
Underneath is a short decree:
The Pathfinder Society approves this mission and will provide means to travel to Dustspawn. Please examine the star, and report on your findings.
- Master of Scrolls, K.S.
|
|
Sirettis enjoys speaking to the her friends and allies again, in less stressful times. She's pleased to hear Saringallow is back to a quiet life.
"Dustspawn. I have never been there. I could teleport to Saringallow again." She grins and plays a bit with her hair. "Miss Poshkettle, would you be interested in joining us?"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"To ISGER?! Isger the dangerous, the home of invading goblins and monsters that come out of the Fangwood? Isger, home of Umok, which may be the best place to raise a gnomish family and have no one bleach? And to investigate a Falling Star? And maybe see all our friends in Saringallow again?" The little gnome is so excited, she's practically floating in air. "Yes, let's go there!"
|
|
Mr Peppers sips his wine, ocassionaly casting a wary eye towards Gallix as he guzzles yet another frothy ale next to him. "Do please keep your fermented slop under control Gallix. I've just returned and had my clothes cleaned." He pulls the edge of his cloak for a closer inspection of splash damage.
As Sirettis reads the summons aloud to the group his interest is tempered. Back to the wilderness to deal with stinging insects, yapping goblins and rude barkeeps.. maybe this starmetal will at least be interesting. Hopefully it isn't more abysium...
He quickly snaps to attention however as Sirettis announces, likely to remind him of his magical failings at teleportation, her intent to teleport the group to Saringallow. "Ahh! Teleportation. Something I've been working on quite a bit lately... I believe between the both of us we could bring the entire group there is mere seconds!" He cracks his knuckles and seems like he only needs the nod to do just that!
|
|
After you're finished your meal, you all join hands with Mr. Peppers and Sirettis as they close their eyes to concentrate on what they remembered Isger looking like: the sprawling mountain ranges and the forests of the Chitterwood, most burned away to repress the regional goblin tribes. You all feel your bodies pulled upwards into the sky.
... And then down, down, down. When you open your eyes, the scenery has changed dramatically. You're back in Saringallow, and none other than Nixa Volsetti is standing at the entry gates with a few guards. She blinks a few times in disbelief. "... What? Oh! The Red Arm of Absalom is back in town? We've missed you!" She offers hugs all around.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Sirettis calls upon the magic of teleport. Her hair grows massive and strands wrap around her allies like a bird's nest out of control. Wind pulls from below all around and Sirettis feels the nest rotating and tugging her around. The strands wither and evaporate, leaving the Red Arm right outside Saringallow's gates.
Sirettis's hair hugs Nixa back, and Sirettis uses her arms afterward.
This town was the first time Sirettis heard the wind no one could feel actually speak to her. The time Miss Poshkettle offered to purchase her freedom. Sirettis smiles. Look how much I have grown.
"Nixa, it is good to see you again." Curtsy. "Your mayor wished to speak to us, and we could not resist an opportunity to return."
|
|
Nixa's happy to fill Cup in. "Gellion's doing great. He's fully recovered, and actually decided to join the Pathfinder Society!"
"Gunty's expanded his bakery with a new line of products after you left. His bestseller is his red salara bread, made with coconut and red dye. It's delicious and sweet!" She smiles.
"Majara Pricknettle is doing well at her potion shop, but she still hasn't been back to her hometown, Umok. She was reluctant to let Gellion leave, but she knew it was just what he needed after the Wormgnash incident. She wanted the best for him."
When asked about the Mayor, Nixa looks surprised. "Actually, the Mayor's out of town for the next few days on official business. That's odd, are you sure she requested that you meet with her specifically?" Nixa scratches her head.
"We did hear about some kind of star falling to the east, but not much else. Dustpawn is a few days travel that way, but we'd be happy to lend you some horses to make the trip."
____
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers listens to Nixa's reports. "Perhaps we should catch up over some tea and fresh bread at Alcie's. We can stop at Gunty's on the way. He's still diligently sends us some of his bread, but I must admit, its not the same by the time it arrives."
He waves the group onward towards the smell of fresh bread. "I am glad we were able to save Gellion and that he's turned his training to good use. Alchemists are in high demand these days. Everyone wants access to cheap magic, especially those without the minds or patience to learn it themselves." Even I value an inexpensive potion!
-----------
"Mr Gunty. I wish to speak with you about a grave injustice!" Exclaims the Elf without introducing himself properly. "Why haven't you sent some of your newer baked recipes along to us, do you think we wouldn't appreciate them?" He asks half serious.
|
|
Gunty drops a bag of flour as the Red Arm walks in, together with Nixa. "OH GOODNESS! I apologize for not sending you any samples, but I created this bread recipe in your name, Red Arm of Absalom!" He pulls out a loaf of bread and begins cutting it. The inside has swirls of red and smells of coconuts. "You can have as much as you want!"
"A couple loaves for the road, then?" Nixa smiles.
____
Nixa brings you back to the gates, where five horses await. "Feel free to visit us anytime! Oh, and take this." Nixa provides you with a map outlining the region. You mount your horses (or Yurei) and depart Saringallow, heading due northeast. The trip takes several days but is a largely pleasant trip alongside the Cornerica River.
Eventually, you come upon a small town near the border of Druma. It matches the location on Nixa's maps. The cobblestone road at the entry gate leads you through a quiet village. Homes appear mostly made of stone, though the stone seems unique in that specks of metal ore it contains flicker against the sunlight. The town is built over several ridgelines at increasing elevation, making the trek through a little tiresome.
Perhaps you might know a thing or two about Dustpawn already.
This former mining town switched to goat herding when the iron mines were exhausted in the early years of Cheliax’s rule of Isger. Now it is fairly prosperous—as far as Isgeri villages go—and sells goats, hides, meat, butter, cheese, and even dung to other settlements in Isger and even Druma.
While some mines are still in use by small crews of miners, the older mine tunnels provide ample hiding places for bootleggers, outlaws, and smugglers, as well as occasional goblinoid tribes and SNAKES!
A look around town reveals a human-dominated populace, with a dwarf here and there and a splatter of other races. A large tavern and inn is nearby, as are Dustpawn's weapons and armor shop. Most locals look at you suspiciously as they walk past you. But where could your contact, Dalviss Crenn, be?
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers peers at the swirly red bread and nods his head "That does look good, and by the smell of it tastes good too. Please pack up some Mr Gunty, we will be sure to give you a most positive review in the nearby settlements."
-------------
Mr Peppers looks at the dusty nag placed before him by Nixa, then back at Nixa, then back at the nag. "I appreciate the offer, but I will fly instead. I don't wish to be responsible if some local wildlife makes a meal out of your horse." He promptly waves his hands delicately and floats up off of the ground slightly. He then flashes Sirettis a look Yes, indeed. Now I can also fly as you do...
"We will return with your horses as soon as possible. Let the rest of the town know in case they wish to bid us a greeting." And with that Mr Peppers clicks his feet together and moves ahead with the others.
------------------
As they arrive in the outskirts of Dustpawn Mr Peppers floats down to a more normal traveling position: walking. "I am not sure how well a world renown arcane master will be received in such a blue collar settlement. I don't wish to make our lives more difficult than they may already be here."
"This former mining town switched to goat herding when the iron mines were exhausted in the early years of Cheliax’s rule of Isger. Now it is fairly prosperous—as far as Isgeri villages go—and sells goats, hides, meat, butter, cheese, and even dung to other settlements in Isger and even Druma." He wrinkles his face with disgust at the last bit, then chuckles.
"They must have some fantastic salesmen to convince another settlement to buy their manure. I'm pretty sure there is more to their history but I just can't quite recall it." His eyes scan the settlement, smiling at the lack of grubby gnomes to be found. (Minus Ms Cup of course). "Excuse me Miss, any idea where one might find Dalviss Crenn?" He asks the most agreeable looking woman to pass by.
|
|
Sirettis enjoys talking to Saringallow's residents. It seems so quiet, so quaint. Sirettis resists charming her way through the populace, but she does take the time to heal anyone she can.
Sirettis accepts the horse, not really sure if she needs it, and flies away. Mister Peppers makes a sport of it, and Sirettis entertains him by caring about the contest. Arcane superiority. What an odd compulsion.
"The older, exhausted mining tunnels are sometimes used by bootleggers, outlaws, and smugglers, as well as occasional goblinoid tribes. Oh, and also snakes."
Sirettis is used to the odd stares. She aids Mister Peppers on his search.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Gallix, ever on the sauce, barely manages to keep his lunch down as Lord Peppers of Pepprington grumpily slaps his beer away, then seizes his hand to teleport his part of the Red Arm back to Saringallow.
When the crew lands and are greeted immediately by Nixa, Gallix does a double take. "Whoa! This stuff must be blessed by Cayden himself, if I was so drunk I don't remember traveling to Isger," he slurs. "Just gimme a sec, Mixa." He pulls out a small tincture of dark grey powder, which he pours into his hand then presses into the insides of his cheeks. Within moments, the brawler shakes his head to clear the last of the cobwebs, and steps forward to embrace his old friend.
"Hey there, Nixa! So glad to see you again!"
After making the rounds to see all the Red Arms other friends and pick up a few treats along the way, Gallix gratefully accepts the lithe, mischievous stallion they offer him and mounts up. "Alrighty, folks! Let's go spread the good word that the Red Arm is back in Isger!"
--------
"I'm sorry, Sis, did you say SNAKES?! Like, poisonous snakes?! Awwww, maaaaannn!!!"
|
|
"Let me second your concern with snakes, for both your proclivity towards ingesting poisons as well as my lack of interest in being squeezed to death." He eyeballs his spellbook "Once we get a better idea of what is going on here we should try to rest for the day so I can prepare more applicable spells in the morning."
|
|
"Oh, I don't need a horse! I have my own mount, Oolong!" The dog pants happily, just excited to be remembered!
Cup enjoys the long journey, watching the scenery go by, chatting with her friends, and just being in glorious Isger again. When she arrives she make sure to compliment everyone on their goats. "Your kids are adorable!"
"Woof!" Oolong wags his tail in excitement!
Meanwhile, Longjing rides proudly on Uesugi's head. "It has been too long, noble steed!"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Mr. Peppers and Cup take the lead in approaching a lady who leads her goats through the streets. The middle-aged woman grabs her goat and pulls it back at the sight of Oolong. "Hey! Can't you see I'm on the way to sell this most prized goat? Suppose your mutt attacked him!" She scoffs. "He'd be worth only a third as much with a missing leg. Talk about getting my goat."
"Anyway, Crenn? Well, he owns the Mineshaft - that's the tavern and inn. You're likely to find him there," she continues down the road.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The Mineshaft tavern and inn stands at the heart of Dustpawn and is impossible to miss. You turn back from the grumpy goat lady, and head inside the bar. The tavern features a narrow stage for performers, several well-used tables, and a brick fireplace. Yet not a single guest is inside, though a sour-faced barkeep looks up half-heartedly as you enter.
Then a man with a well-kept goatee and scars on his face runs out. "Welcome, welcome!" He exclaims. "I'm Dalviss Crenn, and welcome to my bar! ... I don't think I've seen you before! Hungry travelers? Say, NALAN, GET THEM SOME FOOD!" He shouts to the barkeep.
Nalan drops the rag she'd been using to wipe down the bar, mutters something in annoyance, and heads to the back.
Dalviss sits down at a long table on the eastern side of the main tavern, and waves you over. "Come, come, have a seat! Drink all you'd like! Have you come from far? Seen anything unusual? I'd love to hear your stories!"
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Mr Peppers pulls back a bit at the woman's response, looking between Oolong and the goat and her "So what exactly makes a prized goat vs a regular milking goat? Does it provide superior milk or perhaps speak Elven?" He says a bit tongue in cheek but still slightly curious. Dogs certainly aren't high on my list either. The slobber, the never ending fur and the constant sniffing at my crotch!
-------------
Mr Peppers waits for the others to enter the Tavern and casts a trio of spells, including detect magic as he heads inside and scans around for anything glowy and interesting. He nearly loses concentration on his spell as the overzealous man jumps out at them. He ignores the greeting until he scans the place.
Once he's had a chance to take in the sights of the room he takes as seat at the cleanest spot at the table, cleaning it magically if necessary. "Greetings Mr Crenn. We've come from Saringallow to investigate the falling star. Which I can surmise is where most of your patrons maybe have gone off to?" He looks around at the empty bar.
This guy reminds me of an old VC I once knew... Magabeus?!?
|
|
Gallix takes a seat opposite Crenn with a smile. "You better be careful about offering to let us drink as much as we want, Crenn," he laughs. "You're talking to the Gorgeous Gallix Granbonne, here, along with the Red Arm of Absalom! We might just drink ya dry!"
He puts up a hand to call Nalan over with an ale, then turns his attention back to Crenn. "As for stories, we got our fair share of those for sure. Couldn't avoid as much when you run with the Pathfinder Society! So what kinda story do you wanna hear--time travel, interplanar adventure, a journey to the stars? We got 'em all, friend! HAHAHA!"
|
|
"A journey to the stars!?" Crenn leans forward over the table. "You must be the six I asked Mayor Trinelli to send for! I wanna hear all about this journey! OH, and speaking of stars..."
Crenn sits back in his chair. "It seems no one else has located the fallen star yet, but not for lack of trying. The situation has changed somewhat, however. We've had several unfortunate events since the night of the meteor. At first it was just livestock going missing, but since then tempers have been rising and violence escalating among the townsfolk. Some of those who've gone searching for the impact site have disappeared, including one of my own employees, a woman named Leeara. And then there are the four strangers who came to town claiming to be Drumish prospectors, but who I suspect are looking for the fallen star as well. I'm starting to think the thing that crashed that night in the southern hills brought something to Dustpawn. Something bad!"
He spreads his arms to indicate the lack of patrons. "My bar's been like this since that star hit, and if you've already talked to the locals, you might've experienced some of their strange grumpiness."
"To start, you might, er, gently talk to to the locals and see what more you can learn. I can also tell you a little more about Leeara. Maybe have a look at her room."