Neferet pulls out a variety of ingredients, crushes them together in her palms, and works the pulp into a round, pasty ball. She brings it to her lips and blows onto the goop, sending her magical potential into the substance. The ball hardens into a small stone. She grins proudly, then tosses the thnderstone at the yellow skeleton.
Planting his feet, Rolo lashes out at the undead in front of him.
Neferet pulls out a variety of ingredients, crushes them together in her palms, and works the pulp into a round, pasty ball. She brings it to her lips and blows onto the goop, sending her magical potential into the substance. The ball hardens into a small stone. She grins proudly, then tosses the thunderstone at the skeleton.
Seeing his electricity having absolutely no impact whatsoever on the dry, dead bones, Roakkad tries another tactic. This time, he focuses a ray of positive energy on the skeleton.
Gorthug manages to put down one of the skeletons.
Planting his feet, Rolo lashes out at the undead in front of him.
The skeleton hits nothing but Rolo's shield barely leaving a scratch on it.
Rolo pushes the skeleton back with his shield - open for the finishing hammer blow.
"Thus fall the dead, not to rise again."
He looks around at the room, now covered in pieces of bone.
"May their spirits find rest." Roakkad bows his head reverently, then joins Rolo in the search.
Neferet hops up in excitement and lets out a little cheer. Realizing she probably sounds like a fool she clears her throat, resumes a very solemn face, and straightens her overly elaborate clothes.
"Well done, everyone."
She heads into the chamber and looks around for anything interesting.
You discover the body of a young adult male human. An examination of the body reveals he seems to have run afoul of Drakus.
Scroll of shocking grasp
Wayfinder
4 sp
31 cp
You still haven't found the Star yet, only one place remains to be searched, the locked chest.
The chest appears to be locked. [ooc]Thievery DC 22, three successes needed.
"The chest it is then. Can I assist anyone with the lock?"
"I have no skill with such things." Roakkad frowns, clearly suspicious of the chest. "Is it light enough to carry back to Keleri? Perhaps we can hire a locksmith."
Expert-quality crossbow
A feather token (bird)
Three light arrows
Scroll of bless
Scroll of magic weapon
Wand of produce flame
Vial of oil of mending
A collection of rare inks and powders (worth 8 gp)
A series of related esoteric books (worth 10 gp)
A bag of gemstones (worth 80 gp)
A small sack filled with coins (5 gp, 74 sp, and 183 cp).
+1 Hide Armour
+1 Studded Leather Armour
Bracers of Missile Deflection
The Star of Desna
Thick journal with the title Notes on the Last Theorem scratched into
its cover.
Once the chest is open Keleri is thoroughly relieved to have the family heirloom back, but she is even more surprised by Notes on the Last Theorem.
Notes on the Last Theorem is a leather-bound journal written in Aklo by a careful hand. The book once belonged to the Chelish diplomat Necerion, a man who recently abandoned his duties in Magnimar and went
missing.
You recall rumors that Necerion traveled to Osirion to chase legends of hidden treasures in the desert sands.
With Keleri's aid you learn the book’s contents after a few hours of skimming. The book focuses on cataloging information about the supposed contents and location of a rare tome called The Last Theorem—a book said to contain exhaustive information on the sinister aliens of the
Dominion of the Black, and in particular a number of hints toward an upcoming invasion of Golarion by these horrifc monsters.
In addition, the book notes that The Last Theorem is said to contain magical formulas, equations, and incantations capable of affecting the physical world and “making ready the world for its new Dominion rulers.” Much of the book seems to be concerned with an upcoming doomsday, yet no clues in Notes on the Last Theorem indicate what date
this doom is to occur.
The mysterious book also clarifies that Necerion was much more than merely a Chelish diplomat and irrefutably proves that Necerion had ties to a nefarious secret society of Dominion cultists known as the Night Heralds. The book doesn’t go into further details about the Night Heralds.
Neferet examines the esoteric books and Notes on the Last Theorem. "Oh, my... This is.... Hmmm... I need..." she clears her throat. "I have contacts who will want to read this thoroughly. If I may, Lady Deverin, I would like to study this tome."
"This Dominion and their Night Heralds sound too vile to be true! But I would oppose them regardless."
"I am a member of a secret society whose interests lie in the hidden nature of reality: the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye. Among other goals, the Esoteric Order seeks to find and control dangerous lore and secrets so that cults like the Night Heralds cannot use them for ill intent. While the Esoteric Order has other primary enemies, such as the death cultists known as the Whispering Way, we have of recent years grown more and more concerned with the machinations of the Night Heralds, and the hints provided in the pages of Notes on the Last Theorem are truly worrying to me, I fear that Necerion may be seeking some ancient doomsday weapon or other potent artifact. The group is dangerous and must be stopped."
Keleri needs time to study Notes on the Last Theorem and to report back to the Esoteric Order about this lucky find. She invites you to help her in studying the text and even offers to sponsor you if they wish to seek membership in the Esoteric Order...
"No wonder you invited me! So am I!" Neferet exclaims with a smile. "Well, sort of. Technically I was born into the Order and have yet to have my personal membership approved. I would love to study the tome with you. And, if you could put in a good word for me, I would dearly appreciate it."
"If you will help stop these lunatics, sign me up!"
Roakkad smiles. Such esoteric orders, both the righteous and the wicked, were not unknown to him, for Kaer Maga boasts its share of proselytizers and superstitious cults. But he has found that far too often they seek answers in obscure sourcebooks and foreign realms, when more oft than not they ought simply to turn to the land beneath their feet.
But it could not be mere coincidence that he should be summoned here now. However misguided these cultists might be, an investigation is in order.
"This sounds dangerous. You have my word that I will help as well."
Samar leans casually against a nearby wall, arms crossed and a smirk upon her lips. She wears dirty brown pants, a green lightweight shirt, sturdy leather boots, and a bandana over her brown hair. The tangled ends of a pony-tail stick out the back. She's deeply tanned from the sun, with wrinkles around her lips and eyebrows. Everything about her looks weathered.
At the sight of her companions she pushes away from the wall, picks her backpack up off the ground, tosses it over her shoulder, and rests a hand casually on one of the hatchets on her belt.
"You lot finally ready to go?" she asks with a smirk. "What's this job anyway?"
You have been summoned to a meeting in the trade town of Kelmarane in the nation of Katapesh. Overrun years ago by bandits, gnolls, and slavers, the town spent most of its recent history in ruins.
Within the last year, the town was reclaimed by adventurers and is now well on its way to seizing its original mantle as a prosperous trading post. While several buildings in town remain in ruins, numerous work crews toil at repairing the major structures, while canvas roofs on smaller buildings provide temporary lodgings. It’s in one of the larger buildings, an ancient church, that you have been hired to meet with a representative of the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye: Lady Kamisora Vord. Lady Vord offered an enticing sum of 45 gold pieces for you, along with the promise of great treasures to be found on the journey.
And you are not alone outside this church...
Scipio wipes some sweat from his brow. "Perhaps some of Lady Vord's associates ran afoul of slavers? It might explain the urgency and coin promised."
The light catches the polished breastplate as he reaches up to knock on the door of the church as he notices someone. His breastplate has a blazing sun across it. A crossbow is slung over his back beside his pack. A sickle lies at his hip.
"Could be. But, you know these nobles. They throw coin around like its sand." Samar scoffs. "No matter. If they're paying we'll get it done. We always do."
She crosses her arms and leans back against the wall. "The others are late. Again." she grumbles.
"I am begging your pardon!" squeaks a voice from Samar's knees, "but Neshim is always on time!"
The white mustachio'd gnome, his head hidden by a wrap of exotic, vibrant silk. His clothes are likewise elegant, and numerous rings and jewels adorn his fingers and neck. "Why, I am standing here all the time!" He runs his tiny fingers over his oiled, white facial hair, pulling both mustache and beard to sharp points.
Samar grins. "Heya, pipsqueak. Didn't see you there."
Neshim huffs, puffing his chest out and raising his finder in didactic declaration. In contrast to this haughty presentation, his voice is more like a gazoo. "As ever, Samar, that elevated noggin' of yours is floating in the clouds, probably dreaming of the coin we are to be earning, mmm? Yes, Neshim sees, aha! If we are to be companions on this journey, you must be minding your step. These silks cost a pretty coin, they did!"
"But with luck we will be traveling by mounts. And a gnome on a camel is not so easy to be stepping upon!"
Neshim huffs, puffing his chest out and raising his finder in didactic declaration. In contrast to this haughty presentation, his voice is more like a gazoo. "As ever, Samar, that elevated noggin' of yours is floating in the clouds, probably dreaming of the coin we are to be earning, mmm? Yes, Neshim sees, aha!"
"Damn straight."
" If we are to be companions on this journey, you must be minding your step. These silks cost a pretty coin, they did!"
Samar lets out a cackle. "I'd ask for your money back." With a smirk she adds, "If you spent half as coin on grooming you'd be rich." She shakes her head.
Scipio sighs... they're starting again. "We're about to go in and get briefed with perhaps some negotiations... can we look professional for once and not start arguing about his beard wax!"
The little gnome stares daggers at his companions, beard blowing over his shoulder in the arid wind. "Exactly! What is it serving a man to sleep in the woods and drape himself in the skins of animals. You would ask Neshim to appear as a bushy...squirrel!? Ha! Never! As you are saying, Scipio, we are to be looking professional! And so Neshim is come in his fine clothes to meet Lady Vord, to show her that he is a gnome of the world!"
Samar only laughs in response.
Scipio sighs and goes down on one knee putting his left hand on Neshim's shoulder while the other picks some sand off the ground. "You know one good gust of wind with the wax and you'll be giving out about sand getting stuck in it again..."
"HA! You know Neshim's never happier than when he's whining! It's his favourite pastime. That and bossing us around." She grins and gives Scipio a wink. "Besides, I love a good crunchy 'stache."
A young man emerges, and seems about to question the group, but catches at least enough of their conversation to convince them that they are in fact here to work for Lady Vord.
The young man steps aside, clearing the doorway, and gestures toward the descending stairwell in the center of the room. Clearing his throat, he loudly proclaims, “You enter the distinguished presence of Lady Kamisora Vord, First Throne of the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye. My lady, your mercenaries have arrived.”
An amused voice echoes out from the stairwell. “Camadus, I might remind you we are meant to be a secret society. Perhaps next time you might refrain from speaking our name in front of every common labourer."
There is the briefest of pauses, perhaps an admonition to young Camadus and his indiscreet manner.
"Send my new arrivals down to meet me, if you please.”
Scipio quite happily enters, it does indeed please him. Thankfully they were now able to conduct their business without a gnome picking bits of sand and trapped insect from his facial hair. Expert timing.
Samar smirks. "Fancy titles," she mutters. "Hope she's got the coin to back it up."
Samar follows Scipio inside.
Lady Vord is sitting on a small stool, her posture refined despite her surroundings. Her features are stern and she keeps her black hair, streaked with strands of grey, pulled back into a long braid. Despite the heat, she wears an embroidered black gown.
An expensive lantern rests on the floor near her, illuminating a door that appears to have once been barred. A metal plate in the center of the door is covered with etched lines in strange patterns. Lady Vord is in the process of copying those runes into a journal emblazoned with a golden scarab beetle with a single eye on its back. As the group arrive, she sets the journal down and rises to meet her guests, speaking in a heavy Ustalavic accent.
"The Order appreciates your presence here today. I trust the figure in my summons was sufficient to secure your services. I have been studying with great interest a report from one of our agents, a Magnimarian named Keleri Deverin, regarding an object of interest. We have reason to believe a treasure of particular import lies under Pale Mountain, in an ancient complex called the Tomb of Tular Seft. I had
been planning an attempt to retrieve it for some time, but I’ve received word that dangerous cultists called the Night Heralds seek this treasure as well and have sent forces to retrieve it. Hence, I secured your services rather than waiting for agents of the Order to arrive."
She pauses, and smiles.
"Fortunately, we have an advantage they do not. The majority of the Tomb of Tular Seft is a labyrinth that, while compact, is difficult to navigate and is rumored to be filled with traps and beasts. Keleri’s research, though, reveals a back entrance to the tomb hidden in the lower slopes of Pale Mountain. This entrance is said to appear as a blank stone within a ‘scar’ across the mountain. With luck, you can reach the tomb and secure the treasure before the Night Heralds can even enter the complex. Camadus has prepared a map of the route."
She looks each of you directly in the eye in turn.
"The object I require is a large gemstone with a series of shifting hieroglyphs glowing within it. If you can read the hieroglyphs, you will note they represent a number that appears to be counting down. Keleri’s text refers to this gemstone as a ‘countdown clock,’ but other than the
rumors of it being hidden in Tular Seft’s tomb, we know little about its specific location within. All other treasures you find in the tomb are yours to keep, though the Order may wish to purchase any items vital to our efforts at an especially fair price."
"Now, do you have any questions?"
Neshim clasps his hands at his waist and bows deeply, the golden chains around his neck tinkling as they graze the floor. "What grace! What magnificence! Lady Vord, Neshim is so pleased to make your acquaintance, yes!" Neshim's eyes bounce side to side as he peers at Samar and Scipio. "Please to excuse the appearance of my associates. They are not being accustomed to meetings of such import with those of such high rank as yourself! But what they are lacking in personal hygiene and wits they are making up for in raw talent."
"Of this task the inquisitive mind of Neshim naturally has many, many, many questions, but many are so obscure, esoteric, and complex that they may be wasted on present company, and perhaps Neshim can seek private audience with Your Ladyness at a future time? For now the obvious questions are seeming to be...Who was Tular Seft? Who are the Night Heralds? What dangers are known of the route? What is the artifact counting down to?"
Lady Vord smiles at Neshim, then answers.
"I am certain that you have many other questions but I appreciate keeping them to a select and relevant number, though I am not averse to a future meeting. I have little information about the countdown clock or the tomb other than what I've already revealed. "
"Tular Seft was a scholar of the elemental planes — realms of air, earth, fire, and water. The object of our interest has no elemental properties, so why an elemental scholar would keep it, I cannot say. Pale Mountain is volcanic, and stands above its nearby fellows, and it is occupied by many dangerous creatures — notably gnolls."
"The Night Heralds worship horrid things from beyond the stars and seek to bring these monsters to our world. The specifics of their mission are unknown to me, but I do know they flee from the enlightened path and see only destruction in our future."
"Do you know where the Night Heralds will be coming from? This may help us know where to be extra cautious or upon retrieving this clock whether we should take a different route back."
Samar thinks on the route they'll need to take...
Lady Vord replies to Brother Scipio:
"My sources indicate that the Night Heralds will be coming from the east. But that is always uncertain for a group driven by an insane goal. I recommend that you focus on reaching the tomb first, and either exiting swiftly or preparing the tunnels to defend yourselves. I will provide ye with a map, among other things, in a moment. Camadus, the items, if you would. I will also arrange for camels, should you require them. I imagine that you will."
As Lady Vord speaks, Samar thinks upon what she knows of the region. Getting from Kelmarane to Pale Mountain takes several days. The journey, roughly 80 miles, crosses mostly flat terrain, low hills, and old roads. Mounts such as camels would be helpful for this stage.
The difficult part comes after that, as confirmed by carefully drawn map showing the direction to the tomb’s back entrance Camadus hands over before going to retrieve the other items Lady Vord referred to.
Overall, it’s an 8-mile journey to the hidden back door to the tomb from this point on the old road, but the course is so forbidding that it should take a typical group about 2 days to travel this distance. The path on the map from Lady Vord leads through scrubby vegetation to a wet, sandy area at the mouth of a small river running down from the mountain. It then follows the river, requires climbing a series of cliffs and steep inclines up the side of Pale Mountain, and culminates at a trail cut into the mountainside that leads to the tomb.
Camadus returns, with an ivory scroll tube containing a scroll , and a scimitar that radiates magic.
Lady Vord smiles.
"I believe Brother Scipio, that you currently lack a scimitar. It just so happens that I am able to give you an additional edge."
"A fine consideration, you have my thanks. Truth be told if it is to be put to best use I think Samar's hands would wield it more deftly than me. With such dangerous foes ahead of us now is the time for wisdom not pride." Scipio holds it out for Samar to take.
"Your response does merit to the name of Saranrae.", Lady Vord smiles.
"Keep it, Scipio. You take your blade. I want camels. One for each of us on the trip. It will speed our progress on the first leg of our journey considerably. And time matters this time around, doesn't it?" she gives the noblewoman a greasy grin. Clearly Samar expects the woman to spring for the camels...
"But of course, Samar. The camels are yours. Though I imagine they will not be able to push into the final two miles up to the tomb."
"Given the stakes that is something we shall have to live with. Perhaps we can find a spot for them to stay hidden or they will just have to wander back on their own. I think given the time and stakes we should not linger overly long."
Samar's grin widens. "Then we've got ourselves an accord. Care to shake on it?" She holds out her hand to the noblewoman.
Neshim is beginning to get his hopes up as Samar and Scipio mind their manners. But his face turns an unpleasant shade of aubergine as Samar extends her hand so openly to a noble lady. A choking noise can be heard from down near the floor.
Once he regains his composure, he bows again, his silk hat nearly slipping from his head. Nearly.
"Your Ladyness! It is a great honor you are bestowing on Neshim and his associates. In this task we will not be failing, be assured! This Countdown Clock will soon be yours!"
Lady Vord pauses a moment.
And then deigns to offer her hand to Samar, shaking firmly.
"Yes, we do. And good Neshim, I appreciate your confidence! Camadus will show you all the door. Gods speed your way."
**************
Camadus has some parting words for the trio at the door, after informing them of whom to meet in regards to picking up camels. Apparently this has been previously arranged.
"May you find speed and insight on your course. For performing this service, you will earn a good name within the Order—a reward greater than the coin, whether you believe it so or not."
He then utters a short phrase.
"Seek and you shall find."
"I'm going to buy a weeks rations before we leave but that shouldn't take too long."