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"Géatan, can you take a look at that amulet you found, and see if it gives any clues? And can you also take a look at this note? Something about Loaralis?"
"A three-faction conflict. But this 332 was acting on behalf of the Aspis in the attack on our Society, and this 117 was not. In fact he attacked Aspis agents. Perhaps their superior, the one who gives them the numbers, was once part of the Consortium but has now turned against them."
Géatan hands Hendric the scarab-shaped amulet.
”I’m not really sure what it is.”
The gnome taps Hendric on the shoulder.
"Um, actually no. Yes, 322 was with the Aspis who raided the Grand Lodge, but after trapping Master Zey she actually left on her own with the lantern, going against the Aspis."
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The gnome taps Hendric on the shoulder.
"Um, actually no. Yes, 322 was with the Aspis who raided the Grand Lodge, but after trapping Master Zey she actually left on her own with the lantern, going against the Aspis."
"Fine. That doesn't change much. So the person behind the numbered agents turned on the Consortium during the attack on the Society or immediately afterwards, instead of more recently. It still leaves us in a three-way conflict. We need to learn more. Hopefully we can question this Prophet when he recovers. But since he doesn't have the Elixir, that line of inquiry will have to wait."
"Let's get these Aspis agents back to Pashow and find someone who can help with magically questioning them. Learn about their colleagues who eacaped, and this Loaralis."
The gnome nods.
”I agree, but shouldn’t we restrain them first?”
”Great! Now who wants to get the scary lady who can teleport?”
”The letter is notarized by a mid-ranking priest of Pashow’s church of Abadar.”
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Sir Hendric can scarcely believe his ears.
"A priest of Abadar involved in banditry? This must be an attempt to frame them. Still, it gives us a place to begin our investigations."
He dismounts (and helps the gnome down). Then, with a command word, he returns his horse to its place inside the Hosteling armor.
"Farhaana, can you transport everybody? The six of us, yourself, the gnome, the Prophet, and these two Aspis agents. We have a lead on the Elixir in Pashow."
He addresses the gnome. "I am sorry for my rudeness. I never asked your name. I am Sir Hendric of Lastwall, citizen of the city of Vigil and Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society."
The gnome bows deeply at the Iomedaean knight.
"Rotuzack Paan, at your service."
As suddenly as before, Farhaana reappears, though she seems to be acting fairly strangely.
"I'm guessing that you all want to bring him back as well."
Farhaana picks up the body of the dead Venture-Captain and unceremoniously stuffs it into a bag that seems too small to hold a whole corpse.
"I'll be able to take everyone--Magic-enhancing cloak and rings and such--so it shouldn't be too difficult. You all know the drill."
With that, everyone joins hands and Farhaana speaks an incantation and you all reappear inside Emir Guldis’s palace, in the same room you were in when you left.
However, from outside the window that overlooks the city of Pashow, you quite clearly see and hear a rioting angry mob right outside the Emir’s palace.
From behind you comes a thud, as you all turn you see Emir Guldis standing up from under the table, rubbing the newly formed bump on the back of his head. His face shows a complex mixture of anger, fear, and concern.
“Please tell me you secured the elixir! Please! I just received a report from the Abadaran caravan that high priest Kaarim is missing, and their vial of the elixir is gone. I don’t know how, but the people seem to have heard the news just as I did! I’ve had to send Saabira into the streets to direct the remaining guards to quell outright revolution, and it’s not going well! So please, tell me you found the vial!”
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Sir Hendric perceives how distraught Farhaana is, and how angry the mob is.
"We have a good lead on it, Your Highness. Some vials have arrived safely, and we will recover the rest. It is unfortunate that the High Priest of Abadar has gone missing, but I think that points to the direction we must go. We found other information indicating the involvement of Abadaran clergy, and they may have betrayed the High Priest - or it may be that they are being framed. In either case, I think the Temple of Abadar is our next stop."
The Emir, slightly less hysterical than initially, sits down in a chair by the side of the table.
”I hope you realize just how bold of an accusation that is against the church. Now back up and explain from the beginning. And you are aware that such an investigation is a technical departure from my original contract with the Society, and I’m not complaining, but it would be wise to update your superiors to the current situation”
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Nuck-Tuk seems a bit silent for the most part, All I can say is that shortly after arriving, I was shifted to another plane and drained of my mental faculties. but the are the caravan was attacked did have a weakening in the barrier between planes. When the Caravan was attacked, it may have attracted the natives of the other plane. at least this is the best i can gather.
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"We don't have much time, but I will try to explain as briefly as I can. I can send a 100-word message to Marcos and receive a reply. Allow me a few minutes to compose it. Nox, can I have the coin?"
If Nox hands it over, then Sir Hendric writes for a minute, breaks the Pathfinder Coin, and begins speaking.
"Aspis raided caravan. Elixir taken, Kahlvet slain. Third party attacked Aspis and Pathfinders; plane-shifting caster named 117, possibly allied with 322. We arrived after surviving raiders absconded with elixir. 322 and two Aspis agents in custody, unconscious but alive. Paan safe. Golem destroyed. Aspis documents indicate Church of Abadar involved. Possible forgery, but disappearance of High Priest of Abadar with another vial raises suspicions. Banditry is against code of Abadar. Could be acting within dogma if unrevealed information identifies another as rightful owner of Elixir. Request clearance to investigate theft; suggest proceeding to Temple of Abadar to question clergy."
After he is done, he clarifies for the Emir. "One could try to frame the Church of Abadar and make the High Priest disappear to make it seem like he had absconded with the elixir. But making a High Priest disappear is no trivial matter. In any case, we should go to the temple to see what we can find out. Perhaps another clergy member can scry on the High Priest using some personal effects, if he has been captured for this deception to succeed. Under the other possibility, I don't know what would motivate the Church of Abadar to raid a caravan - it seems a sacrilege. The only reason I can conceive of is some secret information or obscure technicality identifying the Elixir as belonging by right to somebody else. If they were simply committing banditry, their god would be most displeased."
Ten seconds later, Hendric receives a response from Farabellus.
I have many questions. Where did the extraplanar invaders come from? Is Kitio still a threat? These issues could stand investigation, but tracking down the lost elixirs is more important. The mission has evolved, and it requires
direct leadership in Pashow, not a voice from Kortos. With Kahlvet gone until resurrected, you’re now in command of the operation and have authority to direct the remaining Pathfinder teams as you see fit—they will report to you shortly and can assist where you cannot go. Leadership is a privilege but also a burden. Remember the Wall of Names, Pathfinders.
The Emir looks at Hendric quizzically.
”’Aspis document’? What do you mean by that?”
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Sir Hendric will try to ascertain if the Emir's concern is genuinely for the missing elixir, or if it is for guilt or fear of being discovered - it's entirely possible the Emir is in on this.
Assuming he trusts the Emir, he shows the note and replies, "This letter. We found it on a Chelaxian man who didn't carry Aspis insignia, but was not one of ours and was captured by this 117 - this 'prophet' - along with an Aspis agent. So I assume he either is Aspis, or is allied to them. Would hate this to be a four-way conflict. We can find out more about their associations when we can question them. I am not sure we have the time now; maybe the Kernaug group can interrogate them, with your help to ensure they stay contained."
The Emir looks over the letter thoroughly before his eyes widen and he slams the letter on the mahogany table sharply.
"Loaralis?! You never said Loaralis was a part of this! He isn't Aspis, he's a criminal overlord! But he strikes so seldomly that he's become little more than a local boogeyman, even I wasn't sure he existed. But recently his name has come up related to more than a few crimes, including an attempted break-in into the sealed vaults below the church of Abadar."
Farhaana begins to think out loud. "Odd, considering that the vaults were cleared out following an earthquake and the subsequent discovery of a fault line running through them 30 years ago."
The Emir swings his head in shock to face Farhaana.
"What?! I didn't know that! That was before my reign!" He once more faces the Seekers. "Pathfinders, we need to figure out what is going on here. Why did those creatures and this 'prophet' strike the convoy? If the Aspis strike failed, then where's Kitio Aspenthi and the rest of his troops? And how to I speak to my city when there is a riot happening right outside my front door?"
A rotten tomato with a cruel sense of comedic timing splatters across the window overlooking Pashow, causing the Emir to shriek and resume hiding under the table. It is not long before even more tomatoes are being thrown at the window.
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Nox whispers quietly into Hendric's ear.
As a thief and assassin myself, one does not survive very long in this line of work by making easily researched mistakes. If a thief is found looking where there are no valuables, it means that you just didn't know that their where valuables there. I recommend we investigate the empty vaults, and invite the Kernaug Group to interrogate... I have found those who study the psychic sciences to be quite adept at retrieving information from the unwilling. If you think that we would be better suited to doing something besides investigating, perhaps helping to quell this uprising, I believe the Scroll seekers would be best to send in our stead to investigate what might be found deep in the temple. Unfortunately, I am distrustful of the Axe-fixers methods at this moment... brute force is useful, but we are treading delicate ground, and having the Axe-fixers tend to the rebellion might insight additional anger.
The unseen wayang let's out a soft sigh.
I am not good at these sort of decisions though. You are a true leader Hendric, my bow and the shadows are at your service, and we will follow as you command.
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Sir Hendric replies to the Emir, "I don't think the Aspis raid failed. I think they got the elixir, and Kitio Aspenthi escaped, but they lost a few operatives along the way. Who we now have. They could be working with or for Loaralis. As to the 'prophet' and his motives, we'll have one of our teams question him. Feel free to supplement those efforts with any mind-mages you have."
"Address your people with confidence. Tell them that you have in custody some of those who attacked the caravan and that they will soon tell you everything they know. That should help."
"Géatan, you have a point - how could the crowd know about the theft so fast? This may be an attempt to destabilize the Emir's rule."
"Good insight, Nox. I think we are the best suited to go to the vaults. Janira is good with people and stories; let's have the Scroll-Seekers try to quell the unrest by reassuring the masses, spreading the word about us being on the case and the great battle we won. She can embellish. I think we can assign the Axe-fixers to act as security to back up the Scroll-Seekers and get them to safety if attacked, as long as they follow Janira's orders. Does that sound good? Let's talk to the teams and see if they have any questions."
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"I can say that the so-called 'Prophet' was desperate to get the elixir back. He screamed it and everything."
As the tomato slams into the window, practically interrupting him, Kaldane says "Give me a moment, and I'll deal with the crowd."
Going outside, Kaldane begins a speech
Kaldane flies out and lands atop the building that the Emir is in. Taking a deep breath, he begins shouting out to the crowd.
"People of Pashow, today has been a great tragedy. Not only have defenders of the city had their lives taken, but many of my brothers in the Pathfinder Society as well. You are all angry; that is to be expected. I am angry too. You are all worried; I am worried that those who perpetrated this attack will harm are even now among you, attempting to rile you up at the man who is, even now, working to resolve the situation. He had the foresight to reach out to his allies among the Pathfinders, and we have responded, sending a great deal of help to your town."
Kaldane gestures and sweeps his hand across the crowd before continuing: "The question is, will you allow those who wish harm to this great city to win? Will you prevent the Emir from finding and punishing those responsible? I ask you now to help each other. Be kind when you would be cruel. The only way through this is if everyone comes together and helps those who need it."
"You will hear of the results of our ventures soon. I look forward to hearing the results of your cooperation."
Every time that Kaldane tries to speak another tomato gets thrown or the crowd is screaming too loud for him to be heard, or they start yelling things such as “this is the Pathfinders’ fault,” “The Society is to blame,” etc.; he’s unable to settle down the riot by speech alone, it’ll take a much more focused effort.
As if on cue, the Scroll-Seekers, Axe-Fixers and Kernaug Group scramble into the room and salute the Pathfinder Seekers. Garl and Shrade snicker at the sight of the Emir hiding under the table, Janira and Maralyn then nudge the two to bring them back to attention. Janira speaks for the groups.
”Sorry we’re late! We would’ve been here sooner, but that crowd outside is really something. But we’re here now, ready for briefing!”
You can send each team on one mission (or two partial teams, but let’s not worry about that right now) and the success of each individual team is based on a d20 roll. (Normally you all could use your folio reroll to reroll their “success check,” but considering that this is PBP, then I can’t verify that you CAN do that, so we’ll just skip that part; think of it as an additional difficulty from Hard Mode. The d20 roll will be given bonuses based on the following (with additional rules in parentheses):
If the particular mission is appropriate to that particular Pathfinder team (in general, each mission has an associated group that is particularly appropriate to the mission, but that is not a rule; there are exceptions. Use your best judgement as to which team is best appropriate for each mission.)
If you successfully brief the Pathfinder team with one or two successful Knowledge checks (each mission has two Knowledges associated with it; you can attempt one of the checks at a moderately high DC to get a bonus, and you can attempt the other check at a higher DC to further increase the bonus. Each briefing will happen simultaneously, thus the same PC cannot brief every team, but aiding will be allowed as long as at least one PC briefs every team.)
The gear that you provide for the Pathfinder team (in gp. To make it easier on me, please provide the cost of such items in gp, including the cost of partially-charged wands. The items must be universally useful (such as a wand of [insert good generic spell]) or appropriate to the mission at hand (you can’t just give the group assigned to quell the riots a Sleeves of Many Garments, because how the heck will they be able to use that?). Any gear given can be taken from anyone in the group, not just the person briefing them, but know that the teams will be doing their mission at the same time as you, so you won’t have access to that gear until you debrief the teams. Any potions given to the teams will be consumed, and any wands given will have ten charges used up (or all charges if the wand has fewer than 10). You must use your best judgement as to how much gear is “enough.”)
The associated Knowledge checks are as follows:
- Investigate the Aspis: Geography and/or Nobility
- Quell Rioting: History and/or Local
- Investigate the prophet and shamblers: Arcana and/or Planes.
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I would send the Axe-Fixers after the Aspis Nox says in hendric's ear as he begins to work. Broken heads will cause no shed tears if they have to get rough with them.
Nox whispers a few helpful hints about the area as they begin tending to what he believes will be one of the most important parts, and the part that he had always wished his superiors had done for him... made sure he was prepared.
He wraps up 3 packages made from items in his pack, leaving them without a sign that he was there in front of Hendric to pass to each team as he pleases. His habit of collecting things was going to come in handy here.
In the first pack, marked for those investigating the shamblers and their Prophet, he leaves 3 of each of his large collection of various bane arrows, meant to help them with any deadly encounter from beings outside the world. (3474 GP)
In the second pack, marked for those hunting down the aspis, he leaves his periapt of health (7500GP) and his eyes of the eagle (2500GP). The aspis where tricky, and liked to create deadly traps with no regard for who else might be hurt. Spotting those traps and using the Periapt's powers to save anyone from infection of deadly illnesses in those traps would be a good safety step.
In the third pack, marked for those attempting to quell the crowd, he leaves a little bit more of a esoteric collection. First, his Mummer's Ruff, which would allow them to imitate the voices of people of authority, or just get clever as needed, as well as project their voice through the crowds. (3500GP) He also included his wand of Cure light wounds(38 charges), he had a backup after all, his wand of darkness for a getaway if things turned bad (42 Charges left).
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Sir Hendric tries to think if he knows anything that will help the Axe-fixers look for Aspis agents. He can't recall which local nobles might be involved with the Consortium.
Sir Hendric also provides a couple of items.
"Kernaug Group, you're interrogating the Prophet and following up on those leads. We'll give you all the information we can on what we found, the abilities of the dimensional shamblers, and his possible connections to the prior attack on the Society. For discerning truth from lies, this Cracked Magenta Prism Ioun Stone should help." He waits for Kaldane to tell them more (with the Knowledge - Planes check).
"Axe-fixers, you're going after the Aspis Consortium. I'm sorry I can't tell you more about where to start. Try to find out who they are involved with in Pashow, and where they have been. Try not to get in over your heads or bring the whole Consortium down on you - be ready to run if things get too rough. Here's a wand of healing.
Janira, you and the Scroll-Seekers will try to quell the riot with charm. Don't be afraid to use the truth! Some vials did make it, we did win a great battle against those who tried to take it, and we are tracking down the escaped thieves. Here's a potion of Feather Step to help get through crowds. That Mummer's Ruff should be great help in spreading good rumors. And I'm not going to mind if you embellish the truth. I'm not a paladin, but even if I were, many of them are actually rather understanding of such necessities from time to time."
Axe-fixers (Aspis): 10,000 gp in gear from Nox, plus 645 from Sir Hendric (Wand of CLW, 43 charges).
Kernaug (Prophet): 3474 from Nox, plus 800 from Sir Hendric (Ioun Stone).
Scroll-Seekers (Crowd): 3,500 + 570 (Wand of CLW, 38 charges) + 5,040 (Wand of Darkness, 42 charges) + 50 (Potion of Feather Step).
Superiority within each team goes from top to bottom in the handouts, i.e. Janira is the leader of the Scroll Seekers, Maralyn is the leader of the Kernaug Group, and Garl and Shrade are both the leaders of the Axe-Fixers.
With wands, what I meant to say was that 10 charges are used, or HALF of the wand’s charges (rounded down) are used if fewer than 10 charges remain.
In lieu of an aid, you can have two different PCs attempt two different Knowledge checks for any particular mission, I.e. Kaldane could attempt the Planes check and Nuck Tuk could attempt the Arcana check, but Nuck Tuk could not aid Kaldane on his Planes check. If one of you exceeds the lower DC and the other exceeds the higher, then I’ll say you succeed at both (rather than making it reliant on the person who rolled first getting the lower DC)
If you provide consumables in bulk (I.e. more than one potion of Cure Light) then half of those consumables are used, rounded down.
I gotta say, this is a recurring mechanic for this series, and while you guys are really good in many aspects, this party’s lack of high Knowledges is going to hurt! That isn’t to say that you can’t succeed, but that it won’t be easy (but you signed up for hard mode, so you kinda brought this upon yourselves).
Garl and Shrade smile a toothy (and perhaps murderous) grin and grabs the half-orc Aspis by the collar as well as their backpack of supplies without waiting for further gear.
”Axe-Fixers, let’s show those damn snakes who’s boss!”
A cheer cries from the Axe-Fixers and they all clang their weapons together as if in a toast—only using the tools of combat in place of glasses of wine—and depart.
The conjurer Farhaana turns to face Hendric.
”I know this is not an appropriate time, but best to say it before you depart to risk your lives for the sake of my home: I apologize for my earlier outburst, the stress of the situation was getting to me—and everybody—and the loss of the elixir just made me snap. I can assist in any way I can; I can show the Kernaug Group to the wrecked convoy to investigate the planar thinning and I can teleport you all to the church of Abadar—it is merely on the other side of the road, but the crowd would prove difficult to move through. I’ll inform a clergyman friend of mine to show you to the sealed vaults. Emir, do you have any more scrolls of Sending?”
A trembling hand appears from under the table holding a scrollcase, which Farhaana promptly takes.
”Thank you,” She turns once more to Hendric. ”The elixir, while powerful, is still a liquid alchemical elixir; if allowed to evaporate or mix with the earth—or if mixed with any other liquid or solvent—then the elixir becomes worthless. Please, Pathfinders, from the bottom of my heart I beg of thee: recover the elixir—if not for me, then for my home. And,” Her voice lowers to a more serious tone. ”If the tales of this Loaralis are true, then he will persist to the bitter end. Loaralis must be put down.”
With that, Farhaana turns away and begins casting the spell upon one of the scrolls from the Emir’s scrollcase.
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Nuck-Tuk approaches the Kernaug group. We have obtained some prisoners from another plane. they were involved in the attack on our Caravan and were also after the elixir. We would like to know more about them and why they wanted the elixir.
I'm sorry I cannot provide much more info on these creatures. but I can provide this ioun stone to allow you to comprehend languages.
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To start with, Kaldane will offer up some of his gear to each of the following missions:
To the group dealing with the Aspis, he will offer his fully charged wand of magic missiles (750 gp) and wand of lead blades (47 charges, not sure on the exact gp value). they will likely find the added offense really handy.
To the Kernaug Group, he will offer up his lesser rod of extend metamagic (3000 gp), which they should easily find a use for.
To the scroll-seekers, he will purchase and then loan them a Circlet of Persuasion (4500 gp), which they should find useful in the situations they'll likely encounter.
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After handing out his items, he will brief the Kernaug group on the likely situations related to the Prophet and his shamblers.
Farhaana returns to the group, a blank scroll in her left hand.
”Now, then, the remaining priests at the temple of Abadar know that you all are coming, so let’s move without further delay.”
Everyone once more joins hands and Farhaana casts a spell, teleporting the group.
The temple of Abadar is practically abandoned—there are only about a dozen clergymen remain in the temple’s Gold-plated halls. An important-looking Garundi priest approaches the party with a look of concern on his face.
”Are these them, Farhaana?” The conjurer simply nods. ”Splendid! We haven’t a moment to lose!”
Farhaana looks askance with a sorrowful look on her face before speaking.
”This is where we part ways, Pathfinders; I must return to assist the Kernaug Group. Pathfinders, please recover the elixir.”
She once more casts a spell and vanishes.
The priest pulls down on a brazier and a massive golden statue of Abadar moves—pedestal and all—to reveal a staircase leading downward.
”This way.”
As you all descend the staircase for what is perhaps fifty feet, the staircase ceases.
Walls of pale sandstone stretch throughout this vast chamber. The ceiling arches twenty feet over the floor, both outlined with broad stripes of gold leaf. Large golden frescos cover large stretches of the walls, each with a large keyhole near its center. Freshly cleaned blue carpets fill several of the short hallways, and a stylized rendition of a vast golden key is carved into the floor at the chamber’s eastern end. The image points toward a grand, sealed golden door, ten feet in height. Scattered throughout the chamber are dozens upon dozens of lit lanterns, hung from the ceiling and bolted into the walls and floors in various, seemingly random locations.
A booming voice echoes throughout the chamber of what seems to be a giant with a slight Osirioni accent.
”Cease your fruitless endeavors, Pathfinders! Your feeble minds know not the powers at play. Turn back now or you shall face the wrath of the Lord of the First Vault!”
Shock washes over the face of the Abadaran priest guiding you as he slowly steps behind the Seekers, his voice little more than an astonished whisper.
”Archbanker Kaarim?!”
PATHFINDERS GO! THE BOLD MAY ACT:
Round 1
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Géatan
Nox
???
Tortuga
!!!
Hendric
Kaldane
Nuck Tuk
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Nox looks around the vault quickly and scowls. This was not his preferred terrain. He whispers (Either through message or just directly to Hendric).
I'm going to dim the lights around us a smidge, don't be alarmed, use it to your advantage!
With that he pulls the tiny lantern from his hip and strikes the twindertwig inside as a darkness flows from the lantern and surrounds the group.
As Géatan turns the corner he finds the largest half-elf he’s ever seen, towering at an impressive 12 feet tall in a set of full-plate and an amulet of a platinum key around his neck.
The half-elf looks towards Géatan and smirks.
”Géatan and Nox’s shadow are over here, the former’s flying and the latter’s in the floor!”
Géatan blinks and suddenly behind him is a Garundi woman in a mithral breastplate wielding a bardiche ; it is Saabira, the Emir’s security advisor!
”So long as you take care of the rest.”
A faded, almost out of focus “ghost” of the half-elf—you would call it an after-image if it didn’t move before the solid version—moves toward the center of the room, out of sight of Géatan, and the sound of incantation fills the room. When the incantation finishes Géatan sees the half-elf move towards where the “before-image” went—no, “move” isn’t the right word; the half-elf was dragged.
When appropriate (such as when not casting) the half elf speaks—no, preaches—his booming voice filling the chamber.
More incantation echoes through the chamber as a circular curtain of whirling blades appears within the chamber going from floor to ceiling.
Similar to the half-elf, a “before-image” of Saabira appears and begins to attack Géatan.
The “before-image” of Saabira then steps adjacent to Géatan and Saabira is likewise dragged to occupy the space of the “before-image.”
PATHFINDERS GO! THE BOLD MAY ACT:
Round 1
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Géatan
Nox
Saabira/Half-elf before-image
Half-elf/Saabira before-image
Hendric
Kaldane
Nuck Tuk
Tortuga (delayed)
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