GM CariMac's Tyranny of the Winds (Inactive)

Game Master CariMac

Lekki is more amused by the rest of the flying books than what the team is looking at. A riddle you say? ...and the answer is …wind?. Why would you wind up the skies? ...to make them angry? They are not a toy you know, you can't just wind it up and create lightning...! That is how storm clouds are born, don't you know anything...?

Obviously mistaking the noun for the verb, as lip reading is hard, he continues. But what does this mean for...us?

”Coukd be perhaps,” Rumble says as he shrugs his shoulders. He wasn’t great at clever riddles.

As the others solve the riddle, Osten remembers how the group was intruded on last time they were making a discovery. He looks around and makes certain the team will not be caught unawares.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

As the word wind is spoke by the Pathfinders, the book awakens in a sudden flash of light.

The animated image of a young girl wearing a jeweled turban appears on the page in scintillating ink. Melodic laughter echoes from the book as she offers a deep bow. “Hello, gentle reader,”he illustration says in a lilting voice. “How may I assist you?”

The barbarian simply shakes his head. Great! A talking book. What kind of trouble will this thing get us into?

Smiling kindly at the image, Laafdahni greets it in kind. "Hello, thoughtful one. We would like to learn about the theories on how to free Ranginori from the Untouchable Opal."

"Hello beautiful One. I have collected many theories, but the one I feel is most credible involves the creation of a hammer crafted from the purest elements of fire, water, and earth. Metal from the core of Aryzul’s kingdom must be forged in fire hotter than Ymeri’s hatred and then quenched in water colder than Kelizandri’s heart. When such a weapon is applied to the Untouchable Opal, the gem should break and release my lord. Ostensibly, a similar treatment using equally powerful components might also suffice. For further reading about this subject, please refer to page 109.”"

Leyten's eyes widen as the voice describes the creation of the hammer. When the illusory girl mentions "a similar treatment," though, he relaxes slightly. "Yes, options that don't involve taking a bath on the Plane of Fire are preferable," he says. "Let's see this page 109."

Oooooh, I do have a question also! Oh knowledgeable one, what can you tell us regarding The Concirdance. Why are they so interested in The Opal?

The old bird waits patiently for Laafdahni to finish before asking his question.

“The Concordance is a society of individuals dedicated to preserving neutrality and balance among the elemental planes. There are five leaders known as the Five Seats: the Seat of Earth, the Seat of Air, the Seat of Fire, and the Seat of Water. The fifth leader is the Seat of Balance, who is responsible for moderating discussions and overseeing the decisions of the others.”

Before the book can turn to page 109 someone enters the Cobalt Gallery behind the Pathfinders.

It's Fairuza Bereket. She confronts you. "Why they wish to release Ranginori?"

“By nature, the balance among the elements depends upon the balance of
power among the elemental planes. For tens of thousands of years, one elemental lord has reigned supreme over each plane. To release a second in the Plane of Air would disrupt that balance. It would bring about chaos, with the promise of war and suffering.”

Addressing the book, Laafdahni murmurs: "Just a moment, please, helpful one. We must respond to this challenge."

Turning to face Fairuza, Laafdahni's stern voice rings clearly through the gallery: "You predict chaos, war, and suffering. Yet it is difficult to trust the word of someone who falsely charged us with a crime, and it would not be unreasonable to suspect a connection between you and the attacks against us. It would have behooved you to simply engage us in conversation in the first place. If you recall, we were perfectly open to engaging in discussion at the gala. It would have been a simple matter for you to suggest meeting afterwards to discuss the subject. You have proven your utter lack of trustworthiness thus far, preferring to go about your business using chaos and violence to cause our suffering. How in all creation could you expect us to accept your claims as true?" Laafdahni stands proudly high in the clouds of the gallery, her limpid turquoise eyes burning out of her dark blue complexion as she imperiously pierces Fairuza with her gaze.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Lekki backs up his ally. Can you not see that keeping such a being chained and locked away is already creating a power struggle. You trying to stop us is clear indication of one side over powering the other. We never actually said that we wanted to free Ranginori, we were sent to investigate for a ways to do so, to study what would happen. Let us get behind the fundamental reason for both sides wanting to act on their intentions, rather then fighting. Or are your actions not as noble as you set them out to be?

Lekki will swiftly fix the rim of his bamboo hat, which functions as his divine focus and use touch of luck on himself.
Aid Intimidate: 11 + 5 = 16

Leyten also faces Fairuza. "History is full of horrible decisions based on 'this is how it's always been.'" He continues, with a nod at Lekki, "He's right. You need to let the facts fall out."

Aid Intimidate: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4 -- yeah, that's why Leyten doesn't take the lead in character interactions! ;-)

Osten walks up to Bereket wordlessly. Eyes offering no compassion, but no threat either.

Coming here alone? Probably a wizard. <sigh> I really hate that. The closer I stay to her the better.

Before she has a chance to answer your questions another group arrives. A sylph, an air mephit, an air elemental and a pegasus.

The sylph introduces himself as Chalissier. "I see you conspiring with my own eyes. You are attempting to release Ranginori and traitors to Hshurha. You will die by the authority of the Duchess of All Winds.

Fairuza yells, "I'll draw some of the enemies away." She taunts the groups mutual enemy, and runs for the door causing the Pegasus and the air mephit to follow her out of the Gallery. Leaving Chalissier and the air elemental to face the Pathfinders.

Chalissier casts Obscuring Mist.

Leyton is up

Round 1
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

"Don't promise death," says Leyten, as he stretches forth his arm and releases a ray of gray-and-pink energy at the slyph.

Ranged touch attack with Kinetic Blast: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
20% miss chance, low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 36
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 points of negative energy damage
Leyten then retreats a few feet back to his new spot on the map.

The air elemental flies out of the mist and attacks Osten, and misses.

Rumble Rock is up

Round 1
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ 7 DMG
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

Rumble begins using his Advice ability to inspire the group.

+1 to hit and damage. Please remember that in your rolls.

Rumble Inspires his fellow Pathfinders. The sylph attacks Osten with a Magic Missile. They fly true. 7 DMG

MM: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (4, 1) + 2 = 7

Round 1/2
IC +1 to hit and damage
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ 7 DMG
Osten Grimhelm: 18 7 DMG
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

If everyone can wait for Lekki to do his thing.

Lekki casts Bless on the party.

Osten welcomes the pain, spurring it on to an inner fire. His senses heighten, especially his sense of smell. He stalks into the cloud toward the wizard.

Dripping with angry sarcasm, "Oh no! I will never find him in all this fog. Whatever will I do?"

Scent as a Rage Power.

Cold Iron Ax of It Only Gets Worse From Here: 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 231d12 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 13 + 1 = 20

Seeing Chalissier casting a spell, Laafdahni's eyes narrow as she attempts to identify it.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

With a slight sigh of resignation, she has to admit to herself that she couldn't recognize it. She then casts Mage Armor on herself and calls out: "Try not to damage anything but our attackers! Keep the Gallery intact!" She then edges around the furniture to her right, trying to get to a vantage point where she would be able to aim a spell at one of her attackers without hitting one of her own once that inconvenient cloud dissipates. How long will this last?

Osten just ignores the fog and moves in for a devastating attack. 20 DMG Lekki casts bless and Laafdahni can't quite figure out the spell, and casts a spell herself.

Round 2
IC +1 to hit and damage, Bless +1 to Attack
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ 27 DMG
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

You are so mean to my poor bad guys. :)

Seeing Osten move toward the slyph, and not wanting to risk hitting his ally in the mist, Leyten turns his attention to the other opponent.

Leyten attacks the air elemental with kinetic blast. I'm adding the bonuses to the modifier.
Kinetic Blast vs. touch AC: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
20% miss chance, low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 71
Negative Energy damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

The blast from Leyton hits but doesn't get through the elemental's armor. It decides to swing at Rumble Rock again, and he misses terribly.

Rubmle Rock is up

Round 2
IC +1 to hit and damage, Bless +1 to Attack
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ 27 DMG
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

Rumble continues to use his advice and returns a rocky fist at the elemental.

Attack with Advice and Bless 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 27
Damage with Advice 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 1 = 9

Rumble's attack hits the elemental 9 DMG It whirls angrily at the Oread.

The sylph withdraws and runs toward the door.

Round 2/3
IC +1 to hit and damage, Bless +1 to Attack
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24 9 DMG
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ 27 DMG
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

Lost in his rage, Osten chases after the caster beyond the mist. He tries to cut his adversary off and then gleefully swings his ax wildly wildly.

Ax of 'I'm not done with you yet!': 1d20 + 10 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 + 1 = 241d12 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 13 + 1 = 15

I have enough movement to get beyond him, just not certain if there is enough space. It will provoke.

Unable to see a thing, Laafdahni strains her ears to track people's locations. Hearing two sets of steps exit the Gallery, one of which must surely be Osten (judging by the heavy gate and battle cries), she realizes that there may not be anyone in the confounded cloud. She stumbles to the edge, thankfully near, and steps back into the room to get her bearings. It is then that she sees her other party members engaged with the elemental. She sends a splash of acid in its direction.

Acid Splash vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d3 ⇒ 3

Squalking ineligibly at Leyten, trying to explain, in Auran, how the elementals are agile and that he needs Razmir to help him guide the shot. He slaps the kineticist on the back giving him touch of law for his next round.

Touch of Law on Leyten!

Not sure if he hit or missed, but Lekki will grant Leyten the ability to roll 11's on his d20s for the next round if he so chooses.

Leyten flinches at Lekki's unexpected touch, but he suddenly feels oddly ... certain about his next course of action. He again unleashes another blast of negative energy at the air elemental.

I'll take that 11, Lekki! Thanks! Attack roll becomes 1d20(11) + 5 (including the bonues) = 16. I'm hoping that hits.
20% miss chance, low is bad: 1d100 ⇒ 67
Negative energy damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Osten chases after the sylph, and catches him. Osten's attack drops him dead at the Bloodrager's feat.

Both of the attacks aimed at the Air Elemental miss. Leyton's attack barely misses. The Air Elemental smashes at Rumble Rock again, and misses.

Round 3
IC +1 to hit and damage, Bless +1 to Attack
Leyten Krovt: 27
Air: 24 9 DMG
RumbleRock: 21
Sylph: 18+ Dead
Osten Grimhelm: 18
Laafdahni Riverrun: 9
Lekki Pioro: 4

Rumble again uses his advice and swings a rocky fist at the persistent elemental.

Attack with Advice and Bless 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18
Damage with Advice 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 = 5

From beyond the cloud, the team hears a frightful, "WHO"S NEXT?!?!? Thundering stomps race across the floorboards until a terrifying and blood-soaked Ulfen bursts through the tendrils of mist. Without breaking stride, he runs right up to the elemental. With red splattered on his white teeth, "Maybe now you know what its like when visitors from some other plane come to your home and start killing things! Tell all your loved ones to stay here. Nevermind, you'll be dead. I'll just have to keep killing them until there are none left!"

Double move

"Hmm..." Laafdahni decides to try a cold ray, knowing it can do more damage than the cantrip she tried before.

Cold Ray vs. Touch AC: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 141d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Includes Advice, Bless, and Point Blank Shot

Sorry Leyten, didn't realise they had such high AC!

Lekki reassess the situation, and moves up after casting shield on himself to help provide a possible flank. Will probably provoke AOO, but new AC is 23!

Rubmle's attack drops the elemental. Osten comes running back in in a rage. He doesn't see an enemy as he emerges from the mist. He's a very frightening sight.

The mist dissipates and the woman Fairuza hasn't returned to the library after drawing off some of the combatants.

Combat Over

"Is everyone all right?" asks Leyten. He looks at the bodies and shrugs, "Some people seem determined to prevent our acquisition of knowledge. Shame."

Seeing Rumblerock steal his kill, Osten lifts his ax high and charges the monk. "All you planars do is TAKE what is not yours!" A step or two before reaching the oread, the barbarian stops in his tracks. He seems to come to his senses. Eyes lock between the two warriors. Trembling, he lowers his weapon. Blood drips down from his face and blade, causing an erratic pattern of spatter on the ground. The seconds tick by, neither moving. After seconds...a minute, Osten only says,"Well fought." before walking away.

Seeing that the fight is over, Laafdahni rushes back to the book, urgently calling out to the guys: "We must hurry if we wish to learn that information before we are removed from the Gallery!"

Dashing up to the book, she breathlessly addresses the figure in it as she fumbles for some parchment and a pencil: "My apologies, patient one; thank you for waiting. I believe you were about to show us page 109?"

Lekki shakes his feathers after the battle. Oooohhh. That all happened all so quickly, don't you think gang? What's that Laafdhahni, you think we have removed some calorie? We have been running around the place, but i'm too old for to lose weight now! We should probably ask that book about... he stops himself as he realises that is exactly what the sorcerer is already doing...

About the time that Laafdahni opens the book again Fairuza returns with a male suli.

"This is the Liaison of the Seat of Balance, the ambassador of one of the Concordance’s five leaders. He's my superior in the Concordance of Elements." An air elemental in the shape of an airship hovers behind the Liaison, dancing around whimsically. Ashasar smiles at the elemental, telling it in Auran,

“Protecting the balance among the elemental planes has been the most sacred task of the Concordance of Elements since its founding. When we learned that the Pathfinder Society came into possession of the Untouchable Opal, your organization loomed as a threat to everything we have dedicated our lives to defending. Tampering with the Opal could create a devastating imbalance in the fabric of the planes. I believed that the Pathfinder Society sought to create this imbalance without consideration for the consequences or, at the very least, was poised to bring about calamity through ignorance. However, I have come to understand another perspective. There are some within the Concordance that have been making the case that the only way to achieve true balance would be to liberate all four of the imprisoned elemental lords. I acted rashly, without consulting the Seat of Balance for approval."

“I am truly sorry for the trouble I have caused you by sending my agents against the Society. I allowed fear to blind my judgment, and I take full responsibility for the harm I have caused, both directly and
indirectly. I understand that, under these circumstances, your instinct may be to retaliate, and I would not hold it against you if you were to do so. However we face a more immediate threat—the forces of Hshurha
have labeled the Concordance and the Pathfinder Society as conspirators and traitors. In light of both the nuances of the decision regarding the Untouchable Opal and our common threat, it would be in both of our best interests to share information and resources, so that we may come to the
most informed decision and protect each other from what may otherwise be an insurmountable opposition.” He looks alarmed at the latest turn of events and very sorry that he caused you issues.

Blood-caked, Osten walks up to the suli. "You're ...sorry? Look at me man! None of this blood is mine. The only scars I have will be the friggen nightmares this city will visit upon me for years to come." He spits on the ground between them. "And now you want an alliance? You got some serious stones." Knuckles subtly begin to turn white as massive hands tighten their grip on the shaft of his ax. The barbarian never takes his eyes off the newcomer as he calls back toward Laafdahni. "Your call Dahni. What's the play?" It is clear to all that on the sorceress' word alone, Osten will not hesitate to try and kill the entity before him.

Distracted from the book, Laafdahni murmurs to it: "My apologies again, understanding one. It seems my attention is required elsewhere." Closing the book and carrying it with her, she approaches the group. Listening to the Liaison of the Seat of Balance, she attempts to ascertain how truthful he is being.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
What does she know about Hshurha?

Sensing that Osten is balancing precariously on a razor's edge between control and rage, she weighs her words carefully before speaking in a calm, soothingly throaty voice as she lays a hand gently on his bloody arm: "Osten, peace. We have more to learn here, and killing him would get us kicked out before we could complete our mission." Her presence beside him is warm as she meets his eyes with a small, understanding smile.

Turning to Fairuza and her companions, her demeanor shifts to be purely businesslike as she speaks in a clear voice: "We acknowledge your apology. True balance is a noble cause, one that the Pathfinder Society is seeking, as best we can. I must point out that true balance cannot be achieved when half of the Elemental Lords are imprisoned; that is by its very nature an imbalance. I am sure that our superiors in the Pathfinder Society will be most appreciative of any information you can share with them to achieve true balance in this regard. We will, of course, complete our mission here and provide them with our findings. You are welcome to return with us to discuss matters further with our Venture-Captain, Norden Balentiir, who will welcome any knowledge you have to share about releasing the other Elemental Lords. He will also be interested in this intelligence about Hshurha."

Laafdahni can tell that Armun is sincere in his apology.

"I'm sorry sir. That man was also the Concordance's enemy or we've been made enemies together by Hshurha. The imprisonment of Ranginori left the Plane of Air solely under the authority of the wicked elemental
lord of air, Hshurha. The cruel and capricious Duchess of All Winds has her own spies skulking throughout the clouds, ready to vanquish potential nuisances with vicious glee"

"If you would please remain in Armun Kelisk while I do some follow-up investigations and speaks to his superiors so the Society and the Concordance can move forward as allies rather than adversaries."

Please proceed with your research in peace." he says pointing to the book in Laafdahni's hand.

A rather disgruntled Ulfen unhappily watches the exchange. As Armun walks away, he muses to himself. I could still kill him. Maybe I still should...

Rumble had remained silent to take in the full complexity of the situation. He figured things were still proceeding according to plan, as the group had been granted authority to finish the research they were sent to do.

"Some costly mistakes," says Leyten. "They should learn from them." He scouts the shelves for interesting tomes on hexes and curses.

Nodding, Laafdahni acknowledges the tentative truce with their former opponents. "Thank you. We will make arrangements with our host."

Seating herself at a table, facing the doorway, she opens the book and addresses the figure who appears: "Hello serene one. It appears that now I can give you the attention you deserve. I believe you had mentioned page 109?"

The face in the book gives Laafdahni a smile, and the book flips to page 109. Laafdahni spends time copying the pay and several following pages for the Venture-Captain and Pathfinder to decipher.

Of course the scenario doesn't tell me what's actually on page 109.

Leyten does in fact find a book on hexes and curses. It's floating on a dark black cloud.

You may remain as Jairo’s guest during your stay and have full access to the Azure Hall.

Jairo offers to sell one of the flying carpets for a discounted rate.

Anything else you want to do before we end the scenario? Questions you want to ask?