GM CariMac's Tyranny of the Winds (Inactive)

Game Master CariMac

"Look, I know I am not the goodest thinker out here, but can one of you explain somethin' to me. How did any of this halp up catch that thief what's-her-face... Jamila? I mean, that is still our mission right? Catch her. Because if we did all this for nothing, I am really confused."

With measurable forbearance, Laafdahni explains as best she can. "That was one of our objectives, but unfortunately we were unable to turn up any information about her whereabouts. Perhaps our new contact would have some information, since they are part of the same organization, located in this plane. Our other objective was to seek out information regarding the Untouchable Opal and the Elemental Lord's release."

"True," says Leyten, currently sitting cross-legged on the dark cloud several feet above the others' heads. He's still engrossed in his reading. "Armun sounded sincere, and we can use his guilt over what happened to our benefit. People who feel guilty often look for ways to atone, and sharing valuable information with us would be a good way for him to start."

He closes the book and leans over the edge of the cloud to look at his companions directly. "This 'Hshurha' could be a problem for us," he says. "She clearly filled the void of power once Ranginori was imprisoned. We're now a threat to her authority." He shrugs. "That doesn't bother me. She sounds like a terrible ruler. Just pointing it out."

If asked Ashashar tells you that Jamila is away on business. He will send her a missive instructing her to return to Armun Kelisk and meet with the Society. He says she was following the Condordance's orders when she stole the item.

You have been staying with Jairo while waiting for news of Jamila's return. While you are there a letter from Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir arrives.

Pathfinders,

Former enemies are now allies. I have been in communication with Ashasar, a senior member of the Concordance, and our organizations have reached an understanding. The Concordance will be compensating the Society for their theft of our property, and is now looking forward to working with us. I’ve offered your services as representatives for the Pathfinder Society in this newfound truce. You and your fellow agents are our eyes and ears on the Plane of Air for now. Unlocking the secrets of the Untouchable Opal is our highest priority, so assist Ashasar and the Concordance, while keeping an eye out for ways to strengthen our position over there.

When we release Ranginori, we must be ready to combat Hshurha if we are to reap the benefits of an alliance with the Duke of Thunder.
— Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir

Another message also arrives for remembers of the Grand Lodge Faction.

A request arrives for you to meet Ashasar at his office.

Ashasar, Liaison to the Seat of Balance of the Concordance of Elements, keeps a modest office atop the Four Winds, one Armun Kelisk’s less conspicuous structures. He sits atop an expansive turquoise pillow, intently listening to a barely visible mass of cloud dancing near his ear. Before speaking, he stands and delicately removes a lantern from a nearby bookcase. Ashasar lights the lantern with a snap of his fingers. He gives a knowing smile as he walks a slow perimeter around the open rooftop.

Seemingly satisfied, the janni takes a seat with a contented sigh. “One can never be too careful when dealing with the Duchess Hshurha. With the winds themselves at her beck and call, who knows what kind of agents she has hiding about? It appears our organizations are not as at odds with one another as we once thought. While the Concordance was initially resistant to breaking open the Untouchable Opal and freeing the Duke of Thunder, the Duchess has grown too bold and forced our hand. We must work together to free Ranginori from his prison before Hshurha throws the Inner Planes into utter chaos. As a token of our mutual new goodwill, I ask for your help in a sensitive mission that could prove pivotal in our fight to maintain balance.”

“When the Concordance considered the Pathfinders Society to be a threat, I sent one of our agents to retrieve a powerful weapon we have hidden here on the Plane of Air. I believe you are familiar with her, no? Jamila’s task was to retrieve the Horn of the Hurricane, which allows its wielder to call forth tremendous elemental force. These energies are particularly devastating against creatures native to this plane. Since the accord between our organizations was cemented, I have been unable to reach Jamila, and I fear that she may be incapacitated. Worse yet, it’s possible she’s been killed and the horn is now in Hshurha’s hands. Since we cannot be sure, we must take every precaution to protect the horn and rescue Jamila, if she lives. I have already arranged for your transportation to her last known destination and ask that you leave at once."

Leyten says, "We all appreciate our newfound alliance. But Jamila, if she lives, is unaware of it. She may treat us as the pursuers that we were. I prefer not to be killed by a master thief. Are there any Concordance credentials that we can show her?"

The Oread nods in agreement. Jamila was clever, and might be powerful. The group might not be able to handle her if she turned her fury on them. ”Rumble and wanting to make friends with Jamila, too.

The barbarian's fingers run over the potion he recently obtained. I really hate this place! He silently fumes during the briefing. So now were just supposed to be pals? That just ain't right. Still, this ain't the time or the place to jump on the ice. Hafta keep Dahni and the others safe. The huge man just nods and smiles, secretly imagining chopping the janni in two.

"Yes, it would be too bad if she got herself killed attacking us."

Nodding in agreement, Laafdahni muses: Leyton makes a good point.

She follows up with her questions after Leyton's is answered, waiting until each question is answered before posing the next. "Is there anything we should know about the Horn of the Hurricane so that we may transport it safely? What defenses should we consider if it is used against us? Are there any potentially useful contacts at her last known location? And would you like us to return the Horn to you here, or are we to take it to another location?"

Lekki squawks uncomfortably as he joins in on the conversation. "So them trying to stop us from obtaining the information it took us sooooo long to retrieve was all nothing? You want us to become friends with these fools? Razmir would not approve. As the Teachings of the 17th step suggest, one must never trust those who did you wrong. Mmmm, such a wise ruler..." He grumbles and is obviously unhappy with the outcome.

He nods in agreement with Osten. "Mmmmm, you are wise Osten. You would make a good acolyte."

To the Concordance member, "What made you change you mind anyway. Surely it wasn't Venture-Captain Nordens' "good intentions"." Lekki uses air quotes for that final part.

Ashasar responds to Laafdahni's question about the Horn of the Hurricane.

“The horn allows whoever wields it to create a blast of elemental energy. Despite its electrical nature, this energy is particularly effective against creatures of air. Still, the horn must be used sparingly, as repeated use in a day is said to put great strain on the item.”

“Unfortunately, I do not know where you can find the horn. Jamila discovered the horn somehow reached Port Eclipse and she alone knows its current location. This is part of the Concordance’s design to keep our resources safely hidden. If Jamila is no longer part of the equation, you must find her safe house in Port Eclipse for more information on the horn’s location. Tell her that I sent you. That should at least keep her from attacking you until she can verify the information.” he responds to Leyton's question.

"Any other questions?"

"How do we find her safehouse?" If we can find it by just asking, it is not very safe, is it?

”Hmmmm, and was she alone in her goals? Who else knew about her mission?” suggests the old bird.

Impatient and ready to leave, the barbarian can only take deep breaths through his nose as he looks at the others.

"There may be a situation where retrieving the Horn becomes impossible, and we have to decide between abandoning the mission...or destroying the Horn," says Leyten. "I want to be sure you understand that."

Rumble was ready to get underway with the mission.

Noting that Osten looks about to destroy their tentative new alliance, Laafdahni gently rests a hand on his arm in an attempt to calm him. She ponders her teammates' reactions to this turn of events. "They are all being so hostile. Can they not see that, whether we like it or not, we need allies against a greater evil which threatens our very existence? The Concordance stands to lose as much as we do if we fail; they cannot afford to betray us." Now is not the time, however, to voice her thoughts. She resolves to speak to them once they party is away from other ears.

“Jamila left on a vessel bound for Port Eclipse, an airship harbor of ill repute. It is one of the few pieces of solid ground in the Endless Sky that is not controlled by the djinn. The port hides within a massive hollow rock, and its buildings cling to the inner wall. While Port Eclipse provides discretion from the djinn, it does so at a cost. Keep your wits and blades about you in there.”

"I hope you can avoid attempting to destroy the horn. It's important that it's recovered to help restore the balance."

Diplomacy (Gather Information) unless you speak Auran it's -5 to the below checks.

Yay Directional Gravity Coming Up. I'm including the DC's to speed things up, and since you've been on the plane of Air for a while I'm sure you would have figured out who might have issues by now.

In most parts of the Plane of Air, an individual chooses the direction of gravity’s pull. When walking on solid surfaces, choosing the direction of the surface to be “down” is relatively intuitive and does not require a skill check. In midair, creatures with natural flight can fly normally. Those without the ability to fly, or those who would prefer to move faster, can attempt to set the direction of gravity.

Once per round as a free action, an individual can attempt a DC 16 Wisdom check to pick a new direction for gravity. If she succeeds, she begins falling in that direction, moving 150 feet in a straight line on the first round and 300 feet on each succeeding round. If she fails, she can attempt the Wisdom check again the following round. The DC decreases to 12 until she succeeds. Once an individual starts falling in a direction, stopping requires a successful DC 16 Wisdom check to set gravity in the exact opposite direction. If she succeeds, she continues falling 150 feet in her original direction for 1 round, and then stops.

Because an individual in free fall cannot stop quickly, performing actions during the fall is difficult. However, the PCs may ready actions and perform them during the free fall, such as readying an action to grab an object or to attack a creature while soaring past it. Moving past an opponent in this manner provokes an attack of opportunity.
A PC under the effects of a feather fall spell falls at only 60 feet per round and gains a +2 circumstance bonus on the Wisdom checks to change direction.

Ashasar explains that “I’ve booked you passage on an airship. Captain Nix is a reliable woman I have worked with before, and most importantly, she’s not a native of this plane. The gnome has been to Port Eclipse many times and I do not suspect she has any loyalty to Hshurha.”

As you arrive at the docks Osten's stomach sinks. The ship they have been directed to looks like a fixer-upper. It's a is a piecemeal construction of scrap metal, crystal shards, and patchwork sails. He's sure it won't stay in the air.

A red headed gnome greets you Welcome all to my ship. One of the fastest things on the currents.

Osten takes in the scow. He cannot suppress his voice as he mutters to himself. "We are all going to die here, honorless and far from home." He looks over the edge into the 'current', "Worse still, I could be knocked over and fall forever, dying of starvation. I really hate this place." He feels the comfort of the ax in his hand. It allows him to feel a small measure of control over his life. I'm looking forward to making someone pay for this.

Rumble, stoic as always, nodded his head to the gnome. ”Am pleasure, Captain.”

Take 10 Diplo: 10 + 10 = 20
I have heard of this before. Mmmmhhhh, Port Eclipse is a seedy port town on the Plane of Air. It’s built on the inside of a floating landmass, and is physically concealed from outside forces. The resident djinni of the Plane of Air lay no claim to the settlement, and Port Eclipse acts as an anarchist’s haven among the otherwise lawful realm of the air venues.

Like most of the Plane of Air, Auran is the preferred language of Port Eclipse. Being a hidden smuggler haven, Port Eclipse lacks the amenities of other settlements; as a result, few of Port Eclipse’s citizens speak Common. Translation services are available there, but come at a steep price. A means of speaking and understanding Auran is essential in navigating the port town. I interesting huh?

To the captain, Ooohhh, thank you for your help captain. How long will our journey be? Im afraid our barbarian friend isnt the biggest fan of boats, or too much space...it seems...ooooooohhhh.

"The journey will be several days. It should be a fairly calm trip." she gives a bright smile. "I hope.

"Come aboard one an all."

Earlier:
Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 5 = 16

Wracking her brain, Laafdahni is only able to recall part of what Lekki shares with the group. "Yes Lekki. I have heard some of that before. Thank you for sharing. It is good that you speak Auran." "And not so good that we have to rely on one so hard of hearing. Oh, well. It cannot be helped."

At the docks"

Keeping her face pleasantly neutral to hide her ambivalence regarding the vessel before her, Laafdahni greets the captain cordially. "Captain Nix. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Laafdahni Riverrun. On behalf of my team, I would like to thank you for escorting us. Is there anything we can do to assist you? Perhaps keeping a look out, or simply staying out of the way?"

Once they are all on board and have time to talk, Laafdahni speaks to them either as a group or one on one, whichever makes most sense. Her demeanor is one of warmth and concern over the greater events swirling around them. She makes sure to place her hands on each of their arms, one by one, to communicate her sincerity and respect for every member of her party.

"I understand your trepidation regarding our new alliance. You may be wondering why I seem to have taken to it so readily. Please understand that my choice is not lightly made. Personal experiences aside, we must consider the greater enemy we have made. Hshurha's forces could wipe out the Pathfinder Society." Here she pauses to drive her point home. "This cannot be so. We need allies against such a powerful foe, regardless of what our preferences are. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend,' they say, and so it is with us. The Concordance of Elements was misguided before, I admit. But with this new direction they are more in line with the values of the Pathfinder Society. It would behoove us to guide them along this path, so that they continue it once we have survived this impending conflict."

Sorry to be offline for a couple of days!
Gather Information: 1d20 ⇒ 2+ 8 = 10. I know nothing!

When Laafdahni speaks, Leyten listens thoughtfully. He says, "You raise good points, Laafdahni. And I agree. Hshurha could be a very dangerous foe, so the more help the Society has, the better." He places a hand on her arm in turn. "Thanks."

He looks at their surroundings and continues, "In the meantime, I'll continue to be amazed by where we are. My talents - though not asked for - have given me a deeper appreciation of gravity's power, so to be in a realm where gravity is more 'abstract'... well, that's mind blowing." He offers a rare chuckle.

Like Laafdahni, he introduces himself to Captain Nix and offers to help out on the voyage if needed.

Once everyone is aboard Nix takes off into the air streams. As you are traveling along the ship gets caught in a pocket of dead air. There is suddenly no air for you to breathe. Nix wastes no time firing up a spring-wound fan on the back of her ship to escape the hazard. However for a few seconds none of you could breathe.

The first night passes uneventfully.

At the beginning of your second day of travel a cloud grows on the horizon. Nix colorfully curses in Gnome, as the cloud of flickering blue energy drifts further into view.

It splits into several vaguely humanoid forms that constantly shift and warp, except for their impassive faces. These small figures land on the deck of the airship, buzzing unsettlingly.

The creatures land aboard Nix’s ship and immediately demand in Auran that the crew submit themselves to their illuminating flames.

"They want us to submit to their illuminating flames. Darned wyrds. Always trying to bully non elementals. I suggest you submit, and we can go on our way." Nix willingly walks straight up to one of the wyrds and allows it to envelop her with its illuminating flame ability. After a minute of speechless conversation, Nix motions for you to present yourselves to the wyrds.

Curious and suspicious, Laafdahni asks Nix: "What...happens when they do that?" If they read minds that way, there may be trouble.

Well, my first instinct is to kill it. But, my instincts got me into this position in the first place. Tentatively Warily, the huge mass that is Osten approaches the fiery elemental. "So, yer just sayin' 'Hi', right? C'mon, do what you hafta do. We got places to be."

Sincerely hope I did not just offer myself up as some kind of dinner.

If Osten survives the strange process, Rumble will offer himself up for the next target.

Leyten shrugs. "Fine. I'll pay the toll." He presents himself to the strange creatures.

Laafdahni will hang back, and if no one else objects to their experiences, she'll stow her misgivings and play along as well. She will definitely want to understand exactly what is going on, and why and how.

Nix responds, "They look into your mind and establish a link."

Leyten fights to avoid smirking. "Yes, yes, I am most chastised," he says seriously to the wyrd. "Thank you." He backs away with a bow. He turns around and walks over to Laafdahni.

"Low-level mental contact," he whispers in her ear. He's momentarily distracted by the intimacy of the act next to his beautiful ally. "Keep your mind off the mission. Think about what an unworthy inhabitant of the Plane of Air you are."

Lekki let's out a laugh and walks up and presents himself. Hehe h.. he. Sounds like something all Razmiran initiates goes through as a part their hazing. Nothing like a bit of fun. Do your worst.

With a conspiratorial wink and a hand on his shoulder, Laafdahni replies to Leyton: "Thank you. I'll do my best to seem sincere."

As she steps forward to present herself, her hand trails down Leyton's arm. She (purposely) timidly plants her feet, concentrating on the following thoughts: "I am out of my element. All of this is beyond me. The lack of control I have over what happens to me--and even how to move--is unnerving. I don't belong here."

Everyone who submits can read the spoiler above.

Eventually they get bored and fly off. Nix is quite impressed that you didn't fight with them. "I'm relieved. They are annoying, and like to make trouble." She rewards you with a scroll of dimension door and a wand of glide (4 charges remaining).

Sbe takes off in a hurry and the next day the airship arrives at a gigantic island adrift in the elemental currents. The windswept voyage across the Plane of Air ends at a large island adrift in the endless void.

Djinn and other planar inhabitants have colonized most objects of this size, so this barren rock has little to distinguish it other than its many craters and caverns. Nix pilots her airship around the island several times before steering her ship into one of the larger caverns.

The journey inside takes about a half-hour, partly due to some looping and doubling back that Nix performs.

Nix’s airship coasts into a world turned inside-out. What must be Port Eclipse clings to the inside wall of a great, hollowed-out stone sphere, its buildings dotting the outer edges like unnatural growths. The cavern housing the settlement is nearly a quarter of a mile in diameter. Airships jut out at all angles of the spherical city, connected to a latticework of docks resembling a spider web.

All of this...so unnatural! The angles, falling 'up', buildings standing on their side. How do they stop themselves from going insane? "More madness! This entire sky world is bewitched."

Murmuring a reply to Osten, Laafdahni intones: "And now we have to find Jamila in all this chaos. Or her safehouse, and we were never given any information on how to do that once we got here."

Hearing Laafdahni Nix responds. "I can help with that." She points to a squat building a half a hemisphere away. "I'd start there. I'll be back in a week to pick you up. Keep a low profile. Port Eclipse is a rough town, and anyone who can’t defend themselves is likely to end up beaten, enslaved, robbed, or dead. Good luck."

The building Nix points out is an inn known as the Aching Anchor. It sticks out like a sore thumb—a squat, wooden building among the surrounding wild and exotic structures.

Osten looks across the port. His eyes glaze over as if contemplating some deep philosophical question. It would be faster to 'fall' that way. He shakes his head with a distasteful look etched to his face. "If you don't mind, I would prefer to walk over there, if it's all the same to you all.

Leyten says to Nix, "Thanks for the advice. We'll see you in one week."

Hearing Osten's concerns, he adds, "Walking is fine with me. We may find some opportunities for shopping along the way."

Clasping Nix's arm, Laafdahni expresses her gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance. Farewell, until next time."

Turning, she gazes out at the port city before them, replying to Osten and Leyton: "Are you sure? If so, we will have to be doubly vigilant. Surely walking when flying is faster will clearly mark us as strangers and easy targets. If we kill too many of them it will be difficult to maintain a low profile. It would be wise to use nonlethal means to end any threats to us."

If you want to "fall" that way. I need will saves.

Actually, what seems to be the most common method of travel? Are people continuing to arc in flight above us, or does it seem to be more mundane. I imagine any pack animals would be unable to purposely 'fall' anywhere and be limited to ground travel.

If anyone is worried about the will save, Lekki will kindly pass around the Gift of Will so the person affected (one at a time) can get +10 to Will.

Lekki wanders over to Osten and places a feathered hand onto his shoulder. "You're probably right, Mr Osten. This entire place is quite pitched. We are very high right now, but if you will allow me, I can make it much easier on your mind. Would you please?" You're not sure how Lekki "heard" his allies mutter, but more likely read his lips wrong and hence got the context entirely wrong.

Offer stands to anyone who wishes to use +10 will to drift down.

Looking on to their destination in the town, he squints. "Ooooh, just the place for folks like us. A rowdy place where we can get … rowdy. Let's get under someoenes feathers, as they say." He frowns at Laafdahni's comment. "Low profile it is. I will be your translator, but feel free to do the talking, you seem to have a nice way with words Ms Riverrun." and he bows deeply.

Will to fall.: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24

Lekki seamlessly falls down to the busy street in the town and continues into the Aching Anchor.

"Oh, dear. We really cannot allow him to go alone, or allow us to get separated from our translator. I suppose we must catch up to him." With a resigned sigh and an encouraging glance at the others, Laafdahni sets her sights on Lekki and attempts to follow him.

Will to fall as intended: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Rumble will take Lekki’s assistance and try to fall with the rest of the group.

Will 1d20 + 8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 8 + 10 = 24