Between Leyton and Osten's attacks Elsharon falls. However, the fire elementals don't look as if they are giving up the fight.
Laafdahni Riverrun smiles and let's a cold attack fly at the elemental who attacked Leyton. It does a lot of damage as the cold seeps into the creature. The red becomes black where the attack hit.
Isaseset looks pleased with the result of the encounter, and takes you to the leader of his tribe. Aridiea an elder air elemental of the Ainsi.
You are asked to wait for a few minutes. Then the leader holds a private audience with the you. "Thank you for your assistance with clearing the temple. I appreciate it. I understand that you are looking for Jamila did indeed pass through the region and spoke with us."
"I'm sorry to say, I don't know her current location. I do know that she is no longer on the Material Plane and has likely traveled to one of the elemental planes."
"She has allies —a group known as the Concordance of Elements, which no doubt had a hand in the janni’s thefts." She holds up a hand. "I know your next question. I know little about the Concordance, save that it is an extraplanar organization with deep elemental ties, and that Jamila’s thefts are only one part of an increase in recent activity from the group."
She laughs. "I know you are not prophets. I think I'll let those who believe you are to keep thinking that." She offers you a ring of feather falling.
"Do you have other questions?"
"We can show you her path through the desert. As to which plane?" she shrugs, "I do not know. I don't know who her allies are in particular. Perhaps your leadership will be able to find this out."
The leader and several elementals take you into the desert and show you the path Jamila took. "That path. Take that when you are ready to go. It will be to another plane so be prepared."
When your return to the Sandswept Halls, Venture- Captain Balentiir is eager to hear their report. He's trilled that you earned an audience with an elemental tribe’s leader. "Wonderful, Wonderful. Thank you so much for your hard work, and congratulations on your discoveries." He waves off your report about not catching Jamila. He believes that the information that you gathered about her extraplanar connections and the positive contact they established with one of the rulers of the Underdunes are far more valuable than catching her.
You find yourselves once again in the office of Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir in Osirion.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir sits bent over a weathered scroll. He looks up from the parchment and smiles wearily. “Thank you for coming. As you may know, an agent from the Concordance of Elements attempted to sabotage us by leading the Society into a trap in the deserts to the east. You were there, and were able to prevail. Thank you for that.”
“The agent was Jamila al-Shafah, a janni who was once on good terms with the Pathfinder Society. I would appreciate your tracking her down and discovering her cabal’s goals. My colleagues and I believe she went to Armun Kelisk, a metropolis on the Plane of Air, to convene with other members of her organization. I’ll need all of you to travel to the Plane of Air to pick up the trail. While you are in Armun Kelisk, I have another important task for you.”
Balentiir taps a finger to the image of a gem drawn on the scroll before him. “This is a sketch of the Untouchable Opal. It imprisons the good-aligned lord of air, Ranginori, and is now in our possession. If we can find a way to release Ranginori, he may grant us his blessing, making the outer reaches of the Plane of Air more hospitable for us. Armun Kelisk’s numerous libraries are an invaluable place to start our investigation into the Opal.
[/b]“A friend of the Society by the name of Jairo the Enlightener has arranged your travel to Armun Kelisk, and he will meet with you once you arrive. He is a scholarly djinni with many contacts that should prove useful. I advise exercising discretion though— we do not know who may be allied with the Concordance. Do you have any questions?”[/b]
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Leyten had raised a skeptical eyebrow for most of the Venture-Captain's presentation. As soon as there's mention of a library on an extradimensional plane, however, his curiosity is piqued.
He suddenly chuckles. "Sorry, Captain," he says with an apologetic smile. "It's just that the notion of a massive library on a plane of, well, AIR struck me as funny.
"I do share some of Osten's concerns, though. Movement may be tricky, but not impossible. Now, about priorities: What's more important to the Society? Grabbing Jamila or freeing Ranginori? We may not be able to do both."
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The old bird staggers up to Osten and places his wing on the large mans shoulder. “Ooooooh Osten. You did so well last time! Just feel the air on your skin and go with the flow. Hey, if you fall, I’ll catch you. I promise.”
Turning to the venture captain. “It sounds like Jasmine...? has some allies. What kind of rat bags does she hang out with? Are her intentions aligned with the Untouchable Oval...?”
"“Unfortunately, we do not have much information. As you may recall Jamila al-Shafah was a wealthy merchant in Qadira and the partner of late Venture-Captain Targos Min-Katheer. We believe the Concordance sent her to spy on the Society. The Concordance’s motivations and overall goals are still a mystery.”
“Armun Kelisk is primarily filled with djinn, but it has a sizeable population of sylphs, gnomes, elementals, and mephits. Sultan Zafer XXXVIII rules from the Sussurran Palace, but the ruthless elemental lord Hshurha commands the entirety of the Plane of Air. Known as the Duchess of All Winds, she rarely interferes with the people of Armun Kelisk."
"Blessedly, Sultan Zafer himself is far more pleasant a ruler, if a bit epicurean. The city is a metropolis bustling with traders and travelers, so you shouldn’t incur any hostility.”
“Most of the Plane of Air is difficult for non-natives to traverse because gravity itself is subjective throughout most of the plane. However, to encourage foreign trade and tourism, the djinn of Armun Kelisk have arcanely simulated gravity in Armun Kelisk that resembles Golarion’s.”
to access the High Palaces district must possess a special crystal key
granted by the sultan himself.
“Jairo has secured your transportation to the Plane of Air. I will speak more on that shortly. He will also be your host while in Armun Kelisk, and he’s already arranged for you to meet with local scholars and dignitaries. If you encounter any need for political support during your mission, ask Jairo. He may have some connections.” The Venture-Captain gives a knowing grin when he mentions the transportation.
"If there are no more questions, Jairo has sent a rather ostentatious means of transport, which is currently in the lodge’s gardens." He leads the way to the gardens as he walks he says, You also have time to make last-minute purchases, it would be best not to make your transport wait longer than necessary."
When you venture out to the gardens, you find a gilded carriage and four pegasi waiting for them. The carriage is large enough to accommodate you and all of their animal companions, familiars, and other such allies.
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Laafdahni goes all starry eyed at the sight of the Pegasuses. Her adorable "Awww!" is immediately followed by an amused chuckle at Leyten's comment. She leans toward him to conspiratorially whisper: "Do you think they drop rainbows too, or is that just unicorns?" She then strides right up to the carriage to hop inside, greeting the driver and showing appropriate appreciation for the accommodations.
Laafdahni notices there is no driver, but the pegasi stand tall and proud at her appreciation. Did that Pegasus just wink?
Once everyone has entered the carriage, the pegasi take to the skies. Shortly after the carriage leaves the ground, the world melts away into an unfamiliar sky.
An endless sea of sky glows in hues of stunning gold, vibrant rose, and smoky indigo. Distant orbs of light twinkle like stars, and floating islands crafted from crystal, silver, and ice gleam in the twilight. Djinn soar past winged gondolas and flying horses, easily navigating a labyrinth of majestic buildings and the many bridges that connect them. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and spices, and the echo of music and laughter drifts upon the wind.
The carriage glides past opulent structures crafted from marble and clouds, where curious young sylphs and mephits sit perched on windowsills, waving to passing travelers. The pegasi neigh and slow as a cluster of docks come into view. The port is crowded with throngs of airships and the merchants strolling among them.
As the carriages comes to a halt on an empty platform, a djinni dressed in resplendent clothing approaches with a smile. He offers a low bow and clasps his hands together. “Welcome! I am Jairo, and it is such a pleasure to be your host while you stay in my beautiful city. Allow me to escort you to your lodgings where you can rest.” The djinn pauses and looks around warily. When he speaks again, his voice lowers to a whisper. “And also where we can speak in a more private setting.”
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The usually confident Ulfen maintains a tight, white knuckle grip on the carriage throughout the duration of the ride. When time to disembark, he looks for something solid to hold on to. It would seem he is quite certain that an any moment he could simply 'fall' up into the sky, never to be seen again.
This is not right! Not at all or in any way, shape or form. "These lodgings have a roof, right? Perfect, let's go there." The large man travels from one item anchored to the ground to the next. Posts, pole, fences, doorjambs or anything else he can grab in his burly hands would seem to qualify as he travels to their destination in frantic bursts.
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Feeling the wind hit his skin along the journey. Lekki makes excited noises which sound like growled squawks. He spends his time eyes closed, imagining he’s flying. “Mmmmm. It’s like I’m a young flock again. Gliding down mountains with the wind beneath my wings...oh how I miss those days...”
Thank you, Jiaro. I am Lekki and these are my friends. What a marvellous world you have here. True, I have been living on the wrong plain...if only Razmir could see this world...” the bird collects himself as he continues. “When are we to meet up with your team of...dollars? No that’s not right, scholars?”
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For the first time in a very long time, Leyten Krovt has no pithy comment. A look of childlike awe spreads across his scarred face. "Wondrous... simply wondrous," he says on the journey.
After Laafdahni makes the introductions, he bows politely at Jairo and says, "Tell me, please, how difficult WAS it to create a city like this? It's a remarkable achievement."
"Please this way." He asks you to leave the carrage, and leads you to an immense flying carpet. He helps you aboard and guides the carpet through the district, pointing out areas of interest as they go.
"Yes Sir Leyton it is a great achievement. We have done well." he says with pride.
"Sir Osten. You will not fall into the sky in general, but where we are going will have a roof."
You arrive at a courtyard encircled by a silver villa. The djinni takes you inside the luxurious residence and into a parlor where a spread of food and beverages await.
Swathes of jewel-colored silks billow from the ceiling of the parlor with matching plush pillows scattered across the floor. Jairo settles atop a large amethyst cushion and gestures to an array of refreshments laid out on shining trays. The aroma of mint wafts up from a steaming silver teapot, while candied fruit and sugared confections sparkle atop tiered plates. “Please sit and help yourself to whatever you like. Savories, sweets—there is a bit of everything to please, I imagine.” The djinni pours tea into polished cups and distributes them among his guests.
“Ah, but there is business to discuss, is there not? Norden told me you wish to learn more about a rival faction and also an artifact. I do not know about either, I’m afraid, but I have arranged for you to join me at the Grand Symposium Gala tomorrow in the Cirussean Ward. It is an event that local aristocrats are hosting to celebrate a newly renovated wing of the Azure Hall, our finest library here in Armun Kelisk. There will be numerous scholars and dignitaries present who may be able to aid you in your quest.”
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Osten looks truly stupefied as to where to sit on the flying carpet. He finally decides to lay down as flat as possible as close to the middle as he can.
It's just a rug! How can it hold us all? I think I'm gonna puke.
***
Somewhat happier to be on 'solid' ground, the Ulfen is slightly more at ease. "A party? I ...uh..don't have...er...uh...this is all I have to wear."
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“Oooohhh, I hear that parties can get quite loud! Well, from what other people tell me anyways. I’m sure we will need to be on our best behaviour. What sort of evening wear should we wear, and how long will we have to chat up with the guests? So they know we are coming? Where should we say we are from? I do hope the Pathfinder Society isn’t scrutinised here as much as it is in other places...”
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Laafdahni discerningly selects a few slices of cheese and candied fruits before sinking onto a sunset orange cushion, which accentuates her deep blue skin. Gratefully accepting a cup of tea, she assures Osten: "Oh, don't worry. We'll make sure you look presentable. I'm sure there will be time to run out and buy you an outfit if necessary. Jairo, thank you so much for your hospitality. If there is anything we can do to show our appreciation, please let us know."
"No worries Sir Osten. I have a considerable collection of clothing. I'm sure I can find something for you to borrow that will be appropriate. Will anyone else need clothing? I'll also loan the required jewelry as well. It is a formal affair after all."
After you have eaten and drunk you fill he shows you to your rooms to rest, and get ready for the party.
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Laafdahni graciously accepts the offer of an outfit to borrow for the event.
In response to Leyten's question, she graces him with a warm smile. "Yes, I do look markedly different from humans, don't I? While I have never left the material plane before, my grandmother, a sorcerer herself, taught me much about many of the planes before she passed away. She mentioned once that our family line can be traced back to a marid who came to our world some generations ago."
After you are all rested, Jairo provides you with flying carpets. He gives you one 10 x 10 carpet per two people. He informs them that "You may use these transports to travel at your leisure after the party for the duration of their stay in Armun Kelisk."
Once everyone boards their carpets, Jairo guides them through the Lower City and the Luminous Court to the multilevel park that hosts the Grand Symposium Gala.
Gossamer pavilions populate a chain of verdant floating islands. Finely dressed djinn hover among cascades of pale blossoms showering down from pearlescent trees. Sylphs stroll along the slender bridges connecting the many platforms. The steady hum of chatter fills the crisp air as Jairo docks his carpet by the outskirts of the park. “Leave the carpets here; you don’t want to accidentally crash into the crowd and make a scene.” The djinni regards the throng of nobles and scholars with an apprising gaze. “I have some associates I must meet with, so please excuse me. Enjoy the party and feel free to mingle. I’m sure there are plenty of people here who can to offer you some useful leads for your research.”
Before Jairo leaves, he points out eight guests telling you the the name and occupation of each one. He also tells you that Mithradatha, Wan Feng, and Zhalla bint Rathmozen are not scholars; instead, they are influential individuals. "Galas such as this one have a way of bringing together people who would rather not see each other", and cautions that if you wish to curry favor with one of them, they had best not attempt to ally with another.
Whenever the PCs speak to a guest, they may attempt a Diplomacy check to gather a piece of relevant information, as long as the NPC’s attitude toward them is at least indifferent.
The PCs can gain up to five pieces of information from the different scholars at the event. Instead of using Diplomacy, the PCs can gain information from each NPC with another skill check specific to that NPC.
The PCs may use aid another to assist each other, but each PC can participate in only one skill check to gain information from a particular NPC. The NPCs are busy, and they are unwilling to waste too much time talking to any one person.
as an opportunity to ally with one of three influential people of the city.
stalker” offends her, as she chafes at the implication of being an untrustworthy individual who compulsively follows others. One thing she does have in common with many of her kind is her mistrust of spellcasters. Almoshtari enjoys discussing history, and the PCs may use Knowledge (history) checks in place of Diplomacy to impress her.
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Osten settles in next to the gnome. He leans over to her, "Lineji is it? Did I just hear you lost your kite? That must be upsettin'. How 'bout you tell me where you lost it so I can get it out of that tree? Name's Osten by the way." He leans in conspiratorially, "Besides, it will give me a chance to get outta this place and get some fresh air."
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Seeing a spotless woman tapping her fingers together as she pointedly tries to avoid looking at a man with a small smear of sauce at the corner of his mouth, Laafdahni fetches a napkin and discretely passes it to the man, touching the corner of her mouth to show him where to use it. After he leaves (only slightly embarrassed), she turns to the woman with raised eyebrows and a smile.
At Vivek Vallathol's urging, she glides onto the dance floor, her lithe form flowing to the beat of the music.
Laafdahni flows amongst the attendees of the gala, stopping to chat with various people along the way. Spying a reticent male djinni with a raven on his shoulder in a corner, she selects a few delectable treats to offer to the raven as a way to start a conversation.
Seeing the orange haired gnome woman with a kite, Laafdahni approaches her and makes a comment about her memories of flying kites when she was young. She then segues into a few questions about the information her party is seeking.
Finally working her way to the organizer of the even, she praises the exquisite taste required to create such perfection.
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Lekki happily puts on the noble's outfit provided. It is a stark contrast to the tarnished and worn adventurer gear that he usually presents in. Although he seems quite happy with his new attire, that doesn't stop the old bird from complaining - "Who washed these! Did you forget to use the softener! Ohhh I tell you, the new generation just don't understand how to do things properly. This is making my feathers all scratched! Uhhhghhh!" Lekki grumbles as he adjusts himself.
Almoshtari
After sliding in and joining the conversation, Lekki awkwardly interjects - "Oh my dear, you seem to know so much about that yadda-yadda. You are very knowledgable about history, and this intrigues me. You must forgive my old ears, but did i over hear you mentioning something about the Untouchable Opal? Oh, excuse my manners i seem to have lost those too, my name is Lekki, i am an ambassador from the Material Plane."
Fairuza Bereket
Seeing his Undine ally perform a very carefully executed move, Lekki sees an opportunity to introduce their party - "That was my friend Laaddahni. How prim and proper she is. Can't say the same about the rest of the folk around here. Youngsters these days, don't know how to present themselves. You must be Fairuza, i hear you know your way around books. What was your favourite as of late, prey tell..."
-- +2 to Laaddahni roll.
Ghassan El-Amin
Very quickly, the birds attention merge on the beautiful raven beside the Djinni. Joining the two, he starts in Auran, and continues in Sylvan or common if either language is appropriate - "What a boring Gala. Wouldn't it be nice to just spread our wings and fly away? Well met friend, my name is Lekki Pioro - it means Ligth Feather in my old tongue. What an Untouchable Opal this place is, if i do say so myself. So much freedom here, oh how i wish i could stay and learn more..."
Mithradatha
Seeing the man grumpy, he attempts to join. "What a boring Gala. But what a beautiful night, won't you say so? What brings you to these parts? I wonder why a man of your status is hiding away from the lime light? Tell me young one, what troubles you. I may have a word of wisdom to share..."
-- just to be different?
Vivek Vallathol
Seeing the beautiful Laafdahni make her way onto the dance floor to woo their next noble, Lekki gently gives her a gentle push forward.
"You got this. Now go knock him over with your moves! I am afraid my frail old bones can't keep up!". As Lekki touches her, she feels slightly bolder and can add her Perform Bonus to a roll of 11 if she wants to.
Wan Feng
Joining his companion, Lekki will use his Burst of Speed to create a bit of air to make the kite fly even higher- "Don't you sometimes wish you were a kite, Laafdahni. You could go anywhere you wanted to. Where would you go?...Ah i see, fortunately the winds beneath my wings have taken me to Razmiran, the land of...opportunity. Oh the stories i can tell you, of my young self, greedily fighting to become an acolyte to the Living God. What about you, Wan Feng, any stories you care to share? ...Are the rumors about the Impossible Opal really true?" mistaking the name of the item on purpouse to spark conversation.
Zhalla bint Rathmozen
"Exuisite taste all right. How do you do my lady, allow me to introduce ourselves," as the old bird bends over, a loud crack is heard as he puts his hands on his back. "Oh dear me, my old bones. Old as time themselves i say! Ohhhhh, probably as old as your father, my dear. How is Monseniour Rathmozen fearing these days? Thank you for allowing us to be here, we are very honored by your company. Unfortunately we do not come here for leisure. Someone we are looking for has passed into your lands, would you help us...?"
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Seeing the beautiful Laafdahni make her way onto the dance floor to woo their next noble, Lekki gently gives her a gentle push forward. "You got this. Now go knock him over with your moves! I am afraid my frail old bones can't keep up!". As Lekki touches her, she feels slightly bolder and can add her Perform Bonus to a roll of 11 if she wants to.
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Ghassan El-Amin
Seeing Laafhdahni try to slide into Ghassan's good graces via the djinn's raven, Leyten steps over and says politely, "Excuse me, you work in the Azure Hall, don't you? Tell me, please, do you have a map of Sekamina within the archives? I'd like the opportunity to compare it to the ones in my collection."
Mithradatha
Leyten walks over to the disgraced diplomat and hands him a drink. "My name is Krovt. You don't know me, but... well, I heard rumors about your situation and thought, 'Well, he and I could share some stories.'" He takes a seat. "I was once a renowned explorer, well rewarded and respected. One bad decision and a spell later... I'm what you see now. My expertise is as great as it's always been, but I was shunned by false friends and cast out of organizations where I'd been welcome. Not a good feeling." He sips his drink - some azure blue liquid. "Bitterness keeps me warm at night - that, and the desire for payback one day." He raises his glass at Mithradatha. "To staying warm at night." He downs the rest of his glass.
Almoshtari, invisible stalker historian
She turns with a bright smile as Rumblerock approaches. Her smile fades as he doesn't do well with a discussion of her favorite subject. "My dear. Perhaps you should visit the library and find some books to read about history." She turns with a flourish and turns to Lekki.
"I have researched many things. The Untouchable Opal is one of those." she turns away and begins to speak to another party goer.