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Robyyn stays behind Menarul, letting the elf provide a modicum of protection. He sights Elsharon, though, and begins working an evil twist of fate against the elemental, bringing down her defenses and weakening her ability to resist. He begins a slow cackle that unnerves all, though none so much as Elsharon.
The witch can cause doubt to creep into the mind of a foe within 30 feet that she can see. The target takes a –2 penalty on one of the following (witch's choice): AC, ability checks, attack rolls, saving throws, or skill checks. This hex lasts for a number of rounds equal to 3 + the witch's Intelligence modifier. A Will save reduces this to just 1 round. This is a mind-affecting effect.
A witch can cackle madly as a move action. Any creature that is within 30 feet that is under the effects of an agony hex, charm hex, evil eye hex, fortune hex, or misfortune hex caused by the witch has the duration of that hex extended by 1 round.
::Beep Boop::
Menarul draws a bomb and lobs it at the earth elemental, searing the creature.
for .
Iyasset takes another swing at the fire elemental that is threatening her.
for .
The air elemental laughs as their fiery foe is battered apart.
Likewise, the mighty blast from Sunlight Under Stone shreds the orange elemental before it can move from the thicket created by Menarul.
Elsharon attempts to resist the uncanny influence of Robyyn's gaze,
, but she can't help but let her defenses falter a bit, unnerved by the eerie cackling, which makes an opening for Toral's forceful longsword.
Calvert's hit with his combined blade and spell
damages the elemental and seems to sap some of her strength. The spiritualist easily avoids catching on fire due to the earlier attack.
Beset on all sides, the elemental strikes back at Calvert.
for .
"Foolish fleshlings. Why do you disrupt our desert? Things were better before you arrived!"
Round 3 - Bold May Act
Robyyn
Menarul (shaken, 1 round)
Sunlight Under Stone
Toral
Calvert (-19)
Iyasset
Red
Orange
Elsharon (-23)
Vaylin
Battlefield Conditions
Difficult terrain in green area.
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Laughing, Robyyn continues to torment Elsharon. "You never should have challenged Air! Bahahahahahaha!!!" He calls out to the fates to show Elsharon her twisted and torn future. "See! Let my power show you what you have wrought! Look upon the destiny of your mortal soul!!!"
You show one creature the effect of its life so far and what it might expect when it passes under Pharasma’s impartial gaze at the end of its life. Depending on the creature’s alignment and its adherence to its ethos, you can provide it a brief glimpse of the reward or punishment that waits for it when it dies by showing it a mental image of its destined plane in the Great Beyond. If the target is good-aligned, it is fascinated for 1d4 rounds on a failed save. If the target is neutral-aligned, it is confused for 1d4 rounds on a failed save. If the target is evil-aligned, it is shaken for 1d4 rounds on a failed save.
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A black ray launches from Robyyn's finger, striking Elsharon in the chest!
This spell functions as ray of exhaustion, except the target is sickened if it fails its save and unaffected if it makes its save.
A black ray projects from your pointing finger. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with the ray to strike a target.
The subject is immediately exhausted for the spell's duration. A successful Fortitude save means the creature is only fatigued.
Slammed by attacks from all sides, the elemental crumbles to the sands.
Combat Over!
"Excellent work, prophets, I knew you were capable and loyal. Come, I will take you to our leader."
As a brief journey, Iyasset leads you into one of the camps of the Ainsi. There, after a short wait, you are lead into a private audience with Aridiea (an advanced elder air elemental).
Aridiea says, "I am sorry, but poor Iyasset was misinformed. They are eager to advance the plans of the tribe, but at times they do not pay the best attention to details.
While the janni you are looking for did pass through our territory lately, I no longer know her whereabouts. In fact, I suspect that she is no longer on the material plane. Odds are, she has traveled to one of the elemental planes to meet with her allies, the Concordance of Elements. Ah, you see, while I am sorry to disappoint you, I do know some information that you may find useful.
The Concordance of Elements is an extraplanar organization with deep
elemental ties, and that Jamila’s thefts are only one part of an increase in recent activity we have noticed from the group."
Aridiea apologetically offers you a ring of feather falling for your troubles and presses you to visit the tribe again should you be in the area.
The huge air elemental heaves a windy sigh.
"I don't know where Iyasset got they idea that you were prophets, but the elements alone know whether your passage through our lands presage the coming Storm. I will have to consult the omens. Still, I would like you to consider yourselves our honored guests, and to accept what information and hospitality we have.
As for Jamila, we tracked her into the desert until all traces of her disappeared. I imagine that she plane shifted away from the material, as her people are known to do. We have noticed various inquiries from the Concordance of Elements and increased visits from the elemental planes to the material, though I would not say we are experts on the group. Perhaps one of your Pathfinder contacts would know more?"
"A new clash of the khamsin storms--a massive series of sandstorms--draws near, and the both the Goanron and Ainsi watch for a sign of blessing. We believe that the storms will finally uncover the lost city of Tumen and return our region to it's glorious place as the jewel of Osirion!"
The air elemental fills you in on some esoteric details of the predicted storms befor seeing your off on your uneventful journey back to the Sandswept Halls and Venture-Captain Balentiir.
"Ah, welcome back, Pathfinders! What have you found? Were you able to catch up with Jamila? Did you find anything of interest in the Underdunes?"
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With a lot of assistance from Vaylin and Menarul, Sunlight Under Stone reads through their report of traveling through the dunes, meeting Iyasset, their escapades in the Sandflow Source, their encounter with members of both the Ainsi and Goanron, and the news of Khamsin storms clashing and the party's supposed role as "Prophets" of such an event.
"We did not find Jamila," they conclude, "but have learned that she is working with a group called 'The Concordance of Elements' who have been suddenly much more active."
Venture Captain Balentiir is surprisingly sanguine about your failure to catch the thief.
"You had an audience with one of the leaders of the elemental tribe? And you say they offered to work toward stronger bonds? How wonderful! We will no doubt catch up with Jamila in time. At the moment, I am more interested in the planar connections that you learned about."
"It seems that you also discovered several interesting things about the Sandflow Source. I'm very impressed by the way you preserved one of the flowers from that interesting orchid and recognized the difference between the statues in the room of the elemental lords. Excellent work, Pathfinders!"
"No doubt what you have learned about the Concordance of Elements will come in handy in the very near future."
Nice work, everyone. I'll finish up chronicle sheets and get reporting in for you tonight.
Tyranny of Winds Part II: Secrets of the Endless Sky
A few days after your return from the Underdunes, you are once again called to meet Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir in his office within the Sandswept Halls. The Venture Captain greets you from behind his desk.
“Thank you for returning, Pathfinders. Using the information that you recovered from the Underdunes, I have been able to acquire more information on the theft perpetrated by 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.
“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?”
+~+~Armun Kelisk~+~+
guests.
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Menarul gives an excited clap as he finds out that they are traveling to the place of air. "Perfect! I might get to see how my fireworks handle being in a place that doesn't have a proper ground! Oh, I wonder what color schemes would work best with a place like that!"
He then stops and stares at the sketch of the Opal. "That doesn;t do the real thing any justice. I remember when we recovered him from his prision... Wait Robbyn you were there for that, if I remember correctly! It'd be great if we could set him free. I'd hate to be trapped up in something like that for ten minutes, I can't imagine what the centuries have been like for him!"
Balentiir is happy to answer your questions.
"Ah, yes. Traveling in the Plane of Air can be tricky. Most of the Plane 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.”
Nodding his head at mention of the Untouchable Opal, the Venture Captain adds, "I'm afraid such an artifact is too precious to be kept here in the Sandswept Halls, where we have a history of...security problems. Until you, or other teams, unlock the secrets to freeing him from his prison, the Opal will be kept in the Grand Lodge, I'm sure."
Seeing Vaylin's interest in taking notes, Balentiir adds some additional information about the city of Armun Kelisk. “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.”
To Vaylin, Balentiir replies, "Unfortunately, we do not have much information. 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.”
Impressed by your motivation for the mission, the Venture Captain directs you to the compounds gardens. "Our contact, Jairo the Enlightened, has made arrangements for your transportation and he will be your host when you reach the city. He has already made arrangements for your to meet with scholars and diplomats. If you need anything else during your stay, ask him. You may pick up anything you need before you leave, but I wouldn't keep his...unusual...means of transportation waiting for too long."
With the enigmatic statement, Balentiir bids you good luck.
When you reach the gardens of the Sandswept Halls, you see a curious sight: A large, gilded carriage drawn by four pegasi. Once everyone has boarded and stowed any gear, the pegasi take to the skies. Shortly after leaving the ground, the world melts away and you find yourself under 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.”
Raising his voice again, Jairo asks you to leave the carriage behind and join him on a large flying carpet. He helps you aboard and guides the carpet through the district, pointing out areas of interest as you go. 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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Sunlight Under Stone watches happily as Ancient Stone Glider wheels and zooms around the room. They sip their water appreciatively and listen carefully as the djinni speaks.
"Will it be odd for a bunch of not-air people to accompany you tomorrow?" they ask. "And will the scholars be willing to listen to strangers?"
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Robyyn seems to know much about Armun Kelisk and the plane of air, nodding along in recognition as details are revealed about their destination. Finally I'll be able to visit this amazing place! I can feel the weight of destiny impending!
Silent during much of the voyage, Robyyn's eyes take in all they can as they enter the plane of air and dock at Jairo's palace. Robyyn seems positively speechless, as if trying to take in and keep these memories is all of the processing that his brain can handle. He finally helps himself to some of the offered tea and a small cookie.
"Jairo, outside you were concerned about having our conversation in private. Whose ears out there are you trying to avoid, and what is the risk should they hear what we speak about?"
Jairo replies to your inquiries:
"The Gala is to be a relatively cosmopolitan affair, with all sorts of people mixing about. Believe me, you will be no more eccentric than some of the scholars from the Azure Hall. It is a formal occasion, however. Do you have appropriate attire?" At this, Jairo snaps his fingers and moments later several racks of clothing come rushing into the room. "My collection is extensive, so please take advantage of the loan of an appropriate outfit and jewelry, if you do not have raiment of your own."
At Robyn's question, Jairo pauses a bit before replying. "As we do not know much about the Concordance of Elements and their intentions, I find an abundance of caution to be in order. I have heard of no malicious acts on their part, but I prefer to keep my business private, just in case."
After everyone is sufficiently refreshed, and those that wish to have changed their clothing, Jairo snaps his fingers again, and his servants bring in three magnificent 10 ft.-by-10 ft. carpets, which Jairo tells you are for your use while traveling the party and at your disposal should you wish to travel anywhere in the city afterward. Once you climb aboard the carpets, Jairo guides you through the Lower City and the Luminous Court to the multilevel park that hosts the Grand Symposium Gala.
Inside the park, 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 he departs, Jairo points out several guests in particular to you:
1) Almoshtari, invisible stalker historian
2) Fairuza Bereket, female djinni librarian
3) Ghassan El-Amin, male djinni archivist
4) Lineji Niarndu, female gnome museum curator
5) Mithradatha, male djinni vizier disgraced diplomat
6) Vivek Vallathol, air veela archaeologist
7) Wan Feng, male imperial sky dragon ambassador
8) Zhalla bint Rathmozen, female sylph aristocrat
He also tells the you that Mithradatha, Wan Feng, and Zhalla bint Rathmozen are not scholars; instead, they are influential individuals. He muses that galas such as this one have a way of bringing together people who would rather not see each other, and cautions you that if the you wish to curry favor with one of them, you had best not attempt to ally with another.
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Sunlight Under Stone is starting to get the hang of these things called "clothing" and has garbed themself in silks with green and brown gemstones that compliment their silver armor quite nicely. They have also collected several handfuls of cheap gems and colored pieces of glass that burst into flight as Ancient Stone Glider wheels around the room, clearly delighted to be exploring a place so alien as the Plane of Air.
As Jairo leaves the Pathfinders, Sunlight Under Stone also moves to begin meeting people - starting with the gnome Lineji. Nice to see someone my size, they think. And probably from the Material plane to boot.
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Toral on the other hand looks at the Tian man with incredulous eyes.
"What in the name of Chaldira are you doing here Xiao? This is the plane of air! What is this ... " he asks but then starts reading the note.
"What? The ... the sky key? I? Oh yes! And you are sure you can fit into my shoes?" Toral asks but actually doesn't really care as he just waves goodbye to you all.
"Have fun everybody! I am needed somewhere else ..."