Dario manages another hit, but again the hardness of the creature makes it difficult to kill. Now it turns its attention to the profess and swings again.
Zeta and Kenji both hit the golem so hard that it shatters into thousand pieces!
B. Sanctum of the Sages
The Sanctum of the Sages is an extensive underground complex set into the side of a mountain and veiled by illusions. Except where noted, the ceiling is 10 feet high, and the walls and floors are hewn stone.
Amenopheus’s damaged sapphire gem leaves him with only fragmented memories of this area.
~
B1. Entryway
Behind the seamless illusion of a rock wall lies the mountain pass to the Sanctum of the Sages. Beautifully engraved columns support the ornate entablature topped by a wide tapered cornice.
The style hearkens back to Osirion’s golden age, and the impeccable design and craftsmanship lives up to the standards set by the ancient dynasties. A short flight of stairs ascends to stone door in the mountain.
~
B2. Entrance Hall
Water gurgles in fountains set at either end of this crescent-shaped chamber. Fourteen columns support the vaulted ceiling, and the walls are polished to a smooth finish that reflects and scatters any light that you introduce or that shines in from outside.
Spouts in the wall replace any water removed from the fountain, replicating the effects of a decanter of endless water.
Much of the sanctum is sealed to anyone not of the order of the Jeweled Sages, so this room provides pilgrims and petitioners a safe place to take shelter until a sage might acknowledge them.
~
B3. The Screening Stone
This chamber’s floor angles upward as it meets the walls, which in turn angle inward like those of a pyramid, creating a space shaped like a cut diamond. The walls are smooth and somewhat transparent, like foggy quartz, save for where three opaque doors stand to the north, east, and west. In the center of the room, a clear 5-foot diameter crystal hovers a short distances from the floor and spins slowly.
When you entered this room, Amenopheus sage jewel humed with a sympathetic resonance when it was brought near the large floating crystal, allowing the Jeweled Sage to command one or more doors to open and admit her.
You also realized that the crystal itself harbors rudimentary sentience, as it was able to communicate with Amenopheus, the Jeweled Sages, and those wielding their power, which included you all Pathfinders with mythic powers, by means of empathic cues and simple images reflected in its surface.
Amenopheus recognized this crystal as a gatekeeper built to prevent non-sages from traveling deeper into the sanctum. He presented himself as the Sapphire Sage and announced that he seeks the Diamond Sage.
The crystal briefly showed an image of a Garundi man walking toward the north door in the room, then a small, keyshaped sliver broke off of the crystal.
Amenopheus noded, picked up the key, and told you that the north door will lead you onward; it opened as you approached.
When you approached within 10 feet of the crystal, you all received an empathic feeling of curiosity and inquiry, as though the crystal was trying to determine who you are.
As you announced who you are and stated your intention to visit the Diamond Sage or accompany Amenopheus, the crystal accepted you and briefly reflected an image of the whole ruby sage jewel to illustrate its understanding of your identity as those holding the power of the ruby sage!!
~
B4. Crystal Gate (YOU ARE IN HERE NOW)
Two curved ramps ascend gently from one end of this semicircular room toward its northwest entrance. More than a dozen statues line the intricately painted walls, and all face toward an immense crystal that projects from the southeast wall.
The statues are carved in the Osiran fashion, some bearing the heads of animals, and many holding objects like staves, ankhs, oil lamps, and scepters in their supple marble hands.
Four engravings in the likeness of gemstones are set into shallow circular recesses in the floor arrayed before the huge jewel.
This room both commemorates the accomplishments of the original Jeweled Sages and also serves as a final defense against curious trespassers. The wall paintings portray many scenes of Garundi scholars carrying Osirian treasures, using architectural tools, surveying a mountain range, cutting gems, and receiving gifts from three supernatural figures.
Amenopheus looked around and approached the statue of himself.
"Hmmm ... I thought that the key I acquired in the last room could unlock and open the large crystalline doorway without activating the defenses ... " he said with a strange look on his face.
Amenopheus attempted to use the key to open the door when the door flashed with blinding light!!
When the light faded, Amenopheus was trapped within a crystalline prism like an insect sealed in amber, and the four oil lamps held by the statues had lit with bright white light.
At the same time, a spoken message in Ancient Osiriani echoed through the room: “As the light aligns, so too do the sages stand.”
At the same time that Amenopheus was trapped, the crystalline door animated the two statues closest to it as graven guardians wielding quarterstaffs, one dedicated to Nethys and one dedicated to Ptah.
You defeated both guardians.
forbidden from going beyond this point. That the defenses created by first sages themselves continue to guard their legacy, means that any current Jeweled Sage who defies the organization by smuggling outsiders into a meeting is trapped until another sage can release him, you assume.
The riddle is a cue used by the Jeweled Sages to dismiss the effect, which involves illuminating the four gemstone carvings with blue, green, yellow, and red light—the same sequence that appears in the spectrum of visible light— refracted from the crystalline doorway. By shifting the positions of the lit oil lamps, the PCs can alter the angles at which the light hits and door and scatters throughout the room, and only a few such combinations can cause the colored light to fall on the gemstone carvings in the appropriate way.
When you look around, you realize that each statue holds a staff, ankh, or other object in one hand, but also has one free hand, so there are 14 different places that you can place the lamps: the four hands they start in and the 10 other open hands, the remaining two statues that were animated by the door and attacked you but those are destroyed.
~
You realize that each one of the gemstone carvings in front of the crystalline door is a different shape that is commonly used in Ancient Osiriani fashion when cutting four different precious gems: sapphire, emerald, topaz, and ruby respectively from southwest to northeast.
You also know that the common colors for these gems are blue, green, yellow, and red respectively.
[dice=Knowledge, History]1d20+8
[dice=Perception]1d20+8
[dice=Knowledge, History]1d20+8"When we came in lanterns were shining on the gem sockets. Let's see what arrangement we can put the others lanterns in to do the same." Dario goes to moves the other two lanterns. He tries to get them shining different colors on the four recesses.
Fiata realizes that the riddle is a cue used by the Jeweled Sages to dismiss the effect, which involves illuminating the four gemstone
carvings with blue, green, yellow, and red light—the same sequence that appears in the spectrum of visible light—refracted from the crystalline doorway.
By shifting the positions of the lit oil lamps, you can alter the angles
at which the light hits and door and scatters throughout the room, and only a few such combinations can cause the colored light to fall on the gemstone carvings in the appropriate way.
When Fiata places the lamp in the right statue’s hand, the light
strikes the crystal in such a way that it illuminates the gems with colored light.
The statues are then situated correctly to shine red light on the easternmost carving, yellow light on the next, and so on.
Once the four carvings are lit by the correct colors of light, the crystalline door splits down its center, and Amenopheus’s prison melts away.
"Wha ... what happened!?" Amenopheus asks a little confused!
You look beyond the crystalline door and see a round chamber.
A broad, simple, flat-topped column of sandstone rises from a deep pit in this circular, domed chamber with a white tiled floor.
Though no wind can be felt, particles of sand slowly blow around the pit as if circulated by a lazy breeze, their movement creating a soft, rasping susurrus.
You assume that the sages had no permanent leader; rather, each member was an equal except when discussing his or her specialty. You speculate that the specialists would stand on the central pillar to direct debate regarding their chosen subject matter. Upon concluding that business, he or she would again rejoin the other sages.
There is no way to cross the pit!
The only occupant of this room is a Garundi woman bedecked in the style of an Osirian noblewoman.
She is looking in your direction but remains silent.
Greetings, madam! I am Vellestir the Wise, and these are my companions! - says the miniature dragon - And among them you can find real New Jeweled Sages! We are reviving the greatness of the knowledge of Ancient Osirion under the guidance of this great Sage! and after making a circle around the room, he sits on Amenopheus's shoulder.
The striking woman greets Amenopheus with a nod and after mustering you all she also nods at you.
She proclaims, “I can feel your power. Your understanding. Welcome home!” with a warm smile.
“I am the Diamond Sage.“
She thinks for a moment and her presence is astounding.
"I was following your endeavors over the past decade, Amenopheus. And yours too Fiata, Kenji, Penthesilea Aelyosan, and Professor Dario Westone." she admits.
She looks at Vellestir and Zeta but remains silent.
~
Amenopheus is surprised.
"And why did you decide to remain hidden for so long? How much more might we have accomplished in recent years if we had met sooner?" Amenopheus asks.
~
She raises an eyebrow.
"I also want to rebuild the Jeweled Sages, but we disagree on many nuances." she answers.
The woman shakes her head and looks at the professor. "No, you could be ready in many years but now is not the time my dear professor. I sincerely believe that the sage jewel would overwhelm you!" the Garundi woman says with an unbelievable authority.
"I have been out in the .. world Amenopheus. What about you? You do not even know what I have achieved in all these years!"
The two suddenly start to discuss the history of their order and how it operated.
Amenopheus looks at you all and asks you Pathfinders, "How did this happen? And how can we make the organization stronger for the future?" he ponders.
Amenopheus interprets as you do not respond.
"Well, in my opinion the collapse of the Jeweled Sages was an unfortunate accident driven by outside forces, namely the invasion of Osirion by the Kelish thousands of years ago. Had it not been for this calamity, the Jeweled Sages would have continued to thrive." he says.
The Garundi woman nods. "I agree but view things slightly differently. I am Tahonikepsu by the way." she responds.
"The invasion and subsequent purge of the Jeweled Sages reflects a critical weakness in the organization. Spread out and without a strong leader, the order could not respond quickly and effectively to a new threat."
She looks at all of you Pathfinders.
"The Pathfinders are not the only institution in the world that could be harnessed but their example shows how organization can be strength." notes Tahonikepsu.
"I wanted to test if you Pathfinders were to be worthy allies, it seemed only fair to allow you to prove it, but also dropping clues about my engagement to the opposition, the Aspis consortium." the woman says with stern look on her face.
|
Dario overcomes his awe to try and answer some of the questions. "Aspis Consortium agents stole the jewels and tried to make off with them. It's really only due to their disillusionment with the Consortium that we were able to recover them. The Consortium has a way of backstabbing its agents and clientele, which makes their organization more fragile even if it may also be skilled and knowledgeable."
He considers her words about a test. "So you were monitoring the whole situation?"
She looks disappointed at the professor. "Of course I was watching! I want to know if you are worthy. You have a spark. But I need a burning fire! There were four sages. As for the pillars you saw in the previous room. We have to restore that with the right people." the Garundi woman says.
"Four equal pillars" adds in Amenopheus. "The order’s egalitarian organization structure is a key source of strength, allowing each member to act independently when needed." he emphasizes.
The Diamond sage retorts that "Without consistent, decisive leadership, the Jeweled Sages will always be vulnerable and disorganized whenever a new threat strikes."
It looks like the two are unlikely to come to an agreement and the conversation moves on to discussions about how to rebuild the order.
Amenopheus looks at you Pathfinders. “What are your thoughts on the dispute we are having?!“
|
|
Fiata's brow wrinkles as she purses her lips as she processes the information. "So, you could have helped us, at any time, and just...didn't? That doesn't sound too nice. In fact, it sounds downright irresponsible. A 'test' assumes you have some control over the situation or environment. We almost died out there. More than once! What would you have done if that had been the case? Would you have even come forward to help, or just left our bodies out there in the desert?"
Feeling herself getting worked up, the cleric takes a moment. "Your test was ill-conceived. If you are looking for allies, why not measure the strength of 'The Pathfinder Society' as a whole, not just a few agents?"
She shakes her head before gesturing to the chamber and beyond, "If THIS is your idea of leadership, I'm not sure you're up to the task. I think you need to be around people more so you realize how a team is supposed to work. The Sages can use you, but not at the top. At least, not yet."
The Garundi woman raises an eyebrow and glances at Fiata with a sense of superiority.
"You would have died … yes. But it was unlikely … you still have the powers of the ruby sage in your bodies and minds! And why should I lead you ask? Because I am the Diamond sage." sighs the woman.
"But I can see you are unimpressed so..."
She shimmers and a moment later … a huge dragon sits in the middle of the meeting chamber. An aura of fear suddenly overcomes you but it seems that the dragon is stepping back a bit and the feeling is gone.
"Don't question things you know so little about little one." she says.
Amenopheus is astounded but he says nothing at first.
Trying to defuse the situation Amenopheus brings the conversation back to rebuilding the order. He lays out his plans "We must recruit additional sage jewels and new prospective sages. I think we should recruit from among the most learned scholar. This is aligned with the founding principles. It is also safest for those who join. A prospective member who lacks a disciplined mind could be overwhelmed by the millennia of memories they suddenly acquire."
The dragon hisses. "Yes, we must recover more jewels and more recruits. While academics might help with the retention of information, they are hardly likely to use any. No, we need sages who are willing to apply their knowledge to better the world. We need active and innovative sages who can advise current leaders and participate in history, not simply record it." she says and looks at you adventures for support.
|
|
"The two are not entirely incompatible. I, myself, am an academic, but I acknowledge that my 'field research' has allowed me access to artifacts and experiences that I never would have known if I was still in the University." The Professor decides to leave out the part about him being highly incentivized to take a leave of absence from the Thrune-backed supporters of the University.
"I suppose my point is that disciplined minds can be found lots of places. We need to keep our standards high, but casting a wider net would be beneficial. Diversity in thought and perspective can help us survive and prosper." It's not missed on you that Dario continues to refer to the Sages with 'we' and 'us'.
The giant dragon listens and it’s immense form rises and the purple dragon looks pleased.
Tahonikepsu nods approvingly to the professor, while Amenopheus looks a little concerned.
"Yes, we need to recruit, and yes, there are other jewels. The Topaz sage is missing for certain. If you gain more experience then maybe one of you Pathfinders could be it’s next wielder." the dragon says with a sweet tongue.
She looks to Amenopheus "You see, your lack of strong leadership has caused these followers of yours to agree with me, rather than you. You have lost their trust just as you lost the trust of the rulers of Osirion. How would your leadership help us rebuild that? It cannot. You wish to embrace a failed model for our future."
The Sapphire sage's shoulder's sag a bit, and he looks for a moment like an old man. "Yet why should we trust you. Until a few minutes ago we had never met you. I have served faithfully as the Osirion faction leader for years. I have experience of leadership. Giving you the leadership of the sages seems like an irresponsible gamble. Nobody knows your qualifications or background."
Tahonikepsu sighs. "We will not agree. I call a convocation of Sages! This will determine the leadership. And I vote for myself."
Amenopheus immediately says "And I vote for myself, we are no futher advanced."
The dragon smiles. "Then let the Ruby sage express her preferences through the power she gave these Pathfinders. Her trust in them makes them worthy."
Vellestir looks at the majestic dragon with admiration. He and Zeta exchange glances...
|
|
Dario takes a long look at Tahonikepsu and then back to Amenopheus. You can see the Professor's mind working. "He's right. We don't know you. I might have agreed with your point, but a scholar like Amenopheus should not be afraid of a dissenting opinion. I know and trust Amenopheus, as well as respecting his intellect and wisdom. He will make an excellent leader of the Sages."
Amenopheus nods at Dario and Fiata and chooses himself.
The dragon looks at Zeta with a smile.
"The Topaz has not chosen, yet!" and both Amenopheus and Tahonikepsu close their eyes.
They can obviously agree on some things and you all feel that the Topaz sage jewel suddenly sends emotions which all of you can perceive through your mythic connection to the ruby jewel ... and it chooses the dragon!
"Although it has has not yet chosen it's associate, I believe that we all feel that the Topaz sage jewel is selecting Tahonikepsu."
Tahonikepsu gives Amenopheus a hard look. "It matters not at this stage as we have both three votes." and the Sapphire sage reluctantly agrees.
Tahonikepsu returns to her human form and the two sages request the return of the Topaz gem.
~
With her task completed, the spirit of the Ruby sage leaves you all - but with a parting gift of greatness.
~
Tahonikepsu addresses you all.
"Rest assured pathfinders, while the Jeweled Sages are impartial, I will continue to work with the Pathfinder society."
Kafar and Nefti - who you left outside - hear all the stories and as they are so impressed by your abilities, they ask to join the Society as well and are able to provide many secrets of the Aspis consortium.
~
You meet up with Amenopheus later who seems to be in thoughts.