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A grey beard Dwarf walks with purpose into the Venture Captain's office. His steel clad boots echo loudly across the stone floor while the array of weapons clang loudly against his suit of plate mail.
"Ironshanks Magee at yer service." He reaches out a gloved hand for a hearty handshake to the VC before looking around the room for the next round of cadets he's to lead in the latest mission. "Hope I ain't too early, didn't wanna be late and figured it'd be best if I got the scoop on any trouble some 'kids' I'd need ta be watchin' over on this trip. Dunno why but ye keep sendin' me with the raw recruits varses the studied vets..." He ponders that question a bit after he says it aloud.
Ain't no way I'm the problem! Just cuz my beard is turnin' don't mean I'm old n useless!
Starlight brightens the grassy plain surrounding the immense Spire of Nex. Overhead, a comet lazily streaks across the night sky. Heavily armed patrols guard the perimeter, and the shadow of great wings occasionally blots out the stars. Sharp flashes of amethyst light, quick shouts, and chanting briefly periodically rise above the waiting crowd’s chatter as spellcasters hurriedly construct and maintain crackling wards. These efforts revolve around a thirty-foot-tall upright gleaming metal ring constructed at the Spire’s base.
You, along with many other Pathfinders, are being coordinated in teams with many sharing stories in the cool night air. Many vendors from Absalom have followed you into the Cairnlands and hawk their wares to the many individuals gathered here.
You are all directed to one another as the remaining teams are prepared.
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You might hear rumors of the Society’s latest activities related to this gathering.
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You might know the significance of the Spire of Nex and what it might be used for.
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You might know more about the new comet in the sky.
A tall elven man approaches your group. He is followed by a youngster dragging a small cart in which you see stacks of small rucksacks. You notice other people moving around the group that are also followed by an adolescent with a cart.
”Well met, I have been tasked by the Venture officers to provide magical assistance on your trip outside of Golarion’s atmosphere and into a low-gravity environment."
He waits for a moment to let the news sink in.
"Yes, the comet! I won't be joining you there. But I can protect you from environmental temperature extremes, the vacuum of space, and damage dealt by radioactivity. I wouldn't plan on leaving Golarion without it!"
"It lasts for the better part of the day and I can cast it on each of you. The faction leaders have agreed that together they will pay for the costs. Of course they will find a way to make you pay for it in the end, but you first need to survive on the comet...”
He reaches into his spell component pouch as he asks, "So, what do you say? Who wants it?"
Later the elf takes one of the small sacks from the youngster ”In addition, the Society has put together caches of supplies to help Pathfinders trapped in hostile conditions make it back in one piece.” He hands over the rucksack.
The Society's Master of Spells, Sorrina Westyr, looks up with approval upon the 30 foot platform the society is erecting around the base of the Spire of Nex. Her slate-gray skin seems to blend into the stonework behind her, but her manner is lively. Sorrina nods, then waves at the assembling crowd. “Pathfinders—welcome and well timed. Please, make your ways to the designated safe areas quickly and carefully, and please mind the wards. Try to keep the paths clear, as we have some very delicate equipment coming through. I have some amazing discoveries to share in just a few more moments.”
Meanwhile in the crowd, the aura of excitement continues to build. Rumors are flying everywhere as Pathfinders ask each other, “What’s this all about?”
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PREPARED AGENT (2+ goals): You are more prepared for missions than most Pathfinders. When you attempt a Knowledge check as a part of an adventure’s mission briefing, treat all Knowledge skills as trained. Once per adventure, you can add a bonus equal to half the number of goals you have completed to one Knowledge check or Diplomacy check to gather information.
Ironshanks spends his time chatting with some of the gathered agents. He mostly sticks to the Dwarves and Gnomes of the crew, and mostly the younger ones. He spends so much time yammering on giving advice that he doesn't actually hear much other than the sound of his own voice.
"Breakfast? Flap jacks and sausage no doubt! Maybe some biscuits if they be warm. If ya want my advice, always eat real good in town, ya never know what yer gonna hafta eat out in the field."
While he doesn't know much about the history of the area, he somehow latched on to some info about this comet. "Funny thing about that there comet. This old fella, Mr Bannister, over at the Grub n Go? Ya that guy. Big inta stars and stuff like that. Said to me he said, Ya know Ironshanks.. that comet up there? Its a new comet... appeared several months ago. It does not match any known comets, and its trajectory seems highly irregular... And I said, Huh. Guess so."
Ironshanks lets that sink in a moment before adding in "And ya know what else old Bannister said? He said: The comet recently traveled past Akiton, and it should travel past Golarion within the next 24 hours. Initial observations showed it was rotating slowly, but it has now stopped spinning altogether." He nods his head sagely, salt and pepper beard bouncing in the light breeze.
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Once the fella and his porter interrupt, Ironshanks stops and raises an eyebrow. "Yer tellin' me we're goin' up on top of that shooting comet thing? And yer magic spell is gonna keep me from exploding, falling off, or just plain dying? Well sign me up." He reaches out a gnarled hand and introduces himself "Ironshanks Magee here! Master at Arms... er axes mostly." He accepts the package with thanks after asking exactly what the items do and how to use them.
"Float like a leaf off a tree you say... amazing." He ties the snapleaf to a leather cord around his neck.
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Agon is glad the Society called him again. Magnimar was getting too hot. Too many merchants' daughters (and a few sons too) were angry at him for one reason or another. Agon was glad to blend in and seem like other people when he needed to, but it he couldn't control himself sometimes.
"What's this about comets?" Agon grins. "The further away I get out of here, the better. One lord in particular wants my head. I'll buy whatever protection you are offering."
"Ironshanks? Ironshanks Magee! There you are!" The half-elf walks up to the dwarven warrior and goes for a hug. "I haven't seen you in months!"
"What's going on about this comet, anyway? I have been a bit... distracted recently." He gives a nervous glance behind his back. "But at any rate!"
"Is that the Spire of Nex?" Agon peers skyward. "A bit... smaller than I thought it would be."
From his skyward view, Agon sees one light in the sky. Memories flash back to a few weeks ago, in an astronomer's observatory. After hours (so during the day? Is that how this goes?) Agon learned the basics of the night sky. But one thing doesn't match.
"That... is a comet. It's new and we've only seen it a few months. Also, its trajectory is very irregular." He muses for a bit. "It will travel past Golarion within 24 hours though, so no second Starfall. It did stop rotating though."
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Khargrom arrives to the conclave as instructed and looks around, nodding. Big mission, good deal. Lot betta than the last couple rinky dinks. I can get behind an operation like this.
Moving over to a vendor he buys a roast leg of something and a cup of ale. Working his way through the crowds he listens to various conversations, trying to get a jump on what their mission will be.
Tossing the bone from his snack and stowing the flimsy aleskin cup in his pack he looks around for where he needs to go. Quickly recognizing the organizational queue method, he ends up with a small group of pathfinders. He nods at the dwarves, "Khargrom of the Shadowband clan, youngest of nine but I'd wager the sneakiest. This thing up there seems to have brought out all the crazies, but I heard some mages talking about random gateways opening up all over the world. They said Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr was looking into it as well as the sudden upheaval in the Elemental Planes. I tell you what, we don't want to be flooded with fire elementals so I hope they figure it out."
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As the waify elf approaches he hopes for more information. Eyes going wide at the news of their destination his mind races a bit, well that's a new place. Heh, brothers'll be jealous of this. First of the Shadowbands to step foot on a comet I bet!
He watches one of the dwarves and... a less elfish elf accept the magic offer and then pipes up, "if ya put it like that, I'll definitely take the extra warding. Now what reagents does the spell use?" He seems unusually interested in the spell as it is cast, watching all the motions and listening intently to the words.
He hangs the packs of crystals from his belt and pins the weird elvish leaf to his shirt.
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Ironshanks squints his eyes a bit as he tries to recognize Agon before finally nodding a bit as he remembers "We helped rescue that woman was it?" He takes a step back and holds out a hand for a handshake, avoiding the hug.
"Sounds like this mission will be good for ya then, help keep yer pointy ears outta trouble." He quickly turns to meet the young Dwarf.
"Khargrom Shadowband... can't say I've heard of yer clan, but then again there's lots of fine Dwarves I haven't yet met." He reaches out for a full two handed shake as he introduces himself.
"Ironshanks Magee, well seasoned Pathfinder Agent and stomper of all skulls orc or goblin!" He howls a bit as he kicks up a cloud of dust. "Been on many missions yet laddie? I can help ya learn the ropes if ya needin' 'em."
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Buttoning the fly of his pants, Pavo saunters over to the group to whom he is directed by one of the ushers. "Nearly missed the giddy excitement of mustering," he says with a smile as he looks over the two dwarves and elf who will be his companions.
"I'll take your warding," he says to the wizard and then turns his attention right back to his companions. "My name is Pavo. Nice to make all of your acquaintances."
He glances up at the sky. "You know, except for a short trip to Korvosa, I haven't been sent off of Kortos. I think they took me a little too seriously when I asked if I could be assigned missions further afield."
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Ironshanks nods happily as yet another Dwarf shows up, and this one a disciple of the watcher of the forge. "Ahh, well met Bemmer. I am Ironshanks, of the Clan Magee." He pulls up his shirt sleeve to expose a birthmark that strangely resembles Torag's holy symbol.
"I feel quite blessed by Torag since birth. Always keeps me on the straight n narrow with a good head on me shoulders."
He watches one of the dwarves and... a less elfish elf accept the magic offer and then pipes up, "if ya put it like that, I'll definitely take the extra warding. Now what reagents does the spell use?" He seems unusually interested in the spell as it is cast, watching all the motions and listening intently to the words.
The elf nods in agreement as he note the requests and confirms the distribution of gear.
"Wise decisions to take advantage of the magic. I have had rumors floating about that there are bits of breathable air around the asteroid, it is clear that that isn't the natural state of the place.
I must admit I am surprised to see so many dwarves among you. My life experience has informed me that dwarves tend to be more grounded."
"The magical ward draws from the power of the space between stars, planetoids, and other stellar objects. That is to say, the magical calls upon the void as a regent. That may appear to same as saying it uses no material components to some, but there is a severe distinction that should be drawn between the two." The elf prattles on as he calls the magic through practiced motion.
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Ironshanks shrugs his shoulders, magic isn't his thing "So long as I can breath n mah beard don't fall out, n mah feet stay on solid ground I'm good to go. How yer magic spells work ain't no bother to me."
He looks up at the sky and balls his fist "So umm two questions magic man.. 1: Why we goin' up there? And 2: There ain't any deep water there is there?" He shakes off a chill at the second question.
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"Ah! Me? I am but a humble observer of the world," Pavo says with a bow and sweep of his hat. "I specialize in telling the complete and unembellished truth of things that I have witnessed: a story teller of the highest veracity. As such, you can take me at my word when I say that anything that you might have heard about me in Egorian is complete and utter slander."
He looks up at the sky and balls his fist "So umm two questions magic man.. 1: Why we goin' up there? And 2: There ain't any deep water there is there?" He shakes off a chill at the second question.
The elf harrumphs for a moment hearing his description but quickly waves away the bad air before responding, "I'm uncertain what prompted this, but the leadership is keeping the details of this affair close to the chest. I know only a few scant details and rumors myself. The Master of Spells is supposed to give greater detail on this before the expedition."
"As for what you may find," he adds as he turns to his mind to the second question. He pauses for a long moment as he considers the asteroid. "There may be water there, but likely frozen solid. However any sort of heat could turn that ice into floods. But those likely will likely only impact a fraction of the surface and tunnels. I recommend you be aware as you explore. My magic will only protect you so much."
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The husky older human--the one that's been less-than-patiently trying to keep some kind of larger cat in line--finally speaks up once he's gotten the feline to stay put. "Now stay, Kuti; I said stay!"
"Inattentive beast. If she listens to me one time out of ten I count myself lucky." He looks up at the tall elf, and nods his agreement at the spell as he accepts the bundle of small items. "If'n I pay for this spell, does Kuti get it too? Or is the Society going to make me pay double for her? I'm no good without her, as annoying as she can be. No sense sending me if she can't come too."
He waits for his answer, and seems to have nothing additional to add to what others have said about either the Spire or the strange comet.
"If'n I pay for this spell, does Kuti get it too? "
"There was some manner of debate toward that matter. To avoid getting into the details on casting negotiations, the arrangement the Society worked out applies your companion if you agree to the spell casting on yourself. You would not need to pay twice for the two castings."
Sorrina Westyr, the Pathfinder Society’s returning Master of Spells, hurriedly concludes conversations before stepping onto the platform in front of a giant metal ring the Society has constructed. The starlight glimmers in her crystalline white hair, though her obsidian oread features are visible only in flashes from the nearby glowing wards.
“I thank you all for traveling here on such short notice, Pathfinders. A unique opportunity has come to us from the stars. The asteroid Aucturn’s Tear quietly travels our solar system once every fifty-six years. For the first time it now flares with brilliance. We have learned this phenomenon is the work of an entity trapped on Aucturn’s Tear and, whatever this being is, it is calling out for help. We do not know its intentions, yet it is in our interest to learn more. If it is benevolent, it may prove a powerful ally and friend to the Society if we can free it. If it is malevolent, then we will do what we can to ensure it stays sealed away where it can do no harm.”
She casts a spell, briefly creating an image of Golarian’s solar system, and the asteroid’s trajectory within it.
“As it approaches planets, the entity has opened gateways in magic-dense regions, as if calling out to powerful champions that might come to its aid. Based on our calculations, the first of these gateways on Golarion should appear in a matter of minutes, and we have gathered in this magically infused site to draw the portal here and stabilize it, allowing us to travel to the asteroid ourselves. Our observations show billowing clouds pouring out from three locations on Aucturn’s Tear. These both create a livable environment we can navigate as well as provide three entrances to the asteroid’s interior so that we can find the source of these events." Red arrows appear at each entrance as the image keeps focusing closer and closer to the asteroid itself. "The first entrance is at the base of an enormous crater, where there are monumental fortifications— likely making that the most difficult approach. The second plume is coming from the remnants of a frozen fortress, which could contain incredible secrets in its own right. The third plume is coming from the sunward side of the comet and is issuing from a number of lava tubes. Our observers also spotted the wreck of a metal craft near there.”
Sorrina pauses a moment, letting the significance of all of these observations sink in, and then continues.
“This will be an unusual environment, so prepare for unusual conditions: extreme temperatures, low-gravity, and airless pockets are likely. Everyone should have received a package of supplies to assist in managing these hazards. While the gateway should remain stable, a contingent of conjurers is staying here to monitor it, and additional teams are on standby to provide escape routes to extradimensional shelters in case of complications. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve ringed this area with defenses to prevent any outside interference with this expedition, and the bronze dragon Ahelvetinn has agreed to keep watch in case any evil attempts to escape through the gateway into Golarion.”
The Spire of Nex begins to hum, the vibrations creating a stomach-churning resonance as a pinpoint of light appears in the center of the portal ring and begins to grow.
Sorrina Westyr shouts to be heard over the deafening noise, “It’s beginning! Be ready to move through and split into teams to investigate each of the three possible approaches. Once we’re inside we can regroup and compare notes.”
The metal of the portal ring incandesces, and a blast of freezing air pours out as the gateway opens. The place beyond is a field of jagged grey stone, and once several dozen Pathfinders step through, the earth itself springs to life in the form of countless elemental creatures that swarm toward the gate. From further in, a terrible draconic roar accompanies the appearance of a flight of crystalline dragons sweeping out from the lip of a crater.
“Secure the gate! Do not let any of them through!” Westyr shouts as she sends a lance of swirling black and white energy into one of the wyrms, sending it careening end over end as the forces meet.
As Pathfinders swarm around you, the opposing forces of creatures made of rock, granite and crystal bear down on them and yourselves. A pair of short earthen creatures made of weathered and beaten rock charge at you, violence clearly on their minds.
Bemmer
Ironshanks
Khargrom
Nahko
Kuti
Red Elemental
Black Elemental
Pavo
Agon
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"Ah, now this will will be an epic story to tell your grandchildren--or to impress some nice lass who will provide you with the means to have grandchildren to whom to tell the tale--so stand fast and repel these stoney beasts," Pavo says as he draws one of his rapiers and promptly moves to stand behind Ironshanks. "I have your back, good dwarf of clan Magee."
Move: Move 15 ft and draw +1 rapier
Standard: Inspire Courage
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Ironshanks steps through the portal, his stomach churning with indecision and nervousness. It ain't gonna be no different than the plane o earth so calm the f@%$ down already! He thinks to try to steady himself.
As he heads inside and the world clears up he sees the earth elementals, or what look like those he fought on a previous mission "Holy hells we're under attack, this mission is startin' out hot!"
He nods to Pavo then calls to the rest of the group "Stay close kids, we're gonna get dirty!" He draws out his waraxe, charging at the red pile of rubble.
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Agon steps through the portal. He's glad to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. No one asking why he hasn't visited lately. No debtors trying to collect their debt (or steal his winnings back after he cleaned them out.)
Honestly, it's quite boring out here. Also, rock elementals spring to life. His shield and sword remains strapped as he is caught unaware.
Kuti springs forward at Nahko's command, strangely enthusiastic to get into this combat, it seems. She immediately tries to clamp her jaws on the elemental's leg, snarling and growling with glee.
The earthern forms don't have integral components to deal vital or critical damage, but even still the barrage of attacks from Kuti, Khargrom, and Nahko tear through one of the elementals leaving only fallen dirt in their wake.
Ironshanks almost manages to bring down the second elemental, but it gives a gutteral roar as it throws a devastating blow back at the dwarf.
- Round 1 -
Red Elemental (11 damage)
Black Elemental (15 damage)
Pavo
Agon
- Round 2 -
Bemmer
Ironshanks (10 damage)
Khargrom
Nahko
Kuti
And with the pair of powerful swings the battle is done. The elemental force is pushed back as various groups begin swarming across the surface of the space rock. While you take a breath you hear someone call out to you.
”You handled those elementals rather quickly!” A Varisian woman is leaping towards you, she is obviously enjoying the low gravity.
”We have located the three avenues of approach and have some more information on them. It is your choice how to proceed, so here is what we know:”
”The crater is swarming with defenders. If you choose to go there you need to be prepared for combat, but it seems the most direct route to the center of the asteroid.”
”We have located a frozen city on the asteroid’s dark side. If you want you can explore the city to see if we can find the means to help the trapped being.”
”On the sunny side we have located the wreck of a metal craft. It might contain the same kind of objects as can be found in Numeria. If you want to explore that be aware that that side of the asteroid is bathing in direct sunlight, without any protection from an atmosphere.”
”It is your decision, I’ll be off to brief that group over there on what we found” and she moves away before you can even start to think of questions.
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Khargrom stretches his muscles and smacks his warhammer against his palm, *thwock, thwock*.
"I'm all for the sneaky dark side exploration part, but I ehn't gonna shy from a tussle. What say you all?"
As they head out, he pulls a thin magical wand out and asks the group, "anyone able to hold onto this healin' wand and use it on me if needed?"
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Ironshanks takes a gut punch but other than losing some wind and a bit of face he's ok, especially after the healing from Agon "Thanks Agon. That pile of rubble got in a lucky shot. If I had my shield on I'd have knocked it away like a Dwarven Lass at prom."
He slings his shield off his back and straps it on, holding his axe in the other hand. "I dunno bout you all, but 'swarming with defenders' and 'shortest path' have me by the beard!"
He also drinks his endure elements potion before they head out.
"Well there is much division, but it seems like the Sea of Light is your destination for now. Keep an eye out for other coordinators like myself if you hit a dead end or want to explore a different path." She gives general directions to lead the group to the Sea of Light.
Soon after you find the sun beating down on you much more. The heat isn't deadly yet, but on the higher end of comfort for some humans.
Heat radiates from the rock surface throughout the area here creating patches of relative safety. Some inactive tunnels do show signs of habitation, and the crackling sound of Ignan-speaking voices echoes against the obsidian formations before a pair of women move among them. They have hair that moves like flame and call out in excitement as they see you. Although, with the way they wield their weapons, they don't seem to have any friendly intent.
Alongside them is a vicious lumbering elemental made of flame. It bellows out flames as it charges you and the other elemental humanoids follow with their javelins in hand. Despite any barriers of language it seems clear that combat is on their mind.
- Round 1 -
Nahko
Kuti
Khargrom
Pavo
Red Elemental Humanoid
Ironshanks
Agon
Bemmer
Yellow Elemental Humanoid
Blue Elemental Creature
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Seeing the others take their elixirs, Khargrom slams his as well, "bottom's up!"
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Moving forward with the group, he grumbles a bit, "no cover, no darkness, nuffin' just open burning hot whatever. Ain't no plan here, just wander until we cook or get attacked."
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He shouts out warning when he sees the ladies, "hello there are you alrig... oh you want to kill us, okay then."
He turns to his group, "now don't ye let their pretty faces fool ya, a woman can kill just as dead as a man. I'll try to get around behind 'em, but I'd say we let them move to us first. That burning liquid ground looks hot." He moves forward a short bit, warhammer slipping into his hand, ready to attack if any enemy charges forward.
The woman scoffs at Pavo's bravado as she steps onto the sweltering stone and makes a quick incantation creating a shimmering semi-translucent flames that dances around her body.
- Round 1 -
Nahko
Kuti
Khargrom (ready attack)
Pavo
Red Elemental Humanoid
Ironshanks
Agon
Bemmer
Yellow Elemental Humanoid
Blue Elemental Creature