The sun rises in the morning as a small cloaked figure appears before each of you, no matter how tightly locked your fortress. The figure doesn't say anything, but holds out a letter, sealed with the wax seal of the Master of Swords.
The Master sends his regards.
As you take the letter, the figure steps back, vanishing into shadow. Once you open it, you see the words contained inside.
Distinguished Agent,
The Pathfinder Society has a rare and prestigious opportunity that calls for our best agents, and I have recommended you to represent the Society. This mission requires secrecy. Make haste to the Grand Lodge in Absalom. Once I have confirmed each team member’s participation, I will meet you at the Wall of Names.
Explore, Report, Cooperate,
- Marcos Farabellus
Travel is uneventful, and soon enough you are in Absalom, at the Grand Lodge's wall of names. Standing near the end of the wall is Marcos Farabelus himself. He acknowledges your approach each in turn. But holds up his hand as each of you arrive.
Let us wait until we've all gathered... then we will speak more of why I've gathered you Seekers here.
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As a fairly average looking man nears the Wall of Names, the bright colored creature on his shoulder zooms ahead and then hovers in front of the wall. Riddywipple lazily floats sideways reading names aloud to himself.
After a long minute, he says, "Miji Jaiqat!" and draws a wand. The tiny dragon waves his wand around like a greatsword, then Miji's name turns a deep crimson highlighted in orange.
A few seconds later, Riddywipple turns around and shouts to Huritt, "Pentament's here, too!". Another round of sword practice follows, and then each letter of "Pentament Ulgomul" turns a different color.
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Wary that it may be some sort of trap (he's heard about the attacks on the Grand Lodge), Lavode teleports in invisible and flying well above the ground. Seeing that all appears to be well, he gently lands and allows the vanish spell to dissipate.
Sir I have arrived as you requested. I hope you don't again intend me to save another Overlord of the Darkness. I warned you last time to not expect my cooperation in other such circumstances. He stands to the side as the others arrive.
As he approaches, you see angelic wings fold against his back and disappear. He is a fairly good looking young man with a shaved head and long flowing multicolored robes. Although he is not physically imposing,
his poise indicates he is quite confident in himself (possibly to the point of arrogance).
After a few moments watching the antics of the small dragon, with a smile he mutters Suddenly a few small air elementals appear. He asks them (in Auran) if they would like to play tag with the little fellow.
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The messenger finds Yajima sparring with various martial artists in the society right in the heart of Absalom. This is where he can best learn new techniques from newly-joined agents and training hard with veteran ones. Yajima nods and takes the missive from the messenger in between some of his matches. After reading it, he finishes his current commitments and then heads over to the Wall of Names.
Walking up to Marcos, Yajima returns the missive, "I stand ready."
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Teriq had thought himself retired.
His final official mission, defeating the Runelord Krune, and all that lead up to it, had taken a toll... one he was still paying... and perhaps would never fully clear off his ledger.
Unfortunately, there were few other adequate divine support options available to help the new team being assembled by Marcos, and Teriq suddenly found himself being called, somewhat reluctantly, back into the fold.
He arrived at the meeting sight without fanfare... almost without any sign at all. Just suddenly appearing out the darkness, his movements quick, and agile. The long flowing robes and cloak, all colored in shades of light grey and white, such that at first glance, he seemed little more than a small patch of mist in the darkness.
His dark hair, and brown skin are quite unusual for an elf, especially on Avistan, marking his heritage probably from the continent of Garund somewhere.
He stays mostly quiet, as the others gather, still trying to get used to being dragged back into a life he thought he was done with.
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Huritt looks at Dorje's paper and grins. "No worries my friend. I would be more than happy to facilitate your communications with our companions. Riddywipple has telepathy, so simply speak to him in your thoughts, and he or I will relay your message."
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When the message finds it's way to Ras'al's ears, he in the middle of finishing the last credit in his arcane journal. As always, I am no closer to discovering the intricacies of the world. Vahra's soul is still out of reach. But tomorrow is a promising new day, if I can make it into Rovagug's Vault, maybe she will have answers that I seek...
Taking the letter from the figures hands, he knows exactly what the content will be. Another mission from the society, no doubt. His last few encounters, defeating societies most notorious criminal, and tracking down his Mythical demigod of a master, and putting an end to his plans has placed him at high regards with the Decemberate. He has hoped that they will leave him alone. If not for his sake, for the sake of the brave Onepunch who sacrificed her heart to darkness and now rules over The Abyss. I wonder how Onepunch is doing. Maybe I will visit her once this is all over...
Finally he gets his things ready, and walks outside his cave into the night air. The stars in the sky glow more brightly today, a bad sigh, he thinks. That means they are closer to their end - and probably, so is Ras. He lets a long sigh, and weaves a teleport spell to get him where he needs to be.
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When he finds his way to Wall of Names, he slowly concludes his spell with a flick of the rist. A nod, at the party already present. Ras'al is a masked, wearing a sleeveless blue robe. On his left arm, burned symbols of the Golarion pantheon seem to be etched, like scars across his bodies. He speaks patiently.
I see I am the last to the party. And to what do I owe my pleasure this time, Marcos. I has been months since you have required my aid. This better be important if you are stupid enough to take me away from my studies. He gives a bold glare into the direction of the elf.
He notices now, the Wall of Names and brushes a quick glance. A few of them start to glow as his arcane presence weaves over the stone. He dismisses this with a click of the fingers, painfully looking away as he does so.
Ras'al is not good at hiding his intentions. It is obvious that there are many names on this Wall that he does not wish to share connection to. The scars on his arms are an indicator of this. He has seen many fall in attempt of Godhood.
Turning to the party. I see the Society has found more Seekers to send to their deaths. Well, let's see how this group fairs on whatever suicide mission the Society has planned for us. I hope you all have made your peace with this world, it is less forgiving than i am. and he remains quiet during any other formalities.
He does, however, notice the other arcane masters in the party, and is satisfied with their presence. The two monks, he does a once over, exploring their build of character - judging their strengh agasint that of other warriors he has seen in the past. Humbled, his attention falls back on the Venture Captain.
As the last of the team gathers, Marcos places a hand on the wall and takes a deep breath.
I thought this place appropriate. You know, all of the agents who’ve fallen in service to the Society have their names inscribed here; for me, it’s a reminder that the Society’s deeds often come at a cost. I asked each of you to join me here today, for I could think of no better place to give you this serious mission.
The Master of Swords is visibly pensive for a moment before continuing.
Through their proxies, the Decemvirate have completed negotiations with the Thuvian city-state of Pashow. As you may or may not know, Pashow is set to receive the latest shipment of Thuvia’s famous sun orchid elixir—a tonic that rejuvenates and forestalls the ravages of age. The last two shipments of the elixir to Pashow over the last decade have failed to reach the city, and in their third attempt, they seek the aid of the Society to ensure nothing goes amiss.
He stands and folds his arms behind his back for a moment.
“You might ask yourself what business the Society has in dealing with the sun orchid trade, or sending agents to act as convoy guards—especially agents as esteemed and talented as you. Well, the leader of Pashow, Emir Guldis, has solid evidence that the Aspis Consortium intends to make an attempt on the delivery, seeking to claim the elixir for the Consortium.”
Farabellus sweeps his arm over a section of the wall inscribed with the names of dozens of fallen agents.
“The Aspis wounded us, hit us here, on the grounds of this very lodge. These names are all those who fell in that heinous attack, and the one who we’ve learned organized that attack is also the one planning to rob Pashow. Even if you have no care for vengeance, I ask that you lend your services to protect a troubled city from Aspis schemes and avert the chaos and hardship that would ensue. You’ll act as representatives of the Pathfinder Society, ensuring that Emir Guldis and his city get their elixir, and that the Consortium gets nothing.
He turns and looks to each of you in turn.
“As you ensure the delivery of an alchemical miracle capable of extending one’s life by a few decades, remember that the names inscribed on this wall are immortal in a way far beyond anything that can be found within a vial. Remember that we owe the names on this wall for the sacrifice they made—a sacrifice that allows this Society to endure.”
He turns his back and touches the wall reverently again for a few moments.
As time is of the essence, Emir Guldis has sent one of his court conjurers to personally teleport you to the city. She awaits your arrival in the Starhall.
He turns back and holds out a palm sized ceramic disk bearing the glyph of the open road on one side and a pair of crossed swords on the other.
When this is broken, you can send me a 100 word message, and receive a response in kind. Should a major change in mission happen, please update me so we can reassess priorities together. Do you have any other questions before you go? And should you need to buy anything, you should do it quickly here in Absalom... there is no guarantee you'll be able to find what you need in Pashow.
Marcos nods at the questions.
If we need more communication, I can arrange it. It's more to make sure we can make first contact. The item will resist any attempts to interfere with communicating with me. Hopefully, it will hopefully be unnecessary.
To Teriq he shakes his head.
You'd think that right? But immortality... immortality is worth a lot. So, the city states of Thuvia have a sort of "Deal" with the Citadel of the Alchemist, the fortress where the Elixir is made. Every year, a different city state is given a small number of vials. Those vials are then auctioned off at an astronomical sum, and the money from the proceeds of that sale enters the city's coffers. The city then uses that money to import things the city lacks... food, water, ect.
He looks up as if trying to contemplate the sum.
The sale of just a few vials will supply an entire city's coffers for several years, until it's there turn to sell the elixir again. The problem is, Pashow has had it's shipments stolen, twice. The cities coffers are empty, and the people... well, not happy is a bit of a understatement. If this shipment is stolen, it is likely the city of Pashow will cease to exist as people abandon it to flee to one of the other city states for food, water, protection... and a mass exodus like that comes with it's own problems, ignoring the possibly bloody revolutions that may occur during it's fall.
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From my understanding of this whole matter, is that the shipments disappeared because of traffic accidents. Young alchemists not understanding the magic they posses. It was their inexperience that caused the Pashto’s people their misfortune. Be honest, if you know more about these events than you lead on - then tell us. If the Aspis are not the only threat to this shipment, we must be made aware.
He laughs slightly under his mask. Honestly, the Aspis have tried to procure the Elixir before, and failed. Why should this time be any different? They pose no real threat in my eyes - the damag they caused here in Absalom was a long time coming. More of a, “hey, look at us, we can harass the city at the centre of the world too!” The fact that you weren’t prepared for the assault tells you something about the Decemberate. So why, prey tell, does the Decemberate have a vested interest in the Elixir...?
He is obviously very cynical.
The master of swords looks Ras'al Til and raises an eyebrow.
You heard wrong. Pashow and the other city states have been doing this a long time. After attacks on caravans became more powerful than what Pashow's goverment felt was a rational risk to take to send it by land, they engaged several powerful mages to teleport the Elixer.
He gives a grimace.
None of them where ever seen again. A second attempt was tried, once again using a combination of teleportation magic and powerful spellcasters to shift to other planes of existance. This also led to the elixer, and it's carriers, never being seen again.
He shakes his head.
It is presumed at this point that something with the elixer causes... well, bad things to happen if teleportation magic is used. But I'll let the Emir explain in more detail the plan...
As Ras'al comments on the "State of the lodge", the master grows very cold.
Ras'al. I will remind you that many, many good pathfinders lost their lives in that attack. I will not have you badmouth them and disrespect their memory at the very wall that commemorates their sacrifice. If you despise the decimverate and the society so, you are welcome to leave both. We can find someone else.
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I do not despise anyone. I was simply stating that Absalom has had its share of invasions since Aroden dragged the Isle of Kortos out of the water. It only took 16 years since that moment for a feindish general to make his move to complete the Test of the Starstone. Since then, Absalom has been under asualt over and over and over again. It was not surprising that the Aspis achieved such a feat more recently.
I only doubt the Aspis involvement here. It sounds like, as you said, that a magical anomaly is occurring when conjurarion magic is used around the elixir. This might be the true intentions of the Decemberate, the chance to study and learn more about the nature of this artifact...
Please excuse how blunt I am. I have lost a friend as well, during the Aspis Invasion on the Grand Lodge. I only wish to know the full story, so that we are not unprepared for what is to come. Regardless, this has now peeked my curiosity - a chance to study the Elixer is one in a lifetime opportunity. I will do as you ask, and help Pashow and their people. and with that, Ras humbly bows.
The master of swords nods.
Of course. As I said, better to buy such things here in Absolom.
He looks at Ras with a glare and shakes his head.
As for the Aspis, our field agents are actively working against a resident Aspis Gold Agent by the name of Kitio Aspenthi. Both our organization and Emir Guldis separately came to the conclusion that Kitio is making a play to claim some or all of the sun orchid vials for the Aspis Consortium. We have other agents tracking Kitio down, but we need our best—you—to ensure the sun orchid delivery reaches Pashow. Emir Guldis will have more information on site.
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Huritt looks at Dorje's purchases and laughs, "This is a man who values his own life quite a bit. Unfortunately, he doesn't value you very much, Riddy. There's no candy in here."
Huritt casts a quick divination and reads the scrolls, but when he holds them up for the faerie dragon to read, Riddywipple just belches bright colors at his master and flies off to a nearby tree.
The man looks at Dorje, but clearly pitches his voice loud enough for the tiny dragon to hear, "Please allow me to apologize for the little beast. Some days, he seems more fey than dragon."
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The Master of swords leads the team to the starhall where the see a Thuvian woman in magician's garb with long flowing robes. She looks at the group as they enter and stands, her face sharp with impatience and worry.
Good. My name is Farhaana Zadeh, the court conjurer. The Emir waits, as does Pashow. Let's not waste any more time... Come, take my hands.
As everyone stands with her in a circle, she mutters words of arcane power, and the grand lodge shifts and disappears into the void, rapidly replaced by the grand architecture of a thuvian palace, with marble columns and decrative reliefs. Several cloaked mages stand around a circle and part the way for you as Farhaana leads you through the palace. A keen eye can see that even this decadent palace is showing signs of wear and lack of upkeep in places, and while care is taken to try and cover these areas up, it still shows a building that has waned from it's glory.
Soon enough, Farhaana, passing through several guard posts, leads the team up a tower and into a large office.
My Emir She says with a deep bow. The pathfinders are here.
The Emir sits at a large desk covered in paperwork, a Thuvian woman in armor and medals of station standing next to him. The Emir nods and beckons.
Thank you Farhanna. Please, please come in.
He stands and shakes each of your hands in turn, with a small bow. The stress is clear as day on his face.
I am Emir Guldis, leader of Pashow. Thank you Pathfinders, for coming to the city's aid. My security advisor, and head of the city guard, Saabira and I have been reviewing your files.
The woman steps forward and gives a curt nod before touching some of the paperwork on the desk.
Each of you has come personally recommended by the pathfinder decemvirate She speaks in short sharp notes.
Lavode De'Morcaine, known by some as the “Angel General”. Your exploits at the world wound are quiet legendary.
Huritt Two-hoof , and Riddywipple the Spectacular… Discerning which exploits of yours where real and which where fabrications was a testament to your abilities in and of itself.
Dorje Wangchuk , the “Silent Stone”. It is something special that a man who has no ability to tell his own story still has such tales told about him, and your loyalty and honor is unquestioned.
Ras’al Til… She pauses for a moment as if considering her words carefully. … You are a credit to your line, even if they would not recognize it.
Yajima Katsuki, your pursuit of the ways of perfection has even reached us here in Pashow. Your exploits and actions have demonstrated to many the wisdom of the master of perfection more than any cleric at a podium could have hoped for.
Teriq Ashfall, our sources had said you were retired… to have you be here, to have the “Voice of the Flame” come to the defense of our city is an honor.
At any surprise of her knowledge of them, she raises an eyebrow.
You didn’t honestly think we’d entrust something this important without confirming the worthiness of the participants ourselves did you?
She places the documents back down and the Emir sits at his desk, folding his hands.
“I thank you all for coming on such short notice; I know the negotiations between my city-state and your Decemvirate only recently came to a conclusion. Sadly, there is little time for pleasantries, as the sun orchid elixir is likely already being delivered into the hands of my agents at the entrance to the Citadel of the Alchemist.”
Emir Guldis places a small marker near the mountains south of Pashow on the grand map before him.
“Dozens of convoys have convened to receive either one of the six vials of the sun orchid elixir or a convincing fake. From there, the convoys will split up to travel to Pashow by myriad means and paths. We do not expect any activity within sight of the citadel, and using a variety of travel methods gives us the best chance of ensuring at least some of the elixir makes its way here.”
The emir places several small convoy markers near the marker at the south end of the map. Immediately, magical lines of color, matching the colors of their respective markers, form on the map. Each of the lines zigzags through the desert or moves in a direct line, ending at the northern edge of the map where Pashow is styled in deep crimson ink.
“I have retained your services not as mere caravan guards. No, you are the last contingency to assist should any of our true convoys come under attack. I have several conjurers on standby to magically transport wherever you are needed most. The Decemvirate have promised me that you are their most experienced agents, and your presence eases my mind in the face of potentially losing a third shipment.”
He sighs deeply and leans heavily on his hands, the weight of it all clearly heavy upon him.
I’m more than happy to answer any questions you have or need, and I have refreshments and food… but be prepared. Disaster could strike at any moment, and loosing even one of the vials of the elixir could spell disaster for my city.
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Ras listens patiently during the greatings and waits untill is finished, passing a glare at the Emir as she remarks about his own history. Emir, please enlighten us, who are the main contenders for the Elixir - or those you are aware of? I’m sure the Society has already told you about the Aspis’s potential involvement here. And although I highly doubt this truth, we would like to be ready for all encounters.
Another thought crossed his mind. Are we to take you at your word that you will be sending us to the true Elixir? How do we know your conjures are not compromised. I’m sorry to be, like this - but we must explore all avenues of exploit. obviously focusing on the conjurarion aspect of the mission - being a conjurarion specialist he knows of the potential manipulation this arcane school possesses to bend objectives.
He pays closer attention to the marker lights that draw the routes of the caravans, making sure to memorise them all in the brief moment they are up.
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"I have personally known many infamous spymasters, more than a few famous generals, and even a couple of emperors who insisted deception was their greatest weapon," Huritt pauses, "For example--what if Farhaana, several of her trusted lieutenants, and your most battle-hardened company of veterans were seen accompanying one of the decoy caravans? Particularly if the soldiers actually guarding that caravan were your freshest rookies."
The Emir nods.
Yes, of course. Many want to get their hands on the elixir, and there are many who may attack.[b]
He pulls out a rather thick dossier and lays it down on the table.
[b]So... credible threats... we have the Aspis, of course...
He begins running down the less.
It's an expansive list. A headache inducing one... so many possible organizations and individuals that Ras is left feeling like he's less able to guess who might be a credible threat than he did before he got the information.
As ras pours over the documents, the Emir almost smiles.
It is a good suggestion. His smile looks a little proud.
Which is why this caravan here is a single wizard with very capable illusions. I have many, many decoy caravans heading out. The only ones who know the real ones stand in this room. I will only send you out if one of the six real carvans is hit.
He points to another one. This one is comprised of a Juggernaut and a host of divine servants of the church of abadar who have sworn upon their sacred duty to see the elixer delivered.
He points to another. This one is guarded by six Kolyarut inevitables, members of the Axion forge who will travel in complete invisibility and walk the entire way through the death ridge mountains.
He points again. THIS one is the "Official" caravan, and has most of our military guarding it, as well as several contingents of mercenaries. It's a more... direct target, but would require defeating our entire military force directly. He winces at the thought. Frankly, if that happens, we may not deserve to exist anymore anyways.
He then points to another one.
This one is made up of elite pathfinder agents... not quite up to your personal caliber, but powerful in their own right. They are using the decimverates own anti-scrying magic's to prevent detection as they take a random route through the desert. The decimverate even are sending a lead golemn which the elixer will be embedded into the chest of.
He points to another one.
You will appreciate this one Yajima, Lord lightfoot, a Iroran monk who's pursuit of Iroran perfection has lead him to hone his speed to that unmatched by any beast or machine or magic known beyond teleportation itself. He will run, full pace, through this region...He points out some incredibly rough terrain. where it is doubtful anyone will be able to follow, and even if they can, won't be able to catch him.
He points to a final one.
[b]And this one will be carried by the famed Korvosa Sable Company Marines, who will deliver their precious cargo by hippogriff.
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It's an expansive list. A headache inducing one... so many possible organizations and individuals that Ras is left feeling like he's less able to guess who might be a credible threat than he did before he got the information.
Ras begins to delve into the list of organisations and makes his way down the list. He doesn't spend long doing so. Ah yes, of course the Shadow Lodge have their eyes on the prize, although I heard they were disbanded several months ago. And the Technic League have much to deal with in Numeria to spare resources right now, something about an Iron God problem? House Vexidyre could potentially send their drow overseers to intercept one of the routes, but I doubt it. The leader of House Thrune is probably already immortal. The serpent folk over the Crown won't dare to intervene at this time of year. Thuvian Kobolds? Why are they on this list...? … he continues for a little bit, What? That was only the first scroll...how many...? as he realises that this is too much for him to handle. He takes the long list and begins taking his time examining it further as the conversation continues.
Which is why this caravan here is a single wizard with very capable illusions. I have many, many decoy caravans heading out. The only ones who know the real ones stand in this room. I will only send you out if one of the six real carvans is hit.
Ras is taken back by the level of planning that has undertaken here, clearly underestimating the validity of this mission. I, i think i'll just take a back seat for now. he whispers hoping no one would hear him, and retreating slightly behind the group, still paying attention. He thinks to himself about how underprepared he is compared to all the time and planning that they have spent on this. Then again, he has done much more with less...
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"That is impressive. I think I can safely speak for my companion, Riddywipple, in saying that you have more than adequately prepared against any threats beneath his notice. Should something break through your defenses, it must surely be a matter dire enough to require a dragon's awe inspiring presence."
Huritt pauses for a moment, while the tiny faerie dragon spreads his wings to their full foot of wingspan and tilts his snout ever so slightly toward the ceiling. Then the man continues, "Though what of the enemy's possible deceptions and infiltrations? What have you planned in case of a double agent within your forces?"
The Emir sighs and looks over the impressive preparations and documents.
The church of Abadar has been very helpful in that regard. Everyone who is a part of this, who could be affected by such things, has stood within a zone of truth and sworn to see the elixir safely delivered...
He trails off and you can see the weight settle upon him.
Of course, there are ways to fool such magics. And no one is immune to compromise. The best I have been able to do is layer competing loyalties to try and prevent anyone from betraying us taking an entire group with them. Mercenaries for cash alongside soldiers for loyalty, Axiomites alongside Pathfinders dedicated to the decemvirate, ect.
He looks at you all.
And most importantly, of course, you. A secret, highly mobile strike team composed of some of the most powerful beings on golarion.
He slumps into his chair.
My prayers that I do not have to ask you to leave this room...
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Yajima bows to Emir, "Send me where I am needed." he says simply.
Upon hearing of the speedy monk, Yajima does not look too surprised, "With proper training, the body can do some things that many people find amazing. Following Irori means discovering the limits of what the body can do and sometimes surpassing them through ki mastery."