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Pressing through the portal you see quite a sight.
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
The only occupant of this room is a Garundi woman bedecked in the style of an Osirian noblewoman.
"Welcome home!" she says, directing the comment not just to Amenopheus, but also to the rest of you.
"I am Tahonikepsu, the Diamond Sage. I have followed your actions.." here she indicates the sapphire sage "for many years, and yours " here she refers to the rest of you "with interest over the last few months."
"Well met, Diamond Sage. I am Kyra, follower of the Dawnflower, specialized in healing magic."
The old wizard smiles at the diamond sage, grateful to witness the presence of such an enigmatic figure.
I can't speak for the society as a whole, but we are here now and willing to work with the order. I am Ezren, an arcane wizard. The coughs from the dryness of this place and begs pardon.
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"Ahh, Ezren... your deeds also I have watched. Your penchant for action ..." starts Tahonikepsu
"Action... is not what the sages were founded for." interrupts Amenopheus. "The collapse of the Jeweled Sages as 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."
The diamond sage counters "The invasion and subsequent purge of the Jeweled Sages reflected a critical weakness in the organization." Shaking her head she continues "Spread out and without a strong leader, the order could not respond quickly and effectively to a new threat."
The sapphire stage snorts a little. "The order’s egalitarian organization structure was a key source of strength, allowing each member to act independently when needed."
Shaking her head Tahonikepsu disagrees. "Without consistent, decisive leadership, the Jeweled Sages will always be vulnerable and disorganized whenever a new threat strikes."
"It seems to me that you are both correct. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive. One need only to improve communication between members and develop better records and archiving capacity. Each sage could still work on individual projects and be supported by scribes to record their weekly progress. One need only find a way to file these reports at a central location each week, be it via magical communication or a network of fast messengers. Independence of thoughts can exist within the structure of an organization, but the leadership must foster, encourage and inspire rather than limit, block and ignore. With members as skilled as the sages, an organization must also provide suitable compensation and motivation to retain their members in the long-term. Otherwise other organizations will see to their comfort and benefit from their expertise."
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Amenopheus nods"Ahh but where are the scribes to come from? And who are they too support. We must find more sage jewels and recruit additional potential sages for them."
Tahonikepsu nods, reluctantly. "But these new sages should be active in the world, advisors to rulers. We should be making history not just writing it down."
The sapphire sage shakes his head. "We need bright minds, not just brave bodies. The next generation of sages must be chosen from among the most learned scholars. Not only does this match the founding principles of the organization, but I suspect that anything less than a well-trained mind would be unable to harness the millennia of memories within each sage jewel."
Ezren offers, We in the Pathfinder society have those bright minds. In fact we have many who are very focused on the collection and archival of knowledge itself. Perhaps our practices, and your power together can achieve this!
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"Well, first we will need to find some more." say both Tahonikepsu and Amenopheus simultaneously.
They give each other a bit of a look, as if surprised, but glad they can agree on something.
Amenopheus nods to Ezren. "I for one have found the Society to be extremely helpful. However before we can do that, we do need to select a leader."
Tahonikepsu sighs. "Amenopheus - you once had the ear of the pharaoh, but have lost it. You have talents, but if we are to return to our place within Osirion, you cannot lead."
Amenopheus almost splutters "And you.. until moments ago I had never met you. I have served faithfully for years as a leader within the pathfinder society. I am the experienced leader here. How can I cede leadership to you, who have no known abilities, qualification or powers?"
Tahonikepsu steps back, her form shimmering and then in a moment reforms.... as a dragon.
"Let me present my qualifications Amenopheus! Now we are strangers no more!”"
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Khargrom watches the whole argument bouncing back and forth between the sages, Kyra and Ezren. He tries multiple times to jump in but is quickly shushed. Apparently a simple scout with minimal magical talents just isn't enough to even interest these stubborn folk.
His eyes narrow as the dragon reveals her true form.
He pronounces his judgement and starts to leave, "Feh, wasta time. Got a deceiving dragon an a failed leader. None of ya deserve to lead a caravan, much less a mythically powered organization. Why don't y'all take a long look at yaselves an when ya ready, come talk ta my boss Ashasar. We could use ya talent."
"Khargrom! we are here to advise and provide counsel: not to berate or pass judgement against our clients! And remember that everything that is being said or done is passable to be reported to our Pathfinder Society leaders! I will not add your outburst to my report, as it stands, but please speak no further on the matter. Relax and have a beer: you deserve one after your bravery! don't let your mouth sully the glory of your actions!"
After a moment she composes herself and adds to Ezren's comment: "My colleague and long-time companion Ezren speaks the truth. The Pathfinder Society operates in all nations. Taldor, Andoran and Cheliax have provided many agents to Her and often congregate as 'factions' when they assemble within our facilities or operate abroad on matters pertinent to their homeland. The Sages here could do something similar with like-minded Pathfinder agents specialized in Osirion matters or those born in Garund who share a homeland or ancestry."
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Amenopheus looks shocked - though whether by the transformation of Tahonikepsu or the words of Khargrom is unclear, but Tahonikepsu just laughs. "Spunk. I like that. It shows you have the will to make changes, and not just ride the tides of history."
"I am am time dragon. We are dedicated to guarding history and time itself. By combining my longevity, cunning, and patience with the ambitions of a millenniaold society of sages, the Jeweled Sages are certain to thrive." she concludes.
The two look at each other. Finally Amenopheus says "I invoke the convocation of Sages!"
Turning to you he explains "This is an age old tradition. I vote for myself for leader.." while Tahonikepsu adds in "And I vote for myself. So we are at an impasse."
Amenopheus then gestures to the rest of you. "They bear the remnant of the ruby sages power. Let them decide." The dragon considers for a moment and then nods her agreement.
Ezren leans on his cane harder and ponders the choice at length. He looks back and forth at both of them, as if measuring their worth for the position by sight alone (but really just considering what they've offered so far).
Finally, he speaks The Ruby sage stirs my judgement. Based on the order's joining with the society, we should strengthen the leadership influence of the sages to maximize the benefit of past longevity and lore. Amenopheus is already influential within the society and will provide his dual-value regardless. I vote that it should be Tahonikepsu. Amenopheus! Do not see this as a "loss" but as the strengthening of your purpose within the Pathfinder Society!
The wizard's voice booms throughout the chamber to impose the convicted intention of his vote.
"Time for the time dragon!"
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Bossk having blood seeping from many wounds prepares himself for that final blow to bring him down. He begins to start a chant.
"Oh do I see my father and mother, oh do I see my brothers and sisters, Oh do I......"
And as he expects the statue to start the attack, it just turns and walks away.
Bossk is stunned he look around and see the other Statue moving away as well.
His rage subsides and he just drops, sitting on the floor breathing heavy with only two work on his mind We won.
Feeling the warmth of the healing magic flow across him he gets to his feet and asks Kyra to use his wand on him.
Not really being one for the poly-ticks. Bossk just stands aside and watches.
Then when the diamond sage turns into a dragon. Bossk becomes alarmed scooping up his sword. But he notices that the others do not seem to worried, so he lowers his sword, but stay ready if the beast tries to attack.
As the talk about vote who should be the next leader and everyone casts their votes then looks at him for his vote.
"Well back in my village the ones who wanted to be leader first would call out their deeds in life, most were already known to the tribe and the one who was found worthy would become leader. If more than one was deemed worthy then there was a trial by combat. But I think that the dragon would have an unfair edge on Amenopheus. So that wouldn't work."
He scratches his head trying to come up with something. Finally he says.
"Since this is a choice that has to be made in the here and now. He is know to me and I know of some of his deeds. You dragon, I know nothing about you, but for what you say. And for all I know you truly could be some other creature like a demon that can shape shift, and you have made yourself look like a dragon to win our favor.
And because of that, I am forced to cast my vote with Amenopheus. I hope you understand"
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The two watch your voting with interest.
Tahonikepsu and Amenopehus both accept the result. "And I think we will continue to work with the Pathfinder society." adds the dragon.
When you exit, you find no sign of Kafar and Nefti. It appears the two former aspis agents have made tracks for freedom.
Between them the two sages secure your magical return to Eto with little difficulty, from which you can begin the long trek back to Absalom, the society and a well due rest.