Iron Fellowship’s Passing the Torch (Inactive)

Game Master TriOmegaZero

Opening for dot and delete.

The sending spell appeared to you out of the blue, not the accustomed face of Kreighton Shaine or Sorrina Westyr, but the masked face of a member of the Ten. ”Report to the Decemvirate meeting hall beneath Skyreach as soon as possible. Your assistance is required for a critical mission in defense of the Society.” A direct summons from the Ten is a rare event, indicating a task of the highest importance. Arriving at the designated room deep below the lodge, you find it richly appointed with seating for far more than your small group.

KULIK, a towering half-orc nearly a head taller than most humans with white spiky hair shorn closely and green eyes, trains those piercing eyes about the room. He is surprised to be the first to arrive -- that's uncommon -- as he absently rubs the delicate butterfly tattoo on his right palm.

After a moment, he chooses a seat near the door through which he entered, waiting quietly and pensively.

With an audible pop a tall, lean Ulfen man apprears. Carrying a bronze staff and wearing a set of dark robes, the man might as well have a nametag that reads 'wizard'. And yes, he also has a long beard, though streaks of grey show that there are years of experience in this man.

He sees that he is not alone. Turning to the half-orc he says, "Ah yes. You are KULIK."

The half-orc points his thumb at his chest and begins to speak, but realizes the Ulfen has spoken his name. He closes his mouth and simply nods.

Realizing that KULIK has missed out on the next, most obvious social cue, the wizard continues by saying, "There are those who call me... Nym?"

Venture-Captain, Ranger Lord, Knight Captain of the Eagle Knights, Agent of Liberty's Edge, Rescuer of the Minotaur Prince, Legend of Urglin, Defender or Nerosyan, Scion of Geb, Honored Guest of the Hall, Blaispar Hero, and Favored of the Ten Bishop Shepherd answers the call with his Boon Companion Timber.

he man is of slightly above average height, and of solid but compact build. His gear is of the finest quality. There's something about his armored that seems off, as if the light in the room refuses to land on it. Across his back is a bow that looks like it's out of a child's storybook. Wicked looking, it has begun to earn a reputation among the Society, Decision has felled many a foe.

Still, the most striking thing isn't the man, or his gear. The most striking sight is the horse-sized wolf in mithral barding pacing just behind him. The wolf's eyes stay gimlet, though he paces with a relaxed gait....

Hayato enters the room. He's of average height, yet his appearance seems to command the attention of the entire room. Perhaps it's the shiny-silvery armour he's dressed in from head to toe? Strapped to his back is a shield almost as big as he is.

"This is odd. Usually I'm the first one here".

“Greetings, Pathfinders.” The voice comes from a man wearing a triple-spired helmet as he strides purposefully into the room. The same visage as that of the sending spell, one of the enigmatic leaders of the Pathfinder Society. He moves to stand at the head of the long table as he continues.

“You are here because you are the finest that the Pathfinder Society has to offer. Time and again, you have been entrusted with tasks of utmost importance, and you have always carried them through to success. I have personally summoned you here with yet another perilous mission—one that requires great discretion. As I am sure you have heard, the nation of Lastwall is reeling beneath the onslaught of an undead invasion, triggered by the release of the Whispering Tyrant from his prison.”

“As I am sure you have heard, the nation of Lastwall is reeling beneath the onslaught of an undead invasion, triggered by the release of the Whispering Tyrant from his prison.”

KULIK cants his head slightly to the left, as if processing, then silently nods.

Untrained: 1d20 ⇒ 6 "It's been a loooong month bub. You mind filling in some of the history lesson?"

He pets Timber's haunch. "Yeah, I was there in the Diamond City. Undead are something of my specialty, though I don't read their diaries. I'm guessing I'm here to shoot them through the heart."

Nym auto-succeeds on that check with his +30
"The Whispering Tyrant is probably one of the most famous liches in our history, so I'm a bit surprised that neither of you know of him. Terrorized Golarion around 3,000 years ago, conquered nations with an iron fist. Aroden himself slew him, though even then he resisted death completely and rose as a lich. Re-established his rule, until finally heroes were about to imprison him in Gallowspire."

The enchanter looks at the blank faces around him. "Really? Nothing?"

Nodding to Nymathor, the masked leader continues. “The majority of our Pathfinder forces have been dispatched to deal with this grave threat, which leaves the Society open to threats from other enemies. In particular, I have received word that Grandmaster Torch is once again on the move and working to capitalize on the current crisis. Although Torch’s past is complicated, his wanton disregard for bystanders and increasingly aggressive gambits against the Society have left us no choice: the time has come to kill Grandmaster Torch."

"We’ve long wondered where he acquired his most damning intelligence, and in the past year we identified his principal contact: a gnome named Eylysia, who was once a member of the Pathfinder Society. She is not the same justice-minded visionary that she was in the Society’s early days. It appears that a combination of estrangement, Torch’s influence, and perhaps even the Bleaching have left blood on her hands—a great deal of blood. Together, the two of them are planning one last attack that could destroy the Society as we know it. At this point it’s clear that even in apparent isolation, Eylysia poses an ongoing threat to the Society she once championed."

“Although Torch remains elusive, we have learned that Eylysia has hidden herself away on Mediogalti Island. I have arranged for you to be teleported to Azir, where a ship waits to carry to you to Ilizmagorti, a pirate haven located on Mediogalti Island. Once there, seek out the villa of Stanton Strake. He is a retired pirate captain who once served as a contact for the Pathfinder Society. Strake keeps abreast of Pathfinder news, and I believe he is in communication with Eylysia. Use Strake to discover her whereabouts, then confront her to learn Torch’s location. If she proves unwilling to return to face justice, eliminate her. The Pathfinder Society can no longer afford to have enemies fomenting discord in the shadows."

“A final word of caution, Pathfinders. As you are likely aware, Mediogalti Island is the main stronghold of the Red Mantis assassins. Any Pathfinders discovered on the island are summarily executed. The assassins have considerable resources, both magical and mundane, that they use to ferret out spies. There are few places in Golarion more dangerous for a Pathfinder agent to travel. Be sure to take every precaution to conceal your presence there.”

"Kill Torch outright? And even Eylysia potentially? I... Am surprised." Nym says, arching a bushy eyebrow. "As for the assassins... you are saying a simple disguise won't suffice, and that divination magic is possible?"

"The Red Mantis have many powerful spellcasters within their ranks, so magical protections against divinations would serve you well. However, they also have informants everywhere. Ilizmagorti is kept under tight control, so certainly you should keep any signs of affliation with the Pathfinder Society hidden."

"So, walking around in big, shiny armour is going to be a problem, then?"

Note to self: buy pathfinder pouches.

Second note: looking through KULIK's chronicles, he's done a lot less with Torch or the Aspis than many of my other PCs. But he's done enough.

KULIK looks back and forth between the masked Decemvirate and Nym and Hayato, clearly trying to understand what's being said. His eyes flicker recognition on both Grandmaster Torch and the Aspis Consortium, and he nods.

"Unless it is marked with the Glyph of the Open Road, you should be able to pass yourself off as a common mercenary."

"I don't know about 'common', but I'm pretty sure I can pull off 'mercenary'".

"Anonymity won't be a problem for me. I'm only really famous in Pathfinder circles."

Just noticed that I need to update this profile. Will do so tomorrow

"That was a LOT of words to tell us to assassinate someone. Fine. If it needs doing, I'll do it." The typically laconic Bishop seems to bite back more thoughts.

"If you have no further questions, report to the main incantation room when you are ready to depart. Time is short, but do not let it cause you to be unprepared for the journey. The Eel Prince awaits your arrival and will take roughly a day's sail to reach the isle." Already ramrod straight, he waits a moment for your response.

Nym thinks quickly. "Do you have, say, a portrait of Eylysia or Torch? Perhaps an personal effect of theirs? I have some divination magic that could prove helpful."

A page briefly interrupts the briefing. He blanches when it becomes obvious he's intruded upon a member of the Decemvirate. Hesitantly, he says, "A th-th-thousand pardons, s-s-sir. It's just, ah, uhh, I have items for Nym the Enchanter."

Nym intercedes brusquely. "It really could have waited," he starts, stepping away from the meeting. In hushed tones you hear him add, "How much... What, that's extortion... yes, I remember he has seven kids... bloody hell, fine." Finally, a belt and a gauntlet are handed over to Nym, who equips both and returns to the main conversation.

"Right, sorry about that. I'd take hair from either of them too. It'll help with the scrying."

I'm going to buy a potion of Remove Blindness.

"Torch I know; the gnome, not so much. Also, I don't mind a scrape, but I'm not a fan of being beset by a bunch of bug cultists. How in Cayden Cailean's codpiece are we supposed to slip in unnoticed? I can blend in with the background like the best of them, but that's not going to stop a mesmerist from hitting me with the whammy. Hook us up if this mission is so important."

"The libraries have some sketchwork of Eylysia while Torch is a wanted criminal. Depictions of both are readily available without trouble. Anything further than that meets with considerable trouble. The Grandmaster is well versed in the ways of divinations, such that little of personal importance has been found in the past years."

"Eylysia is even more trouble, having witnessed the dedication of the Grand Lodge and being banished from the Society centuries ago after her involvement in the death of several members of the Ten. Learning anything useful of her has been exceedingly difficult despite the efforts of many agents. She has not been heard of for hundreds of years and most assumed her dead. In the time since, her treachery was almost lost to memory. Recents events have allowed more of the past's secrets to come to light."

He turns to address Bishop's complaint directly. "The port of Ilizmagorti sees use by pirates and merchants brave or callous enough to deal with the assassins. Try to appear part of the crowd. With the bulk of our efforts at Gallowspire, we have little resources available to offer beyond rapid transport. Your skill and resourcefulness is well known among the Ten and I have every confidence that you will find a way to succeed."

"How old is the ghost? Also, thanks for the help. As always, your support is overwhelming..."

"Nym, you're the educated type. Can you magic us up some disguises and some mind protection?"

"Our records do not indicate her birth, but as a gnome she could be quite old by now. She was an adult at the time of the founding, so at least 400 to 500 years of age."

KULIK nods. To know what Eylysia person look like will help.

"I'll look at the portraits, and see if a scrying pans out. Might help speed along our goal. Unless she's clever light me, and has the right protections in place."

To Bishop he says. "If you want the best mind protection magic, see about requisitioning a scroll or two. The spell in question is called mind blank, but don't worry, it doesn't blank your mind. It's not cheap though. I can also whip up some simpler nondetection magic. It's not foolproof, but it will make it harder. I can get a scroll and scribe it, but I'll then need a day to prepare the magic. If you want to leave today, it'll be a day before I can cast it for you."

He pauses before adding, "If you want to just look different, then see about requisitioning a magic item called a hat of disguise. If you're poor, there's a something called a cap of human guise. That should do the trick."

It becomes clear to everyone that Nym could probably talk about magical items all day. His tone was definitely far more animated when Bishop asked the question.

"This is not what I had in mind, but fine." Bishop adds a Hat of Disguise to KULIK's requisition.

"I think I'll also get my armour Glamered. It'll look like regular clothes."

"Best of luck, Pathfinders. I look forward to your successful return." With that the masked leader turns and strides out of the meeting room, leaving you to your preparations.

Some time later...

With preparations made, you report to the specified chamber in Skyreach, the door bearing arcane sigils courtesy of the Dark Archive. Inside, you find implements laid out in precise arcane geometry. A man with orange-streaked red hair and bronzed skin stands ready, ceremonial silks open to expose his bare chest.

"Greetings, honored Seekers! I, Lord Able Elish, shall have the pleasure of transporting you today!" He speaks with bombast and complete lack of restraint, the mark of extraplanar heritage clear in his appearance and manner. "By the POWER OF THE EFREETI, you shall be safely conveyed." The booming voice somehow grows louder at the boast.

Directing you within the bounds of the implements, flames leap up your feet as he concentrates, eyes glowing bright. The sheets of fire rise to obscure your view, before receding and leaving you unharmed, but altogether elsewhere.

"BEHOLD! Azir, and lo there berths the Eel Prince, to ferry you on to the accursed isle. I estimate a day or more travel before you arrive. May your mission for our GLORIOUS SOCIETY be met with good fortune."

Please make sure to note on the slide presentation your spell effects and other precautions for the journey if you have not already.

Bishop uses his new hat to appear as a dark skinned Garundi male. He beckons for everyone to gather round as he casts Pass without Trace. In flawless Polyglot he speaks, then switches to Taldane with a heavy accent, "This will help foil anyone on our trails. I'm leaving my Wayfinder home and I suggest you do the same."

"It makes me uncomfortable to not have a spell of Freedom of Movement prepared, but I'm going to have to." Bishop then casts a spell of Nondetection on himself.

Nym works through casting several spells in quick succession. He does so with a well-practiced efficiency, but avoids some of the pomp in front of Able.
Cast mind blank, moment of prescience, overland flight, darkvision, mage armor

He then whispers a word in an obscure form of Elven, then twists a ring he's wearing. A second later he disappears!
Activate ring of invisibility

There's a momentary flutter of wind as Nym swirls around, getting himself up to hover a good five feet off the ground. "Have no fear. I am near, and will follow. If I need to be seen, I will make myself present."

There is a slight shudder of the filmstrip as we shift to an adjacent universe where a fifth member was called to join the party.

As the Decemvirite member leaves, they are replaced by a Garundi man in a tattered, trail-worn duster. Over his shoulder he carries an ornate musket, and around his neck the golden scales of Abadar. His skin appears pale, almost washed out.

”Good day, Pathfinders. ” replies the man. ”I am Jayne Munny, Seeker, and Lawman of Abadar. ”

He pats the musket on his shoulder, ”This is Vera, and she is a little temperamental.”

He sits down, grabs a beverage, and says, ”Sorry I am late. I was up in Galt following up on a lead about the Final Word guillotines and how they could be... undone... , and had to find passage back to Absalom quickly. Eventually I found a wizard with the power to teleport me back, but he needed a little... convincing. But we are here now, so let me get caught up.”

"A pleasure, Jayne," the disembodied voice of the invisible wizard says. "There are some who call me... Nym?"

Once caught up, Munny takes prominently displayed Dayfinder, and tucks it into his Pathfinder Pouch. ”I have had it for years. Never know when you need to keep things away from prying eyes.”

”I will have to pick up a couple of items, trivial things, really. Check my inventory of bullets, and the like.”

I have 73K to spend. Guess I have some shopping to do!

Can anyone cast Ant Haul on me? If you are a spontaneous caster, I have a page or spell knowledge with the spell

KULIK scratches his oversized head. How you undo gee-yo-teen?

”We’ll, it ‘‘tis a bit of work to repair the physical damage to a victim, but that isn’t what I was lookin’ to do. ” explains Munny. ”Freeing the trapped souls within, now that’s a trick. I reckon if I can find someone involved in their construction, I could persuade them to let us know the secret to the trapping and the freeing. But, so far, no luck.

“Galt is one step away from total anarchy. A true horror to behold. ”

"I'm no stranger to temperamental companions, but it's good to have another of your talents in the party. I didn't prepare that spell, but I'm happy to if there's no other option."

"I can perform that magic. I'll note it down for my daily preparations," Nym says. Curious, he adds, "Do you expect to be carrying a lot of items?"

”The gear that I carry does weigh a bit. Enough to slow me down without the spell. I do have supplemental ways of casting it, including a wand, but I have found that a single casting from an experienced adventurer can last me the day... two if you would like to use a charge off of my rod of lesser extend. ”

he has a decent strength, but he is already at 29 pounds with just his armor and gun. By this time he has a lot of magic items.... and even a haversack weighs 5 pounds. I just track my encumbrance, which a lot of strength tanking gunslingers seem to forget to do.

I'm happy to use a wand for you today, and will prepare it after we rest and going forward.

"Pass me your wand and I will do the needful today," Nym says, dismissing his invisibility. Once he has cast the spell for Jayne, he renews the invisibility magic from his ring.

working through my purchases, I won’t need the any haul, it seems. Bumping my strength to 16 with an Ioun Stone did the trick.

”If any of you non-spontaneous casters has a second level spell you usually cast on yourselves, and could be used by me as well, I have a pearl of power II. I traveled with a Druid a lot, and she cast barkskin on me with it. If’n you see fit to do so.”

KULIK also has first aid gloves, along with a new wand of cure moderate and what's left on his last wand of infernal healing and wand of cure light wounds.

KULIK like barkskin, the half-orc says. But KULIK cannot cast it.

"So, let me sum things up just to make sure I understand. The Decemvirite have decided that it is time to remove Torch as a problem. Sounds like a Colson Maldris mission. 'I don't usually say this, but you have to kill this bastard.'

"Vera had a chance at him... and she let him go. I assume she had a reason, but she's never told me. Of course, she doesn't talk much, and her bite is much worse than her bark." Munny smiles at his attempts at cleverness.

"Did you all ask what has been done to prevent an associate of Torch from just resurrecting him? I am sure that he's got plenty ways to come back to life... much like we Pathfinders."

GM if we can retcon, that'd be a good question to ask the Decemverite member who recruited us for this mission

"I give myself the ability to see in the dark via magic. If you like, I can use the pearl to grant you the same ability. It will last most of the day for you."
Can give you Darkvision if you like.

To his question about resurrecting Torch, he adds, "I have magic available that can disintegrate a body. I think we can make it very difficult to raise him from the dead."