You receive an unusual summons to meet District Councilmember and priestess of Abadar Jostlyn Ferqyr at the Vault of Abadar in Absalom’s Ivy District. Who knows what awaits, but being experienced Pathfinders, you certainly know it's not going to be easy.
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During the travel to the temple of Abadar you did not hear much from shy but likable Setare.
Setare seems to be quite nervous and looks around.
She is a scrawny girl with auburn hair and amber eyes.
Her features seem Chelaxian but also have something else mixed in.
She is wearing a brown adventuring outfit but no armor. She has a plume on her head, carries a scimitar at her hip that is attached to her left wrist with a very fine chain and has a finely crafted adamantine chestus attached to her right hand.
Around her neck a pendant with the holy symbol of Sarenrae is clearly visible.
"He ... hello, I am Se.. Setare .." Setare says with a quivering voice and a shy smile.
Then she focuses on the group of Pathfinders.
"Ehhh ... it is ... you know ... I’m ... ehh ... good meeting you.” she says and then looks down to the ground.
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A dwarf grunts in response. He spots Setare's symbol of Sarenrae and he seems to soften a bit. "You one of those spinning flaming Dawnflowers or the healing kind?" He sports the colors and sigil of the Five Mountain clan, with a braided beard and a warhammer and axe emblazoned with the hammer of Torag.
"I'm Torean of the Five Mountains, a Hammer of Torag, and a Spellbreaker" Each of those designations are clearly said with capital letters. "Usually when they ask me along it's because they anticipate some dark magic, especially mind control, and want some protection against it. Let's hope they're wrong though. That's some dangerous power. But if so, I'll be there to destroy any mage who tries."
Keeper Ferqyr carefully hands the intricate golden miniature to one of the paladins beside her and pulls out and reads from a small scroll.
“The Vault of Absalom hereby contractually gives permission to the Members of the Pathfinder Society here present to make use of the miraculous powers of the Golden City of Tumen to travel to and return from the realm of the Master of the First Vault, thrice-blessed be his name. During their stay in Axis, the Pathfinders shall conduct themselves in a matter befitting their role as representatives of the Church of Abadar, and not bring ill repute upon it or any of its subsidiary organizations.”
Ferqyr looks for an affirmative answer from each of the Pathfinders before she instructs them to place a hand on the golden model of the city.
20+:
25+:
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Setare is clearly impressed.
With some hesitation she speaks.
"I ... I have ne.. never been to the Tapestry but my si... sister Zaarah has told me so ma ... many stories about it! It wou... would be su... such a great loss of lives ... " she says shaking her head in grief.
She looks at the represantative of Abadar and nods.
"As a pa ... paladin the law is important to me! I a.. agree to your terms!"
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'Dark' magic? The dwarf is in need of an education.
A tall, beautiful elven male steps out of the shadows in the corner of the room - and the shadows come with him. He smiles serenely and gestures - a short, complex sequence. The shadows coalesce into a sphere, within which appear a thousand tiny points of light, as if they were a vast distance away. As quickly as it appears, the sphere recedes. In its place is a tiny dragon, black as midnight, with a long tail ending in a barbed stinger. The creature flaps its wings and settles on the elf's shoulder.
I am Quenly, the Jacinth Sage. I have made this creature of elf-magic to speak for me. Since the gods of my people chose me as their vessel, I have heard no sound but their voices. And they have taught me many secrets.
I can see words upon your lips, if you face me when you speak, but it is easier by far to communicate by thought via my dragon. You need only be nearby. It will convey your thoughts to me, and mine to you.
I am familiar with the history of Hao Jin. She resurrected many times, like the Phoenix whose name she assumed, each rebirth deepening the red of her hair. She eschewed domination, and instead studied and catalogued the wonders of the multiverse, placing many of them within her personal demiplane, the Hao Jin Tapestry. She was thought long dead. Now we know otherwise.
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Setare bows to the small human Tien woman.
"A plea... pleasure meeting you. Setare a.. at your service."
When the shadows appear Setare looks at Quenly with big eyes and it seems as if she is waiting for an introduction.
When the dragon starts to introduce Quenly Setare is very surprised.
She is uncertain if she should address the dragon or the elf.
"You a... are a sage of the order of Scarab Sages! U... unbelievable!" she says and bows again.
"I ... I think I have even heard of you ... who to ... told me about you?" she says looking at Quenly intently.
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Lillian bows to the group.
"Pardon my rudeness, Sister Lillian Woo at your service. I practice the arcane arts as well. Along the same lines as Hao Jin, but more focused on controlling others"
She says with a slight smile.
She turns to Setare and shares a few words as well.
"A pleasure to meet you as well Setare. You have visited Tian Xia then?"
Ferqyr still seems to be looking for affirmation or accord from Torean, Quenly, and the pair who haven't spoken yet, Victoria Hennessee and Meylara Raven.
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With hair streaked with gold, held back with a colorful, feathered headband, and eyes flashing with blue lightning, the young woman before you betrays her unworldly heritage. She wears a stylish robe of rainbow hues and a necklace of strange, decorative bird around her neck. Only the longspear she carries seams out of place with rest of her raiment.
My last trip into the Tapestry nearly ended in disaster for me and my companions. I pray this time goes more smoothly.
I owe no fealty to Abadar, nor to any new god. But as a Jeweled Sage and a Pathfinder you may expect reasonable and proportionate conduct from me. If that does not suffice, and I know how much Abadarians are fond of contracts, then you must tell me with more precision what you expect, and inform me of the names and natures of the subsidiary organisations that you refer to.
The dragon broadcasts on behalf of Quenly.
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Suddenly Setare looks at Quenly and the dragon again scales from her eyes.
"Now I... ehhh ... I know. Zaarah to ... told me about you!! You are a he... hero and unbelievably kno... knowledgeable jeweled Sage! So great to ... ehh ... to meet you Quenly sir." she says shifting her gaze between Quenly and the little dragon.
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A Samsaran woman walks into the room, catching the end of the speech. She is tall and lithe, wearing flowing green robes and holding only a simple quarterstaff, with a light crossbow strapped to her backpack. At her side is a dinosaur (velociraptor) with a long tail, wearing a tutu. She listens quietly, and once the Abadarian priest has finished, speaks.
I apologize for my tardiness. Too many duties happening simultaneously have kept me out of the city. I hope I am not too late to join you. I am Meylara, and my friend here is Petal. Petal walks around to each party member, smelling them quickly so she will recognize them, then comes back to Meylara's side.
You speak of Zaarah Katsu, Setare? Yes, I have travelled with her. I regret that what she saw of Kyonin did not meet my expectations.
Ferqyr takes each of your varied comments as assent, especially as she has far more important matters to attend to. Besides, if you misbehave she can levy a harsh fine against you personally and the society as a whole.
As she intones the command phrase for the device, the room disappears...
The group finds themselves in a reception room. The reception room is tastefully decorated with ornate stone benches, tables, and chairs, and it overlooks an enormous circular plaza hosting the Eternal Emporium, a miles-wide expanse of colorful stalls that comprise one of the largest markets in the Great Beyond. From there waft the smells of spices, cooked meat, fresh fruits, and much more, and beings from across the multiverse are visible buying and selling all manner of goods. To the right you can see one of the massive gates leading into Aktun, the center of Axis and domain of Abadar, decorated with gold- and silver-traced murals. Standing atop the wall looms the Lawgiver, Abadar’s herald who takes the form of a fully armored warrior made of gold and steel.
The only other occupant of the room looks like a miniature draft horse, with dark blue metallic skin, golden eyes, and a white star-shaped patch on her forehead. As if that wasn't quite disconcerting enough, the creature begins speaking and you have no difficulty understanding, though there seems to be an accent. "Greetings, holy ones. Welcome to Axis. The Master of the First Vault welcomes you, as do I." She seems to be looking to you as if requesting introductions.
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Lillian steps forwards and gives a bow..
"Lillian Woo is my name, thank you for such a nice welcome! What is your name?"
Lillian is keen to keep the fact she is a kitsune secret, however anyone with trueseeing or a high perception that is actively looking will notice she is indeed a Kitsune. Not sure if it will come up, just wanted to let you know.
I am Quenly, the Jacinth Sage. The dragon is my creation; it serves as my ears and my voice. I thank you for your welcome.
Charisma-based checks.
Enhanced Magic: A spell or spell-like ability with the lawful descriptor functions as if its caster level were 2 higher.
Impeded Magic: To cast a spell or spell-like ability with the chaotic descriptor, a caster must attempt a concentration check (DC = 20 + the level of the spell). If the check fails, the spell does not function but is still lost as a prepared spell or spell slot. If the check succeeds, the spell functions normally.
The creature introduces itself, but seems reticent for some reason to answer other questions. “I am Esfir, member of the 14th Order, 289th Echelon of Abadar’s eternal retinue, and you have arrived at the Guesthouse of the Cage outside of Aktun, the domain of thriceblessed
Abadar.” She seems to be seeking something from you. She seems especially taken aback by Torean's introduction, though appreciative of the respect paid Abadar. "Are you... not followers of Abadar then? This one has said he is not, but surely most of you are?"
No. We were transported here by the power of the Golden City of Tumen, at the will of Keeper Ferqyr, Priest of Abadar in the city of Absalom. As such we are representatives of the Church of Abadar on Golarion. As Torean says, we are here to see Hao Jin.
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I am not a worshiper of Abadar, though I have great respect for him and his following. The Green Faith does not discriminate.
We are actually members of the Pathfinder Society, under contract with the Church of Abadar to use their transportation here, for which we are most grateful. We do need to speak with Hao Jin, as there is some urgent need for her services in attempting to repair her Tapestry. Could you guide us or tell us where she is to be found?
The horse-creature still looks skeptical.
Esfir considers your words and then nods. "If you were sent by the faithful, I suppose they had good reason."
Esfir thinks for a moment. “I have heard that name, though not for some time. Come, we can investigate.” Esfir leads the you to the building’s ground floor and consults a large book while turning pages with an unseen hand. At last she reaches a very old entry and concludes, “Here: Hao Jin, a sorcerer of considerable power arrived 333 years ago, after which there’s no formal record of her having departed. This designation here indicates she received formal reprimand from the Eternal City soon afterward, and the last entry points to her performing research in the Empty Court as a guest of the axiomites.”
Esfir shakes her considerable head. "I can not direct you specifically to the Axiomites in question, but I can lead you to near the Empty Court. We do not know all that goes on, the Empty Court is outside of the Great City."
Esfir guides you into the Eternal Emporium, along several streets, and to a small rotunda where a semicircular wall partially encloses a fountain.
Seven arches in the wall each have a lantern that hangs nearby, with flames that ignite and extinguish for a minute at a time. While the flame burns, creatures periodically walk into the arches and disappear, and while a given flame is out, creatures sometimes step out from that arch. This is one of numerous permanent sets of portals, each of which travels to a distant part of Axis. Esfir makes for the rightmost arch, and a petitioner serving as the rotunda’s custodian briefly tries to warn her about that portal before she waves the petitioner off. She explains that this portal doesn’t see much use anymore, but that it travels to within sight of the Empty Court. Esfir excuses herself and invites you to call on her again should you need directions.
The gateway you used deposited you in a largely abandoned neighborhood. Two axial monitors equipped with golden halberds guard the nearest entrance, and they order you to pause in your approach and explain your intentions for entering the Empty Court.
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Torean's beard itches as they walk through the city. He scratches it, but the itch doesn't seem to go away. The dwarf suddenly realizes that they're being watched. He glances at the others, but opts not to say anything.
Once they pass through the portal and approach the Empty Court, he nods to the guards. "Yes, we are here to consult with Hao Jin on behalf of the Church of Abadar."