Gameplay Thread
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.
Upon arrival, Ferqyr is already waiting at the compound’s main gate flanked by two stern paladins of Abadar. Greetings. I am Keeper Jostlyn Ferqyr. This is for you She hands you an envelope containing a mission briefing along with a small satchel of handwritten documents.
Please follow me this way so that you may begin. She leads you through the gates and into one of the Vault of Abadar’s sub-basements.
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A flying Ulfen man wearing a breastplate and carrying a shield catches up to his fellow pathfinders before interacting with the contacts.
" My name is Ograk, if you accept the Lady’s blessing upon you, I’ll be watching your fate thread and keeping you from the boneyard today. A wizard friend of mine said he needed to attend to his studies, and they needed me to come in his place”
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The small halfling scoops up the note containing the mission briefing. ”Hao Jin alive? I’d have never thought that possible. Oh I’m sure there will be trouble....lots of it, trying to get to her. If you lot listen closely, I’ll guide you through all of this safely,” she smiled wickedly to the collected Pathfinders, her blades gleaming as she speaks.
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As if on cue, a tall elf with dark robes, with his cloak's deep hood cowled on his head, enters the Vault of Abadar and stands absolutely silent.
Occasionally, he turns silently, pacing for a few steps to look out of the cathedral's windows.
After a few moments, he silently nods to Jostlyn Ferqyr and the Pathfinders assembled.
"I am Yanndu of the Dark Archives...I am here on behalf of the Society's leadership with main task to help cataloging any important find we make."
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The steady clanking of armor precedes the arrival of a rather large dog, adorned in chain barding and carrying a portly, stout halfling on her back. The full plate armored halfling drops from his saddle as they reach the gathering of pathfinders at the gate where he removes his gloves to greet the others.
"Pleased to meet you." he says to the new faces with a broad smile. "Pooka Bladespinner at your service. This here is Luna." Pooka looks up from his bow to notice Luna sniffing the air around them.
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These are new people. Familiar smells. Where is Nugats? Luna spins in a circle, momentarily getting distracted by an itch on her hindquarters.
With her rider off of her back, she wanders up to the silent, stoic one. This one smells like paper. He is quiet, I think I like him. There is another smell though... maybe... With a deft slide of her muzzle, Luna's nose slips underneath the bottom hem of Yanndu's robes. Her sniffing picks up as she tries to place the new smell from one in her memory, sounding remarkably similar to a pig's chortle.
Nope, don't know that one.
Doing another lap around the gathered group, Luna's nose suddenly sticks up in the air. Her tail begins to wag so hard the energy wags her entire body. The chain barding she wears begins to clink and clatter in waves. She lets loose a sharp "Woof!" that startles Pooka next to her.
I smell Nugats!
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A gnome with multi colored hair saunters in. Without taking his eyes form the new comers he gives Luna a scratch behind the ear. He tilts his head to the side before approaching Ogark. "I have heard of you." he raps his knuckles on the breastplate making a hollow gong sound. "You say you can keep me from the boneyard? I have been too close too many times. Welcome to the group."
The gnome turns to greet the other two. "Greetings Yanndu and Shel. You are most welcome. Have you any experience in the Tapestry? It really is amazing. It seems that the Society keeps sending me in there. I cannot imagine why. I mean I know that I helped Ambrus Valsin organize his papers ... not my fault he feels things should be organized by letters rather than colors.
"Well regardless, it is good to have you here. So what are we about now?"
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Ograk addresses Nugats, " Yes, Kenath said my task may be difficult... I've never seen a more chaotic fate thread... How you've survived this long truly is a mystery. It must come from your ability to evoke the most powerful magics. "
He addresses the rest of the pathfinders before heading to the mission at hand, " The society seemed to assemble a capable group. I'm sure we'll be able to face whatever comes our way, and catalog it appropriately"
Ograk reads the note and puzzles, " I do not understand how Hao Jin could still be alive. Why would she not have intervened before? This is a startling discovery..."
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"Honestly, there is much in the Tapestry that makes little sense. Creatures with water on their heads, kobolds guarding a library, and rare blooming flowers.
"I feel that the Hao Jin we will find is not the Hao Jin that we think we will find. We should have no expectations so that our preconceived notions do not hinder our ability for flexible thinking.
"Honestly, I do this regularly so it won't be a challenge for me. That statement is more for the rest of you." he glances at the Abadaran guides. "If I may ask, where are you taking us? Axis? Is there equipment we should gather before heading there? Can I see into that vault?"
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Yanndu bows to Pooka silently to acknowledge his greeting. As the dog begins to sniffs under his robes, he does not move, but raise a quizzical eyebrow at its owner.
Relieved to see the gnomish newcomer draw the dog's attention away from him, Yanndu also politely bows to the well-known evoker. "Master Bloguanrnugatsofarmungen, glad to make your acquaintance. Your reputation precedes you and your expertise with this Tapestry will be greatly appreciated. Personally it is my first involvement with the artifact, but I believe I have read all reports and chronicles collected on the subject by the Society. It is a privilege to accompany you in this journey and be your apprentice in matters of the Tapestry."
He then nods to Ograk in thanks upon receiving Pharasma's blessing. "We share a bond with the Mother of Souls. May the Ancestors provide wisdom in this journey, and may the Bones Fall in a Spiral where they may..."
She leads you through several locked and guarded rooms and descends two staircases, and finally unlocks a vault that contains several small stone plinths, each containing a lockbox. Ferqyr unlocks one and carefully lifts out a golden miniature the size of a dinner plate in the shape of a circular city.
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.
She looks meaningfully at each of you.
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"I was told the Master of Spells already secured your assistance, Master of the First Vault. What is the reason behind this extraneous condition? Why are we deemed representatives of the Church of Abadar? I would not dare pretend to know the details of your Church's code of conduct, and I have not full knowledge on the Church's subsidiary organizations. Please explain, as we are here on behalf of the Society on a pressing matter of the utmost importance."
You will be arriving via the gateway known to belong to the Church of Abadar. As you will be arriving using that gateway your actions will reflect upon the Church. I have no knowledge of your planned activities so we simply seek to protect our reputation. You will be entering Abadar's domain after all.
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Yanndu nods, "Very well, Master of the First Vault. Could we please impose once more upon you to provide us with documentation authorizing us with the full use the Golden City of Tumen, as well as a letter granting us right of passage in Axis? if possible, the letter should specify that we are to conduct a search and investigation of the city for the purposes of finding and entering negotiations with Hao Jin, and perhaps also include a note on diplomatic immunity due to the extremely urgent nature of the mission. I would also appreciate a copy of the Church of Abadar's code of conduct, so that I may advise our group appropriately if a situation puts us in a delicate predicament, as is often the case with missions of the Pathfinder Society. It is my intent not to sully your reputation and minimize any collateral damage, as applicable."
The full access to the City of Tumen has already been negotiated between your superiors and mine. As for the other requirements, I believe there will be a representative awaiting your arrival to serve as guide and advisor. She does send an adept to fetch a pamphlet for you on the precepts of Abadar. It is an extremely brief primer on The Order of Numbers.
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I will try to act accordingly... an elf says, seemingly appearing from the shadows.
I apologize for being a bit tardy..I was honing my skills after the last mission. he says as he looks around. His eyes light up when he sees Nugats, Pooka and Luna.
Nice to see some familiar faces...I am Rallas...nice to meet the rest of you. he says, nodding his head in acknowledgement.
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"Will there be cats?" Pooka asks, a serious look on his face and a single eyebrow raised. He glances back at Luna, then to the priest, then back at Luna again. The insinuation that perfect behavior may not be entirely possible if there are distractions...
"I'm kidding." he laughs after a few moments of manufactured tension. "Probably." He winks.
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"Thank you for the... pamphlet... Master of the First Vault. Do we know the name of our contact in Axis? is he or she or they a member of the Church of Abadar as well?"
Shel rolls her eyes at the talk of all the religious stuff. ”Rules schmules...we all know what we are going in for. I figure the rest of you know how to comport yourselves to not embarrass the Society. We will be fine,” she adds.
"Lady Shel, I assure you that these pesky questions are out of a deep concern for our own safety. If you think these preparations are tedious, you are in for a surprise when we are going to be in Axis. I advise patience when we get there and encounter the seat of the multiverse's bureaucracy dedicated to universal law. Documentation provided by the Master of the First Vault here would have gone a long way in protecting us against any legal or administrative burden required by any axiomites or inevitables populating the Eternal City."
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Yanndu relays what he knows about Hao Jin to the others.
"It is rather interesting that Hao Jin, of all places in the Great Beyond, chose Axis as her 'place of retirement'. It perhaps speaks volumes as to what the Perfect City has yet to offer for legendary figures such as Hao Jin... civilization is, for better or worse, a knowledge multiplier, and one such as Axis can perhaps tempt, nay, supply whatever is needed by those privy to such might..."
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Nugats looks at the others. So quick to promise, but do they really know what we are getting ourselves into. Rather have a mission to tickle Asmodeus' goatee.
"Keeper Ferqyr, many thanks for your assistance. Though law is not in my nature, I promise to do everything in my power to uphold your precepts and bring honor to the Society."
The entire time Nugats dry washes his hands as he bounces from foot to foot. He looks at Pooka imploringly for help.
Satisfied that you understand your responsibilities to the church she intones the command phrase for the device and the room disappears transporting you to a tasteful reception room on Axis.
After a few moments in the ether you arrive in the second story reception room of the Guesthouse of the Cage. Located just outside one of the main gates of the city of Aktun, the guesthouse serves as the default landing point for many using magic items sacred to Abadar to reach Axis.
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 occupant of the room besides yourself is a figure who looks like a miniature draft horse, with dark blue metallic skin, golden eyes, and a white star-shaped patch on her forehead.
An orsheval is as intelligent as a typical human and quite familiar with the nature of trade, bargaining, and spotting liars and cheats. Many arrogant mortals have ignored or insulted orshevals, thinking them dumb beasts, only to have the servitors chastise them using truespeech. When dealing with such people, an orsheval might become as stubborn as a true horse, relenting only if the offender apologizes and makes appropriate financial restitution to the church of Abadar.
Most orshevals stand about 4 feet tall and weigh about 700 pounds.
The creature beams at you with a broad horsey smile. Welcome clerics of Abadar.
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(Anything the GM feel would be useful to our mission)
"Thank you, noble Orsheval. We are here as representatives of the Church of Abadar but we are not clerics. I am Yanndu, an elf mortal from a world called Golarion and I am happy to meet you. What is your name?"
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"A pleasure to meet you." Pooka says with a low bow, taking cue from Yanndu that this creature is deserving of respect. He cannot help his own curiosity as well. Being partial to dogs as mounts doesn't preclude him from admiring a magnificent steed when he sees one.
Luna sniffs the air beside her master, taking in the scents to aquainte herself with their new location.
"I wonder, where in this impressive and mighty city might we begin our search for the Ruby Phoenix?" Pooka breaks from his admiration of the creature to wonder aloud to his companions.
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Nugat beams at the horse. He stops himself as he unconsciously was approaching the steed. His natural curiosity screamed at him to look at the horses' teeth, but his mission edicts loomed large in his mind. He recognized the orsheval from his tutelage at the Acadame.
"Hello friend orsheval. I am Nugats. Why is Axis circular? I would have thought it would have been square with intersecting lines at 90 degrees, and equidistant spacing. Or is it Axis like the spoke of a wheel? That seems a bit to on the nose for people so literal. If so are there concentric circles like layers? I know that Hel .... um other realms have layers. Not much of an urban planner myself." he clears his throat as his stream of conscious comes to an end.
"Bit parched, mind if I take a swallow?" he pulls a skin off his belt and takes a pull.
Oh, you are not clerics. This is a little irregular. Only clerics or those who are on the Church's business should be able to use the portal. You did say you are on official business though so... I suppose it is acceptable. My name is Esfir.
Esfir thinks for a moment. I have heard that name, though not for some time. Come, we can investigate.
Esfir leads you to the building’s ground floor and consults a large book while turning pages with mage 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.
The book having been consulted she turns her attention to Nugats. The shape of Axis is as it is meant to be, otherwise why would it be so?
Of course. Please follow me this way She leads you 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.
Esfir makes for the rightmost arch. Someone looking official approaches her speaking softly. Have a care. That arch is not for just anybody.
Esfir turns to you. That arch does not see much use at all anymore. It will take you to within sight of the Empty Court. I will excuse myself now and wish you luck. Should you need any further assistance from me please call upon me.
Rallas looks at the arch and nothing pops out. The lantern just flickers away in its on/off pattern.
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Striding to the gate on Luna's back, Pooka's head swivels this way and that, taking in the scenery. He nods his head at the cleverness of the gates on the lantern flames acting as entry and exit through the arches.
"I've noticed how the blinking of the lanterns seems to indicate entry or exit through the arches..." Pooka offers, somewhat oblivious to his unhelpfulness in the situation.