Each of the Pathfinders wakes up in the middle of the night. The moon says it's about third watch; the pounding on the bedroom door says it's an emergency.
Venture-Captain Drandle Drang needs your help right now. As in, right now.
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Even in the relative peace of Absalom (or perhaps because of it), Nali instantly goes from deep asleep to fully aware in a moment, spear out and pointed at the door before the page can begin speaking through the door. Only upon hearing the message does the huntress relax her stance. After a moment of thought to parse the message, she replies curtly, "Understand. Will be ready for emergency swiftly. Go call on others."
True to her word, Nali stalks into V-C Drang's office less then two minutes after her rude awakening. She's a somewhat dark-skinned half-elf with a slightly unnerving gaze, almost like a jungle cat. She has leopard spot tattoos on her forehead and around her eyes that further this comparision, with her shoulder-length black hair hiding exactly how far back they go. In sharp contrast, the intentionally dulled chain shirt and the hip quiver seems much too well-crafted to be anything but a recent purchase, though the backpack are older, but much-loved.
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The odd little gnome lies fast asleep, albeit with his eyes wide open so that he holds the plain expression that his companions have grown used to over so many missions. After several moments of knocking his body shakes violently back to consciousness. He takes stock of his surroundings and stalks over to the door to softly reply.
Coming, momentarily. Only five minutes.
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Later at the VC's office...
A small gnome with wild, stark-white hair and a very youthful face enters the room. He holds a very stoic expression as he speaks, his face never matching any emotion that would match the words. However, when he talks you do sometimes get a hint of warmth, empathy, or other emotion. Further, at this hour, he does not even look like a sleepy agent who was awoken too early.
He turns and greets the half-elf. Hello Nali. I suppose one never gets very much time off before the next assignment comes calling.
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Goran springs out of bed.Yes, sir... He grabs his pack and armour and bolts to the meeting area. His shirt shows the edge of an intricate tattoo/brand on his chest. It outlines the symbol of Sarenrae. He quickly puts on his gear and readies himself for what ever is needed.
Nice to meet you two. I am Goran...any idea what we're doing here? he asks, all the while looking for some hot coffee or tea to shake the cobwebs out of his head.
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An older, bearded man thrashes in a tangle of his blanket at the pounding on the door. "Quiet, you fool!" He barks without comprehending the summons first. As the words sink in, he blinks and growls. "Emergency? Right. I'll be there." Finally, he rises.
The knight limps into the room behind the others, stifling a yawn. His breastplate is unadorned, but his bow bears the symbol of Sarenrae. The man looks disheveled from the early wake up and his breath still stinks of wine from the night before. His Wayang earring chain jingles lightly as he wipes his face with his hand. "Gods, does anyone have the hour? What is going on?"
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Eldon gets the message.
Short later, the bald elf is standing equipped with his light armor and keen rapier in front of Venture-Captain Drandle Drang's office door with the other Pathfinders.
Observing Hayden's mouth opening, he yawns too "No idea what is going on. I hope it involves a fresh breakfast with fresh cheese and bread"
Getting a closer look at the others he smiles "Good, so three of the pointed ears and two Sarenrae faithfuls. Should we assume the mission involves some travel to a Healing Flame monastery currently guarded by elves?"
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Venture-Captain Drandle Drang looks tired as he calls everyone into his chambers in the Grand Lodge. “I’m sorry to call you in on such short notice and on such a dark night, but a friend of the Society needs your help immediately.” From an adjoining chamber, an elegantly dressed woman of middle age with olive skin and long, straight black hair and piercing eyes steps into the room. “Allow me to introduce to you Hamaria Blakros, of the esteemed Blakros family, whose name I’m sure you all know.”
Hamaria sits at Dreng’s side, smooths her satin dress over her knees, and speaks in a clear though pained voice. “I’m afraid my forebears made a terrible mistake, and I need you to help remedy the situation. When the Blakroses were first gaining a financial and social foothold centuries ago, my ancestors made a pact called the Penumbral Accords with a strange organization on the Shadow Plane called the Onyx Alliance, which granted us trade routes through its dark realm to avoid unpleasant searches, tariffs, and questions among the many parties with whom we traded. At the time, this was an invaluable service, but as our wealth and influence grew, the benefits became less pronounced. Now, almost five centuries later, we no longer want to pay the ongoing price of this agreement. Since that time, we’ve been providing a steady stream of slaves to the Onyx Alliance... including the eldest of our daughters each generation. This year we have two eldest daughters—my twins Eleanir and Michellia—and I refuse to let them be taken!"
“But we can’t actively break the Penumbral Accords ourselves. We don’t know all the details other than our end of the bargain, which requires us to deliver slaves to our very own Blakros Museum on the night of each new moon—and to deliver the eldest Blakros daughter of each generation on the new moon after her 21st birthday. We are told to stay away until dawn, and have honored this command thus far. In every instance for generations, we’ve returned to find no sign of the slaves or our own heirs left in the building. They’ve got some device that lets them take our daughters to their plane, something that only functions one night a month, and only until dawn. That night is tonight, and my Eleanir and Michellia are already there! I need you to get in before the sun rises and deactivate or destroy whatever allows them to keep stealing our people. If that prevents them from ever threatening us and holding the Penumbral Accords over our heads again, even better.”
Dreng leans forward. “You understand, I’m sure, how valuable our relationship with the Blakros family is to the Decemvirate. Their assets at the museum are immense, and assisting the Lady Hamaria tonight will go along way to ensuring that both her family and our organization can form a long-lasting alliance that will benefit all parties.” He glances at Hamaria, who nods once in agreement. “Hurry to Blakros Museum, friends. There isn’t much time!”
"Any questions?"
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Hayden sucks in his breath as Hamaria is introduced. The Blackros family was famed, but also had a reputation not to be trifled with. That sentiment only grew as she explained the issue. "Your family sold their daughters, and others, as slaves to gain safe passage through the Shadow Plane?!" He tries to tamp down the righteous indignation, but doesn't do a very good job.
"And now the payment has come to you and you're looking to get out of the deal. Some might say that this is the agreement your family bargained for." He sighs. "But leaving a pair of girls to be sold into slavery, no matter what their family has done is...unthinkable." He stares at Hamaria for a few more moments.
"Very well. I'm ready to go."
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Arin is thinking what Hayden says, but thinks better of making obvious observations about the Blackros family's ethical transactions. He does, however, offer a question whose answer may not reflect well on the good lady.
Remaining stoic and unmoved in apparent expression, he asks Aside from your twin daughters' birthday, what has changes now? Or rather, why was this issue not urgent before now? Perhaps we could have observed the working of this device at the changing of the last moon when...
He trails off, choosing to not directly reference the transfer of slaves, generally abhorring this practice.
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"They could have planned this ahead of time, don't you think? I mean... they had 21 years to solve this, no need to wake up us this early in the night, and with no breakfast..." Eldon scratches his bald head "Ok good Lady. We will see this done. Better to owe a favor (or two) to the Pathfinder Society than the Onyx Alliance, isn't it?" the elf smiles while he thinks whose sister was scarified on Hamira's generation.
"We should have into account that the Blakros Museum was originally the stronghold of an eccentric wizard during the early days of Absalom" the elf instructs his friends on Absalom's history "The wizard, a mad astrologer named Ralzeros the Overwatched, built what is now the Blakros Museum thousands of years ago as an observatory to study distant worlds and even other planes of existence (and some say, to be studied by them). He later disappeared following a mage-duel with another of Absalom’s early wizards"
"Are there any pieces of the museum that have been always there? or have all of them been in an out at some points? It would be important to know so we have a suspicious candidate on what artifact might be behind the planar connection"
Hamaria exudes both an aura of contrition and an aura of haughtiness, reflecting her inner turmoil.
"This was not a deal of my own choosing. It was chosen for us centuries ago. And yes, I've had 21 years to prepare - actually, I've had closer to 30, after saying farewell to my older sister - but no amount of preparation can ready a mother for this. I've said goodbye to my children and now I've changed my mind. Please help me!"
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Xiao Jr. is a small Halfling with features that show his Tian origin.
He has a buckler in his hand and wears a custom-fit chain shirt suit that looks like it has been recently oiled.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Chaldira Zuzaristan is visible.
Xiao Jr. is sitting on a military saddle on top of a riding dog that looks like a mixture of a black wolfhound and a mastiff.
It is clear that this dog can fight while carrying a rider and Xiao Jr is in control.
On Xiao Jr.'s shoulder you see a flying bat that has dark black fur which in some areas has a brown coloring.
Xiao Jr, his riding dog 'Pars' and his flying bat familiar 'Khafaash' enter and you see that Xiao Jr beaming.
He turns to all of you with his white teeth and broad smile. He gets down from his riding dog and looks at you.
"Khafaash, Pars and I are here to support you and bring luck into your lives ... if destiny allows!" Xiao Jr. says to the team with a confident smile.
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After listening to lady Blakros, Xiao Jr is clearly disturbed.
"Sorry but you send slaves to this other shadow realm every year?! And that was totally ok for you but the only reason you want us to interfere is because now it affecs your daughters?!" he asks with an accusing tone.
"Did you ever think about the slaves that you sent away to whereever? They had families, too! I am telling you lady: I am helping these people and your daughters but not you!" he says and slowly gets back on his riding horse.
"Tell us about your daughters. How do they look and what do they know? And give us the plans to this damn museum!"
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While Nali's face shows agreement with Xiao's rather intense outburst once she pieces together what he said, she keeps her thoughts on that matter to herself. Instead, she turns to the Blakros matriarch.
"Know little of Onyx Alliance... Tell more? If hunt is for Alliance, then prey must be discussed, " she says matter-of-factly, if a little cold. "Maybe Accords give a clue?"
Hamaria describes to the best of her recollection, but it's outside the scope of your mission. Your goal is to prevent the current sacrifice from being taken.
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"Regretfully slavery is a legal thing in Absalom Arin" Eldon tries to calm down things so the mission is not derailed "Once we find your daughters how do we convince them not to sacrifice themselves? Can you give us something that proofs it is your will for this to be done? Also, can you give us the keys of the museum so we do not have to break in like vulgar burglars?"
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Xiao prepares himself by concentrating and feeling the streams of luck in the multiverse.
"I can see parts of your future. I can feel the chances influencing your actions. I ... I cannot explain it but Chaldira has gifted me with abilities that can serve this group in times of peril. And can provide a Calamitous Turn if necessary!" he says with a grin.
"Let us go!"
Once we find your daughters how do we convince them not to sacrifice themselves? Can you give us something that proofs it is your will for this to be done? Also, can you give us the keys of the museum so we do not have to break in like vulgar burglars?"
"You will not need to convince them to leave. It was not easy to convince them to go in the first place."
Hamaria hands you some keys.
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Great pillars of hewn black stone support the vaulted ceiling of the Blakros Museum’s grand entryway, visible through its wide, double doors. Braziers mounted on the pillars cast white radiance from balls of continual light. A fossilized dinosaur skeleton occupies the northwest corner of the room.
Upon crossing the threshold, the air ripples and all visible surfaces shimmer as if they were momentarily composed of still, reflective liquid. As soon as the effect manifests, the strange sensation ends, leaving thick shadows covering all surfaces. The white light of the braziers glows an arcane shade of blue, illuminating the shadowy form of a different skeleton that overlays the more solid dinosaur from moments ago.
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Before going in, Eldon takes his shield wand and spends a charge to enhance his protections for a short time "Ready"
The elf takes the lead, trying to discern enemies and traps among the strange shadows "The last time I was here, the mists in this place turned our druid's cat crazy and almost killed all of us..."
Eldon casts danzing lights and sends them forward towards the strange skeleton shadow.
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The knight casts light on his bow as they approach the museum. He watches Eldon take the lead. "Here, my friend. The Dawnflower's blessing is upon you. As long as I draw breath, you cannot die." He whispers a prayer. The elf suddenly feels a confidence that Hayden is right. He can't die.
As you shuffle into the museum, each Pathfinder feels a little pull, as if they were sucked into being two places at once.
A shadowy plaque on the southeast column declares the Shadow Plane version of the building to be “Wightir House, Experimental Laboratory of Onyx Alliance, Authorized by Order of Argrinyxia, the Shifting Lady of Ebony Scales.”
Like its Blakros counterpart, the atrium of Wightir House is a grand spectacle where visitors to the building get their first glimpse at the strange curios found within.
One curios is curious right back! Arin and Eldon notice one of the skeletons is animate.
Round 1!
Nali
Xiao
Arin
Eldon
Dragon skeleton
Hayden
Goran
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"Thanks mates!" reinforced by Sir Hayden and Goran Eldon opens up into the museum.
"Mmm... I think this is a convergence of the Material Plane and the Shadow Plane" the elf comments while he notices something strange on one of the skeletons. He tries identify what type of undead it is exactly "There! The skeleton!"
The elf darts forward trying to skewer the creature before it starts to move and becomes a more difficult target, loading his rapier with arcane magic as he does so.
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Nali draws her good bow from her quiver, before slowly stepping into the museum. For a moment, she debates trying to hide in the shadows, but decides better of it, and fishes out a ioun torch to let float around her. As she slinks into the entryway, her eyes immediately go to the skeleton to give a once over, just in case.
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As the little gnome enters the museum, hears Eldon state what he's also just realized.
Indeed it is Eldon. It seems it has already begun.
He turns his head and scans the room, quickly spotting the skeleton.
Let's see what a positive energy burst does here in this shadowy place.
He steps forward and looks back at his companions.
Prepare for a violent reaction.
Eldon races up and stabs the skeleton. He makes a solid hit, but the point of his rapier scrapes the bones and it doesn't feel like it does as much damage as expected.
Nali looks at the skeleton and notes it appears to be the animated skeleton of a young copper dragon. It shares certain resistances with most other undead creatures, as well as having resistances to edged and pointed weapons. It has no special attacks or weaknesses.
Arin unleashes a torrent of positive energy but the skeleton appears to shrug off part of it.
Xiao blesses the party.
The skeleton rears up and unleashes a full attack at Eldon!
Round 1/2!
Nali
Xiao
Arin
Eldon (-19 hp)
Dragon skeleton (-14 hp)
Hayden
Goran
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Let's see what a positive energy burst does here in this shadowy place.
The little gnome frowns that his last energy burst had so little effect. He glides around behind Eldon and tries again. The party is surprised to hear a distasteful, guttural voice come from the little gnome as he channels outward from his form.
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Eldon manages to dodge most of the skeleton attacks, but the mouth cracks his right shoulder and one of the claws scrap him at the chest "Ouch"
Fortunately Sir Hyden life's link closes up some of the wounds.
The elf clicks the heels of his daredevil boots and boldly tumbles around the skeleton trying to find a flank.
Setting himself in position, Eldon tries to look for a weak spot on the undead defenses "Let's bring down this undead monstrosity Goran!"
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Nali scowls faintly upon seeing the skeleton move. In an almost monotone, she states, "Bludgeon over slash or Pierce. Not special after that." Swiftly, she moves her hand from her regular arrows to a subset in her hip quiver, and draws an arrow with a stone sphere for an arrowhead. With a brief inhale, she fires the arrow, draws a second and launches it as well, all before she exhales.
Xiao inspires courage.
Goran swings at the skeleton, but the skeleton is spry and dodges.
Arin channels, and the skeleton howls with pain. But about half pain.
Eldon tries to tumble past the skeleton, but the skeleton snaps at him with its jaws.
... but manages to get nothing but air.
Eldon stabs with his rapier, but thrusts right in between two ribs, and misses!
Hayden replenishes Eldon a little, and then fires a blunt arrow, which bounces off the skeleton harmlessly.
Nali fires two arrows at the skeleton, both appearing to strike true. But at the last second, one is swatted away with a bony wing, leaving only one to rattle the skeleton.
The dragon steps to follow Eldon, like a simple-minded animal chasing a toy.
Round 2/3!
Nali
Xiao
Arin
Eldon (-14 hp)
Dragon skeleton (-34 hp)
Hayden (-5 hp)
Goran
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Eldon breathes relieved as he manages to dodge the aggressive counterattack of the dragon skeleton, his wounds quickly closing thanks to Sir Hayden "I mark you as my catch dragon!" with a fancy gesture the elf casts arcane mark and delivers it with the spellstrike of his blade and spell combat to still have an extra bounce attack.
As the blade strikes true in the bones, the elf leaves his personal signature E letter magically imprinted on the white matter. Eldon smiles cockily "Beautiful!"
He then steps back disengaging from combat, to make the job easier for untrained ranged combatants.
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Nali sends two arrows flying. The skeleton used to be an adventurer, but then it took an arrow to the knee.
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The main corridor has two doors.
A sign over the left door bearing bright lettering reads “Treasures of Distant Goka,” while a shadowy sign occupying the same space reads in dark, block letters “Cold Storage—Perishable Specimens Only.”
A large placard above the right entryway reads “The Evolution of Dragonkind” in bright, elaborate script while a shadowy sign next to the door describes the room as “Pain Laboratory—Tests in Progress.”
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After a few more seconds, most of Eldon's wounds have closed, leaving him with only bruises or scratches. Hayden takes a ragged breath and spits blood. He smiles at the elf, blood trickling down his mouth. "The Dawnflower's blesses you!" He pulls out a healing wand and uses it on himself a few times, then once on Eldon.
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He first approaches and envelopes Hayden, who is surprised to feel no pain from the flames.
Once the flames depart Hayden's body it's apparent that all of his wounds have closed up. The healing fire elemental then approaches and envelopes Eldon.
The little gnome suddenly halts and remembers something that he needs to explain to the party.
Apologies if I offended with that horrible language during battle. My mysterious divine gifts come with the curse of tongues. I can only speak and understand Abyssal or Celestial in the heat of battle.