An urgent message has come for you to attend a mission briefing in the Grand Lodge. In the hallway outside of the briefing room, you see other Pathfinders assembling for the mission.
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Taarik is a massive Ifrit. His hair is blazing and burning so that he almost warms his surroundings.
He has a greatsword and a bardiche on his back, a light flail at his side and a heavy shield on his back.
He wears a fullplate that looks like it has seen battle recently.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Irori is visible.
* * *
Taarik is pleased that he is at the Grand Lodge ... such a place of knowledge.
He himself does not understand much about that kind of thing but Irori represents this part of life and he hopes to learn at some point.
"I am not late and I have come to aid. Hmm … that even rhymed!” he says a little confused about his own statement.
"Ehh, I am Taariik."
A compact but energetic young woman strides into the room. She smiles as the adventuring party begins to assemble.
"Another scrambled meeting I see. I wonder what surprises they have in store for us today?"
“Rachikan has been discovered!” exclaims Venture-Captain Adril Hestram as he peers up from a collection of ragged maps, dusty tomes, and tarnished coins from behind a massive desk within the Grand Lodge in the heart of Absalom.
His excitement quickly fades and Adril gestures toward an elderly man sitting by the hearth. “May I introduce a former Pathfinder and respected friend, Benton Grone. This gentleman has suffered a great loss to bring a grand discovery to us and he has agreed to trade all rights to his claim of locating lost Rachikan in return for locating his missing nephew. Go with him and make haste; he has agreed to guide you to the Pillars of Anferita in Cheliax.”
Seven days at sea end at a view of the Pillars of Anferita bursting from the Chelaxian coastline, waves crashing against their rocky flanks. The central pillar’s curves, flora, and shape are perfectly represented on the discolored Jistka coins Adril sent along with the expedition. As sailors from the hired vessel row toward the central column, a second rowboat in tow, Benton Grone breaks his silence.
“It’s got to be here; the coin says so. Look at the picture on the back: A temple-foundry high atop this pillar awaits to be discovered. If old Rachikan of the Jistka Imperium is inside, then my nephew must reside there as well. Please hurry--find my poor Eldis.”
As the sailors row away from the pillars, taking Benton Grone with them but leaving behind a rowboat to return to the waiting ship, the waves slowly begin to push higher up the rocky harbor, signaling the beginnings of high tide.
An unguarded, well-maintained rope stretches up the cliff, beckoning to the plateau high above.
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“Rachikan has been discovered!” exclaims Venture-Captain Adril Hestram ....
“RACHIKAN HAS BEEN DISCOVERED! ASTOUNDING! THIS IS WONDERFUL!” exclaims Abaal bounding to his feet. The tall, lean, desert wanderer from Katapesh, with the huge black-metal falchion upon his back looks genuinely excited at the news, but then:
"I have a question: What is 'Rachikan' exactly?"
Standing at the base of the cliff, Abaal's mind drifts back to that hurried briefing in Venture-Captain Adril Hestram's office. He can still remember the veritable bear of a man laughing heartily at the question. "Why, a legendary lost city of the Jistka Imperium--one of the greatest empires of antiquity, right up there with Thassilon and the Shory!"
1. A member of the Pathfinder society spent several ancient coins from the Jistka Imperium recently in a
town called Macini in southwestern Cheliax along the Inner Sea coast. He claimed to have found lost treasure and has since disappeared.
2.Recently, large purchases of mining equipment have been shipped from several cities in Cheliax to the Pillars of Anferita.
3.A beautiful woman made a large purchase of slaves from a desert slaver near the Arch of Aroden—she indicated they were heading to a dig site in the Pillars of Anferita.
4. A feared and respected man named Haliduris Karn is the man behind the recent slave and mining equipment purchases and it’s rumored that the Aspis Consortium funds his every move.
During the briefing Enora's eyes glaze over for a moment as she attempts to peer through time to determine more about the ancient Jistka Imperium.
She looks momentarily annoyed as all she seems to be able to see is a local tavern of little import. She shrugs and focuses on her studies as opposed to divination magic which is by its very nature fickle.
@GM Jhaeman - What time of day do we arrive at the adventure site? Enora can make use of some of her longer lasting spells and the Extend Rod to have some buffs still up from the night before. Her Quick Study exploit will make switching out her spell slots before bed time quite easy.
Well, that is indeed a great find. Untold artifacts and knowledge could be discovered...stunning! Kyra adds enthusiastically.
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"So guys, this is not a tomb robbing!! Very important! This is about finding a person that has gone missing!" he says a little agitated.
He takes out his notebook.
"I was able to hastily gather a few scattered bits of intel that seemed relevant before boarding the ship.
1. A member of the Pathfinder society spent several ancient coins from the Jistka Imperium recently in a town called Macini in southwestern Cheliax along the Inner Sea coast. He claimed to have found lost treasure and has since disappeared.
2.Recently, large purchases of mining equipment have been shipped from several cities in Cheliax to the Pillars of Anferita.
3.A beautiful woman made a large purchase of slaves from a desert slaver near the Arch of Aroden—she indicated they were heading to a dig site in the Pillars of Anferita.
4. A feared and respected man named Haliduris Karn is the man behind the recent slave and mining equipment purchases and it’s rumored that the Aspis Consortium funds his every move." he explains with very a slow reading speed.
"So we should visit Haliduris Karn first!" Taariik says.
All spells were cast at around 11 PM last night allowing for a good night sleep and full restoration of all abilities.
Endure Elements (24 hours)
Ant Haul (18 hours with Potent Magic +2 CL)
Now the interaction with Enora's bonded staff and her extend rod is not good so she will need to make a concentration check to cast any spell without her staff in hand (20+SL). This complication is hand-waived on her character sheet for brevity I think and to not confuse beginning players. This character is complex enough. She can use her Prescience ability to cheat around it however as she does know the result of the Prescience at the beginning of her turn.
With these rolls she will have no problem using the extend rod with three spells.
False Life (15 temp hit points, 18 hours)
Dark Vision (18 hours)
Mage Armor (18 hours)
Enora is quick to notice the obvious zealotry displayed by the paladin's words. She prefers to take a more balanced approach.
"I am sure that more than one thing can be true at a time. There can be a rescue as well as an enrichment of knowledge and treasure."
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"So guys, this is not a tomb robbing!! Very important! This is about finding a person that has gone missing!" he says a little agitated.
He takes out his notebook.
"I was able to hastily gather a few scattered bits of intel that seemed relevant before boarding the ship.
1. A member of the Pathfinder society spent several ancient coins from the Jistka Imperium recently in a town called Macini in southwestern Cheliax along the Inner Sea coast. He claimed to have found lost treasure and has since disappeared.
2.Recently, large purchases of mining equipment have been shipped from several cities in Cheliax to the Pillars of Anferita.
3.A beautiful woman made a large purchase of slaves from a desert slaver near the Arch of Aroden—she indicated they were heading to a dig site in the Pillars of Anferita.
4. A feared and respected man named Haliduris Karn is the man behind the recent slave and mining equipment purchases and it’s rumored that the Aspis Consortium funds his every move." he explains with very a slow reading speed."So we should visit Haliduris Karn first!" Taariik says.
"Amazing, Taarik! And to think that people say you are bit slow." says Abaal to the looming ifrit. He looks the ifrit over again in new-found admiration, laughs, and slaps him on the shoulder.
"Well then, we have a trail. Let us follow it."
We should take detailed notes...even sketches or rubbings of anything of note...in case we can't provide physical evidence to the Society...
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We should take detailed notes...even sketches or rubbings of anything of note...in case we can't provide physical evidence to the Society...
"Wisely spoken." says Abaal bowing to the clergy woman, "Matron, how should we address you? May I call you Grimmd Ogs Eventeethreez for short or should we use some other title. I was once acquainted with another member of your order named Sister Veri Similartakyra."
Kyra works fine for this situation. In a more formal setting, Sister is always amenable...there are other titles and such...but as long as the intent behind the address is respectful, I am fine with it. When stuff is happening, it might be hard to say Sister Kyra, servant of the Dawnflower and Blade of Mercy... the priestess chuckles.
@GM Jhaeman - How high a climb is it? I am always a little suspicious about a provided rope. :)
Enora examines the rope doing some quick mental calculations about how much weight she thinks it can support considering its current condition. She also looks at the rock face trying to determine how difficult a climb it should be.
(Take 10 on K-Engineering is 20)
"It always seems that some sort of emergency breaks out when you need to climb something. So be prepared!"
With those words she chews down a Blood Boiling Pill and casts a spell to prepare for possible immediate conflict (Heightened Awareness).
@GM Jhaeman - She will expend Heightened Awareness to boost her initiative at the first opportunity. She needs all the help she can get in this respect. The initiative bonus for the Blood Boiling Pill and Heightened Awareness are included in her introductory line now.
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"It always seems that some sort of emergency breaks out when you need to climb something. So be prepared!"
"Hmm. Our competition will have need of such conveyance up the cliff-face, but it is suspicious that it was left down unless they are expecting company...."
He looks around for signs of tracks or movement.
Abaal produces an old-fashioned wayfinder from his robes. He opens it in the direction of the rope.
Enora smiles at the gnome.
"I can come up right behind you if you like. It looks like an easy climb to me and the pair of us must weight less than one of the others. Possibly a lot less."
I can bring up the rear...perhaps someone can just pull me up...climbing was not in the curriculum at the abbey...
As you discuss the matter, the chirping and barking of gulls, seals, and other wildlife can be heard in the distance. Salty air assaults the senses, burning your nostrils on each deep inhalation.
The cliff looks to be about 200' feet high, but would be easy to climb with the rope. Even without it, a decent rock-climber could scale it reasonably well due to the plentiful handholds and ledges.
High above, the top of the cliff can be seen cresting to what must be a great plateau.
Enora winks at the gnome playfully.
"Sounds like a plan Ehm. If something goes wrong I can fly the both of us up there in a jiffy."
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Abaal stands well to the side as close to 300 pounds of metal-encased ifrit ascends... slowly....
...
...
...
Very slowly...
...
...
Since Taariik is only a few feet off the ground Abaal reaches out a hand and aids him.
"Remember Taariik, find your footing first, and then pull upward. We are right behind you, and perhaps a little to one side. Oh and try to be quiet. We don't want the foe to know that we are here yet. Good luck. We are all counting on you."
Seeing that this might take some time Abaal makes himself some lunch. "Did anyone bring mustard?"
Taarik begins climbing the rope. Even in armor, the ifrit makes steady progress. But suddenly, when he's about a hundred feet off the ground, a woman jumps off the top of the cliff before black wings unfurl from her back and she begins to glide closer!
Initiative (Round 1)
Taarik
Abaal
Ehm
Enora
Kyra
Flying Woman
Bold should go!
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"Well, you don't see one of those every day." says the swordsman looking skyward. "Whatever it is, it is well out of range of my sling"
Even still Abaal grabs, loads, and readies it.
Well, that makes this choice easy... Kyra says as she mumbles a brief prayer to Sarenrae and she starts to walk on air.
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Well, at least he ain't got rocks bouncin offin his noggin.
Ehm quickly chugs an extract and launches into the air readying his pistol.
To the group Ehm yells, Tis a Fury deevil. They likes to pin cushion people wit arrows and make em fall. I dinna Ken much aboot this un, but tha deevils last spring could na be burned an be wantin silver ta kill em.
Enora attempts to glimpse into the future for possible insights but again comes up a little short. She looks at the creature trying to quickly identify it.
"Right I know about these devils. They are resistant to magic and are great archers as well. Fantastic."
"Keep your shirt on Taariik. We are on the job."
With that thought Enora shields herself magically (Arcane Barrier). She then draws her staff and runs underneath Ehm. She casts a spell that quickens the party's reactions (Haste).
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"Can you just paralyze it or something guys?!"
"Yes. It will only require me being close enough to snap its neck!" calls back Abaal matter-of-factly.
"Keep your shirt on Taariik. We are on the job."
"For myself, I can attest that it is a fine shirt." Abaal says not grasping the halfling's foreign idiom. Suddenly inspired, and hoping to instill confidence in his bedeviled companion he shouts upward.