PFS 1e - # 8-12 Tyranny of Winds, Part 3: Caught in the Eclipse (Inactive)

Game Master MauveAvengr

Kamishah speaks a few arcane words as his hands slowly light up in flames!

Willard lets out a loud yell. The elemental holds its ears as it slowly loses itself to a daze.

Maud, angry over the outburst of this elemental, slams her fists deep in the creature's side. With two solid hits, the creature is very hurt!

Yulau pops of an arcane missile that hits the elemental directly!

Then Liora pops off a snowball that hits the creature! Though the snowball hits the elemental right on the head, it's not as effective as she thought.

Cevrik casts a spell, shielding his companion. Then Dumplington steps forward. However, the companion can't seem to get past the windy man.

Then Elsharon slides through the earth to the other side of the elemental. She pops up and slams her fists into his side.

Elsharon Slam: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Which is enough to kill the air elemental!

Just then, two more (much smaller and weaker looking) air elementals pop into existence, coming to assist the (now dead) elemental.

They both focus their attention on Maud!

Only one solidly hits the oread! The other screams in her ear, but can't seem to hit Maud

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[u]Round 1[/u]

Air Elemental

Yulau (12/12 hp)
Maud (13/21 hp)
Liora (16/16 hp)
Cevrik (12/12 hp)
Mr. Dumplington (20/21 hp)

Elsharon

Willard (8/10 hp)
Kamishah (27/27 hp)

Pink
Blue

Everyone is up!

With the original foe gone, Kamishah turns and pushes the burning flame into the new arrival.

Melee Touch on Blue: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Fire Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Yulau kept firing magic Missiles, this time at blue enemy.

Damage 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

"Hey! Leave Maud alone!" Liora fumes as the two new arrivals also seem to focus their ire on her oread companion. She takes a step back, drawing her sling as she does. The sylph then loads a sling bullet into it and takes aim at Pink...

Attack vs. Pink (Sling; Into Melee): 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 4 = 12
Damage (Bludgeoning): 1d4 ⇒ 4

"Please do not force us to destroy you! Surely, the two tribes can learn from each other's strengths? What if Elsharon is right, and we ARE the Prophets foretold?"

Since the big threatening air elemental is down, Maud will pull her punches a bit with the weaker ones - she would rather not to genocide a whole tribe and doesn't know how many members they have.
FOB Unarmed Strike #1 attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 (nonlethal)
FOB unarmed strike #1 damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
FOB Unarmed Strike #2 attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 (nonlethal)
FOB unarmed strike #2 regular damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
FOB Unarmed Strike #2 attack CRIT CONFIRM?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
FOB unarmed strike #2 CRIT damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
So 14 damage to blue, unless the first hit finishes it off, then 7 each.

Between Kamishah's burning flame and Yulau's arcane missile, one air elemental goes down!

Liora, though possessing some air elemental heritage, loads a sling and flings it at the remaining air elemental. Unfortunately, it's too agile and quickly dodges out of the bullet... but lands right in the way of Maud's fists. The oread punches the air elemental out as it crashes down to the floor.

Combat is over. Only one air elemental is left, but it's unconscious. What do you do with it?

Elsharon nods at the others. "Job well done. The Ainsi have been a thorn in our side, but this wont stop them.". She waits as the Pathfinders decide to do with the last remaining elemental.

"When you're done, I can take you to the leader of the Goanron Triumvirate: Ini-Kherit."

Willard looks around excitedly, and then realizes the elemental threat has passed!

Looking at the fallen elemental, Kamishah sniffs loudly and walks away.

"Nnnnn...we should just let him go," Liora finally sighs, exhaling as the adrenaline of battle quickly leaves her. "Or, well, leave him here to sleep it off, I guess. We'll be long gone before he wakes up anyway, right?"

She looks to Elsharon for confirmation.

Cevrik casts stabilize on the fallen air elemental and nods to himself as he says, "It is always best to show mercy when you can."

Maud will offer to carry and drop off the unconscious elemental halfway between the tribal camps, a a gesture of goodwill... or something.

Unless someone... finishes it off before she can get to it.

The group decides to show mercy to the remaining air elemental. Elsharon nods in approval.

Elsharon then escorts the Pathfinders to her leader: Ini-Kherit. After a short wait, the leader holds a private audience with the Pathfinders. "Jamilia did indeed pass through the region. She spoke with the tribe.". Ini-Kherit pauses. "But we do not know her current location. We do know she is no longer on the Material Plane and likely traveled to one of the elemental planes.". He starts to pace the room. "She has allies. A group known as the Concordance of Elements, which no doubt had a hand in the janni's thefts."

Ini-Kherit realizes quickly that you are not the prophets. "But we can provide you with helpful information on Jamilia's path through the desert.". He hands over a ring of sustenance in addition to reports of her route..

------------

Upon returning to the Sandswept Halls, Venture Captain Balentiir is eager to hear your report. "What did you find! Tell me, tell me!". He listens in enthusiastically. "Amazing! Congrats on your discoveries.". He does not seem bothered that you did not catch Jamila but believes the information you received from Ini-Kherit is very valuable.

Feel free to roleplay here! Scenario is officially over now!
Congrats on your success!

"Well...that was certainly a trip," Liora remarks after it's all said and done and they've given VC Balentiir their report. "It's not every day that you get mistaken for a prophet, after all!"

"I guess you could say this trip was very...prophet-able," Cevrik says, then begins quietly laughing at his own joke.

"She has allies. A group known as the Concordance of Elements, which no doubt had a hand in the janni's thefts."[/ooc]

Not sure when the Concordance officially became a faction - was it the start of Season 9? Several of you are members of the Concordance...

That looks correct according to this blog. Kamishah just isn't much for chains of command and doesn't bring it up.

"I guess you could say this trip was very...prophet-able," Cevrik says, then begins quietly laughing at his own joke.

Liora makes a big show of groaning and rolling her eyes at Cevrik's pun. "Really? Don't quit your day job, Cevrik..."

But she then flashes the halfling a wink, to make sure he knows she's only teasing.

Cevrik Brandleroote wrote:

"I guess you could say this trip was very...prophet-able," Cevrik says, then begins quietly laughing at his own joke.

Liora makes a big show of groaning and rolling her eyes at Cevrik's pun. "Really? Don't quit your day job, Cevrik..."

But she then flashes the halfling a wink, to make sure he knows she's only teasing.

For a brief moment, a look of hurt flashes across Cevrik's face until he catches the wink, and then, realizing he's being teased, Cevrik simply chuckles.

Maud chats a bit with the Earth elementals waxing poetic about the nature of earth and stone for a bit, trying to learn more about her powers. She strongly encourages Elsharon to continue to research what lies at the heart of the hidden city, because it is good to understand dangerous things, in case the time comes when you may need to either stop them, or make use of them.

She goes back to the hallway with the art, and spends about 20 minutes picking out a red and white striped rock for her collection, to memorialize the time spent and lessons learnt here.

She doesn't have high hopes for the Ainsi and Goanron tribes getting along well anytime soon, however.

She is convinced, somehow, that the information Jamilla holds will help her understand the nature of her powers more than anything else so far. Every step along the path has guided her knowledge and magnified her powers. She must follow the path to the end, whatever plane it may lead.

Diplomacy/CHA: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (3) - 3 = 0
She makes a very lackluster speech to VC Balentiir about how this group is uniquely suited to chasing after Jamila. Unfortunately she phrases this by comparing how different their weaknesses are to each other. (Make a Will Save to not have a crisis of self-doubt about your own abilities, just kidding)

Part 2: Secrets of the Endless Sky, here we come!

Post coming shortly.

The adventure begins in the office of Venture-Captain Norden Blentiir in Osirion. Balentiir sits bent over a weathered scroll. He looks up from the parchment and smiles wearily. "Thank you for coming. As you may know, an agent from the Concordance of Elements attempted to sabotage us by leading the Society into a trap in the deserts to the east.". He looks at each of you and personally thanks you with a handshake.

"The agent was Jamila al-Shafah, a janni who was once on good terms with the Pathfinder Society. I would appreciate your tracking her down and discovering her cabal's goals. My colleagues and I believe she went to Armun Kelisk, a metropolis on the Plane of Air, to convene with other members of her organization. I'll need all of you to travel to the Plane of Air to pick up the trail. While you are in Armun Kelisk, I have another important task for you."

Balentiir taps a finger to the image of a gem drawn on the scroll before him. "This is a sketch of the Untouchable Opal. It imprisons the good-aligned lord of air, Ranginori, and is now in our possession. If we can find a way to release Ranginori, he may grant us his blessing, making the outer reaches of the Plane of Air more hospitable for us. Armun Kelisk's numerous libraries are an invaluable place to start our investigations into the Opal."

"A friend of the Society by the name of Jairo the Enlightener has arranged your travel to Armun Kelisk, and he will meet with you once you arrive. He is a scholarly djinni with many contacts that should prove useful. I advise exercising discretion though - we do not know who may be allied with the Concordance. Do you have any questions?"

Since some of you are members of the Concordance, assume this is a splinter group or something.

I'm going to re-use the same slides as before. Please make sure everything is up to date (i.e. Percpetion/Initiative bonus, Level, Day Job rolls. I'll update the slides in the morning.

"Wow...the Plane of Air! That's amazing, even if it's a business trip and not pleasure," Liora exclaims with delight. "Is there anything we need to know about the city? Or the culture?"

”How do we get to the plane of air? I didn’t have a great experience with flying in the last mission. How do we even get around if we make it to the plane of air,” Yulau asked with a touch of panic in her voice.

Balentiir looks at the Pathfinders. "The Plane of Air is typically difficult for non-natives to traverse because gravity itself is subjective throughout most of the plane. However, to encourage foreign trade and tourism, the djinn of Armun Kelisk have arcanely simulated gravity in Armun Kelisk that resembles Golarion's."

He then turns to Liora. "Armun Kelisk is primarily filled with djinn, but it has a sizeable population of sylphs like yourself, gnomes, elementals, and mephits. Sultan Zefer XXXVIII rules from the Sussurran Palace, but the ruthless elemental lord Hshurha commands the entirely of the Plane of Air. Known as the Duchess of All Winds, she rarely interferes with the people of Armun Kelisk. Blessedly, Sultan Zafer himself is far more pleasant a ruler, if a bit epicurean. The city is a metropolis bustling with traders and travelers, so you shouldn't incur any hostility."

You can also roll a Knowledge (Planes) check to learn more about Armun Kelisk. Sylphs (i.e. Liora) gain a +4 circumstance bonus on this check.

Listening to the discussion of the planar traits, Kamishah considers his newly bought potion with a grimace. His consternation eases as the venture captain explains the nature of the djinn city.

"Huh. Sounds like a nice place, for the most part," the sylph remarks, looking thoughtful. Then, a bit sheepishly, "Um...I don't really...know...anything about the planes, much. Other studies called..."

Knowledge, Planes: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Munnin Knowledge, planes: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Willard listens intently, considers what he knows about the plane of air, cautiously looks at his familiar, who blessedly remains silent on the matter, and then speaks...

I don't really know anything about the place we're going either, but it does sound like we should try to make our way to speak with this Jairo. And let us remember, not all members of the Concordance are working against the Society.... he says while thumbing his own chest...

Maud wracks her brain for every scrap of information she's ever heard or read about the plane of air... since she met Jamila, that's been quite a bit...
Kn.Planes: 1d20 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (20) + 4 + (1) = 25 (Yay! Open all spoilers!)
...and she remembers quite a lot, and shares what she recalls.

"The society crossed paths with Jairo years ago and earned his respect and friendship. He offered to assist us should any of our agents visit Armun Kelisk." Balentiir speaks more about Jairo. "He has secured your transportation to the Plane of Air. I will speark more on that shortly. He will also be your host while in Armun Kelisk, and he's already arranged for you to meet with local scholars and dignitaries. If you encounter any need for political support during your mission, ask Jair. He may have some connections."

If no further questions...

Balentiir informs the Pathfinders about their mission. "Jairo has sent a rather... ostentatious means of transport, which is currently in the lodge's gardens. If you have any last minute purchases, please be hasty. It would be best not to make their transport wait longer than necessary."

Feel free to do any last minute shopping here.

When you venture out to the gardens, you find a gilded carriage and four pegasi waiting for them. Though they do understand Common, they cannot speak. The carriage is large enough for everyone, animal companions and all.

Feel free to roleplay with the pegasi! Let me know when everyone is ready to travel to the Plane of Air!!

Cevrik looks at the pegasi and then down at his bear dog and asks, "And why couldn't you have wings, boy?"

As the bear dog responds with a disinterested yawn, Cevrik laughs and says, "Alright, don't get all jealous, you know I love you just the way you are."

Although Maud is quiet during the briefing, that doesn't stand out as she is normally a rather stoic person. But as the briefing continues, it is obvious that she is uncomfortable.

"Non-natives like ourselves should be comfortable enough in the city of Armun Kelisk, but if our goals require us to travel externally..." she finishes her sentence by making a face and shrugging.

Out of curiousity, Maud stops by the gardens before heading out to the shops for some last minute needs. She is surprised and delighted to see the Pegasi, and asks Cevrik if he knows what they eat for snacks/treats.

Remember that they can understand Common and can nod or shake their head when asked a question.

I think I'm good on purchases for the moment!

Once everyone's gotten their business taken care of and the group heads out to meet up with their transport, Liora's eyes grow wide and she utters a squeal so high-pitched that it's almost something only dogs could hear.

"Eeeeeeeeee!"

She eagerly moves closer, to have a better look, though she does seem to remember what the VC mentioned about them being intelligent creatures and thus does keep a little distance out of respect.

"Hello! You're all looking mighty handsome today," Liora beams. "Um...oh gosh, I'm sorry, it's my first time meeting pegasi. Thank you for coming to get us today!"

Yulau’s heart jumped at seeing the majestic creatures. She wanted to smoosh their faces and boop their cute little noses, but figured she’d get called down for it, or worse, bitten by one of the pegasi. ”Hi everyone! I’ve never met a real live Pegasus before. You all look so awesome. I tried to fly last mission and it didn’t go very well, so I’m fired up about watching experts do it,” she says, rambling to the creatures.

Willard thinks a moment, and then asks the Pegasi, Will we be safe when we get there? considering a moment longer, Are you happy bringing us there? Do they take good care of you? thinking a moment longer, Should we trust Jairo? wishing they communicated further and in more depth the Arcanist will await the responses of the magnificent creatures.

Willard will purchase a scroll of acid arrow before departing for 150gp

I know they can answer yes/no questions I was just roleplaying that Maud knows so little about the creatures she doesn't know what to ask ;)

Sorry for the delay. Here we go!

An endless sea of sky glows in hues of stunning gold, vibrant rose, and smoky indigo. Distant orbs of light twinkle like stars, and floating islands crafted from crystal, silver, and ice gleam in the twilight. Djinn soar past winged gondolas and flying horses, easily navigating a labyrinth of majestic buildings and the many bridges that connect them. The air is heavy with the scent of incense and spices, and the echo of music and laughter drifts upon the wind.

The carriage glides past opulent structures crafted from marble and clouds, where curious young sylphs and mephits sit perched on windowsills, waving to passing travels. The pegasi neigh and slow as a cluster of docks come into view. The port is crowded with throngs of airships and the merchants strolling among them.

As the carriage comes to a halt on an empty platform, a djinni dressed in resplendent clothing approaches with a smile. He offers a low bow and clasps his hands together. "Welcome! I am Jairo, and it is such a pleasure to be your host while you stay in my beautiful city. Allow me to escort you to your lodgings where you can rest.". The djinn pauses and looks around warily. When he speaks again, his voice lowers to a whisper. "And also where we can speak in a more private setting."

He asks you leave the carriage (and the pegasi) behind and shows you to an immense flying carpet. He helps you aboard and guides the carpet through the district, pointing out areas of interest as you go by. Eventually, you arrive at a courtyard encircled by a silver villa. The djinni takes them inside the luxurious residence and into a parlor where a spread of food and beverages await.

Swathes of jewel-colored silks billow from the ceiling of the parlor with matching plush pillows scattered across the flood. Jairo settles atop a large amethyst cushion and gestures to an array of refreshments laid out on shining trays. The aroma of mint wafts up from a steaming silver teapot, while candied fruit and sugared confections sparkle atop tiered plates. "Please sit and help yourself to whatever you like. Savories, sweets - there is a bit of everything to please, I imagine." The djinni pours tea into polished cups and distributes them among his guests.

"Ah, but there is business to discuss, is there not? Norden told me you wish to learn more about a rival faction and also an artifact. I do not know about either, I'm afraid, but I have arranged for you to join me at the Grand Symposium Gala tomorrow in the Cirussean Ward. It is an event that local aristocrats are hosting to celebrate a newly renovated wing of the Azure Hall, our finest library here in Armun Kelisk. There will be numerous scholars and dignitaries presnt who may be able to aid you in your quest."

Have any of you completed #6-11: The Slave Master's Mirror with this character? Any questions or comments for Jairo?

”Can you tell us about the people who will be attending tomorrow? Every little bit might help us figure the best approach…”

The little Halfling fills up a little platter with sweets and treats and then sets in on the floor in front of his big, fluffy bear dog.

As the platter is placed before him, Dumpling looks around, yawns, and then casually begins devouring the assortment of goodies placed before him.

Willard studiously takes notes as he travels through the area, marvelling at the sights and experience. Now visiting the second plane beyond Golarion for him is quite a treat.... Fascinating! He has no questions for Jairo at this time, but will say, Thank you for your immense hospitality and the manner in which we have been received.

Liora looks on in awe as the chariot makes its way into the skies and beyond the borders of the Material Plane, into the realm of the Endless Sky. In fact, it's probably the quietest that the group has seen her as she simply soaks in the experience; the sun on her face and the wind in her hair as she turns her head this way and that to see everything that she can possibly see.

Once the party arrives at the home of their host, the sylph settles in on one of the many floor pillows with her cup of tea. Unable to help herself, she sighs contentedly.

This may just be one of the best days of my life.

"A gala, huh? Sounds like fun," Liora laughs as she takes a sip of tea. "Do we need to know anything special about it? Dress code, customs, that sort of thing."

As Liora begins to ask about social expectations at the gala, a sudden thought occurs to Cevrik who, somewhat sheepishly, looks up at their host and says, "I'll be allowed to take Mr. Dumplington along to the gala, right? He's a Pathfinder as much as any of us are."

"The Gala is a formal affair. I hope you all brought appropriate attire.". He looks around at the Pathfinders, then sighs. "I can lend each of you an outfit from my considerable collection, along with matching jewelry."

He can lend a noble's outfit to each of you who don't have one, but just imagine what a djinni would wear!

He mentions eight guests that are fairly notable. "Here are some important and influential academics and dignitaries:"

-Almoshtari, invisible stalker historian.
-Fairuza Bereket, a female djinni librarian.
-Ghassan El-Amin, male djinni archivist.
-Lineji Niarndu, female gnome museum curator.
-Mithradatha, male djinni vizier disgraced diplomat.
-Vivek Vallathol, air veela archaeologist.
-Wan Feng, male imperial sky dragon ambassador.
-Zhalla bint Rathmozen, female sylph aristocrat.

"Mithrandatha, Wan Feng, and Zhalla bint Rathmozen are not scholars, instead they are influential individuals.". He muses. "You also must realize that such galas have a way of bringing together people who would rather not see each other. I would caution you to curry favor with any specific indidivual."

After Jairo's little soiree, he shows the Pathfinders their rooms. After a night's rest, Jairo provides them with a flying carpet (one 10-foot by 10-foot carpet of flying per two PCs or Small/Medium companion creatures. Let me know who you share a carpet with!)

"You can use these carpets to travel at your leisure after the party for your duration of stay here in Armun Kelisk. Once everyone is on their flying carpet, Jairo guides them through the Lower City and the Luminous Court to the multilevel park that hosts the Grand Symposium Gala.

Gossamer pavilions populate a chain of verdant floating islands. Finely dressed djinn hover among cascades of pale blossoms showering down from pearlescent trees. Sylph stroll along the slender bridges connecting the many platforms. The steady hum of chatter fills the crisp air as Jairo docks his carpet by the outskirts of the park. [b]"Leave the carpets here; you don't want ot accidentally crash into the crowd and make a scene.". The djinni regards the throng of nobles and scholars with an apprising gaze. "I have some associates I must meet with, so please excuse me. Enjoy the party and feel free to mingle. I'm sure there are plenty of people here who can offer you some useful leads for your research."

Members of the Sovereign Court faction (i.e. Yulau) may use the festivities as an opportunity to ally with one of the three influential people of the city. Yulau can attempt to convince one of the three NPCs (Mithradatha, Wan Feng, or Zhalla bint Rathmozen) to join the Sovereign Court with a DC 15 Diplomacy check (after making them friendly) or no additional skill check if they are helpful. Once Yulau forms an alliance with one, she cannot form an alliance with the others due to hostilities between them.

Thanks to the depth of Jairo's wardrobe, even Kamishahs large frame is dressed in fine blue cloth, richly embroidered with gold thread. Teardrop jewels and gold chains almost drip from his ears and neck. "Some of you should have common ground to find with these academics." Offering only that brief observation, he watches the crowd with a slightly more neutral gaze than usual.

Yulau asks Liora if she’d be willing to share the carpet with her. If so, she hops on, taking another fun flight.

”I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not missing a chance to talk to a real live dragon when the chances are pretty good that it won’t try to eat me! Should we divide and conquer or would it be better to stay together and help each other out?”

Cevrik and Dumpling share a carpet, to no one's surprise, and the little Halfling tries to find the most knightly looking apparel he can for the formal attire which eventually lands him with a pair of orange, billowy pants tucked into knee high leather boots; a brown vest; a flowing, yellow scarf; and gold cuffs on his biceps matching a pair of gold bracelets.

"Hey, nice outtfit," Liora grins at Kamishah as she notices that her stoic companion opted for the same color palette for his clothing as she did. "We could almost be twins!"

After a rather thrilling magic carpet ride with Yulau, the sylph looks around the gala with interest, hands on her hips.

"Hmm...maybe we should split up and scout things out a bit? We don't really know much about any of these people so we'll have to chat and break the ice a little first no matter what. Then maybe we can meet up by the snack table and compare notes?"