But more wonderful than the lore of old men,
And the lore of books is
The secret lore of the ocean
A Vudrani Summer has descended on the southern shore of Kortos Island, the sparkling jewel of the Inner Sea.
Life in Absalom is as relaxed and carefree as a metropolis the size of the City at the Centre of the World ever gets. Pleasure craft and bathers share the clear waters of the bay with fisherfolk and Gillfolk Wave Riders – the grim marine watchmen of Absalom's front door.
Holiday-makers scour the many stalls lining the twisted alleys of the Coins and Foreign Quarter for bargains, or day trip to the quaint smuggler's haven of Otari, a short boat trip across the harbour to the west.
Young and not-so-young lovers stroll the Docks arm-in-arm to watch the sunset, before retiring for a late meal in one of the many candlelit restaurants in the Petals and Ivy District.
The holiday spirit even seems to have affected the ever-eccentric Drandle Dreng, designated Duty VC during the Summer holidays. The rumors of vampirism that accompany the old rogue have not been dissuaded by word that he has abandoned the Kortos sun in favor of a tour of Gothic castles in Ustalav – leaving a pair of untested Seekers in charge.
Still it is little surprise when an Initiate interrupts you before you set out for your evening meal, summoning you immediately to:
“Venture-Captain Dreng’s office, on the ground floor of Skyreach.”
Should you heed the summons, on arrival you find the door to VC Dreng’s pokey office locked and the interior dark. On second glance, a number of hooded lanterns have been set up in the antechamber spilling out into the opposite hallway, throwing spooky shadows over a long table of grilled chicken skewers, Udon noodle soup, Minkaen skinless chicken thighs and egg rice, as well as a pot of steaming green tea.
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Aldar stretches a bit as he ventures out into the Absalonion fresh air. He isn't as spry, strong, or even active as he once was, but he still tries to keep his body healthy and fit. His homeland of Tian Xia may be far, but there want other Tian's here in the city in the center of the world. He enjoyed his position in the society, too, training new initiatives eager to learn the martial and spiritual arts of the Kaze Aruku order of monks. His blue robe is mostly plain, save for the Tian symbols on the back, 風歩く.
Upon receiving the summons, Aldar heads immediately over to Skyreach. Once there, he notices the table and takes a seat. Almost immediately, he takes a little bit of everything save for the green tea.
"いただきます。” the monk says before eating while he waits for the others to arrive.
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A grumpy mage walks down the hallway in Skyreach toward's the VC's office.
I was in the middle of a late lecture on Thassilonian rune magic. I can't wait to hear what's so important!
He stops and sees the locked door, his expression turning incredulous. Turning around to see a familiar face, he remarks, sighing Hurry up and wait, I suppose. Hello Aldar, that looks like a nice spread. It's for us?
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Aldar smiles as he takes a break from eating, "I don't know. Fresh food in the place we were summoned to at a time when most are eating." he says before shrugging, "躊躇しません. I don't hesitate."
Aldar then resumes eating the food on his plate, "It may not come free, but it may not be paid for with coin."
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Raelene approaches, water rapidly evaporating from the undine's turquoise locks.
"Hello again friends. It is good to see you looking well and rested. This summer has been a blessing, the ability to enjoy Sarenrae's warmth and the refreshing cool of the deep sea.
"I wonder what adventure awaits us next."
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The sharp smell of something burning arrives at the table before the little ratfolk has even rounded the hallway corner. “Ah! Friendsh!” A wide smile splits his face, stretching oddly over his overstuffed left cheek. “It’sh good do shee you again. Do you know vhat the Venture-Captain hash in shtore vor ush thish ti- Ooo, rah little shkeversh!” Brakkikik quickly starts replacing various bottles and vials in his cheeks with pieces of chicken plucked from their skewers, stuffing all the extra things haphazardly in his pack.
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Ferdrin suddenly flashes a self-conscious look as the next two agents arrive. Oh... Oh! I'm pretty sure we left enough food for the rest of you. This will be my last plate.
Then, he replies to Brakkik. No, we have no idea yet what's in store for us, but given the nice food I'm guessing they felt we needed to feel trapped and obligated to say yes...
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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 is beaming.
He turns to all of you with his white teeth and broad smile.
"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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As the reunited Pathfinder squad prepares to welcome a new member, the darkness below the Sapphire Sage’s office door is ‘snuffed out’ like a candle on Shadow Absalom.
The sudden appearance of muted light from the under-door crack intensifies as the portal swings open, liberating a muscular, homely woman, who charges over the threshold at the banquet table and begins filling her face.
“What took you so long? Arnaut, the Big Meanie wouldn’t let me start ‘til you got here!”
She wears the uniform of a Grand Lodge guard, though the patches over her breast represent the Scarab Sages and the Church of Abadar. The low-glow of the lantern-light reveals a depressed left cheekbone where at one time she must have suffered a tremendous blunt force injury.
“Eadie Navhelan.” She gestures at herself, smearing egg yolk + rice over her tunic. “Scarab Seeker.”
A handsome human man dressed in the garb of a Linnorm Prince saunters after her, slapping backs, shaking hands and conveying “Good to see you” greetings to the assembled Pathfinders.
“Hi, I’m Arnaut Danièl! You may know me from such plays as Song of the Sewer Dragon (sold out for months at the Rose Theater), or Hamlot, Prince of Madness. (Currently Showing – tickets selling fast!)”
“Eadie and I would like to thank you all for coming here despite the lack of explanation. Circumstances have forced us to be discreet in this assignment. There are many who would put the information we are about to share with you to more unsavory ends.”
“Seeker Agent Navhelan will explain further …”
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Taken a little off guard, Eadie swallows audibly, and then *COUGHS* for a full minute before continuing.
“You may have heard rumors VC Dreng has done a bunk for the holidays, yeah? Uh, uh. NOT true!”
“On the Decemvirate’s orders, he’s been looking into the sale of a pair of tomes from Tian Xia to a dodgy historian here in Absalom. Of these books, the Infernal Incantation was the more highly sought after, as it is said to contain the secrets of binding the legions of Hell.”
Eadie suffers another *COUGHING FIT* before taking a *SLURP* of green tea. As she replaces the cup on the table, her expression turns cold.
“The historian — one Yargos Gill — has spent the past several weeks studying the book from within his Eastgate villa. To make matters more complicated, Yargos decided to try performing one of the rituals held within the Infernal Incantation late last night. From the breathless ramblings of his assistant who arrived at our door a few hours ago, it would appear that something went horribly wrong with the ritual Yargos enacted.”
“From what we were told, the ritual revealed to Yargos that the Infernal Incantation was NOT a guide on imprisoning fiendish forces, but instead the book itself was a prison for the armies of Hell. Within the confines of those ancient pages reside hundreds — perhaps even thousands — of devils eager to escape their long imprisonment.”
Arnaut again takes up the briefing like the pair have been rehearsing it behind closed doors. “If Master Gill has made an error causing some sort of disturbance within the tome, then we need to ensure it is fixed as quickly and as discreetly as possible. I mean, nobody will go to my new play if they think the city is about to be invaded by diabolical forces.”
“We need you to go to Yargos’s estate, where his aide has already informed him of your impending arrival. Once you meet with the historian, learn what you can about the book and how to reverse the meddling he has caused.”
“Above all else, ensure that the legions of Hell are contained.”
“Now, I believe Seeker Navhelan has some questions for you ... Eadie?”
The warrior nods curtly. “If oranges are called oranges. Why aren’t lemons called yellows?”
“If a cow laughs, does milk come out her nose?”
“Can atheists get insurance for an Act of Iomedae?”
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Ah, someone was sustaining a magical darkness in there... Ferdrin mutters as he wipes the last remnants of eating mess from near his mouth, and stands to dust the crumbs off of his clothes.
Oh sure, you were both rehearsing in there. Got it. He winks at them both knowingly before focusing to listen to the briefing.
As the briefing proceeds, Ferdrin chuckles at the situation that Yargo has likely gotten himself into.
Looking into this tome should be downright fascinating. The thrill of discovery is why I joined the society!
Then the questions come and Ferdrin frowns at the seeming nonsense.
I suppose an atheist could get that policy... or perhaps a rider... I'll have to check with the Society's barristers on that. In the meantime, a question. Why do you already believe that Yargo has encountered an issue with the tomb?
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Ferdrin thinks he recalls the Infernal Incantation being a book about inbred ferns VC Kreighton Shaine wrote.
Oh sure, you were both rehearsing in there.
“Oh, no. I’m not in Arnaut’s play.” is Eadie’s innocent response.
The actor himself glances skyward, like it’s not worth even rolling his eyes at Ferdrin’s remark.
Why do you already believe that Yargo has encountered an issue with the tomb?
“Yeah, why do we think that, Arnaut?”
The bard DOES *roll* his eyes this time. “From the breathless ramblings of his assistant who arrived at our door a few hours ago.”
“She said it appeared that something had gone horribly wrong with the ritual Yargos enacted.”
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Raelene believes the Integral Incarnation is an Otolmenic treatise about being reincarnated as a mathematical equation.
"What else can this assistant tell us, and what do we know of the book and the ritual?"
“Precious little.”
Arnaut sighs. “Her report was a rambling monologue. She was also in a rush to get back to help Yargos Gill – demonstrating admirable loyalty really. I have a pretty good sense for people, and it was clear she was genuinely upset for both herself and the city.”
“Would you agree, Eadie?”
The fighter nods her pale face grimly. “You need to find out what’s going on there, like pretty darn quick.”
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Aldar listens intently to the briefing, "The path of knowledge can be fraught with danger. Proper precautions should always be taken when dealing with the unknown."
Aldar sighs, the reckless nature of both Pathfinders and their associates can be quite exasperating. It was almost surprising the Blakros museum wasn't involved in something like this again.
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“Totes agree.”
Eadie nods so hard you fear her head might fly off. “Blissful ignorance always works for me.”
😣
Xiao Junior has heard the Infernal Incantation was written in Tian Xia, and is rumored to hold the secrets of binding the denizens of Hell.
In addition, the Infernal Incantation has a relatively obscure twin – the Celestial Song.
The texts are written in Celestial and Infernal, though not in the order one would suspect. The pages of the Infernal Incantation are written in Celestial script, while the pages of the Celestial Song are penned in crisp Infernal.
Arnaut scans your faces. “Are there any more questions?”
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“Your faction heads have also mailed in their take on the mission.”
Between bites, Eadie pulls postcards from an extra-dimensional pouch attached to her sword-belt.
Arnaut’s tone is friendly but firm. “Allow me to remind you that faction politics must not get in the way of accomplishing your main mission.”
“Your faction leaders may have their own useful perspective, but the entire city will not be impressed if you abandon the primary mission to curry favor with them.”
“Gill’s townhouse is located in Eastgate.” Arnaut volunteers.
“Eadie has penned a map on the back of each of the envelopes containing your faction missives showing you the way.”
Eadie smiles proudly. “I’m a professional scribe you know.”
“If you need supplies you can purchase them at the God’s Market as you’ll be passing through the Ascendant Court on your way from here in the Foreign Quarter to Eastgate.”
Arnaut’s farewell is calm and upbeat. “If there is nothing else, good luck Pathfinders.”
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Ferdrin shrugs and smirks at their annoyance with his question and remark.
Nice pouch Eadie, very useful for getting things around discretely. I see you are a great scribe! Thanks for the directions.
After scanning his envelope, he looks inside... As he reads the letter his focus intensifies and his face takes on a serious "business" look. Then he gets to the end, and his face goes red for a second. He looks around to see who's watching, clears his throat, and tucks the letter away.
Yes, hehe, I think we're ready to go! A sheepish, self-conscious laugh there in the middle based on something in the letter.
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“Thank-you, Agent Freddy.”
Eadie removes the pouch from her belt and holds it up proudly. “Pretty isn’t it?”
“Did you ever wonder what VC Dreng’s day job is? He’s a sales assistant at the Black Mask Costume Shop, just off the God’s Market. That’s where I got this.”
“He was kind enough to use both his Senior’s and Employee’s discount on my purchase, so I got a great deal.”
The warrior strokes her chin. “But … DON'T tell them I sent you. I’ve had to trash the place and slaughter a few of their employees since then.”
Following the exquisitely written directions on the back of your respective faction missives takes you on a winding trip through the Ascendant Court, twice around the Starstone Cathedral and into Eastgate.
The streets are mostly calm, as the city transitions from the bustle of the business day to the stirring hum of Absalom nightlife.
Eventually you come across Yargos Gill’s villa. It turns out to be a modest, stand-alone edifice that would normally meld into the background of the quarter’s other upper-middle class residences -- were it not for the crowd of locals amassed at its front entrance.
Most of them gaze upwards, murmuring to their neighbors, as above on the building's second floor, lights *flicker* as burning orange and red embers dance within.
"Joe said there were screams in there afore. Said this isn’t what it purports to be. That he had to go report in to Area 51.”
"You know Joe’s nuts! It’s a fire. Of course there'd be screams! At least it's sticking to just the one building for now."
"Aye, but the screams started afore the fire began ..."
Beyond the milling crowd, the front door to the villa stands ajar.
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Aldar stands outside the crowd and gazes up at the second floor of the building, "The people speak without knowledge. They obscure the truth."
He then focuses his breathing techniques to awaken his ki for the likely battle to come. "Can anyone use arcane magic? I have a wand that would be beneficial to myself and possibly others." he says, pulling out a wand.
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Brakkik tries not to instinctively swallow all the chicken skewers stuffed in his cheeks when the venture-captains appear. Perhaps in an attempt to not draw attention to himself, he stays silent and accepts his envelope from VC Navhelan without a word.
"Um, shouldn't ve be going inshide?" The short alchemist gently tugs on Raelene's arm and points past the crowd to the estate gate. "Ve already know shomething bad happened here, sho let'sh not vashte any time vixshing it!" He keeps a careful eye on the halfling's dog from around the taller woman's legs, ears flicked back slightly.
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Raelene smiles at Ferdrin and thanks him for the offer. "I would very much appreciate it. I have my own wand and much of the time it works for me, but I'd rather have a sure thing."
In response to Brakkik she adds, "Absolutely, though it is best not to rush in unprepared. We will enter soon."
Once the mage armor is applied, Raelene slips through the crowd, smiling while engaging any she can to find out more. Listening carefully and prodding for any small detail that can possibly aid their cause and better inform them.
Raelene and Xiao Junior work the crowd in a manner that would make Seeker Agent Arnaut proud.
Raelene slips through the crowd, smiling while engaging any she can to find out more.
“Are you one of his assistants, dear? OMG Abadar! Those poor girls! I bet they’re trapped inside …”
A couple of fit youths stare at Raelene and Xiao Junior. “Gorum’s Arse in a Rusty Bucket! How does a mutt like Gill attract so many cuties?”
The mass of bystanders finally gives way to the Pathfinder pair, leaving the entrance to the villa unobstructed.
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Seeing the crowd move away from the entrance, Cade follows the pair to the door.
Hell's bells! What can we do against a legion of devils? But if we don't do something, these fools standing around will only be waiting to see their doom.
Catching up to Raelene and Xiao, Cade asks, "Do you think Yargo placed any wards before conducting his experiments or can we simply go in?"
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Hmm, good point. I highly doubt Yargo is meddling in the arts of these dangerous books and not warding his residence somehow.
Ferdrin joins them and gesticulates in the air towards the entrance. At the end, his eyes turn a shade of light purple, as he peers at it, cocking his head slightly to the left.
You find no traps and the only ✨magic Ferdrin infers is that keeping Brakkik from swallowing his cheek pouches and choking.
As time passes, the flames visible inside the second floor of the townhouse grow larger ♨
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Aldar helps check for traps, "He lacked the care to prepare for summoning devils, yet we expect his house to be prepared for intruders." he says as he comes to the same conclusion that there are none, "I wonder if our arrival will be the final component for the ritual's completion, making our caution for naught."
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Aldar helps check for traps, "He lacked the care to prepare for summoning devils, yet we expect his house to be prepared for intruders." he says as he comes to the same conclusion that there are none, "I wonder if our arrival will be the final component for the ritual's completion, making our caution for naught."
"Only one way to find out..." says Cade as he unsheathes his kukri and quickly moves into the building.
Anticipating a fight, Raelene ✨casts bless as the team rushes in at ground level. Its members see the villa’s immediate interior is in pristine condition.
A basic dining room, kitchen, and meeting room comprise the first floor. Most of the floor is dark, but the gloom is broken by a dim red light spilling down the stairwell from the floor above.
Moving upstairs, you find sheets of dancing orange and red fire covering the south wall of a large study, forming blazing curtains around three windows facing the streets below. The rest of the room, and the wooden door itself however, are completely absent of flames.
In the center of the floor a desk and several chairs have been dragged over a blood-spattered summoning circle. Opposite the only entrance into this room is a large open altar filled with more candles, a single blood-stained dagger, and an open book from which torrents of flame feed the inferno along the walls. Nestled in the two corners north of the entryway are three human bodies — two females toppled over one another to the north-west and an older male in the north-east. All three lie face down on the wooden floor.
Hovering just above the floor of the ten-foot high room flaps an androgynous angelic figure, making notes in a tome filled with Celestial pictograms. They don’t look surprised to see you, permitting you a moment to take in the scene before addressing you calmly in Taldane.
“Mortals, the Infernal Incantation is prohibited from being housed on the Prime, for obvious reasons.”
The winged messenger gestures at the crumpled bodies.
“Please do not interfere. I must complete my notes of the crime scene for Our Lady, Iomedae, and then spirit the Tome away to the Upper Planes for safe-keeping.”
“Though it would help me if you knew where the second book that accompanied the Incantation currently resides?”
Please make a Will save.
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Something doesn't quite feel right about this scene to Aldar, but he isn't quite sure what it is. "Will you do nothing about the fire or the people?"
Aldar pulls out a vial of holy water and tries splashing it at the flames, intentionally trying to catch some of it on the angelic figure as well, watching for any reaction the creature may have.
"Will you do nothing about the fire or the people?"
“The souls you refer to stand before the Lady of Graves. There is nothing I can do for their mortal husks.”
The Celestial keeps writing. “With no chance of further injury or death, I am lawfully bound to maintain the crime scene as I found it, until my investigation is complete.”
“After which I will judge the impact on the continuum of interfering with this scene for the greater good.”