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The elven wizardress enters, her hand upon a quarterstaff. On her shoulder is an owl of snowy white, which matches the robes that the elf wears. Her skin is the color of ivory which only serves to highlight her midnight black hair and purple eyes.
I am Avonathalanthalasa Caldon, from Kyonin and a student of the art of the Magaambya.Elven is often difficult for non native speakers to pronounce so you may call me Avonatha, if that is easier for you to pronounce. This is Boobo she says, pointing at the the owl. Boobo puffs up his feathers.
She continues, Are there any other followers of the Vigilant Seal present for this mission? Her tone is friendly but matter of fact.
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Pathfinders hustle about the grounds of Woodsedge Lodge, checking in, mustering in units, unloading and delivering supplies, cooking, and socializing. The atmosphere is tense but excited. The Maze of the Open Road is a place of legend that few Pathfinders have had the honor of traversing. Once dangerous, the Maze was recently repaired by Eliza Petulengro of the Decemvirate, and news that the Maze is once again malfunctioning has led to intense speculation among the gathering Pathfinders. Cutting through chaos and gossip alike, Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau takes the lead, ensuring everyone gathers in their assigned units and tends to their duties.
Armeline jogs over to your group. Alchemical bottles and detective lenses clatter about on her bandolier; her fingers are stained with ink, and her bag is stuffed with the calipers, cloths, tweezers, powders, string, and measuring instruments. She glances into a notebook. "Yep, you're all present and accounted for! And I see you've found each other. Well done."
"I'm sure you're wondering why we're here. I'll brief everyone on the mission soon. First, we have some logistics to take care of, and I was wondering if you'd help." She points across the room. "See the Pathfinders over there?" Faction leaders Calisro Benarry of the Horizon Hunters, Eando Kline of the Vigilant Seal, and Urwal of the Verdant Wheel are chatting with a halfling and a suli man; the halfling has a warm smile, and a tiny stone elephant prances through the air around the Suli man's head. [b]"I’m sure you know the faction leaders. The two others, do you know them? The halfling woman is Head Initiate Janira Gavix. And the Suli man is Ashasar, a planar specialist and liaison between the Pathfinder Society and the Concordance of Elements. In case you don't know, the Concordance is an ancient and multi-planar organization focused on the balance among the four elemental planes."
Urwal walks amid the gathered Pathfinders. He checks each person’s face before shaking his head and moving on to the next. “There are Pathfinders unaccounted for. Although the upcoming mission will be dangerous, Galt is not a land it would do to get lost in. Find our wayward companions and bring them here so no one gets left behind.”
Calisro clutches at her stomach as it grumbles loudly. “Just in time! I’m starving! Go lend the Lodge’s serving staff a hand so everyone can have a proper meal before this mission gets underway. We can’t set out on an empty stomach!”
Ashasar stands outside a magnificent hedge maze, examining it with interest; his miniature elephant dances on a tiny raincloud. “This is the fabled Maze of the Open Road. Our divinations indicate the maze’s misalignment is due to an outside source beyond the maze and not a problem with the maze itself. Still, I prefer to conduct a second assessment to ensure nothing’s changed. I’d like you to assist by gathering magical readings—just don’t enter the maze!”
Armeline proffers a long list of names. “I’ve organized all the Pathfinders into teams of between four and six agents. Take this list and help everyone gather in their assigned units.”
Janira smiles and waves, then hurries over to say hello. “Do you have a second to lend me a hand? I brought along a few dozen newly graduated Pathfinders, but they’re worried about the upcoming mission. I know they’re ready for this, but the scale of it all is setting them on edge. Could you talk to the rookies? Some conversation and encouragement will help settle their nerves.”
Eando sifts through crates and wagons, divvying gear up into piles. “Help me sort this equipment according to the supply list, then deliver it to the assembling teams. We need to ensure everyone is well equipped for the upcoming mission.”
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Barad is a powerfully built young man in his early twenties who appears human, save perhaps for skin with silvery-marble tones and strange golden eyes - both usually hidden beneath ornately acid-etched plate armor bearing motifs of towers, golden-leafed trees, antlers, and stars. He bears a cold iron flamberge-style greatsword slung across his back and travels with a woodsman named André Vivèc , arriving in the company of Amarië Berth- na lór.
Upon meeting you all, he will nod to everybody with a smile. "Hello. I'm Barad. Beyond protecting my lady Amarië, I am at your disposal to help our mission however I can. Though I carry the sword, I would prefer not to use it if possible. Between us we know nearly two dozen languages and are usually adept at finding diplomatic solutions..." he sighs a little bit, "but, we're Pathfinders...which means blood will inevitably be shed sooner or later, yes?"
Barad will focus on reassuring Janira's initiate Pathfinders for the mission ahead:
Next, he'll see if he can be of help to Eando Kline in carrying supplies:
He will also try to aid Armeline with mustering duty if time permits:
If all of that has been taken care of, Barad will see what he can do about securing vittles for Calisro:
During all of this, Barad will dispatch his friend André to (aid-another) help Urwal with escort duty:
André will also attempt to (aid-another) in Ashasar's magical investigations:
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I wonder if it was a good idea to change my main weapon for this one. The adventure in Cheliax showed the importance of a reach weapon. A snow-skinned elf joins the group. His full armor almost shine as he does his task.
"Coptidel, Paladin of Iomedae. At your service."
Coptidel does his tasks diligently except the last one because he is too tired.
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Frogger is smiling underneath his mask. "Ah, it feels good to be back. What a wonderful day to be a Pathfinder.". He glances over at his companions - a small vine leshy crawling up his arm and a small tree leshy standing by his side. "Wonder what this mission will bring us, eh guys?"
Turning to the others, "My name is Frogger. And these are my companions, Viney and Piney.". Though Frogger has a frog mask on, he is immediately recognizable as a half-orc. [b]"I've studied at the Magaaymba but I believe it's our mission in life to explore more of the world - and protect it's citizens.
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The elf will greet the new arrivals.
Frogger: I am a follower of the way of Old Man Jatembe’s philosophy of magic. I am a Cascade Bearer and mix the arcane and a bit of primal magic together. This is my first time working with a Totem Warrior.
To Barad
Copitdel:
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Not long after Coptidel and Frogger, arrives a dwarf with red hair and a pale copper-colored skin. His expression is cold, his gaze hard and determined like steel and an internal but controlled rage burns inside his eyes.
He introduces himself as Gortek, a Forge dwarf from the Wysiwygg clan, who came originally from the High Mountains in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, not far from the Crown of the World, before joining the Pathfinder Society.
He currently wears a dark and very well-crafted heavy armor (full plate armor), with gilding on the sides and on the breastplate. He also wields a huge dwarf battle axe, much larger than the size normally expected for a dwarf. He also proudly displays a beautiful clan dagger on his belt.
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Gortek listens attentively to the VC:
"Sorry if I'm late. I was looking all around the campground to find my group. But let's get to work now!"
And then tries to help with the following tasks (with the chosen skill), in order of priority:
Supplies (DC 20 Athletics),
Escort (DC 20 Perception):
Mustering (DC 20 Perception):
Magical Investigations (DC 20 Religion):
Reassurances (DC 20 Diplomacy),
Last Meal (DC 20 Survival):
Gortek managed to locate the lost Pathfinders and bring them back to the Lodge, did the extra mile to make sure all of them find their assigned units, then helped Ashasar with his limited knowledge about Religion, and finally succesfully encouraged and calmed the nervous rookies.
After all these efforts, Gortek is way too tired to properly help Eando with the supplies, which would otherwise have been a piece of cake for Gortek.
(No need to mention his poor attempt at preparing a meal, even though it was ordered by his faction leader).
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As everyone else is gathered, an elf with golden hair and violet eyes steps out from behind her companions. Amarië then curtseys to everyone in turn, somewhat apprehensively towards Avonathalanthalasa. "I am glad to meet you all as we step forward to assist our societal brethren in this endeavor. I will try to stay out of front liners way, as I tend to be better at talking my way out of things than trying to hit them."
She then looks at Avonathalanthalasa, and addresses her in elven, "It's been a long time since I have seen another from Kyonin. It is good to see someone from home, even if not under the circumstances I would have wanted."
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Even if he is an elf, Coptidel feels himself less like an Elf because of how much others are into Elf's culture.
Those public name looks so... elven. And I am named after a flower! They don't call me the tourmented for for nothing,
"What a team we will be."he says in common.
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Amarië and Coptidel sift through the crowd. Though it takes several minutes they are able to find the missing Pathfinders and get them linked up with their groups.
Amarië and Barad begin to work hard in the kitchens, though it is Frogger that shines as he makes quite the delicacy using some herbs and spices from his travels that he soon has several lines geared up for samples to take with them.
Heading over to assist the Planar Specialist most of the group takes a look at all of the different wards and magic that encompasses the Open Roads. You soon discover that not only do all paths in the Maze of the Open Road lead to the same destination, but that some outside force is pulling them there.
"Fascinating..." Ashasar, the suli druid, nods. "That makes perfect sense. I must inform Eliza Petulengro at once!"
Barad and Gortek turn out to be quite capable at mustering as the pair split off with lists and begin bellowing out names above the loud murmur. Pathfinders begin to fall into their respective areas, preparing to set out at once.
While mustering Barad notices a group of Pathfinders near Janira that seem a bit shaken and scared. He sets them down and offers some words of encouragement along with André. After explaining that the rookies would likely be near the rear and safe from harm they seem to be much more at ease.
The groups look to be near completed and ready to move out. All that remains is for supplies to be handed out. With a bit of natural strength Frogger is able to carry double the load as everyone else as the supplies get distributed with minutes to spare.
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A hush falls over the gathered Pathfinders as Venture-Captain Armeline Jirneau ascends a podium erected outside the entrance to the Maze of the Open Road. “Welcome to Woodsedge, Pathfinders! Thank you for coming. As many of you know, the Maze of the Open Road is an interdimensional pathway built long ago by Forest King Narven Feathereyes as a gift for the Society. Time was not kind to the maze, but thanks to the efforts of Eliza Petulengro and other Pathfinders, it was repaired.
“Recently, the maze’s paths realigned and now all point to a single location. Our investigations indicate this isn’t a problem with the Maze of the Open Road but an outside source—a beacon—that’s attracting the paths. The maze is of critical importance to many missions and must remain available. Our mission is to fix this strange anomaly.
“We traverse the Maze of the Open Road to an unknown destination. Although this is an exciting opportunity to explore new horizons, our mission is not exploration. Our mission is to find the beacon and sever its connection to the Maze of the Open Road. Prepare yourselves! We leave shortly.”
After a few minutes to allow for any last-second preparations, Venture-Captain Jirneau leads the assembled Pathfinders into the Maze of the Open Road. ”Stay close, we won’t be here long.”
Armeline guides the Pathfinders through the maze with confidence, while Eando Kline, faction leader of the Vigilant Seal, takes the rear, ensuring no Pathfinders get left behind. Armeline hesitates only a moment before plunging through a shimmering portal, out of the Maze and into the unknown.
Following her lead, the Pathfinders arrive in a large stone chamber with red stone walls and polished tan floor tiles, lit by a luminous arch rising from a central raised platform. The chamber has three side chambers and one exit. “Fan out, Pathfinders!” Venture-Captain Armeline orders. “Secure the area.”
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As the Pathfinder spread out you are able to investigate most of the chamber quickly.
One of the side chambers contains a fountain that pours water into a large stone washing basin. The water is clean, clear, and tastes metallic.
****
Another side chamber contains three rows of wooden hooks protrude from the stone walls in a line around the perimeter, one row at 3 feet above the ground, one at 5, and one at 9. A black wood bench is in the chamber’s center.
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The arch in the chamber’s center is 15 feet wide, 25 feet tall, and constructed of a luminous crystal that sheds bright light.
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The entrance to the final chamber is only partially blocked by a circular stone door, which slides in and out of the wall. The red stone chamber is completely curved, with no angles or hard edges anywhere. The chamber is empty, but half of you that enter this chamber see a large grey and blue container in the center, similar to a sarcophagus, constructed from metal and glass.
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Prior to departure, Barad will take the first Antiplague (+3 Item bonus to Fortitude saves vs. disease for 24 hours). He will lower the visor of his greathelm and nod to the others, drawing his flamberge in-hand as he stands vigil over their explorations, except when the group reaches the rows of wooden hooks...
"Hm. I'm not sure what this is, off the top of my head."
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After taking the offered level 3 scroll of heal from the quartermaster of the Scrolls school, Amarië will look to Frogger. "Would you be willing to take this, I think you will be far more proficient with this than I would be." She will then drink one of her ant plagues and cast mage armor on herself before going over to look at the wooden hooks of the small chamber.
After she is done, she will walk into the main room and circle around the arch, admiring the light coming from it.
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Frogger watches Amarie pick up the scroll of heal and takes it from her. "This'll come in handy, I'm sure. Will gladly hold on to it. ". He also grabs one for himself, as well as an antidote.
Not much for organized religion, nor the arcane magics, Frogger stands by idly while the others do their thing. "So, what do you guys see?"
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Barad will also select a healing scroll and bow a little sheepishly to Frogger when Amarie makes her offer, extending a hand with his scroll as well. "I hate to impose, but given how our last few missions have gone, I would rather you have this than utilize your own resources if my lady or I do something...foolish." He gives Amarie and the raccoon a pointed (if slightly humorous) look.
He will then remain on-guard while the more knowledgeable parties examine things of interest.
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Avon definitely thinks something magical is going on as it seems to flicker in and out of existence.
A jumble of words spoken by a female voice echo in this small space.
“for me, Heraxia!”
“no, I"
“run so”
“wait?”
The disjointed sentences sound incredibly sad, and also a tiny bit hopeful.
Everyone with magical expertise on the team has a chance to study the phenomenon.
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Amarië reaches down to scratch the raccoon behind the ears, sighing as she sees Barad's look. "calming them down was the BEST idea... it just earned us a new friend in the process."
Distracted from her defense by the voice echoing from the direction of the sarcophagus, Amarië is intrigued and tries to recall if she knows anything about it.
"That box... it shouldn't be here. It's from a time not of our own, and keeps flicking back and forth from ours, like someone stepping between the planes of existence."
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Amarië reaches down to scratch the raccoon behind the ears, sighing as she sees Barad's look. "calming them down was the BEST idea... it just earned us a new friend in the process."
Distracted from her defense by the voice echoing from the direction of the sarcophagus, Amarië is intrigued and tries to recall if she knows anything about it.
[dice=arcana] 1d20+13
"That box... it shouldn't be here. It's from a time not of our own, and keeps flicking back and forth from ours, like someone stepping between the planes of existence."
"I apologize but I'm a bit lost. Is this 'object' from another plane but still exists presently or is it from this plane of existence but from another time?"
says Gortek, pointing to the sarcophagus.|
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Eando Kline shakes his head and urges you towards the exit. "We best not meddle unnecessarily."
The chamber’s massive exit door is made of pitchblack stone. On the other side of the door (the side that faces the next room), there are six faintly glowing glyphs.
Taking your leave of the other Pathfinder teams, you set out until the path before you dead-ends in a circular chamber. A deep pit partially filled with bones sits at the center of this circular chamber. Rising from the platform hanging over the pit is a single central pillar, which stretches up to the ceiling. Doors line the chamber’s perimeter, but the north and west doors are sealed.
As everyone enters the chamber you all hear the same voice from before, only less disjointed: “Heraxia? Heraxia, where are you?”
The north and west doors seem to be sealed stone, with little to grip. The pit appears to be twenty-five feet deep, but not a terrible climb. It is filled with skeletons of humanoids of various sizes.
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Frogger and Coptidel make their way over to the central pillar and are able to rotate the column 45 degrees. As it grinds into place so to do the doors on either side as they slide open.
Several dark and sinister looking guardians begin to spill forth. One from each of the opened doors and three from the deep pit below. These creatures appear constructed from bones harvested from serpents and humans as they have the body of a large serpent, but its skull has been replaced by that of a humanoid creature.
──────────
BOLD: GO!:
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➤ Avonatha │
➤ Coptidel │
➤ Frogger
⠀⠀➤ Piney
➤ Gortek
➤ Amarië │
Sssinister Snake (Red)
Sssinister Snake (Blue) │
Sssinister Snake (Green)
Sssinister Snake (Yellow) │
Sssinister Snake (Pink) │
Barad │
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Second action: Strike against red.
Third action smite evil against Pink (Yes pink.)
Undead... remarks Coptidel.
He swings his Meteor hammer at Red.
He calls also, his spiritual ally inside his weapon to aim against pink.