One of Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr's former adventuring companions vanished to the Plane of Earth and was presumed dead. She has recently resurfaced along an old road between the Plane of Earth and the Plane of Fire—one that even the warring forces of the planes' greatest cities had abandoned—and has shown little interest in discussing her circumstances with the Pathfinder Society. Can the PCs uncover why she disappeared and enlist her help in reaching a site on the war-torn and volcanic borderlands?
Ferdrin Ternyth takes his leave from the group to conduct a series of seminars at the Arcanimirium in Absalom. When he explains it he makes it sound so simple. "Using Tensors and Manifolds to Locate Intersections Between the Planes: A wide-brimmed hat Journey" Everybody swears they get it before he departs (so that he'll stop over-explaining it!), and with that the boisterous academician is off!
The rest of you depart for the Opaline Vault, the largest city on the Plane of Earth! The Society arranges for your travel from Absalom, perhaps utilizing some of the techniques from Ferdrin's lectures.
Once there, you are met by a wizard working for the family of Reyshal ik Jalman. Reyshal is a genie who has proven himself a valuable ally to the Pathfinder Society. The wizard teleports all of you to the outskirts of the border outpost of Lodehollow. For miles around Lodehollow as well as within the settlement itself, gravity is exceptionally high. Lodehollow resides in an immense cavern, where clusters of luminous crystals hang from the ceiling. The outpost consists of a central core of short, sturdy stone buildings encircled by temporary abodes towards the outskirts, where newer arrivals reside. Reyshal’s five-story estate towers over nearby buildings, made of what appears to be a single block of polished, dark stone watched over by guards wearing red cloaks emblazoned with black fists.
Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr has asked you to meet her on the rooftop terrace of the estate of Reyshal ik Jalman.
The luminous crystals shine like stars high above the building as the genie Reyshal ik Jalman spreads his hands to indicate the surroundings. “From these humble beginnings, we’re going to spring toward future glory—provided we can tame the border region. The war between our beloved Opaline Vault and the treacherous efreet of the City of Brass has devastated this region and crippled its economic potential.” The shaitan strikes his fist against the railing. “Just a few days’ travel from here, on a road called Crystalmaw Pass, the forces of earth and fire collided in a battle so fierce that no military commander has been willing to return to the site. Now that this particular battlefield has been abandoned, bandits have taken advantage of the void to infest the area. This is where our interests align, Sorrina?”
The Master of Spells Sorrina Westyr steps up next to the towering shaitan, “Indeed they do, Reyshal. We have recently learned that Crystalmaw Pass is a potential route to a forge called Kandirion’s Pyre. I believe the intense heat of this forge, created by friction between the planes, is the key to breaking apart the Untouchable Opal. I need you to scout a path through the Crystalmaw Pass and, if possible, make sure that the area is safe for both the Society and Reyshal to operate in. Teleportation is unfortunately out of the question due to the violent elemental energies of the planar confluence. Lodehollow itself is about as close as it is possible to get to the Plane of Fire via teleportation without risking disaster.”
Just then Sorrina glances to the side and exhales lightly before continuing.
“You may find an ally along your journey. I have learned that my former adventuring companion Grave Treader is in the region. I thought that she had perished in the Plane of Earth, as the Society’s initial attempts to locate her failed. However, Reyshal informed me that she had struck a deal to work for his family for a time in exchange for passage back to the Material Plane and her weight in silver. She left his family’s service some time ago. Without the protections of the genie estate masking her location, I managed to scry on her, but learning that someone is standing in a cavern on this plane does little to help find them. Once Reyshal’s agents began discovering pieces of the reward Grave Treader received for her service, a silver statue made in her image, we narrowed down her location to somewhere along Crystalmaw Pass. I would ask that you find her and bring her back with you—if she is willing.” The Master of Spells hands over a sketch of a Shoanti woman with intricate white tattoos on her face. “This is what she looks like. Do you have any questions about any aspects of your mission?”
Reyshal flashes a wide grin and cuts in, “I have magnanimously provided the finest gear and provisions for your journey, these will be waiting for you outside. I have other pressing business to attend to, so I must unfortunately take my leave. I wish fortune on your endeavor.” As Reyshal walks away, Sorrina smiles, shakes her head, and gestures towards the stairs. “Reyshal is quite generous, but I do not know if he understands the meaning of the word ‘humility.’ Let us speak more on the way out.”
As you walk, Sorrina Westyr answers any questions the party might have.
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Eltran is absolutely anxious to meet the crew that his step brother praised so much! He is clearly astounded to learn that the mission involves the planes as he is a true expert in this area!! He is very happy when they arrive on the plane of earth.
Eltran walks with slow steps in his full plate armor and heavy shield which clearly encumber him heavily.
He is clearly quite chubby and not really the most attractive man. His mixed Taldane and Tian Xia heritage together with his Ifrit blood make him an oddball that does not feel welcome in most places.
When he meets the group he waves.
"Greetings to you all." says the corpulant man with a self conscious smile.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Pharasma is visible.
Facing you all he bows but more out of tradition than courtesy you believe.
“Eltran Katsu is my name. And I just returned from the Planes so felt good to be on old Golarion again … but being on the elemental planes is really great! I am Xiao junior's step brother and have heard a lot about all of you! Good things mostly! Eh ... yeahh. Really! Yes!“
He does not really have a natural presence and unfortunately might come across as strange sometimes.
~
"Master of spells, it really unbelievable that we trust a genie ... and that we are following his orders is also unbelievable! Any explanations?“ he says and eyes her to see her reaction.
”And when we arrive to find the Shoanti, will there be something to say so she can trust us?! Fate might not be on our side! I’m an ifrit and know of the war so will the battle field be dangerous?!“ he asks with a quivering voice.
* *
You see him performing a spiralling gesture to the lady of graves.
Worshipers of Pharasma—as well as most commoners—trace the goddess's spiral-symbol on their chests, typically as a form of prayer when hearing ill news or a spoken evil, in response to blasphemy, and before or during an event that is dangerous or has an uncertain outcome.
You now also see that he is touching the pendant on his chest which shows a spiraling comet, the holy symbol of Pharasma and the holy symbol of Brigh, The Whisper in the Bronze, the goddess of invention and seems to particularly favor creations that take on a life of their own, like clockworks or constructs.
“May Pharasma and Brigh be with us!“ he says.
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"Greetings to you all."
“May the next vampire you encounter suffer a fang abscess, Eltran.”
Chunhua bows to the bard. “Any step brother of Xiao Junior’s is a friend of mine.”
“Though ... Full plate is an interesting choice. I don’t think I’ve ever met a ‘tank-bard’ before.”
“Do you have any questions about any aspects of your mission?”
“If Grave Treader struck a deal with Reyshal’s family for a period of employment in return for safe passage back to the Material Plane, why didn’t she return to the Material Plane?”
“Also, are there any options for purchasing adamantine weapons in Lodehollow before we set out?”
"Master of spells, it really unbelievable that we trust a genie ... and that we are following his orders is also unbelievable! Any explanations?“ he says and eyes her to see her reaction.
Explore, report, cooperate. Sorrina shoots a sharp glance at Eltran as she emphasizes the last word.
The society works with many allies. This should not surprise you. I have long worked with Reyshal and vouch for his word. We are not "taking orders." In working with him we have the opportunity to utilize Kandirion’s Pyre and...
Her expression betrays slight sadness before she continues.
recover my former Pathfinder companion, Grave Treader. We try to leave none behind! Please, have some trust in the judgement of the Master of Spells.
”And when we arrive to find the Shoanti, will there be something to say so she can trust us?! Fate might not be on our side! I’m an ifrit and know of the war so will the battle field be dangerous?!“ he asks with a quivering voice.
Sorrina lightens up and smirks, her glance still trailing off in the distance.
Oh, I think she'll still be able to recognize Pathfinders just fine. You are all kinds, and your composition will be very familiar to her.
She turns back directly to Eltran offering a warm smile.
“If Grave Treader struck a deal with Reyshal’s family for a period of employment in return for safe passage back to the Material Plane, why didn’t she return to the Material Plane?”
Sorrina's sad look returns. She did not complete the agreed service to receive this safe passage. Hopefully, if you can bring her back, all can be righted and she can be set back on that path.
“Also, are there any options for purchasing adamantine weapons in Lodehollow before we set out?”
Indeed, seeing as how Lodehollow is so close to the site of many fierce battles, the arms trade here is quite well established.
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Dhovahk bows respectfully to Reyshal ik Jalman as the shaitan takes his leave. “How long of a journey to the pass?” he asks Sorrina, voice gentle. If there is any discomfort or worry over the thought of traveling near (and possibly into) a plane of existence so utterly alien to the water he holds so dear, it does not show on his placid face.
Sorrina turns to the Undine, answering matter-of-factly.
“A few day’s travel, after which the heavy gravity you are experiencing here should let up. I will provide you with a map that skirts around the worst of the dangers, but the inherent volatility of the border region makes charting routes that are entirely safe impossible. You may still have to contend with lava vents, poisonous gases, or rockslides. Keep your senses sharp and your spells at the ready. Also, I hope you don't find the dry Earthiness of this place too unwelcoming, aquatic one!”
She flashes a sympathetic expression towards Dhovahk.
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Eltran bows to Chunhua and smiles.
“Xiao junior is part of my family since his real father saved me and my sister Dana from slavery on the plane of fire. And Xiao Junior taught me a couple of things as well although we’ve got different styles. I really learnt most of my spell casting from my sister Dana who somehow learnt to use her mind to cast psychic spells. So I’ve gone her route. Oh and she taught me the full plate wearing trick. Ehh … it’s awful to be honest but if it keeps the spears and swords away then I’m not complaining and I can still cast spells so all good!! I just can’t really move!!“ he says and tries to take a couple of steps which looks really cumbersome.
“So what’s your story Chunhua and this Mr. Undine’s?!“ he asks bluntly.
~
Turning to the master of spells he raises an eyebrow.
“Okay, then we trust everyone you say but the Shoanti is obviously a traitor. So what’s the history? And what danger do you think we might additionally face? Oh and I know of course but please enlighten my companions on what the untouchable opal is please!!“ he says.
• Bardic Performance: The chronicler of worlds gains the following bardic performances.
“Well, there's the bandits. They call themselves the Sundered Stone. Lately there have been reports that their tactics have become increasingly violent.”
She perks up at the question about the Untouchable Opal, clearly realizing she quickly breezed over it without explaining.
“It’s an artifact that serves as a prison for the demigod Ranginori, the good-aligned elemental lord of air. His evil counterpart Hshurha formed an alliance with the evil elemental lords of earth, fire, and water, and the four sealed their rivals within gem artifacts.”
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“My story?”
Chunhua seems taken aback. She *blushes* surprised anyone would be interested in her. “Well, ser. It is a short one to date.”
“I have always been tall and strong for my age, and as a result I ate rather a lot. My parents eventually sold me to a slaver, so that the rest of the family could survive.”
“I bear them no ill will. It was a simple matter of survival. Fortunately, I was purchased and immediately emancipated by the village’s unofficial mayor — a retired bureaucrat from the Capital.”
“She offered me employment as a housekeeper while I served the community in the peasant militia. Though she also gave me a basic education in subjects including arithmetic and Taldane.”
“My final examination involved acting as messenger between my mistress and a team of Pathfinder agents conducting an operation in central Tian Xia.”
“As a graduation gift, I was allowed to journey east to learn more about the faith of Erastil, practise my 'craft and to expand my perspectives via the Pathfinder Society.”
“Following a successful mission to Heaven, my favorite VC assigned me to Cade and Xiao Junior’s crew. We must be doing something right because we have been kept together since.”
🏮
Chunhua winces as she glances abruptly in VC Westyr's direction at Eltran’s use of the word ‘traitor.’
However, she keeps her mouth closed.
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Eltran listens carefully and it clearly is emotional to see Chunhua sharing.
“Being a slave is not easy … I am glad that you were freed so fast. And that you were able to put so little blame on your real parents. I’m no replacement for Xiao junior… it’s hard for anybody to be so vibrant but in case I don’t go on your nerves too much Chunhua I’d like to be your and Cade’s and of course Mr. Undine’s friend as well!“ he says while frantically touching his throat as if he’s trying to breathe.
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“Honestly, I was so young at the time that it barely registered I had been a slave.”
Chunhua frowns, trying to remember those times. “The hardest thing was being separated from my sisters.”
“But my mistress kept me so busy with chores, I barely had time to feel sorry for myself. In hindsight, that was probably by design.”
🌾
“Oh, you’ve not been on my nerves, Eltran.”
She absently draws an arrow and begins fingering it. “You’ll know when you have been.”
She breaks character and grins, before her tone deepens. “Real bonds of camaraderie are forged in battle.”
“I doubt you will disappoint, ser.”
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“ Okay, then we trust everyone you say but the Shoanti is obviously a traitor.”
Dhovahk puts a cool hand on Eltran’s arm. “Peace, friend. Do not judge Grave Walker without knowing the entirety of their story, lest you be judged similarly and found wanting.” He smiles gently to take any sting out of his words as he brings his hands back together.
“As for myself, you may think of me as Dhovahk. I too have been absent from the Society’s halls for some time, learning to understand the Laughing Jungle to the south. I will admit, my village calls to my heart even here.” He pauses to put a hand over the large piece of dull bone plating covering his chest. “Now the current has brought me here, to aid in restoring the balance of the elements to the world once again. Like droplets coming together to form an ocean, we must work together if this is to happen.”
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Joining the group is a tall elf (6'4") with long white hair, pale skin, and dark blue eyes. He carries two small swords at his belt and a bow on his back. He dresses in whites and browns. The elf walks with confidence and grace, and has a very serious demeanor. He stands to one side, and as the other Pathfinders converse, he scrutinizes each of them in turn as if assessing their abilities in his own mind. When the conversation dies down, he says "I am Dusk, a scout from the far North."
As Eltran accuses the Shoanti of being a traitor, Dusk appears to accept this without question. He nods in the bard's direction, as if thanking him for the warning.
When Chunhua tells her story, Dusk listens intently, and afterwards some of the elf's seriousness seems to fall away. He even appears to relax a little and stops standing so far from the other Pathfinders.
"Master of Spells, where I come from, names have meaning. Do you know how Grave Walker earned their name?"
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Eltran nods at Tallisan with appreciation. “Well met!“
He acknowledges Dhovahk‘s criticism with a thoughtful expression. “We will see how she’ll react and act! I carry myself with the austerity and import that my heavenly aspirations demand. In eons past, the angel Tabris was tasked with cataloging all knowledge of the Great Beyond, only to eventually be cast from Heaven for penning the Book of the Damned, the perfect catalog of all planar evil. His dedication and sacrifice to the task have inspired some to follow his example; these bards are known as the chroniclers of worlds. I am such a bard and I’ll see if Grave Walker needs to be added to my chronicle!“ he says with a stern look on his face.
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Once Reyshal’s agents began discovering pieces of the reward Grave Treader received for her service, a silver statue made in her image, we narrowed down her location to somewhere along Crystalmaw Pass.
"A statue in her image? That's an odd request, especially if her main goal was to return to the material plane. Conceit doesn't sound likely. Is there a spell of some sort that would require such a thing?" Cade asks.
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In eons past, the angel Tabris was tasked with cataloging all knowledge of the Great Beyond, only to eventually be cast from Heaven for penning the Book of the Damned, the perfect catalog of all planar evil...
"Wouldn't the lesson from they story be that some knowledge is corrupting and that we're probably better off without it?" queries Cade. "After all, if an angel couldn't remain unchanged, what chances do we have?"
"Master of Spells, where I come from, names have meaning. Do you know how Grave Walker earned their name?"
Sorrina grimaces.
“Well, I might. But where she comes from, such stories are very personal to tell. She was part of a Pathfinder team that accompanied me to the Crystal Womb, an Orvian Vault with close ties to the Plane of Earth. Without going into detail, everyone except Graves and me perished while trying to find a way out. This also where I became acquainted with Reyshal ik Jalman.”
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In eons past, the angel Tabris was tasked with cataloging all knowledge of the Great Beyond, only to eventually be cast from Heaven for penning the Book of the Damned, the perfect catalog of all planar evil..."Wouldn't the lesson from they story be that some knowledge is corrupting and that we're probably better off without it?" queries Cade. "After all, if an angel couldn't remain unchanged, what chances do we have?"
Eltran nods at Cade with a strange fake smile.
“Tabris, sometimes called the Chronicler, is an angel who was ordered to study the whole of the multiverse. His studies of the planes formed the basis of the Chronicle of the Righteous, Concordance of Rivals, and Book of the Damned, and for the Book of the Damned he was exiled from Heaven. But just because Heaven believes the book is too dangerous, this does not mean that it was wrong to do it!! I see why Xiao junior and this group worked so well together! He was making the same statement as you just did Cade but here we have to accept different opinions!!“ he says and folds his arms.
The dessicated Tabris was allegedly encountered by Count Aldus Aldon Canter of Vieland in a lost sepulcher in the desert of Osirion with a sect of immortal sages who venerated him. Aldus claimed to have studied the sect's secrets for three years before being sent back into the outside world as a messenger. Aldus founded the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye and wrote the Lost Gospels of Tabris with the knowledge he had gained.
The Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye (rarely known as the Eldritch Order of the Palatine Eye) is a secretive organization of scholars and historians based in Ustalav. Their mission is to study and monitor dangerous lore and inhuman monsters, and their primary antagonists are the cultists of the Whispering Way and the Night Heralds.
You suddenly realize that Eltran’s holy symbol of pharasma obviously is marked with typical additional signs of the Order of the Palatine Eye.
“Well, I’m ready to go then!“
"A statue in her image? That's an odd request, especially if her main goal was to return to the material plane. Conceit doesn't sound likely. Is there a spell of some sort that would require such a thing?" Cade asks.
Oh, I certainly don't think it's a spell. I will have many questions for Grave Treader once I see her again. Whatever you do, once you find her, focus on convincing her to return with you.
"Does Reyshal's supplies account for this? A genie may not have the same concerns as a prime. We're probably use to handling rock slides... but large areas of poisonous gas will require some planning..."
Not specifically, but...
Sorrina hands you a wand of stone shape. She informs you that it has four uses remaining.
This will be quite handy here on the Plane of Earth! At the end of your journey, please keep it whether or not it is used up by then.
She then presents the store of goods that Reyshal left outside, containing high-quality versions of the basic equipment that you need for the journey: food, water, camping gear, and a general map of the region.
Before you depart, Sorrina explains Lodehollow serves as a base for several mining operations and an occasional stop for traveling merchants. At any given time, half of Lodehollow’s miners are on duty in the various caverns near the settlement and the other half are on leave in the settlement, spending their hard-earned coin on the various businesses that have sprung up to meet demand.
You can both stop by weapon-smiths and armories, but also speak with the off-duty miners to learn more information about the dangers you might face in the border region.
You may know more about the Plane of Earth.
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A chronicler of worlds can take 10 on Knowledge (planes) checks. A number of times per day equal to her Intelligence modifier, she can take 20 on a Knowledge (planes) check. This ability stacks with that gained by lore master at 5th level. A chronicler of worlds can attempt all Knowledge checks untrained. This alters bardic knowledge.
Eltran starts talking to people and his Planar knowledge guide them to entrust him with what they know!
”So everyone, don’t attack creatures just because they look strange, e.g. the Xorns protecting their gems. At the border region the Plane of Fire we should be prepared for blistering heat and rivers of lava! And our Shoanti Pathfinder seems to have allied with Ifrit and Oread bandits at the Crystalmaw Pass!“ he explains to the group.
He then also shares what he knows about the plane of earth.
”Well, we have to be careful here! The perpetual war between the Opaline Vault and the City of Brass is a constant drain on resources that could be otherwise spent to develop new regions for mining and habitation. The ravages of war leave many denizens dislocated and without means to support themselves, especially if they are unable or unwilling to join the fighting. Some of these displaced people take up banditry in order to survive.
The region of heavy gravity extends far beyond Lodehollow. This makes sudden drops and rockslides especially dangerous, not to mention the strain of traversing under its pull takes on the body. So who is well trained in survival?!“
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"A statue in her image? That's an odd request … Conceit doesn't sound likely. Is there a spell of some sort that would require such a thing?"
“That’s a reasonable conclusion, Cade. Perhaps she’s out silver-hunting in Crystalmaw Pass?”
Chunhua shrugs. "For what it’s worth, I did a quick calculation of the value of Grave Treader’s probable weight in silver."
"It seems a reasonable amount for an experienced Pathfinder working a moderate-to-high risk job for about a year."
"Wouldn't the lesson from they story be that some knowledge is corrupting and that we're probably better off without it?"
There is a depth to Master Greenleaf that makes me glad to walk beside him and call him friend.
“I think you’re onto something, brother. I sense you are also wise to consider the precautions we should take against probable environmental conditions.”
Chunhua ticks the hazards off on her fingers. “For extremes in heat, I suggest the endure elements spell. If nobody has a wand they are willing to share, I can purchase one in Lodehollow for Good Dhovahk to cast from.”
“For exposure to toxic gas, I carry air crystals and antitoxin.”
“Landslides are another hazard the Master of Spells has warned us about. Can anyone cast move earth type spells? If not I will purchase a folding shovel.”
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"Perhaps these bandits can be reasoned with."
"Mayhaps, Good Dusk."
Chunhua bows respectfully to the newcomer. "Though I suspect from what our bearded friend says, there are some factions at work in the Pass that are more open to diplomacy than others."
"Still, I am prepared to keep an open mind."
➼ ⚗
“I would welcome anyone’s company as I navigate the mercantile outlets of Lodehollow.”
Chunhua searches the various armories off the main strip for an experienced fletcher, favoring one with a silent marketing strategy based upon the quality of their wares.
“Well met, Master Smith! I seek seven durable hardwood arrows, with keen heads of adamantine.”
As well as an apotherary, located as far as possible from the nearest tavern or brothel.
“Air crystals if you please, Good Doctor! I doubt such items are rare on the Plane of Earth.”
Chunhua bounces from shop to shop, with the party in tow until she finds a sufficient fletcher. He promises You won't be disappointed. The adamantine of this plane is forged in Earthly chaos. In fact, after your battles, I would even suggest trying to recover these! The tips at least!
She is then directed back towards the outskirts of town, where she locates a tent of heavy fabrics and a beaded entryway. Inside, the fabric walls are covered with arcane and elemental trinkets. There is an immediate waft of incense, and expended animal parts as spell components. The mixture of scents would be unpleasant if they didn't evoke a mysterious sense of magic by association.
Please come into abode invites a raspy voice from an oread with leathery skin. She notices that he's not looking directly at her, and his eyes look extremely clouded and dark. He is able to produce her desired air crystals.
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“Dusk Ahh, yes of course I can be your flanking partner!! I do this regularly! And I don’t look like much and I know that I go on people’s nerves but in battle I can be very inspiring!!“ he says beaming.
Dusk seems content with this. "You do not get on my nerves. A person's worth is seldom based on how they appear. Actions are more important. If you are willing to risk your life to aid me in battle, you will always be a worthy friend."
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You won't be disappointed. The adamantine of this plane is forged in Earthly chaos.
“Earthly chaos? Do you mean Golariony chaos? That’s what it’s called where I come from.”
The archer considers the fletcher’s description of the adamantine’s orogenesis. “Hmm … so it’s not a ‘sky metal’ here.”
“Indeed, it’s more like a ground metal.”
Please come into my abode.
“Of course, Doctor. Thank-you for the air crystals, they say there are none better in the multiverse than those found on the Plane of Golarion-ness.”
She nods her goodbye instinctively at the blind oread. “Fare thee well. Our adventure is about to start, but I will be sure to resupply from you on our return.”
The party departs Lodehollow...
During the first leg of the journey, you travel toward the border between the planes. The path from Lodehollow to the border region snakes through the outskirts of gargantuan caverns. Luminous crystals and other strange lights twinkle in the distance, hinting at the actual mind-bending proportions of these caverns. The cavern ceilings climb upwards beyond sight and sheer drops disappear far, far below into darkness. Throughout the journey, the oppressive pull of gravity weighs down every step, taking its toll on all of you.
Given the oppressive nature of your travel, you attempt to find the optimal path to reduce the amount of heavy gravity you must endure...
Including bonuses from gathering info and planes knowledge
The team puts their heads together, standing over the map and reasoning after only a few steps outside of Lodehollow. It's clear to all what the best way to go is and you soon take up your marching order and sling your heavy packs over your shoulders.
Including bonuses from gathering info and planes knowledge
All are soon very glad they charted the most direct course as the gravity as no small effect on each of you. Every past ache you've ever had in your body, every sharp lower-back pain, shoulder ache, or knee glitch comes back at twice the force that you've ever felt it. Everything hurts.
Chunhua and Cade spend this leg of the journey filtering throughout the ranks of the marching order, helping others and encouraging them. However, everyone is a little worse for wear than when you set out. The sooner you get out of this gravity, the better...
A chokepoint in the path widens into a small cavern. The remnants of a pair of merchant wagons lie overturned on the ground beside the chokepoint, surrounded by several bodies. In the distance, plumes of smoke and a red glow color the landscape.
You see several creatures standing near the wagons. These squat beasts are as wide as they are tall. Strangely symmetrical, they each have three arms, three legs, three eyes, and one huge mouth.
One of them chews on the lock of an iron lockbox. The box makes a rattling sound, indicating something that this creature clearly wants to get at. The lock is proving particularly tough to crack open.
Another creature, picking through the other wagon, turns and notices you. It yells out to you in a rough voice (but speaking common).
Hey all of you! Stay away!
It watches you carefully for several moments before turning back to the wagon to continue picking over it.
What do you do?
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“We recognize your salvage rights to the ruined caravan and we lay claim to NO metal or gems in your territory. But we would like to check on the fallen.”
Chunhua shows the creatures open hands. “We seek the bandits that caused this carnage. A dwarven acquaintance in Lodehollow mentioned you help others if there are mutual benefits.”
“If we open the locked box for you, will you help us with any information you know about the Sundered Stone brigands, please?”
... in addition to what you already know, which is:
Immune flanking
The Xorn at the lockbox turns, you believe scanning all of you. It's hard to tell where his focus is with only one of three eyes facing you at one time.
Locate a missing person you say. Attend to the fallen?
Then Chunhua mentions help opening the lockbox and the Xorn hops, all three legs clapping before they touch the ground again!
He turns to respond to Eltran.
What we are doing here, is looking for gems! I think I found some in this box. You!
He points to Chunhua.
Come have your try at this box, but don't go opening it up or taking any of the contents out, eh? I'm watching closely!
What do you do?
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"My friend Dusk is good with locks, I'm better at chit-chat."
Chunhua moves in to examine the bodies as non-threateningly as possible.
"Why don't you tell us what you know of the Sundered Stone bandits while we're waiting?"
She gestures at the tall elf. "You can keep TWO eyes on Dusk, and still have one free to concentrate on me, yeah?"
The xorns are clearly no longer tense and are already back at picking over caravan debris when Chunhua approaches. Her respectful approach certainly helps, and the group is now allowed to inspect the caravan and the fallen.
As you approach the wagons you noticed that the red glow comes from lava vents in the distance.
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Dhovahk slowly walks through the wreckage, glancing at a smashed yoke or a scuffed outcropping as he passes.
He bends down to examine one of the dead, peering closely at a gaping slash across its torso. “It appears this caravan was indeed attacked by humanoids,” he says at last, pushing himself slowly to his feet. “These wounds are not from tooth or claw, but from a massive blade wielded by hands. And see how the edges of the wound are cauterized? The metal was hot enough to burn as it cut.”
“I see no remaining goods or valuables here, save for the lockbox. Those who attacked their neighbors likely sought them and took them. While we do not understand what drove them to violence, we must pray that we do not continue to perpetrate the cycle.” He clasps his hands together and regards the volcanoes in the distance.
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Eltran listens to the Xorn and Chunhua's exchange and looks at Dusk.
"Well, I can help you with the lock in case that is necessary. I recently learned a new trick!" he says eager to support.