At long last, the Pathfinders have reached the lost Sky Citadel Jormurdun only to find it already occupied by fiends and subterranean foes. The Society must mount an epic offense to explore the immense subterranean city while simultaneously driving off the squatters within. If they succeed, the Pathfinders may discover that the greatest prize is not the mountain fortress itself but the treasure that lies at its heart. The adventure concludes Season 5, Year of the Demon.
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Polanco Goldhammer shows up short o' Breath.
Wot in the tarnation is even going on here.... I been trapped in a bit o' a time loop, gone and got meself into a big fight over at the Grand Lodge in Absalom TWICE and now we got a big ole expedition in the Sky Citadels! Och. 'ave to admit this one is at leat relevant to me scholarly interests 't least.
Polanco brings out a jug of Solstice Dust IPA and pours a cup for everyone. Now that I been ordained by Cayden this here is considered prayer and not jes day drinking so drink up friends. Name is Polanco Goldhammer, Dwarf out of Druma, expert on engineering and engineering accessories and a Venture Agent nd part time instructor at the Pathfinder Society. Pleased to meetsya
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Arr, mateys. I be Fredreka, Desnan cleric of The Shackles. I prefer the seas to underground, but I'll make do.
Fredreka is a halfling, cleric of Desna. She has blond hair and blue eyes. She speaks only Common and Halfling. She sports a shiny Mithril Breastplate and a nice looking buckler. The sickle that hangs from her belt seems all but brand new. A small mulberry colored stone orbits her head.
As some of you begin introducing yourselves, you look around for a moment to reflect on your current situation. You, along with numerous other Pathfinders, find yourselves standing within an immense entry hall hewn from the rock itself with a vaulted ceiling soaring 60 feet overhead. The large alcoves to north and south feature grand staircases, one ascending to unseen rooms and the second plunging deeper into the bowels of the mountain that this structure is situated within. Pathfinders have lit torches on the raised platforms, and a series of cleverly placed mirrors fixed high on the columns reflect the sunlight from the entrance to illuminate the center of the chamber. Even worn by the ravages of time, the ingenious lighting, expertly carved runes, impressive statues, and images on the walls are testimony to the engineering mastery of those ancient dwarves who called this place home...
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An aged dwarf in well made and well worn travelling gear momentarily appears above you. Welcome evryone, I am very excited to explore the ancient halls my people built so long ago. I am sure we will work well together. Ragnar, good to see you and your...pet..., he looks slighlty nervously at the giant snake. Happy to place some protective magic on him if you want it...just make sure he's been fed first.
With that he disappears again, his voice emerging from above you. I will always be about, never fear. If you feel me touch your shoulder then dont resist, I will be moving you somewhere more advantageous.
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Alvin is a red-haired, older looking gnome. Though quite old , he still is jubilant and fresh as he has ever been. He has a cloak, headband, and necklace. You also see a spell pouch by his side.
"I'm Alvin, and I deal with the power of illusion." He waves his hands around making a display of casting motions, but doesn't actually cast anything. He then quickly looks around at his company.
"A lot of familiar faces again I see!"
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Riddywipple, the faerie dragon, floats around, with a cute little pouch of magic items that he carries around. Per usual when Godfrey is around, Riddywipple floats right over to him ignoring Alvin during the briefing. GODFREY IS SO COOOOOOL.
He speaks in an almost child-like tone. "Woooooooooooooow. A dwarven fortress! I've never been in one of those before!"
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"Less rats around the city so I'm assuming she's been fed. A Mage armor for her would be appreciated. This stone might help."
Ragnar hands Alonso a Pearl of Power lvl 1.
Before we head in Ragnar will use his lesser extend rod to cast Greater Magic Fang and Longstrider on Hugsy.
"Good to see you Alvin. And Riddywipple."
Ragnar takes a moment to let Hugsy recognize the scent of her new allies.
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Sir Godfrey is still very much... well, Sir Godfrey. He has managed to find himself standing in the middle of one of the spots of sunlight reflected into the room, and his heavily polished armor reflects sunbeams about almost as effectively as his twinkling teeth. He stands with arms akimbo staring about at the gathering pathfinders, the stone work, and the team he's been assigned to.
As the sun strikes him his shadow stretches out across the floor, and a close look shows it's not matching the paladin's movements, and instead appears to be looking around the side of the room opposite where Godfrey himself has his attention.
As Riddywipple approaches he adjusts the sword set across his back to clear shoulder space if the faerie dragon wants to settle down. "Well friends, this should be a simple affair, particular since a good number of us already know how the rest operate! If we're lucky we won't need to knock too many heads together, since this place should be abandoned."
A voice carries out clearly over the noise of all the Pathfinders gathered in the Great Cathedral. The talk soon dies away, leaving you to hear the announcement. ”Greetings, intrepid Pathfinders! I, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine, welcome you to the long-lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun! For the upcoming operation I recommend you work in small teams, so speak with your comrades here, find a place, and check to make sure you have all your gear. I will brief you all momentarily.”
With the exact purpose of your presence here in Jormurdun still about as clear as mud, the numerous Pathfinder agents begin to coalesce into smaller group as suggested. The great cathedral is abuzz with curious and excited chatter as people talk among themselves and wait for Master Shane to give further details.
Luckily it seems that several of you already have some familiarity with each other which eases your nerves somewhat as you form up and begin making preparations - just in case. During said preparations, your minds understandably turn to the dwarves and dwarven history - perhaps one of you might recall something useful to help with whatever task Shane sees fit to give you?
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The sky citadels are massive fortress-cities the dwarves built millennia ago. Each one is heavily fortified and can weather the mightiest assaults. The most prevalent language in a sky citadel is likely Dwarven, so an explorer would do well to have at least some means of translating text.
Supposedly there were 10 sky citadels, though 4 of those are considered lost. Even the names are forgotten, though the dwarves have not forgotten Koldukar, which was captured by orcs thousands of years ago. It’s assumed that any lost sky citadel met a catastrophic end.
Based on the Pathfinder Society’s research, it appears the dwarves left Jormurdun willingly. In fact, from the state of the outer keep that leads into Jormurdun, it’s as though they were trying to keep something in as much as they were trying to keep someone else out.
Although Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus led the military portion of this expedition, Master of Scrolls Kreighton Shaine is in charge of overseeing the actual exploration and study of the sky citadel. No one doubts the elf ’s intelligence and historical expertise, but there are some who question whether he has the ability to manage so large an operation.
Rumor has it that the Society wants to claim Jormurdun as much for its undisturbed archaeological value as for a powerful artifact supposedly buried inside the city.
Apparently early divinations regarding Jormurdun revealed that “dwarves still walk its halls,” which many have interpreted as meaning that there are undead creatures infesting the sky citadel.
Demons are powerful outsiders that often resist attacks made by anything but cold iron or good-aligned weapons.
Most demons are resistant or immune to acid, cold, electricity, and fire. Some are able to resist an even wider range of damage and magic.
All but the weakest demons have the ability to teleport vast distances, and virtually all have some spellcasting ability. Concealing the battlefield with darkness is a fairly common tactic.
Your recent study of demons makes it easier for you to recall important information at a moment’s notice. Your entire party gains a +2 competence bonus on Kn. Planes checks made to identify demons during this adventure.
The chief god of the dwarves is Torag, god of the forge, protection, and strategy. Hard work and respect are core elements of his faith, and failure to maintain one’s tools is considered a sign of disrespect.
Family is very important in dwarven culture and religion, and most of the dwarven pantheon is part of Torag’s household. His wife, siblings, and children each direct another aspect of dwarven society such as oaths, warfare, cooperation, and strength.
The worship of Droskar—the god of toil, slavery and cheating—is frowned upon if not outright forbidden in a typical dwarven community. After catching Droskar copying the work of others and claiming it as his own, Torag cast him from the pantheon and cursed him.
Some communities also revere (or at least recognize and depict) one or more quasi-divine figures that figure into dwarven mythology. These include both benign entities such as a specific assistant at Torag’s forge as well as dangerous creatures like infamous purple worms. Although these figures are unable to grant spells, they may be able to grant other boons.
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Ahem, Alonso clears his throat, Now, pay attention everyone, this information could save your life he says while floating invisibly over the group.
So, we are about to embark on an expedition into what is likely a monster and demon haunted citadel crafted by my people in ages past. Godfrey, your suggestion that the place is abandoned, here in the middle of the Worldwound is certainly a novel one
Its got to be all that armour pressing down on his brain, it can't be healthy for the lad
Anyway, back to business...
At which point Alonso embarks on what is possibly the most tedious explanatory lecture you have ever had to suffer listening through. Alonso has a reputation at the Grand Lodge of even being able to send elves to sleep in his classes. He does not disappoint.
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Ragnar nods to Sir Godfrey and just sighs at the flickering shadow. It may be useful but Ragnar is never going to be close pals with undead.
He just nods along at the bit about demons and pats his bow.
"I have an oil of Daylight but it sounds like we could be in the dark for a long time. Neither me or Hugsy can see in darkness."
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Polanco's eyes begin to glaze over as Alonso just keeps talking and talking and talking. Yeesh the way ye yap - ye mus' be from the Surface aintcha? No self respecting salt o'th'oerth dwarf would ramble that long on these subject eesh.
He takes a solid swig of his latest beverage concoction and lets out a loud burp.
Still I s'pose it's good the know that there still be undead walking the halls and demons all about the place. With us Dwarves around at least finding our way around this place shouldn't be so bad. Looken forwaird to finding out why the Dwarves left this place n' maybe making it inhabitable again.
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With a momentary flicker Alonso appears, floating aboout ten feet in the air. He pushes his gold horn rimmed glasses down his nose and peers angrly at Polanco. I sir am from Janderhoff, and just because I dont drink like a Drenchport pirate nor have the manners of a Shoanti goatherd does not mean I am any less of a DWARF!
He then proceeds to give Polanco a lecture on traditional dwarven customs and rituals before vanishing again with a HARRRUMPH!
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"Friend Alonso, you are certainly not the first person to say I have novel ideas. But I've never been much of a writer." Godfrey's expression doesn't change as Alonso's gives his lecture. Either he's listening intently, or he always as a look of slightly glazed distraction on his face to cover up when he ISN'T listening.
He stands up straighter at the mention of flames and darkness. "Of course we need not fear the darkness! Sarenrae's light shall pierce it, and I shall be her lance to do so. If there is evil afoot, no shadowy corner will save it from me!"
"I carry no sources of light, but won't shirk others and their use of them." Sir Godfrey then nods to Polanco. "I tend to get lost quickly, so feel free to guide me."
"Hmm. Sounds like at least one of you've done your homework," comes a gruff female voice from behind the group. Turning, you all see a tall, half-orc woman dressed in heavy armor and bristling with an arsenal of weapons. Around her neck hangs the holy symbol of Iomedae.
"Good. Seen a lot of action against the demon hordes myself and they're not anything you'd want to underestimate - even the mewling dretches," the half-orc continues. "Name's Chiara Venator. Glad to know that we've got some more experienced folks in on this thing, whatever it is."
"Orders? No, but since we're all relying on each other I thought it might be a good idea to make sure my fellow agents know a thing or two about demons," Chiara remarks dryly. "Knowledge is power and I haven't survived against the demon hordes without learning a thing or two about them. But like I said, you folks seem to know your business and that sets my mind a little more at ease."
She glances around at the other groups of Pathfinders and then back at all of you. "Especially since you look to be the most senior of the agents here."
"And I like your attitude," Chiara suddenly grins at Polanco and his TAIR BOOT YAY. "Give it time, I'm sure there'll be plenty for folks like you and me to do once Shane gives us the details."
”I require both silence and your attention, if you please! Once more, greetings. I am Kreighton Shaine, Master of Scrolls. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Jormurdun and thank you for the parts so many of you have played in getting us here today. The entirety of a dwarven sky citadel lies before us. It is our unique privilege to explore its halls and be the first to study its millennia-old treasures. If other sky citadels are any reference, Jormurdun is immense and would take a less ambitious expedition years to catalog appropriately. Of course, other expeditions are not deep in the Worldwound, so we do not have the privilege of taking our time. Every day spent here is another day that powerful demons might learn of us and attack. Study what you find, but also take care of any hazards you come across. I can only speculate at what kinds of defenses the former occupants left to protect their city.”
Suddenly, Kreighton looks with alarm to the ceiling of the room and shouts a warning.
”Calistria’s garters, I hate being right about these things. Prepare yourselves!”
Dozens of ropes fall from the ceiling, dancing in the air until dark-eyed, gray-skinned dwarves, bald headed and bearded, slide down to their dangling ends! Three of the invaders come at you with malevolent roars; one of them wears a set of full plate armor and wields a warhammer and shield while the other two seem to be wearing chainmail and wielding rapier and warhammer, respectively.
These strange dwarves are duergar.
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Round 1
Ragnar + Hugsy
Alonso
Alvin
Sir Godfrey
Shadow
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D. Orange
D. Red
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Riddywhipple
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D. Blue
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Fredreka
Polanco
Active Conditions: None
Ragnar + Hugsy, Alonso, Alvin, and Sir Godfrey + Shadow are UP!
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Sir Godfrey pulls out his sword without even thinking the moment the windows shatter, and is standing there giving one of the Duergar the righteous eye as they begin to menace the group. He's ready to leap forward into the fray when he hears a friendly whisper only to find himself in easy striking range. "Aha! Fear my great powers, villians! I move so quickly it appears I simply flash to new locations!"
It's a poor bluff, Godfrey has no talent for it. But he has talent for hitting things and steps in close to the blue armor Duergar, bringing his blade around in a pair of massive swings. "For the Dawnflower!"
Deciding to focus fire on armored Red, Ragnar sends Hugsy in in an attempt to nicely wrap the strange-looking dwarf up for him. The great snake sinks its fangs into Red and quickly winds around him, holding him tightly and beginning to squeeze! Ragnar then takes aim at Red and begins firing off arrow after arrow. When the second one strikes Red, he gives a great groaning cry of pain and goes limp in Hugsy's coils as blood begins to pool underneath them both. The ranger then whips around and fires his final arrow at Orange, sinking it deeply into the dwarf's calf.
After taking stock of the situation Alvin ascends 20 ft. up into the air and out of immediate reach of the group's foes. Estimating that three challengers won't survive long against the large party he opts for a basic tactic and conjures a flaming sphere that rolls over Blue...
...who dodges it with great ease, laughing with derision.
"You'll have to do better than that to catch me with your magics, gnome!" he calls out.
Alonso, having worked with Sir Godfrey before, swoops down and uses his control over time and space to teleport himself and the paladin (and his shadow) within easy striking distance of Blue. Though his bluff about being able to vanish and reappear where he pleases isn't very convincing, what is convincing is his skill at arms as he and his shadow flank Blue. Sir Godfrey opens up two great wounds across the dwarf's chest while Shadow reaches out and drains the creature of his strength.
"Gragh! You won't take me down that easily!" Blue snarls, adopting a defensive position as he seems to begin casting something...
It's Invisibility.
...and vanishes from sight. Meanwhile, Orange bellows a challenge at the sight of a hated enemy and charges straight for Polanco and delivers a powerful blow with his warhammer...but not as powerful as he was hoping for.
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Round 1/Round 2
Ragnar + Hugsy
Alonso
Alvin
Sir Godfrey + Shadow
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D. Orange
D. Blue
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Riddywhipple
Fredreka
Polanco
Active Conditions: None
Everyone is UP!
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As he warns the rest of his allies about the invisible Blue, Alonso once more uses his command of time and space to maneuver Sir Godfrey into optimal position to attack.
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Round 1/Round 2
Ragnar + Hugsy
Alonso (Mage Armor, Invisibility, Overland Flight)
Alvin
Sir Godfrey + Shadow
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D. Orange (-23; -2 AC)
D. Blue (-58; -5 Str, Invisible)
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Riddywhipple (False Life)
Fredreka (Longstrider)
Polanco (-22; Longstrider)
Active Conditions: None
Ragnar + Hugsy, Alvin, Riddywhipple, Sir Godfrey + Shadow, Fredreka and Polanco are UP!