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A bright peach female gnome with short-cropped flaming orange hair zips up to the assigned meeting place in midair. "Whooo! First!" She flashes a glance around to see who noticed. Her shoulders slump a little. Oh. No one. Boo. --Anywaaaay! She snaps back into "perky mode" and hovers over a seat, fidgeting and twitching like she's about to burst with overflowing energy.
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"-- and if it happens again, I will take your little business, you little..." A Varisian man with a slick beard walks through the doorway. He motions and the door closes behind him with a bang. "Ah, I must have run out of words, Darla. I trust my message was clear. Remind me to look in on little Hamish later and squeeze his income a bit more, just for spite."
He turns and a chair slides under him as he sits. He wears a linen shirt and you see movement underneath it. It takes you a moment to realize the man has a snake wrapped around his neck! He smiles at the snake, then at the gnome. "No, Darla. That would be quite bad form, and I seriously doubt you can even eat a gnome."
He turns to Pai. "Apologies, little one. Darla meant no ill will. Now, I am Trade Price Teric Cain. I see we are the first to arrive. Would you like some refreshments?" He motions with his fingers and a cabinet opens. Two goblets and a pitcher of wine floats out to begin serving themselves.
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Pai's eyes are wide as saucers. "Uh...sure." She looks like she's not quite sure the wine isn't poisoned, but she takes a sip anyway. "So, uh... Squeeze Hamish's income just for spite, huh? There's gotta be more to that story, 'cause what I heard makes you sound like a bad dude." Which he might be. OOOO! Do I get to watch him? For the Society? Weed out the bad guys in our midst! I'm a detective? So coool!
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Teric chuckles. "Oh that. No, no. Perhaps I let my words get away from me. I caught Hamish trying to swindle me and my customers. See, I run several businesses trading goods and moving cargo around the world. Hamish was diverting some of my customers' purchases to his brother and trying to pass off fakes in their place. Poor forgeries to tell the truth. I was simply warning the man about his activities."
Teric sips the wine, and you see tattoos along his arms. "But I'm opting to give him a second chance rather than turn him over to the authorities. Why break someone when you can show them forgiveness, right?"
The Varisian smiles, and while Pai remembers the stories about Varisian swindlers, there's just something about Teric that puts her at ease.
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About five minutes later a handsome half-elf in (mostly) black opens the door and steps in. He gives a wry grin, "Sorry about being late, I keep getting these very angry spam messages. I have no clue who they are from and no way to reply, so it's getting annoying."
Hamish is a rather stern looking muscular half elf. His clothing is simple, a black cloak and britches. His chest is contrastingly clad in a bright silver breastplate, though the dull wrought iron Symbol of Pharasma hanging from his neck dampens the glare. Among the various weapons arranged for easy access include a leather whip, a blackjack, a longsword, a morningstar and a shortbow with a quiver full of arrows.
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Teric chuckles. "Oh that. No, no. Perhaps I let my words get away from me. I caught Hamish trying to swindle me and my customers. See, I run several businesses trading goods and moving cargo around the world. Hamish was diverting some of my customers' purchases to his brother and trying to pass off fakes in their place. Poor forgeries to tell the truth. I was simply warning the man about his activities."
Teric sips the wine, and you see tattoos along his arms. "But I'm opting to give him a second chance rather than turn him over to the authorities. Why break someone when you can show them forgiveness, right?"
The Varisian smiles, and while Pai remembers the stories about Varisian swindlers, there's just something about Teric that puts her at ease.
** spoiler omitted (Sense Motive DC 33 **
As Teric speaks, Pai's posture and expression visibly relax. "Oh, okay then. Sounds good. Good luck with him!"
About five minutes later a handsome half-elf in (mostly) black opens the door and steps in. He gives a wry grin, "Sorry about being late, I keep getting these very angry spam messages. I have no clue who they are from and no way to reply, so it's getting annoying."
"Wow! That sounds weird and annoying. Anyhoo, you're not late yet. I'm Pai, and I just met Teric here. Who're you?"
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A tall, lanky man of Taldan descent enters the room and dumps his pack in the corner. He takes a deep breath and looks around the room, and smiles a bit when he sees a familiar face.
Pai! Nice to see you again! Have you thawed out after our last adventure? he says with a wink and then addresses the others.
I'm Mykel...of the Cassomir Therinors.. he nods his head in salute. His weapon and gear show him to be a Taldan swordsman trained in the deadly falcata.
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Teric waves a dismissive hand at Pai. "Different Hamish." He squints at the Bard. "I think so anyway."
The mage motions and moves glasses are set out and the wine pours itself for everyone. "Good to see everyone." The snake pops its head up and looks around before diving back around his neck, though the snake seems to actually enter his body and you see tattoo ink on his skin in its place.
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Undead I can handle..at least with this anyways. Mykel says as he pats his sword.
Pai..what trouble are you starting? We've only just got here...
When he sees the snake tattoo he chuckles.
Reminds me of a dancer I saw when I went on a trip to Qadira...she had a similar tattoo...but it snake wasn't around her neck... he says with a sly grin.
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"Pai..what trouble are you starting? We've only just got here..."
"What? No trouble. I'm not causing trouble! It's just, Teric was saying something about a bad Hamish, and then Hamish came in and--oh, never mind. Coincidences can be funny, that's all."
”Hey everyone. I’m Pai. Sorry I’m late. It’s nice to meet everyone. I wonder what fun and excitement we will find on our mission!?”
As soon as the new gnome introduces herself, Pai S.'s eyes go wide *again* (what is this, three times in as many minutes?) and she exclaims: "You're Pai?! I'm Pai! We're both Pais! Double the fun! Wahooooo! I'm just going to assume you're awesome." She begins doing a goofy little dance in the air above her chair.
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The beautiful blue haired gnome wearing heavy spiked plate mail armor and bearing a greatsword and lucene hammer introduces herself as Quiella Hollysharp of clan Durgil. Her reindeer, wearing barding with a lance strapped to it, she introduces as Túrin.
"Good to see you again, Teric, Pai." She says with a bow.
A novice pathfinder calls you from the lounge at Heidmarch Manor - the Society Lodge in Magnimar - to attend a secure briefing room.
Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch is waiting quietly in a rather crowded study. At the far end of the room stands Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin alongside a masked figure whose features are concealed by a dark robe and heavy cowl. Half a dozen other Pathfinder agents line the walls and face outward, concentrating on various spells that no doubt ward the room against eavesdroppers. Sheila motions to a sideboard bearing refreshments before leaning over a small table laden with Thassilonian relics.
Ambrus Valsin steps forward and says, “My fellow Pathfinders, as you can see, the task that lies ahead transcends the interests of Magnimar’s increasingly esteemed lodge; it’s a mission that will affect the entire Pathfinder Society and merits the direct attention of the Decemvirate.” The hooded figure behind the Venture-Captain nods in silent agreement and then gestures for Valsin to continue. “Over the past year, we’ve received increasingly concerning reports from this region that the Lissalans have plans in motion to revive Krune, the Runelord of Sloth and one of the most powerful wizards of ancient Thassilon. We have set our own plans in motion to keep him in check if the Lissalans succeed, but Sheila Heidmarch has an ambitious proposal regarding this threat.” He nods and steps back to cede the briefing to his colleague.
Sheila takes over, adding, “We recently acquired these refuge tokens and their command words. When broken, the tokens will take a handful of agents directly to Krune’s sanctuary. If he has yet to revive, do whatever you can to ensure he never does. If he does awaken, pray that he is too dazed and addled to command his full power. Whatever it takes, end this threat to Varisia—permanently.”
Sheila then motions to the other relics on the table. “The Society has recovered Thassilonian relics, perhaps some through your deeds, and I would rather they be in your hands as you face Krune; they will do us little good in a museum if the runelord returns. Once you defeat him, take special care to recover his two artifacts: a dragon-tooth spear and a rune-inscribed rod."
“Once you are ready, I will show you how to use the refuge tokens. Do you have any questions?”
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"Lord of Sloth? Okay, I'll skip the jokes about cute furry animals, 'cause that's obvious. But you'd think a dude devoted to sloth would, like, not do much. Ya know? So, obviously there's more to him than that. What was he like when he was in power? What'd he do to folks?" Pai S. is so proud of herself, coming up with a question--*two* questions--without having to think long and hard about it.
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"Ah, the Lissalans are finally making their move. Good. It's time we end their little game. With all these resources and power they have gathered, it will be satisfying for it just go 'poof'."
Teric gets up to examine the relics. "Ah, I remember this whip. And the tattoos." He turns at Hamish's questions. "Yes, what do we know about Krune himself too?"
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"Oh, I don't normally show this off, but it has helped in the past." Teric rolls his sleeve up and on his inner arm sits a Sihedron brand. "Most Lissalans see this and take me for one of their own. I'm not sure I could fool a Runelord, but it would be fun to try. Perhaps, Shecks, I could get him to sell you a book?"
Venture-Captain Heidmarch responds: "Krune was the High Priest of Lissala, the Thassilonian Goddess of Runes. The Sin, or Virtue according to the Thassilonian culture, of Sloth was linked to conjuration magic. You may expect Krune to be an exceptional master of that school of spellcraft, adept at binding others to his service."
"You might conclude that a ruler who epitomised Sloth would ensure that he need do little by means of forcing slaves and servants, both conjured and mundane, to labour for him" Valsin adds. "As for the artifacts, we know almost nothing. But Zarta Dralneen is certain that the runelord's spear is sentient."
The hooded figure then answers Hamish."The Master of Scrolls speculates that harnessing as much rune magic as Krune supposedly can would require powerful foci. If you can identify what these are and disrupt them, Krune might lose his greatest weapon. If you cannot find such foci, your battle will be all the harder. Do not fail."
Sin magic evolved—or more specifically devolved—from the rune magic of Xin, first emperor of Thassilon. Its use virtually died out with the fall of Thassilon.
DC20
The empire of Thassilon once covered much of what is now Varisia, but it crumbled in the wake of Earthfall over 10,000 years ago.
DC20
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"You may expect Krune to be an exceptional master of that school of spellcraft, adept at binding others to his service."
The bright peach gnome begins fuming like a volcano about to erupt. "Slavery? Okay, I hate this guy! He can go suck limes! And do nothing else for the rest of all time! Let's go break his stuff and kill him 'til he's really dead!"
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Know arcana
Know history
”Hoo boy. Son magic started with Xin, the first ruler of Thassilon, which was basically located where Varisia is now. It hasn’t been popular since Thassilon fell about 10,000 years ago however. But this Sloth magic is specialized conjuration, calling servants to fight for you. They don’t use much illusion or evocation magic, however. Haruka, where Sloth magic was heavily practiced was a small part of the land, but was imprtant due to their large slave trade. Some of their descendants are now involved with Lissala worship.”
"If you need any last minute supplies, Lodge services are at your disposal" V-C Heidmarch says. "If not, I'm ready to send you in."
"Make no mistake - this is an assassination order" the hooded figure adds.
"Well well. A party of necromancers against a conjuror..." the masked figure muses as they take their leave.
Sheila Heidmarch hands each of you a rune token - a sliver of engraved stone bearing a unique sigil. "The rune tokens will snap with relatively little force, as long as you have intent, not unlike certain magical gemstones. Pay attention to your specific rune, and do no discard the broken token. We don't fully understand why each token's marking is unique, but it might prove significant."
Steeling your nerves, you activate your refuge tokens...
A small ziggurat emerges from the southern wall in this tomb-like stone chamber. Most of the structure’s blocks are simple but precisely cut stone blocks, but in several places petrified humans—too finely sculpted to be carved—shoulder the burden of the blocks above with scarred backs and hands.
A short, steep flight of steps ascends the northern face to a second tier, and to the east and west two are other sets of steps that lead to the ziggurat’s apex twenty feet above the ground. The ceiling is shrouded in darkness, and there are no light sources save for Hamish's ioun stone.
Pet
Pai Shecks, floating off the floor, happens to direct her gaze to the top of the ziggurat and spots a large serpentine creature slinking around the apex!
Pet
There's a flash of magic from the ziggurat.
"Εισβολείς! Γονατίστε μπροστά στον Κούρσου τον Αθάνατο και ικετεύστε για γρήγορο θάνατο!"
Surprise round!
Kurshu the Undying
Pai K
Mykel
Teric
Pai S
Hamish
Quiella + Tùrin
The bold may act!
You face Kurshu the Undying - Herald of Lissala, goddess of runes and obediance. This Evil and Lawful Outsider has served Lissala for countless millennia. Now, it would seem, she guards Krune's inner sanctum.
DC33
DC38
DC43
DC48
Pai Shecks announces her presence - and yours - with a blast of thunder and lightning shot squarely into the many-winged serpent. But the energy bolt passes through the creature with no effect.
"Αστραπή? Ελπίζετε να νικήσετε τον Κήρυκα της Λισάλας με απλή αστραπή?"
The creature responds with more magic, and a shining red bead flies through the air before exploding amongst you a second later.
Round 1
Kurshu the Undying
Pai K
Mykel
Teric
Pai S
Hamish
Quiella + Tùrin
The bold may act!
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Reflex
Know. Planes
Pai screams at being burned by the fireball as she tries to recall anything about their enemy. ”Oh, she’s a lawful evil outsider who normally serves Lissala but is serving here for some reason. Not good at all!”
She casts Communal Resist Energy (Fire) on herself and anyone else at arm’s length.