Tad's spell strips away some of the priestesses abjurations, allowing Eylysia's cold to reach her!
As Flyn turns his attention to the other assassin, the blood red eyes of the priestess glow, affecting his aim!
Fate does not change, however, as the assassin dissolves into blood red mist from the last arrow.
31 Flyn (Damage: 53, Bleed 7)
20 Quenly (Damage: 60, Bleed 7)
20 Saviya (Damage: 39)
17 Tad (Damage: 49)
16 Tamerius (Damage: 23)
10 Eylysia (Damage: 47)
|
"The true gods grant us freedom! Come with me!"
Quenly gestures, invoking his eldritch patrons. The ever-present shadows expand and cover him completely. They do not stop, but go on expanding - and then, just as suddenly, they recede. The elf is gone, and in his place is a large creature composed of rushing winds!
"I think not." Rising higher in the temple, the priestess speaks a prayer that causes a barrier of blades to stand before the entryway.
31 Flyn (Damage: 60, Bleed 7)
20 Quenly (Damage: 60)
20 Saviya (Damage: 39)
17 Tad (Damage: 49)
16 Tamerius (Damage: 23)
10 Eylysia (Damage: 47)
Tamerius moves towards the entrance and brings down the barrier blocking the way!
31 Flyn (Damage: 60, Bleed 7)
20 Quenly (Damage: 60)
20 Saviya (Damage: 39)
17 Tad (Damage: 49)
16 Tamerius (Damage: 23)
10 Eylysia (Damage: 47)
Flyn's arrows find their mark, preventing the priestess from casting further spells upon the party. As her body falls, you see she does not bleed from the arrow wounds. As she impacts the temple floor, a buzz of thousands of wings rises, a swarm of mantis insects exploding out and leaving no flesh behind. The swarm dissipates to all corners of the massive room, leaving by the entrance as well as a hundred tiny cracks.
"Well, that was an experience." Eylysia dryly comments, turning to try and staunch Flyn's bleeding unsuccessfully.
31 Flyn (Damage: 60, Bleed 7)
21 Tad (Damage: 49)
20 Quenly (Damage: 60)
16 Tamerius (Damage: 23)
10 Eylysia (Damage: 47)
|
Flyn nods as his bleeding continues. ”Aye, it was…and my bleeding hasn’t stopped. Perhaps I should leave this room…or perhaps the temple itself? I noticed when I was first wounded by the assassin, my blood joined with the blood that came pouring forth in these channels….perhaps if I were outside, it might stop?”
"Don't dally outside too long, in case the ghost mantis shows up." Eylysia advises, nodding.
|
|
…if that fails to stop the flow of blood, he’ll tap himself once with his wand the following round…
…to see if that has any affect…
As Flyn leaves the temple, the rest of the party sees the fountains of blood cease to flow. Outside, the archer is able to easily staunch the blood flow.
"Well, it seems I have you to thank for my life now. I suppose if you wanted to do the Decevirate's dirty work, I'd already be dead." Eylysia observes as Flyn rejoins the party. "So then, where shall I begin?"
|
|
Retreating from the temple, elemental-Quenly works a secret elven magic. Flyn is wrapped in light vines that do not hinder his movement, and the archer is crowned with bright and fragrant blooms. The bleeding stops even before Flyn has to resort to more mundane methods.
"You mentioned a great evil hiding behind a Decemvirate mask, and Torch's plan to assault the Grand Lodge. I believe you were going to tell us why. I'll get us clear of the ghost mantis' hunting grounds, but please do enlighten us."
"To get right to the point, in recent years, Torch and I have confirmed that the member of the Decemvirate in the triple-spired mask is in fact an agent of the Whispering Way. For centuries, he has held the helm while overseeing several fake transitions to maintain his hold on power. Now that the Whispering Tyrant is once again free, he has grown more active than ever. Something big is in the works.”
|
|
Flyn’s eyebrows scrunch, his face reddening with anger. ”Aye, I’m not surprised; the one who briefed us, giving us the order to kill both you and Torch in doing so, wore such a helmet. I wondered why the rat bastard would order us to kill so indiscriminately…should’ve put an arrow through his rotten eye then…”
He shakes his head, letting the anger slowly fade, pondering his next question…and so many come to mind, he ends up blurting out several in rapid succession…
”So tell me, who, or what, is this undead creature hiding behind the triple spired mask and what is his goal? Why have you disappeared for so long? How long have you and Torch been allies?”
While Eylysia appears trustworthy, Flyn tries to get a read on her as she answers…
“Torch has a long and complicated history, much of which I find distasteful." Eylysia shakes her head as she continues. "He’s complicated, as are his reasons. Although I know Ven suffered at the Decemvirate’s hands, reform has driven him for years. Even so, I don’t believe he’s ever given up on wanting revenge against the Decemvirate, and learning Vahlo’s identity six years ago only provided him a name and justification. Ven may have the Society’s best interests at heart, but his strategies...I can’t approve of his approach. But I can’t condemn him for striking at the Grand Lodge and trying to stop Vahlo—not when the Whispering Tyrant is awake once more.”
Flyn senses no deceit in her words, just a deep sadness. "Once, the creature behind the mask was a warrior of the Shining Crusade; a bold halfling named Vahlo Huovar. Vahlo was transformed into an undead creature long ago, however, and he now serves as an agent of the Whispering Tyrant. We do not know the specifics of his plan, only the outline. For centuries, Vahlo has used the Pathfinder Society to gather powerful occult artifacts within the Grand Lodge. He is waiting for the majority of the Society’s strength to be drawn north to confront the Whispering Tyrant. Once the Grand Lodge is empty, he intends to use a secret artifact to take control of the Grand Lodge and weaken Absalom from within, making it easy pickings for his master.”
“As for me, I was present centuries ago when the Pathfinder Society was first founded and later, when the Decemvirate were installed. I had suspicions that three of the Ten were not honorable characters. After investigation, their corruption proved worse than I thought. My companions and I confronted them, but a struggle ensued. One of the Ten was killed, along with all my companions. The remaining Decemvirate placed a price on my head, and I was forced into exile. Although my name eventually faded from Pathfinder history, I continued my investigations and have tracked the corruption of the Ten. Ven reached out to me some time after his own troubles started and has been a regular source of mine for years.”
"I agree wholeheartedly. Whether you disagree with Grandmaster Torch, believe in his vision, or just want to ensure Vahlo doesn’t bring the Society toppling down with the city as its pyre, the Society would be stronger with you there. As for me, it seems wise to end my exile here now that I have been discovered. If you like, I have a teleportation spell prepared that can take you back to Absalom.”
"Then we'd best be off about it." Eylysia begins to pack her stacks of books away into a few knapsacks. "These old bones won't be much use against Vahlo and his schemes, but I look forward to seeing how the city has changed."
With the Red Mantis dealt with and your objective achieved, your quarry leads you outside the dimensionally locked temple and casts her spell, whisking you all back to Absalom to confront the true targets of your mission.
-----End Part 1-----
Returning to Absalom, you see that the city feels much different than when you last left it. A pall hangs across the throngs of people, the docks packed with groups seeking passage, the streets choked with carts bearing loads of food, armaments, and other supplies. The various district guards are out in full force, keeping watch and assisting in moving the traffic in as orderly a fashion as possible.
Making your way through the rush, you hear bits and pieces of conversations, speaking of defeats in Lastwall, countered by boasts of Absalom's prowess in pushing back the last siege only two years ago. One thing that becomes increasingly noticeable as you draw close to the Grand Lodge, is the complete lack of any recognizable Pathfinders anywhere.
The gates stand closed and sealed as you arrive. No signs or sounds of activity come from the high, solid walls. Before you have much time to take in the eerie ambiance, a door to one of the buildings along the street behind opens and a half-orc steps out, falcata sheathed at his back. He raises a wayfinder in greeting as he approaches.
"Been like this for most of the day." he explains, gesturing to the gates. "VC Petulengro has the few of us here pulling watch shifts. Best ta check in with her, where it all began, as they say."
"Oh, ha, right." He rubs his head, a hint of nerves showing through. "She's at the Wisp."
|
|
Quenly watches the guard-pathfinder in silence. Following Flyn towards the tavern, he gestures, his hands rapidly forming complex shapes that twist and bend the shadows that accompany him.
A familiar orb forms, expanding, revealing tiny motes of light within; and then just as quickly as it appeared it recedes again, leaving in its place a tiny dragon, no bigger than a housecat, its scales as black as midnight.
Do not trust the guard. The disembodied voice of the Jacinth Sage sounds via the draconic 'interpreter'. Remember, Torch favours half-orcs as his bodyguards. Expect a trap. Let us not enter the tavern unprepared.
Flyn sees nothing amiss as the party approaches the pub. Inside, the smoky interior is as cozy as ever, despite the many empty tables. Only a handful of Pathfinders appear to be present among the light crowd, gathered around Venture Captain Eliza Petulengro. Your arrival causes a moment of surprise, before relief floods the red-haired leaders face.
“Good news at last,” she declares with a sigh, waving the junior agents away. “Misfortune never seems to spare Absalom, as you may have noticed from the undead army waiting outside the walls. The city awaits reinforcements before sallying out to attack, and most of the Society is far north seeking out the Whispering Tyrant’s secret weapon beneath Gallowspire. Hopefully, all this will weaken the lich and shatter his armies."
“That leaves the Grand Lodge nearly empty. And for hours now, it’s been on lockdown with no word in or out. No word from Ambrus, no word from Kreighton Shaine, nothing from the Decemvirate. I’ve organized the few other Pathfinders outside the Grand Lodge to keep an eye on it in shifts, and it’s clear something’s not right. My divinations struggle to perceive the campus, and it’s very rare for the main gates to close as they have. The agents I have here? They’re capable, but I need help breaking into the Grand Lodge, identifying what’s wrong, and neutralizing any possible threat.”
A moment passes, an awkward mouthing starting before Eliza purses her lips. “So welcome home. Hopefully your recent travels were less foreboding? And if you have any information to contribute, I’m eager to learn more.”
|
|
Flyn bows to the Venture-Captain. ”Greetings, m’Lady, good to see you, albeit the circumstances. We have dire news; it is also relevant to what’s happening within the Grand Lodge. No time for all the details, so let’s cut to the chase…
”We were sent on a mission by one of the Decemvirate; he wore a spiral helmet. Our mission was to assassinate Grandmaster Torch…and another Pathfinder, Eylysia, as well, after we got Torch’s location from her. After dealing with the Red Mantises, we found her and she told an interesting story, which we believed…and she teleported us here…
“The Grandmaster suspected corruption within the Ten; according to Eylysia, he was certain an agent of the Whispering Tyrant had infiltrated the Decemvirate and has been there for centuries. His name is Vahlo Huovar; he was a Halfling that fought in the Shining Crusades, but was eventually transformed into an undead creature. He has gathered occult artifacts over the the years, for his master, long planning on betraying the Grand Lodge to the Whispering Tyrant at the opportune time, which appears to be now. Eylysia said this murderous Halfling wears a triple-spired helmet, which means he was the one who sent us on our mission to kill Torch…
“…and it is Torch who is attacking the Lodge now, hoping to slay the undead bastard and prevent its coup…”
He trails off, awaiting Eliza’s response…
Eliza stands silent for a time, seeming to weigh Flyn's words before gesturing to a corner table. As you seat yourselves, she speaks a few arcane syllables, gesturing to the four corners. The sounds of the preparations outside fade, the quiet noise of the Wounded Wisp muffled to silence.
“The helms can hide anyone’s identity and auras, even the fact that someone’s wearing the helm at all. What’s more, it’s never publicized who replaces a retiring member of the Decemvirate. That an undead mastermind could hide within the Society for so long shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s a shock nonetheless that one did. And it would explain some of the foul orders thought to come from the Ten.”
"When her notes resurfaced several years ago, Eylysia’s name became quite commonplace in the Society. I understand she was chased out under ill circumstances—likely framed. Torch is like my homeland of Galt: a wounded person seeking justice through dangerous means. I find I’m conflicted about how to handle him. The Decemvirate has always cautioned against attacking him, though, speculating he held some secret weapon against them. Let there be no doubt, though: Torch’s infiltration could cause untold damage to the Society’s property, personnel, and reputation, and his gambit might have even deeper ramifications.”
“I know that learning about what might be happening in the Grand Lodge isn’t comforting. We have two possible threats: Grandmaster Torch and the rogue Decemvirate member Vahlo. They’re both dangerous, but where we know that Torch is engaged in mischief, Vahlo’s schemes are certainly more malevolent. The plan’s largely the same: get into the Grand Lodge, pave the way for possible reinforcements, reestablish control of the campus, keep an eye out for survivors, identify what’s going on, and put a stop to any devious plans. If he’s among the most senior of the Ten, Vahlo knows the ins and outs of the whole Grand Lodge, as well as how to access its most powerful secrets and artifacts. What he’s secured might provide clues as to what he’s planning and where to intercept him."
“Last thing: until and unless I think we don’t have any other choice, we’re keeping this quiet. The Society’s accumulated many evil artifacts, vile secrets, and other skeletons best kept buried deep in our closets where they’re safe. If Vahlo and Torch are parading those around, Absalom’s guards would be as likely to misinterpret and condemn the Society as fight alongside us. Our aim is to solve Pathfinder problems with Pathfinders, not get the Society kicked out of the city."
“There’s little time to waste. Any questions?”
|
|
It is not the Emerald Sage's style to parade assets, as you put it Venture Captain. But if he thought that doing so would bring the ire of the city down on the Society, and if he thought that advantageous, then it is a possibility.
As for Vahlo, I do not know him. But if Eylysia's intelligence holds true, his objective is to serve his master, and what the Whispering Tyrant wants with the Grand Lodge is anyone's guess.
Except that, I'd wager a senior Venture Captain like you knows more than we do about the contents of the Lodge's vaults and the artifacts that might hold most appeal to the arch-lich and his servants.
"If Zarta or one of her clerks with the Dark Archives were available, I'm sure they would be able to shed some light on such possibilities. As it stands, Venture Captain Rosenthal knows as much as I do about the vaults." She nods in acknowledgement to Colin. "I am relieved to have your aid again, given the circumstances. Coordinating the agents we have on hand has left me little ability to investigate further, even if going alone wasn't too great a risk. I have attempted contact with our force in Ustalav in case they can spare reinforcements, and will reach out to a few city officials I can trust to be aware of possible complications. If you can get the main campus under control, I will send you as many agents as I can to maintain the lodge."
|
|
Flyn listens intently, with furrowed brows, as VC Eliza speaks; after pondering a moment he responds…
”So, time’s a wasting; first off, we need to get the gates open. Once we get ‘em open, m’Lady, your forces can enter and secure them and hopefully keep ‘em open for any reinforcements that might arrive. Meanwhile, we’ll infiltrate further into the Lodge, investigate, try to figure out what in four hells is going on in there, and deal with the undead Halfling…sound like a plan?”
"Exactly that. If you determine you need more aid, signal me so I can make contact and discuss options. I only hope it won't come to that." She looks to all of you around the table and nods. "Make haste, but take what time you need to prepare. It will do none of us any good if you are caught unprepared."
"A sending spell or an animal messenger should work, depending on the conditions on the lodge ground. Failing that, one of the junior agents can notify me."
|
|
Flyn bows to the Venture-Captain. ”Then by your leave, m’Lady, we will proceed to the gate directly…”
Nodding to his companions, he leads the way back to the gate…
Upon arriving, he greets the guard there. ”We met with VC Petulengro; she ordered us to find a way in and get the gates open. Has anything changed here since we left?”
Heeding Quenly’s last warning about Torch using half-Orc agents, the Elf tries to get a read on the guard as he answers…
…then checks out the gate and the wall before trying to find a quiet way in…
"Nothing new. Same silence all day long." the junior agent confirms. "We talked about getting a potion or something to look over the wall, but we can't do much about whatever we see anyway." Flyn senses only nervousness and frustration from the Pathfinder. Looking over the closed entrance, it appears even more formidable sealed than when standing open in welcome.
|
A small figure flies down from the sky and landed on top of the gate. "This is Venture-Captain Colin Rosenthal. Status report?" he asks the junior Pathfinders to explains the situation to him. "Sorry, founding a lodge took a while." he speaks quietly to his seeker companions.
"...The gate is locked, I see. It hasn't been that way since 8 years ago, when the black dragon came" the druid looks down at the enormous gate under his feet and takes out his bow. "Are we trying to get pass the gate, or are they trying to get pass the gate?"
|
|
Flyn ponders for a moment…
”The gate is likely barred from the other side; I doubt the gate can be opened from this side…I’ll climb over the wall and try to open it from the other side…standby…”
The Elf casts Monkey Fish (climb speed 10’) and then approach the wall nearest the gate and starts to climb up and over the wall, as quietly as possible…
…once over the wall and onto the grounds, he’ll take a look to see if the gate is guarded and how it’s secured…
…and if he finds it trapped or locked, he’ll attempt to unlock/disarm it if the coast is clear…
…and if successful, he’ll open the gate to let his friends and the VC’s guards in…
|
|
A small figure flies down from the sky and landed on top of the gate. "This is Venture-Captain Colin Rosenthal. Status report?" he asks the junior Pathfinders to explains the situation to him. "Sorry, founding a lodge took a while." he speaks quietly to his seeker companions.
"...The gate is locked, I see. It hasn't been that way since 8 years ago, when the black dragon came" the druid looks down at the enormous gate under his feet and takes out his bow. "Are we trying to get pass the gate, or are they trying to get pass the gate?"
"Yessir, I was just tellin' 'em about it all. Gates been closed all day, no one in or out. Those of us not on expedition have been keeping watch for VC Petulengro. Soon as someone can get the gates open, we can move in, if that's the plan. It's been damn nerve-wracking with the army outside and who knows what inside."
Flyn begins the ascent on the wall with the assistance of his spell, but finds the smooth surface just slightly beyond his magically assisted skill, his grip slipping enough to not be trusted.
|
|
"There's a saying in Tian Xia, that 'There was no path to begin with, but as more people walked, a path was formed'.
Colin address the Pathfinders and purpose an solution:"I need 14 brave volunteers and some skilled riders to go with them. I will cast Animal Shape on the 14 to change them into huge size flying ancient-bird. toward the dock and look for my ship-lodge Argama, and take all the rope ladder on the ship you can. Set the robe ladder up on the front gate here so people can climb up ladder and get down on the other side. Having 14 pairs of huge wings should enable you guys to get on top of here easy enough. Take my wayfinder so they know I send you."
He will also offers to cast Fly on Flyndyngylyn to help him get over the gate....and aid him in crack open the gate
|
|
"The economy is in shambles..." Colin sighs at the severe lack of resource.
The alternative proposal is extended Communal Air Walk on the barely 4 pathfinders. 2 x 14CL x 10min/CL ÷ 4 = 70 min each.
"Let's say if you four can walk on the air, can you reach the 30ft top of the gate in......an hour and ten minutes?"
Maximum of 28 people and 10min of air walking each.