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1) I am based in Southeast Asia (UTC +8) so my posting hours may be unusual (especially for those in North America). I usually update at least one or twice per day. Just to keep the game moving, please post at least once every day and at least once during the weekend.
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Tuesday/Thursdays - all day, as they are the 2 busiest days of my work week
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8) Let's have some fun and tell a great story together! After all, that's what we are here for.
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Hopper is a small fellow just like Parnes, but he is wearing leather armor with burn marks on it from under which few runes can be seen.. In his bandolier he carries plenty of bottles. He sits on top of a rather big wolf, who he calls 'Wolfie'. The canine has grey fur and a friendly demeanor, but his jaw looks like something that one would want to avoid.
Only half of his head is cover in hair while the other half is covered in atrocious tattoos that he may have done himself.
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Fortiva is a young elven woman with a charming, crooked smile (for the people she likes) and a blade casually sheathed at her waist (for those she doesn't). She has a habit of tossing her long, honey-colored hair over her shoulders as she greets and speaks to the others.
The brightness of her blue eyes speak of a youth spent living in places deep underground, although her patched and well-worn armor, athletic build, and ease with the blade speak more of years spent as a mercenary.
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Leo is a stocky young man of mixed heritage, in his early twenties, and average height. He is bedecked in full-plate armor, has a hand and a half sword on his back, and a pack over top it. He has chiseled handsome features with unkempt short brown hair. His left gauntlet appears whiter in color and has ruby colored runes that run down each finger. Tied by a leather throng to his belt is a slightly 'off' looking spellbook. His plate armor has a large symbol of Nethys emblazoned on the middle of the chest. The armor is colored black and white on the left and right respectively.
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Patrick is an obviously nerdy wizard, in his mid twenties, and still looking a bit nervous as he looks about to see who else is here. He is dressed in robes with astronomical symbols on it, befitting his profession as an astromancer. He wears a holy symbol of Desna, a butterfly brooch and carries a backpack full of esoteric gear. Somewhere in there is his own spellbook.
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You probably thought canned pumpkin went into pies, not on Pathfinder missions. But this pumpkin in a suit of armor was probably bad from the very day he was made. Born from the same ritual that created the other Finadar leshys, this gourd carries a giant hammer with which he makes puree of his enemies.
Reports say that SQUASH's demon powers have begun to surface, allowing him to spread terror and destruction wherever he goes.
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A page shows up, hands a note to the person giving the briefing, and rushes off as soon as it's clear there's no response to carry.
- Jiki
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A blue-skinned goblin rushes into the room, out of breath. If he has some sort of grand backstory, it is well hidden beneath a set of colorful - or, more accurately, gaudy - performer's clothing. He's dragging behind him a suit of armor that it doesn't look like he's had time to don, and strapped to his back are a well-worn bow and quiver and a pack stuffed with writings and magical devices with unusual auras, plus a single silver die held in a pouch made from an oddment of chainmail.
"Sorry I'm late. I was just talking to Valsin and thr... the Waterfall. That last job was a lot, let me tell you. I'd sing it to you instead, but I've barely had time to come up with a jingle, never mind a song appropriate for such a journey. I just need to think of a good rhyme for 'brain stealers'. I mean, I know any number of rhymes - healers, peelers, you know - but..."
Seeing the flat stares of the other Pathfinders, he brings himself up short. "Um, right. I'm Jiki. I'm here to befuddle our foes and then write about how incredible the Pathfinders - except maybe one weird little goblin - handle whatever fate throws at them! So... what is fate throwing at us? Did I miss the briefing?"
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Leo taps the Grimoire at his side, "Well, I'd thoroughly enjoy spending some time, if we get it, talking about magic theory with you. I know you have a focus on astromancy and would love to hear about your approach to magic. Actually, " Leo says turning to Jiki, "I'm really curious about yours as well."
Leo continues, talking to no one specifically, "See, I think I've accessed magic commonly used by priests and champions of deities. While it could be through my connection to Nethys, I think that there's a link within all of magic, a common thread if you will, that, if understood, might allow access to any given type of magic. A unifying theory, as it were. What do you think?"
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Even magic has it's laws and it's limitations, whether or not it is arcane, divine or primal. So there is the possibility of a unification theory, something that my uncle Patrick also believed in as well. I am ... just basically carrying on his work. Plus some spells do fall into more than one category although it could be argued that they are different spells in construction but have the same effect.
The wink doesn't seem to have bothered him, as it seems he has endured worse but he does acknowledge it with a slight smile.
Although I do have a question for you Leo. Have you managed to balance your studies of magic with being social? I am attempting to seek that balance.
He also wears a holy symbol of Desna - a recent addition by the look of it.
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Leo chuckles a little at Patrick's question and then thinks on it for a few moments after. "I don't know that my path allowed me to be any less social," he says thoughtfully with a smile. He gestures at his full plate armor, "My education and passions were not just in study. I have spent much time learning the sword, learning the art of close combat. Such study cannot be done in solitude."
"My mother is a highly social person, a champion of Arshea." Leo pauses to allow the others to fill in the ramifications of the statement on their own. During this pause, Leo obviously keeps his gaze away from Fortiva. "That said, my father is a master magician and magical academic. He too is a Nethysian who accesses magics from arcane studies as well as thoughtful prayer. Though, his magic is from the times when magic was viewed as coming from only two traditions. He too focused on study. But due to his focus, my twin sister and I were raised mainly by our mother, because his study resulted in complete or partial solitude. They met because they were both pathfinders. Anyway, I think his socialization came from going on missions and academic collaboration."
"Which," Leo says clearly desiring to change the subject away from his parents, "is why I would enjoy picking your brain about your approach to magic."
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I have to admit most of my studies were indeed done in solitude. I was tutored by my uncle, who was also a Pathfinder of the Old School. He ... also had ideas which ... come to think of it were a bit strange, but they seemed to make sense at the time. So, there was not much time for ... socialization, something I am only now coming to grips with. I have been getting a lot of advice from my ... counsellor ... but much of this has yet to be put into practice but it was on her insistence that I spend some time in Seedy's bar.
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"Well," Leo says strongly with a friendly smile, "a study sesh it is then. You'll even have good news to report to your counsellor after. I look forward to learning about what your studies in solitude have revealed."
"And as for you," he says to Squash, "there is no magic too small to learn from. Natural magic is one of the ones I haven't had a lot of time to focus on. I think that this is going to be very enlightening."
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"Yes Patrick, but the how is the most curious part." Leo says with growing excitement. His gesticulations also seem to grow with his excitement. "It is clear that strong magic was used. But why do many leshy have access after the fact? Is it residual?! Kinda like an overflowing cup?! Or is it like a magical act that caused more of a puncture with the hole being consistent access in more of a underground spring kind of concept?! If it is the spring thing, then does that mean that great works of magic can cause such punctures?!"
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That is an interesting question Patrick replies And something I would discuss, preferably over a cider at Seedy's. However, I fear we are doing something that I was warned about by Fola - boring everyone within earshot. It would be more logical to focus on our upcoming mission, whatever that might be
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You have been called to the Grand Lodge via a cryptic message. The sender, however, was clear—the Decemvirate member known as The Waterfall. Once on site, you are met by a messenger on the main floor, who leads you down into the depths of the Grand Lodge. You descend into the lowest of the vaults, where the air hangs thick and stale, and finally, at the end of a long hall lit only by blue glowing sconces, you arrive at a room that has seen its fair share of hidden uses. This room into which you have been summoned is one of the most secure vaults in Skyreach. A number of lounging pillows and comfortable carpets cover the burnt remains of a large circle in the center of the room.
Three people are sitting in the room: an elven woman in a long flowing dress, a nephilim woman in a comfortable but functional purple tunic, and a human man of apparent Tian descent in academic robes. Respectively, these are Csilla, the Decemvirate member known as the Waterfall who recently unmasked herself; Valais Durant, leader of the Radiant Oath; and Killia Huon-Wynn, a senior researcher of the Dark Archive. Csilla's face bears a look of obvious concern.
With introductions complete, the worried look on Csilla's face fades slightly. "Thank you for responding so quickly to my summons. In complete transparency, while I feel the results of this mission hold benefits for the Society, the task itself is personal in nature." She motions for everyone to take a seat on one of the many cushions around the circle, pausing to give everyone a chance to get comfortable. She then continues. "After a box of my previous belongings was returned to me, I dug further into why my memories are so sparse. I held long conversations with Valais here," indicating the nephilim to her right, "about her own experiences of piecing her mind back together. We decided that it might be best if I reach out to the Grand Archive. Once I did so, I was directed to Killia Huon- Wynn," she gestures to the man sitting to her left. "Years ago, when the Dark Archive was still a faction within the Pathfinder Society, he was one of their chief researchers, and he continues his work with esoterica dealing with the mind with that group now that it's independent, while also aiding the Grand Archive."
Csilla pauses briefly before continuing. "As such, Killia is our foremost expert on the depths of the mind as well as broken memories. I trust his recommendations for finding the answers, and that's why you're here now." Killia clears his throat and begins to explain. "In order to find what is hidden in The Waterfall, Csilla's, mind, we need to go in and explore it. I strongly believe that the best way to do this is through a ritual known as a mindscape." He pauses, as if for effect, then continues. "Chief among the myriad benefits of a mindscape is that we can send in outsiders to investigate the mind itself. As outsiders are less likely to be impacted by the specific elements that damaged the mind in question, it allows for an overall more effective recovery, especially in dealing with the aftermath of harmful mental magics." He glances to Csilla, and she nods for him to continue. "After reading through the journal recovered from the Tsevel Center detailing what she endured, it is my theory that there may be some very, very malevolent forces at work in the recesses of her subconscious. I have reason to believe that some of the injections may have included essences from the spaces beyond—the Dark Tapestry itself."
Csilla resumes the lead and explains, "It is because of this possibility that I am asking this team to investigate." She pauses to look at each person present, resolve in her eyes. "It is my concern that having that type of entity embedded within me, even as deeply as this should be, could cause long term concerns for the Society, and even beyond that. The only clear memory I have is one that was sparked by the doll in the in the box that was retrieved–a memory of a small cottage in a small village. Somewhere in that cottage is a journal. I am certain that journal is the key to diving in deeper, and I would be very grateful if it were to make it back with you. Since it is something I remember so clearly, I would like to see it in reality."
Killia turns to you. "You'll be entering her memories through a modified mindscape door ritual. Any questions/concerns/violent reactions?"
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"Aberrant creatures that invade the mind? Hold on, let me clear my thoughts before we depart."
Squash reaches into his gourd producing a small silver hammer suitable for throwing. He then closes his "eyes" for a few moments before he lets out the loudest belch that reverberates throughout the room.
"All clear now!"
Combat Flexibility Resounding Bravery prepared.
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Watching Squash, Fortiva says, "Did you just get that out of... never mind, of course you did."
To Jiki, she adds, "I don't know about your experience, but destroying the dopplegangers of my allies was quite ... pleasant ... I mean, cathartic. No, wait..." she trails off with a mischievous smile.
And lastly, to Killia, she says, "Oh I think most of this sounds like nonsense, but you probably need a skeptic like me on the mission, so let's open this baby up."
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I too have been in other mindscapes and I have heard tales of my uncle's adventures in the Dreamscape while chasing an elf known as 322. Last seen, as far as I am aware, that elf was in the company of the night hag Aslynn, damned be her soul. So I would recommend expecting the unexpected and fortifying your mind - especially if the Denizens of the Dark are involved.
He too glances towards Squash but the only reaction is a raised eyebrow.
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Hopper pulls out a sandwitch as Leo chats with Patrick about magic, he was used to being ignored, despite being maginicent alchemist others looked just through him.
He was surprised to hear that they asked Jiki about opinion.
As he was thinking that, Wolfie snatched his sandwich and it disapeared in his giant jaws.
Hungry and disapointed he listens to the briefing
"What can we expect in someone else's mind? What threats could await us there? And how can we defend ourselves?"
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"Very well, you have an hour to prepare yourselves. Come back then."
Setting the last candle into place, Killia Huon-Wynn looks up with worried eyes. "Having my own experiences with outside entities creating dreamscapes, I have invested much time and energy into researching them at great depth. This ritual is a modified version of mindscape door that we are keeping within the depths of Skyreach's most secure vaults, but at Csilla's urging, we are going to utilize it to permit you to explore the depths of what is hidden from her conscious memories. Due to its modified structure, and as well as the strain any external entry to a mindscape can cause the host, you need to move expeditiously inside. The longer you take, the more unstable I fear it will become.
"[b]Also, unlike in traditional mindscapes, your actions in this one mirror exactly what you can do here. So, be assured that you are still be yourself, and not need to rely on your strength of Will to navigate within. However, that also means that you are just as much at risk as you would be here—at greater risk, actually. If you die within the mindscape, we may not be able to bring your mind back to your body, making reviving you nigh impossible." He motions for all in the room to join the circle. "But this is why we are sending you, some of our most experienced agents. You know how to handle yourselves, and how to work together. Speaking of which, we must now work together to complete this ritual. Take each other's hands and follow my lead." As Killia is about to begin, the door to the secluded room opens. "Good, it seems I caught you just in time," Eando Kline states as he walks into the room.
Valais starts to interrupt, but stops as Eando raises his hand to her. "Look, I may not see eye to eye with everyone all the time, but even I can take the time to think and change. After I… abruptly left your last meeting, Csilla, Fola found me, and we went for a long walk on the grounds to talk out why I feel— well, felt—the way that I do about your revelations. While I still don't agree with everything in your past, I also don't agree with everything in my own. So, with hindsight being what it is, I'd like to extend an apology to for my actions and offer my help in sending off this team to finish what you've… we've… started."
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After a long pause, Csilla nods her approval of Eando Kline’s apology and offer. With that, he looks to all, giving a pat on the shoulder to any members of the Vigilant Seal. His voice becomes firm as he addresses you, "Going into something like this is dangerous at the best of times, and these are not the best of times. Take these with you. They’ll help keep you moving forward, and aid in getting you back as quickly as possible." He hands the group a bag containing three greater healing potions, as well as a 7th-rank scroll of haste, then takes a place in the ritual circle as a secondary caster. Killia motions for everyone to join hands, and then starts to begin the ritual. He takes the primary caster role, with Csilla aiding him directly.
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Oooh. I help? I know how to help... I think?"
Squash hums to himself as he tries to sway with the flow of energy.
"I call upon GREAT DEMON MAGIC!... Am I helping?"
He really doesn't know what he's doing, but the small piece of the Finadar monolith embedded in his gourd does. It indeed thrums with great demon magic. Hopefully something doesn't go wrong later.
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"Alright folks," Leo begins excitedly as he pulls out a scroll. "I've done something similar to this one before and went ham with theory should it ever come up again. So...Woah there Hopper! Try and focus-"
"Oh my...gourd that is some power! Though, if I can shift it from... being so...demony.. there we go!"
Leo helps manipulate and focus the contributions.
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CS: The labyrinth’s ire is substantially dulled. It will not attack in the next two exploration periods, a total of 20 minutes, and its damage will not increase for that time.
S: You have dulled the labyrinth’s ire. It will not attack during the next exploration period, around 10 minutes of time, and its damage will not increase for that time.
F: You do not calm the labyrinth.
CF: You immediately draw the labyrinth’s ire towards you and your allies. It attacks again as if 10 minutes had passed.
As the ritual concludes, you feel your consciousness dragged out of your bodies, forcing you to close their eyes. When you open them again, you find themselves in a small village, where the homes seem to be fading in and out, building themselves up before fading away. Seemingly sparsely populated, the village fades in and out of existence as Csilla’s mind recalls vague memories of a past mostly forgotten. The homes in the village are all 10 feet tall, and in the Village Square is an amphitheater whose walls stand slightly higher at 15 feet. Otherwise, everything is open air.
This small village is dotted with cottages, each of which seems to be fading in and out of focus, appearing to fade anytime someone looks away. Even though the sun is high in the air, the homes around are either lit by candlelight, or completely dark, as though the whole of the town is sleeping. As things seems to come into better focus, the sound of names being called from what appears to be the village square further away echoes through the air.
As you step through the door into this portion of the mindscape, you can see some of the homes lit by candlelight, and others dark, as though the world is falling asleep with them. As you approach the village square, you hear someone calling your name...
A giant wolf moves from behinds and pounces at Hopper, licking him on his face with massive tongue