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Sitting cross-legged on a patch of dew-kissed grass, the blue-skinned woman with pale, moonlit features tilts her wide-brimmed hat just enough to reveal her gaze. She nods to her fellow Pathfinders:
"Greetings, I am Aoi Rosenthal, protégée of Venture-Captain Colin Rosenthal," she begins, her voice smooth and composed. "I walk the path of witchcraft, and I specialize in twisting the fates of those who oppose us, clouding their minds and often lulling them into the embrace of sleep." With a graceful gesture, she extends her hand towards the hovering metallic orb beside her:
"This is Sputnik, my faithful arbiter. He watches over me, offering counsel and bridging the gap where words falter."
Sorina Westyr, the Society Master of Spells, addresses the assembly. “Pathfinders—welcome and well timed. Please, make your ways to the designated safe areas quickly and carefully, and please mind the wards. Try to keep the paths clear, as we have some very delicate equipment coming through. I have some amazing discoveries to share in just a few more moments.”
Starlight brightens the grassy plain surrounding the immense Spire of Nex. Overhead, a comet lazily streaks across the night sky. Heavily armed patrols guard the perimeter, and the shadow of great wings occasionally blots out the stars. Sharp flashes of amethyst light, quick shouts, and chanting briefly periodically rise above the waiting crowd’s chatter as spellcasters hurriedly construct and maintain crackling wards. These efforts revolve around a thirty-foot-tall upright gleaming metal ring constructed at the Spire’s base.
DC 17:
DC 20:
DC 15:
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"It is good to be back! After that confusing business in Andoran, I had almost started to wonder if I had been forgotten, or lost in the First World without ever realizing it!" Announces what is unmistakably a Wayang, his skin blacker than tar and his features sharp and alien even by the standards of his own kind, with an oversized grin that is meant to be friendly, but comes across just as much as a disturbing rictus.
His face is framed by an elegant mane of indigo hair and set with large, infrared eyes (though naturally, they merely appear ghostly-white to Human or Halfling eyes), and he wears dark, exotic finery that is rather jolly by Wayang standards. Over it he wears a lacquered breastplate made of teak, a fine bow and sword, and most impressively, a silvery buckler reminiscent of a full moon, with a sheen to match; in a sweatless death-grip he clutches a 'bouquet' of stylized, black metal...well, you're not sure what to call them, but they're all tipped with incredibly detailed and stylized wrought images of various beings, mostly exotic animals and monsters.
"I am certain you have all seen and heard the hedge-mages in the streets, and the new stain on the darkness above - but that is only the beginning, so I understand! Apparently there have been portals popping up like mushrooms all over the world, something to do with the Elemental Planes, and Spellmistress Westyr has been in closed-door meetings with elemental scholars night in and night out! Oh, to be a fly on their walls...wait. Do any of you know that trick...?"
The bizarre little man seems suddenly distracted, then his gaze wanders to the Spire.
"The Spire! It has been a while since I've gotten to come this way to see it, last time I couldn't get a good view, it was the middle of the day! Constructed by the great Nex during his bid to conquer Absalom, so they say; I wish I understood why..."
"...But if we've all been dragged here, perhaps it has something to do with the stranger to our skies, this new comet that flies with all the regularity of a bewitched moth? Exciting, isn't it?!? I am no Lirgen star-magus, but I have been following it: It is no stranger at all, it is Aucturn's Tear. You know that one, right? Comes this way every 56 years? It is different this time, though, isn't it?" He looks to the longer-lived members of the group for affirmation. "It is brighter this time, brighter than ever before. It passed right by Akiton not long ago," He points with his metal 'bouquet' to a bright red 'star' above, and slightly to its side, "and should pass us sometime today; but that is not the most interesting part: You see, as a comet flies, its icy body spins as orbs do - but this one? Well, it WAS spinning, but now it has stopped altogether! And it is venting air! AIR! There should be none, comets are supposed to be ice and void! By now, there would be enough around it that a mortal body could visit without suffocating...."
Lucky Number spellcasting service d20
He then draws a long wand consisting of three rods (one of coral, one of quartz, and one of tar pitch) bound by three rings (one of copper, one of silver, and one of gold), all etched in a strikingly colorful mercury-sulfur compound with what the suitably educated would recognize as long strings of Lirgeni mathematical equations. Holding it at both tips, he twiddles it in his hands, then points it with a flourish at everyone in turn, and you are suddenly struck by a strange premonition....
"It is good to be back! After that confusing business in Andoran, I had almost started to wonder if I had been forgotten, or lost in the First World without ever realizing it!" Announces what is unmistakably a Wayang, his skin blacker than tar and his features sharp and alien even by the standards of his own kind, with an oversized grin that is meant to be friendly, but comes across just as much as a disturbing rictus.
His face is framed by an elegant mane of indigo hair and set with large, infrared eyes (though naturally, they merely appear ghostly-white to Human or Halfling eyes), and he wears dark, exotic finery that is rather jolly by Wayang standards. Over it he wears a lacquered breastplate made of teak, a fine bow and sword, and most impressively, a silvery buckler reminiscent of a full moon, with a sheen to match; in a sweatless death-grip he clutches a 'bouquet' of stylized, black metal...well, you're not sure what to call them, but they're all tipped with incredibly detailed and stylized wrought images of various beings, mostly exotic animals and monsters.
"I am certain you have all seen and heard the hedge-mages in the streets, and the new stain on the darkness above - but that is only the beginning, so I understand! Apparently there have been portals popping up like mushrooms all over the world, something to do with the Elemental Planes, and Spellmistress Westyr has been in closed-door meetings with elemental scholars night in and night out! Oh, to be a fly on their walls...wait. Do any of you know that trick...?"
The bizarre little man seems suddenly distracted, then his gaze wanders to the Spire.
"The Spire! It has been a while since I've gotten to come this way to see it, last time I couldn't get a good view, it was the middle of the day! Constructed by the great Nex during his bid to conquer Absalom, so they say; I wish I understood why..."
"...But if we've all been dragged here, perhaps it has something to do with the stranger to our skies, this new comet that flies with all the regularity of a bewitched moth? Exciting, isn't it?!? I am no Lirgen star-magus, but I have been following it: It is no stranger at all, it is Aucturn's Tear. You know that one, right? Comes this way every 56 years? It is different this time, though, isn't it?" He looks to the longer-lived members of the group for affirmation. "It is brighter this time, brighter than ever before. It passed right by Akiton not long ago," He points with his metal 'bouquet' to a bright red 'star' above, and slightly to its side, "and should pass us sometime today; but that is not the most interesting part: You see, as a comet flies, its icy body spins as orbs do - but this one? Well, it WAS spinning, but now it has stopped altogether! And it is venting air! AIR! There should be none, comets are supposed to be ice and void! By now, there would be enough around it that a mortal body could visit without suffocating...."
Lucky Number spellcasting service d20
He then draws a long wand consisting of three rods (one of coral, one of quartz, and one of tar pitch) bound by three rings (one of copper, one of silver, and one of gold), all etched in a strikingly colorful mercury-sulfur compound with what the suitably educated would recognize as long strings of Lirgeni mathematical equations. Holding it at both tips, he twiddles it in his hands, then points it with a flourish at everyone in turn, and you are suddenly struck by a strange premonition....
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A dwarf, taller than average, in a masterfully forged heavy armor introduces himself:
"Lady Luck's blessing, Pathfinders. I am Grunjar, humble cleric of Desna. Pleased to meet you!"
On his face you can see a birthmark in the shape of a butterfly, the well known symbol of Desna. The wooden necklace he is wearing shows the same symbol.
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"Right back at you."
The dwarf quickly draws a similar looking wand and points it at Xasay Xyu (who is immediately struck by the same strange premonition, too) and then at himself.
"It would be strange if I didn't have such a wand, wouldn't it? Desna is the master of the Luck domain after all." He winks.
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Aoi nods in gratitude to the Wayang for both the casting of Lucky Number and the additional geography information.
She looks at the supplies that are given to us, "You see? That is how people trick you into buying things. First they show you the 'free' stuff that's vastly inferior , THEN give you the vastly superior option a.k.a Planetary Adaptation for 11 hours of energy resistance and other benefits, so that it looks like you're getting a good deal on it. In reality, a casting of Mass Planetary Adaptation" is 660gp that average out to be 110gp each for a team of 6. That's a 36.6% price increase if you think 1 PP is worth 150gp and 340.9% price increase if you think 1 PP is worth 375gp." she says as she transfer 1PP to a Pathfinder spellcasters, "But I am not going to say no to hours-long cold resistance."
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A handsome young dark-haired man in expensive looking garb approaches the Pathfinders and says, "If I might have your attention, you are about to be joined by a Pathfinder and entertainer, owner of The Muse concert hall in Oppara and the Stars Stage theater in Absalom, where she has played to packed houses on her violin, guitar, and drums. She is a storyteller extraordinaire, many based on adventures she has had around the Inner Sea and several continents. She will be your companion for this adventure."
He turns and nods and then continues, "I present Shasta Lux."
A human woman with Varisian and Xian features strolls up and waves at everyone. She nods to the young man and he recedes.
"Sorry I'm late. Storms delayed my passage from Oppara. Came as soon as I could. What have I missed?"
She has thick black hair held out of her face with a colorful scarf. Her eyes are dark brown. She has a tattoo in the middle of her forehead, a geometrical shape with interlocking triangles enclosed in stylized lotus petals. She is slender, pretty, and graceful, with a disarming smile. She wears light armor; for weapons she carries a longsword, dagger, whip, and shortbow. A violin scroll and bow tip peak out of a section of her backpack.
Diplomacy (gather information) DC 12
Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (history) DC 10
Knowledge (geography) or Profession (astronomer) DC 10
Shasta is up to speed on the activities relating to the new comet seen in the sky and is familiar with the history of the tower.
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Aoi can be seem arguing angrily with a Pathfinder spellcaster, who shrugs and shakes his head, before she returning back to the group. "What do you mean the void is too cold for cold resistance!" she speaks to herself, clearly not satisfy with the quality of the spellcasting serivce she got.
She takes over the scrolls from Tippa and put it in her Handy Havorsack. "I can handle those spells for you."
Sorrina Westyr, the Pathfinder Society’s returning Master of Spells, hurriedly concludes conversations before stepping onto the platform in front of a giant metal ring the Society has constructed. The starlight glimmers in her crystalline white hair, though her obsidian oread features are visible only in flashes from the nearby glowing wards.
“I thank you all for traveling here on such short notice, Pathfinders. A unique opportunity has come to us from the stars. The asteroid Aucturn’s Tear quietly travels our solar system once every fifty-six years. For the first time it now flares with brilliance. We have learned this phenomenon is the work of an entity trapped on Aucturn’s Tear and, whatever this being is, it is calling out for help. We do not know its intentions, yet it is in our interest to learn more. If it is benevolent, it may prove a powerful ally and friend to the Society if we can free it. If it is malevolent, then we will do what we can to ensure it stays sealed away where it can do no harm.
“As it approaches planets, the entity has opened gateways in magic-dense regions, as if calling out to powerful champions that might come to its aid. Based on our calculations, the first of these gateways on Golarion should appear in a matter of minutes, and we have gathered in this magically infused site to draw the portal here and stabilize it, allowing us to travel to the asteroid ourselves. Our observations show billowing clouds pouring out from three locations on Aucturn’s Tear. These both create a livable environment we can navigate as well as provide three entrances to the asteroid’s interior so that we can find the source of these events. The first entrance is at the base of an enormous crater, where there are monumental fortifications—likely making that the most difficult approach. The second plume is coming from the remnants of a frozen fortress, which could contain incredible secrets in its own right. The third plume is coming from the sunward side of the comet and is issuing from a number of lava tubes. Our observers also spotted the wreck of a metal craft near there.
“This will be an unusual environment, so prepare for unusual conditions: extreme temperatures, low-gravity, and airless pockets are likely. Everyone should have received a package of supplies to assist in managing these hazards. While the gateway should remain stable, a contingent of conjurers is staying here to monitor it, and additional teams are on standby to provide escape routes to extradimensional shelters in case of complications. Perhaps most importantly, we’ve ringed this area with defenses to prevent any outside interference with this expedition, and the bronze dragon Ahelvetinn has agreed to keep watch in case any evil attempts to escape through the gateway into Golarion.”
The Spire of Nex begins to hum, the vibrations creating a stomach-churning resonance as a pinpoint of light appears in the center of the portal ring and begins to grow. Sorrina Westyr shouts to be heard over the deafening noise, “It’s beginning! Be ready to move through and split into teams to investigate each of the three possible approaches. Once we’re inside we can regroup and compare notes.”
The metal of the portal ring incandesces, and a blast of freezing air pours out as the gateway opens. The place beyond is a field of jagged grey stone, and once several dozen Pathfinders step through, the earth itself springs to life in the form of countless elemental creatures that swarm toward the gate. From further in, a terrible draconic roar accompanies the appearance of a flight of crystalline dragons sweeping out from the lip of a crater.
“Secure the gate! Do not let any of them through!” Westyr shouts as she sends a lance of swirling black and white energy into one of the wyrms, sending it careening end over end as the forces meet.
As the elemental defenders surge forward, senior Pathfinders begin ushering groups of agents through the newly opened gateway with instructions to secure a bridgehead on the other side.
The party join this stream of Pathfinders and upon reaching the gate and stepping through they find themselves stood upon a wide stone ridge which looms above a massive crater. The air is cold but not uncomfortably so and more importantly it is also breathable! Looking around the landscape is crisscrossed with broad rocky stratigraphic stripes and swarming with elemental creatures. As instructed the party advance towards the nearest group of creatures, who have taken up a position in the remains of a ruined building...
As they approach the party spot 3 opponents, two smaller flying creatures and a much larger creature that appears to be made of solid earth.
One of the flying creatures moves towards the part and appears to be getting ready to attack.
-- ROUND 1 --
Creature (yellow)
Grunjar
Shasta
Xasay
Jilla
Creature (white)
Aoi
Tippa
Creature (orange)
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A minute before the portal opens, Shasta gathers the team around, pulls out her tambourine, and begins playing a lively rhythm as she also stamps her feet in time and sings out a pretty melody. This bright and spritely tune mimics the sound of human feet, slowly building to a steady, ground-eating pace.
She casts a light spell on her belt buckle, just in case it is needed.
"OK! Here we go," Shasta sings out. "Let's see what we're up against."
Tippa and Shasta are both not sure what these creatures are, although they are sure that the creatures do not look very happy at the sudden arrival of a large number of Pathfinders!
-- ROUND 1 --
Creature (yellow)
Grunjar
Shasta
Xasay
Jilla
Creature (white)
Aoi
Tippa
Creature (orange)
Aoi recognises both creatures.
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Shasta starts telling insulting jokes about the enemy, which inspires her and her allies to more effective fighting.
"How does a gargoyle like its drinks? On the rocks, of course!"
Shadump boom! She adds her own rimshot with her tambourine.
Then she runs toward the big guy, drawing her whip as she moves.
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Xasay grants everyone an appropriate ward for their impending giant leap into The Unknown.
That appears to be an earth elemental, but in a place like this, WHO KNOWS..??
Xasay expertly shuffles through his strange metal 'bouquet' until he finds a piece tipped with a delicate, almost abstract design, which he angles against the ambient starlight...
...and suddenly there emerge eerie, barely visible distortions in the air - of the air.
No sooner do they coalesce than they zip toward one of the gargoyles and begin aggressively buffeting it from either side!
As the party move to engage with their foes neither Xasay or Grunjar are sure about the 'Earth Elemental' but Aoi seems fairly confident she know that's what it is. The are however both sure that the flying things are Gargoyles . Xasay is aware that gargoyles are most vulnerable to effects that target their fortitude and will power. While Grunjar knows that they do not have any specific immunities to anything.
Xasay's summoned creatures move to surround the gargoyle which had originally advanced on the party. As the first of the elementals come into range the gargoyle lashes out with a claw ...
...destroying the elemental before it is able to attack. The gargoyle is however unable to do anything about the other elemental who successfully lands its strike on the flying monster ...
The gargoyle does not appear to realise the quasi-real nature of it's assailant. Despite this the gargoyle seems somehow resistant to the damage and comes away from the attack unscathed.
Elsewhere on the battlefield the second gargoyle gazes at the group of pathfinders towards the back of the party, deciding which one to attack...
...and decides to charge at Tippa...
...however it's attack is wildly off target.
-- ROUND 1 --
Creature (yellow)
Grunjar
Shasta
Xasay
Jilla
Creature (white)
Aoi
Tippa
Creature (orange)
Grunjar spends 1 PP to get planetary adaptation (fire resistance 20).
He also taps himself and everyone in the party who wants it with his wand of endure elements
The gargoyle attacking Tippa is overcome with weariness and falls asleep, crashing to the ground prone.
-- ROUND 1 --
Gargoyle (yellow)
Grunjar
Shasta
Xasay
Jilla
Gargoyle (white)
Aoi
Tippa
Earth Elemental(orange)
Tippa finishes off the sleeping gargoyle .
Meanwhile the earth elemental takes a step towards Jilla and lashes out at both her and Shasta...
...hitting both with heavy blows.
The remaining gargoyle claws at it's shadowy assailant...
...Landing the blow and causing the elemental to dissipate . The gargoyle then flies up and away to get a better view of the battlefield.
-- ROUND 2 --
Gargoyle (yellow)
Grunjar
Shasta -25
Xasay
Jilla -24
Aoi
Tippa
Earth Elemental (orange)
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"Ouch, that must have hurt!"
Why is this elemental(?) attacking us? The gargoyles, they are evil, sure. Hm...
Grunjar moves a bit over - to a position where he is certain that both Jilla and Shasta remain in the area of his channel, but the enemies are not.
"Десна, ты мне нужен!"
A silver flash of light emits from Grunjar's holy symbol, washing over everyone in a radius of 30 feet.