Alaznist scoffs. "A pity he could not face us himself. This could also be the work of a diviner with a broad mind. Divination and dreams are too often similar sorts of frippery."
With the incriminating evidence in hand, you leave the dawnsilver workshop and report back to Ayavah. Ayavah is glad to hear that you have found some leads but is alarmed by how far-reaching this cult’s influence and aims are. She urges you to come with her to report directly to Queen Sorshen and warn her of the incoming dangers. With her position as the city’s high priestess of Nocticula, she can arrange a meeting quickly enough but not so swiftly that the you don’t have time to do some shopping, resting, and recovering if you wish. Once you're ready, Ayavah escorts you to the Blood Moon Palace.
When he lived, Runelord Karzoug ruled his city from near the peak of Mhar Massif within the towering Pinnacle of Avarice among the spires of Xin-Shalast. To Queen Sorshen, this felt unnecessarily distant, so she’s left those buildings empty and instead chose the city’s military academy, Shahlaria, as her home, renaming it the Blood Moon Palace. Constructed (and for many centuries, occupied) by giants, the Blood Moon Palace has a sprawling, intimidating scale that Queen Sorshen’s artisans and followers are still working to renovate into something that feels more welcoming and artistic than its previous austere, severe decor.
Ayavah leads you quickly through the structure, not pausing as curious artisans (some of whom are giants) look on. She doesn’t lead you to the throne room but instead to a sprawling balcony on an upper floor that overlooks the palace courtyard and the city’s northern sprawl below. A single guard clad in elegant robes and armed with a guisarme greets the group then cants her head to the side as she receives telepathic instruction from Sorshen to grant Ayavah and you admittance.
The chamber beyond is extravagantly appointed with tapestries, marble statues, fountains, floor-to-ceiling terrariums filled with a wide range of flora and fauna and a wide bathing pool lined with crimson stone. Sorshen herself lounges in a high-backed wood and velvet throne-like chair on the far side of the pool having just concluded a discussion with an immense rime dragon. The dragon nods her head, favors you with an appraising eye, then gracefully exits the area via the open balcony to fly off into the mountains.
As the dragon recedes from view, Sorshen bids the you approach. Though her expression is soft and welcoming, there’s a carefully schooled but unmistakable arrogance in her aura, the kind only one who has held great power can exude. She greets you softly, leaning forward to meet each eye with her cool gaze.
"Welcome, heroes. I’ve heard you’re among the most accomplished of those invited to Xin-Eurythnia in anticipation of our Unveiling Ceremony for the Circle of Open hands. High Priestess Ayavah has spoken highly of you, and it’s past time, I think, I made your acquaintance. But those pleasantries, I think, must wait for another time, perhaps after the ceremony. For now, I’m told you have uncovered some unsettling news about a cult?"
Discovery: Nocticula Lore, Society, Perception
Influence Skills: Art Lore (to appeal to Sorshen’s grown adoration for beautiful artwork), Arcana (to engage with Sorshen as a fellow practitioner of magic), Deception, Diplomacy, Intimidation
Torisen observes the Runelord cautiously. Waiting in her presence is like standing close to a raging bonfire. Uncomfortably close.
Alaznist can't help but flush as she approaches Sorshen. Her brand twitches with thwarted wrath as memories of failed assaults, crushed minions, sudden betrayals, a regrettable assignation, and then the oceans of blood that followed.
That time is dead. The me that I was back then is dead. The only thing still living is her...
"Greetings, sister. It has been a very long time indeed. I hope that in this strange new world we can find something more productive to make of our lives than our former divertissements, and that I am not here so I can be squashed before my return to true power. But do not fear. I recognize my prior failings; Ranek's account of your rebirth is my model, after all."
Ranek offers a bow upon arrival. "First, Queen Sorshen, I must thank you for your invitation and hospitality. I look forward to the unveiling of the Circle of Open Hands, and wish that we could have discussed magical theory under more auspicious circumstances. Regrettably, we do need to deliver ill news of cult activity. You are of course aware of the Trinity Star that passed through the sky last year. The cult seems to worship this star, and views it as a sign of the return of the Runelord Xanderghul. Whether that belief is true or not, I cannot say, but we did encounter a powerful illusion trap on a door, as well as kind of living illusion of the former Runelord of Greed, Gimmel, made of dreams and memories that likely lingered within the Dreamlands. I have some theories about this..."
Ranek proceeded to discuss his theories of how dreams and memories could be combined into a living illusion with Sorshen, if she wanted to.
The tiny bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite saunters into Queen Sorshen's elaborate bedroom. His blue eyes roaming about making it seem as if the Champion of Mazludah is a bit crossed-eyed...
Shaking his helmeted bat-shaped head, Sir Batman approaches the Queen.
Hello, Queen Sorshen. I am Sir Batman, Champion of Mazludah. Pleasure to meet you.
Turning serious the Sprite begins confirming the doungs and goings ons of this new Asshat Cultists.
...and in conclusion, perhaps postponing the Opening until we can ferret out the rascals?
Iesha was disgusted again, a thin-ish woman in middle class dress and gray in her dark braid. Black stains on her finger tips and crow feet around her eyes suggest maybe a scribe or clerk?
.
"We killed them." while she might look primly harmless, her words came out cold and final. Not threatening, just certain any others would meet the same fate
Torisen watches Queen Sorshen carefully as the others speak to her, but he is unable to glean any insights about her. The canny monarch plays her cards close to her chest.
Sorshen's gaze focuses on Alaznist as the magus speaks first. "We have been enemies before, but I hope that in this incarnation, our interactions can be more civil. I've already extended the olive branch to Belimarius. I am inclined to do so with you as well, Alaznist. Let the past remain in the past, and let us stay focused on a more prosperous future."
The queen straightens in her chair when Ranek mentions Runelords Xanderghul and Gimmel. "These are disturbing tidings, indeed. I had hoped that we had finally rid ourselves of the tarnished legacy of the other runelords, but they have an annoying tendency to rise and return at the most inconvenient of times."
She listens to Batman's extravagant explanation, and gives a nod of thanks to Iesha at her brief proclamation. "Good. There is merit to your concerns, and I promise to look into them. I will also spread the word among the city that you are true heroes of Xin-Eurythnia and should be treated as such. Could you tell me more of this cult?"
"Yes. The only reason to war against another Runelord at the height of her power is because one cannot accept another being of power existing in the world. I have learned the folly of such a plan. I will not fail like that again."
Sir Batman recites a antidote about catching more flies by nesting near a spider's den.....
As the lady asks for details on the cult, Iesha does so. Her mind catches plenty of details about dress, ticks, hairstyles, how they died, make up of the room, etc. She recounts everything said by them during the fight
"They wish to pull down the beauty have created in these ruins, and replace it with the illusions of some kind of facsimile of Xanderghul."
Ranek pulls out the papers of prospective plans they'd taken from the Cult's hideout. "Their target is the unveiling ceremony of the Circle of Open Hands. It's possible they may intend to take control of the gateway itself, redirecting its energies from its endpoint in Absalom to elsewhere - perhaps the Dreamlands. If they do intend to attack the ceremony, it's possible they'll use either planar travel to move a large force into position, or else they have more small groups hidden throughout the city. It would take quite a bit of magic, but given that Mhar Massif is currently unused, they could hide some larger creatures like giants or dragons there, relying on spells to allow them to breathe outside the occlusion zone. Also, their plans repeatedly refer to the city by its old name, Xin-Shalast, as opposed to Xin-Eurythnia."
Your words have quite the impact on Sorshen, Ranek's detailed description especially. She looks over the papers for a few minutes, then nods resolutely.
"This is not a threat to be taken lightly. I will see to it that security around the unveiling ceremony is increased commensurately. In the meantime, you will have my backing to continue investigating the cult. Consider yourselves honorary guards for the ceremony.
"I shall reward you for returning these documents to me, and for the good work you've done so far. After the ceremony, I would like to meet with you further to discuss how we might work together for the betterment of Xin-Eurythnia. For now, though, I have some last-minute work to ensure that the Circle of Open Hands functions as intended. Until our next meeting."
She inclines her head, and Ayavah steps forward, ready to escort you back out of the palace.
RARE INVESTED MAGICAL
Usage worn; Bulk —
These amulets once served as tokens of loyalty between the runelords and their favored agents. Though they vary in appearance, they all share a common design—a leather or metallic cord attached to a metal disc inscribed with the seven-pointed star known as the Sihedron. For original Sihedron medallions created before Earthfall, a runelord of old Thassilon (not a character with the runelord archetype) doesn’t reduce the DC of any scrying spell they cast against a creature that wears a Sihedron medallion even if they have never met the target or are unaware of the target’s identity. If such a runelord successfully scries on a creature wearing an original Sihedron medallion, they can use the wearer’s voice to issue messages to those in the vicinity. Sihedron medallions created in more modern times don’t possess this disadvantage.
A dead body that wears a Sihedron medallion doesn’t decay, and bugs or other pests (such as maggots) are prevented from consuming the remains, but unlike the effects of peaceful rest, this doesn’t offer any protection against undeath, nor does it have an impact on spells that require the corpse to have died within a certain amount of time.
Activate—Bolster Flesh [two-actions] (concentrate, manipulate) Frequency once per day; Effect Your flesh is augmented with magical vitality.
You gain 10 temporary Hit Points for 8 hours.
Type Sihedron medallion; Level 5; Price 160 gp
Type greater Sihedron medallion; Level 9; Price 700 gp
The medallion grants a +1 item bonus to saving throws and grants 16 temporary Hit Points when activated.
RARE INVESTED MAGICAL
Usage worn; Bulk —
Though simple in appearance, Sihedron rings are among the most treasured tokens a runelord would bestow on an agent in times past. Like the more common Sihedron medallion, Sihedron rings created by the original runelords allow for easier scrying of and speaking through those who wear them; Sihedron rings created in modern times don’t have this disadvantage.
As long as it’s invested, a Sihedron ring protects its wearer from environmental extremes, rendering them immune to severe cold and heat. The ring also grants a +1 status bonus to AC against attacks made during reactions.
Activate—Costume Change [one-action] (concentrate) Effect You change the shape and appearance of any armor or clothing you wear to appear as ordinary or fancy clothing or armor of your imagining. The actual statistics for what you’re wearing doesn’t change. Only a creature that’s benefiting from truesight or a similar effect can attempt to disbelieve this illusion, with a DC of 20.
Type Sihedron ring; Level 6; Price 250 gp
Type greater Sihedron ring; Level 12; Price 2,000 gp
The ring protects from extreme cold or heat and grants a +2 status bonus to AC against attacks made during reactions. Costume Change becomes a free action, with a DC of 29.
"Well, I had always wanted one of these, though they have their dangers," Torisen says as he admires the new ring and medallions.
Iesha holds out her hand to accept the treasures but they fall right through her disguised palm. The woman stares down at them as the clink and clatter, her entire being posed to Sigh, but it never comes.
"Dangers?" her mild voice asks with a tinge of exasperation.
"They can be used by one of the Runelords to scry on you, rather effectively," Torisen shrugs. "But if you are in Thassilon, you should assume one of the Runelords could always be listening to you."
Ranek accepts the gifts with a bow. "Thank you very much, Queen Sorshen. I appreciate your trust in us."
He studies the ring and medallion, attempting to apprise their age. He would put them on regardless, but it would help to check. He is aware of the potential danger they represent, but was quite willing to take the risk. Besides, he could always take them off if it was more important to.
Iesha nods at the response, but keeps her eyes on the ring and medallion on the ground, concentrating on them with a singular focus until she is able to invest them with enough of her will to pick them up.
"We are a danger, a useful one, so the Queen wishes to aid and track us." Iesha speaks her thoughts outloud, then looks up with a widening of her eyes in realization that she did. "My manners are..." the exact explanation dies on her lips "I am sorry."
Sir Batman graciously accepts the Queen's request for them to wear the new bling.
I shall proudly wear this new bling your Highness. It even matches my motif!
The bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite smiles.
Alaznist takes the scrying focuses without trepidation. "My face and essence is already known well to those of substance."
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Iesha glances over at the trepidation-less one about her statement on 'substance' as she concentrates on having enough of that to pick up her rewards. The glance is followed by a resigned sigh.
"Not a concern in this case, Iesha and Torisen. These amulets and rings are newly-crafted, and are not subject to the scrying vulnerability as more ancient versions of these items are." Why did some part of him scream angrily about how they need such vulnerability to provide warning so he could avoid being stabbed in the back?
Putting the medallion and ring on, he said, "As we wait for the ceremony, let us gather resources so that we are prepared for their next potential attack. Perhaps we shall even find more evidence of what this cult plans."
Ranek, determined not to be caught off-guard by wall of stone again, sets off to get a scroll of the spell to add to his spellbook and a wand that could be used to make holes in it.
Iesha watches the wizard set off, then with another sigh, she slipped through the floor and gone. She found a place called Penny's Plentiful Pots that is a soup and stew shop, nestled within stumbling distance to many a night spot, serving very early 'breakfast' to those about to go comatose after a binger. A perfect place to listen for news and potential Last Calls.
So a pretty little shop scrubber sat in the corner with a plentiful pot of lovely smells cooling in front of her did just that.
But the plentiful pots were her undoing, since ALL just dug in to the deliciousness, never sparing a moment for idle gossip.
Alaznist trails after Ranek, but as he seeks out spellcasters and other savants for his learning, she continually finds herself compelled to correct the shoddy understandings that the so-called specialists of the day put forth.
Torisen wanders the city before the ceremony, reflecting on things have changed since his time.
The day of the Unveiling Ceremony sees the city of Xin-Eurythnia embrace a festive air. Most of the city’s populace travels north to gather in Temple Plaza in the Entertainment District. A large, colorful tent has stood at the center of this plaza for months, obscuring the view of the Circle of Open Hands portal so that it can be unveiled to the public with proper pomp and circumstance. The surrounding plaza and nearby streets teem with vendors, games, and entertainment of all types. The Unveiling Ceremony is scheduled to occur at sundown, but the festivities start at dawn—giving you plenty of time to wander the streets, shop, and partake in some fun distractions.
Bargain Hunt: The PC goes shopping, hoping to find something they’ve been wanting to buy. The player works with the GM to select a common alchemical or magical item of 15th or lower level, then attempts a Society check against the standard DC for that level (GM Core 53). On a success, the PC finds that item for sale at 90% its normal price. On a critical success, the PC finds that item for sale at 75% of its normal price.
Mythic Guardian: The PC can keep an eye out for trouble, drawing upon their mythic destiny. Their first check at the next event is rolled at mythic proficiency.
Perform for the Crowd: The PC can attempt to earn income by dancing, singing, or otherwise entertaining the crowd. The PC attempts to Earn Income using Performance, selecting any task level up to level 15—the festive nature of the event allows the PC to accomplish a full day’s job in the few hours that pass during this event.
Relax: The PC simply enjoys the festival by attempting a DC 30 Will save. On a success, they feel invigorated, and gain a +1 circumstance bonus to all skill checks made in the following event.
The ghost of Sandpoint wanders the festival as a younger version of herself, a teenager, wan but bright-eyed in a multicolored quilted dress. She doesn't join the festivities, just watches, looking as she always does for wrongs that need her servives.
With Sorshen well-appraised of the the plots at hand, Torisen decides to relax and enjoy the festivities.
The day of the ceremony has arrived, and Ranek is ready for trouble. Even though they'd informed Sorshen of the dangers, he was ever mindful of Alaznist's words that a strike at the right time could bring low even the most powerful wizard. To that end, he walked the festivities with a careful eye out, looking for any signs of the cult's movements. The tent added another level of concern - someone could have snuck in and made adjustments to the Circle ahead of time, maybe even diverting its course. He'd need to keep his guard up.
Alaznist spends her time idly in search of a foible that could prove useful in restoring some of the breadth of her shattered might.
Sir Batman is seen perfectly attired in a bronze-colored fancy robe that certainly flatters his bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite self!
Partaking of the sounds and sights of the event, the Champion of Mazludah is mostly seen relaxing by the performances scattered about, enjoying the shows.
The PC simply enjoys the festival by attempting a DC 30 Will save. On a success, they feel invigorated, and gain a +1 circumstance bonus to all skill checks made in the following event.
Unfortunately, he forgot to take the tags off the robe and it seems like it's really bothering him....
After a couple of hours, a commotion gets your attention. A merchant's product display of constructs has gone haywire, running around the plaza attempting to "serve" the citizens they run into! The merchant begs you to address the issues the constructs have entangled themselves in and ferry them back to their owner for repair before it's time for him to present them to potential customers.
MISSING CAT
A construct is attempting to rescue a cat in a tree on behalf of some children, but the terrified cat refuses to come near the construct.
A merchant's construct display just happened to go haywire when the cult was likely to cause trouble? Was this really a coincidence? Ranek's first thought was to ignore it and continue keeping an eye out, but the chaos caused by the haywire constructs would provide too much cover. They had to be dealt with.
The cat stuck in a tree caused him no end of consternation - such a simple task. He felt a flash of annoyance and anger at the situation that didn't quite come from him, but he ran forward and stabbed the point of his halberd into the tree, hefting himself up to flip around it and up into the tree branches, where he scooped up the cat and then dropped back down to the ground. Handing it to the children, he said, "Here you are, children. Please be careful not to let your cat climb trees again."
Grabbing his halbered, he looked at the construct and said, "You did a good job. Now let's get you back where you belong."
"Come here, cat!" Torisen coaxes the creature.
Alaznist holds the construct back at the tip of her ranseur while Ranek deals with the indignities of climbing up and touching the cat.
The bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite blinks repeatedly as he witnessed the goings-on of his company. He absently flutters his bat-shaped wings....
The others seem to handling the feline situation well enough, which is good since Iesha and animals are not on the best of terms.
Though the cat shies away from Torisen, Ranek and Alaznist nimbly scale the tree to rescue to the feline and deliver it to the grateful children.
***
GOBLINS LOVE ‘EM!
One of the constructs has been claimed by a troupe of goblins, who are now using it as part of their act and are loathe to part with it.
"Distract the goblins, if you can. I'm goign to try and disable the construct."
Ranek moved in to carefully remove an easily replaced gear, disabling the construct and causing the goblins to lose interest.
'Distract the goblins' was the wizard's request so the normal looking teenage girl glides up in her skirts, smiles lightly, before reaching up and removing her pin. The color bleeds out, the horrors of armor and blade materialize, the every present wounds from her death take their place. Ghost Iesha leans forward and tells the goblins
"Boo"
One of the constructs has been claimed by a troupe of goblins, who are now using it as part of their act and are loathe to part with it.
Chase Points 3; Overcome DC 30 Intimidation to frighten the goblins off, DC 32 Thievery to temporarily disable the construct so the goblins lose interest, DC 35 Diplomacy to convince the goblins to give up their “claim”
The 6" tall bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite saunters over to the group of Goblins with a serious expression on his bronze face.
Gentleman! We will be needing the construct back!
The Champion of Mazludah growls!
Batman and Iesha quickly scare the goblins away, allowing you to retrieve the construct.
STUCK IN A HOLE
A particularly awkward construct has become stuck in a hole in the street and is flailing its limbs about in a haphazard manner.
Torisen springs one of the construct's arms loose.
The tiny bronze-colored bat-shaped Sprite smiles.
He then frowns just a bit....
Iesha floats beside the small one, watching him pull, then she helped (after a few moments of concentration so she can affect the solid).
Ranek and Torisen work together to disable the construct's movements and get it free of the hole.
POWERED DOWN
A construct has run out of power and sits motionless by a pile of carts.
"Ugh," scoffs Alaznist. With a wave of her hand she empowers the construct. "Someone inform the merchant that they no longer have an excuse to impede my progress."
Sir Batman smiles...
Alaznist empowers the construct, fixing it up so it can move the last bit on its own.
TRAFFIC JAM
A construct has gotten distracted at a crossroads and is now blithely causing a traffic jam.