GM Marcos Farabellus's page

The floating tower grows quiet as Pathfinders incapacitate the last of the Aspis Consortium operatives and the strange protean in the magic circle is contained. Down hundreds of feet below, for the first time in living memory, the Grand Lodge’s gates are closed beneath the arch that bears the Glyph of the Open Road. Just outside the gates stands a crowd of hundreds pressed up together to look up and watch the spectacle. Behind them, a force of district guards pushes toward the front, calling for someone to open the gates. From the wall, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin stares down and barks a firm “No. Not your problem.”

Marcos Farabellus and a half dozen other Pathfinders approach you while sheathing their weapons. The Master of Swords gives a reassuring smile and remarks,“Just be thankful for once you’re not in charge down there.” His smile fades as he surveys the damaged tower and picks up the Sky Key in both hands. “It’s clear that the tower isn’t stable, and I don’t think tinkering with the Sky Key up here is going to make it conveniently set back down where it was. It’s past time we get out of here—before whatever magic is keeping us afloat decides to stop working.”

One-by-one, Pathfinders emerge from Arliss Hall, with Marcos Farabellus emerging last. A trio of Pathfinders is waiting for him with a thick chest, and he lightly places the Sky Key within, closes the lid, and motions for the agents to carry the strange Numerian device back to Skyreach, where several dozen armed operatives quickly surround them to ensure no more ill befalls the Society’s prize. The Master of Swords strides toward the pedestal where the towering statue of Durvin Gest once stood but now lies shattered. Within minutes, hundreds of Pathfinders and their venture-captains solemnly gather in a wide circle around the monument, and the blood-spattered Master of Swords addresses alumni of this year’s Grand Convocation.

“We were tested today, my friends,” he confidently states as he hefts a sheathed sword in one hand, “But we were not found wanting!” Following a ragged cheer, his expression sobers. “We also lost people today: good agents and one of the great men who taught them – the Master of Spells Aram Zey. But I tell you we saved something far greater. Not some ancient relics from a bygone era! No! We kept our wits! We kept our courage! We kept our faith in one another, and we stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, UNITED!”

Another cheer rises up and after it subsides, the Master of Swords quietly observes, “And the damned snakes in the Aspis Consortium still don’t have an answer for that.” He clambers down the fallen stones and waves, “Tend to your wounds. Get yourself a good meal and some rest. We have a lot of work to do this year. Dismissed!” With that, he walks side-by-side with other venture-captains towards Skyreach.

Unable to achieve more than a handful of minor objectives, the Aspis Consortium and their dupes have turned tail and fled. Renovation of Skyreach’s towers has already begun, and the venture-captains already have sound theories on how to rescue Aram Zey. All signs point to this escapade having completely backfired for the Aspis Consortium thanks to the Pathfinders’ overwhelming victory!

With the outer grounds now secured, attentions turn to Skyreach. Marcos Farabellus makes rounds on the grounds and gathers all Pathfinder teams to him, calling for silence while he relays new information. You encounter him at the infirmary when you escort the acolytes there.

“Pathfinders, we have determined the nature of the threat which confronts us! As many of you have already ascertained, a number of Aspis Consortium agents remained trapped in the Hao Jin Tapestry after we captured their back door into it. To our surprise and regret, there remained a means to communicate with the outside world and the serpents have been conspiring. This raid is comprised of two different Consortium groups coordinating in a two-pronged attack. They are aided by creatures from within the tapestry, whom they have deceived about our goals and intentions. At this time, we’re still unsure about what is making Skyreach’s tower hover, but we know for certain that someone has activated the Hao Jin Tapestry. Normally the Master of Spells Aram Zey would be the one to troubleshoot this kind of problem, but he is nowhere to be found. We don’t have time to wait for him, and he may be in danger. I’m sending you in as search parties and giving you temporary clearance to travel into the restricted sections of lower and middle Skyreach. Check on the Sky Key and the archives while you’re there. Zey may have left notes around that could tell us how to shut down the tapestry. We must act with the utmost haste. I believe the Consortium’s plan has backfired on them, but there’s no telling how long before they regroup or, worse still, somehow make the situation worse.”

Master of Swords Marcos Farabellus strides up to the large crowd and claps his hands together for attention.

"“Welcome Pathfinders, one and all! And welcome to our traveling venture captains stationed abroad as well our honored guests! I am Marcos Farabellus, and on behalf of the Decemvirate, I welcome you to the Pathfinder Society’s annual Grand Convocation! I shall address all of the attendees later this afternoon to announce some of the Society’s greatest accomplishments over the past year and our plans for the future. In the meantime, I invite you to stroll about the campus, meet with your peers, and enjoy all the sites of the Grand Lodge. We have set up numerous challenges and contests so that you can show off your skills or sharpen them if need be. I’ll send around ushers when it’s time to assemble for the speeches on the north lawn. Enjoy!"