You go to the College of Mysteries to find out about the researcher. You soon hear about a controversial researcher named Tavvar Hamavsi and her odd magical theories. They say she is practicing within the Blakros Museum, where its protective wards can help her against whatever’s going on out there.
As the afternoon sun continues its arc, you stand within the museum's long shadow engulfing you.
Remember your mission:
Vigilant Seal: Eando Kline has asked you to determine whether the rituals Tavvar is studying are under control or if they are too dangerous and need to be stopped.
The Blakros Museum door is closed, but unlocked. You already see shadows of pillars, statues, and yourself begin to flicker live flames of a candle. Something’s definitely going on.
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In front of the building, the kobold looks at the strange shadows flickering through the windows and gives a sigh. Well, we are being made into Pathfinders. I guess part of becoming official is needing to stop something weird happening with the Blakroses...
Chirrit opens the door and looks around from the entryway. Hello? Doctor Hamavsi?
Asking around the neighborhood, you learn that Tavvar has been working on the ritual for several days at the museum after its normal hours of operation. That would explain the door.
Chirrit hears his own voice echo back to him amidst the dimly lit entrance. The first level seems to be empty, besides the closed exhibits. The stairs leading upstairs is open though.
When prepared, you decide to go upstairs.
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Sir Quinton joins his fellows in asking about what might possibly going on. "Yes, there are some dreadful rituals. I heard about one once that gave a man the feet of a chicken! Dreadful! The only thing worse, I imagine, would be giving a little wooden house the feet of a chicken. I hear they do that sort of thing in Irrisen, but fortunately I've never had the mispleasure of going there, at least so far as I recall..."
Unfortunately, he seems to talk more than listen.
Sir Quinton, with his shield raised just in case he should need it , moves past the open hallway to a nearby door, and listens to see if he can hear anything from inside.
"This might be the best way to find her," he says in a somewhat hushed voice to the other.
Uncle Good Good passas by several offices, all of the doors are locked. “Nigel Aldain, Curator” is inscribed on a silver plate on the Southernmost door.
Sir Quinton looks into the practice hall. This long, narrow presentation space has seating for around thirty guests, all facing a low stage at the south end of the room. At first glance the room seems empty, but a moment later, it seems as though the shadows of an audience still fill the plush seats. A chill draft sweeps through the room, and of a whispery voice echoes from the podium.
“...and rather than engage in a responsible, controlled study of the codebook, Yargos Gill decided—imprudently—to simply execute the signals listed therein...” The voice trails off into a looming silence.
Chirrit and Rathal move towards the stairs and realize these go downward
to the first floor. A plaque indicates the third floor observatory is in the Southern end, past the animal exhibit. The chanting grows louder in that direction.
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Eddie nods as the shady little boy passes on the news he heard from his big sister's boyfriend's Dad. "Yes, Tavvar IS from Nidal, a nation obsessed with shadow magic. It has developed a bad reputation as a result- one Tavvar isn't proud of. Rumor has it she slipped in some Shadowtongue into her research. Her ritual may be reliant on Society or Religion-based cues." Nodding with a blank look of not quite knowing what that all means. Perhaps when the time is right.
Moving through the building they follow along behind the creeping, the defensive, the magically scanning, and the vocal members of the group. Mostly just keeping eyes and ears open for anything important, continuing on to the center lecture room. "Maybe she's in here?" Looking around.
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Drakmak makes his way slowly through the museum, "I don't know but did you hear" his voice change to a conspiratorial pitch, "It is said Tavvar has misunderstood the energies and magics that she researches, we may need to craft some different magical focus bowls. We may have to use our knowledge of flora and fauna, the natural world to place the correct fungi in the ritual. It's what happens when you try and control magic from books and notes, rather than going out and experimenting with the energies. But my friends, that's enough of that, let's use what we know to help Tavvar if she needs it."
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Huh. I heard that too Drakmak: her problem is she spends so much time cooped up studying she's getting a bit rusty on the practical components. Know which herbs are the right ones and how the measure and mix them right.
As the kobold moves towards the sound and prepares to go up to the third-floor observatory, he adds Of course you'd think if her flaws were so obvious someone might have tipped her off about them...
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"Ah," Sir Quinton calls the other over. "Something in here might be of note! It appears this Tavvar is also perhaps using some other name, and calling herself Yargos Gill. I'm not sure why, but it definitely seems like it might be a clue. Perhaps so these ghosts she's summoning don't know her real name?"
Once the others have had a chance to see, he follows Rathal.
Eddie takes a peek into the central room. Carefully framed spellbook pages hang along this room’s walls, while eldritch relics stand in small display cases in the room’s center. In the far corner, shadows hang thicker than the rest of the room, and it seems a boisterous half-orc woman stands there, surrounded by vague figures, as she welcomes newcomers. Her voice is thin and reedy, but eerily familiar. “Congratulations! Let me spice up that punch a bit for you—to celebrate, of course!”
Rathal and Sir Quinton enter the Hall of Legendary Beasts.
A gigantic reptilian beast is on display in the center of this expansive gallery, ferociously leering over the collection of taxidermy animals and monsters. Shadows flit between the displays, meandering and shuffling shapes reminiscent of museum patrons. Then a distant shriek echoes off the walls, as the shadow of a stuffed owlbear lashes out at one of the shadow-visitors with its talons. The shadow of the tyrannosaur in the room’s center departs from its source and snaps at the misty image of another patron, tossing its head back and seeming to swallow its meal nearly whole. Other shadows snarl and hiss, scuffling amongst themselves as shadow-guests panic and run toward the exit.
The shadows reach forth and try to pounce your own. It doesn’t hurt, but it is unsettling. The party rallies and readies themselves before going upstairs.
Droning voices echo off the mahogany walls and domed, plaster ceiling of this luxurious room. The sumptuous furniture has been pushed to the sides of the room, making space for eldritch markings and mystical paraphernalia laid carefully over the plush carpet. The chamber seems muted and dim despite the crystal chandelier overhead, and a bone numbing chill seeps through the space along with a metallic scent. A ritual is obviously underway here, but it doesn’t seem as though it’s working as planned. Shadowy energy lashes out from a twisting breach in the center of the room, and indistinct shapes flit and scuttle along the walls.
”Everyone calm down. I’ve got this!” The woman’s face is in a determined grimace. ”Keep those shadows under control.” She grunts as the ritual’s shadows lash out at her and her assistants. ”We can do this, just focus-” she enters a coughing fit before continuing. Her assistants flail wildly, pouring all of their concentration into the ritual.
Looks like you’ll need to control this ritual before you can talk to her. Tavvar won’t last much longer at this rate.
Quinton
Drakmak
Chirrit
??? (3 flaws contained)
Rathal
Eddie
Uncle Good Good
You see several breaches in the central shadowy swirl in the center of the room. There must be some way to correct the flaws.
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"I think something's going wrong!" Sir Quinton calls as he rushes to the fray. "Quick, no one think of any monstrous golems or other creatures in case the shadows take that form! Empty your brains!"
Also unsure of his ability to help with the ritual itself -- but certain he can shadow box, Sir Quinton follows his instructions, draws his sword and rushes into the room.
As Chirrit and Sir Quinton get into position, Drakmak tries to interpret the ritual. He inspects it and realizes the mushrooms are similar to what she needs, but they're in the wrong position. The ritual can be corrected with a Nature OR Crafting attempt.
The ritual pulses with dark energy and negative energy explodes outward. Chirrit and Sir Quinton quickly protect two of them, taking the blast instead.
Tavvar coughs up some blood as the energy washes over her. "Oh come on. We can do this. It's not gonna get any worse."
Naturally some of the shadows coalesces into a blob, lashing out at everyone and everything.
Shadow Blob
Ritual (3 flaws contained)
Tavvar (10 damage)
Assistants (Purple 5 damage)
Rathal
Eddie
Uncle Good Good
Quinton (DC 18 Fort Save vs 5 Negative Energy damage)
Drakmak (DC 18 Fort Save vs 5 Negative Energy damage)
Chirrit (DC 18 Fort Save vs 5 Negative Energy damage)
You see several breaches in the central shadowy swirl in the center of the room. There must be some way to correct the flaws.
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Eddie rushes down the stairs, spotting the adorable, lacy fungus on the table. "I don't think she's worked with this one before. They prefer to be upside down, it let's their spores frolic in the winds easier." They work to correct the mistake.
"Oh my, I almost really screwed that up." Better.. but not perfect.
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With his knowledge of the occult, Drakmak steels his mind and body against the assault from the negative energy generated by the ritual. Then using what knowledge has gleaned, he sees where the occult magics summoned are misaligned, and does his best to redress the situation now that he has a better understanding of the ritual as Tavvar continues. "Tavvar, hold it a little longer and we shall soon have this under control."
Drakmak will try and protect Tavvar if the opportunity arises.
Rathal runs up to the ritual circle and tries to repair it. Eddie gave him a few pointers about mushrooms (they find them delectable) and Rathal realizes they should be upside down. He flips one of them over, ever so gently. And Eddie almost knocks the thing over before correcting himself. One of the cracks in the ritual circle seals itself shut.
Uncle Good Good realizes the ritual circle wasn't drawn completely. So he takes the pragmatic solution of simply diluting the ink with some water and drawing over the cracks. He manages to connect two of them together.
Drakmak takes a deep breath and analyzes the magic. Planar magic linked to the realm of shadow. Just enough to tap into it, but not enough to have it spill into the realm. At least, that's the theory. He exerts just enough force to seal one more flaw in the energy burst.
Chrrit doesn't really do magic, so he lunges after the blob instead. With a bit of Panache he tumbles past the blob and impales it. It vibrates in place as it loses some of its form before continuing its assault.
Sir Quinton is imperial-grade toughness. No shadow puppetry is going to defeat him!
With the flaws under control, the ritual circle glows purple. The shadow blob is pulled into the circle, grasping at any shadow it can find but unable to find purchase. The ink and mushrooms are pulled in, and with a simple pop the ritual ends. All the whispers in the museum come to an end.
Tavvar (10 damage)
Assistants (Purple 5 damage)
Quinton (2 Negative Energy damage)
Drakmak (2 Negative Energy damage)
Chirrit (2Negative Energy damage)
With your aid, the ritual shadows disappear and your shadows return to normal. Tavvar coughs some blood. ”Wow, that was close. All in the search of better magic.” She uses a handkerchief to wipe off some of the mess before turning to you. ”I’m Tavvar Hamavsi. Uh… thank you for neutralizing the error. What did you want from me?”
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"Yes, I'm pretty sure you almost summoned a shadow demon, or perhaps turned this museum into an outpost of Nidal," Sir Quinton says in alarm. "Another few seconds, who knows what might have happened! I should say you need a good deal more study before you should attempt something like that again!"
The old man's mustache is almost quivering in his alarm.
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Drakmak looks and smiles at the young lady, "Most honourable Tavvar, it is indeed most courageous of you to attempt this ritual. I am sure you regret that you and your associates were put in such danger by your actions. Next time you try to harness the unknown magics of the occult, why don't you seek the assistance of the Pathfinder Society, we have experience in controlling these magics and could make it safer for both you and your friends." he smiles as he holds out his hand. "You look exhausted by your efforts today, come join us back at the Pathfinder Society for refreshments and maybe make some contacts for when you next try a ritual. Come let us go." With a kindly hand Drakmak shows Tavvar and the rest of the associates the stairs leading down, "To the Society."
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Eddie steps into the middle of the group of weary researchers and produces a bundle of sacred herbs and roots. He shakes them around the assembled and announces "Let the strength of the forest spirits, both above and below ground regenerate your bodies."
"More snacks? Yes, more snacks." Eddie stows his woodland charm and prepares to head back to the party to report their findings.
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Chirrit sees his colleagues head towards Tavvar. Sheathing his rapier again, the kobold instead heads towards the hurt assistant.
Are you okay? he asks. That was quite a wave that burst there. Here, take a seat.
Getting a chair set for the researcher to regain their breath, Chirrit continues talking warmly, though with a quieter tone.
So, I will admit I'm not exactly a mage, or any sort of expert here. But how do you guys feel about this? Did the doctor bring you in from the start, or did you and your friends hurry here to try and stabilize it when the lighting started going all strange. Good job with that by the way: it looks like your efforts helped stop another 'Gill'-level incident here.
Eddie's magic heals the Pathfinder's wounds. The assistants take a seat to catch their breath. Chirrit addresses the woman with a bright purple coat. She frowns as she notices the dark purple scar running down her arm.
"Thanks for the help. Doctor Tavvar had a good plan. The Plane of Shadow has plenty of natural shade, like the opposite of how our sun provides sunlight." She picks up a small purple bead from the ground. "We could harness its energy to cool down deserts during the day? Or make personal shades for any manual laborers?" She grins. "It's pretty fascinating. Oh, and highly unstable."
Professor Tavvar walks up to the assistant and tries to snatch the bead, but it goes up in a puff of purple smoke. "Dammit, so close. We could use Shadow magic for transportation, protection, security...I'm getting ahead of myself here." She uses a handkerchief to wipe more blood off.
"So what, you all came here to chide me? Get in line, there's plenty of doubters." Her hands on her hips, she gives Sir Quinton and Rathiel a hard glare. "Or were you providing assistance for my research?" She looks to Drakmak.
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Rathal steps forward again, evermore committed to the dangers of uncontrolled research.
Nethys teaches us that power is a great thing as long as it can be controlled. Today it was not under control due to several errors that should not have been made. This ritual was a sloppy execution, and a very dangerous thing to be fooling with. I fear people will die if this continues. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences of death DR. Tavvar? What you are doing reckless due to carelessness.
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Professor Tavvar walks up to the assistant and tries to snatch the bead, but it goes up in a puff of purple smoke. "Dammit, so close. We could use Shadow magic for transportation, protection, security...I'm getting ahead of myself here." She uses a handkerchief to wipe more blood off."So what, you all came here to chide me? Get in line, there's plenty of doubters." Her hands on her hips, she gives Sir Quinton and Rathiel a hard glare. "Or were you providing assistance for my research?" She looks to Drakmak.
I came in with no doubts or opinions. Chirrit says, trying to be polite but direct. But based on what I just saw, I think the evidence would show there's a lot of potential complications here. This museum is at a... the kobold struggles to think of the right magical term, then gives up thin place between the Shadow Realm and us. Maybe doing a ritual here then was never a good idea. And if it had to be done here because of that, then it wouldn't be that useful in those deserts and fields then would it?
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Begging your pardon, my lady. We did not come here to chide you. It's only that there have been numerous incidents here at the museum, as you are doubtless well aware, and our Society has been called in to set matters straight - often at great risk to ourselves. Your work is doubtless rich in potential. But I wonder if we could perhaps advise on ways to make it safer for yourself and others?
After discussion, you decide this ritual is too dangerous. Tavvar shrugs. "Hmpf. Fine. You're not the first doubters, and you won't be the last." She's halfway down the stairs, with one of the assistants following her.
One of the assistants pulls out a vial. "This was a key ingredient Doctor Tavvar used as a focus. It's a lesser mistform elixir. The doctor needs to cool off for a bit, clear her head."
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You return to the Grand Lodge just as dinner is served. A buffet of soups and fried meat adorn the tables. Eando Kline and Zarta Dralneen lean against a wall. "The knight took his blade and cut the devil through, from the nave to the chops." Zarta's words leave Eando dumbstruck, and it takes a moment to close his mouth. Zarta grins and continues. "But he couldn't raise his shield in time. The woman laughed and fired another arrow into his arm. Her horde rushed him and began tearing his armor off. But then he began to glow with heavenly light, just as-" She pauses as you approach. "Ah, the story can wait."
"B-but it was getting good..." Eando turns to you, clears his throat and stands at attention. "Good, good evening Pathfinders. Do you have news for me?"
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"Master Kline, it seems that Tavvar's research was indeed dangerous. She and several of her apprentices were at risk of injury from some shadow stuff when we arrived. Fortunately, we were able to help get the ritual under control. As a group, it is our opinion that this ritual should not be continued."
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Eddie nods in agreement with both statements, pondering the mist filled bottle they were given. "And they gave us a gift. Looks humid and spooky." They drift closer to the soups and acquire a bowl for testing.
"Lots of shadows, doing many things. Some quite dangerous, some less so. Tavvar needs more work to figure it out." They pull some dried leaves from an inner pocket and crush them over the soup. A minty goodness fills the air. "Oh, better. Yummie."
Sir Quinton asks an important question, and Kline nods in agreement. The two souls, linked by a common need. Uncle Good Good and Eddie interrupt the occasion with a mission report.
"I see... excellent work. I will send some Agents to her office this week, to keep tabs. She has some intriguing ideas. A bit more restraint and she could make great strides."
"...speaking of restraint, Zarta. The knight was restrained, and then...?"