Hattish Thing
2018-02-21, 02:09 AM
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--
Unknown Time, Unknown Location:
The nauseatingly sweet stench of exotic, intoxicating incense is the first thing that the group of half a dozen Pathfinder Society Field Agents strapped to tall, black chairs experience upon being simultaneously stirred awake within the depths of a top secret, labyrinthine underground stronghold with no memory of how they arrived. At first, deep, cloying, supernatural darkness is the only thing that rises to pique the senses of those within the expansive, chilling meeting chamber. Seconds later, globes of soft, white light begin to fill the large room, slowly illuminating a long, cold marble table topped with a layer of glittering black granite. More ominous than the expanding globes of light, however, would be the ten eerie, masked individuals clad in flowing robes of midnight black, seated around the long black table atop glittering thrones of exotic skymetal. Each of the disturbingly dressed figures stare towards the gathering of Pathfinder Society Field Agents in ominous unison, their blank black masks betraying no emotion.
An entire minute passes in vulnerable silence, while all the while, the ten figures comfortably seated around the long, marble table fail to move even but an inch, or produce any sort of sound one would associate with a living creature. Instead, the figures do naught but stare directly forward, blankly, unerringly. Finally, the uneasy silence is interrupted as the ten figures slowly, deliberately, and simultaneously each raise their right hands to their chests, almost as if performing some sort of strange ritual, before finally, each of the ten figures offers a single clap of their gloved hands, the noise causing the globes of soft light scattered about the room to brighten slightly. As the dark, cavernous chamber begins to grow slightly less oppressively dark, two additional, prominent figures come into view, along with a plethora of strangely dressed assistants facing the black, reflective, but otherwise featureless walls, concentrating on various spells that no doubt ward the room against eavesdroppers.
The first prominent ndividual is immediately recognized as the seasoned, yet retired Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society Lodge in Magnimar, Sheila Heidmarch. She appears exhausted and uncomfortable with the situation, entirely out of her element, a rare experience for the usually calm and collected Venture-Captain. At her side stands Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, his expression steely and resolute, though quite a bit grimmer than usual, a detail which speaks volumes for the generally unflappable leader of the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge. The man's muscular arms are crossed over his broad chest, and once the half-dozen Pathfinder Society Agents come into view, Ambrus nods curtly, almost reassuringly. Ambrus steps forward, towards the table, gesturing as if he was about to begin speaking before one of the anonymous figures raises a spidery, black gloved hand. Ambrus pauses reluctantly before shaking his head and stepping back, still obviously quite distressed with the situation.
Several seconds press on before each of the ten hooded, masked, and robed figures gesture blankly towards Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch in unison, as if they were expecting something. Nervously, she clears her throat before sighing and beginning to speak, her voice unusually timid and quivery. "Pathfinders, on behalf of the Decemvirate themselves, I apologize for any inconvenience that the nature of our congregation may have caused you. I'm afraid the secrecy, as unpleasant as it may be, is entirely necessary." After she finishes speaking, she glances back towards the ten masked figures, seeking some sort of approval from the figures but finding nothing beyond the cold, uncaring gaze of the blank masks of the Decemvirate. Ambrus Valsin steps forward awkwardly at this point and speaks, his voice gravelly and low, "My fellow Pathfinders, as you can see, the task that lies ahead transcends the interests of Magnimar's increasingly esteemed lodge; it's a mission that will affect the entire Pathfinder Society and merits the direct attention of the Decemvirate." The hooded figures lining the black marble table nod in silent agreement and then gesture for Valsin to continue. "Over the past year, we've received increasingly concerning reports from this region that the highly dangerous Lissalan cultists known as the Children of Thassilon have plans in motion to revive Krune, the Runelord of Sloth and one of the most powerful wizards of ancient Thassilon, and perhaps the entire world. We have set our own plans in motion to attempt to keep him in check if the Children of Thassilon succeed, but Sheila Heidmarch, under the direct authority of the Decemvirate, has an ambitious plan regarding this threat."
He nods and steps back to cede the briefing to his colleague. Sheila takes over, adding, "Over a year ago, the fledgling Magnimar lodge operated by my colleague, Venture-Captain Canayven, attracted the attention of the Pathfinder Society by learning of and subsequently bidding on an ancient Thassilonian artifact: a runecarved key dredged from nearby waters. This caused the Society to attract the attention of the Children of Thassilon, dangerous extremists devoted to the little-known Thassilonian goddess Lissala, whose worship was long thought abandoned. Three weeks after securing the runecarved key, Venture-Captain Canavyen was attacked by one of the leaders of the Children of Thassilon, a scarred and aged man who incinerated Canayven with a single spell. This... cold-blooded murder was public, and Canayven's death struck a deep blow to the Society. There was nothing left but ash. In response to the mysterious and disturbing resurgence, Pathfinder agents have spent the better part of the year unraveling the secrets of the enigmatic cult. While these investigations began as mere curiosity, it became apparent that Lissala's disciples maintained many active churches throughout Varisia, for more so than we would have ever suspected, and that the organization is ruled by a pair of highly powerful Thassilonian loyalists, one of which claims to be a blood relative of the Runelord of Wrath herself, while the other seems to have some deeply personal connection to the goddess Lissala. Even more threatening was the collection of information that suggested that these disciples were near completion of a complex plot to release a terrible evil upon the world by waking Lissala's last high priest-Lord Krune, Runelord of Sloth. These suggestions have, unfortunately, been confirmed. Runelord Krune stands as the cult's savior, for prophecies hail him as the one being who might call the attention of the vanished goddess back to Golarion."
Sheila continues, concern obvious in the tone of her voice. "Fortunately, with your help, and the aid of the Decemvirate, we may have a fighting chance at stopping the resurrection of the Runelord of Sloth. During a raid of one of the abandoned temples used as a place of worship by the Children of Thassilon, we acquired several unusual Thassilonian artifacts, which our best savants and researchers have managed to identify over the better part of a month. These particular magical devices are known as refuge tokens, and fortunately, we've also learned their command words. When broken, the tokens will take a handful of agents directly to Krune's sanctuary, wherever it may be. If he has yet to revive, which is what we're hoping for, do whatever you can to ensure he never does. If he does awaken, pray that he is too dazed and addled to command his full power. Whatever it takes, end this threat to Varisia-permanently." She then motions for an assistant, who produces a tray of curious, rune-carved artifacts, which he delicately sets upon the black marble table. "The Society has recovered several Thassilonian relics, perhaps some through your deeds, and I would rather they be in your hands as you face Krune; they will do us little good in a museum if the Runelord returns."
"Once you defeat him, take special care to recover his two artifacts: a dragon-tooth spear and a rune-inscribed rod. Once you are ready, I will show you how to use the refuge tokens. In addition, you'll find letters addressed to each of you directly from the heads of your individual faction leaders, located somewhere on your person."
"Now, do you have any questions? Time is of the essence."
--
OOC Status: You are each bound to black chairs crafted of some strange, seemingly magical material. In addition, you are each incredibly drowsy, the aftereffects of whatever was used to drug you.
Ochre Rhomboid Ioun Stone: [x1] A curious, intricately carved Ancient Thassilonian Ioun Stone, covered in complicated Thassilonian Runes. [Effects Unknown, radiates Strong Transmutation/Conjuration.]
Sigil Wafer: [x2] A foul tasting, layered wafer in shades of moldy green and sickening red. [A sigil wafer must be created in a special ritual involving seven participants. Their blood is combined and painted onto wafers, and in the process a fragment of each participant's soul becomes bound into a wafer. Anyone whose soul fragment gets bound into a wafer takes 2 points of ability drain divided as he chooses between one or two of his ability scores. If a participant in the ritual consumes the sigil wafer containing the fragment of his soul, he recovers this ability drain immediately. If instead someone other than the person whose soul is inside the wafer consumes it, she gains a +2 profane bonus to an ability score of her choice for one year. A character can benefit from only one bonus from a sigil wafer at a given time. The person whose soul fragment was in that wafer loses that part of his soul permanently, so consuming a wafer in this way is an evil act. The one consuming the wafer shifts her alignment one step toward evil.]
Thassilonian Runestone (Level 4): [x2] A glittering noqual orb, set with a single spikey Thassilonian rune. [ontaneous caster can draw upon a runestone of power to cast a spell—doing so is part of the spellcasting action, and expends that runestone’s power for the day rather than one of the spellcaster’s actual spell slots for the day. An expended runestone of power recharges its capacity after 24 hours. The spell must be of a particular level, depending on the runestone.]
Sihedron Branding (Endurance): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a +2 profane bonus on Fortitude saves. Once per day, the character may activate the tattoo to receive a number of temporary hit points equal to twice her character level. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshippers of Lissala.]
Sihedron Branding (Service): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a +2 profane bonus on attack and damage rolls against summoned creatures and a +2 profane bonus to AC against summoned creatures. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshipers of Lissala.]
Sihedron Branding (Basic): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a a +4 bonus on all Knowledge checks. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshippers of Lissala.]
+1 Sentient Scorpion Whip, "Lissala's Caress": [x1] This +1 whip is made from a single, continuous strip of tanned humanoid skin branded with dozens of occult runes and smells of musk and anise. [Anyone struck by Lissala's caress is overwhelmed with remorse for having disappointed those they serve (Fortitude DC 15 negates). The sensation, magnified by the souls of those trapped within the whip, is so powerful that the target is sickened for 1d6 minutes, and nauseated for 1d4 rounds. Additional failed saves increase the effect's duration but not its severity.]
Acrimony Veil: [x1] One of half a dozen rare and ancient magical devices created by Alaznist, the Runelord of Wrath. They are normally composed of several types of interconnected metal and human bones, each etched with complex designs. The morbid device covers the wearer's entire face (forehead, cheeks, and jaw). [This mask functions as a lesser empower metamagic rod, but only affecting spells of the evocation school. Additionally, the wearer of an acrimony veil may cast rage on himself once per day.]
Sihedron Medallion: [x4] This ominous noqual medallion hangs on a leather cord, a bright green disc inscribed with a dreaded seven-pointed star. While worn, a star medallion grants its wearer a +1 resistance bonus on all saving throws. Once per day, as a free action, it may be commanded to bestow the effects of false life on the wearer. Placed on the neck of a dead body, a star medallion preserves the body indefinitely via a gentle repose effect.]
Sihedron Ring: [x1] This noqual ring is adorned with a tiny Sihedron rune, set into a large ruby gemstone. These rings were given to agents and allies of the runelords as badges of office and tokens of appreciation for their work—sometimes, they were given as bribes to those a runelord was attempting to win to his cause. [A Sihedron ring grants a +3 deflection bonus to AC, a +3 resistance bonus on all saving throws, and protects the wearer with a constant endure elements effect. At will, as a standard action, the wearer can use the Sihedron ring to change the appearance of his clothing or armor into any other kind of clothing or armor. The actual clothing and armor worn retain all their properties (including weight) when glamered. Only true seeing or similar magic reveals the true nature of the adornments.]
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--
Unknown Time, Unknown Location:
The nauseatingly sweet stench of exotic, intoxicating incense is the first thing that the group of half a dozen Pathfinder Society Field Agents strapped to tall, black chairs experience upon being simultaneously stirred awake within the depths of a top secret, labyrinthine underground stronghold with no memory of how they arrived. At first, deep, cloying, supernatural darkness is the only thing that rises to pique the senses of those within the expansive, chilling meeting chamber. Seconds later, globes of soft, white light begin to fill the large room, slowly illuminating a long, cold marble table topped with a layer of glittering black granite. More ominous than the expanding globes of light, however, would be the ten eerie, masked individuals clad in flowing robes of midnight black, seated around the long black table atop glittering thrones of exotic skymetal. Each of the disturbingly dressed figures stare towards the gathering of Pathfinder Society Field Agents in ominous unison, their blank black masks betraying no emotion.
An entire minute passes in vulnerable silence, while all the while, the ten figures comfortably seated around the long, marble table fail to move even but an inch, or produce any sort of sound one would associate with a living creature. Instead, the figures do naught but stare directly forward, blankly, unerringly. Finally, the uneasy silence is interrupted as the ten figures slowly, deliberately, and simultaneously each raise their right hands to their chests, almost as if performing some sort of strange ritual, before finally, each of the ten figures offers a single clap of their gloved hands, the noise causing the globes of soft light scattered about the room to brighten slightly. As the dark, cavernous chamber begins to grow slightly less oppressively dark, two additional, prominent figures come into view, along with a plethora of strangely dressed assistants facing the black, reflective, but otherwise featureless walls, concentrating on various spells that no doubt ward the room against eavesdroppers.
The first prominent ndividual is immediately recognized as the seasoned, yet retired Venture-Captain of the Pathfinder Society Lodge in Magnimar, Sheila Heidmarch. She appears exhausted and uncomfortable with the situation, entirely out of her element, a rare experience for the usually calm and collected Venture-Captain. At her side stands Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, his expression steely and resolute, though quite a bit grimmer than usual, a detail which speaks volumes for the generally unflappable leader of the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge. The man's muscular arms are crossed over his broad chest, and once the half-dozen Pathfinder Society Agents come into view, Ambrus nods curtly, almost reassuringly. Ambrus steps forward, towards the table, gesturing as if he was about to begin speaking before one of the anonymous figures raises a spidery, black gloved hand. Ambrus pauses reluctantly before shaking his head and stepping back, still obviously quite distressed with the situation.
Several seconds press on before each of the ten hooded, masked, and robed figures gesture blankly towards Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch in unison, as if they were expecting something. Nervously, she clears her throat before sighing and beginning to speak, her voice unusually timid and quivery. "Pathfinders, on behalf of the Decemvirate themselves, I apologize for any inconvenience that the nature of our congregation may have caused you. I'm afraid the secrecy, as unpleasant as it may be, is entirely necessary." After she finishes speaking, she glances back towards the ten masked figures, seeking some sort of approval from the figures but finding nothing beyond the cold, uncaring gaze of the blank masks of the Decemvirate. Ambrus Valsin steps forward awkwardly at this point and speaks, his voice gravelly and low, "My fellow Pathfinders, as you can see, the task that lies ahead transcends the interests of Magnimar's increasingly esteemed lodge; it's a mission that will affect the entire Pathfinder Society and merits the direct attention of the Decemvirate." The hooded figures lining the black marble table nod in silent agreement and then gesture for Valsin to continue. "Over the past year, we've received increasingly concerning reports from this region that the highly dangerous Lissalan cultists known as the Children of Thassilon have plans in motion to revive Krune, the Runelord of Sloth and one of the most powerful wizards of ancient Thassilon, and perhaps the entire world. We have set our own plans in motion to attempt to keep him in check if the Children of Thassilon succeed, but Sheila Heidmarch, under the direct authority of the Decemvirate, has an ambitious plan regarding this threat."
He nods and steps back to cede the briefing to his colleague. Sheila takes over, adding, "Over a year ago, the fledgling Magnimar lodge operated by my colleague, Venture-Captain Canayven, attracted the attention of the Pathfinder Society by learning of and subsequently bidding on an ancient Thassilonian artifact: a runecarved key dredged from nearby waters. This caused the Society to attract the attention of the Children of Thassilon, dangerous extremists devoted to the little-known Thassilonian goddess Lissala, whose worship was long thought abandoned. Three weeks after securing the runecarved key, Venture-Captain Canavyen was attacked by one of the leaders of the Children of Thassilon, a scarred and aged man who incinerated Canayven with a single spell. This... cold-blooded murder was public, and Canayven's death struck a deep blow to the Society. There was nothing left but ash. In response to the mysterious and disturbing resurgence, Pathfinder agents have spent the better part of the year unraveling the secrets of the enigmatic cult. While these investigations began as mere curiosity, it became apparent that Lissala's disciples maintained many active churches throughout Varisia, for more so than we would have ever suspected, and that the organization is ruled by a pair of highly powerful Thassilonian loyalists, one of which claims to be a blood relative of the Runelord of Wrath herself, while the other seems to have some deeply personal connection to the goddess Lissala. Even more threatening was the collection of information that suggested that these disciples were near completion of a complex plot to release a terrible evil upon the world by waking Lissala's last high priest-Lord Krune, Runelord of Sloth. These suggestions have, unfortunately, been confirmed. Runelord Krune stands as the cult's savior, for prophecies hail him as the one being who might call the attention of the vanished goddess back to Golarion."
Sheila continues, concern obvious in the tone of her voice. "Fortunately, with your help, and the aid of the Decemvirate, we may have a fighting chance at stopping the resurrection of the Runelord of Sloth. During a raid of one of the abandoned temples used as a place of worship by the Children of Thassilon, we acquired several unusual Thassilonian artifacts, which our best savants and researchers have managed to identify over the better part of a month. These particular magical devices are known as refuge tokens, and fortunately, we've also learned their command words. When broken, the tokens will take a handful of agents directly to Krune's sanctuary, wherever it may be. If he has yet to revive, which is what we're hoping for, do whatever you can to ensure he never does. If he does awaken, pray that he is too dazed and addled to command his full power. Whatever it takes, end this threat to Varisia-permanently." She then motions for an assistant, who produces a tray of curious, rune-carved artifacts, which he delicately sets upon the black marble table. "The Society has recovered several Thassilonian relics, perhaps some through your deeds, and I would rather they be in your hands as you face Krune; they will do us little good in a museum if the Runelord returns."
"Once you defeat him, take special care to recover his two artifacts: a dragon-tooth spear and a rune-inscribed rod. Once you are ready, I will show you how to use the refuge tokens. In addition, you'll find letters addressed to each of you directly from the heads of your individual faction leaders, located somewhere on your person."
"Now, do you have any questions? Time is of the essence."
--
OOC Status: You are each bound to black chairs crafted of some strange, seemingly magical material. In addition, you are each incredibly drowsy, the aftereffects of whatever was used to drug you.
Ochre Rhomboid Ioun Stone: [x1] A curious, intricately carved Ancient Thassilonian Ioun Stone, covered in complicated Thassilonian Runes. [Effects Unknown, radiates Strong Transmutation/Conjuration.]
Sigil Wafer: [x2] A foul tasting, layered wafer in shades of moldy green and sickening red. [A sigil wafer must be created in a special ritual involving seven participants. Their blood is combined and painted onto wafers, and in the process a fragment of each participant's soul becomes bound into a wafer. Anyone whose soul fragment gets bound into a wafer takes 2 points of ability drain divided as he chooses between one or two of his ability scores. If a participant in the ritual consumes the sigil wafer containing the fragment of his soul, he recovers this ability drain immediately. If instead someone other than the person whose soul is inside the wafer consumes it, she gains a +2 profane bonus to an ability score of her choice for one year. A character can benefit from only one bonus from a sigil wafer at a given time. The person whose soul fragment was in that wafer loses that part of his soul permanently, so consuming a wafer in this way is an evil act. The one consuming the wafer shifts her alignment one step toward evil.]
Thassilonian Runestone (Level 4): [x2] A glittering noqual orb, set with a single spikey Thassilonian rune. [ontaneous caster can draw upon a runestone of power to cast a spell—doing so is part of the spellcasting action, and expends that runestone’s power for the day rather than one of the spellcaster’s actual spell slots for the day. An expended runestone of power recharges its capacity after 24 hours. The spell must be of a particular level, depending on the runestone.]
Sihedron Branding (Endurance): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a +2 profane bonus on Fortitude saves. Once per day, the character may activate the tattoo to receive a number of temporary hit points equal to twice her character level. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshippers of Lissala.]
Sihedron Branding (Service): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a +2 profane bonus on attack and damage rolls against summoned creatures and a +2 profane bonus to AC against summoned creatures. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshipers of Lissala.]
Sihedron Branding (Basic): [x3 Uses] An ominous, glowing, rune-carved brand crafted of the sickeningly bright, greenish skymetal known as Noqual. [A sizzling, bright green image of the Sihedron rune appears to writhe beneath the surface of the skin on which it is inscribed, as though a worm were crawling under the skin. A character marked with this arcane tattoo receives a a +4 bonus on all Knowledge checks. Displaying the arcane tattoo grants a +4 circumstance bonus on Bluff and Diplomacy checks against worshippers of Lissala.]
+1 Sentient Scorpion Whip, "Lissala's Caress": [x1] This +1 whip is made from a single, continuous strip of tanned humanoid skin branded with dozens of occult runes and smells of musk and anise. [Anyone struck by Lissala's caress is overwhelmed with remorse for having disappointed those they serve (Fortitude DC 15 negates). The sensation, magnified by the souls of those trapped within the whip, is so powerful that the target is sickened for 1d6 minutes, and nauseated for 1d4 rounds. Additional failed saves increase the effect's duration but not its severity.]
Acrimony Veil: [x1] One of half a dozen rare and ancient magical devices created by Alaznist, the Runelord of Wrath. They are normally composed of several types of interconnected metal and human bones, each etched with complex designs. The morbid device covers the wearer's entire face (forehead, cheeks, and jaw). [This mask functions as a lesser empower metamagic rod, but only affecting spells of the evocation school. Additionally, the wearer of an acrimony veil may cast rage on himself once per day.]
Sihedron Medallion: [x4] This ominous noqual medallion hangs on a leather cord, a bright green disc inscribed with a dreaded seven-pointed star. While worn, a star medallion grants its wearer a +1 resistance bonus on all saving throws. Once per day, as a free action, it may be commanded to bestow the effects of false life on the wearer. Placed on the neck of a dead body, a star medallion preserves the body indefinitely via a gentle repose effect.]
Sihedron Ring: [x1] This noqual ring is adorned with a tiny Sihedron rune, set into a large ruby gemstone. These rings were given to agents and allies of the runelords as badges of office and tokens of appreciation for their work—sometimes, they were given as bribes to those a runelord was attempting to win to his cause. [A Sihedron ring grants a +3 deflection bonus to AC, a +3 resistance bonus on all saving throws, and protects the wearer with a constant endure elements effect. At will, as a standard action, the wearer can use the Sihedron ring to change the appearance of his clothing or armor into any other kind of clothing or armor. The actual clothing and armor worn retain all their properties (including weight) when glamered. Only true seeing or similar magic reveals the true nature of the adornments.]