Crossing the Pit

The Test of the Starstone is mysterious; the only publicly known part of the test is that hopefuls must cross the bottomless pit surrounding the Starstone Cathedral without using a bridge. Crossing the pit is a necessary first step, but not sufficient to enter the cathedral and continue the test, and what has worked for one hopeful may fail for another. Hopefuls have leaped across, flown with magic, or used tightropes, and the spectacle of an attempt nearly always draws an enormous, attentive crowd.^{[ Owen K.C. Stephens. (2008). Guide to Absalom, p. 17. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-141-1]}

 I am attempting to blog a book, a book of the test of the starstone taken by a gnome gun slinging alchemist. While the blog will have the history of Iara it will not have the secret portions of the test. The secret portions of the test, once I get permission from Paizo and/or Tor to print the book, will come out in the novel. I will be posting weekly, at least, a scene from the history of Iara as she prepares for the test. Now, to begin, I present to you the beginning of the novel, title still TBD.

I was ready. My mithral chain shirt shined as I walked down the Avenue of the Hopeful. My bandoliers crossed my chest as the chain holding my thirty extracts sat low over my hips. My crew followed me in procession, those that did not decide to remain in Strikethru at least. I have been to Absalom multiple times but for today I decided to simply make port and proceed directly to the edge of the bottomless pit surrounding the Cathedral. We had timed it perfectly to arrive at sunset.

A crowd formed, which was expected. I do not want to look back but I have to address the crowd. As the last rays flash into my eyes I turn swiftly and make my speech. “Today I shall fly to the Cathedral and enter upon the Test of the Starstone. When I return across my own bridge, I shall become the True Goddess of Pirates and to all seafarers of Lake Encarthan, Goddess of Firearms and Alchemy, also to be known as the Green Gnome Goddess.” With that declaration I allow myself to fall backwards into the pit. I hear shouts from the onlookers.

My lunar moth wings caught the updraft as I roll back facing forward. I came quickly back up into sight of the crowd which gave an appreciative cheer. I have good maneuverability but I have to concentrate.

I land without incident, gracefully, and without looking back walk straight up to the front door of the Starstone Cathedral.