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You find yourselves back in Garund. This time in Sargava, a former colony of Cheliax located on the western edge of the Mwangi Expanse. You are in the coastal capital city of Eleder.
The sweet scent of pipe smoke vies for dominance with the salty morning breeze blowing through the wide harbor window in Venture-Captain Finze Bellaugh’s small office. Bidding everyone to sit on one of two large brown couches, he pats his belly and settles in to the chair behind his desk.
“Welcome, Pathfinders, and thank you for coming on such short notice. I have some fine work for you. As you may be aware, the Sargava Chalice is set to begin tomorrow morning, and you have been chosen to represent the Pathfinder Society in the competition."
“For those of you unfamiliar with our customs here in Eleder, the Sargava Chalice is an annual overland foot race held just outside of Eleder. The course, which changes every year, crosses some of the wildest territory in Sargava, from the Laughing Jungle to the Bandu Hills and everything in between. To further complicate matters, there is a survival element to the race. Participants are allowed to bring only a set of nonmagical clothing with them—no weapons, no tools, no magic items. If you are to win the race, you’ll need to find ways to feed yourselves in the wilderness and craft makeshift weapons to defend yourselves from wild animals."
“I assure you, we’re not putting you through all this trouble for our own amusement! You see, the race is named after the prize, a finely wrought golden chalice that was discovered during Eleder’s construction. Ordinarily, the winners simply get their names engraved on this chalice, but we’ve made a special arrangement with the Sargavan government to take possession of the chalice for a year should we win the race. Our studies indicate that this chalice dates to the time of the ancient cyclops empire of Ghol-Gan and that it serves as a key to unlocking ruins long sealed by magic."
“For this reason, it is imperative that the Pathfinder Society wins the Sargava Chalice this year. You have some time before the opening ceremony tonight—you may wish to familiarize yourselves with the terrain of Sargava’s interior. My library next door contains a great many books on the subject; you are free to peruse it as you wish. Aside from that, you are free to perform any errands you have around town, though again I must remind you; you will not be allowed to bring anything with you when you start the race. I would caution you against trying to cheat in this matter. The officials are cracking down rather hard this year, and I wouldn’t want to smear the Society’s reputation or jeopardize our chances at retrieving the cup as our prize.”
He sits back expecting questions.
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The mysterious and devilishly handsome half-orc's excitable face slowly turned to one of worry as the venture continues speaking of wilderness and survival. He fails to grasp the importance of the matter. And responses in an uncouth fashion.
"What? How could we agree to this..this.. this uncivilized behaviour! To give up the luxury of simple necessities for an old cup?"
His deceased butler attempts to knock some sense into the hard skull of his. I believe this would be good for you master Brayne, think of it as a character building exercise.
Brayne looks to his seemingly empty left side and yells into the air. "What do you mean character building?? Is having to endure my own parent's death not suffer enough?"
Turning back to the captain, he pleads. "You have to reconsider capt', how can one old cup be so important?"
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This sounds like fun. Which means it will probably be the death of us all.
Garduk's hand shoots up.
"Who won last year? How long is the race in miles, and how long did it take the winners to complete it? Can I bring my spellbook? What about material components for spells? Are scrolls considered magic items? Can we bring maps? Who else is competing?"
As he blurts out the last question, Garduk is concerned that they will be competing against the party's old friends, the Aspis Consortium.
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Addressing Bokkah, the Venture Captain chuckles, No they won't make you trim them, consider that a natural advantage. About the only one you'll get. At the begin, you'll only have the clothes on your back. But if your clever enough to find the components you need on the course then you can used them to your advantage. Once on the course all bets are off. You can craft weapons and armor, and use what you find.
Before adding Length varies year to year, but most years the winning team takes 3-4 days to complete the course.
'Fraid not Brayne, who knows if we will get this chance to study ancient Ghol-Gan magic again. No time like the present. He gives the noble a stern look.
Then addressing the eager Garduk. Last year's winners were the Trail Hounds? Although only one of them survived, a man named Philt. He’ll be at the opening ceremony. Rumor has it he won only by butchering the rest of the contestants, but the race officials weren’t able to prove anything, so his name went on the cup.
It's hard to say exactly how many miles, you see there's a starting line and a finish line, but the exact route is up to the team. Again the winning time is usually 3-4 days. And no you won't be able to take your spellbook, components, or any scrolls. They provide you a crude map. And that's about it.
As to the competition, at tonight’s opening ceremony, teams officially announce their participation. Usually, about a half-dozen teams show up. The Trail Hounds are likely running again this year, though since they were all but wiped out last year, they’re the Trail
Hounds in name only. I’ve also heard that a band of Song’o halflings are planning on joining the race. Other than that I'm not sure.
Finally answering Kulga, No they are sure to scan you with Detect Magic at the beginning. Anything that leaves a aura could lead to a penalty. Best to not to risk it.
Anything else I can try to answer?
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At the description of last year's winner, Garduk swallows uneasily. "Are the winners usually also the only survivors?"
Once the discussion with the venture captain is over, Garduk makes a beeline for the library and begins frantically reading anything relevant he can find.
This spell sends a spellbook into a random but safe location on the Ethereal Plane, where it remains indefinitely. When you cast this spell, the target spellbook dissolves into quickly fading lines of energy and runes that reflect all of the spells stored within. Thereafter, you can retrieve the spellbook by concentrating as a standard action, causing it to reappear in your hands. You cannot cast this spell on another spellbook if you currently have a spellbook in the Ethereal Plane. No other creatures or objects accompany the spellbook you send away, and the duration of any spells currently affecting the spellbook continue normally.
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The Venture Captain responds, No we haven't heard of any Aspis agents in the area, but i'd be ready for anything.
Actually no, last year was very unusual, usually there are a few contestants that don't return. But the majority do, occasionally they come wandering across the line even 7 to 10 days after the winner.
Finze Bellaugh’s library is rather cluttered and messy, but it contains many books on the plants, animals, and terrain of Sargava.
Knowledge (geography) or Knowledge (nature)
Based on the season and recent trends, the weather will likely be cloudy, drizzly, and relatively cool for the next several days, with the possibility of a storm by the end of the week. Heat exhaustion won’t be a problem, but if it begins to rain heavily there may be flooding in low-lying areas.
The fresh water sources east of Eleder tend to be clean and free of disease. Explorers caught without a waterskin sometimes craft makeshift containers out of bamboo. You also identify several edible plants, insects, and mushrooms.
The Bandu Hills are largely made up of volcanic rocks and contain abundant deposits of obsidian. Sharp stones are harder to locate in the M’neri Plains, but the Laughing Jungle has plenty of hard woods and vines suitable for making weapons and tools.
You also locate diagrams and descriptions of such items produced by the native Sargavan tribes.
You can also ask around town about the race.
Diplomacy (gather information) or Knowledge (local)
legalized gambling.
Cheating has gotten out of hand in recent years, so the race’s organizers are cracking down this year. Minor offenses might result in a penalized start, while major offenses can result in getting disqualified from the race altogether.
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In the library, Garduk is quickly surrounded by a pile of books. Ordinarily, he would be in his element; instead, after a few minutes, he turns to Bokkah in frustration.
"If I had any talent for learning about different mundane plants and animals, or surviving in the wild, or geography, I would have stayed with the Old Bastard and been a shaman! I don't even know where to start looking for useful information!"
Garduk ducks back into Finze Bellaugh’s office to ask the Venture Captain one more question.
"Is the race course shielded against teleportation, inter-dimensional travel, or summoning? I was just wondering. In case the competition tries to bring in outside help."
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The VC answers I don't specifically know if they do, but I wouldn't be surprised.
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The opening ceremony for the Sargava Chalice begins as soon as night falls. By tradition, the event is hosted at a local tavern called the Filling Cup. Venture-Captain Bellaugh is already there when you arrive, and he gestures for you to join him at a table in the corner of the bar.
Greetings, Isn't this exciting, ah! here's Baron Utilinus, the Grand Custodian of Sargava.
The Baron is a regal looking man in vestments adorned by a flaming longsword. He presents the Sargava Chalice to the crowd. As he does so, he addresses the crowd in a clear, confident voice, pausing for applause as it occurs.
“Be you stout and spirited adventurers? Dare you face your greatest challenge yet? Tomorrow begins the Sargava Chalice, the most dangerous footrace south of the Inner Sea! Who among you will rise to the task? Step forward, brave souls, and speak your names! Tell us why you are worthy to write your name on this cup!”
With this last comment, he hefts the Sargava Chalice in the air, to riotous applause.
Bellaugh leans in, Teams often take this opportunity to boast of their prowess or to trash-talk other teams.
At that point a successful looking buccaneer rises, his team also looks smart, they all wear embroidered jackets lined with gold and tricorns topped with fur.
“I am Cornella Yorke, and I speak for the Trail Hounds—Rupert, Archibald, Neville, and Drummond! We are the roughest, toughest, meanest band of rascals you’ll find between here and Bloodcove, and we fear neither beast nor jungle! Our band has trained with Philt himself, winner of last year’s Chalice, and we’re eager to test our mettle. We’ll prove we’ve earned the right to bear the name of champions!”
Another group comes forward Sargavian nobles by the look of them,
I speak for the Ashen Leaves—Lucca, Pharom, and Orela. We are the sons and daughters of those who built this proud nation, and we carry on their tradition of excellence to this day. As the noble blood of Sargava flows through our veins, I swear that our esteemed names will soon decorate that cup. The Ashen Leaves stand for victory! Who among you stands with us!”
A strong round of applause follows Lucca's pronouncement.
It seems as though several other teams are about to announce, this might be a good time for your group to come forward.
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With a smug look, Brayne turns to the group, "I've got this." and a wink in a Bokkah's vague direction. And he confidently walks up while tapping himself with a bit of divine focus.
"And I, Brayne, along with my companions, Garduk, Bokkah, and Kulga. We are the magnificent Pathfinder Society, the keepers of time, the makers of peace, the champions of the multiverse. We have swam through oceans, fought giants with our bare hands, and dare walk through the graveyard at midnight alone! We stand for good, right, just, and everything you benevolent you can think of. We come with no fear and will go home heroes of the day! Hurrah!"
In the moment, Brayne truly believes in himself, but later on, he remembers the hardship of survival and questions his life choices.
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A rousing applause rings out in the tavern and even the follow competitors seem impressed, as Brayne announces the Pathfinders entry.
a group of five tribal looking halflings is next. Their plainspoken leader introduces them in heavily accented Common.
Ebansi, who are Tensa’i, Ramagh, Deffa, Fora, and Berro. We are not honorless pirates nor coddled nobles. We are small but cunning. We are stealthy and swift. We are the bravest and strongest of our tribe. We will win, because we must win. We are Ebansi, and we will no longer be forgotten.
The halfling's announcement receives limited applause and garners more strange stares than anything else.
Next up, a short Mwangi man, with a slender, muscular frame, a confident look and wiry black hair, speaks up.
We are the Resistance, and we represent the subjugated Mwangi peoples of Sargava. For too long our Chelish oppressors have conducted this charade of a contest as a means of patting themselves on the back and distracting from the hardships they impose upon the rightful people of this glorious land. We will win the Sargava Chalice for our people, but the first step in taking the nation itself from the interlopers!
The other people of Mwangi descent in the crowd smile broadly and applaud the unexpected entrants, while Baron Utilinus and his Chelish entourage exchange furtive glances and urge other groups of racers to take the floor and distract the assembled audience from the rabble-rousers.
However, after that only a small number of unaffiliated solitary racers enter the race. Bellaugh leans in once more, The rules do not prevent individuals from racing alone. However, the odds are heavily against them, and they are generally regarded as insane, suicidal, or both.
After a while, the tavern goes quiet, and Baron Utilinus calls for any last entries. Hearing nothing, he closes the floor and collects entry fees from everyone participating in the race. Venture-Captain Bellaugh pays this fee on behalf of the Pathfinders, you see him sharing a private word with the baron as he hands over a small sack of coins.
Once the opening ceremonies end, the baron’s men usher everyone competing in the race into the tavern’s private rooms. There you are divested from your belongings. The guards collect everything weapons, armor, spellbooks, magic items, clothing, jewelry, everything. They place each person’s belongings in a separate wooden chest, which they then shut with a masterwork lock and store in a secure room in the back of the inn. To replace their confiscated clothing, the guards give you each a monk’s outfit dyed in Sargava’s colors: red, black, and white.
It's at this point you realize you may be able to concealing a small item (such as a light weapon, a holy symbol, a few pages from a spellbook, or a spell component pouch) in their race uniform or underclothes.
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Garduk, having already used his scroll of Secluded Grimoire to send his spellbook away, briefly considers attempting to conceal his spell component pouch. The two first level spells he has prepared - Color Spray and Grease - each require minor components that may be difficult to improvise in the jungle. But at the last moment he thinks better of it, and lets the pouch go into the trunk with the rest of his possessions.
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Bokkah feels self-conscious in an unfamiliar way when she surrenders all her gear. Grandmother Nightmare, protect me in this journey!
She hoots and flaps her arms in appreciation of Brayne's introduction. As the others take the stage, she whispers, "I wonder if these teams are all who they say they are. I wouldn't be surprised if there are Aspis agents in disguise here."
She would keep her holy symbol if she could, but her claws simply do not work that way.
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Bokkah tries to read the competitors, looking for snakes in disguise. She doesn't think any of the groups are Aspis.
Once all the competitors are properly adorned, the baron leads them in a grand procession from The Filling Cup, through the streets of Eleder, and into the hills northeast of the city. Former victors join the procession as it travels, most notable among them is the previous year’s winner, Philt. All along the procession route, enthusiastic fans line the streets, shouting praise and encouragement to all the racers. Once the procession reaches the outskirts of Eleder, it becomes much less formal.
You are free to mill about and speak with the other contestants as they walk to the race’s starting area.
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Kulga scowls and crosses her well-muscled arms.
They said to compete, not to stand around and talk. Well, Morilla will appreciate any inroads I can make here.
Kulga walks over towards the Ashen Leaves, a ferocious grimace plastered to her face in a valiant attempt at a smile.
So, any of you manlings made this run before?
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Bryane hates the thought of being alone, and converges with Kulga attempting to coerce some information out of the rival groups. He approaches them with his usual demeanour of a charming man.
"Don't think we've met, I am Brayne of the Pathfinder Society. Ah yes, I've heard conditions were harsh this time of the year, not that I'm worried or anything. What do you think of this year's challenge in comparison to last year?"
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Lucca smiles as Kulga and then Brayne approach.
Manlings! The Ashen Leaves all give a little chuckle. First time, I've been called that, I usually get called 'Son of a' Lucca stops short and give Pharom a look, I know that's what I always call you. Pharom replies.
Lucca gets a bit more serious, The Race, no our first time.
Brayne arrives at this point, I'm Lucca, yeah Pathfinders our little race here seems to be gaining some popularity. Like I was saying never been in the race before, but Orela and I have gone hunting near here. Rough country, should put us to the test. I do know a couple good spots to set up a camp though, safe and helpful spots. He gives a sly smile.
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Garduk watches Kulga and Brayne head off to try and pry information from the local nobles. He shrugs at Bokkah. "Maybe we try talk to their opposite numbers?"
When he picks out the Mwangi members of The Resistance, Garduk walks over and begins a conversation with whichever member of the team appears to be most approachable. He takes a deep breath and tried to be social.
"Is this your first time running the race? Why are you running this year? I thought I heard that the winner last year may have done something out of bounds to win - do you think that's true? Are there any rules at all once we cross the starting line?"
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Brayne's not sure what to make of Lucca's comments, but Kulga suspects there is a meaning to the "helpful" comment.
Well I'd be giving away my advantage wouldn't I? Lucca gives Brayne a wink. Yeah decent hunting, small deer, rabbits, jackalops in the hills; but watch out for the winged snakes. He gives Kulga a grin.
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Bunawei leader of the resistance seems friendly enough, but is serious about his cause. Yes this is our first time, but the time in now. We can no longer stand for the oppression of Cheliax. All Sargavians need to rise up and us winning this cup will be the springboard to that. Yes, I've heard about the treachery of that pirate., he shoots last year's winner, Philt, a disdainful glare. And yes I guess the gloves come off once the race begins. I know of the Pathfinder Society and you'll no doubt be good competetion, but I plan to leave you in the dust. He finishes by giving Garduk a smile.
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The procession ends near the race’s starting line, where the baron’s men have already set up tents for each team. The race organizers provide one last civilized meal for the contestants and give each racer a small cloth map of the race course.
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Bokkah looks askance at the rest of the competitors. "I don't think any of these will be much challenge to us, honestly. Without the blasted Snakes around anyway."
Instead she focuses on the map, trying to identify the quickest route. "The most direct path goes through the mountains which might slow us down. We could try skirting around the hills and through the plains as much as possible."
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To Bokkah, Garduk responds:
"I think I agree - we are unlikely to be the fastest-moving team, and none of us have any particular mountaineering expertise. Maybe we should consider trying the hills, but we should definitely avoid the larger mountains, and it might be best to stick to the flatlands as much as possible. Although I expect the other teams will have the same idea."
Garduk gathers his nerve and approaches Cornella Yorke of the Trail Hounds.
"So you're the team to watch this year? I hear Mr. Philt won the last race handily - what happened to the rest of the team?"
Garduk also attempts to see whether any of the Trail Hounds have smuggled any forbidden equipment in the folds of their robes.
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P
SM
Bokkah has a pretty good read on the general difficulty of the mountains, hills, and plains.
Garduk approaches Cornella Yorke, I guess we are the team to watch, some might say you are. Yeah Philt told me all his secrets to success, you might be surprised, but I'll save those for myself. The pirate gives a devious grin.
Garduk doesn't see anything hidden on any of the trail hounds.
The camp bustles activity with people settling in for the night. Brayne notices that Lucca is acting nervous, a short while later one of the event organizers approaches Lucca and the two slip off together into the woods.
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Brayne points this oddity out to the group. "Did anyone else see that? Lucca and one of the event organizers have slipped into the woods? Do you think we should follow them sneakily? Maybe they have a secret lodge with a nice bed." Brayne curiousity is piqued, he may not be subtle in the art of hiding but is enthusiastic enough to attempt to do so.
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Kulga follows quietly, finding a place to listen in she hears and sees the following:
In a hushed whisper, the organizer says, “Just memorize it and destroy it, okay? I don’t want any evidence pointing back to me.”
“Relax,” replies Lucca, “no one suspects us. If we find everything we asked for, you’ll be well rewarded.”
Following this, Kulga follows Lucca as he walks back to camp and casually tosses a crumpled rag into a recently lit campfire before returning to the Ashen Leaves’ tent.
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If there is any chance of salvaging the rag from the flames, Garduk grabs a stick and tries to pull it from the fire once Lucca has gone into his tent.
In any case, after hearing the conversation, Garduk finds himself oddly relieved.
We could report this conversation, but to whom? The race organizers are clearly in on it, probably to keep the Mwangi team from winning. Not surprising, given their attitude during the opening ceremony.
Anyway, if these lightweights are cheating to get supplies along the way, all we need to do is follow them and take their ill-gotten gear away from them.
Garduk casts detect magic, and turns his gaze on the Ashen Leaves' tent.
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As Kulga comes back into camp, she signals to Garduk who moves quickly and snags the rag from the flames before it is consumed. While the rag is burnt you can clearly tell it is identical to the cloth maps each team received except for a notable addition; a red “X” marked at the edge of a ridge a few miles away from the starting line.
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"Can we beat them to the marker? We should destroy this once we memorize it - we do not want to be caught with it anymore than Lucca did."
Before going to sleep, Garduk will cast detect magic and turn his gaze on the tents of each of the other teams, trying to determine whether any of them are already cheating. He will also use the spell to check the area around the tents for any wards or other magical protections that might be triggered if he were to summon back his spellbook to prepare before the start of the race.
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Garduk detects magic and does not detect anything magical around the camp.
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The race begins the following morning, shortly after sunrise. Just before the racers set out, the race organizers scrutinize each contestant with detect magic, just to be certain no one is wearing a cleverly hidden magic item.
And Ready, Set, Go! The race begins, most of the teams start out a light jog and in roughly the same direction, all team start pealing of from each no more than a quarter mile from the start.