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"Well my friends, it seems wise we meet with the Twinhorn Elders while many of our compatriots are keeping the undead at bay. We may not have another chance to do so if we wait." Crios says in agreement with the others of his party.
Without further comment, he and his group march quickly to the main encampment, avoiding the undead as best they can, but ready to fight any that break through.
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You arrive at a large tent its thick hide walls muffle the sounds from outside. You enter, iron spikes pin down an enormous map in the center of the tent. Wooden carvings of warriors and monsters lie strewn about the map, marking the location of fighting warriors and the encroaching undead.
As you enter, you hear Medda’s voice. “You’re asking us to leave behind everything we know and care about!”
“Indeed,” rumbles Anok the phantom’s deep and booming voice, “You would have us abandon our sacred pledge to Ivvora.”
“Aye, I’d have us abandon this lunacy!” Another man proclaims as you enter. He is a towering man, broad-shouldered and sturdily built, wearing the cloak of dire polar bear. Covered in scars and with a proud bearing, his presence fills this tent as he paces back and forth. “Surely we can find better winter hunting grounds, where we don’t have to compete for game with bloodthirsty orcs and cursed undead! As for leaving behind what we care about... What I care about is my warriors, many of whom we’ve left behind on this battlefield!”
“Who are we as a people if we abandon our oaths? I demand,” declares Medda, “that we stay and fight for our homes and our traditions!”
In addition to Medda, Anok the phantom, and the towering man, there is a fourth person in this room. An old woman with plenty of scars of her own, is calmly listening to the arguments while she fletches arrows. She has to bring the arrows close to her face as she fletches, but her ears are turned towards the conversation. With tanned and wrinkled skin, white hair cut short, and a weathered longbow by her side, there is an intense focus about the old woman, and the other three leaders keep darting glances her way, as if waiting for her to weigh in.
Then the old woman looks up with clouded eyes at the tent flap opening where you are gathered. Squinting at the sun in her face, she asks with a quavering voice, “Are you the warriors that Medda told us about? If so, I am pleased to meet you, and hear your wisdom. I am Jala the Patient. This bear in human form is Kragr Bloodhand. You already know Medda and Anok.” She pauses, grabbing a drink from a leather water skin and licking her lips. “Speak. We are at a decision point.”
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Ranalus addresses Kragr Bloodhand, beginning a conversation in hopes of sounding out the man's motivations and priorities.
"I know the path of the exile, and it is no easy thing to be denied one's homeland. I know you do not wish this fate upon your people. If you choose to stand and fight, I will bring my powers to bear to help you destroy the orcs and ghouls."
He watches Kragr's reactions closely as he speaks.
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Reavis studies Jala, he can tell despite her age she retains her hunting instincts, silently evaluating the situation and acting only when most effective. You can tell she reacts well to facts, but not to emotional appeals.
Meanwhile, Ranalus makes an opening appeal and watches Kragr's closely for his reaction. He seems to have a somewhat skeptical look on his face and Ranalus can tell Kragr doesn’t like people to think he’s a coward. Insinuating that he’s afraid motivates him to look strong,
but outright calling him a coward makes him angry.
Why fight here, when better and safer hunting grounds are other places? He fires back.
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"Both the orcs and the hungry dead are relentlessly aggressive foes. They will never be satisfied with their conquests.
Let them chase you from here and they will try to take your other hunting grounds as well."
Ranalus will offer to help with Bluff in the next round, making up things he allegedly heard among the orcs.
For now, he reports his findings to the group.
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"Medda, you know us now, and we Pathfinders are an honorable and strong tribe." Crios says, reminding the woman of both their diplomacy and their combat skills displayed along the trip here.
"Given what we know of you and how passionately you uphold your oaths, we would be honored to help you defend this place and your people. Much like Ranalus has stated, the hungry dead will not stop once they have this land, for they hunger for more than that, they hunger for life and they will hunt it to the ends of the world." He lets the last comment sink in for everyone before moving on.
"You told us of your oath to Ivvora, a champion of the angel Vildeis. You told us how over 900 years ago Ivvora came into your camp, guided by the angel in her hunt to destroy a great evil called Eshimka. Your elders of that time urged support of Ivvora and together you banished the evil from your lands and protected your people. The hilt you carry is proof of that. We would never presume to dictate your people's actions, but we would offer support in helping you keep your oaths. Tell us, is there anything else we can do to help you as you helped Ivvora all those centuries ago?"
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Kivuli and Crios gather from Medda that her bloody bandage and celestial rune scars symbolize her devotion to Vildeis, the empyreal lord known as the Cardinal Martyr. She selflessly fights any encroaching evil.
Medda smiles at Kivuli and Crios, Allies who listen and come to our aid. She motions to the other pointing to all of you. You see, they understand the importance almost better than we do. How can we forsake our ancient oath to Ivvora?
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The wayang looks a little lost and forlorn, his eyes momentarily missing their usual mirthful sparkle. "Me am slightly envious of your people. You am having these rich traditions tying you whole clan to the earth. Your spirits know where to looking for you. Me own people, we have nothing like this. Ripped from our world and now tethered to nothingness. Our spirits am greatly lost. I would be shameded to allow the sameness to happen to you." For the first time, Kivuli's allies have a sense that this is a constant burden the rogue carries with him.
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Kuriq reluctantly agrees to meet the elders. Knowing there are undead to be brought to justice nearby puts him at an unease. He makes no waste of time and gets straight the point. He paces himself around the tent as he begins.
"I've lived in the wilderness, plagued by death. Do you truly believe running away can solve your burdens? Your men have put up a fight to protect their own, yet you choose to run? Preposterous! Such cowardice behavior. You will only haunted by your decisions. Trust me..i would know. " Kuriq pauses he let's out a heavy sigh.
"If you truly believe in what is yours, fight! What do you fear? How many men have already fell, and you abandon their plight? No. With the Pathfinder's behind you, you cannot turn your backs now. Stand and fight, for today...we cancel the apocalypse! Kuriq roars an inspiring yet intimidating speech fueled by passion from his dark past.
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The calm, even keel that Crios so often displays falters for a moment as his friend Kivuli speaks, and a rare flicker of sadness crosses his eyes. With effort, he pushes the emotion down and focuses on the task at hand.
With grim determination Crios speaks, "You must stay the course Medda. You know there is no other choice worth making. "
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After appealing to their hearts, Kuriq attempts to appeal to their minds. He walks to to Kragr with precaution unknowing what emotions he possibly might have stirred. He speaks much more calmly, and with a softer overtone.
"We speak as outsiders, but mind you we come here with a purpose, a purpose to help, save those in need. I speak to you now, as man to man."
"There is no need to react and run in fear. The Dawnflower guides my hand, and in the pathfinders I trust. And I believe you have reason to, we've encountered many a dangers to reach you, and valiantly persevered. What do have to lose? Trust in us to help you. We shall put an end to the wrath that plagues this land."
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Ranalus would like to use a Bluff to aid Kuriq, if possible.
"We passed through orc lands on our way here, as you know. Naturally, they betrayed their promise of safe passage and attacked us.
Yet while they were pretending to be civilized, I heard them speak of the Kellids.
They in fact fear your strength and have doubts about any more attacks on you. Their leaders have been weakened by these clashes and hope you will break and flee. They hope that your devotion is not as great as your warrior prowess. I think that is not the case."
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Reavis focuses his attention on Jala, "You look like a wise lady, let me tell you what's going to happen to the environment if you just let an undead horde go unchecked in the countryside. In short, the balance of nature will be destroyed as countless animals and plants die for no reason, leaving those who survive with nothing to eat so they'll all die too. Without a productive circle of life, this entire region will become a dead zone." The Tiefling continues a bit longer, citing specific examples plants and animals that will perish in her people's ancestral homes if they do nothing to stop the undead carnage.
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Kivuli bears his soul to the Twinhorn Elders and his fellow Pathfinders.
You see, Kivuli, has the right of it. Not only may we regret this decision today. But years into the future, we can not enter into it lightly. Medda says with conviction.
Kuriq's words cut Kragr too the quick. I fear nothing; we can win sure and we will, but why risk loosing warriors, when the other lands nearby have better hunting. It's not fear. It's wisdom.
Crios follows up by speaking plainly to Medda, They are right Kragr, there is no other choice really. How can you even consider giving up on the traditions, especially now when our inaction is proving why we have them in the first place. Any doubt in her mind now gone. Her confidence seems to impress both Kragr and Jala.
Kuriq changes tactics and Medda quickly attempts to aid his arguments, Kragr, come on, they've come all this way to waste their aid would be ill-advised. Kragr responds, I don't know Medda, they have come far, but don't forget they would not be here, had there ally's men not disrespected our tribe. Can you forgive this so easily. However, when Ranalus makes his comment, Kragr listens on intently. This is good.
Reavis turns to Jala and provides her some reasoned arguments. It's true the balance of nature is very important. She agrees, despite getting a little tongue tied, Reavis thinks he got his point across. Anduris further influences Jala, We would be unwise to not take advantage of your aid. The wizened one agrees.
You feel you are winning them over, but Kragr's body language indicates he is not fully decided. Perhaps a few more good arguments will settle the matter.
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Kuriq swings around, "Wisdom?" he quotes with a strong overtone. "How could wisdom be leaving everything you've build, the sacrifices made? There is no victory in letting the Orcs, the dead, the heathen to run over your land. You might have, but I, we have not given up on this fight. I shall show you all how it's done." Somewhat angrily he picks his arms, and storms out of the tent, but before the last step, he turns and stares into the room for a dramatic effect staring straight into Kragr's soul. "Who's coming? Or are you afraid?"
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Ranalus jumps in to Aid, diverting the Kellid's attention before he can take offense.
"You know he is not afraid, Kuriq. Did we not hear orcs speak in fear of the mighty Kragr Bloodhand? Skalds will sing of how he vanquished the foes, halted their advance, and saved the lands of his people!
To arms!"
Ranalus marches out after Kuriq, ready for battle.
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Kuriq's words stir Kragr even more, the anger rising in his face. As Kuriq exits, Kragr stares at him, only Ranalus uplifting bluff breaks his glare. Kragr looks to Medda and Jala waiting for their thoughts. Medda responds, The time for action is now Kragr. Jala's look is a far away stare as if in deep thought.
You know the time is growing short and the leaders must soon decide.
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Approaching the clouded-eyed crone, the wayang offers, "It am clear you seeing more than others. Me have seen the darkness that can be spread, the corruption. As agents of life, we all must protect against the dead who walk. If-ing not for the world, then for the memories of who the dead were. Son, fathers, daughters all they were, but their souls am now tortured. It is up to the living to grant them peace. Let them join the ancestors that have passed before them."
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Kivuli's argument finally wins over Jala, she raises her hand to speak and the room goes silent. Medda and Kragr hang on her every word. She speaks slowly and plainly.
Friends, Turning our back on the things transpiring is ill-advised. Evil grows around every turn in this world and its important that we good, caring and able people do what we can to stop it. That means here and now.
With that she grows quiet having said her peace. Medda turns to Kragr as if to say see I told you.
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Although influencing people with his personality isn't in Reavis' skill set, he tries anyway for the good of the mission. He addresses Kragr, "Hey guy, if you help us help your people, I'm pretty sure you'll find there are lots of perks being friends with the Pathfinder Society beyond just stopping a lot of your innocent people from being killed."
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Spinning his staff with a flourish, Crios flips and spins his body in a mock combat dance, taking to Kragr as he does, "You are brave, but also cunning. No matter where you go, the enemy will follow. It is better to stand and fight where you have the advantage, such as your home where you have solid footing..." he stops with a solid staff thrust forward.
He then plants his staff into the ground and with a smooth motion, he leaps up to balance wobbly on the tip.
"...than from the precarious position of running away. " he finishes as he falls from his perch to make his point.
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Kragr weighs Reavis words, and nods at Crios display that shows his confidence. Finally Anduris convinces him.
All that is left is a vote then, says Kragr.
I vote to stay and fight, you have convince me my friends our traditions and this place matter and it is our responsibility. Now let's not waste anymore time discussing this. He looks to Medda and Jala.
Medda nods in agreement, Aye!
Jala closes the talks, It is decided, we fight!
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As you pour out of the tent, you see a stream of glowing mist winds its way through the trees into the camp, as the air takes on a sudden chill. Kuriq and Ranalus are already in defense stances waiting for you to emerge. The Twinhorns disperse to aid others around. Floating wispy creatures appear; one is gray and black shadows and mist that coalesce into a humanoid figure, its face a distorted mask of rage and hatred. Two more advance as well, barely seen out of the corner of the eye, a wisp of shadow that is vaguely humanoid in outline and writhes with unholy life. Buoyed by his diplomatic success Anduris leads the charge, only Kivuli last from the tent does get a jump on the undead horrors.
EXILED SHADE
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
SHADOWS
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
Initiative
Round 1
map
Anduris
Reavis
Kuriq
Ranalus
Crios
Grey/black guy
Kivuli
Shadowy guys
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"Shadows, vile creatures they are, keep your guards up men!" Kuriq holds his weapon high. He eyes and examines the situation closely as he chants something under his breath.
"Dread and plague, death and blight
The shadows all shall fear my might
When darkness falls, don't fear the night
Life's new dawn comes, let there be light!"
As he does, a white light shrouds his body momentarily. A rune representing fire appears on his weapon, and soon after it becomes engulfed in a holy white fire.
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Crios casts shield from his wand before leaving the tent, and once he sees the undead he quickly tells the group what he knows about the them. He then drinks a potion of shield of faith to help combat the incorporeal creatures.
"Not only are there Shadows, but there is at least one Exiled Shade among them!"
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(Ex) The symbols of an exiled shade’s former organization still hold power over its restless spirit. An exiled shade that can see such a symbol is sickened for as long as the symbol remains visible. Additionally, if a shade is directly confronted with such a symbol (which requires a standard action) it must succeed at a DC 16 Will save or become dazed for 1 round. If the shade succeeds, it can no longer be dazed in this manner for 24 hours, but remains sickened while in the symbol’s presence. If this symbol is a holy symbol and is used in the
act of channeling energy, the exiled shade does not gain its channel resistance against the effect. The symbol must be something the exiled shade’s organization used to identify its members while the shade was alive, such as a noble crest, a knightly banner, or a holy icon.
(Su) If an exiled shade deals a cumulative amount of Intelligence damage greater than or equal to a humanoid target’s actual Intelligence score, the affected creature does not fall unconscious as normal. Instead, the target ceases to take penalties from its Intelligence damage and falls under the control of the exiled shade, as per dominate person.
Crios, Ranalus, and Kuriq all ready themselves for the upcoming confrontation.
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Reavis buffs and Anduris hastens Crios. Meanwhile, the Exiled Shade closes on the living rapidly, flying right for the Dawnflower crusader.
Round 1
map
Anduris
Reavis
Kuriq
Ranalus Delay
Crios
Exiled Shade
Kivuli
Shadow, Blue
Shadow, Purple
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Ranalus rushes in and lays the positive healing energy on the shade, it recoils from the touch. Kivuli flanks with him and drives his blessed estoc into the shade as well. The shadows swarm in.
Round 2
map
Anduris
Reavis
Kuriq
Crios
Exiled Shade 37 dmg
Ranalus
Kivuli
Shadow, Blue
Shadow, Purple