The Master of Spells Aram Zey waits in a deep subbasement of the Grand Lodge, where he scowls as another group of Pathfinder agents walks into a door-sized tapestry of intricately woven but badly frayed cloth. As the last agent’s foot disappears into the Hao Jin Tapestry, Aram Zey snaps a quick order for his assistants to reconfigure the tapestry for Kyonin before turning his eyes—weary and bloodshot from long hours of work—to you.
“Pathfinders, let’s keep this brief. That was the seventeenth group it has been my grueling duty to send through the tapestry today, and words cannot express my inordinate pleasure at understanding there will be an eighteenth,” he growls through the gritted teeth of a forced smile. “Nonetheless, this mission is an important one, and the society has few others who are cut out to handle the task.” He pauses to take several deep breaths, which do much to alleviate his sour mood.
“One of my colleagues, Venture-Captain Varian Jeggare, spent a considerable amount of time in Kyonin, and in doing so he performed a considerable service for Queen Telandia Edasseril. She owes him a considerable favor in return, and he was gracious enough to use it for the society’s benefit. Jeggare is busy elsewhere, so he cannot deliver the message himself. Instead he wrote out a formal request and letter of introduction for all of you. It seems he thinks you would represent the society well in playing messenger,” Zey explains before adding under his breath, “and to his credit I can imagine worse ambassadors.
“As you can see, the letter is sealed, and it should remain so until you meet General Theila Tenasi and give it to her. In effect, it requests that she provide the Pathfinder Society a contingent of rangers specialized in hunting demons to assist us as we make our way to Jormurdun. So, that’s your mission: Go to Kyonin, meet with the general, and make sure the elves don’t back out of this favor. We have a contact in Greengold who can secure you quick passage back to Absalom or anywhere else you need to go afterward. You’ll be taking the Tapestry to reach Kyonin, and Kreighton Shaine has already contacted the elves to let them know to expect you. Any questions?"
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"What a coincidence. I am also a ranger specialized in demon hunting. This diamond will glow red when a demon is nearby unless it is under a protection from divination. Aram Zey, what else can you tell us about Kyonin, Jormurdun and General Theila Tenasi?"
Adaxis reveals his Diamond of Demon Seeking to Aram Zey and attempts to recall knowledge about Kyonin and Jormurdun's geography from his studies and second hand experiences traded in taverns during his travels.
includes +6 for underground for Jormurdun.
Aram Zey seems bit agitated.
to Adaxis: "What do you mean you haven’t heard about Jormurdun? That Sky Citadel’s the reason we’re in Mendev!”
to Batty: "Threats? What threats? You are Pathfinders, aren't you?"
With bewildered disappointment he shouts: “When I asked if there were any questions, I meant it more as a rhetorical question. Get moving.”
Jormurdun is one of the ten ancient Sky Citadels built by the newly-emergent dwarves at the end of their Quest for Sky. It is located in the Wolfcrags, a largely uninhabited range of hills in the northwest of the Worldwound's Frostmire region. Like other Sky Citadels, Jormurdun is located almost entirely underground. Roughly two-thirds of its subterranean chambers are filled with still-functioning dwarven traps laid there by its departing inhabitants thousands of years ago, while the rest is the domain of a clan of duergar who have recently been converted from their ancestral worship of Droskar to that of the demon lord Shivaska by her chosen, the kalavakus demon Yealek-Vor
"You'll be fine, get moving!"
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A young man of Tian heritage was present wearing a light black armor with red edging, Hellknight insignias and an Asmodeus symbol . At his side two scabbards black Lacquered. Numerous vial and alchemical components were clearly visible on his numerous pouch.
Flying beside him a little whirling was visible.
Bowing to his comrade he said with a tian accent
I'm Xian Taiko, nice to meet you. You can call me Taiko. and pointing at the whirling added This is Kyofuu, my friend
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Instead of bowing or shaking hands to introduce himself to the party, Adaxis offers dried rabbit meat over-seasoned with garlic and stale ale from a wineskin.
"I'm sure glad we have some stout lads and diplomats joining us. Demon hunting isn't for the faint of heart. My name is Adaxis Copperfoot and my feathered friend is Mousebane. I am skilled in scouting, disabling fatal traps and ripping out the throats of my enemies." Adaxis mimics a cat scratching a sofa with his bear clawed hands. An eagle perches on his shoulder savoring a piece of the rabbit jerky.
"Also, I've got the table manners of a tunnel rat. You've been warned."
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The half elf nods as he assesses the members of his party.
"Greetings, my name is Battiscombe, but you can call me Batty. I am a priest of Gorum and I will do my best to fight with you and support you when I can."Jerks a thumb at the greatsword on his back."That is my weapon and a tribute to my deity. It would be more important than one of my arms, if it were not for the fact that I need both arms to swing it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Beyond the novelty of entering a demiplane through a piece of cloth and exiting out of a vine trellis hundreds of miles away, the journey through the Hao Jin Tapestry is quick and uneventful. Six elves wearing full plate armor as smooth as pearl silently watch your arrival before confirming your identities and escorting you into an elegant keep of artfully styled wood and stone. Up several flights of steps, the elves signal that they have reached their destination, knock, and open the doors to admit you to General Tenasi’s chambers.
Tenasi's spacious room provides a panoramic view of the surrounding woodlands. General Tenasi, an elven woman with chestnut brown hair and wearing medium armor over fine teal clothing, nods and neutrally invites you to enter and explain your business, saying, “As outsiders in Kyonin, I would appreciate your contemplating the rarity of your positions. As a general in charge of these lands’ defense, I expect you to appreciate the gravity of mine. This conversation would not be possible were it not for the letter in your possession.”
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Taiko bowed deeply in front of the general then said in elven.
We are deeply honored to be your guest General Tenasi Sama. We will be quick and direct as your time is precious and I'm sure, as myself, my comrade know the chance they have to be here in the hearth of the elven Empire.
Now I will read the letter from which we have the honor to be here breaking its seal in front of you.
Showing the unbroken seal to the General, Taiko open the letter and begin his lecture with a neutral tone.
As Taiko reads out the letter Tenasi frowns during the reading, and at its conclusion she disgustedly berates you for asking her to forfeit her every defense to appease spectacularly armed treasure hunters. She explains in no uncertain terms that Kyonin will not give up valuable
troops for a secondary objective to a mission it has already supported—especially not when that objective is spearheaded by plunderers.
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General Tenasi sama, I truly understand your position and respect it. But a contract is a contract and you can't hold your Queen words.
Don't blame us for our superior's orders as we are only the messengers. The Society will need these experienced men and women at its side when we will face the dangers of the Worldwound.
In Its name I called for your sense of duty to accept our request.
She turns to Xian, "she never made a promise! Is this clear?!?" She barks at Xian. After a moment of silence, she continues, " but I can propose an alternative means of acquiring military support: It seems news of the Wardstones’ failure reached the Witchbole as quickly as it did Iadara, and the demons have renewed their attacks with greater ferocity,” General Tenasi explains. “I recalled the Uprooters, but one group has not returned, has not responded, and by all evidence has been lost. I signed the order to discontinue attempts to locate them, for we do not have the resources to commit even a scout to the task.
“As a result, none of my battle plans account for these thirteen lost rangers or their commander Lanverel. Were you to find and rescue them, I would assign them to assist you in reaching the Sky Citadel—after ample recovery time, of course.”
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Showing her emotion is showing her weakness thinked Taiko his face remaining as motionless as a stone.
As you said General Tenasi sama. responded calmly with a small bow Taiko.
Then after the general's proposition he said
I think it's a good way to satisfy both parties General Tenasi sama but first we must all agree on this.
Comrades what did you think of this ?
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Grins at the thought of seeing some action.
"Not to be one that all ways thinks the worst, but what if they are dead? Dead soldiers are of no use to us, and as you have already stated you only keep the promises you make. So if we do locate them and they have met an untimely end, I would like to know we will still receive support for our efforts."
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Adaxis scowls and speaks. "We will find your lost brethren. Unlike most dwarves, I have no ill will toward elves especially elven rangers. I save my hatred for demons, devils and other extra-planar monstrosities that have no business here. I say Yea."
Adaxis opens a small green pouch and gives Mousebane a handful of seeds and dried fruit to feast on. He also opens his red tobacco pouch and puts a pinch under his lip.
“We have their last known location, which was near Thorngate at a feature called Mount Armiya, a rocky hill on the border of Tanglebriar. It, like all aiudara in and near Tanglebriar, is shut down to avoid demon exploitation, but I shall have a wizard transport you to Mount Armiya. Any tracks the Uprooters made should originate from there, and any arrows fired could provide clues as to which direction the elves went.”
“I do not believe they are dead, but even skilled demon hunters can fall prey to a demon ambush. If Lanverel fell or was captured, any surviving Uprooters know to go to ground. Their last known location is not far from Kethalia, a ruined settlement. There is still a cache of cold iron there according to my records, making it an ideal defensive position to hold. There is a chance they have lost their faculties. Standing orders are to leave Tanglebriar after eight days without contact from an officer. It has been more than twice that.”
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General Tenasi sama, as I'm not familiar with Tanglebriar could you pleased gave us an head's up ? What danger, except from demons, or difficulties can we expect about it ?
After his question to the General Taiko said to his comrades.
May I suggest to my comrade to prepare a little better as we don't know the dangers we will face and not rush.
A prepared man worth more than two unprepared said one of my Master.
"Yes an aiudara is a magical arch outsiders such as yourselves might know as an ‘elf gate’. They served as portals. In regards to Tanglebriar I can say only what you need to know for this mission: Treerazer corrupted this once lush elven land, twisting its plants and inhabitants into abyssal mutants. Treating every plant and every insect as a threat improves your odds of surviving the experience.”
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"Do you have any scrolls available to purchase to protect us from the environment such as Repel Vermin or Antiplant Shell?"
"Cold iron might be a idea, depends on what you are encountering," he responds.
ooc: if you want to buy some stuff, just go ahead
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Taiko asked the General
General Tenasi sama, can we expect to be attacked once teleported or is the zone safe ?
You said their last known location is not far from Kethalia where there could be a cache of cold iron could we use it if we found it ? Do you want we take it back to you ? I know this ressource is precious it's why I ask.
The general shrugs. "You will in hostile area, and it could be that there are enemies around. At least - be prepared!"
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Thanks General Tenasi sama. We will be prepared.
Taiko before departure will use his wand of Mage armor on him and Kyofuu asking for the elven wizard to do it form him before beiing send to Mount Armiya.
He then used his wayfinder to cast guidance on him and Kyofuu, his wand of shield on him and drank an antitoxin .
ooc: just waiting for a green light from you to get teleported
The elven wizard’s teleportation magic deposits you on the southern edge of Mount Armiya, a partially wooded hill with numerous rocky outcroppings, including one large stone spur that juts out from the hill to create a relatively flat surface. A shallow but swift-moving stream hugs the contour like a castle moat that separates the ascent from the twisted landscape that begins about 60 feet to the south. There, in a span of several dozen feet, the pristine wilderness transforms into Tanglebriar, a mass of pus-weeping trees, serrated bark, twisted nettles, and growling clouds of gnats.
You arrive in your location and on the next hill you notice six elves, who upon your arrival begin shouting
Initiatives:
Elves 15
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Taiko moved near the six elves and started trying to calm them down.
We are here to rescue Uprooter and their commander Lanverel.
It's General Tenasi who send us - as he can't spare any troops for this rescue !