Ninja dot then erase your post.
The town of Torch has long enjoyed a singular claim to prosperity—a violet flame that burns atop Black Hill in the heart of the town. This flame burns incredibly hot, and while it’s usually the size of a bonfire, several times a year the fires spew up into the heavens in a brilliant beam of purple violence. These eruptions are presaged by about an hour of soft rumbling, giving nearby smiths a chance to retreat before the fires can consume them. At all other times, the violet energies allow for the smelting of all manner of skymetal. Torch is one of the only locations where skymetal can be worked with relative ease outside of Starfall, and its entire economy has risen around these purple flames, with traveling smiths coming from across Avistan to pay for the opportunity to work with them. Of course, Torch needs all the visiting trade and coin it can gather, for while the town’s distance from Starfall makes it inconvenient for the Technic League to maintain a permanent presence here, the taxes and tariffs it charges the Numerian town on a monthly basis are significant. The town prospers, but the bulk of its income does not belong to it.
Which is why, when the fires atop the hill suddenly go out, the town is in trouble.
Extinguished Torch: The violet flame that has burned atop Black Hill for over a century has gone out, leaving a strangely seeping pit of rubble and bubbling fluids where the town’s livelihood once glowed day and night.
Missing Councilor: Ever since Councilor Khonnir Baine, one of Torch’s more powerful wizards and a well-liked individual, went missing on his second expedition under Black Hill, the citizens of the nervous town have edged closer to outright panic. With their hands full handling the growing refuse and waste problems in town now that their primary disposal method is gone, the town council is eager to find out what happened to Khonnir and rescue him— they’ve made public a reward of 4,000 gp to any group that can recover Khonnir’s body; if he can be returned alive, they’ve promised to throw in the scroll of resurrection they’ve been holding on to in case they need to revive him. Interested parties are invited to speak to the council at Town Hall.
BlackHill Caves: Khonnir Baine discovered the signs of unusual traffic on the banks of Weeping Pond, and shortly thereafter, the submerged tunnel that provides access to several heretofore unknown tunnels under Black Hill. His emergence from the caves with a deactivated semi-humanoid automaton sparked worries that something strange might be going on in the caverns, but when he failed to return from his second expedition a few days ago, those worries turned to outright fear. Several other adventuring parties have gone missing in the caves, and Torch finds itself running short on new volunteers.
One of the grander buildings in Torch, the town hall doubles as a second garrison and lookout tower watching over the eastern roads. Council meetings take place in the hall every week on Oathday, but the hall sees frequent use for social gatherings as well, including many dances held in the neighboring square
The disappearance of Khonnir Baine troubles Ryder, not because of any great personal attachment to the man, but simply the fact that Khonnir purchased many of the artifacts Ryder and his partner, Holg had found in the wastes.
Holg was content to take his chances finding a new buyer, Ryder was more determined to find out the whereabouts of a frequent patron...a purely logical response, certainly no emotional attachment to the man.
Given his desire to find Khonnir, Ryder makes his way to the Town Hall to see what sort of information the Council may be able to provide.
Teodorn is both angry and worried. He's angry because Khonnir would not let him come on either expedition to see what had interrupted the purple flame of Torch; he's worried because Khonnir has not come back. Teo had been trying to get up the courage to go after Khonnir himself, but he also recognizes his own physical limitations. Once word gets out about the Council's offer, Teo will search the town's inns and taverns, and loiter outisde the Town Hall, looking for hearty individuals who he could approach about joining the rescue mission, or possibly accompany any already existing group.
Kanek wakes and makes his way through town, the fear and unease from the townspeople was almost palpable. When he arrived in town and heard of the automaton Councilor Baine brought back, Kanek was astonished. What he wouldn't give to talk with this councilor and examine the automaton. If Kanek could only ask Councilor Baine what else he saw in those caves. Unfortunately that was not to be as the councilor has gone missing, most likely in those same caves as the rumors say.
As he continues to wade through town lost in his thoughts, a flyer catches his eye. The council is offering a reward for finding the missing councilor. With a bit of shame Kanek thinks to himself, "This can be my chance to see for myself what is in those caves as well as have a chance to talk to the Councilor." With that thought, Kanek checks over his pack and pistol and makes his way to the town hall to see if there is anyone else looking for Councilor Baine.
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The fire dying has little concern for Graz. Some smart guy disappearing was not really his concern either. What interested the former slave, was the reward. 4000 gold pieces! His simple mind couldn't fathom how much that was. He'd only had a few coppers to scrape together ever in his life before now. His odd jobs earned him a bit of cash, but 4000 gold coins, could keep a simple man like him rich for life! If the town wanted him to go in a hole an bring back a professor or something, that was easy enough. At least he'd be free. He patted his spiked chain which he wore like belt. Those chains had bound him hand and foot as long as he could remember, but now he would never be bound again! His blood stirred just with the thought of it.
No, he would go earn his reward because he chose it, not because he was made to do it by the masters. The vile dark evil masters.
"Show Graz the hole you want Graz to go in," Graz said simply when he appeared before the council. "Graz will bring back smart-man. Then you give Graz lots of gold, yes?" He eyed the others in the room, trying to take their measure and if they would be good companions or burdens. None looked as big and fierce as Graz, but although he was not the smartest person, he did know that sometimes others abilities were not so obvious as his own. He tried to smile at the other group, but his toothy grin, which extra large incisors, seemed more a grimace than a greeting.
Heading into town he knew his God had sent him to the town of the purple flame. To witness it's creative powers and understand the mystery behind it.
Immediately upon arrival he begun to ask around where the famed Torch was to be found, expecting it to be more obvious. The tall tanned Android with blue nanite clusters wrapping around his body can't help but stand out in a crowd. His pale grey eyes and white hair sets him apart from appearing anything but different. Clad in armor he was directed to head to the council hall to find out more information.
Looking around at the other adventurers gathered, no doubt for the same reason to rescue this Khonnir or perhaps explore the caves beneath the city. Either way, Daneran knew he had to join with them to accomplish his Lady's goal. Striding over to the others he extends a hand, a common human greeting.
"Hello, I am Daneran, a worshipper of our Lady Brigh, the whisper in brass. If you are going to explore the caves, I would like to join you,"
Internally, that seemed like it should work, any humans should find that greeting acceptable,
Zendara just knows that the Technic League is behind all of this, and she really wants the chance to put an arrow into a few of them. Filthy Slavers.
She goes to town hall to sign up, and sees that there is quite a diverse group there. A group that looked like they could handle themselves. Hopefully this would work out well and she could also earn some coin while she was at it.
On your stay in town you have over heard rumors.
Also on your stay it town you have been experiencing headaches as you wake up.
You can confirm that the headaches aren’t caused by illness or poisoning, but by some other intangible effect—since the headaches didn’t start until after the torch went out, logic indicates that they are connected, somehow, to whatever’s going on under Black Hill.
I always figured Black Hill was hollow. There’s probably some big ancient ruin under our very feet connected to
whatever machine makes the violet fire on the hilltop.
Garmen’s not the actual boss of the Ropefist gang. They’re actually agents of the Technic League!
We’ve always had problems with gremlins around these parts—the pests are always breaking things or running off with supplies. I bet they have a whole nest somewhere in those caves under Black Hill.
Wonder what happened to that good-looking woman with the purple hair? Doesn’t anyone else find it strange that she showed up a few days before the torch went out, and that no one’s seen her since?
My cousin says his friend saw a monster snake in Crowfeather Lake, a beast big enough to swallow a wagon!
You arrive first thing in the morning at the Town Hall. When you enter the building there is one occupant, Dolga Freddert, she is the towns oldest councilor. She was present at Torch’s founding over a century ago.
”Don’t bother looking for the others, they are engaged elsewhere at the moment. Otterbi and Kyte are working on the sewage problems and Murgrave has another headache, like a quarter of the town these days.”
”Some of you look familiar. I am assuming you are here about Councilor Baine? The last group hasn't come back out. We are concerned!
She sits at the table waiting for questions. She doesn't have time if you're here for other reasons
Before entering the hall, Teodorn takes a moment to thanks everyone for agreeing to go on this expedition. He shakes Daneran's proffered hand vigorously, and says "Ah, the Clockwork Lady, I pray to her daily, along with Nethys. A pleasure to meet you." Looking back and forth between Daneran and Ryder, he exclaims, "This is indeed my lucky day, meeting two androids at once!"
Once they are inside . . .
Teodorn knows Dolga, so he feels comfortable starting: "Councilor Freddert, we are indeed here to rescue Khonnir and relight the flame, if we can. How do we follow where he's gone, and is anything known about what he found on his first foray? He was exhausted when he got back and I didn't have a chance to speak with him in detail.
Ryder stares blankly at the excitable, young man. "Perhaps more coincidence than luck." the other android plainly states.
Once inside, Ryder is about to question Councilor Freddert but chooses to remain silent as the boisterous man from outside beats him to the task. Instead he simply waits for the answer while studying each of the other individuals in the chamber beyond the Councilor.
Kanek enters the hall and stands in shock for a moment. "An actually android? I had heard stories of them but never thought for a moment I would actually meet one in the ... flesh. Do they have flesh?" Kanek is then lost in his thoughts until the discussion of the councilwoman and the other human come to his attention.
Kanek then steps forward and bluntly interjects, "Pardon my interruption, but if you plan on going into the caves after Councilman Baine, I would like to assist and go with you." He then extends his hand and continues. "The names Kanek."
Addressing Dolga, Zendara says
Councilor Freddert, I would like to go on the mission to find Councilor Baine. I think I could help with some healing, and I am a pretty good shot with a bow.
After addressing the councilor, she circulates in the room a little, asking if anyone knows an attractive woman with purple hair.
Unsure of what to do when the human named Teodorn actually takes his hand he abides while the human vigorously shakes his hand.
This seems to be a very excited Human, I wonder if they all shake the hand so vigorously
Looking around at the mention of another Android, making quick eye contact he'll give a nod acknowledging his constructed brother. Without time to introduce himself, he follows the others into the council room, his armor clinking softly as he moves.
Hearing the rather excited Human offer his help, Daneran nods solemnly looking to what seems to be new allies gathered around "Yes, this is a task I will assist with as well,"
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Graz doesn't seem to notice or register the oddness of the androids. When Kanek speaks of going to the caves, Graz stands up and chimes in. "Graz go underground and find missing man. Town pay money to Graz for finding. Yes?" He is just reiterating what he thinks is happening. More gold than he can imagine for getting man who is lost underground. Easy.
"Graz hears that purple fire comes from underground. Under hills. Graz turn on purple fire too?"
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As the Pathfinders acquaint themselves with one another the councilor reiterates,
”Yes, 4000 gold pieces.”
”As for what they found?”
“The caves are inhabited by several enormous vermin and other scavengers, along with some strange humanoids who had the ability to blend into the shadows of the cave walls, and a nest of gremlins. Khonnir believed this indicated a deeper connection in the caves to the Darklands, but of more immediate interest was his discovery of a wall of solid metal deep in the caves. A wall made of a skymetal alloy called glaucite. He said it was like the kind we mine from the hills and surrounding plains, but formed into a structure with doors. It was near one of these doors that Khonnir found the broken automaton that he brought back after his first expedition.”
”As for the rumors I suggest you follow up on them and find out for yourselves.”
“Four teams in all have gone in, but only one came back to report what they found—Khonnir’s first expedition. Khonnir spoke at length with the council before going back in, and he confirmed what his group told us, despite how outlandish it sounded. The first team was a group of halfling adventurers, the second a group of local thugs, and the fourth a small adventuring party devoted to the worship of Brigh from out of town. Khonnir’s team undertook the third and fifth expeditions under Black Hill, and it was on the fifth expedition—his second trip—that he went missing.”
“There’s an underwater passage connecting the caves to Weeping Pond. Khonnir noticed a large number of human footprints on the pond’s banks—he was there the day the fires went out testing the water to ensure it hadn’t suddenly grown more toxic—and he realized that a sizable group of people had entered the pond but had not emerged.”
”I can give you some assistance. Once you’re on the job, I’ll give each of you a writ that you can show to any of the merchants in town for a flat 20% discount on any gear you need to purchase—I wish I could offer a greater discount than that, but that’s the best I can do. Further, Val, Khonnir’s adopted daughter, has closed down her father’s tavern, the Foundry, for the time being. She’s told me that any group that’s going into the caves to look for her father can use the tavern, free of charge, as a headquarters and a place to rest between forays. Finally, the entrance to the caves is flooded. You’ll need to swim a bit to get to the caves. Joram Kyte has agreed to cast water breathing on any group to aid in entering the caves—free of charge, of course. You can find him at the temple of Brigh or up at Crowfeather Palace when you’re ready to go.”
Listening passively trying to process the large amount of information, his interest perks up when the group of Brigh worshippers is mentioned.
Lady Brigh, I think I understand more of your mission, I will do what I can.
continuing to nod along as she finishes her story.
Addressing the Councilwomen first, I have no further questions, the missions seems to obvious. Turning to the new group, It might be wise to visit this Val and see if she knows any more and introduce ourselves, her offer for free lodging should be helpful to us,
Looking around to the others, seeing if anyone else has any comments or further questions for the Councilwomen.
"That would seem to be a logical course of action, Daneran." Ryder matter-of-factly says.
"That being said the sooner we leave for the caves, the higher the odds that we find Khonnir still among the living...although based on the available data, those odds are not particularly in the Councilor's favor."
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Graz looks curiously at Ryder-XIII, and the android's glowing blue eyes. He grunts and says, "Graz thinks Graz has seen Blue-Eyes before. Does Blue-Eyes know Graz? Graz mind can't remember things too good. But Blue-Eyes seems familiar."
As for where to go next, Graz is up for the tavern. He licks his lips, expectantly. "Graz ready for ale mug. Go to tavern and see girl about beer!" He gets behind anyone who is lagging behind and gently pushes them along, eager to get to the tavern quickly.
"I can show the way. We can cut through this alley."
Teodorn is visibly disturbed when Ryder mentions the Khonnir's poor odds.
"It makes sense to see what Khonnir found, and check if he told Val anything more about what he found under town. Graz, we might not have much time for ale, but that just means we get that reward sooner, and you'll be able to buy all the ale you could want with that."
Ryder blankly looks at Graz when the half-orc claims familiarity with him. "I do not believe we have met before, Graz. Depending on your age, I suppose you may have encountered Ryder-XII prior to my current version, which is XIII."
"Lead the way, Teodorn. Time is of the esscence."
Kanek follows the others out of the town hall, watching the two androids with fascination. As they make their way to the tavern, Kanek pipes up. "Perhaps we should see this automaton that the councilor found. Is there any chance it could speak and let us know what is in those caves?"
The Pathfinders, finished with their questions and the Town Hall, decide to go see Val at the tavern.
The Foundry Tavern is one of Torch’s most popular venues, but since the torch went out and its owner, Khonnir, went missing, the townsfolk have had little reason to celebrate. In honor of her missing foster father, Val Baine closed both the tavern and the foundry until further notice, reserving the former as a place to rest and recuperate for any group heading into the caves to look for Khonnir.
As you approach — you hear a scream of terror coming from the small stone house behind the tavern!
Daneran, content to walk most the way to the tavern in silence, observing his comrades. Nodding here and there if addressed but otherwise finding no meaningful way to contribute.
Once at the Tavern and upon hearing the scream he offers a quick suggestion and jumps into action, running around the side of the building.
"Let us go, some one sounds in distress.
Offering a brief prayer to himself as he rounds the building.
Lady Brigh, lend me your wisdom and guidance in all things.
Hearing the scream, Kanek gives a quick nod to Daneran before drawing his pistol and running after him.
"We can not very well get any information we want if our source is no longer functional." Ryder states as he picks up the pace toward the screaming in question.
"I hope to the gods that wasn't Val!" Teodorn races towards the house at top speed, not looking to see if others are following.
Zendara readies her longbow and moves forward, looking for a target.
The group makes its way to the sounds of the screaming.
Seeing Kanek and Daneran heading for the closer door, Teodorn moves past them to the far door.
Zendara lines up a shot at the front door, just waiting on someone to open it up to see if it is needed.
With the front door covered, Ryder follows Teodorn to the side door.
Daneran braces his sheild against the door, takes a quick look behind him to ensure his allies are ready before bursting into the room.
Scanning the room for anything and everything to indicate potential danger.
As you approach the door, the door bursts open and a malfunctioning robot lurches forth on its three spidery legs. The robot moves with a jerky, staggering gait, for it is suffering old damage from neglect and its cells are only partially charged.
The repair drone is 5 feet tall and made of a gray and white metal-like polymer. Its three spiderlike legs allow it to navigate over broken terrain and rubble with ease. Its torso and arms and head are vaguely humanoid, with one blazing “eye” in the center of its head and a four-fingered hand on each arm. Bits and pieces of its chassis are missing, exposing the delicate circuitry within, and it makes loud and tortured grinding noises as it moves.
The robot seems to ignore the party and appears to be trying to rip bricks from the house.
Kanek takes a step back and levels his pistol at the machine. He hesitates as he glances over at Daneran. "Do you think it can be reasoned with?"
Keeping on eye on the robot as it staggers past him, "I don't know, something looks wrong with it. It appears badly damaged. It's hurting. I don't know if we can save it."
(Free use of inspiration)
"Indeed, it is badly damaged. These models are more mindless drones than anything else. I doubt that we will be able to do much reasoning with it."
Zendara shoots it, using a blunt arrow because it looks too tough to be pierced.
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While the others evaluate the machine, Graz just sees something that needs stopped. Unlimbering his chain, he moves forward and lashes out with the weapon against the automaton. He calls over his shoulder: "Graz doesn't think this machine screamed. Graz friends look inside for someone hurt. Graz stops clanky machine."
As the party decides what to do, Zendara has had enough and shoots an arrow at the machine. The blunt arrow barely sticks in the machine. Feeling the arrow sink in the machine immediately stops attempting to fix the house and turns its attention to the party. As it turns Graz barely misses the machine.
Machine
Having heard the noise around the corner, Teodorn moves towards the sound, looking in the space between the buildings. Quietly, to himself, he says"Val better be ok." He then concentrates, and flings the top of a nearby barrel at the robot.
Hearing his companions, Kanek takes aim and fires at the machine before ducking into the house to see if he can find the source of the scream.
Ryder pulls out his morningstar and takes a tactically advantageous position across from Graz before striking at the malfunctioning machine.
(flank)