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The coins district is very busy as you walk with Junia on your way to the Bluff. Merchants are trading and peddlers of all kind move through the streets. As you pass a bunch of men wearing turbans, flowing silk scarves, heavy eye shadow, and impressive jewellery eye Junia with obvious disgust.
"Filthy abolitionist! You and your kind can leave are so pathetic!" One man calls out at Junia.
"Oh look at me! Just because I am too poor or stupid to buy servants no one can! Fear the chicken Knights! Another calls out and they all share a laugh.
Junia becomes obviously upset and any Character from Andoran or Liberty's edge member realises Junia's outfit looks much like an Eagle Knights. She glares back at them. From behind Junia a tomato flies and smashes into the face of the second man.
In sudden anger he and his 4 friends draw saps and begin to approach Junia.
Round 1
Aldon
Davor
Xanac
Kermit
Junia
Fox
Thaleb
Noblemen
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Kermit runs up and swings, kneecaping the red guard and making him hop on one leg momentarily.
The Blue Nobleman falls asleep on the cobble stones.
The Purple guard steps up and swings his sap at Junia.
Missing her by a hair's breadth. With a small shout she hits the ground while backing away. As if peeling itself from her body like a second skin a green transparent hollowed eye figure stands where Junia was before. The green ghostly boy begins shouting and running around wildly.
"She's bewitched!" Calls out one of the men. Another shouts "Get away from the freak!" as the remaining men run off down the street carrying their wounded. After the commotion ends the boy returns and appears to enter Junia's body once again.
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“I guess I should tell you, considering who you are and where we are going. I just didn't want to say anything back at the estate and my mother finding out. She has taken me to so many healers and imagine what she would do if she found out I was actually a "freak". I’ve been keeping him a secret for far too long in any case.” Junia seems to be having conflicting emotions regarding her ability but, she moves over towards an alley way where less people can see her.“Grishan, can you come out, please. These people would like to meet you.”
A small boy of 14 or so years made of green wisps and bearing emaciated features once again steps out of her body. He appears to be dressed in a tattered school uniform.
"Hello. I am Grishan, One of the victims of the Tri-tower yard earthquake." He speaks with a raspy voice as if he had not had anything to drink in very long time.
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The green spirit speaks with no emotion in his voice, "To tell you the truth I have also been pushing Junia to seek out the old Bluff district. I have few memories before I died but, my strongest is of the Arboretum and of a statue. It was very important to me but, I cannot remember why. I would like you to help me find it, so I can remember why it was so important."
Junia seems a bit embarrassed "I am not really sure what I can do. It just seems like Grishan can move things for me and small other tricks. I really don't know what I even am." J. pauses for a moment of self annoyance."In any case I still want to return to the Tri-yards and see what closure it can give me. However we do have some time so we can go there or the arboretum first. Which ever you all think is better first."
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J. Explains along the way about the Arboretum.
"The Arboretum Arcanis was once a haven of exotic trees, bushes, and flowers from all over Golarion. Inside the dome, each greenhouse had its own magical temperature and moisture controls. It was a beautiful place to visit before the quake."
When you arrive however you see that this is no longer the case. Purple clouds cover the cracked glass domes while dark twisting vines grow on every white stone surface, in every crack. You arrive at the entrance doors which appear to be still in working order. It is raining slightly and it makes your skin itch where it lands.
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You find some recent tracks but, they seems days old at least and weeks at most. Other than that you see nothing of concern outside.
Your knowledge nature reveals that the rain is infused with Negative energy and while harmless in the short term could twist and taint any plant or animal life in the long term.
Gathering this information you feel safe to open the doors.
The foyer of the Arboretum Arcanis is in shambles. Debris and dead or dying plant matter cover the mosaic-tiled foor. A gnarled black thorn tree still clings to life in a giant masonry planter. Two massive skylights in the ceiling afford a view of low-hanging, purple and black clouds above; the crystal dome is completely obscured. Piles of rubble obscure most of what once may have been doorways, but a door to the west is free from debris.
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At your observation one of the tree roots begins to shake and dislodge itself from the tree. It seems to be a short, gnarled, gnome-like plant with a beard of green mold, an oversized, misshapen and bulbous head, and long, branched fingers. On his back he has numerous small sack-like growths about the size of a child’s fist.
It makes a short bow and speaks in common with a high pitched voice. "Welcome to the wonderful Arboretum Arcanist. I am Majordomo Pip."
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"I can not tell you much. The master Gardener can answer any questions though. She's nearby but, all entrants to the Garden must pay a fee. It's true! It's true! The privilege of viewing the gardens is not for free." Pip holds out a branch like hand and one finger shifts into a semi-transparent tube with a hollow thorn on the end. "A donation of your life fluids for research yes? It will only be a little, not enough to hurt much. Such big folks are you."
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Kermit keeps an eye on the creature while carefully, switching his bow to the other hand, then draws his dagger.
He addresses the party.
"Its called a mandragora. They're often evil creatures and I don't entirely trust this one."
Then turns to the mandragora.
"No funny business now. We're well armed. I'll prick my finger for you. But you must lead us to the gardener."
Kermit pricks the end of his finger and draws a tiny drop of blood.