-Posted with Wayfinder
Cad docks the ship, "I'm in for fun and plunder, but if you cause tooo much trouble, we're out of here. Just sayin'."
Once ashore, it looks like there are two paths to take. To the north are some rough stairs down, and to the west is a simple hallway.
There are some hushed voices from the west, but you cna't make out the words.
The party makes their way to the west, though it's hard to sneak. The short tunnel soon gives way to a room.
Three sets of wooden stocks hang from the northern wall of this room, pitons chaining the devices to the rock. Light flickers into the room from the water out in the cavern’s main chamber to the west, and small holes in the ceiling act as skylights, ensuring that the room needs no torches to light it during the day. Several natural stone columns break up the center of the cavern, sending shafts of shadow across the dimly-lit chamber.
Inside you're met with a dilemma. The two pirates snarling are nothing new, but at the other end of the room is Alejia herself. She has the cyphermage, Gurukaza. He's bound and helpless. In her hand is a crossbow, but when she realizes that you heard them, she dropped it and drew her cutlass.
That cutlass is drawing a thin line of blood on the man's neck. "STOP RIGHT THERE! I don't know what you did to Mumbuckle, but if you want this man alive, you'll let me and my men out of here unharmed. If you make ONE move against me, I'll give him a smile from ear to ear if you get me. WHAT is it going to be Pathfinders? Which do you want more, me or your precious scholar?!"
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As Pandoor warns of the men, Paeter readies the trident and shield in his hands. "This should be quick." he thinks aloud.
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As Aleija confronts the group with the choice, Paeter looks to the woman. "On the threat of Zon Kuthon's eternal bliss, I will give you twelve seconds to flee and leave Gurukaza behind. Anything action besides fleeing will result in me mercilessly killing all of you." he loudly proclaims, flipping his trident around and slamming it down into the ground, securing each of the three points in the soft loam.
"Well? Get going. I'm already at two." he says with an annoyed tone.
Aleji doesn't flinch at Paeter's words. It appears she's sticking by her ultimatum, allow her to escape or the man dies.
(always acts in surprise)
Alejia draws her blade across the scholar's throat! His blood pours down to quickly pool at his feet: . The pirate curses, knowing that it's going to be a brutal fight now.
The two pirates also know it, and with cutlasses out, they advance on the Pathfinders!
Red tries to chop down on Paeter's head: for
Black slashes at Pandoor: THREAT for
Round 1:
Pirates: ARGH!
Paeter: Go
Syrak: Go
Falco: Go
Pandoor: Go
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As the woman slashes the scholar's throat, Paeter rolls his eyes. "You are truly an idiot." he says with a sigh as he raises his shield to block the strike from her flunky.
"I have no idea how..." he starts as he stabs at the man attacking him.
"You even made it this far without dying." he concludes as he tries to slam the pirate next to him in the chest with his spiked shield.
"I gave you twelve seconds to flee, after all." he adds. "Just like you asked."
Paeter's assault nearly overwhelms the pirate near him, the the wounds don't fell the man.
Syrak tries, but the man's life has expired, and he can't bring him back.
Falco's spell catches the pirate off guard , burning her legs in the flame!
Round 1:
Pirates: ARGH!
Paeter: ATK
Syrak: LoH
Falco: Flame on
Pandoor: Go
Alejia: 11
Black:
Red: 15
Pandoor's inspiration bolsters the party as the pirates bring it on:
Alejia quickly casts a spell through her blade , but loses the spell. She still swings the weapon at Syrak though: but still can't muster a solid attack.
The other pirates press their existing attacks:
Red swings at Paeter: MISS
Black swings at Pandoor: for
Round 2:
Pirates: ARGH!
Paeter: Go
Syrak: Go
Falco: Go
Pandoor: Go
Alejia: 11
Black:
Red: 15
The pirate's eyes grow wide at Paeter's promise, and a moment later the center tine on the trident drills right into it. The pirate drops to the ground dead. Paeter quickly advances on the leader.
Round 2:
Pirates: ARGH!
Paeter: Kill
Syrak: Go
Falco: Go
Pandoor: Go
Alejia: 11
Black:
Twice Syrak's claws tear into the woman. She stands her ground, but is clearly weak from the effort.
Round 2:
Pirates: ARGH!
Paeter: Kill
Syrak: Smite!
Falco: Go
Pandoor: Go
Alejia: 36
Black:
After the savage attack by Syrak, the woman loses sight of the ball of fire and falls into it. When she lands she screams as the flames burn her to death!
With his leader down, and no way out, the last pirate decides to go down fighting, and grits his teeth before the storm to come.
In the next few moments the Pathfinders overwhelm him. Paeter makes good on the promise and gives the man a swift death. You gather the pirates' valuables and the scholar's body. Your captain, Cad, takes you back to Riddleport with a smile on his face.
With Alejia killed, the assault on the Order of Cyphers ceases. Business returns to normal rather quickly for Tammerhawk and his academic associates, and the political tensions wane. Word spreads quickly through Riddleport of your defeat of Alejia’s gang, and the Pathfinders develop a reputation as a formidable force within the town.
The Society is saddened by your inability to rescue Gurukaza, but the greater good is preserved, as no more scholars will die.
Well done Pathfinders!
Choo Choo!
After the previous mission in Riddleport the Pathfinders are recalled to the Grand Lodge for debriefing and R&R. Said relaxation is short lived as you are awoken in the middle of the night.
Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng’s appearance in the middle of the night is surprising only due to his unfamiliar accomplice, a burly mandressed in full Isgeri military trappings.
“Pardon the intrusion”
Drandle says as he juggles the numerous scrolls and writing materials precariously balanced in his arms,
“but I have a request that is of utmost importance to ask of all you. I’m afraid we have something of a situation on our hands. It is perhaps well known among the Pathfinder Society that trade is vital to our organization. Not for any monetary gain, of course, but because we rely heavily on overland caravan routes and trading lanes at sea to get important documents, treasures, and personnel from central Avistan to the Inner Sea. When such materials are of particular import, we have even been known to use more illicit modes of transportation, such as caravans operated by the Sczarni organized crime syndicate."
“It appears that a number of such Sczarni caravans, carrying important cargo for delivery to the Pathfinder Society, have recently begun to go missing along their more discreet trade routes from Cheliax to Druma, a little-known path that runs through the Chitterwood in Isger. Of course, the route along the Conerica River would be viable for more legitimate operations, but oftentimes we can’t afford to be forestalled with matters such as customs, tariffs, and inspectors, especially when such hindrances could also potentially result in the arrest of our business partners. Alas, I digress..."
“I have agreed to work with the local Sczarni leader, Guaril Karela, in order to reclaim the caravan route through Isger’s Chitterwood. That’s where you come in. I have made all the arrangements necessary to ship you to Isger in the morning, where you’ll meet the caravan you are tasked with escorting through the goblinoid-infested woods. In the meantime, I have summoned the honored Isgeri war hero Gaspar Desime to help answer any questions you might have about your upcoming visit to the Chitterwood. Guaril Karela is also available and can answer any questions you have about the caravan you’ll be guarding, though I believe he is currently stationed at his shop in the Docks district.”
Drenge then stares intently at nothing in particular as he waits for you to ask questions of Gaspar Desime.
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Dorvhan walks in smiling, "I just left spending time with me brudder, Brak. I heard you guys were back from Riddleport and that Syrak had some business to attend to. I thought I'd jump in with ya."
After introductions and Dreng's rundown the dwarf scratches his beard.
"Do we have any clues as to the culprit(s)? Bandits? Dragons? Dwarven women?"
Gaspar thinks for a second before responding to Dorvhan's question with a history lesson.
"Less than 2 decades ago, the savage Chitterwood goblinoids organized and attacked the nation from within, sparking the deadly Goblinblood Wars. So great was the threat to Isger and its neighbors that only an unlikely alliance between a regiment of Eagle Knights from Andoran, a small order of Hellknights from Cheliax, and a contingent of Druma’s Mercenary League could stem the goblinoid tide. We fought heroicly but in the end, much of the Chitterwood was put to the torch, forcing the surviving goblinoids to seek refuge deep among the caverns below.
“If only that were the end of it though.
the undead roam the lands to the north and south of my beloved homeland, while bandits prey on the weak throughout the countryside. What’s worse, the Chitterwood itself is still the home to the scattered remains of goblinoid armies, left over from the Goblinblood Wars. If only for your sake, I hope it’s merely bandits behind the caravan attacks.”
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Pandoor smiles brightly at the midnight venture-captain.
"I'm starting to think you're some sort of night spawn, venture captain! Joking of course! So goblinoids it is! And undeads! What a pleasant travel it'll be. I'm ready to go. Is there more to know about the region and its past history?" he asks to nobody in particular.
Gaspar explains "Isger has a long history that we could spend many months if not years on. To make things incredibly short, you'll be arriving in late summer where the weather is at least most pleasant. I believe it is about time for you to go speak with Mr. Karela for details on the caravan."
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Falco frowns in the background and looks up from a scroll he had been studying. "Remind me again why we have dealings with the Szarni.... bah, never mind, it's either political or economic and neither excuse interests me much. Yes, yes, we'll be on our way immediately with a lookout for undead and thieves and goblins and who knows what else."
Being the middle of the night, Karela’s curio store seems dark and cramped. Although, for anybody who's been here before, you seem to remember it always being that way.
Rows upon rows of shelves filled with knickknacks, baubles, and trinkets—all of varying levels of quality and authenticity— run the length of the store, leaving little room for people to move about.
From somewhere behind the shelves, Karela, acting as shopkeep, shouts "Come in, yes I assure you we're open. What can we do for you?"
Karela comes from behind some shelves and looks the party over before explaining a bit
"I have sent instructions informing the caravan to meet you a few miles south of Logas. I shall have my associate Kazrin meet you in Logas and he should be able to direct you to the rendezvous point. From there, the caravan crew will lead you through the Chitterwood.”
He then smiles as he asks "What other details can I help you with?"
Guaril stutters for a moment as he reponds "Well, didn't Gaspar tell you all about the Chitterwood? It's a bit out of my expertise. Caravans though, I know lots about them...
He pauses for a bit as he rifles though a drawer and pulls out a set of bright Varisian scarfs. "Ahh yes take these and wear them, My informant in Logos knows to look for them and will help him make contact with you."
Guaril Karela manages a smile despite Falco's insult but sends you on the way.
The journey between Absalom and Isger takes several weeks, first by sea and then by land, until finally ending in front of the gates of the Isgeri city of Logas. The Goblinblood Wars may be over, but the goblinoid threat still lingers, as is made apparent by the rows of fresh goblinoid corpses that hang from pikes along the city’s walls. Every now and then, seemingly at random, a trebuchet from behind the city walls hurls a huge boulder into the forest.
You have an opportunity to make any last minute purchases at Logas.
Eventually a Sczarni associate recognizes your scarves and he introduces himself as "Kazrin" before leading you several miles south of town to meet the caravan.
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The caravan includes only one large, covered wagon, pulled by a single horse.
Kazrin introduces you to the rest of the caravan crew:
Varisian Driver - Jandri (f) - sullen middle-aged woman.
Varisian Guard - Alik (f) - youngest of the crew.
Halfling Passenger - Camon (m) - very skittish
Horse - Anka
Alik is enthusiastic to meet you, Camon seems wary at first but then excited to see so many halflings, and Jandri seems more interested in the horse then you guys.
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Paeter, uncharacteristically, drapes the colorful scarf around his neck. "Anything for a mission." he mutters, clearly uninterested in fashion.
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"Greetings, crew." he proclaims to the group. "I am Paeter of the illustrious Linseed family of Cassomir and these are my cousins from the Flaxseeds." he says gesturing at Falco and Pandoor.
"The dwarf is Dorvhan." he adds as the burly man steps forward.
"We are here to protect you as you travel."
"When do we leave?" he asks, clearly impatient.
Jandri respponds "Right now, assuming you're ready."
With that the caravan packs up. In addition to sundries for the trip the wagon carries all sorts of goods, bolts of expensive cloth, a collection of antique longswords, a dozen bottles of ages brandy and numerous bags of spices.
The wagon also carries numerous insidious devices that can serve as defensive traps when the caravan stops to make camp.
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There is evidence of the war everywhere—discarded and rusted armor and weaponry, numerous displaced trebuchet-hurled boulders, and occasionally the remains of a hunter’s trap, only recently triggered by an unfortunate forest animal. Even in the light of day, the blackened trunks of the Chitterwood trees, still bearing the scars of the great fire that marked the end of the Goblinblood Wars, loom menacingly over the narrow forest path.
Eventually, the thud and crash of boulders launched from Logas can no longer be heard. Even the sun struggles to penetrate through the canopy at times, leaving dark pools of shadow stretched across the path.
Jandri and Alik say little throughout the day, only speaking when they need to issue an order.
Kazrin more than makes up for his companions’ somberness, though, telling numerous jokes and the occasional Varisian legend as the caravan winds through the woods. Camon says little too, but is at least approachable, unlike Jandri.
Toward the end of the day, Kazrin announces that the caravan should reach the first planned campsite soon.
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"Greeeetings, friends! Oh I'm so glad we go on such a trip together! This is poetic and romantic and adventuric and and..."
Pandoor, seeing the bored and somewhat threating glance of Peater, stops in the middle of his sentences. He punctuates it, saying:
"Stories about this adventure will be told!"
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During the beginning of the travel, he'll ride at Kazrin's side and tell him:
"Dear Kazrin, I feel the tensed atmosphere. But fear not! We are brave halflings and dwarf! We overcame many challenges in the past. Let me tell you the story when we were young of how we killed a minotaur in the middle of the forest..."
And spends some time trying to show the prowess of the group.
Afterwards, he'll go at Camon's side and repeat the maneuver.
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Dorvhan wears the scarf comfortably, it doesn't draw anywhere near as much attention as a dwarf in Desnan livery.
Dorvhan eyes the "packing method", but doesn't speak up.
He makes easy conversation with Kazrin. "Don't worry laddie. You've got an incredible team here. Rest easy, though stay alert. You'll be fine."
Dorvhan will also spend some time talking to Camon, "Feel good doesn't it. The freedom? It's not just when you're awake either is it? When you sleep it's easier to feel the touch of Desna. It's a good feeling and all should have it."
He knows he doesn't have Pandoor's way with words, so he lets the halfling buoy their spirits.
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Falco lets the others do the friend-making. Instead he sits astride his pony, which is real this time, something he acquired before leaving rather summoning up pony after pony for what might be a long excursion. Occasionally he reaches into his belt's scroll case or pouch to remove a scroll or one of his spellbooks to flip through when he gets bored.
Paeter notices a slightly strange lump in the earth, one that looks recently dug but before he can warn anybody the lump exlodes in a shower of dirt revealing a pair of skeletal bugbears.
Additionally there is more rustling from the woods to the north and south, although nobody else is visible yet.
One of the bugbears steps up to attack Kazrin before he can respond.
leaving a deep gash in the outgoing Varisian.
The next one moves up to the horse.
Kazrin, desperately wounded draws his sword to protect the wagon and keeps himself between the skeleon and Jandri.
Jandri tries to get the horse to back away from the skeleton.
But is unable to push the animal to go the wrong way with the wagon still attached to it.
Initiative - Surprise Round
BuggyS
Falco
Kazrin
Paeter
Jandri
Initiative - Normal Round
BuggyS
Falco
Pandoor
Kazrin 4/11
???
Camon
Paeter
Jandri
Alik
Dorvhan
Falco and Paeter are up!