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Ergh, I hope all the other dwarfs are as pleasant as Grim, was the elf's first thought upon receiving the missive. He gathered his adventuring bundle, with all the numerous vials and bottles, picked up his spear, and headed out to met the remainder of his team. It didn't sound like his lock picking skills would be in that high a demand, but believing in being safe rather than sorry, he stashed those in his belt as well.
The elf arrived at the appointed time, waiting to see who else would accompany him.
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A young woman enters the room carrying a plate of chocolate chip cookies. She is of average height, but her shoulders are broad and biceps bulge under the sleeves of her many-pocketed tunic.
Hair which shone golden yellow as a child, has turned a mousey brown in her early twenties. Its style does nothing to enhance her plain, angular features. It is only when Eadie sheds her self-consciousness and lifts her head to address someone that a pair of startling sapphire blue eyes swim into view.
Over her explorer’s garb, she wears highly polished brass armor which wraps around her torso in four segments. The protective shell is secured over her shoulders with broad leather straps.
I must look like a tramp from the Puddles, wearing an old barrel.
The spiked cap that accompanies the armor has a brass nose-guard in the shape of a horse’s head, in honor of her patron, Abadar. Eadie has attached a broad piece of white linen from an old wedding dress to the top of the helmet spike. The material completely covers the back of her head and nape of her neck, flowing just past her shoulders in an attempt to soften her otherwise warlike mien.
I think it looks like the wedding veil of the Bigbad goblin fighter, I scavenged the material from. I can’t believe how much lye it took to get all the goblin stains out! Gross!
Her look is completed by the pommel of a well-made heavy blade which juts over the young warrior’s left shoulder.
She smiles at Ruprecht with more confidence than she feels. “Hi, I’m Eadie. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I baked some cookies for everyone … sorry, if they’re a bit burnt.”
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"Evening, Eadie. I'm Ruprecht. I love cookies, by the way. Mind if I take two? I wish more field agents brought snacks with them!"
He scarfed down one of the cookies. "Not bad, dearie. They don't taste burnt to me. It might be kind of hard to sneak around, me smelling like chocolate and all," he adds with a smile.
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Lore walks in.... well that's not exactly accurate, she more bounces than walks, eagerly entering the room. Her chain shirt, clearly emblazoned with the symbol of Sarenrae, chimes as she moves, the small scimitar at her side slapping time as she bounces.
She spots Ruprecht and grins, her blue-black eyes flashing with mirth. "Ho, Rupie! It looks like we'll be working together again! I'd like that! But where's Grim? He'll be sorely missed if he doesn't join us. And who's this and what has she got? Cookies? I LOVE cookies! May I have one?" She helps herself hungrily before even waiting for an answer.
"Hi there! thanks for the cookie! My name's Lorelendral but you can call me Lore, everyone else does! Nice to meetcha!" she says to Eadie.
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Telurion walks in with a huge smile on his face - the massive young man with dark, black hair and eyes, sports a multitude of implements of war all about him - most seem to have seen an healthy dose of use, but all are in a good state of conservation.
It is almost surprising how he is even able to carry everything about his body, but he seems to move with ease, as if the weight mattered little or none at all - his clothing is plain in earthy tones of grey and brown, and clearly geared towards efficiency instead of decoration.
With sure steps he heads towards the others, and offers his right hand - "Greetings friends, I am Telurion" - while the left seems to reach for the open platter - "Are those... Cookies?"
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Eadie warms to her new companions, pleased that her small gift has been well received. “Thank-you, Ruprecht. Glad you like them.”
Hmm... Veteran Pathfinders and friends well used to working together, it seems.
I had better put into practice what Aunt Alix always told me …
Abadar gave you two ears and one mouth, my girl! Make sure you use them in that proportion!
Eadie notes the emblem on the gnome’s chain shirt. “May the Dawnflower light your path through the darkness, Lore. Um, does Sarenrae grant you the spell Unbreakable Heart? I am considering buying a scroll of that spell to ensure an opponent doesn’t turn the strength of the party’s fighters against it.”
She gestures to herself and nods to Telurion with a smile.
“Do you have a favored weapon, Telurion? I like the falchion!”
I don’t think I’ll mention I chose the falchion because the name sounds COOL!
School enchantment (compulsion) [mind-affecting]; Level bard 1, cleric/oracle 1, paladin 1, ranger 1, witch 1
Casting Time 1 standard action Components V, S
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect 1 creature
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
The target creature gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws against mind-affecting effects that rely on negative emotions (such as crushing despair, rage, or fear effects) or that would force him to harm an ally (such as confusion). If the target is already under such an effect when receiving this spell, that effect is suppressed for the duration of this spell. It does not affect mind-affecting effects based on positive emotions (such as good hope or the inspire courage bard ability).
A creature can still be charmed or otherwise magically controlled while under this spell’s effects, but if such a creature ever receives a new saving throw against that effect as a result of being ordered to attempt to harm or otherwise oppose a true ally, he can roll that saving throw twice and take the better result as his actual roll.
Calm emotions counters and dispels unbreakable heart.
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"I could cast that spell, but I rarely memorize it. Having a scroll of it would be very handy, just in case. Though I can't imagine Grim ever failing against such influences, I guess it couldn't hurt to be sure. And now there are more strong fighters it seems than I am used to traveling with. This is a good thing, I think, as Grim usually carries a heavy load fighting alone at the forefront at times."
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You see a rotund dwarf with a broad smile and even more broad belt enter the room, while chewing on what appears to be a leftover trail ration. He looks around and spots two of his traveling companions immediately.
"Hey there! Hello again, my good friends Lore and Ruprecht. It is jolly good to see you both again."
He bows to both, not as deeply as he would like, but as much as his physique will allow. He turns to Eadie and Telurion next.
"And whom do we have here? Brother Grimdock at your service. A pleasure to meet you both."
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Lore grins and hops up, gives Grim a big hug before seating herself again. "I'm so glad to see you, Grim, you big sweetie.. I always love traveling and adventuring with you. Sarenrae bless our gathering, is this all of us or are we expecting more? Oh, and Grim, you should have a cookie.. they are yummy... courtesy of Eadie here." She gestures toward the other female at the table.
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Giving the small gnome a gentle hug, with the look he is afraid of crushing her.
"Lore, always a pleasure. A cookie? No kiddin'? I like Eadie already. I have not had a good cookie in like...well...a really long time.
I just need to get back in fightin' form one of these days.'
Chuckling to himself, he stops then pulls on his beard (mainly to get the crumbs out of it) and looking to the others...
"So, Ruprecht. Have you heard about our mission? Rescue of dwarves! Now that is a mission I signed up fer. Not like baby sittin' goblins again."
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"I hope all dwarves are as accepting as you are, Grim. My kind isn't always welcomed with open arms by some of your kinfolk. But, I'm happy to help your people as I can. It might open up a new age of understanding," the elf smiles, knowing they both knew of some enmity between the races over the years.
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As you all are talking in the parlor, Two silent servants open a pair of richly lacquered doors, and a human and two dwarves stride into the lavish parlor. The man, clad in immaculate robes of whitest silk, is short and round with a blond oiled beard, and his eyes are alert and amused. He takes a touch of snuff from a golden box and sneezes before saying, It is a pleasure to welcome Pathfinders to one of my estates once more. I am, as you may know, Temel Passad. Allow me to introduce...
One of the two dwarves, a redheaded female in deep scarlet robes, curtly interrupts the man. We can introduce ourselves, Passad. I am Metella Raugar, representing the interests of several
Highhelm mercantile consortia. My companionshe gestures to a dwarven man with leathery skin baked by the sun, his head swathed in a bright yellow scarf—is Amauhak of Reth Bezel, a
mystic of the sand dwarves of Osirion.
Passad nods toward the dwarves and begins speaking again to the party,You are aware of the mission, yes?
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Eadie too has read the mission briefing from VC Valsin, but understands public speaking with VIPs is not one of her strengths.
For the moment, she will follow Ruprecht’s example, not speaking unless directly addressed, as she stands rigidly at attention against one of the walls, looking awed at the display of power and wealth by the merchants.
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She gestures to herself and nods to Telurion with a smile.
“Do you have a favored weapon, Telurion? I like the falchion!”
** spoiler omitted **...
Telurion seems momentarily surprised by the question, but then grins widely as he pulls his bardiche from his back - "Well, actually I tend to favor my healing wand here" - he jests as he swings the massive weapon - "But what I have found is that, for the time being, there is no one weapon that gets the job done. Better be prepared, at least until I come across one of thoe legendary weapons I have read about in the libraries in Absolom"
Looking at the woman again, he continues - "I have to agree the falchion is as fine a weapon as they come, but sometimes I need to reach them a tad further away"
At Grim's arrival he adds - "Good to see that you boys and girls aready know each other - nothing better than a practiced, seasoned team to get the job done" - he extends his hand to greet the dwarf - "I am Telurion"
Turning at the arrival of yet two other dwarves, he continues, as straightforward as possible - "Well met Metella Raugar and Amauhak of Reth Bezel, I am Telurion Andoren. It is my pleasure to meet you master dwarves, and yes, I am aware of the mission - you will be accompanying us if I am correct?"
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A medium sized woman enters the room, her long hair flowing behind her loosely. She seems to be human, but there is something to her, some mesmerizing air demanding peace and tranquility. You can easily notice bow and quiver under the big patchwork cloak slung around her, hiding the silhouette revealing oddly leaf-patterned armor and some other stuff. With a winning smile she adresses you:
Please excuse me, i´m late. Am i right here? I received a messsage about some Pathfinder business. Is this the briefing? My name is Tomoe by the way. Who are you lot?
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Grim smiles warmly and nods to Lady Tomoe but continues to address the two dwarves.
"Greetings. I was just tellin' me friends that it will be nice to travel with dwarves for a change. Metella, do you expect trouble just from having dwarf folk in the group? Or due to your station, clan or homeland? I hail from Kravenkus in the World's Edge Mountains. I would not wanna jeopardize the mission if stealth be needed. You have my oath as a fellow dwarf to see this mission through or fall trying!"
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Eadie is finding is difficult to contain her excitement. She has found some downtime since her last mission to hone the blade of her falchion and dagger with a whetstone.
She blurts out, “Do you know anything about the site where your colleagues are being held?”
“How are we getting to that spot? With all your resources, is there anything you could give us to help with any infiltration or liberation of the original envoys? Are you supplying food or do we need to bring our own?”
Eadie smiles and mouths Hello to Tomoe as she slips a Scroll case of Unbreakable Heart under the table to Lore.
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As you move down to the docks, you all see that the ship, the Abacus is already receiving cargo and is ready to set sail. You are ushered onto the boat and set off across Lake Encarthan. The next several days are uneventful.
One morning Captain Passad speaks with all of you. You are at the Mouth of the Glass River and are about to enter Razmiri waters. Local laws dictate that you dock at Xer and pay your tolls before continuing the journey. You can also try to sail through the river and avoid any authorities.
Passad offers his advise that you should dock and pay your toll plus an added "bonus". He adds that if you are seen by one of the faith barges and you don't have proof of the tariff, it would be trouble. Passad adds that he his happy to pay the toll himself.
Mettela interrupts to add her advise on the boat's course. She is afraid that if you dock, the boat may be searched and the envoys would be detected. She advises it is better to avoid the docks and take your chances against the barges.
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Eadie turns the two options over in her mind.
“The Razmirans have already captured one set of envoys, I don’t like the idea of us being tied up at a dock and having them find our charges. I vote take our chances on the open water.”
Eadie shuffles her feet a bit. She has already developed enough respect for her fellow Pathfinders to add …
“I will admit, the idea of fighting some of these charlatan heretics may have influenced by position, somewhat. And I will of course, abide by the decision of the majority.”
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Grim considers the options and stands to make a point.
"Well that is a sticky...um something sticky. I have no problem with paying a rightful tax. However, we can't have our envoys discovered. So that option is out for me. Cap'n, by payin' an added 'bonus', would that avoid a search of our boat? If not, then I ain't for payin' extra to nobody. Do they have more tax collectors at the docks or on those faith barges ye mentioned? If we be out in the wilds and hit a barge, maybe better chances against smaller numbers. I ain't much of a sailor, so I will let others say their minds too. Ruprecht and Lore? Eadie or Telurion? Any of you ever been to these parts before? I also ain't much of a diplomat if we get into trouble in either choice."
Grim plops his large frame down onto a bench once he has said his piece.
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"I've never been here before, so I've little experience to base an opinion on, but I'm with Grim. Unless paying extra would avoid a search of the boat to alleviate worry over them finding our envoys, I say we skip the tariff and worry about the barges if it comes up. I've got a little experience in diplomacy if it becomes necessary. I think though, it comes down finally to what our good captain is willing to do. I have an idea - what if we were to dress and outfit our envoys as fellow Pathfinders and pass them off as adventurers until the boat is done being searched?"
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I heard lots of stuff about Razmir, but not anything like this. I do think fighting on a river is unwise though. This ship is no warboat and those Razmiri are surely prepared for river chases and fights. Lest they have their priests hurling fireballs at us, then you have roasted envoys. Lorelendral´s idea is good. Alternatively we could make them invisible or put them in barrels and hide`m underwater somehow.
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"Excellent points, Miss Tomoe . I do not like the idea of fight in' on a ship. Although try in' to disguise a dwarf may be problematic. But if they are willin ta hold a wayfarer and act like one of us may work. We would probably have ta knock them out to get them to agree to be in a barrel underwater...at least you would me....assuming you could find a barrel to fit me. " Grim chuckles at the last part, then regains control and goes back to thinking.
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“I believe there’s a play coming out next year, based on a story I’ve read, about dwarfs escaping from an Elven-king by hiding in barrels which are then thrown in a river. I don’t think the bearded folk enjoyed it too much …”
Eadie thinks about what she knows about river warfare.
“I think if our dwarven VIPs stayed below deck, they would suffer little in any naval engagement. However, I am concerned about one of our armored warriors falling overboard. I do have a spare potion sponge of Touch of the Sea I would be willing to give to someone.”
On the other hand … “Is anyone particularly good at bluffing? If our bluffs and disguises don’t work, I am more than prepared to fight to get our vessel back to the open water – though in that case, I guess we would have to dodge the Faith Barges anyway.”
School transmutation; Level alchemist 1, druid 1, sorcerer/wizard 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M (a fish scale)
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 minute/level
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes (harmless)
You cause webs to grow between the target's fingers and its feet to transform into flippers, granting a swim speed of 30 feet along with the standard +8 bonus on Swim checks and the ability to take 10 even if distracted or endangered. You can also use the run action while swimming, provided you swim in a straight line. This transformation causes any boots or gloves the target is wearing to meld into its form (although magic items with a continuous effect continue to function). This spell does not grant the target any ability to breathe water.
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As the companions discuss their best course, a white haired man approaches, his young age betrayed by stark blue eyes and a vigorous posture - "My apologies friends, I was delayed by previous duties"
Bowing shortly, he continues - "I am Eredax, appointed by Temel Passad to the current endeavour - well met all of you"
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No … No … NO! … Navhelan, you are dead again! And do you know why – indecision!
Eadie recalls Master of Blades, Marcos Farabellus’s words during a drill she botched in basic training.
Critical hits and failed Will saves kill a lot of inexperienced Pathfinders, that’s true … but do you know what causes the most deaths? Indecision. And do you know how to get better at making the correct decision, Navhelan? Keep making them. Sure you will get some wrong. BUT if you manage the obvious risks you should be able to overcome all but the most extreme cases, IF you work together as a team … now try again, but don’t hesitate this time.”
Eadie pushes a Potion Sponge of Touch of the Sea into Grim’s hands and smiles.
“Just in case you end up in the drink. If there’s trouble let’s stick to the middle of the boat and hit them at range before they board – but let them come to us in melee. What do you say? This will also let Ruprecht get in a first strike. I think taking down the opposition while protecting the healers is also important.”
“I am with Ruprecht on this one. Captain, let's stick to the open water and try to evade the Faith Barges. Unless the other four party members seriously disagree, I think it’s time to get on with the mission. Captain, please Make it So.”
Eadie smiles at Tomoe. ”I suspect we will be greatly in need of your skills once we arrive at the inn housing the captured envoys.”