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Abadius, 4714
Loyal Agent of the Decemvirate,
As of my most recent visit a week ago, the once-scarred walls of Nerosyan were completely repaired. Knowing that you and other Pathfinders were an integral part of defending that city against the demon onslaught makes me proud. No matter the ultimate cost of reaching Jormurdun, I know that the experience has helped shape some of the finest agents I've had the privilege to know.
Our discussions with the dwarven emissaries resulted in agreeable terms, and they have already begun mustering an impressive force to aid us in our march across the Worldwound. I'm expecting you to join the small army of Pathfinders that we're sending with them. That's still several months off, but it should make for a valuable experience. Just watching soldiers from the Five Kings Mountains train and drill is a lesson in efficiency and dedication.
If only I could say positive things about all dwarves. It is now clear that Venture-Captain Thurl has betrayed us. Venture-Captain Jorsal does the work of two venture-captains and hardly seems to sleep, and I know he secured considerable evidence against Thurl that clearly illustrates the dwarf's guilt and seems to suggest we may not have seen the last of him. Stopping Thurl is not only in Mendev's best interests; it's a point of pride for the Pathfinder Society. Nobody does what he did and gets away with it. Nobody.
I'm trusting you to keep your gear close by in case I catch wind of our traitor's location and need a trustworthy agent on short notice. I also expect you to join the trip to Jormurdun and help ensure the Society's success. If anything goes wrong, you're the one I trust to set things right.
Explore, Report, Cooperate!
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
The Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign continues the Year of the Demon, its fifth season of Pathfinder RPG adventures. Keep the words of Ambrus Valsin in mind, and be on the lookout for opportunities to help the Grand Lodge succeed in its objectives. When the time comes, ensure that you represent the Grand Lodge proudly in Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–20: The Sealed Gate and Pathfinder Society Scenario 5–25: Vengeance at Sundered Crag.
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*This seems to have been scribbled in rough dwarven runic-style letters, and possibly hint that the writer didn't take off his gauntlets while doing so, judging from the scraping marks along the parchment*
IF'N'WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON THA' ONE-EYED SNIVEL'N BASTARD THURL, I'M GOING'TA RIP OFF HIS BEARD - ONE HAIR AT A TIME. AFTER THAT I'M GOING'TA INTOR...INTROC...INTROD.. BAH! LET'M MEET MY ARMOR SPIKES VEEERY CLOSE!
NOBODY PISSES OFF WIT' HARROCK HAMMERSTOUT AN' 'IS KIN AND KITH! ESPECIALLY NOT ANOTH'R DWARF!
EVEN THO' YE AIN'T SEEIN' THIS, THURL. WHEN I GET TO YE, YE AIN'T GOING'TA LIKE IT. YE'VE MADE ME ANGRY. AND YE DON'T LIKE ME WHEN I'M ANGRY...
*Those who are familiar with Harrock Hammerstout know him to be one the most enormous dwarves they've seen in all of Absalom, perhaps in all of Golarion, which in respect has given him the nickname "The Boulder". Other than that, they also know that Harrock utilizes a magically hardened black granite stone-plate spiked with obsidian spikes, and that he's a fierce grappler. And quite a drunk. Nobody wants to get him angry when he's drunk, even less than when he's not!*
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Posting as Master Hayato Sentagawa
A six foot tall Tien man in his 30s dressed in traditional mithral O'Yori armor sits in a corner drinking a bottle of saki and penning a response to this latest message from Skyreach.
Venture-Captain Valsin,
My blade is at the ready to deal with the dishonorable and horrific actions of that traitor. I shall give him that which he deserves.
Master Hayato Sentagawa
...returns to his saki.
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a man clad in only traveler's garb walks from the shadows and looks at each of those whom has spoken after Ambrus' communication has reached the ears of the members of the grand lodge.
"Treachery, those are the things which the demons will use against us in the world wound. It is best to be tested on how you fair, instead of tasting the bile of a demon tempter and having your soul ripped from your body. Shocking thought, but one of the possible outcomes in the coming days ahead... our quest is not a simple one. It requires the best of each of us, no one sits on the sidelines and plays with his/her beer. Lives are at stake... nay, souls are at stake. I am not a agent of the silver crusader, but i am your brother in arms against the forces which seek to destroy the world and thwart our goals. So taste your sake, spill your dark thoughts now... for they will be used against you in the wound. We need every sword, every incantation, every resource in this fight... for without each other we will be defeated."
The man walks to the bar and turns to watch what is said in response.
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As Master Hayato Sentagawa:
To Cor'win
When the time comes, I will be ready to once again face the spawn that comes forth from the Worldwound. If the Siege of the Diamond City taught me anything, it was to never underestimate that which spits forth from that wretched place. After hearing from one of my former students of the atrocities committed by the traitor Thurl, I will be more than ready when the time comes. If this be my last drink to enjoy with my lodge brothers and sisters, so be it. As long as I still draw breath, I will not let what happened to those poor souls to happen to another innocent.
To Pyrite
I will be most pleased to show some more Aspis my blade and let them experience, first hand, the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
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"You are young, your chest is all puffed up, and you have obviously not known true love yet, for you would value life more than you do. Your head is full of grand ideals, all about the greater good or about the glory of Hell versus the Maelstrom, but you know nothing. You truly KNOW nothing. You really want to 'shut down' the Worldwound? did you know that it was created by the Dawnflower and that she shoved Rovagug into that hole? Did you know that Asmodeus has the key to the lock on that door? If the door is leaking, is it because Asmodeus is peeking through the keyhole? or has a foot in the door? Son, let the archwizards figure a few things out, yes, IN THEIR LABS, before you 'gloriously' lead thousands of young people in battle... young sons and daughters of the land, who should NOT bleed as pawns of greater powers attempting to move them on their gigantic cosmic play-board!!"
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The man in traveler's garb shakes his head.
"That is the pit of gormuz...not the worldwound my drunken friend, they are different pits of vile energies which do not belong on this plane. If you must think that the Gods are playing a game... it is on our behalf, they chained the rough beast in that prison to save us."
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Uses her foot to push/roll Ellismus passed out body under a table so no-one trips over him.
"Tsk, should have seen that common. Thrul's demon infatuation sounded more unhealthy than Zarta Dralneen's passion for posing for sexually suggestive pictures, and I should know having sneaked into her room at the Cheliax Embassy when she disappeared.
Now dragon infatuation on the other hand, cant go wrong with that. Well...not unless it leads you to being cooked, frozen, melted, or electrocuted alive by a dragon's breath."
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The handsome yet commonly dressed human man walks around from the shadows and looks down at the body at his feet. He kneels down and nods, ensuring that the body is still alive. The man waves his hands in front of his nose and steps back.
"Really, perhaps the mud outside is a good place for the drunk to learn his boundaries."
With a few quick steps, he walks around the body and deeper into the chambers. He notes and smiles lightly to a few present.
"I could not help but overhear, what was said about Thrul... has anymore information been passed down? I have seen his work, and i am less then pleased... as far as dragon's i am sorry to note my only meeting ended with her death... fates thread was woven to tight for her."
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"GAAAAAAAAAAAASP!" Ellismus wakes up quite suddenly, looks at Ralia, clears his throat, and says, "Thank you, milady." He retrieves a small once ounce vial of clear liquid from his pouch and quaffs it. He stands up, sits on a nearby chair, and orders some food and coffee. His level of alertness is now back to normal but you notice a slight shaking in his hands when he accepts the cup of coffee from the waitress.
After a 15 min period of eating and sullen shame, he musters the courage to approach Cor'win and Ralia, and apologizes for his previous behaviour. "I must apologize for earlier. I normally don't drink but I can attest, in my humble opinion as an alchemist, that Master Hayato Sentagawa's sake is one of the finest I've ever tasted. Proper precaution has been taken during transport. It is a remarkable work of art. May I offer you anything to alleviate this horrible experience I... err I mean, you went through?"
He pauses, feels his noggin, "By the fiery foot of Sarenrae, why is my head hurting so much?"
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The young man smiles and shakes his head.
"No my formerly drunken friend, your paying for the mistake as we speak... if i was a cold hearted person i suppose i could yell aloud and cause you pain. However that is not me, your lesson is paid."
He looks at Ralia and steps forward, offering his hand in greeting.
"Hello, i am Cor'win Maldrago, a humble servant of Pharasma and you my lady are?"
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"Father Maldrago, if I may interrupt for a moment. This pit of Gormuz you speak of, are there some similarities with the Worldwound? perhaps in the ancient tomes of religion, one could find a theory that would apply also to the Worldwound... you seem well educated Father, I am more a trial and error kind of man..."
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Cor'win shakes her hand, and his eyes seem to flash for a second in realization, a smile appears on his face immediately.
"Ahh, makes perfect sense my Lady Arcanus."
He looks to Ellismus, and nods.
"The pit of Gormuz, the prison for the rough beast, the worldwound is a rift between the abyss and ours... it seems to led to the abyssal realm of the lord of the locusts."
He extends his hand to Ellismus and then to Pyrite.
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Not so long for dragon. Ask him. Nice guy.
"Well I can't because for one I do not know who the said dragon was or when it became "part of the familey". Second, it would be a RED dragon, popularly known for being very mean and fire breathing first and ask questions never."
Ralia then looks over Pyrite and her eyes light up.
"Wait..are you...are you a dragon ken of some kind!? If you are would you not mind if I poke and prod you and maybe get some samples!?"
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"In which nether realm is Rovagug prisoner though... is it abyssal in nature, that dimension? I wonder if the Worldwound is leaking because the backpressure of the Maelstrom is too great for the seals in place... hmmm... two choices if so: change the seal, or setup a bypass valve upstream to let it leak into another nether realm like Hell..."
"Hmmm yess.... huh huh huh, I bet them devils would get a kick out of that! uh huh huh huh!"
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Cor'win smiles at Ralia. "please no prodding the man, it is kinda rude after all. I am sure he would be willing to pass on his knowledge, if given time. I has taken me several months to finally be able to formally meet him after all."
He looks to Pyrite, and smiles lightly. "The last time i tried to meet you... the aspis killing gunslinger was interference, unfortunately."
he releases the handshake and turns slowly to Ellismus.
"It was Asmodeus whom sealed the prison, many gods worked together to lock him away for eternity, many of them perished to save this world. Everything is about balance and how we measure up in the end. The rough beast being free, is good for no one... to have anger towards devils is another thing. I have fought next to them before, and fought them just as frequently... its about there purpose. Planar creatures do not belong on this one, a view i share with the riftwardens."
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. Second, it would be a RED dragon, popularly known for being very mean and fire breathing first and ask questions never."
Green meaner. Give cows. Give kegs. Give iboga powder. 10 words in 2 days. Very chatty.
"Wait..are you...are you a dragon ken of some kind!? If you are would you not mind if I poke and prod you and maybe get some samples!?"
Not dragon. Poke if you wish.
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"Ellismus: why must you jest about the Worldwound, do you not know just how many it has corrupted and poisoned over the years. My order alone has seen half it's number lost to that place. It is certainly not a place of amusement and frivolity.
While we as Pathfinders can come and go , the loyal Mendevian Crusaders who stand in battlements or who lead patrols to track down wayward pathfinders risk limb and soul each time they do so."
"I am not opposed to humor or a funny situation. The Worldwound is not a place for either"
"Erm... ahem... sorry Sir Whitebane. I am new to these kind social si-sit-situations. Having lived in the wilderness most of my life trying to perfect my bombs, I ha-ha-have come to talk to myself a lot and chuckle at hypothetical realities or fictitious events. In this case I was chuckling a-a-at the thought of us mere mortals redirecting the Worldwound planar rift into Hell, and the re-res-resulting endless battles between the abyssal and infernal denizens... surely even a holy man such as yourself would see the benefit of such an endeavor, and see the irony of evil having to fight evil instead of the goodly creatures of the prime..."
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"i do know their is talk of a ancient Green whom is a follower of Pharasma deep in the Mwangi jungles. After i finish my field studies, i plan on going to the continent and talking her. We share similar views on the side of law and order, not to mention respect and honor for our lady."
Cor'win thinks for a moment.
"there is a huge crop of Whites in the north lands, but that's about as far as the extent of my dragon knowledge goes. Actually, if i could learn the draconic tongue from you, i would be grateful."
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"Poke non-dragons? Where is the fun in that? But you actualy talked and chatted to a dragon? And a green you say? Do tell more?"
Green meaner. Give cows. Give kegs. Give iboga powder. 10 words in 2 days. Very chatty.Not dragon. Poke if you wish.
Eats people. No People no town. No towns no farm. No farms, pristine jungle. Bring cows, ring bell. Dragon ask for something, dragon get something. Not eat. Good Deal.
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Cor'win shakes his head.
"Contact with a great corruption and seeing what it has done will bring more support to Mendev, even after the objective of the sky citadel is taken. Besides, it is not like the citadel is going anywhere... though i suppose it could if the magics became active again."
He ponders the thought a moment.
"Back on topic, there is only one answer for the wound, and that is to seal the breach once and for all... it would require forces beyond what the world has seen marching to clear a path. With that in mind, subtlety is called for... a small force able to slip in and destroy the connection is what ultimately is needed."
Cor'win nods his head at Pyrite.
"Dragons do need to eat after all... perhaps i should plan accordingly, i do not wish to be eaten as it were."
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"Mr. Whitebane, it would be in the interest of the whole world if the Pathfinder Society maintains a presence after they are done with the Skycitadel. When I deal with other Pathfinders I will spread that ideology around."
Looking at Pyrite and Cor'win, he adds, "Now, you both speak of dragons. Imagine dragons!!! Imagine them descending on the hordes of the abyss and tearing them to pieces!! I agree with you both gents: while we must convince the human nations of the world, we should also make deals with the dragons to have them join this cause!! In essence, any being of Golarion, be they living or undead, should join this cause to preserve our plane of existence. The Maelstrom is ever hungry, devouring and can consume entire realities!"