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You have been called to the Grand Lodge of Absalom for a briefing. Seated in a small chamber around a darkwood table, various trophies gathered from across the face of Golarion hang from the walls. A monkey-shaped mask with a serpent’s tongue glares out from the center of one wall, a strange halberd with gold rings piercing its thick blade and dragons carved along its haft hangs opposite the monkey mask. You are alone save your fellow Pathfinders, who apparently have been called here for the same purpose.
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In walks a tall elf, wearing light clothing, an adventuring style backpack, a rapier on his belt, and a longbow and quiver of arrows. Oddly, he doesn't appear to be wearing armor, though it may just be light armor hidden beneath his clothes.
He looks down his nose at the assembled Pathfinders, and introduces himself.
"I am Erevel Heldanlissil, of the Kyonin Heldanlissils. I don't know what type of mission Venture-Captain Hestram has in mind for us, but if there's fighting involved, you're in for a treat. I'll show you archery skill on a level you've never seen, as provided by a true elven master."
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As the elf finishes his introduction, a tall, wiry man snaps out if a contemplative trance and seems to take in his surroundings for the the first time.
"Ah, yes... Very interesting... I am Tomren Tellius, a native of the great city we find ourselves in. I'm a dabbler in the arcane and a quester for knowledge. I hope my certain skill set will be of use on whatever mission we might be sent on."
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Pan turns from his examination of the monkey mask as his fellow pathfinders start their introductions. As a novice society member, his equipment is rather sparse; in fact, he has no armor to speak of and only a couple of mismatched spears and a crossbow for weapons. His furs and heavy cloak indicate he hails from a much colder climate.
"Well met. I am Pan Dhur ... recent disciple of Avaleru and student of the arcane as well."
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Erevel raises an eyebrow in Sidroki's direction.
"Yes, it's always good to have a muscular sword swinger or two in the group. In a fight, you'll be the one standing between the enemies and those of us who will be in the back, casting spells and firing arrows."
He turns to Tomren and Pan.
"It seems we have quite a few arcane spellcasters in this group. As I said, I'm primarily an archer for now, but I have begun studying the arcane arts, as well."
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Finally, a huge man wearing creaking leathers marches into the room. He looks at each of you, as if he were appraising a handful of gemstones freshly pulled from the earth, and nods curtly. Some of you know him as Adril Hestram, a longtime Pathfinder and rumored to be the unwitting architect of the famed Katapesh slave riot of 4702. Adril’s physique puts most half-orcs to shame.
“Welcome, friends. We have a serious problem. Skelg the Ripper came to Absalom one month ago. Like many Ulfen warriors he joined the Longaxes, the Taldan Emperor’s personal guard whose duty it is to protect the embassy and Taldan visitors. Skelg also dropped a hefty sum of gold to purchase a manor in the Ivy district, something a Longaxe isn’t paid well enough to do. It is widely assumed that he brought most of his wealth with him from the north—a rumor I know to be true. "
“It seems that Skelg also brought a curse with him. In his letter to me, he speaks of lying abed in this miserable summer dying from the cold. Neither physician nor priest has been able to cure his ailment, and there are no signs of disease or poison. Of course, for such a man, there is no greater dishonor than to die in bed instead of in battle."
“Normally, the Pathfinder Society would monitor these events and let the authorities deal with them. However, there are three factors that have drawn our interest. First, Skelg is himself a member of our Society and has asked for our help. Second, he is a personal friend of mine, and finding a sparring partner as worthy as Skelg to replace him would be a trying task. Last, he claims that artifacts of great power are involved, and that we may be able to recover them for the vaults of the Grand Lodge."
“We view this situation as having enough importance to assign you to investigate it. Go to the home of Skelg the Ripper, learn what you can, and do your best to help him. If you find an item that is somehow connected to the curse, either retrieve it or glean as much information as you can about it."
“I trust there are no questions?”
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A young girl skips into the room with a huge smile on her face. She wears an old, worn, hide jerkin that was definitely not made for her small frame and some woolen breaches. Her hair is disheveled as if she just rolled out of bed, with even a twig or two caught in the knots. Despite the fact that she probably hasn't bathed in several days, she has a caring face with warm inviting eyes.
She excitedly greets her fellow Pathfinders, "Hi I'm Amelie! I just finished my first real adventure with the Society and it was so cool! I met Mr Dreng and got to go to the Wounded Wisp, can you believe it!"
She takes a seat at the table, her feet not quite touching the ground as she swings them back and forth, never sitting still. Amelie furrows her brow and stares intently at each of the others in the room for a moment. "I don't see any evil people in here so that's good! I can always tell ya know."
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Erevel raises an eyebrow haughtily at the girl, then turns back to the Venture-Captain.
"We shall head to the Ivy District to help your friend at once, Venture-Captain", the elf says with a slight bow. "It doesn't sound like you have any additional information about this curse, but I'd be remiss if I didn't ask. Are there any more details you can provide? Besides the address of his home, of course."
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Erevel gives a slight bow to the Venture-Captain, and leaves with the rest.
As we walk through Absalom to Skelg's manor, he'll try to engage Pan and Tomren in a conversation.
"So, are you two wizards? I'm only just starting off as a wizard myself, but I've already built something of a collection of spells in my spellbook. I worked with a wizard named Ezren for my confirmation mission with the Society, and we copied spells from each other's spellbooks when we had the chance. I'd be happy to do a similar exchange with the two of you, when we have some spare time."
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Parkview Street is true to its name, running the entire length of the Ivy District park. Standing like a tomb in a flower garden, Greydog Manor is easy to find. Six-foot-high walls surround the massive, stone building and an immense iron gate flanked by granite statues of hunting dogs stands open, offering access to the interior. Looking along the street, it is clear that locals give the estate a wide berth. The stone walls seem to give a slight chill to the air, which is not entirely unpleasant on such a hot day.
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The courtyard is cool and shady compared to the street outside. Dead leaves are scattered across the flagstones and the granite steps where two Ulfen warriors stand. Each man wears a chain shirt and a surcoat bearing the Taldan crest and carries the traditional imperial guard long axe.
The guards look at you sternly, and one of them speaks.
“Skelg is ill. He wants no visitors.”
The men have their surcoats on back to front.
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"Pathfinders, I don't believe these are true Ulfen guards in service to Taldor and Skelg. If they were, they'd know how to wear their uniforms properly."
"And I do believe they're trying to stop us from getting in to see Skelg."
With that, he draws his bow and addresses the guards directly.
"Stand aside, gentleman. I don't want any violence. I just had these arrow heads polished, and I really don't want your blood on them."
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The two men get shakily to their feet.
They try to move onto solid ground...
And slash at Everel
Knocking the wizard to the ground, bleeding
Status, bold may post
Beckett
Amelie
Tomren
Pan
Erevel - 10 damage, dying. - Take your readied action first. If you drop one with your bow one you will still be up.
Sidroki
Guards
yellow - prone
green - prone