Please dot in here.
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As a typical Nagaji, Hskoro stands very tall at 6'5". His scales are mostly bronze in shade but he has a metallic blue streak that runs up his tail along his back spine. He wears scale mail made from his own shedding and carries a heavy steel shield. Tied to his waist is both a battleaxe and a warhammer. He wears a cloak made out of white fur to keep himself warm.
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Rashid is a fit, but not muscled, very young man with brown short cropped hair, clean shaven with tanned skin. His brown eyes seem a bit distracted, but there is a sense that he is focused on whatever task he is undertaking. Standing at 6'1", he has some natural command in many situations, but his youth often betrays him. He looks like a walking armory, with rapier, mace, dagger and sling easily available to him. A simple linen and wool traveler's outfit covers some leather armor.
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Dolvin is a stout dwarf dressed in faded blue robes and a wide brimmed hat that covers most of his face he has a crossbow and a spear slung on his back as well as some sort of mace protruding from his belt. The only other noteworthy item on him is a heavy iron symbol in the shape of a butterfly hanging around his neck. Dolvin knows that the butterfly is not the most manly of symbols but it matches the grotesque birthmark that covers the left half of hos face and caused him so much ridicule growing up. That's part of the reason he left home. To escape hos tormentors and to start a new life. If only they could see him now. After 10 years of traveling with a band of merchants working as an armorer and a healer he had finly saved up enough money to venture out on his own and what better place to start that Absolm, the home of the famous Pathfinder Society.
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Small even for his race, Tellerin makes up for what he lacks in stature with an exuberance in attitude and motion that bleeds into everything he does. Tellerin is a dark skinned gnome of 3' 2" with bright golden eyes and a roughly cut scraggle of short blond hair. Tiny golden and copper ornaments hang out of his hair and across his thin vest, each one an abstract twisting shape that glitters gaudily. In contrast, his explorer's garb is dusty and worn and has been adjusted to expose his arms to the elements. Upon his arms are an assortment of intricate scarlet tattoos, depicting swirling flames and a fox mid-dance.
Tellerin shifts from foot to foot as he looks around with a mixture of awe and anxiousness. Visibly catching himself, he momentarily stalls his motion to puff out his chest and give his surroundings a warm smile.
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Calephe is a slight Varisian woman. She wears a scimitar and a kukri at her hips. She finds joy in most things, but can be deadly serious when it comes to making money. Her long dark hair is worn pulled back under a cap. It gets in the way when she's fighting otherwise. She's come to Absalom to join the Pathfinder Society, and if she can make some coin all the better.
The invitation delivered last night was remarkably simple, especially given the importance of the occasion: “Start where it all began. Meet us at the Pig’s Paunch one hour before dawn.”
The Pig’s Paunch is a run-down building with a faded sign of a large pig standing on its hind legs, arms folded above a corpulent belly. Inside, the air is thick with the scents of human sweat, stale tobacco, and leftover food. In the center of the room, surrounded by inebriates sleeping off their revelries, a familiar elven man stands high upon top of a large round table.
“Welcome! Welcome, my students! Please, have a seat!” With that, Kreighton Shaine, the Pathfinder Society’s Master of Scrolls, nimbly drops down to sit cross-legged on the table before looking about the tavern with a sense of reverent wonder. “Can you believe it? It all started here years ago—well, over four hundred of them at least. Under this very roof the Pathfinder Society was born.
“But today! Today you will begin your Confirmation! Master Farabellus, Master Zey, and I all agree you each have shown your worth and dedication to the Society, so there’s no better time to see if you can handle becoming full field operatives. Allow me to introduce you to Janira Gavix,” he says as he motions for an excitable halfling woman to approach. She wears a large backpack and carries all manner of tools, pouches, and scroll cases around her waist. Shaine continues, saying, “Janira here will be going with you on your Confirmation. She was one of my brightest pupils and will no doubt be an invaluable resource on your journey, for she discovered the caves you are about to explore during her own Confirmation.”
Janira speaks up in an enthusiastic and cheerful voice, “Greetings, aspiring Pathfinders! Six months ago, while I was mapping cave entrances in the foothills of the Kortos Mounts, I witnessed a lone gillman entering a concealed cave. I thought little of it at the time, but I saw another one enter the cave again a month later as my Confirmation stretched on. A few days later, after I completed my assigned task, I entered the cave system, but was unable to find the gillmen.”
Master Shaine hops to his feet. “Initiates, for your Confirmation, you will travel to these caves to explore and document its many passages. Additionally, and most importantly, you are to learn what the gillmen are up to in there. Oh, and you need to come back alive as well.” With these parting words, the Master of Scrolls jumps off the table and strolls out of the building while humming to himself.
After Master Shaine exits, Janira excitedly pulls out a large leather-bound journal and opens it on the table. “Before we set out, we should all get to know each other and review our plan. After all, the most important factors that determine whether an expedition will be a success are cooperation and preparation! I’ll go first! I joined the Pathfinders nearly four years ago, right after I came of age!” With this declaration, she draws herself up to her full 2 foot and 10 inch height, pride swelling her breast at her achievements. ”I am the oldest of seven children, and the rest are still at home in Eastgate, where father works as a porter with a dog cart. He transports goods from ships and shops to the homes of the customers. It’s not much, but its important, and we meet a lot of people! That’s how I started to learn about the Pathfinders! Anyways, I joined because I wanted to see the world, but once I got started learning, I couldn’t stop! Now, I want to train as a Pathfinder Chronicler, and that is where you come in! I have been researching the Kortos Mountains and all of the tribes and people of the area, and once we finish this mission, I will be able to submit my report for review and it might get published into the Pathfinder Chronicles! This would be a very important step, especially at my age! This is going to be my first mission as Pathfiner-In-Charge, and I know its going to go just fine! So how about you? What are your stories?"
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Rashid looks over Janira...Hmmm...the halfling can do it...so can I...
"I am called Rashid, from the north...son of two Pharasmin priests...woodutter...kicked out of the house for some unpleasantness a bit ago...my two brothers are still in the north...not much use, they are. I left to find a living, and I met some Pathfinders, who urged me to join up, and here I am. I'm sure you're wondering how someone like me could be from the north, eh? Parents are missionaries, but they taught me the ways of our Garundi heritage, except the Pharasma thing didn't stick...not my way, I guess. I can help in a fight, and I can sneak around too - surely those skills will come in handy."
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Hskoro takes and shoves a entire apple into his mouth, biting down even through the core. Juices from the fruit running down his teeth and chin. His forked tongue strikes out, licking up some of the juices before they leave his chin.
With a slight hissing noise, Hskoro speaks. "I am Hskoro of the Tailfeather. I don't remember much from where I am from except for the constant struggle to survive. I was eventually 'recruited' by some human warriors to join their mercenary band. It was a good group. I learned how to fight and became strong. But I eventually left. Wanted to be known for more than killing. So I travelled here and join Pathfinder. Make name for self. Become hero. Children will not run from anymore."
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Dolvin looks over the group who he can only assume will be his companions in this next adventure. I don't know these people, and I don't need more people mocking me He pulls his hat down lower and is tempted to stay quiet but when Janira looks directly at him he feels inclined to at least introduce himself.
"I am Dolvin, and I hail far off lands held by dwarfs. But I rejected that life"or it rejected me"and for the past years I have been a traveler. I am an armorer by trade but my real talents lie in my ability to heal. During my travels I had heard of the Society and have been making my way toward Absolm to see what you are all about. And... " realizing that he had already revealed more than he had intended he cuts his introduction short and gives a curt nod to the halfling and the others in the room.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Tellerin breaks off from staring at Hskoro's unconventional apple eating display to scramble up onto a table. He stares at each of his new teammates with blatant curiosity as Dolvin speaks, and as the dwarf trails off he interjects with an introduction that is accompanied by broadly sweeping gestures.
"Be welcome to the proverbial campfire of Tellerin Thrombast! I come to you from the open roads of Varisia, to practice my art of storytelling in a new land and forge a new path within the Pathfinders." Tellerin stumbles in his speech, blinking at the realization that he had repeated the word "path"... and the word "new". He clears his throat. "I've come to spread the oral tradition of my kin, who have long gathered stories from passerby from the Cinder Coast to the Yondabakari and passed them through the generations. Stories that I plan to add to. You're all welcome to tell me the details of your own adventures. I will do my best to spin them into tales that will be remembered and enjoyed in years to come. If you so wish, you will be immortalized as a legend!" Tellerin throws his hands up in dramatic fashion, throwing a broad toothy smile to anyone who seems interested. "There is, I think, no greater mark you can leave upon the world."
"As for me, my own tale is yet to be formed. I have my Varisian kin to thank for saving me and raising me. I owe much to their openness and kindness. But the siren call of the Society eventually reached my ears and seduced me with its tales of adventure. I hope one day to go home with a new saga of legends from those I meet out here in Absalom and abroad."
In the firelight of the Pig's Paunch, the scarlet tattoos on Tellerin's arms seem to wriggle and bulge before they resolve into a fox's head pulling itself free of the skin. With a leap, a small fox with scarlet fur emerges from Tellerin's tattoos and pads across the floor of the inn towards the fireplace.
"And... this is Cupper."
Cupper stares intently into the fireplace for a few long seconds before sniffing dismissively and running back to curl up at Tellerin's feet.
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A dark haired Varisain woman leans forward so speak as the introductions slow.
My name is Calephe. I to hail from the lands of Varisia. My family has toured that area for many generations. They suggested I find my own way. There are a lot of us, and they didn't need another fighter in the ranks. Makes the locals nervous when we roll into town. I decided to give the Pathfinder's a try. It sounds like interesting work, and the coin is good." She takes a sip of ale and leans back.
Janira patiently listens to all of her new charges stories, welcoming each in turn.
"Well, Rashid.. The Pathfinders seem to become a new family to each other once you've been around a while.. I especially hope that this is the case for you!"
Janira pauses momentarily at Hskoro's.. unusual.. eating habits, then once again offers hope. "Pathfinders come from many different paths and histories. One thing that drew me was the fact that most Pathfinders have open minds and allow you to prove yourself before they render judgments.. and with some work and time, I am sure that you will find this to be true. Pathfinders are honored across most of Golarian.. not feared. As with Rashid, I pray that you find your home with us!"
She smiles at Dolvin, encouraging him. "It seems that a prayer for hope and peace is going to be apt for most of this team!" she exclaims. "Your healing will indeed be a boon to any you choose to travel with. I hope you find what you are looking for!" She breaks off into a laugh as the gregarious Tellerin jumps into the spotlight.
"Well! I am sure that we can trade a few stories back and forth! And you are right.. whether spoken or written, the histories are just as important as the work we do today!" She reaches down to pet Cupper as he curls up and emits a half squeak half coo of adoration.
"We all have our own motivations, and coin is just as good as any!" Janira responds to Calephe. "And another strong arm is never turned away around here.. as long as the head is wise enough to know how and when to use the arm!!"
“On to the details of the mission at hand,” Janira says with an eager grin. “After reviewing my mission reports personally, Master Shaine believes it is no coincidence that each time they entered the caves it was during a full moon, so it is also no coincidence that you have been called here now, just a day before the moon is full again. We both believe that tomorrow night is our best chance to find out why these caves are important and what exactly the gillmen are doing in there.
“The caves we’ll be travelling to lie under the base of the Kortos Mounts. We’ll need to spend every minute of daylight possible to reach the caves by foot, crossing over the Cairnlands, taking the paths to Diobel, and finally making our way through the wilderness. With any luck we won’t run into any of the local inhabitants. Once in the caves, we’ll need to work together to explore and determine whether any gillman are present or have been recently. Keep an eye out for any other clues that might hint at the caves’ significance, too. We need to make sure that we document as much of this as is possible. Bring your inkpots, charcoal, and some paper!! Now, before we head out, if there aren’t any more questions, we should take a moment to go through your gear and make sure nothing important gets left out. If we need to, we can go by the Lodge on the way out of the city for supplies, but we do need to hurry!”
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Rashid can't help but feel some excitement to get going...though this is a strange collection of "people," he hopes the Society bond will mold them into a cohesive group, something that Rashid has not really been a part of...well, maybe when he was a small boy.
"I do not have any writing instruments - I will need to pick up some paper, pen and ink." The mere thought of getting these supplies reminds Rashid of happier days, getting ready for his father's seasonal tutoring sessions.
"I have heard that these gillmen are also called "Low Azlanti" - amphibious, and believed to be the last descendants of the ancient Azlanti people."
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Tellerin looks around in dismay when his new allies seem more interested in Cupper than in his offer of "immortality". Maybe later then... He dismounts from his stage (table) and turns to listen to Janira.
"On a full moon? Important things DO tend to happen when celestial bodies align. Maybe we'll find out that this is a tribe of werewolf gillmen, were-gillmen... were-gillwolves? AH, the sight of were-gillwolves howling at the moon would be a thing to behold."
"Or is this an opportunity for these gillmen to sacrifice young innocents to their horrifying gill-god! Hmmm..." Tellerin seems to fall into frenzied speculation before giving a start.
"Janira, I'm sure you and Master Shaine are right, if anything important is happening, its got to be tomorrow night. I'm ready to go as soon as you all are! We need to get there before they break up their ritual and disappear into their gillcaves."
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Hskoro looks over the group then raises some concern with Janira, "The Mounts are known for centaurs, harpies, and minotaurs. I haven seen my fellow soldiers fight such creatures, they take a lot to kill. If we run into some of them, I do not think this group will fair well in such a fight..."
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"Heading to the center of the island? That should be interesting. You also mentioned that we will be entering caves. Does everyone at least have rope. I'm going to purchase a couple of pitons as well as paper, ink and a pen. I'd buy a Climbing Kit, but those are a bit out of my means at the moment."
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"I Have not heard of these lands, but if it is Desna's will I shall follow and protect you. As for gear I should be ready to go. I have no need of ink and parchments, a dwarf never forgets" Dolvin says tapping his temple. As he does he raises his head ever so slightly and under his hat you can just barely make out what appears to be a scared of deformed face.
"What sort of locals do you not want to come across on our way to these mountains?" Dolvin asks Janira
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"I've got mine!"
Tellerin rummages about in his pack for a moment before pulling out a well worn silk rope dyed in faded rainbow colors.
"This rope has quite the history of its own. You wouldn't believe some of the places it has been. Why, when it was passed down to me..." Tellerin realizes that everyone else seems quite preoccupied by the preparations at hand and cuts his story short. The old rope lingers in his hands for a couple of moments as he seems to weigh continuing, but soon he stows it back in his pack.
They seem very professional, these folks. Almost like they've been doing this for years already.
OK, Tellerin, think professional Pathfinder. What do we need to know...
Tellerin ponders if he can recall anything else about gillmen.
Upon Dolvin's comment, Tellerin turns to the dwarf. "I believe you when you say you won't forget, but you'll probably need those parchments eventually. From what I've heard, the Society are sticklers for written reports and they'll probably want one on what we find. If you don't have your own, you're welcome to a couple of pages out of my journal and a use of my ink and quill."
The party gathers their things, then packs up and moves out to begin their mission. You pass through town, stopping at the market for your last minute purchases, and head for the gates. Once outside of the city, you move through the Cairnlands, along a well-worn path that leads toward Diobel. Throughout the day, Janira points out well known landmarks and the different flora and fauna of the area. You push hard into the night before camping, and then getting an early start the next morning.
From the campsite, you move into the wilderness surrounding the Kortos mountains. As the party progresses deeper into the forest, the trees towering overhead begin to shield most of what remains of the day’s sun and the vegetation beneath grows denser. Janira pauses a moment and pulls out an intricate silver compass emblazoned with the Pathfinder Society logo: the Glyph of the Open Road. “I received this wayfinder when I successfully completed my Confirmation. Should we be successful on our journey, you will get your own as well.” She flips open the device and holds it in front of her; the initials J. L. are engraved into the inside of the device’s lid. After studying the compass inside for a moment, she remarks, “We’re on the right path. We need to keep heading northwest past those large rocks up ahead.”
Most of the trees in this section of the forest have trunks that are too big for any creatures to share their space. Sporadic patches of light undergrowth provide areas for creatures to hide while restricting movement for those passing through. A large rock outcropping to the east rises nearly 20 feet above the forest floor, and a small sinkhole to the northwest drops off sharply, descending to the ground 10 feet below.
Suddenly, as you are about to move out, two creatures swoop down on you from out of the trees! With the head,forelegs, talons, and wings of a giant bird of prey, and the hindquarters of a tawny horse, Janira is easily able to identify these creatures as young hippogriffs, and they are not pleased to have company.
Calephe
Tellerin
Dolvin
Rashid
Janira
Hippogriffs
Janira calls out to the team "Be ready! They fly, but they have to land to attack with any accuracy! Sharp beak, and even sharper claws!"
With this, she lifts her crossbow while lifting her voice in oration, beginning a tale of Pathfinder daring do from ages past.
The hippogriffs fly in from their vantage points, one from ahead, and the other from the north, landing in front of the party's column. They both have their eyes.. and beaks.. on Rashid. The first one stumbles a bit as it lands, throwing off its aim. The other manages to get a solid bit in on him.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Hippogriffs
~Red
~Blue
Calephe
Hskoro
Rahsid- 4 dmg
Dolvin
Tellerin
Active conditions: Bardic Performance +1/+1
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Dolvin takes a 5 foot step back and to the side and fires his crossbow before dropping it and pulling out his long spear.
"Come at me you nasty beast" he bellows at the young hippogriff.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Quick Cupper, hide!"
Gesturing for fox at his feet to follow, Tellerin ducks under Dolvin's spear and moves to the north. As he does, he keeps an eye on the two young hippogriffs and tries to rack his brain for what weaknesses these creatures might have.
Satisfied that he has a clear shot at one of the hippogriffs, Tellerin plants his feet and turns to face it. With a single swift move of his finger, he traces one of the tattoos on his right arm. He utters a quick arcane incantation and points the finger at the nearest hippogriff . A thin streak of fire lances out at the beast!
Tellerin hisses in frustration and fear. "Watch your steps team! If I can get an opening, I'll roast them both at once."
Cupper follows closely after Tellerin and then leaps up towards his arm. In a flash, he retakes his tattoo form.
Rashid, still reeling from his wound, strikes out at the creature but is unable to connect.
Dolvin challenges one of the beasts, firing his crossbow straight up into the air before dropping it in favor of a spear. He may have better luck with this weapon!
Hskoro moves into the battle, stepping in front of Calephe and shielding her from harm. His aim is off though, and he buries the head of his ax in the dirt at the hippogriffs feet.
Tellerin sees to Cupper as he pulls back from the front line of the fight. Finding a safe distance, he sends a lance of fire across the clearing at the creatures! Unfortunately, in all of the confusion and movement of the battle, the fire misses its target. Cupper seeks refuge from the beasts as a tattoo.
Janira continues her orations, and the gallantry and heroism of her story continues to inspire you. She steps forward while raising her crossbow, and sights carefully before releasing the trigger. Despite her careful aim, the bolt goes nowhere near its intended target.
The hippogriffs continue their attacks against the team, this time focusing on Calephe and Rashid. Both fighters prove to be nimble targets though, and come through unscathed!
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Hippogriffs
~Red
~Blue
Calephe
Hskoro
Rahsid- 4 dmg
Dolvin
Tellerin
Active conditions: Bardic Performance +1/+1
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"I've heard stories that these things are really quick in the air. If we can't stop them here, we're not getting away" Tellerin calls out with a wavering voice.
Seeing that Dolvin and Hskoro have each managed to strike one of the hippogriffs, Tellerin frantically scans the battlefield for the perfect location to unleash a wave of fire without harming his allies. He dashes for the center of a nearby thicket, but is quickly slowed by prickly shrubs and grabby little branches.
We've been pretty lucky so far, but I have to do something to stop these things quick!
Tellerin repeats his incantation and delivers a ray of fire towards the far hippogriff .
Calephe flanks around the beast, but trips over a stick and completely misses her target.. maybe its better that shes back away from her team while waving that thing around?
Dolvin steps in and lands a good solid blow on the creature, throwing in a taunt to add insult to injury! He then scuttles back out of reach.
Rashid keeps the misses coming, but this one gets a lot closer to its target!
Working in conjunction with Calephe, Hskoro lands another solid blow on the hippogriff before him.
Tellerin, despite his determination and courage, continues to miss the enemy with his fire bolts.
Janira keeps up her song, reloading her crossbow then sending another quarrel into the fray, missing again.
The hippogriffs continue to attack Rashid and Hskoro. landing massive blow after massive blow upon the party! A talon tears into Hskoro's chest, while the other hippogriff savages Rashid, dropping him into the dirt lifeless and bleeding.
"Bold May Post"
Janira
Hippogriffs
~Red- 8 dmg
~Blue- 8 dmg
Calephe
Hskoro- 16 dmg
Rahsid- 18 dmg | -8 hp Need stabilization roll (1d20-8, DC 10)
Dolvin
Tellerin
Active conditions: Bardic Performance +1/+1
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Tellerin utters a gasp as one ally goes sprawling and the other is terribly mauled.
Hang on, Rashid, we'll help you. Somehow. For now though, all I can do is kill these things before they hurt anyone else.
Desperate, Tellerin pushes through the brush and turns to face the vicious hippogriffs. His hand sweeps across his tattoos, dancing along the curves of the flames. With a shout he swings his hand in an arc towards the creatures. A wave of fire lashes forth!
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Dolvin runs to just behind Janira and pulls off his hat. A large purplish mark covers the left side of his face. He raises his arms in the air and the mark gets very hot on the dwarfs face. As a flare of pain shoots through Dolvin a ray of healing light resembling thousands of tiny, almost imperceptible butter flies rush out in a whirlwind around him and all that are caught in their glow feel there souls lifted slightly.
Rashid continues to bleed out while the fight rages around him.
Tellerin calls forth a wave of fire over the fight. As he directs the fire, the red tinged hippogriff manages to dodge out of the way, but the other takes the full brunt of the attack. With an agonized squeal, it falls to the ground and is quickly consumed by the magical flames.
Dolvin sends out a wave of holy energy to his wounded companions. It is a weak wave, but it helps none the less... Rashid stops bleeding.
Rallying to the needs of his friends, Hskoro brings his shield up high and close.. before smashing the remaining hippogriff right in the head. With a splatter of brain matter and blood, the stalwart Nagaji ends the fight decisively!!
Fighting defensively as a full round action
Fighting defensively as a standard action
As the last creature falls, Janira runs forward. "Oh, my!" she exclaims seeing how badly Hskoro and Rashid are wounded. "I hope this is enough!!" she says before immediately falling into a spellcasters trance.
Three times, she prays over Rashid's almost lifeless body, and three times a warm white glow emanates from her hands as she passes them over his many wounds. Suddenly, the man's eyes pop open, his wounds fully healed. Standing, she looks over at Hskoro. "Let me see to that for you!" she says, eyeing his grievous multitude of wounds.
"Well, thats the last of my spells.. but I have something else that might work.." she says as she pulls out a wand to tap the reptile man with.
She smiles in satisfaction as the last of Hskoro's wounds close up and the Nagaji breathes a sigh of relief at the sudden absence of the pain of his wounds.
Janira looks over the other aspirant Pathfinders to make sure that no one else is wounded, before declaring "Now, my adventurers, we need to press on. This delay is going to be problematic.. if we don't reach the cave tonight, I am afraid that we will miss the Gillmen and then the trip will be wasted!"
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With the satisfaction if killing the last hippogriff, Hskoro falls to one knee from his wounds until Janira heals him. He then rises and looks down at Janira. "Thank you. That was much needed."
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The forest seemed so thick that Hskoro kept getting tripped on hidden roots on the forest floor or entangle by vines coming down from the trees. Hskoro became so frustrated he would swing his axe to cut down vines and would use his powerful jaws to bite through anything that came near his face. While traversing the forest, Hskoro's beast side seemed to be more present as his frustration became more intense. One instance came up where a single tree with it's vines and roots provided such an obstacle, Hskoro spent a hole 10 minutes cutting the tree down with his axe. Not listening to anyone to be reasonable.
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Rousing from what seemed like a really bad dream, Rashid sees the halfling standing over him, her prayers causing waves of what can only be described as "goodness" to flow through his body. His wounds close and heal. Picking up his mace, he mutters, "Wow - did I even use this?" Rashid, clearly embarrassed at his performance during the fight, says, "I promise - I will be an asset to the group. Thank you, Janira." He looks her in the eyes and touches her shoulder, gratitude obvious.
Rashid fights his instinct to pick through the hippogriff carcasses, looking for any valuables. I don't deserve anything, first, and these things probably aren't carrying wallets.
Heeding Janira's admonitions to get moving, Rashid heads off with the group, but shortly has to answer nature's call. Not a good move, as he crashes through the brush trying to find everyone after slipping down a small incline because he got lightheaded while peeing. It took five minutes just to find his mace, now safely stowed on his belt, after he dropped it while basically skating down the hill with his trousers around his ankles.
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Tellerin disengages himself from the now burning area of dense foliage and rushes over to Rashid and Hskoro as Janira does the same. Tellerin swallows audibly as he eyes Rashid's collapsed form and notes how badly the fellow was injured.
"Dolvin, I saw you did something while we were fighting. Rashid is going to be alright.... right? And Hskoro too? Their stories can't end so soon. I haven't even known them long enough to do their legacy justice."
Tellerin watches with alarm as Hskoro falls to one knee. As Janira casts her spells, he begins to wring his hands, only to relax when he sees Rashid stir from unconsciousness. "Rashid!" As the fellow stands and comments on his performance, Tellerin claps him on the back of the thigh "Don't beat yourself up, it could have happened to any of us."
Once Hskoro is also healed, Tellerin gives him a smile. He turns to Janira "I'm glad you're here. If not, our confirmation might have ended with us back in Absalom before we even saw a single gillman. I hope we have better luck investigating the cave than we did out here or your efforts might not be enough to get us all back safely."
Tellerin gives a long look at each of his party members and tries to read their expressions. We've barely begun and had such a close call. Maybe we're not cut out for this. I'm not sure I am.
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Janira's instructions break Tellerin out of his daze. He stays close to the halfling as they continue to travel to the cave, not trusting much in his ability to navigate these unfamiliar forests.
As his teammates either wander off or get increasingly frustrated by the difficulties of travelling through the forest, Tellerin keeps a close eye on a particular peak of the Kortos Mounts that is visible from time to time between the trees. Whenever he loses sight for too long, a couple of quick beams of flame clear out enough foliage to maintain a bearing. He points out the position of the mounts to Janira and anyone else not too distracted by their own efforts, but otherwise follows the more confident trailblazers.
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Tellerin stays well clear of the Nagaji as he works away at the tree.
"Hskoro" *thunk* "Maybe we should.." *thunk* "You know we could just step around..." *thunk* "I'm pretty sure the Mounts are that way anyway" Tellerin points directly behind Hskoro's current facing. *thunk* "I get it" *thunk* "You hate trees" *thunk* "I'm not such a big fan myself" *thunk* "But now might not be the time?" *thunk*
Tellerin sighs.
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Dolvin picks up his hat and pulls it back down over his face that still feels hot from calling upon Desna. He walks over to the group using his spear as a walking stick. "You okay there? Thought we lost you for a second." Dolvin walks back to where he dropped his crossbow and picks it up brushing the dirt and grass off of it.
As the group heads towards their destination Dolvin loads his crossbow and keeps trudging after them. "Just follow the Janira and try to stick together," he grumbles when a disheveled Rashid rejoins the group after what seemed like the worlds longest wiz. At one point they arrived at a particularly dense bunch of brambles but Dolvin called on Desna for guidance and was able to deftly pass through them as though they were hardly there.