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Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch glances out a window as the last wisps of twilight fade over the Fenwall Mountains. Turning from the sight, she runs her hand along the rustic cabin's wall and stands beside an occupied wooden bed before addressing you.
"This," the venture captain says, gesturing to the man thrashing around violently, straining against the bonds that lash him securely to the bed, "is our colleague, Kalkamedes. Every night for several weeks now, he has fallen into a deep slumber and tried to sleepwalk right out of his cottage. If not restrained, he marches straight north, eventually falling off a cliff or into a bog as if trying to get himself killed in an attempt to reach an unknown goal." As though he were expressing disagreement, the man tied to the bed suddenly begins pumping his limbs even harder, the violent spasms threatening to smash the bed into splinters.
"There are those who have recently criticized the Pathfinders for our indifference to the plight of our fellow field agents. It's time to show that's not true. I want you to help Kalkamedes, whether he wants it or not. Several of our best spellcasters have attempted an extensive list of magical cures, but whatever sleepwalking curse or effect he's under tenaciously resists our efforts. All we can do is keep him safe." Heidmarch pats him with a degree of professional affection, and Kalkamedes rewards her by trying to swat her with his head. "Kalkamedes's friends are at their wits' end, so we are going to attempt the only thing that we have not tried: we're going to let him go tonight. That's where you come in. I want you to follow him and keep him safe and in one piece. Let him get to wherever his addled brain thinks he needs to go so badly. Maybe, just maybe, if he gets there, you can find a way to help him. Maybe you can determine who or what did this to him and find a way to undo it." Heidmarch pulls out a serrated knife. "Now before I cut him free, does anyone have any questions or last minute preparations?"
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"I don't doubt that this is the best plan. Even so, there's a possibility that he'll — *cough cough* — he'll lead us nowhere. What should be done then?"
The old man, presumably of Varisian descent, stands with a hunched posture and keeps his left hand behind his back for support. He had introduced himself as Kaspar Markov, and greatly emphasized his last name, as though the family name was supposed to mean something.
Kaspar is dressed in fine scholar's robes, though they smell of an old person. A worn out grimoire is hanging on his belt, and he carries a scroll box: sure signs of a wizard. A keen eye can spot a bright green scorpion climbing around his pockets, most likely his familiar.
"That reminds me. Have any of you seen a shredskin moving about? If you find one, inform me! It's evaded me for half a week now," Kaspar says, and coughs loudly.
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"If he leads you nowhere, that is one possibility," the Venture-Captain notes. "The other is that you are not looking hard enough! It seems most unlikely he has no destination in mind, but I suppose the chance must be accounted for. If it comes to pass, return him here, I suppose. Also, I believe he would be fine with your making use of anything in his cabin."
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Kaminari Raijan is a young tengu dressed in clothes with such obnoxiously loud colors it's surprising Kalkamedes hasn't woken up from being in the same room. He only stands about 4'6" and weighs in at barely more than 80 lbs. soaking wet, but there are nevertheless well toned muscles at work as he moves, and his beak falls open in a cocky smirk as he asks,
Are you sure this is wise? Dreams can be used as a weapon, and whatever's causing these nightmares might not be something we want to indulge.
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"Perhaps it is not wise, but it is our only option. Several of the Ten, I am told, deliberated on the matter before authorizing the new VC to assemble a team, so I believe it is warranted. That we are being lured into a trap is a possibility, another reason to be on guard. I would assume you all would be already, given you will be escorting Kalkamedes through a potentially dangerous landscape."
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Well as long as we all know we don't know what we're walking into... he mutters. Still. It's more to go on than the time you told me that something bad might happen in Korvosa, so we should go stop it.
Raijan snaps back into focus, I'm not familiar with any of Kalkamedes's chronicles; is there any work he's done recently that might cause retribution like this? Or a dangerous artifact he's been tampering with?
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Sheila says nothing to Raijan's mutterings, but seems to sigh internally. "Not that we know of. He has been mapping the nearer Fenwall Mountains for the past few months, and one day he came back to this cabin feeling normal, but that was when his problems started. He is rational by day; recently he wrote me in search of aid and that is where this has all began. He has interacted with few other than locals in nearby towns and...another agent. You may have to prove yourself in handling Kalkamedes in a humane and safe manner before this agent will acknowledge you, nor will you likely realize his presence until then."
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A shy half-orc leans against the wall, his eyes nervously shift between the other Pathfinders gathered, as he fidgets uncomfortably. It's obvious that he is half-orc, but his features are much more human like than orc. And while he would be considered large for a human, he is fairly small compared to his orc brethren. He wears a worn breastplate that seems too small for his body, clearly made for a man of normal size. But his most striking features are the numerous tattoos and ritualistic scars that cover his body anywhere you can see exposed skin.
"Well, I'm used to playing bodyguard for the Society by now, so business as usual I suppose. Has anyone been able to communicate with him when he's in this state? And what does he remember when he awakes?"
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"Nothing has thus far been able to penetrate whatever keeps him in this state. He remembers nothing of the previous night upon waking up, or so he says." The Venture-Captain once again glances forlornly out the window. "I believe I will hold off on unbinding him for several minutes. Barring any other questions you might have, it could prove useful to search the cabin. Any clues, or items that can aid you in protecting him, would be welcome, I am sure."
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Despite only being given recent approval to search the cabin the young woman has clearly already been rummaging about. She is bright-eyed and bushy tailed despite the late hour, and currently munching in a slightly too noisy manner on an apple she's borrowed from Kalkamedes' larder. She has also managed to find one of his spare nightcaps and has donned it despite it being too large for her head.
Seren is a slight and small contrast to the massive frame of Korug, whom she had wandered close to during the briefing. Her outfit is a hodgepodge mess of gear from every possible profession with nothing actually matching save the series of scarves tied about her neck, arms, and legs. She doesn't even have matching boots. A pair of Tien blades rest at her hip at odd angles as if she wasn't quite sure how to wear them on her belt.
When she sees Kaspar she gives him a large grin and a wave. "Hey old man! I'm glad you're not dead yet, and Zela says hi!" She jerks her thumb over her shoulder to gesture at the air.
"Um, Miss Heidmarch... When we let him go wandering I don't want to lose him. Can we tie a leash to him or something? Lash him up to the big orc fella' so he can't wander too far?" She tilts her head slightly "Wynn thinks it's a good idea."
Not really waiting for a response, because she's probably going to attempt her idea despite the Venture-Captain's answer, she grabs the half-eaten apple by her teeth and starts sifting through Kalkamedes' belongings again now that she has official permission to do it.
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Old man Markov acknowledges the young Seren. "I am also delighted to not be dead, Seren." His bitter expression does nothing to express delight. "Have you had *cough* any luck with that exorcist?"
"Where is this Deep Crag?" Kaspar asks the dwarf, and coughs a little.
To the Venture-Captain, Kaspar asks: "What manner of dangers do the Fanwell Mountains offer?"
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A kitsune joined the group, wearing travelers clothes and looked at the others rather attentively, like he was studying them in case he had to disguise himself as one of them.
Tinker listened to the Venture Captain for a while before pulling out a battered journal and started looking up some information concerning Kalkamedes.
"Kalkamedes is a veteran Pathfinder, though his fame does not extend beyond southern Varisia. Although he is now semi-retired and only forwards the occasional report to the Decemvirate these days, his colleagues continue to respect him for his many prior accomplishments. Early in his adventuring career, Kalkamedes swore the oaths to become a paladin and served as a staunch defender of the meek; however, years later he abruptly left his holy order. Few truly understood his decision." the Kitsune said.
"Later on in his career, he developed an interest in lore of the ancient runelords and the rare heroes who dared to oppose their tyranny. He relocated from Absalom to Varisia for the chance to further his study. Kalkamedes was sometimes seen carrying a broken sword but it is actually a sentient blade. Few but his closest friends know about it. The blade and Kalkamedes were inseparable."
"So the first question would be, Where is the broke blade? If the tale of them being inseparable is correct, it wants to be returned to him." Tinker suggested as he put away his journal.
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Raijan is haphazardly searching the cabin when Tinker gives his report, and his beak drops open. Uh, what was your name again? Any time Sheila's giving the mission I want to make sure you're there to fill in the blanks! Also, do you have a file on me? He asks the last with a touch of heat in his voice.
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Seren absentmindedly hurls a pair of pants over her shoulder in the general direction of Kaminari and Tinker. "That's kind of creepy that you know so much about this guy. Yeah he's a pathfinder, but he lives so far out this is the first time I've even heard of him!"
Then Kaspar gets her attention while she's rummaging in the pocket of one of Kalkamedes' jackets. "Nope, I'm still all spooky. But it's okay, they're pretty nice and I'm getting better at beating up other people's ghosts. Haven't seen your skinshed either, whatever that is. Is it going to attack us in our sleep?"
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Having learned what they can of Kalkamedes and his exploits, the team searches his cabin for useful items. The real mother lode seems to be in his stove, for whatever reason. There lies a scrap of paper, depicting a squat black fortress under a full moon, enshrouded by clouds. Behind that is a locked metal box, but it seems to be either already unlocked or simply unreliable. Inside lies a pair of fine wristbands, a mud-spattered cloak, two gourds containing different liquids, an irregularly-shaped mithral flask containing another liquid, and a sword. The blade is made of glittering mithral, but has a massive crack running down it from tip to hilt. This appears to be the sentient weapon Kalkamedes has been said to possess.
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Kaspar scans the magic sword and quickly learns of its properties. Due to the large imperfection running down the blade, it was forged with the ability to transfer some of its power to the other weapons of the wielder. Additionally, it guides and advises the user constantly. It is about as smart and personable as the average person while ever so slightly more astute.
"Unless you have any other questions, you should leave as soon as possible," Shiela says from across the room. Her knife is held at the ready to loose Kalkamedes.
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Tinker glanced at the items and frowned at the sword. "So it is not the blade that is calling him? Hum, I wonder what force is interrupting his sleep, like a sirens cry to sailors." he said.
Spying the potions, he looked them over. "I might find a need for these as I am not much into combat." Tinker said, pocketing them.
Making sure his gear was where he needed it, Tinker joined the group as they lead Kalkamedes out the building. As Kaminari started to try talking to the sword, Tinker kept a close eye to see if there is any recognition between Kalkamedes and the sword.
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Seren seems quite excited at the find in the stove, but her joy drops a bit as the rest of the group grabs up all the various baubles. She's left with the pair of wristbands that at least looked well made. With a faint muttering about not getting to hold the talking sword she shuffles her way over to Kalkamedes and Korug with Barl.
"You ain't never seen whem my pa would do it. He nearly burned the house down three times trying to cook himself a meal. Better safe than sorry." She yanks on the knots at both ends to ensure they're tight before turning to Heidmarch and offering the laziest of salutes. "I think we're ready to go, ma'am. Wish us luck!"
"Oh hey, ask the sword what its favorite color is, yeah? That's a good ice breaker."
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While explaining the properties and functions of the intelligent sword, Kaspar puts on the magical wristbands (which are bracers of armor). Their effect is, after all, wasted on anyone who wears actual armor.
Before the group takes off, he chats with Seren, in regards to the shredskin. "As you may know, shredskins — *cough* — are too stupid to plot vengeance. Even so, they are ruthless — *cough* — and dangerous. Keep your eyes open!"
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The sword does not answer any questions asked of it. Tinker and Barl get the feeling it is holding back, able but unwilling to talk for whatever reason. Lady Heidmarch answers Kaspar's query about hazards. "As always, I must assume something will go amiss. We are in Varisia, so bandits are always to be expected, although I do not know for sure if any are around here. The path of Kalkamedes has taken him through razor bramble as well, watch for that. Beyond that, there may be some wild animals about, as well as other natural hazards that would not be very imposing if he was not asleep, like cliffs and lakes. That is all I can say for anything close to certain. Good luck, Pathfinders!"
With that, she severs only the bonds holding Kalkamedes to the bed. He stops thrashing and rises almost instantly, moving swiftly towards the door. Once beyond it, he is off on his great adventure, Pathfinders in tow!
However, perhaps only half an hour into walking northward under the quarter moon, with perhaps no destination in mind, that he suddenly trips and sprains his ankle. He moans slightly in pain but his eyes remain closed, and he seems prepared to get up again.
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Seren is doing her best to intently listen along to Kaspar, and actually making an effort to scribble a few notes about the Shredskin. If the old wizard bothers to peer at her scribbles he will note she has underlined the phrase "Find way to sleep with eyes open" several times. "Stupid can sometimes be even more dangerous than smart." She nods once, then gets distracted by Kalkamedes's tumble and Barl's attempts to heal the man.
"Oh man, he's already stumbling all over the place and I can still see the cabin behind us. Hang on dwarf man, I'll help you out." She pulls her own wand out of her satchel as she goes and flails it around their charges direction.
She has a bit more luck with tricking her wand into triggering. "I hope that fixes him..." She glances between the others, then back to Barl and grins. "Want to run ahead with me and create a path through them? We can set it on fire! I have some of the alchemist stuff and a flint and tinder. Ought to scare off some animals, too! Zela thinks its a great idea, and she's pretty smart." She flicks a hand over her shoulder as if pointing out someone that doesn't appear to actually be there.
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Raijan creeps forward to examine the thorns, keeping an eye out for other dangers as he does so.
I think that setting a big fire right in front of Kalkamedes might hurt more than it helps, but I'll see what I can do to trim back the weeds. Oh hey! Kaspar, do you carry a wand or something that could toughen up our unconscious guide?
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The team easily fixes up the twist to Kalkamedes's ankle, and continue forward. It is perhaps an hour before another problem arises, made all the longer-seeming when one watches the sleeping Pathfinder move. It is certainly a strange and wondrous site, unlike the obstacle Korug's weight barely keeps Kalkamedes from plowing into: a huge thicket of razor bramble, at least forty feet wide and sixty feet deep! The party's charge doggedly continues to walk straight through, impeded by the rope, while unbeknownst to him, his 'teammates' work out a solution.
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"Fire just seems the fastest way to do it, and Mr. Sleepy isn't going stop walking while we figure it out!" She seems a bit disappointed, but will pull out one of her blades as she runs after Kaminari in hopes of helping him bushwhack a trail through the brambles for their charge. "Do you guys know none of my friends have actually done something like this? That's a pretty big first for me!"
She'll do her best to knock away as much as the brambles as she can so Kalkamedes doesn't go storming through them.