If anybody looks at the door they suddenly see a smiling and freezing halfling lady in robes running all alone through the door. She does not wait and enters with a wide grin.
"Oh my fellow pathfinders - I am so sorry to be too late ... or too early?! My team just returned from a mission and I was sent to join your group. Ihave to admit that I would have wished for better weather but at least I was told that I would able to find suitable clothes for the journey in Absolom."
She grins again and continues. "Oh where are my manners ... again starting to talk without even thinking."
Shaking her head in shame she looks at all of you and bows: "Enora is my name and I am a little scarab sage with a taste for magical phenomena!"
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And I am Jivan, lately of Vudra. I have the honor of representing the Exchange." A well-dressed, dark-skinned man, Jivan sits at ease in the room. A slight metallic clink from under his tunic betrays the presence of armor, but the only weapons he carries openly are a dagger and a pair of darts in his belt, along with what looks like a coin pouch. His hands show no signs of manual labor.
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A large man sits up from his light doze with a start from the corner, leaning forward attentively with the long practice of getting sleep where he can. He wears full plate mail armor with a plain dun tabard, his helm at his feet and his bulkier weapons stacked against the wall in the corner behind his chair. He appears to be human, but the sandstone color of his skin indicates that his heritage may also involve the plane of earth. Around his neck is a wooden amulet of a toad wrapped in herbs.
He smiles in a friendly manner before introducing himself, the trade-patois of Magnimar heavy in his speech. Greetings, fellow Pathfinders. I am Heilsteinn, warrior and humble servant of the Balm-Bringer. I arrived early as I tend to walk more slowly than most. I too wonder why we have been called here, but that is the life of a Pathfinder, no?!
The renowned Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides into her study at the Magnimar lodge, fashionably late. Her eyes scan the space with habitual vigilance, honed by years of successful adventuring. Satisfied that there’s nothing amiss, she stands behind her desk, and turns her blade-like attention to the party before her.
“The Pathfinder Society has long been interested in the First World — the otherworldly realm of the fey. By all accounts the fey homeland is dangerous, bizarre, and entirely unpredictable. It’s the very type of place sane people avoid, and Pathfinders flock toward.
“Countless expeditions and research teams have been dispatched over the years to investigate regions where the boundaries between the First World and our own Plane grow threadbare. Sanos Forest, which lies to the east of this very lodge, is one such place. The Pathfinder Society’s latest research party is currently stationed there, under the capable direction of the druid Ignizi Dinnelletter.
“Dinnelletter doesn’t normally work well with others, but this time she’s got several newly recruited Pathfinders assisting her. We thought it prudent that she pass on some of her best practices, just in case. After all, we Pathfinders are not known for our longevity. Dinnelletter is entirely self- sufficient, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for her five trainees. Consequently, Ignizi’s station needs to be resupplied periodically, something the Magnimar lodge has taken responsibility for. You lot have been chosen to make the next supply run to Sanos Forest, and will leave first thing in the morning. It’s not a glamorous detail, but the fey forest never lacks for intrigue, and I’m sure you’ll make the most of it.
“Your mission is simple: Deliver a pack horse loaded with supplies to Dinnelletter’s cottage in Sanos. I don’t expect any problems, but you never know with the fey. If Ignizi needs any additional help, please assist her in any way possible. And do try to be patient. Ignizi can be a handful.
Any questions?”
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Heilsteinn visibly ponders for a moment before answering.
Fey are almost as bad as gnomes for annoying and often betrayal-wrought tricks. Can you describe the druid and their trainees so that we may know who we are making this delivery to?
Also, can you give us a bit more information on this delivery of supplies and the route? - for example, are we taking pack mules through a dense forest, a pair of heavy carts down a well-maintained road, or something in between?
"Just the one packhorse, more of a trail than a road, Heilsteinn. Dinnelletter's shopping list is mainly alchemical supplies and some exotic foodstuffs, nothing that should cause you any problems.
"We haven't heard of any particular threats from her yet, but as I've said, she has been studying the fey, and they can always be... erratic."
Ignizi is in charge. Her adventuring days are mostly behind her, but she still looks young and wide-eyed, but don't be fooled. She knows how to get what she wants. Let's see, as for the rest..." She consults her notes, "There's Lemmy Monelli. He's a prospective agent out of Magnimar, some alchemical training, dark hair, about 3'2".
"Leona Marideth is a Nirmathan hunter, blonde hair, plenty of tattoos. She might not stay with the Society much longer - she's very focused on cleansing the Fangwood, but she's committed to studying the fey for right now.
"Narsisco's fresh off his Confirmation, and we figured this should be a pretty easy task, especially since he's very familiar with the towns and villages around there. He was shaving his head while he was at the lodge, the better to show off his pointy ears if I had to guess.
"Dijjit's another gnome, she's got short orange hair, and hopefully should remember to keep her spell component pouch with her after the last time.
"Marsia Backar has dark kinky hair, and should have some druidic gear as well; don't be surprised if you sneak up on her though. She's always got her head in the clouds."
She rummages through her desk for a moment before pulling up a few letters with imperfectly applied seals. "I was asked to pass these along. By no means should they compromise your real mission, but since this mission should be simple enough, you may find you have the time for some additional tasks."
It has come to the Grand Lodge's attention that Venture-Captain Heidmarch is dispatching you to re-supply the First World research team in Sanos. Due to the remoteness of their location and the unpredictable magical influence of the forest, communication with the research team has been sporadic at best. Thus, the Grand Lodge asks that you deliver this note to Pathfinder Dinnelletter - she will know what it means. We are not certain where the loyalties of your travelling companions lie, so it is vitally important that none of your team members see this note delivered.
Fruitful delving,
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
As many are aware, the failing health of our beloved Ruby Prince Khemet III, brought on by the influence of malicious Thassilonian magic, has necessitated Osirian agents across Golarion to risk themselves in the search of reagents that might may aid in the eventual recovery of our revered prince. Sothis is aware that you will soon journey into the teeth of the Varisian wilderness. It is our wish that you procure a sample of any exotic poisons you encounter while journeying through this region. With luck, the sample you secure will be the essential ingredient in the Ruby Prince's survival.
In service,
Amenopheus, the Sapphire Sage
As you know, the trade route between Korvosa, Magnimar, and Janderhoff is of utmost importance to the Exchange.
If the mercantile roads remain open, then the superior instincts of our merchants will no doubt win us every advantage in the region. As trade along this route increases, however, sources tell me that the Sanos Forest will be a likely hot spot for trouble. The fey that live there are not always as business-friendly as we might hope, and could make trouble for our merchants passing along the forest's edges. It is our hope that, if you encounter any hostile fey in Sanos, that you persuade them to cease their hostilities. If you manage to persuade the fey to stop attacking you, even for a moment, we will know they can be bargained with.
May your coin purse grow,
Trade Prince Aaqir al'Hakam
How I pity your plight-stuck in that wretched backwater, Magnimar, listening to the tedious droning of those up-jumped profiteers. Before you may return to me, however, I must have something of you. I've become
aware of the mission assigned to you by Sheila Heidmarch, who is sending you to meet the Sanos Forest researchers. I'm curious to see if these savage savants can be civilized to our benefit. I would very much like you to convince one or more of these researchers to visit Korvosa. I would see their "research" for myself.
For the Majestrix's Glory,
Paracountess Zarta Dralneen
In our ongoing battle against the tyranny of slavery, our most valuable asset is neither arms nor mail, neither ships nor soldiers. Our beloved Andoran's most valuable asset is her allies. It is in this spirit that Andoren agents across Golarion have been dispatched to encourage influential persons to visit our cities and see the benefits of
freedom. We are aware that you are departing tomorrow for Sanos Forest in order to meet Ignizi Dinnelletter and her team. Your mission is to convince at least one of these learned researchers to visit Magnimar, so that we may show them the righteousness of the Andoren way.
In Solidarity,
Major Colson Maldris.
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”Thank you very much for these information and the detailed description of all the participants of the mission that we are going to bring supplies to! I believe that this will be a very routine run and that there will be no dangers although I am very happy that we might be able to see some fey!“ Enora says smiling.
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Untir is a tanned Garundi man. His long dark hair is tied back from his eyes with a ragged leather strip at his brow. Other than the breastplate he is wearing, a silvery large shield attached to his left arm, and a simple shortspear strapped to his back, he carries little else. He is dressed in thin and light clothing, suitable for desert dwellers of the Osirion.
Untir frowns briefly as he ponders some matter, then speaks in a crisp precise manner that is perhaps unexpected of someone dressed in rather nomadic garb. "You say that there's a group of fresh recruits out with her? Is the forest not dangerous?"
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At the description given by Venture Captain Heidmarch, Heilsteinn turns away and shake his head sadly.
Is life of Pathfinder. I must cooperate, sometimes with diabolists, followers of the Rough Beast, necromancers and even... gnomes. That said, alchemists are blessed by the Balm-Bringer for the medicines that they provide, so is less hardship than it could be. I will be content to merely wait with spear in hand for their inevitable, but never surprising betrayal.
He turns back to the Venture Captain.
You say, their camp is east. Many days travel? Is Society also providing food and fodder for us as well? - I ask so that I know what supplies will be needed for the journey in the morning
Heidmarch shrugs dismissively at Untir's concerns, "Their mission is studious, and as fickle as the fey can be, not many people have better rapport with them than Dinnelletter. As long as she's with them, they should be safe."
She finishes answering all the questions Heilsteinn could possibly have about food and fodder, and bids you all adieu.
***
The party marches east along the Dry Way - the trade road along the northern bank of the mighty Yondabakari River toward Korvosa - for several days. You spot a distinctive stream, which your instructions indicate you should follow north into Sanos Forest.
The trail remains easy to follow, but once you're in the woods, all signs of humanoid activity abate. Midway through your first day in the forest, you approach a small vale where you catch a whiff of rotting meat, find several bear tracks, and notice the forest has suddenly gone quiet.
According to your instructions, you should be within half a mile of the cottage where Ignizi Dinnelletter lives
What do you do?
Enora casts ‘false life’ on herself.
Then she uses her wand of mage armor on herself.
She then uses ‘quick study’ to change the memorised ‘false life’ to ‘mirror image’ by spending an arcane reservoir point.
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Just as the group of Pathfinders begins to investigate the odiferous vale, they hear a faint clip-clop of hooves on the trail and a voice singing a familiar Taldan drinking song, "The Ballad of the Unfettered Lady."
"Thais was a courtesan,
The like Cayden had never seen.
But she laughed at our Drunken Hero,
She treated him so mean.
'Til she found him fighting slavers,
The odds 'gainst him they seemed.
So she joined the fight with Cayden,
With her throwing knives so keen..."
Soon enough, the singer comes into view. He is a wiry halfling, with a rapier on his belt and a bow over his shoulder. His half-open vest shows a beautifully-worked chain shirt of a gleaming metal. He is leading a donkey, which wears a full pack saddle, up the trail as he sings.
Catching sight of the Pathfinders, he gives his donkey a comforting pat on the nose and loops its harness around a sapling before sauntering over to join the group.
"Greetings and salutations! I take it you are the other Pathfinders who Lady Venture-Captain Heidmarch sent me out to join?" Happy to see another halfling on the mission, he waves at Enora with a grin before continuing.
"I apologize for my late start! There was some discussion at the Magnimar Lodge as to whether I should join your team, or if the assignment should go to a half-orc from up north somewhere who claims to be some kind of self-taught wizard. Clearly, our leaders decided that the situation called for my particular talents!"
"Also, the man's ship was late getting in from Absalom. So here I am!"
"Ah, my new friends, how rude, for I have not yet introduced myself." The halfling bows deeply, never losing his grin. "I am Jamir Montajay, of the Cassomir Montajays, sailor, explorer, Pathfinder, and the deadliest swordsman on or around the Inner Sea! I am delighted to make your acquaintances!"
"Now could someone please tell me if there is an awful stench coming from this clearing, or has my donkey done something rude?"
As Ignizi's cottage comes into view, you find it besieged by forest creatures!
Several owlbears clumsily slam themselves against the cottage; the windows and doors are boarded up and reinforced, but they creak under the weight of the impacts. You can hear cries of alarm filtering out from inside the cottage.
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir
Enora - +11 hp
Jivan
Jamir
Naruhito
Owlbears
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There is the source of the stink! Beak-bear zombies!
Helsteinn begins to move forward, lance ready. He realizes as he moves forward that the others are likely to be able to get there faster, so moves to the side a bit to try to avoid blocking any charge lanes.
He yells out to those in the shack. Help comes!
”We have to stop these undead owlbears as they will break in the within a minute!“ Enora shouts.
Enora walks forward and readies an acid splash if an undead comes within 30 ft.
A chunk of feathers falls from one of the owlbears, dislodged by the fury of its attacks.
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir
Enora - +11 hp, (Blast prepared)
Jivan (Blast prepared)
Jamir
Naruhito
Owlbears
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Buoyed by the enchantment of his wand, Untir moves up as quickly as he can. He then calls forth the spirits residing within him to burst forth. A horde of translucent humanoid spiritual forms start flitting in and out around him, out of which burst forth an ethereal spear to flies straight towards one of the owlbears, which starts jabbing at it.
Untir's spear tears through the Owlbear, spilling spoiling fluids across the grass.
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir - Spiritual Weapon vs. Blue
Enora - +11 hp, (Blast prepared)
Jivan (Blast prepared)
Jamir
Naruhito
Owlbears (Blue-8)
Heedless of the projectiles awaiting it, one of the owlbears swoops forward towards Jamir, scarcely seeming to notice the spray of acid or the insanely deadly penny that tears through it.
Jamir is beset from all sides, but the nimble halfling avoids the crush of feathers and fur!
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir - Spiritual Weapon vs. Blue
Enora - +11 hp,
Jivan
Jamir
Naruhito
Owlbears (Red -24, -2AC; Blue-8)
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As an immediate action, when the owlbear attacks and misses, Jamir ducks under the undead creature's claw and rolls between its legs to come up underneath it.
"By the barmaid's tiny skirt! My friends, I think we may have found the sources of that stench!"
Jamir stabs upward with his rapier, aiming for what remains of the creature's vital organs.
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As a swift action, Heilsteinn utilizes his growth domain power to enlarge for one round and then power-attacks the closer owlbear with his hooked lance as his standard action.
I know not how it is possible, but I think these zombie beak-bears stink even worse when you put holes in them! I hope that when we finish them off, one of our companions has cantrip that can remove stink.
Clearly the owlbear is indeed unfortunate, as Heilsteinn tears the hapless zombie apart!
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir - Spiritual Weapon vs. Blue
Enora - +11 hp
Jivan
Jamir
Naruhito
Owlbears (Blue-20)
Enora walks forward and shoots acid at the undead!
Enora burns a hole clean through the owlbear, but it merely roars, trying to squash the puny halfling dancing among its paws, biting and battering him with its sheer mass!
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir - Spiritual Weapon vs. Blue
Enora - +11 hp
Jivan
Jamir -18
Naruhito
Owlbears (Blue-26)
Unfortunately the extra care it requires for Heilsteinn not to tear apart any of his own teammates, gives the surprisingly quick Owlbear plenty of time to jerk awkwardly away from the strike.
Heilsteinn - +1 hp, Guidance
Untir - Spiritual Weapon vs. Blue
Enora - +11 hp
Jivan
Jamir -18
Naruhito
Owlbears (Blue-26)