It’s been nearly a month since Venture-Captain Drandle Dreng, a decrepit yet well-respected Pathfinder, instructed you to meet him dockside in Absalom. On arrival, Dreng herded you on to a Korvosa-bound merchant vessel and gave you a series of quick, stern instructions.
“One of my good friends, a merchant in the Varisian outcast’s haven known as Kaer Maga, sent me a very strange letter, which I need you to investigate. The merchant—his name is Horis Collgardie—tells me that the residents of Kaer Maga are very upset about the Society’s plan to build a lodge in their city and even further upset that the agents we sent are making trouble, stirring up the delicate balance of power that exists in the so-called City of Strangers. The trouble is, not the Decemvirate or any venture-captain I can find gave the okay to build a lodge there. We know it would be folly to do so—at least right now—and so this idea that Collgardie has that the Society is there and doing just that is worrisome. In a few weeks time, you’ll be in Korvosa. From there, book passage on a river ship for Harse, then travel overland to the road’s end at the cliffs below Kaer Maga—the so-called Twisted Door. There you must pay the Duskwardens to escort you through the Halflight Path to reach Kaer Maga. Once inside the city, find Collgardie and find out what he’s talking about. If there are Pathfinders in the city founding a lodge, tell them I order them to stop at once. If this is some kind of ruse, get to the bottom of it and do what you can to keep our Society’s good name in Kaer Maga—we may not be completely welcome there, but neither are we unwelcome. Let’s keep it that way. Any questions?”
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A handsome leanly muscular fellow listens intently twirling the end of an extravagant moustache. He wears a chainshirt, an extravagant outfit that looks more costume than clothing, and two bandoliers each filled with an eclectic collection of hip flasks.
"I know exactly what is going on and all of those places and names are intimately familiar to me. Sadly I am a terrible liar and can barely bring myself to utter a lie,"
He grins revealing a set of feline teeth and bows with a flourish, "Or more accurately the opposite of that. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Vesparo Dikanadra, Pathfinder, actor, fool, and would be hero! I am alas far from the brightest of fellows, but I will endeavour to make myself an asset to you all in this endeavour!"
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Near Vesparo stands a lithe young woman with otherworldly looks. Long blond hair flow on her shoulders, with golden locks. Her eyes seem to be made of gold as well. She's covered in an outlandish-looking armor, and seems to prize her darkwood bow a lot. As each and every person enters the room, the aasimar studies them carefully, as if trying to discern something a simple glance wouldn't reveal.
Kaer Maga, eh? My mother once told me about this city... did she even live there for a time? I can't recall.
"I am Ennoia, humble servant of Falayna. Well met, Vesparo, I am glad we are to travel together."
She then turn towards the Venture-Captain, and blank look in her eyes. "Kaer Maga? It does ring a bell... but it seems I have forgotten everything. I am truly sorry, could you enlighten us please? And I don't understand this thing about a lodge that it not a lodge. Vesparo, did you get it? Again, my sincerest apologies. Falayna gifted me with a peerless aim, but I'm just not good at getting those things right." she adds with a gentle smile, maybe too much so in fact. She appears to be honest and kind, but clearly not the brightest flame in the candle shop.
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A broad shouldered figure enters the room just as the venture captaina begins his speech. Clearly he is not human with heavy facial and body hair protruding from everywhere.
Farg is all the man has to say for now as he flashes a bunch of vicious looking tusks, a tribute to his orcish heritage.
Ah Kaer Maga City of Strangers... the half fiend goes on in his deep raspy and oddly unsettling voice. Nice place, very friendly folk and floats over the plains. Lookin forward to visiting again.
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Ash is a small red haired gnome (all thought his hair color is difficult to determine most of the time since he will be covered from head to toe in ash, soot and other blackish stuff)
"Hello, nice to meet you all. Are you as excited as I am? Are you? Are you? ..you must be!. We are going to Kaer Maga. I have noooo idea where that is..but it sounds like a fun name...Kaaaaaer Maaagaaaa..just sounds fun to say. Doesn't it sounds fun to say? Just try to say it, just try. I dare you.
Hi, I'm Ashiel..but you can call me Ash. Most people seem to do. Who are you?"
Ash glances around the room before moving to each of you extending a small sooth covered hand intending to shake your hand with his filthy hand. He seems friendly though.
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Vesparo grins, "Kaer Maga, Kaer Maga, did you really say it floats! Truly this shall be the stuff of legends! Lady Ennoia I am delighted to travel with one so lovely as you, and look matching bows! Though I am sure you are more proficient with yours my true calling is the rapier."
He pauses looking up to his right for a moment before adding, "I think I have it clearly enough, someone is falsely starting a Pathfinder Lodge without permission. It may be an innocent whim, or more likely it is a calculated ploy by enemies of the Society seeking to discredit it and ruin our diplomatic efforts in Kaer Maga. Either way we must deal with it and secure our reputation as Pathfinders."
Turning to the decrepit Venture-Captain Vesparo asks, "Venture Captain could you provide us with a description of this Collgardie? And perhaps a likely location if you have one? Other than that I am ready and raring to go!"
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Ash looks at Sutekh.
"Are you really? I mean are you really pleased to meet me? I know people have said that before...but then I out a short while later found out that they indeed were _not_ pleased to have met me..so, are you? are you really? "
Ash hops from one foot to the next waiting for an answer while looking up at Sutekh with big eyes.
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Sutekh squats down to look her face to face
"Indeed I am. You see, new things are always interesting to experience. Either it good or bad, you learn from it. So, its a pleasure to meet you. A new person represents new discoveries. And I love finding out secrets. Mostly buried ones."
He ads the last part with a laugh
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Venture Captain could you provide us with a description of this Collgardie? And perhaps a likely location if you have one? Other than that I am ready and raring to go!"
"Never met the man myself. You’re adventurous Pathfinders—I’m sure with his name and a few loose coin, you’ll find him in no time. Keep your head down and be smart. The balance of power in that city is fragile—upset it and you’re likely to die. Don’t go stomping about the place like it was a pharaoh’s tomb. Be cautious, be careful, and be courteous—even if the locals make fun of you for doing so. Oh, and the locals are likely not what you expect—you’ll see when you get there."
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Sutekh nods
"Even if it was a tomb, I wouldnt stomp about. There are traps in tombs. Deadly ones"
Experience has proved this many times. His profession was fun, but very dangerous.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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The paladin slowly processes the explanation provided by Vesparo. "A manhunt, then? This I understand. What race is Collgardie by the way? This information might help us, Venture-Captain Dreng. In any case, I shall not rest until this matter is resolved. We will not let you down!" the aasimar adds with an honest but solemn smile.
"Falayna shall guide us on the path of truth, for learning the truth about another may yet reveal some truth about ourselves."
Ennoia also nods to Sutekh, Ash and Farg. "I see we're a colorful troupe. I see this as a good omen, for in diversity lies the key to harmony."
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The rover listened carefully. Man hunts were not usually his thing, but he has delt with chasing down creatures in underground caverns. This shouldnt be that different. He should just look out that he doesnt chase down the wrong individual. If it is a human they are hunting, atleast it will ease the process a bit.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"She did. Although I must admit I don't recall all her teachings by heart yet, she teaches us to find solace in the company of others, and helping them to come to their full potential." She pauses for a minute, pondering an idea. "Although I am pretty sure Mother told me this applied to women only."
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As the party talks amongst themselves, a young man comes hustling through the door. He is of slightly taller than average height and looks as though he would have no problem wielding the warhammer or using the tower shield, both of which he has slung over his back.
"Good morrow Essam!" shouts one of the vendors on the dock.
"Good morrow to you as well!" Essam replies.
A few moments later he arrives in front of the group.
"Apologies to all for not being here earlier. You would think that living here in Absalom I would have been more punctual. But this being my first Society mission, I was stopped many times along the way and offered congratulations."
I probably shouldn't have told them this was my very first mission, he thought to himself.
"My name is Essam, my family has lived here in Absalom for many generations. Like my father before me, I look forward to serving the Pathfinder Society with honor and dedication."
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Ash lower lip starts to tremble
"Does this mean I can't come to my full potential by finding solance....just because I am not a woman?"
Before he starts to cry he is easily distracted by something else that pops into his mind...
"The locals are not what I will expect..how exciting..
I promise I will try to be cautious, careful and courteous... I am almost always one or the other..so it should be nooooo problem to be all 3 of them at the same time...I think."
"When are we leaving? Is it now? Is it later? If it's later..how much later? Is it later already?"
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Vesparo grins, "I used to play a great Princess when I was younger, but the moustache put paid to that at about fourteen. Watch,"
As Essam approaches he shifts his stances subtly and swirls his cloak up to cover his moustaches, before taking Essam's hand and saying in a husky, but not overdone female voice,
"Well met Essam, I hope we can be friends..."
Swishing his cloak back he beams a roguish grin that showcases his gleaming rows of sharp feline teeth, "Forgive me Essam, I was seeing if I could embrace my inner woman, so that I might find more solace in the company of others! But truth be told I find plenty of solace already! I am sure we shall all return from our strange odyssey heroes and firm friends! Now let us be off! Korvosa will not get any closer standing here."
What race is Collgardie by the way?
"Human."
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After getting to know each other the party heads out to Kaer Maga in search of Collgardie. Getting to the foot of the Storval Rise is fairly uneventful and you camp out at the base the night before the journey begins.
From the moment the sun rose this morning and the dizzying Twisted Door opened at the bottom of the Storval Rise, you, your companions, and a handful of traveling merchants have trudged slowly up the myriad stairs, tunnels, cliffside paths, and underground ruins that make up the famous Halflight Path. On either side of you march several gruff-looking men and women wearing brown-and-gray uniforms, the right breast bearing a badge with their symbol: a golden arch on a midnight blue background. These are the Duskwardens, and it’s their duty to see you safely up the Path to Kaer Maga, hours and hours of climbing above you.
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"Theres a time and place for drink my friend, but I dont believe now is the time to get drunk. Mission first. Fun and games later."
Sutekh does give a smile to atleast show he isnt upset, just that he isnt going to take him up on his offer just yet
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"Oh, I'm already drunk, I do everything better drunk. Being sober is atrocious I really don't understand why people do it, but each to their own! Besides people tell me of these things called "hangovers" which sound dreadful, so I simply endeavour to stay drunk, by now the hangover of my trail is probably a minor deity!" Vesparo replies grinning as he takes another swig, and sighing in contentment.
As the party is walking along with the other merchants and Duskwardens, suddenly an enormous chunk of masonry on the west side of the passage collapses. From behind it boil dozens of yowling, barking, and yipping creatures carrying swords and snarling viciously-goblins.
Just as you are about to act, another chunk of masonry, this time from the ceiling, collapses and cuts you off from the rest of the traveling group. You find yourselves in a small passageway, cut off and under siege.
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Watching a bunch of goblins appear in front of him Ash takes in a deep breath, puts his thumbs together and points his fingers at the 3 closest goblins while exhaling all the energy he gathered during his inhale
Taking a 5ft step, using place magic (free action) to enhance my next spell with +1 caster lvl and casting burning hands at G3, G4 and G5
Reflex save DC 14 for half damage
With a burst of flame Ash takes down three of the goblins!
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The goblin leader in the back fires a crossbow on Vesparo!
The other two goblins fire bows at Ennoia and Farg!
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Sutekh then fires an arrow that goes wide!
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Vesparo grins and surges forward and attempts to skewer the impudent little bowman, but his thrust is clumsy,
"You are using Bonetti's Defense against me, ah? Why am I smiling, you very rudely do not ask? Because I know something you don't know... I... am not left-handed!"
Ash shoots out a ray of fire but it misses his target.
Vesparo rushes forward and stabs at the shaman but has no luck.
Farg, however, has much better luck and now has a goblin-ka-bob on his longspear!
Essam moves up between the goblins.
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The shaman steps back and unleashes a burst of flame at Vesparo!
The remaining goblin warrior then drops his bow, draws a shortsword, and stabs at Essam!
Ennoia puts an arrow into the goblin warrior!
Vesparo puts his blade into the shaman!
Farg adds another goblin corpse to his longspear!