You are waiting for the briefing with your fellow agents.
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A black-feathered Tengu walks in and pulls open his heavy cloak and hood revealing a bandolier and belt marked with all manners of cryptic labels and containing numbers of odd tools.
"Well, my business is doing well these days. Seems like a good time to take some work on the side. You know what they say, it takes capital to make capital."
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A stoic Taldan man, obviously an archer of some sort, appears to be one of you that has been summoned for this mission. Another assignment so soon? Hopefully this lot will be better than the last. I'd prefer not to get killed once more.
Capital? Surely there are safer ways to procure capital! The man then looks at the tengu and asks with a look that could almost be scowl, What sort of business are you in, anyway?
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The tengu responds curtly "I own and operate a caravan. It is expensive to move into new territories, and if want to expand I'll either need smooth operation for... hmm..." he pulls an ledger out of one of his many pockets and examines it for a bit. "...6 years, or take on some more... consulting work with the society."
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Charles Pascal Quillen, first of his name, lounged like a sleepy cat in the sunlight cast through the window. If it were not for the flamboyan Galtan hat, weapons, armor and haversack, you'd almost mistake him for a cat curled up on the chair.
Leaning forward lazily, he takes a last drag from his cigarette and tosses the smoking relic nonchalantly out the window, apparently caring not at what destruction it may cause below.
Shrugging, he stands and reveals the entirety of his frame - nearly 3 feet of honed swordsman. The halfling is impeccably groomed, his moustache neatly trimmed and his curly black hair slicked back and capped with a colorful hat.
"Ah, zo today iz ze day zat Charles Pascal Quillen returns to ze Diamond City?"
With a scowl on his face, he leveled his eyes on the other Pathfinders.
"I was zere on ze walls of ze Diamond Zity when ze Demons attacked... when each of zeir efforts failed attempt after relentless attempt..."
Gazing outside the window off to the distance, he patted his shirt pocket in search of more things to smoke.
"Merde, already?"
Frowning at the failure to find another smoke, his hand wandered to his blade and he gripped the hilt, gazing off into the distance and sighing.
"Zis day, I can only hope zere will be more demons to put down..."
His gruff demeanor softens as he recognizes the tengu from the Lodge.
"Oh ho! A fellow couzin!"
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A kitsune enters in resplendent golden coloured breastplate decorated with the sword and starburst symbol of Iomadae. He is equipped as a warrior and raises a blackened paw in salute "Hail comrades! I believe we are called forward to vanquish evil in the worldwound. A most excellent mission and one I look forward to helping us all accomplish. I am Manyki Marcellus warrior cleric of Iomadae at your service. May I paint a picture of our august band for inclusion in the illustrated chronicle of our endeavour?
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The tengu grimaces a bit and pulls his cloak back over his head chest. "My business thrives off of my reputation, and the more my... customers know of me the less weight my reputation carries. Just do me the favor of leaving a bit of mystery to my details. You know what they say, a picture can undo a thousand words."
He proffers out a clawed hand to Manyki to shake. "Korai Shardwing, Varisian transportation specialist. If we are to be coworkers on this endevour I believe it best that we get to know each other's strengths and weaknesses as they pertain to the job at hand. Obviously personal matters exempt."
Reaching into one of the larger pockets on his bandolier he pulls out a small pistol with multiple chambers and tucks it neatly into a holster held near his breast under his cloak.
"Firearms specialist, business negotiator, scout. Adept at the classic good constable/bad constable game. Prefer to play the bad constable." As he says this, he deftly moves his right hand with an open palm and his left seems to be indicating to keep an eye on it, as suddenly it seems to be holding his firearm again, although pointing at nobody in particular.
"Also adept at concealing more martial options until needed. I prefer to use words until force is needed, and when force is needed fear is an excellent motivator."
He places his firearm back into his endless bandolier.
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Quillen's demeanor continues to shift from arrogant to affable as Korai revisits their shared war story from ze day ze demons attacked.
He arches an eyebrow.
"Indeed? Ze field was glorious zat day, riddled as it was with the bodies of zo many fallen demons..."
As his "pouch" is returned, Quillen turns up the pack of smokes he was searching for earlier. Leaning forward, he uses his mouth to pluck one free. Before he lights it, he offers "ze pack" to everyone present, ignorant whether or not Korai's beak would be an impediment in their enjoyment.
Then marching to a nearby stool, he perches his right foot upon it, crossing his arms. Inhaling, he puffs his chest out, sucks in his gut and gives Manyki and aisle alike his best "dictator face".
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A small halfling armed with a bow and clad in plate armor enters the meeting and nods silently to the party. Mendev again it seems. What a terrible place. Rufus thinks with sadness while remembering his last visit there. Focusing his attention on the now he says to the group:
My name is Rufus Tealeaf, nice to meet you. Since it was asked I am a sailor, an archer and also dabble with the arcane arts.
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A six foot tall elf waits with the others His golden robe has flame that leach’s on it looking like the elf is on fire. But there no heat coming out the robe and the wearer’s face is more interests at reading a Chronicle whose title is: So you have encounter a demon. His head is also partially obscure by the multiple ioun stone who floats around him. Most of them are cracked.
Ok, now I have refresh my memory of our probable encounters. Long-time… What I am saying? Maybe, I am too close to those short-lived races.
The elf closes his book and put it beside the other who title is: Spellbook.
“My name is…. At least what I known in the society as because of a warrior of Art is Popol. It is not my first here, I have done significant contribution in the society’s support of the Mendavian crusade like searching in Thurl’s lodge or killing an army of demon with a Balor in it.
I am specialised in the arcane arts also but necromancy and enchantment are not my forte. If those of you have has spare spellbook. I would like borrow to transcript any spell you. You are welcome to do the same with mine.
I would like if one you strong people could transport my equipment. Reading do not help to gain muscle .”
Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury stands on a balcony of Starrise Spire, overlooking Nerosyan. The sounds of saws and hammers echo from the city below. He turns to the tall woman in full-plate armor standing by his side and says as you enter, “Ollysta, I believe our Pathfinder agents have arrived.”
Ollysta Zadrian recognizes most of you and greets everyone warmly. Jorsal bows slightly and smiles. “A pleasure. As you can see, Nerosyan is still rebuilding. However, thanks to the timely and decisive actions of the Pathfinder Society, Mendev still has a city to rebuild. I want to personally thank those of you who had a direct hand in helping to contain the threat of the Worldwound. We now look for new sites to establish forward bases of operations.
“Yet, even our victories shine a light on our failures. It seems that while we were able to rebuild Nerosyan and drive out the demonic scourge, we could not rebuild the body and mind of one of our own.”
Ollysta takes over, “For nearly two years the Silver Crusade has worked with the Pathfinder Society to attempt to cure Valais, a Pathfinder sent to investigate former Venture-Captain Thurl. He kidnapped her, then shattered her mind and body, replacing most of her physique with babau and kalavakus flesh.” The paladin splays her hand and holds it up, as if to the rising sun. “Even the light of the Dawnflower cannot banish Thurl’s darkness; usual healing magic has had no effect.”
Jorsal steps forward, “Valais has an idea that she believes could help the Society and herself, but I’ll let her explain it to you. Are there any questions you have about her unique situation before we call her in? I can also answer any questions you have about the crusade against the demons of the Worldwound before we continue.”
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"Wonderful, a diviner. Always good to have the gift of foresight. Either by scouting and intelligence gathering or by mystic skill. It seems that we are skilled at ranged combat, and a touch lacking in the frontliner category. We should make sure we practice good scouting practices and hold onto the element of surprise as much as possible. Failing that..." Korai grimaces "I'll join Quillen in the thick of it."
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Quillen grunts as Korai summarizes a good battle plan for how the team's respective skills will be applied to any challenges they face.
"Zo... zis Valais is half demon, no? How can we be so sure we can trust ze Demon-Lady when ze flesh of our enemies 'as been ztitched to 'er very being?"
Quillen takes a drag from his latest smoke.
"I find it very, how you say? ... Convenient that zhe 'as come up with a plan zat helps 'erself and ze Zoziety in one fell motion..."
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Seeing Olystaa alive, Popol reveals the biggest smile his elf's face can do.
”Olistaa, I am so happy to see you alive. The last time, I have seen you, your corpse was entering a temple of Sarenrae. You were quite heavy to transport with all your armor. I hope that you have heard that we had paid for your resurrection. I had no news from you and I feared that you wish to stay at your goddess’s side.
In the name of me and my companions, we still thank you and your warriors who sacrificed their life to give us the time to activate the weapon.”
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Look, I'll fill the enemy with arrows, you guys just make sure not to get in the way while I do it. That, and don't get me killed.
Jaysin then turns his attention to the matter at hand. So, this crusade I'm now involved in. What can you tell us about the demons we could run across? Is there anything in particular we should be prepared for?
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Korai starts pulling out 7 cold iron cartridges and 7 cold iron buckshot cartridges and arranges them into a smiling face on the table. "I should probably restock on the bullets. And perhaps get myself a small knife made of this stuff." He then proceeds to pull out 9 silver and 4 adamantine bullets, then ponders for a bit and pulls out some ghost salts. "Just in case."
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"How the crusade going? I that the count Varian Jegarre had secure an important book and passed a copy to all his patrons.
About our special friend, did we have found more what thurl has done to her? Including her soul?"
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"Zo... zis Valais is half demon, no? How can we be so sure we can trust ze Demon-Lady when ze flesh of our enemies 'as been ztitched to 'er very being?"
Quillen takes a drag from his latest smoke.
"I find it very, how you say? ... Convenient that zhe 'as come up with a plan zat helps 'erself and ze Zoziety in one fell motion..."
Ollysta says, "You can trust her. She’s in control, for the most part." She clarifies, "Valais gets confused at times, but she's in control. Combat sometimes riles her dark thoughts, so the fighting will be left to you."
Jaysin then turns his attention to the matter at hand. So, this crusade I'm now involved in. What can you tell us about the demons we could run across? Is there anything in particular we should be prepared for?
Jorsal answers, "Things have certainly calmed down. The demon armies have retreated and crusaders seek to reclaim land inside the Worldwound and to build more wardstones to further contain the demonic threat. But once you are beyond the wardstones, be prepared for anything. Of course, demons are quite adept at transportation magic so no one can predict what will come or when."
"How the crusade going? I that the count Varian Jegarre had secure an important book and passed a copy to all his patrons.
About our special friend, did we have found more what thurl has done to her? Including her soul?"
Jorsal replies, “Everything goes well. The generals seek to advance into the Worldwound and establish a new perimeter by constructing or usurping additional fortresses. Finding strategic locations for more wardstones is one of their many goals.”
Jorsal answers the next question as well, “Thurl used her in his experiments. He replaced much of her body with demonic flesh and suffused them into her essence. What permanent effect this has had on her soul is not altogether clear yet.”
Ollysta adds, “We’ve tried removing the demon flesh and using regeneration magic to regrow her human body, but the demonic essence is so infused with her soul that the demon flesh grows back. Some have considered powerful resurrection magic, but we’re afraid her soul might not be able to return.”
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Quillen arches an eyebrow.
"Combat riles dark thoughts, eh? Fighting left to us, eh? It almost sounds like we are to 'ave zis demon in our midsts..."
The halfling gazes out the window beyond the Diamond City's walls.
"Zo... you mean to zend us out into ze demon-ridden wastelands, no? For what purpose other zen to kill a bunch of demons?"
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Manyki answers Korai "I had heard Thurl had sided with the demons at the worldwound and got his just deserts." He then turns back to Joral "Is this cure going to involve an ancient Sarkhorian site someone else might be looking to reclaim? And do we have such a thing as a hat of disguise for masking the venture captains nature if we are to travel beyond the lodge? A half demon travelling companion might draw unwelcome attention"
"So.. Do I need to be careful to avoid catching her in spell area where Iomadae's Light would harm evil Outsiders? asks ManyKi
Ollysta thinks for a moment. "I am not quite sure if that is completely necessary but it would probably be a wise precaution."
"Whatever happened to Thurl?"
Jorsal shakes his head. "Attempting to study the demons to find their weaknesses, he was corrupted by his own fascination and then disappeared. He was overwhelmed by our own agents some time ago, if the rumors are true."
"Zo... you mean to zend us out into ze demon-ridden wastelands, no? For what purpose other zen to kill a bunch of demons?"
Jorsal answers, "Perhaps we should bring Valais in to tell you herself." Jorsal calls for Valais, who then enters the room. Her visage i a patchwork of cream, red, and purple skin with asymmetrical horns.
Valais says, “Greetings Pathfinders, My name is Valais. I hope that you do not find my appearance too disturbing AND GROVEL IN FEAR. I need your help investigating a mystery and Jorsal won’t let me go out alone, skulking in the dark, waiting.
“I’ve been having strange dreams lately about stone halls, a terrible beast, and a bleeding tree. Echoing throughout is a single word: ‘Laktharis.’ Our scholars say he is A POWERFUL SARKORIAN GOD. I’ve also felt a compulsion to find something in the Worldwound, dark and hidden.”
Jorsal interjects, “We’d like you to escort her and help her overcome any trials. Keep her safe and watch for anything that could help her condition. While out there, the Crusade asks that we keep an eye out for any abandoned buildings or fortresses we could use and to ensure they are habitable. The crusaders have already sent out a scout, an elf named Shyael. She hasn’t reported in for a week and they’d like an update on her progress. If you don’t run into her, just report your findings about potential sites directly to me.”
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So, protect this Valais, check out empty buildings and look for a missing scout, all while avoiding the demons and who knows what else. Typical Pathfinder mission. Jaysin doesn't seem to mind that he spoke his thoughts out loud.
And this dark and hidden thing you seek, any idea what it might be, exactly? We're not out there to play games, that'll just get us killed.
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Quillen's hand strays to his hilt and his sword is half drawn as he takes in the sight of the half-demon woman entering the room.
"Sacrebleu!"
Realizing that she is in fact, Valais, he flushes, undoes the partial draw of his blade and mumbles something low and deep about an apology.
"Strange dreams, then? How do we know zis is not a trap by zis Laktharis? And zat he is not zome zort of Demon-God luring us all in like a spider would a fly? Unhh?"
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Korai leans forward, noting her disjointed speech patterns and attempts to discern how much Valais is truely in control of herself.
"Perhaps some incantations to calm the emotions might be good to have prepared. And methods to break enchantments. If a being like Lakarthis wishes you to seek this thing we should expect a power play. We should make sure we are in the best position to protect you possible, and well prepared is a good position to be in."
The gunslinger lean forward and begins to take a careful inventory of his numerous specialty bullets while mumbling. "She's certainly stronger than me... I'd probably have asked someone to finish me off by now. Much respect."
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I know of Valais captain, I was there when we our expedition found her in Thurl's...dungeon. That one sure left a bitter aftertaste. The halfling mumbles the last part.
On the bright side I heard a rumor from a trustworthy source that the Society is closing in on the hunt for that gutless bastard up north. Hope to see his head on a pike soon!
When the half demom pathfinder enters the room Rufus smiles. Its been a while. Its good to see that you are well Valais. He says with a short bow before listening to the rest of Jorsal's briefing.
By the inner sea!
So into the maw of the abyss we go. I hope you folks know what you are doing captain. I do not like the route you have layered out for us. He says while scratching his moustache thinking. But I can't deny a helping hand to a fellow pathfinder. He smiles to Valais again. In we go I suppose. I hope we get luckier this time around.
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Quillen nods in agreement with Korai, his eyes narrowing and twinkling in appreciation of his fellow scoundrel's tactical wisdom.
"Oui oui! Zese scrolls to pacify zis one and break any enchantments on zose of us who could be.. how do you say? Coerced to ehhh... give in to zere ambitions. This is a good thing."
Quillen lets his gaze linger on Popol and Manyki, hoping either of those can propose exactly what they may need to bring if there is a "demon god" lurking at the end of their journey with dark plans for Valais and any of those who would deliver her unto them.
His hand continues to rest upon his hilt.
He leans over to Korai, whispering his thoughts.
"Perhaps zis day we should be scouting ahead, since zis one is reported to be confused at times should combat break out around 'er."
And this dark and hidden thing you seek, any idea what it might be, exactly? We're not out there to play games, that'll just get us killed.
Valais only shakes her head.
"Strange dreams, then? How do we know zis is not a trap by zis Laktharis? And zat he is not zome zort of Demon-God luring us all in like a spider would a fly? Unhh?"
Ollysta clears his throat. "Frankly, we don't know. That's why we're sending experienced agents like you along. But if there is a possibility that this mission could help Valais recover, I think we should take the risk. If you don't feel the same way, perhaps we can find another agent."
Korai thinks for a bit, then asks Valais directly. "If we were to procure wards against evil creatures, would we be causing a hindrance to you?"
He makes a careful note of which voice she answers in...
Valais shakes her head meekly but answers in a much different voice, "FOOL! AS IF WEAK MAGIC COULD STOP ME."
Jorsal and Ollysta then send you on your way. Valais doesn’t know where she is leading you, but she says the path “feels familiar, like a dance you can only remember when you hear the melody.”
Valais leads you through the many alleys and side streets of Nerosyan. She heads east to Thurl’s old Pathfinder lodge, then northwest, before stopping in front of a small burned down shop near the city’s western walls. She sifts her way through the rubble, uncovering a concealed trap door that leads into a smugglers tunnel that travels beyond the walls of Nerosyan and past the Egelsee River. While traversing the tunnel, the party passes through the protection of the wardstones. She seems lost and confused for a moment before finding the path again and continuing west.
You do not come across anything that poses a significant challenge to adventurers of their caliber. Instead, you encounter fiendish small animals and wandering dretches, the least of the demonkind, which you can frighten off or dispatch without expending resources. In the distance, the ground occasionally explodes in geysers of raw elemental energy.
After some time it becomes apparent to those of you familiar with the region (or who were smart enough to pick up a map of the region before departing) that you are heading to the ruins of Dredarin.
Picks and shovels lay haphazardly around an excavation camp. The spire and roof of a stone building peek out from the dense, ashen mud.
Valais keeps a hood drawn over her face and stays behind you. She has learned that people tend to treat her with disgust and hostility, especially crusaders.
As you get closer to the expedition site, you see that an elven woman stands on the roof of the uncovered cathedral, looking for danger in all directions. Over a dozen people stand along the edge of the ridge, digging away at the dirt to uncover the ancient structure.
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Quillen does nothing to turn down a chance to return to the demon-tainted wastes, half-demon agent in their midst notwithstanding.
You all realize the halfling's habit of continuously smoking only heightens with each mile walked beyond the protection of the wardstones.
Quillen, having taken up the "point" position in leading the group forward, removes his hat and bows low (presumably from a vantage point where his 3-foot-some height can be seen).
"'allo! Mademsoille Shyael I presume?"
He flicks a mostly-smoked cigarette into the mud as he shows a friendlier-than-usual side, apparently intended only for consumption by those of the female persuasion.
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Popol does his little shopping, buying scrolls to transcript and potion.
To Quillen, he says with a serious face: Like to be in the abyss. Demon have innate powers. Some are illemited and those who are extremely powerful but can only use once of a day.
I expect that we see poison, darkness that only the light of the sun can pass invisibilty, fear. weapon that have, goodness, cold iron or just powerful magic pass their unholy resistance.
But I have to add that like I said earlier that the gods of Sarkoris are not all demon. They were all thing of power at every spectrum of the alignement.
There numerous raisons why Valais has those vision and it could have nothing to do with her current status. This is why it is important that we know more about her.
Seeing the elf woman, Popol ask Vanail. Would you like a sort of disguise before we enter? You would not have the burden to mask your face. I have a wand that contain a spell for that. Also, do you know this woman?
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Valais looks at Popol. "Do you have that kind of magic? To mask my features? I would be grateful. And I think it would be... better for us. I have heard of Shyael but I do not think she is aware of my... condition."
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There is a moment of silence as the diggers merely stand up and look at you. Eventually the elf calls back, "I am indeed Shyael. Who might you be? I do not sense any evil from your party and yet I must be cautious; what is your purpose out here? The Worldwound is a dangerous and unforgiving place."
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"My name is Korai, a fellow defender of Nerosyan. We have been instructed to come meet with you and review any possible defensible structures that are already habitable. These are my compatriots from the Pathfinder Society... Quillin, who is another fellow defender of Nerosyan, along with Jaysin, Manyiki, Rufus, Val, and Popol."
Korai tries to get a read on Shyael to gauge her probable reaction to Valais if any... outbursts were to come from her mouth.