GM Ladile's TL;DR: A Pathfinder Society Campaign

Game Master Lady Ladile

"It's not Heaven, I'll admit," Parison whispers back to Rumble. "This wood is foreboding, but it's not of wickedness. It feels raw, primative."

As your travels through the forest progress you definitely end up seeing what Jamel was talking about when he said that the traps laid by Nithra and his allies were tricky to find. And yet, the few that manage to elude the notice of Embeth Travelers are no match for the combined efforts of the group.

Well, okay, sure, Hepsubia has been (self-admittedly) amazingly distracted by 'Effie' and her pet 'cat' but this is more than balanced out thanks to Zithembe's help as well as Janus' otherworldly connection to nature, the lands that surround Uringen, and his extensive knowledge of how to get on the good side of the more-friendly fey that also dwell in the forest.

Some good old-fashioned unease and paranoia apparently never hurt either, as Parison is the only one among you who manages to spot all four of the hidden traps that Jamel and his men missed during their own sweeps. It seems Nithra's people favor poisoned darts and spiked pits. Sadistic!

Of course...finding the traps is only half the battle. The second half lies in disarming them - very carefully - as Jamel insists that all traps be cleared before proceeding onward.
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Hokay! You found all of the traps (good job) and now must disarm them all. For this, you may Take 10 to disarm, if you wish - DC 20 for all four traps.

Hepsubia goes to work on the traps.

It seems her new peculiar habit is sticking part of her tongue while she works on the mechanism, which isn't too odd for a child concentrating.

But she's probably the only one to blow a raspberry at the trap after she has successfully disarmed it.

Take 10, total bonus +12 (see Discussion), Total 22

"You do good work" Janus remarks to Hepsubia as the elf fixes the traps.

"Nithra has blocked the road with these hindrances. That is a breach of the River Freedoms, and cannot be permitted" they add. "Jamel, have you any idea of where Nithra lairs?"

She takes careful note of the specific tricks and methodology used by her fellow elf during the disabling portion of their travels, though she puts an asterisk next to the raspberry blown at the end, noting it does not appear to have an actual causal effect on the trap.

Sorry Maria, I figured I'd go ahead and advance things a little. For what it's worth, she did spot two of the traps herself and I think everyone managed to spot at least one of them (DC 20 Perc).

"Yes, she does - same as the rest of you," Jamel agrees as he watches Hepsubia work on disarming a particularly stubborn spiked pit trap. "Thanks to your help with the poison and now out here with these traps we're making good time, a lot better than I'd expected, to be honest. Barring any other complications we ought to reach Uringen before nightfall tomorrow."

But the man's good cheer noticeably diminishes when Janus inquires as to the location of Mather Nithra's lair. "Afraid not. If we did, we'd have taken care of him a long time ago. But see how the forest shifts? The fey - and their homes - shift with it. For the time being, escorting travelers and doing our best to keep the roads clear is the best that we can do."
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The rest of the trip through the Embeth Forest is thankfully much less eventful and while you still encounter plenty more traps on the remainder of the route they're all able to be safely disarmed and dismantled thanks to the combined efforts of the Travelers and yourselves.

You'd estimate that it's just a little past 6:00 pm on the day that the clocks are expected to align when your forest journey finally draws to a close. With your destination in sight, maybe half a mile away by the looks of it, Jamel suddenly comes to a stop. Raising his voice over the jingle of yokes and the rattle of wagon wheels, he booms out, "Halt!" Dismounting from his horse, he gestures down the road. "This is as far as we go. About half a mile down that road, you’ll be in Uringen. Desna smile upon you in that place."

"Oh! I almost forgot," Jamel quickly adds, reaching into his saddlebags and pulling out an oilskin folio. "Since you’ve been right useful this trip, I was hoping you could carry these reports to Mayors Mieren and Ogden, since you’ll be in town any way. I’ll put in a good word for you as well; maybe you’ll get something from them for it."

"Thank you for the escort," Zithembe says with a bow. He accepts the folio. "We can. Is there a reason you avoid the city yourself?"

"Eh...the folks there are nice enough and all but you've heard how half the place is 'unstuck', right? We deal with enough strangeness as it is out here in the wood so there's not much desire to spend a lot of time in town and invite more of the same."

"Fair enough," he says. "Stay safe."

Nothing says appreciation like more work! Clearly pleased with the show of faith, Rumble gives Jamel a smile, shakes his hand, and nods to the others. "We should probably start tah hustle, aye bet we've got plenty ah work tah do an' jus' enough time tah do ih!"

"Jamel is correct. A part of Uringen - Unstuck Uringen - moves in time and space. We of Unstuck Uringen are blessed to live closer to the First World.

Perhaps you will get to see first hand."

It does not really feel like home now. We must travel to serve the Green. Still, we are curious to see how the clock is behaving, and to learn why.

"We'll make sure that the reports make it to the mayors," Parison says. He looks around at his companions. A grateful smile crosses the priest's face now that the journey through the wood is nearing an end. "It may be the simplest thing we'll have to do while we're in town. Thank you for your company, Jamal and for bringing us this far."

"You're welcome," Jamel grins. "By the way, we're not planning to head back to the river just yet. Unless something changes, we'll be in the area for another couple of days. When you're done with your business in Uringen, come find us before you leave. I've got a special gift in mind for you folks - as thanks for all your help - but it'll take me a little time to get everything in order."

He quickly holds up his hand to halt the inevitable flurry of questions. "No, it's a surprise. But trust me, I think you'll like it," he winks.

"Anyway, I know you've got things to be doing so I won't keep you folks any longer. Good luck with your business and tell the Mayors I said hello!"

Jamel and the other Travelers wave goodbye as you turn your sights now towards the town of Uringen and set off to keep your appointment with Mayor Ogden...
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

For being a possibly-enchanted-town in the middle of a shifting forest, Uringen is bigger and more lively - at least at the moment - than you initially expected. Puffs of multicolored smoke rise from tall stone chimneys that emerge from steeply pitched rooftops, and people dressed sharply in black and white shuffle about the town, preparing for the convergence. The divide between the two halves of the town is stark. A wide street, 20 feet across at its widest, separates the static and unstuck portions of the town. Boarded windows and prominent “closed” signs decorate the static half of the town, whose residents speak in hushed and tense tones. In the unstuck half of the town, excitement and curiosity outweigh fear, and groups of people gather in the streets. Above it all, a four-sided tower looks out upon the town, with an enormous clock face decorating each side at its pinnacle.

In the middle of the street between the two halves, a pair of well-dressed figures - a man and a woman - appear to be locked in a debate, their words clipped and harsh. The man rests his hand on the hilt of a rapier at his side, while the woman hooks her thumbs in the wide sash wrapped around her body. A tiny blue-skinned humanoid with iridescent blue butterfly wings flits behind the woman’s head, a miniscule pair of pince-nez perched upon his pert nose.

As you draw closer you begin to catch snippets of the conversation, most of which seems to be in a language that isn’t Common - though you do catch one or two familiar words and some names here and there.

"Jeg kan ikke tro på, at du inviterede udlændinge til Uringen nu af alle tider," the man exclaims. "Og ikke bare udenforstående, men Pathfinder Society? Du ved, at de kun er problemer, Aurelia!"

The woman scowls, shaking her finger in the man’s face as she retorts, "Og det er hvor du tager fejl! Knavar, du ved, at alle fire ur-ansigter aldrig har justeret sig - men nu er tiden, og hvem ved hvad der kan ske, når de gør det?"

The man opens his mouth to respond but the woman cuts him off before he has a chance to speak, her eyes glittering with determination. "Det er præcis det, vi skal finde ud af. Men jeg har brug for kvalificerede mennesker til at være der, når vi gør det, folk der er dygtige nok til at kunne tage ordentlige noter og optagelser af hvad de ser .... og hårdt nok til at beskytte sig selv og Uringen, hvis guder forbyder noget grimt ske! Det er her, hvor Pathfinder Society kommer ind."

Janus leafs through their well-thumbed Pathfinder Chronicle as they approach.

know.nature, chronicle: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23

"Har du sendt til os? Vi er Janus Grey. Vi kommer til slutninger. Vi er kommet med vores kolleger stifindere. Hvordan kan vi hjælpe?"

Janus approaches the arguing Uringeners. They nod to the pixie, adding: "god kveld min herre."

When Janus steps forward to address the pair they both jump as though goosed, turning to face you. While the man frowns and crosses his wiry arms across his rather broad chest, the woman strides forward to greet you.

"Excellent to see that my message was received and heard by the Society! I’m Mayor Aurelia Ogden, and this is my compatriot, Mayor Knavar Mieren," she smiles as she shakes your hands. Although her face retains a sort of youthful roundness to it, the barest trace of silver among sun-bleached brown hair at her temples and crow’s feet around her brown eyes suggest that she is older than she appears. "I trust your journey through the Embeth wasn’t too hazardous?"

Then, she pauses, unable to keep from staring just a bit at Janus. "Er...I'm sorry, but you seem familiar to me, somehow. Have we met before?"

From over her shoulder the small winged humanoid smiles rather broadly at this - and at Janus - but doesn't comment on the Mayor's confusion. Instead, he offers the group a dignified bow.

"শুভ সন্ধ্যা! বনাঞ্চলের ভাষা বলে এমন ভ্রমণকারীদের সাথে দেখা করার জন্য এটি সর্বদা আনন্দিত!"

Then, the little winged creature clears his throat. "But of course I'm also familiar with your Common tongue, if that would be easier to converse in."

Hepsubia as no trouble answering in Sylvan, as you can hear

But her player is too lazy to write in Lady L strange langage... what's that, anyway?^^

It's a pleasure to meet you too, out of the woods.

"We have never had a formal audience, Mayor. But we are a citizen of Uringen. More specifically of Unstuck Uringen. We are also a Pathfinder, and have been travelling for some years."

"Vi lærte sylvan-tungen her, fra andre som deg selv." Janus adds, addressing the pixie.

"Mather Nithra blocked the road with traps in many places. We cleared the obstacles away, but he must be brought to justice for his crimes."

Zithembe steps forward and offers forth the folio. "Jamel asked us to deliver this to you two," he says. "The journey was quite hazardous, but we made it through safely. Perhaps you should tell us how we can be of help, and, for the sake of the Venture-Captains, how to handle temporal flux."

Rumble strolls up with the others to the arguing pair. I'd almost appreciate a good fight at this point. At least then we'd all be speaking the same language!

"Janus, tha wee winged one bowed tah us, are we tah bow back? 'Fraid aye dunno tha custom 'ere," he asks. Gods bless Zithembe, always straight and to the point. Makes things a lot less painful for me when we can cut through some of the chaff and get to work!

"Oh! I see, I see," Mayor Ogden replies as some degree of true recognition dawns in her eyes. "In that case I've probably seen you out and about on the street or in passing over at the Oaken Knot, maybe. Welcome home! Good fortune for our endeavors to have one of our own among the Pathfinders, I think."

"Ah yes, thank you for bringing these to us," Mayor Ogden remarks as she accepts Jamel's folio that he asked you to pass along. After she flips through it for a few moments she then passes it off to Mayor Mieren. "Not unexpected news, but I will leave the details of the guard arrangement and dealing with Nithra with Mieren. Right now, I must focus all my attention on my experiment — and I, for one, am happy that you are here to assist with it," Ogden finishes, with a pointed glance at Mayor Mieren who simply rolls his eyes.

"As you might know, when this part of town becomes ‘unstuck,’ as it is referred to in the local vernacular, we lose all sense of how much time has passed. I am hoping that the timepieces I have constructed will allow us to keep track of time while we remain out of phase with the rest of Uringen. While I’m observing my timepieces, I will not be able to pay attention to other events in the tower. That is where you come in."

"Your role in the experiment is very straightforward. I will need several people to observe the westward-facing clock, and record everything you see or hear — taste, smell, or touch as well if it becomes necessary," Ogden explains. "As members of the Pathfinder Society, your experience with...unusual situations is legendary, and this alignment will certainly qualify as ‘unusual’ — one for your Pathfinder Journals, I hope!"

Then, Mayor Ogden lowers her voice slightly. "And if any among you are not magically-inclined, please don't fret about being able to contribute. Your observations are even more crucial, as they are unbiased and not viewed with a practitioner’s eye. If you have any advice you could give Mayor Mieren, I’m sure he’d appreciate it...eventually anyway."

Maria continues her note taking and offers a quick answer once their role is laid out, "Ah perfect, that is one thing we are quite good at. Taking notes and observing, the two most critical parts of scientific pursuits. Now where is this westward facing clock so we can scope out the grounds and find the best observation points?"

"Aye'd be glad tah give mah opinion then!" Rumble tells Mayor Ogden. "Do ye think anyone'll be tryin' tah undermine our work?" The Dwarf seems a little more chipper than a moment ago, his chest and head held even higher.

"Is the westward facing clock always facing westward?" Zithembe asks.

"That is a good question, Zithembe. What is west, after all?" Janus comments, before whispering to Rumble "A pixie appreciates politeness. Bowing is fine, but a simple 'Good day sir' serves well."

"We thank you for your greeting, Mayor Ogden. If we may, it seems that you and Mayor Mieren are not in full agreement. What are your reservations, Mayor Mieren?"

"Now where is this westward facing clock so we can scope out the grounds and find the best observation points?"

At this, Mayor Ogden chuckles. "It's just right down the main thoroughfare there, see? The town square would probably be the best location to observe the western face, at least from the outside."

Image is not 100% accurate but the best I could find that I liked.

"Do ye think anyone'll be tryin' tah undermine our work?"

"Nethys willing, no, but as he instructs, magic is always capable of creation and destruction, and either could happen. I won’t lie to you — I do not know the original intent of the tower. Since this alignment has never happened before in Uringen’s history, I am not entirely sure what we can expect, so be alert and ready. I have heard of the exploits of the Pathfinder Society; you are far better equipped to deal with any situations that arise than our town guard."

"Is the westward facing clock always facing westward?"

"Hah! That's a good question and the sort of thinking I was hoping to see from Pathfinders," Mayor Ogden remarks with a wide smile. "Yes, the westward-facing clock always faces westward. The construction of the clock tower is actually very solid; no moving parts except for the gears and such inside."

"We thank you for your greeting, Mayor Ogden. If we may, it seems that you and Mayor Mieren are not in full agreement. What are your reservations, Mayor Mieren?"

During all of this, Mayor Mieren seems to be doing his best to ignore the conversation as well as the group's presence. He keeps his eyes on Jamel's reports, eyes flitting up and down each of the pages.

But he can't ignore Janus when they address him directly and finally looks up, an irritated expression on his face. "Look, this business with the clock and timepieces and whatnot is Aurelia's affair, not mine. We've done just fine here all this time without outsiders and troublemakers butting in and making a mess of things," he responds curtly.

"Knavar, there's no need to be rude," Mayor Ogden sighs. "Since I invited them here I'll take responsibility for them. But keep in mind that Jamel seemed quite impressed with their conduct and capabilities on the trip here, won't you?"

Turning back to the group, she offers an apologetic smile. "You might've noticed that the divide between Stuck and Unstuck Uringen is palpable this eve; those of us that make our homes here in the Unstuck portion are no strangers to unusual phenomena. But the citizens of Stuck Uringen are a different matter, I'm afraid. They'll not give you trouble but I do beg for your understanding if you get some less-than-friendly looks."

Before the conversation or resulting pause can grow uncomfortable, Mayor Ogden shifts the topic a bit. "You've still got a few hours until convergeance. On this side of town we've got the Oaken Knot Tavern if you'd like a place to leave your other belongings and get a bite to eat. Please don't worry about the fees, though - I'll cover you for whatever food and lodgings you'd like to purchase."

"Ooh and if you go you should speak to Seripan," the pixie suggests. "She's our resident bard and teller of tales!"

"Yes, she's quite a gifted storyteller," Mayor Ogden smiles. "At any rate, you've got some time to look around town and make preparations. I'd try to start setting up around 11:45 tonight, but you may have better insights as to how much time you need to investigate beforehand. Oh and be careful when using the clock tower to tell time; the northern clock face is the accurate one."

Hepsubia listen carefully to the informations, and looks at what Maria is writing in her notebook.

Could be useful later, who knows?

"I understand their concern," Zithembe says. "They have lived in equilibrium in their portion of Uringen, and this convergence is an unknown. All fears are encompassed within the unknown."

He turns to address Mayor Mieren and says, "We are here to observe--not to instigate or catalyze--and protect, if it is necessary. I can apologize for our strangeness--especially my own--but even though Mayor Ogden invited us, we have the safety of all in Uringen in mind."

EDIT: I'm going to Take 10 on Diplomacy to improve attitude, for what it's worth (19).

Rumble gives the Pixie a quick bow. "Nevah met one ah tha Fey bufore, thank ye fer tha suggestion, Pixie."

"Looks like we've some time tah kill. Aye say we grab ah bite tah eat an' stow our gear, then ask some ah tha locals in the Tavern abouh tha clocks an' whah not," he suggests.

"'Tis true, we're 'ere tah observe an' defend if need be. Tinkerin' ain't tha job, far as aye can gather," he adds. Always good to have the powers that be on our side! Wouldn't be here without them, nor would the town be running the way it is.

Hepsubia notices a lot of quickly scrawled notes in elvish and symbols, probably some form of shorthand? There is also a small generic clocktower drawn, showing a three-dimensional perspective but not done very artistically. Under it is the phrase 'west faces west'.

She pipes up at Zithembe's first comment, "While the unknown may bring fear, it also brings opportunity for new knowledge."

Lastly, the elf jabs her pointy elbow into Rumble after he speaks, "Always thinking with your stomach, but still... it isn't a bad idea to smooth things over if any locals don't want us around."

"An argument that will likely fall flat in front of those among the Stuck," Zithembe comments. "And something the Unstuck appear to have already embraced."

"We are accustomed to change. Those of Stuck Uringen, less so.

Then we agree with visiting the Oaken Knot, and speaking with Seripan the bard there."

"Our venture-captain did instruct us to ask you, Mayor Ogden, about the alchemical craft here in Uringen," Zithembe says.

”Jus’ ‘cause mah belly’s gottah bih o’ squish tah ih, doesn’ mean ih’s true!” Rumble grumbles back at Maria. ”Ye could stand tah gain ah couple stone!” he needles back, prodding her relatively bony extremities.

"Cerotius," the pixie responds, finally introducing himself properly. "Aide-de-camp for Mayor Ogden and advisor of First World affairs to Uringen. Pleasure to make your acquaintance! Once you've had a chance to visit the Oaken Knot, please feel free to come by the clock tower and have a look around before the convergeance. I should be there but I'll tell the other researchers to be expecting you in case I'm called away before then."

Mayor Mieren, perhaps knowing when he's beaten, sighs, his shoulders slumping a bit as he relaxes his posture. "Very well. You all DO seem to be taking this project of Aurelia's seriously, which is admittedly more than I'd expected from Pathfinders. Just be sure that you do as she asks while you're visiting town."

"Then it's settled," Mayor Ogden nods, looking a bit relieved herself. "Go and settle in at the Oaken Knot, have a look around the tower if you like, and then be sure to return to set up in the square around 11:45. If you're looking for alchemical items, visit Marduke's Magical Mixology, just down the street. You'll find them much more potent than what you'd see elsewhere - and for the same price, to boot!"
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Alchemical goods purchased in Uringen are enhanced. This enhancement increases the saving throw DCs to resist their effects by 2 as well as increases the damage dealt by damaging alchemical items by 50%. These alchemical goods do not cost more than normal. Most of these enhancements do not last past the end of the scenario. All of the alchemical remedies, tools, and weapons from Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Equipment are available for purchase within town.

Janus visits Marduke's shop, and leads the way there for any of the other pathfinders interested in making purchases.

"Good evening" Janus nods to the shopkeeper. "We have a small list of requirements. Antitoxin, one dose. Tanglefoot bag, one. And if you carry potions: Spider Climb, one."

Janus is not normally this polite, except to fey and druids - must want folks in their hometown to think well of them ;)

Something someone said about climbing makes Maria check through her pack, "Dangit, forgot to get one of those. Maybe a store around here..."

She will look for a general store and purchase a Grappling Hook then tie it to her rope for quick access before tossing both into her fancy new pack.

1g spent, no alchemical stuff needed.

But at the alchemy store she quizzes the shopkeeper incessantly, hoping to learn their secrets to more potent concoctions.

"Oh. Examining the clock tower before the convergence would be a good idea. Thank you for the suggestion," the shabti says.

Not sure what else to do, Rumble sticks with the group and follows them around. Checking his own bag, he pats a pair of grappling bolts. These things'll help me set some lines to climb, don't need no fancy magic when Dwarven engineering will do the trick!

Hepsubia looks at the products in the alchemical shop with children glee, having an hard time selecting what she will buy, counting her money numerous times to see how many vials and flasks and stuff she can buy.

Finally, she sneaks a look toward the ever serious Zith, and opts for a serious and responsable hundred gold budget, buying two vials of alchemic fire, one flask of bottled lightning and a vial of liquid ice, because she never tried the last two, and she is very excited to use them because you never know, sometimes foes are immune to fire, so she HAS to have a contingency plan if the planned fire attack.. well, backfire.

Of course, the whole costs more than the planned hundred golds, so she sheepishly and not so discreetly gives the last missing twenty gold coins to the alchemist

SoH for giving the money unnoticed: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

With a rough itinerary for the evening in place you bid the two Mayors and Cerotius goodbye for the moment and set off into town to do a quick bit of shopping before heading to the Oaken Knot. As it turns out, having a former Uringen native along helps quiet a bit as Janus has no trouble guiding the group to Marduke's for alchemical supplies and then to a more nondescript general store for Maria's grappling hook. The whole thing goes quite well, though there's a bit of embarrassment on Hepsubia's part as she noticeably overestimates the cost of her purchases and has to quickly and quietly cough up the rest before there's any chance of a scene.

During your little errand stop Parison remains quiet and thoughtful, clearly taking in the sights and the 'feel' of Unstuck Uringen, but also apparently content to follow along with the rest of you in companionable silence for the time being.

Parison's player let me know he's still following along but hasn't felt that the character has much to say at the moment.

Once your errand is done, Janus then leads you all to the Oaken Knot tavern. You arrive at a large but cozy-looking building, clearly constructed from the wood that earned the tavern its name and decorated in intricately carved interlocking designs. It's near impossible to see through the curtained windows, but the sounds of dancing and singing from within can be heard.

As you enter the tavern you're welcomed by laughing voices and a feeling of comfort. It's as charming inside as it is on the outside; rounded wooden beams support the upper floor and twinkling lanterns dangle from each one. The tavern itself is packed and you notice a mixture of humans and fey among the clientele, laughing and talking and generally enjoying each other's company.

Over on a table by the fire sits a tiny, strange-looking being. Perched on the prickly legs of a cricket, this creature has gossamer wings and the upper body of an elven woman. She's dressed in a long shawl dyed in a vibrant rainbow, with her hair wrapped up into miniscule braids adorned with tiny blossoms.

"Ooh, new faces to Uringen!" the little creature calls out as the group of you walk in. "Here for tonight's party, are you?"

"We 'aven't tha time fer ah party," Rumble grumbles to the others. He'd say as much to the half-cricket, but the ire of some sort of Fey thing and Janus' expertise in such matters keeps his volume down, letting the others be more appropriately direct. There's no way I'm going to miss our 11:45 regroup for a bloody party!

Parison kept his words and his thoughts to himself as introductions with both mayors of Uringen. The trip through the wood, the primal vibe and the activity of trapspotting provided a focus to keep his thoughts from wandering to his inner doubts of his adequacy. Keeping silent as the others spoke to Ogden and Mieren.

Goddess, why am I here?

The cleric racked his brain. Every mission for the Society seemed to have a religious connotation that had allowed him to display his expertise. The diplomatic mission to establish peace with the Sewer Dragons didn't have any ties to religion or a base to spread the word of the Dawnflower, witnessing the brokered truce as a representative of the church of Sarenrae had given the alliance between both parties a religious stamp of approval that could swing some weight.

This missive from the Society was different from any he'd previously undertaken as an agent. There were no obvious religious ties, nor was it an ambassadorial mission of peace. He almost thought of seeking out Holgarin Smine and asking to be replaced once the group had been briefed on the particulars. An agent with an interest in science or a Numerian background seemed to be better suited for such an assignment. His friends, especially Rumble had been all that prevented him from asking to be replaced. He'd never be able to forgive himself if he'd not come and something dreadful should happen to them.

The overbearing presence of foreboding that had been omnipresent on their trek through the woods had done little to assuage the insecurity Parison felt. It was that insecurity that prompted him to keep quiet and just listen as the others spoke with the authority figures of the township. Wrapped up in his inner turmoil, he was uncharacteristically lax in trying to monitor the tone of the duo's words and their body language for any sutble clues about their personalities.

In Marduke's shop, Parison replaces his antiplague and picks up a pair of thunderstones. When they reach the Oaken Knot, the cleric observes the mix of people and suddenly wishes he'd thought to have purchased a weapon blanch that could give any of his weapons a one-shot effectiveness as if it were made of cold iron. The atmosphere within the inn's confines seems relaxing and it has an immediate effect on Sarenrae's disciple. Parison is unable to help himself, grinning, when Rumble complains to the group about having no time for merriment.

Thanks, battle-buddy. I needed that.

"I don't know what she is, but I think she was talking about when all the clock faces align tonight," he whispers back subtlely.

"You haven't the time not to party, mortal" Janus whispers to Rumble.

"Mistress Seripan, no doubt about it" Janus bows to the grig. Can't fail a DC11 Knowledge (Nature) check.

"We are, in fact, an old face. But our companions are new here. We would certainly be interested in the party. Is it connected to the anticipated Conjunction tonight? That is our primary collective interest."

"Are we not sure the conjunction and the party are not one in the same?" Zitheme asks. "If they are, then we are here for the party. Cerotius and Mayor Ogden suggested that we seek you out as the local historian and storyteller. Have you lived in the region long? Do you know much of the founding of Uringen?"

While the grig answers the questions posed, he leans towards Rumble. "Are you feeling unwell? You're passing up a chance to lift a mug and praise Torag?" he asks quietly.

Rumble sputters and starts a couple times before frowning. Gods damn it, THEY'RE RIGHT! If I haven't the time to praise Torag over a pint with friends, battle-buddies, and allies, I've got to make time!

Determined to do right by the best deity in the universe, the Dwarf marches up to the bar. "Aye'll 'ave ah pint o' tha darkest ye got, an' ah round ah the normal stuff fer each o' them!" he demands, slapping some coins down on the twisted wood of the bar. "We're doin' tha party too," he declares, pointing a finger back at the others, as if daring them to stop him now.

Zithembe smiles subtly.

I love this group!

"You got it, Sweet Cheeks," Seripan smiles as she returns Janus' bow. "Old *and* new faces both, huh? Well, it's great to meet all of you! I won't say that Uringen never gets any visitors but since it's so tricky to get here I will say that we don't see visitors that often."

Turning to Zithembe, the grig's eyes widen. "Oh, wow! Not to be rude but I've never seen anyone looking quite like you before. Are you another fey ambassador, come from Far Off Lands? Cerotius and I, and the others, we're sort of like that. We didn't agree with that...that...that lickspittle's ways! So we left the forest and came here."

"Not gonna lie, it was an adjustment...but most of the folks here in town are actually pretty nice once you get to know 'em," Seripan adds, gesturing around as both fey and human make merry, together. "But anyhoo, Mister Jade here has it right, the party and the convergeance, same thing! Lots of us are really excited about it, you know."

Upon seeing Rumble's newfound enthusiasm for said party, Seripan whoops and claps her hands. "Yeah! That's the spirit! But you're working for Aurelia, right? Cerotius mentioned she'd sent for some folks to give her a hand with her experiments tonight. So remember to drink responsibly!"
______________

While Seripan does already have a Friendly attitude towards the group...someone (or someones) give me a Diplomacy check. For Reasons :)

"We have been well recompensed in the society, but I doubt Rumble has enough coin to drink irresponsibly for a dwarf," Zithembe comments. "As to my being, no, I am not fey, though I have studied the spiritual nature of the First World and the manifestation of form through will. I am the product of an ancient and likely forgotten ritual given freedom by Pharasma. The few like me can be found more commonly in the outer planes.

"You said that you and the others came here because you disagreed with fey of the forest? One in particular? Mather Nithra? What is their objection to the people of Uringen?"

Guiding Spirit
Diplomacy (for Reasons), Spiritual Parlay: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 1 = 13
Diplomacy (for Reasons), Spiritual Parlay: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 1 = 18
Ugh. Well, 8 > 3, so I'll take the 8 for 18.