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

Game Master Lady Ladile

Knowledge: One of Those + Inspiration: 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (19) + 11 + (3) = 33

”For those of you that aren’t locals or haven’t been here before, this red-painted arch is a torii, a stylized gateway said to guard the boundary between the mortal world and the spirit world. Though common in some regions of Tian Xia, particularly in Minkai, these arches have special significance in Tianjing as symbols of the Tianji people's ancient responsibility. And if anyone is wondering, yes I saw the other side of several of these in my trip to the Boneyard.”

"I have no problem registering," Zithembe says. "Please direct me where to go once we arrive."

I dabble in magic. So that would be a minor registration, I guess.

"No, they won't clap you irons here," Tai Dan reassures Effie. "Like I said yesterday, it's more so that the government knows who they can call on in case of emergencies. The Twenty-Four Masks need to register as well so we can do so together when we arrive."
______________

After descending down the mountain path and through the torii gate you travel on for a few more hours before you finally reach your destination. The North Winds Watch is a squat fort featuring a lower level of ancient stone and an upper level with additional wooden structures of more modern design.

After a brief exchange with the posted guards as to your identifies, the company is allowed entry. While the majority of the Masks see to the task of stabling the horses and tending to the gear, Tai Dan motions for you to follow him to the fort's gatehouse to register. As you head inside, a rather bored-looking aasimar looks up from his desk.

"Yeah, whaddya want?" he asks in a noticeably apathetic and almost bothered tone. Tai Dan looks slightly taken aback by the soldier's attitude as he replies, "I am Tai Dan, leader of the Twenty-Four Masks, and these are a group known as the Pathfinders. We're here to register our presence in the country."

To this, the soldier sighs with exasperation. "See, about that, we don't really have all the right forms for that right now because we ran out a few weeks back. We'll probably get some in soon, though. If you're going to be staying here for a while I guess I can come find you when we get some in."

Tai Dan blinks in silence for a second and then finally sighs as well. "I see. Well, if there is nothing you can do then I guess there's nothing you can do. Just let the record show that we did come to register on arrival, in case there are any questions later."

The tengu leader stares down at the aasimar until it becomes clear that he's not budging until at least an effort is made to note your arrival at the fort. With another heavy sigh, the aasimar finally scrawls down a few sentences on a sheet of parchment paper.

"There, I'll put it in with the others. That's really all I can do right now though, okay?"

"Yes, that'll be sufficient for now. Thank you," Tai Dan replies before turning to leave. "Always good to cover your tailfeathers when it comes to these things," he whispers to you. "Document, document, document!"

"From the looks of it, the threat to the region is sloth," Zithembe notes. "Now is the time to begin talking to the guardians of this fort to learn what they have witnessed, if anything." He throws a dubious glance back at the gatehouse.

The Grandfrogger’s waits for Holan-Ji to translate Tai Dan’s conversation with the guard, then nods slowly in agreement with the tengu. “Teach us the same, the Society does. Explore, Report, Cooperate.”

Maria is not thrilled with registration, even though her purview generally does not fall under the same as those with magical abilities.

Then again, a person that can create a concoction to burn, freeze, melt or... pretty much do anything else is often closely watched in many places, so it isn't an unusual request. She still gives her thoughts though.

"It isn't that the reason now for registration is wrong, but what happens if those in charge change their minds or become a different regime. Suddenly you show up on a list that they don't like and become a target instead of an asset. Just look at what happened in the 'kingdom of man'. Her nose flares in anger at the last word, "Would you want to be a registered divine healer when all that went down? I think not."

___________________

At the fort she follows along and is moderately happy to see the results of their requested registration, "Ah I see, bureaucracy issues probably. Most things governments want to do fail to get done if there is too much work involved. It is the way of things everywhere. We should be fine." After asking for and recording the soldier's name, she then follows Zithembe around and tries to gather information.

Diplomacy to Gather Information + Inspiration: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 9 + (3) = 28

Strange.. I haven't noticed any slow moving animals hanging upside down in the trees..Maybe I should pay more attention. They are probably more warlike and dangerous than I thought, if Zith is so cautious about them.

Not to be out done by Zith, TTALH peels her eyes out for any suspectful sloths in the branches.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Effie smiles wryly at Maria's outburst and shakes her head.

"Maria, my dear friend. You record absolutely everything in that journal of yours, and only rarely do you stop to ask the consent of persons whose details you enter therein. How is that any different? Do you really think that it's fine for you just because you're an individual rather than a state servant? Isn't it worse because you're not accountable to anyone outside the Pathfinder Society?"

Maria sighs, "A personal record of history as it occurs is significantly different than an easily accessible public registry that could allow for mass biases to be exploited. And considering I very clearly write my notes in front of people, they have every opportunity to request personal details be obscured. So far though, that has only happened twice. A paranoid pirate and a very embarrassed courtesan. Both stemmed from quite fun activities though, so I could understand their reticence of it being in the historical record. Some people are a bit private."

She sucks on the tip of her quill as the obvious finally occurs to her, "Would you prefer your personal details kept off the record?"

"All information can be exploited in the wrong hands, Maria. Including your journal.

It's very peculiar to me that you feel you have a right to transcribe the most intimate details of other persons' activities but you object to the reasonable request of a sovereign people for information pertinent to their safety and security. I'm surprised at you, Maria."

I am *not* intending to interrupt this wonderful bit of RP with Maria & Effie - just assume that most of this happens after that conversation concludes :)

A bit flummoxed by the strange encounter you've had but (mostly) not thinking too much of it, you follow Tai Dan back outside. As the tengu leader heads off to check in with Toko and Naki, you begin to take a closer look at your surroundings...and realize that something's not right here.

Though not an especially large fort, the North Winds Watch seems oddly...empty. In fact, there aren't nearly as many soldiers as you'd expect to see and the ones that you do see seem to be going about their duties half-heartedly. The general sense of apathy is almost palpable, now that you really stop and look around.

But why?

Clearly, it's time to do a little mingling with the fort's occupants and get to the bottom of whatever it is that's going on. Maria sets out to do just that and learns a very interesting piece of information, shared by a rather tall and muscular aasimar of Tian-Shu descent who introduces himself as Cook Fong.

"Yeah, about two weeks back a tengu came to the fort. No idea where he came from and he didn't give a name either, just said he was a priest of Hei Feng. He stayed a few days and preached several sermons, got a bunch of folks in a tizzy. See, he said that taking such a passive approach to any potential qlippoth threats was actually weakening Tianjing," Fong explains. "And thing is, I could sort of see his point, because he talked about how it was foolish to keep on funneling resources towards a threat that may or may not ever be a problem again. So he said it'd make more sense to act directly, so the country can free up resources to deal with other problems and for folks' peace of mind, too."

Here, the cook sighs and shakes his head. "Like I said, it made sense, but we're not supposed to act without orders. Some of the others didn't see it that way, though. The second-in-command took fifty soldiers who were willing and left with the priest. Just up and deserted their posts! I hope it was worth it to them; they'll be executed if they're ever caught or try to return..."

Maria continues her discussion with Effie while they look around (y'all are welcome to ignore it and move on, that's cool).

"All information can be exploited in the wrong hands, Maria. Including your journal."

"That is a given, all things can be good or bad. This is the way of the world. Even the gods have the choice to do good or evil with their knowledge and power. Now, I think you believe I am somehow against the recording of information. That could not be any further from the truth. My concern is that this is a mandated thing. If it were voluntary registration for those willing to commit to a cause, then I would simply decide if I wished to support the cause or not and register accordingly. But a mandatory registration to simply know everyone who is 'something' simply opens itself up for the concerns I have already mentioned."

"But no, I freely consent to your including my contributions to Pathfinder Society missions in your personal records. But whomever I choose to consort with, courtesan or otherwise, is no concern of history's."

"Noted. If we have any sort of liaison of that nature, I will keep any identifiers off the record."

"It's very peculiar to me that you feel you have a right to transcribe the most intimate details of other persons' activities but you object to the reasonable request of a sovereign people for information pertinent to their safety and security. I'm surprised at you, Maria."

"How is it peculiar that I record my own experiences? I'm not sure how that is immoral or unethical or anything else. They are my experiences to record. I include that others are involved in my experiences so that I am not one of those pulp fiction braggarts, claiming to have done wonderous things by themselves. Those that wish to be excluded from my very open and identifiable recording of events have that right, which I obviously respect."

She pauses a bit, "I know you are arguing the case, but do you actually believe that this type of registration is a good thing? I have only seen it in three nations out of hundreds I have visited. The other two are Cheliax and Rahadoum. If you know much about those locations, you may understand where I am coming from a bit more."

Holan-Ji observes the back-and-forth between Effie and Maria, his head swiveling to and fro as if he was watching a Taldane court-ball match (not that he'd ever watch anything soooo boring, but you get the idea.) For a moment he considers intervening with a two-girl-and-tiger bear-hug (Why do bear's get all the good press for giving hugs? Tigers give good hugs, too!)

He opens his mouth to say something...

Don't you dare! Don't, don't, don't! How stupid are you? Wait, don't answer that. Ooh, hey, is that the Cook? a voice buzzes in his head. It's not the Tiger God, and for a moment he thinks it's Cherry Blossom Tender, before he realizes she's busy doing loops around Jobu's head chasing butterflies.

Uh, yeah, that's the Cook, he thinks back. An' who are you? he asks as he leaves the girls to their philosophical discussion and heads over to meet Cook Fong.

Me? You know who I am. Right? Right? No? Oh, uh, no, I see that you don't. Lemme give you a hint, she says (He can't be certain, but given the scolding and strident tone he decides to refer to this new voice as female.) Just as he makes this decision, dragonfly wings pop out of his back. He doesn't shift fully like he did on the boat, so he knows this is just a minor change. He realizes he feels a lighter lighter on his feet, so he sprints straight across the courtyard, the wings lightening his weight enough to really enhance his speed. He stops at the wall and turns back to see a few aasimars staring at the huge, tusked, whip-tailed, oni now sporting dragonfly wings. He smiles and waves politely, and they wisely turn away.

Okay, put 'em away, please. I get it. You're like that Tiger...

TIGER?? What tiger? Where? I don't see a tiger, or even a cat. I see a bunch o' goody-goody angel-bloods, two super-awesome elves, the hottie ifrit babe (hubba-hubba), the cool old frog. And that jade dude with a stick up his...

Stop! Never mind. Okay, you're the dragonfly spirit or whatever. Got it. And those people are my friends and teammates, so how's about you put a filter on yer' commentary about 'em, please.

He waits but gets neither an apology nor affirmation, only stony silence. Yep, definitely a female. Anyway, I do like the new form, and I'm hopin' you'll get to show me how to use it effectively. But for now I'm gonna go talk to a real person.

For you see, Holan-Ji can't shake the growing feeling that he's going truly insane. For who's to say what will happen if and when he gets more forms....

"There seems to be a pattern of corrupted zealotry in these lands," Zithembe muses out loud. He then ask Tai Dan or Holan-Ji to interpret. "Do they know where the deserters went?"

"You've travelled in Tianji before Maria. Do you think they'd misuse your information? We agree that there's always the potential for misuse, but unless you know that Tianji isn't legitimately looking out for its own citizens then they're at as much risk from your 'secret journal' as you are from their magic-user register. Except that the Tian bureaucrats are accountable to their people.

It took you two and a half years to think to ask if I was okay with you writing down personal information about me in your book, Maria. Two and a half years!" Effie is visibly cross at the thought. "I never assumed that's what you were doing till you confessed just now and you never offered to let me read what you wrote - no I don't want to now - and I don't imagine you asked anyone else you've been traveling with." Effie huffs.

"What you have done Maria is far worse than what Tianji is asking of us. Far worse. You simply aren't thinking of anyone but yourself. That's the difference. The Tianji are concerned for each other - you're just interested in yourself!"

Effie stomps off to go and cool down and maybe get her head back in the mission.

Did someone say something about Hei Feng? Is he involved after all?

Maria looks at her.

Her jaw drops and she sputters out, "Have you... what... YOU TRAVELED WITH ME FOR TWO YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EVEN READ A SINGLE ONE OF MY REPORTS TO SEE WHAT I SAY ABOUT EVERYONE AND WHAT WE DID?!? BECAUSE IF YOU DID YOU WOULD SEE ZERO 'SUPER SECRET PERSONAL DETAILS' LISTED THERE. Nothing but names and activities and my personal opinions about our actions or inactions. AND OF COURSE MY JOURNALS ARE DANGEROUS! THAT IS WHY THEY ARE SECURED AT THE ARCHIVES JUST LIKE THE ARTEFACTS WE OBTAIN! AND DEAR GODDESS YOU CALL ME SELFISH EVEN THOUGH I AM OUT HERE JUST LIKE THE REST OF US RISKING OUR LIVES TO HELP PEOPLE AND DO GOOD JUST BECAUSE I WRITE DOWN WHAT THE FRACK WE DO?!?"

Her face is red and she takes a breath to calm herself down as Effie stomps off. She flips back three pages in her journal and crosses out a single line.

Party Member: Effie Gee joins the briefing. See appendix G.

She pulls out another journal from her pack with a large "G" on it and opens it to the seventh page and crosses out a small paragraph.

She then tracks down each party member and specifically asks them the following question, "Do you assent to having your name and likeness used in my report of this mission and any future mission reports? Apparently it isn't an assumed thing that you could be mentioned in my report as a fellow teammate and I am have been informed that it is a violation of your freedoms to include your existence in my report. I can draw up a contract if you wish or simply remove you from all notes and reports henceforth."

When done she climbs up onto the fort's wall and thinks for a bit.

Frick. That is what I get for trying to be helpful and sharing my opinion on things. I figured everyone LIKED me managing most of the notes of the mission and compiling a nice report to submit at the end. But apparently they don't. Ugh, this sucks. BLASTED PALADINS!

"Hmm? Consent to what?" Zithembe blinks up at the elf and muses. "I did not consent to my own creation nor to wear the face of a tyrant bound for the Abyss for eternal punishment." He chuckles. "I stand by may actions. The only record that matters is that kept by the nosoi and interpreted by the yamaraj." He pauses. "That is a long way to say that you may, Maria. I see no harm in it." And so he gives the elf an alternative paladin's perspective.

"Blue ginger? How'd you get that way up here?" Holan-Ji asks Cook Fong while handling a small tuber. He sets it down as Maria strides up and listens to her request.

He shrugs. "Yeah, o' course. Saves me havin' to do the 'Report' part. I usually just put somethin' like 'See Agent Kuerlara's report on this mission.' The clerk sees your name, takes one look at me, and waves me out. How'd you think I always get ta' the after-mission restaurant first to arrange things for us?"

He takes Maria by the elbow and leads her out of Cook Fong's presence. "But since you mention it, could I ask a favor from ya' this time? Like I said before, I gotta watch my back here in this part o' Tian Xia. Could ya' leave my name outta this report when we get back? Just call me Tiger instead, or somethin'? Just in case," he finishes with a poignant look back towards the gate and north towards Chu Ye.

=============================

Later he spots Maria sitting on a wall all by herself. He approaches her from behind, but makes sure that she knows it's him.

"Hey," he begins and Maria suddenly finds herself wrapped in a big hug. "I just wanna say I really appreciate what you do. Not just with the reports, but everything. Thanks."

“Ooo you’re writing about me yes you can write down my name do you know how to speak properly so you can spell my name like it’s supposed to be said I usually ask people to call me Cherry Blossom Tender because it’s faster than them fumbling with ‘Un-sy'n-tueddu-at-y-blodau-ceirios’ and then they have to say it twice or three times or four times and by that point I’ve forgotten what we were talking about what are we talking about I’m hungry do you have anything to eat in there wait you’re writing stuff down can I see what you’re writing about is it about us did you talk about m-“

Yep, Holan-Ji or Tai Dan can act as interpreter while you're talking with the fort's occupants.

Fong shifts awkwardly from foot-to-foot as the conversation between Maria and Effie reaches a boiling point. As the two women swiftly head in opposite directions, he exhales slowly and gives the rest of the group a sympathetic look.

<"Yikes. Guess we're not the only ones with problems, huh? I hope they can work it out, whatever it is,"> he remarks, completely forgetting to answer Holan-Ji's question.

"Do they know where the deserters went?"

Fong shakes his head. <"Not that I know of, at least not specifically. But you might want to ask Noro, one of the scouts. He and some of the others found some sort of strange blight, out in the wood. Spirits bless him, he's about the only one here that's still got some pep in his step. Anyway, it might have something to do with wherever that priest went with the others.">

The Grandfrogger dams the stream of words flooding from the floating fey’s mouth with a piece of fried lotus root. In the silence that follows, he clears his throat. “My permission to record my name in your reports, you have.” He pauses for a moment, then continues. “But about names, your question is not. Hurt, you are. Happy to listen to your thoughts, I am.” The small figure waits for a few more seconds before nodding and giving the taller scholar some space.

GROUP HUG!

Of course, Hep notices Tigger hugging Maria.

And there are few things better than a hug (hint: spanking is one of these things) (another hint: group hugging are even better than single hugging) (logical conclusion: anyone for a group spanking?). She doesnt understandwhy Maria and Effie have a spat. Maybe they should hug each other? Maybe they should spank each other? Probably both, just to be sure.

That's the trouble with you lot, rule-stickers: there is always a rule to argue about. Saying you are selfish is using one S too many (hint: I'm speaking of the initial S). I'm sorry for you if you are sad I never read your reports. I can either promise you never too read one, or to read them all after these mission. Whatever makes you smile again. I trust you. I know you are responsible. Unlike me or Tigger. Well, you can always trust us both to act without responsabilty or too much respect for the laws and rules. Of course you have to write about me, to tell the future generations of Pathfinders how awesome I am. How would they know? You are doing everything you can so the story of our adventure never fade into history, so people can learn from my mistakes. Even more important , you are writing that people can put their differences aside and work together for the greater good, that all hope isn't lost, even in the gloomest days. Friendship isn't without its hardships. I know I'm not the most consistent mind around, that I can, and probably will, act rashly, without a second thought for any consequences. But you like me, and respect me, as I like and respect you. You know I will do everything I can to save you, that I will never steal your booknotes to draw funny faces on your reports-well, I have been tempted once or thrice, but I didn't succumb to the temptation. Because it's important to you.Because it's important to who you are, who you strive to be.

She stops, hugs Maria again, and adds
And Effie misses totally the point: all Pathfinder's Archives, I guess, are written without the consent of each agent. Probably so everyone can give his or hers point of view, learning from different experiences, yadda yadda... So don't bother too much with it. If you want tips about how to break the rules, look at me and Tigger. If you think we shouldn't register on the administration's log, I'll follow your advice.

Slightly earlier

"c-e-i-r-i-o-s, got it, thanks!"

She glances down at the grippli offering an ear and purses her lips, "I'm fine, thanks." It doesn't take a high intuition to know what those words really mean.

Now

Hearing the soft yet heavy steps of the shifter moving up behind her, she prepares for another argument. As he says hello, she replies with a curt "Hi Tig..." and then *eeps* as he wraps his big arms around her.

Stuttering she squirms for a second, "I-I wha-at" then her walls fall a bit and she reaches up to hold his arms in place while the tension slowly melts from her shoulders.

The hug holds for almost too long until she hears the random clicking gait of Hep approaching quickly. She steels herself for the predictable glomp and then listens to the nattering loosely, hoping to pick up a nugget or at least respect the other elf while she is speaking.

Maria accepts the second hug and wipes at her eyes, they are totally dry of course. That dampness on her sleeve was snot, from pollen allergies. This forest is full of it.

She stands and hugs Holan-Ji back, "Thank you, I didn't know I needed a hug. I guess most people don't know that actually, until they get one. I'm sorry, I'm just blabbering along. Anyway, thank you. And you too Hep. I have a bit to think about, but let's get back to the mission. I heard someone say a scout might know something?"

And I have an apology to work on too.

Zithembe filters Hepsubia's buzzing to the background. She must descend from fey stock. Now that I hear Cherry Blossom and her speak side by side, it makes sense. "Where can we find Noro?"

<"Rabble-rousing,"> Fong answers, with a rueful expression. <"Kinda funny, that's what got this place into the shape it's in to begin with! But to actually answer your question, I think I saw him up on the ramparts not long ago.">

Cook Fong gives you a brief description of Noro and after everyone (or at least some of you) take a few minutes for heartfelt conversation and to collect yourselves, you head up on the fort's ramparts to find Scout Noro. As it turns out, he's nearly impossible to miss as you find him engaged in a mostly one-sided conversation with a couple of the soldiers currently on patrol.

<"I know it'd be against orders but we can't just sit around and do nothing,"> the young aasimar pleads, his green eyes conveying a sense of eagerness and anticipation. <"We need to study the blight more closely and find a way to stop it before it gets worse! Who knows how long it'll be until we get reinforcements?">

His fellow soldiers sigh and shake their heads and continue on their path, clearly having heard Noro's speech more than once. The young man's shoulders slump slightly but as he glances over and notices your presence his demeanor brightens again.

<"Oh! Hello, you're part of that company that just got here, right? I'm Noro Yuto. Is there something I can help you with?">

"There is something we may be able to help each other with," Zithembe says, waiting for one of their native speakers to interpret. "We want to investigate this blight. Cook Fong told us you have found some, and we could not help but overhear you just now."

He waits and then adds. "We have seen blight in Tian Xa--and zealots instigating the people under false pretenses--before."

As they head up the stairs to find the scout, Maria falls into step next to Effie. She doesn't hesitate, "Hey, sorry. I got way out of line there. Disagreements are fine, but I pushed it to a yelling match, and that is not acceptable. It won't happen again."

_________________________

She translates as Zithembe speaks, then adds in Celestial, <"Our last mission showed us the exact consequence of ignoring blight. We don't want any part of this beautiful country becoming like that.">

Aid Diplomacy + Inspiration: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 4 + (1) = 8

She does speak Tien and it looks like only Holan-Ji also speaks it. I think we lost one or two pc's that spoke it, or I was thinking of something else.

Effie lays her hand on Maria's arm and smiles gently. "Thanks, Maria. You and I are more different than I thought. I was taken aback. But we're still friends, and comrades-in-arms as well. Our differences aren't going to get in the way of that."

Effie pauses a moment, and looks into Maria's eyes with a more serious expression. "I hope you'll think on what I said. 'Report' is one of our tenets and I promise to read yours. 'Co-operate' is another, and I believe that means more than just on the battlefield. We help each other. Our diversity is our strength" Effie glances sideways at Hepsubia "but not if we insist on acting as individuals rather than a team. And that goes for me too."

"Now, didn't someone say that a priest of Hei Feng took half this fort's troops off looking for a blight? I understand the desire to act - but encouraging soldiers to desert their posts to chase the unknown seems reckless at best. Not something my Duke of Thunder would encourage. It looks like we better get after them."

"I suspect it is a false priest again," Zithembe comments to Effie.

Holan-Ji stands behind the others, in spite of being one of the only two that speak the local tongue. He lets Maria take the lead on translating, since it's much more likely that she'll have good ideas to express rather than just being the mouthpiece like he'd be doin'.

That, and anyone listening would immediately notice his Chu Ye accent. The consonants are rougher, and the double-vowels get shortened a little compared to here. Likely due to the fact that Chu Ye is ruled by oni's and giants, and the humans are just slaves. Or worse.

He does step in when Effie asks about Hei Feng. Since he doesn't know the Scout's affiliation with that group, he asks, "<Scout Noro, this priest of Hei Feng, are you with him? Do you know where he led the others?>"

Two of you speak Tien and it looks like three of you speak Celestial so communication isn't an issue.

Scout Noro's eyes widen. <"Wait, you're wanting to investigate the blight? Then the gods and spirits must be smiling on us after all! I'm sure you noticed that morale around here is in the latrine but I've not been having much luck in getting the others pepped up enough to do anything about what's going on. So if you're willing to help, I'll tell you what I know.>"

Scout Noro goes on to explain that just last week he and some of the other scouts discovered evidence of an unnatural blight - a creeping pale orange fire that doesn't burn, but rather freezes and corrupts everything it touches - spreading throughout Kaimuko Wood. Many of the fort's remaining occupants believe the blight to be the precursor to a full qlippoth invasion, but while Commander Gu Xiang has officially requested reinforcements, there has yet to be a response from the Tianji government.

<"So...everyone's pretty demoralized, what with staring down a likely invasion while we're understaffed,"> Noro concludes. <"I've not got anything against Hei Feng but I wasn't about to just go running off into the wood on the say-so of a traveling priest. If him and this blight are connected like you think they might be, then you might pick up the deserters' trail at the edge of the blight. Here, I'll give you directions on how to get there, even better if you've got a map of the area...">
______________

And now you know where to go. But wait, there's more! Another post to follow, please stand by~

Though you now have a more concrete lead to follow, the thought of immediately rushing off given the fort's low morale gives at least some of you pause. While it's probably not a good idea to dally, maybe you can still do something to help here at the fort before you and the Twenty-Four Masks head out again. Perhaps talking to a few of the fort's movers and shakers might yield results?
______________

There are a few people of note that you can interact with here to try and raise morale and potentially get some assistance for the task head:

Commander Gu Xiang, currently in her office.

Sergeant Bai Zhi, acting quartermaster.

Scout Noro, whom you've already met.

Cook Fong, whom you've also already met.

Tai Dan might also have some ideas on how to help.

You may Aid Another or you can split up to try and cover more ground. That said, it takes about two hours to impress each NPC and it's currently noon; you've got 10 hours before most of the fort goes to bed for the night. Each NPC has their own set of skills that are used to impress them so it's not just straight Diplomacy checks. Just let me know how you want to proceed and we'll get started!

{GRRRR.....} the tiger-man's stomach rumbles as they stand around yapping with Scout Joro. "Sorry," he says with a shrug and a pat of his hard-muscled abs. "But sounds like it's time for me to go get somethin' to eat. I'm gonna talk to Cook Fong. Maybe see if I can help him out if he's short handed."

Holan-Ji heads back to the kitchen. His time leading food tours in Absalom and wherever they happen to end up on missions means he's conversant with ingredients, but he's certainly not skilled with knives or other kitchen tasks. He helps out where he can, and tries to raise morale among the dejected troops with overblown descriptions of the food and stories about where some of the ingredients and recipes came from. Oh, yeah, and he busses tables, too.

 Profession Food Tour Guide? Or is there something more specific?

If we can tease out what each one needs/the skill checks in less than 2 hours each, then splitting up is fine. And since we're here, not that Zithembe is necessarily the best to deal with it...

"We should probably introduce ourselves to Commander Gu," he says. "Before we depart, Scout Noro, is there anything you or the rest of the soldiers here need?"

As Holan-Ji peaces out to head back to the kitchen for something to eat and to see if he can help Cook Fong out, Scout Noro thinks for a moment on Zithembe's request. <"Well...since no one around here really wants to listen to me, maybe you could try talking to some of the others and see if you can convince them to join me on a mission to study the blight. Some of you might have a better way with words than I do, you know? And if we can get enough support for it, maybe the Commander will give us the official go-ahead so we don't have to sneak around under her nose.">

Diplomacy or Intimidate to get some of the other soldiers to join Noro's mission. As always, I'm open to other creative ideas as well!
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Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Cook Fong actually seems rather glad for some company and some help in the kitchen. <"You know, I've wanted to serve up a proper meal for everyone for a while now, one that really highlights Tianji cooking traditions,"> he remarks to Holan-Ji as the two work. <"I'd love to see what your friends think, since I don't get to cook for foreigners very often. And, well, maybe it'd remind the others a little bit of why they're fighting in the first place. A taste of home, you know?">

Profession: Cook or other cooking-related skills (so I'd definitely allow Food Tour Guide) will work; alternatively Survival to help by gathering ingredients out in the woods or other creative ideas to make an inspiring dish!

The Grandfrogger waits for Holan-Ji to translate the cook’s request before nodding slowly. “Collect ingredients, I can. Speak no language, garlic does.”

Survival: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

Profession Food Tour Guide : 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Hehe. Holan-Ji's Survival is higher than his Profession, but I'm happy that Jobu's going foraging.

"You know what yer' lookin' for, right Jobu?" Holan-Ji checks just to be sure, using the Tien-derived nickname. "And you, don't eat all the ingredients," he reminds CBT.

He wanders around the mess hall, chatting with the soldiers and talking up the meal that Cook Fong has prepared (and sampling plenty of it too, of course.) The blue ginger adds a nice zestiness to the Benchu Bay grouper, and Jobu's garlic and foraged herbs brighten the clay-pot rice and chicken. But the highlight of the meal are the Zetang-style  egg tarts for dessert! At which point Holan-Ji excuses himself, being wise enough to know that he lacks the self-control to keep from eating way more than his fair share.

"I can go speak with the soldiers about that," Zithembe says. "However, we should--," he pauses as Holan-Ji runs off to subdue his stomach, "--pay our respects to the Commander."

"Leave the soldiers to me, Zith" Effie offers. "You go clear the scouts' mission with the Commander, we'll save time that way."

You're as much a warrior as any of them now, Effie. And probably more experienced.

With some help and direction from Scout Noro, Effie rouses the troops.

"You're not happy about the fort's forces being split" she begins. "Because you care about your country and your peoples' safety. And you care about your comrades who followed the priest. Well now you've a chance to do something positive and do it with your Commanders' blessing."

Zith'll pull through on that count.

"Scout Noro found the blight, and the Twenty Four Masks and the Pathfinders are going to investigate. We'll find your comrades too. And if there is a possible qlippoth invasion, we'll put a stop to it.

Who's with us?!"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

The shabit's peculiar Garundi construction makes it impossible to see that he is rolling his eyes. "Very well," he concedes, "I shall bear our respects to the commander. Tai Dan may need to come with me, if the commander does not speak the language of Heaven."

Hepsubia will go to see the quartermaster. Maybe he could use some extra alchemical items?

Craft Alchemy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

Maria sticks with Zithembe, ”I can translate.”

She tries to suss out what the commander is all about.

Sense Motive + Inspiration: 1d20 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 13 + (5) = 22

Holan-Ji & The Grandfrogger

The tiefling and the grippli (okay and the brownie too) make an unlikely culinary team but it works. The Grandfrogger and Cherry-Blossom Tender manage to scope out plentiful batches of fresh herbs in the nearby forest while Holan-Ji mills around the mess hall and other areas of the fort, talking up the fantastic meal that's in the works. Combined with Cook Fong's own knowhow, soon enough there's a truly mouth-watering aroma wafting from the kitchen and the fort's remaining soldiers are lined up out the door, eager to partake.

Success!
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Effie

Staying behind with Scout Noro, Effie does some quick thinking and launches into a rather stirring and inspiring speech. She admittedly has to hedge her bets slightly on Zithembe and Maria talking some sense into Commander Xiang, but she has every confidence in her comrades. As she speaks to a crowd of gathered soldiers, the ifrit can see the light of hope creeping back into their eyes.

"You really think Commander will give the okay? Seems risky to leave the fort that much more undefended..." one aasimar hesitantly asks.

"Any riskier than sitting here like...well, sitting ducks?" another replies. "Besides, we can't just let these folks take on a job that's supposed to be ours anyway. If they're offering to help then we need to give them as much support as we can!"

"Yeah! Let's do it! I'm tired of waiting and moping around!" several more cry.

In short order, Effie and Noro find they have plenty of volunteers for a mission into Kaimuko Wood! Now to see what Commander Xiang has to say on the matter...wait, something smells good and it's coming from the kitchen...

Success!
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Hepsubia

Doing her own thing, as usual, Hepsubia bops off to check on Sergeant Bai Zhi, the fort's quartermaster. One of the few non-aasimar humans in the fort, she finds him taking inventory of the fort's remaining gear and grumbling all the while. Though his Celestial is a little rougher than his Tien, it's still good enough for the two to communicate with each other.

<"The deserters stole so much good gear when they left,"> he explains. <"We practice with the longsword, longspear, short sword, and crossbow mainly. Since we expect to either defend the fort or fight in the wood, many other weapons and typical formations are of little use to us. And now we have less of the things we need! What if a blade breaks or a trigger snaps? No backups and repairs are a tall order in the middle of battle!">

Though Hepsubia can't be of much help in repairing the fort's more traditional weapons, what she can offer are alternatives in the form of alchemical weapons and supplies. Even better, many of the needed ingredients can be harvested from the wood itself or at least substituted from there, if need be.

<"Good fortune has smiled on us at last,"> Bai Zhi grins a short time later, his dark mood completely vanished. <"With these vials and pastes we can make our strikes count for even more, enough to make up for the gear we're missing!">

Success!
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Zithembe & Maria

Meanwhile, Zithembe and Maria have little trouble in gaining admittance to Commander Xiang's office. An aasimar of Tian-Shu descent, she carries herself with the bearing of a competent military commander.

<"Ah, yes, you are part of the visiting troop that arrived earlier, yes? Allow me to welcome you to the North Winds Watch, such as it is,"> she says in greeting. <"Is there something that I can help you with?">

Maria notices that despite her show of calm confidence, Commander Xiang has a weary and haunted look in her eyes. It seems that the recent events at the fort have been weighing heavily on her.

The elf thinks for a moment, "Now is the time to act, before things are whittled too far to be able to do anything. My friend here has some thoughts."

Diplomacy + Inspiration Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (13) + 4 + (1) = 18

"Thank you for your welcome, Commander. I hope that there is something we can help you with," Zithembe begins. "We were sent to investigate the troubles rumored in this country, and scout Noro has advised us of both the priest who fomented the abandonment of the fort by many of your men and the strange blight in the nearby wilds. We have experience with both charming priests and blights in Tian Xa, though this blight sounds stranger. We would like permission to help Noro investigate these blights."

Diplomacy, Aid Another: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 + 2 = 20 +2 vs. good-alignment

Zithembe & Maria

<"I see..."> Xiang murmurs, brow furrowed in thought. <"I will be frank; with our current numbers I can't spare enough people to both investigate the blight *and* safely hold the fort. But if you and your allies are tasked with looking into these troubles...">

Commander Xiang drums her fingers on her desk, mulling over the options and possibilities. Finally, she slams her hand down, resolute. <"Very well! If you are willing to add your numbers to ours, then I believe I can spare enough of my people to aid you without jeopardizing our position here.">

Zithembe and Maria, along with Tai Dan, spend a while longer with Commander Xiang to discuss strategy. As the meeting winds down, a bell can be heard ringing from outside - the dinner bell.

<"Ah! What timing. Mealtime is a fine time as any to speak with everyone at once. Come, join us,"> Xiang beckons.
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As the sun settles on the horizon and the day draws towards its end, everyone finds themselves gathered in the fort's mess hall for dinner. You notice that morale seems to have improved among the fort's remaining defenders; they now move and speak with determination and a renewed sense of hope. Faces brighten even more as everyone realizes that instead of the usual fare, tonight's meal is a meal fit for a king.

While everyone is passing through the chow line those of you with sharp eyes notice Commander Xiang speaking quietly with Scout Noro and Sergeant Bai Zhi. Once everyone is served and seated, she stands and clears her throat to get everyone's attention.

<"As all of you surely know by now, we have been graced with the presence of agents from the Way of the Kirin as well as the far-flung Pathfinder Society,"> she begins, gesturing towards you and the Masks. <"Early tomorrow, they leave to investigate Kaimuko Wood and the corruption which has settled within. After speaking with them and assessing our own situation, it has been decided that Scout Noro and some of you will be joining them. I want to thank those of you who have already volunteered for this assignment for the courage you express with this act, and would like to thank our guests for making it possible.">

She pauses briefly, and sighs. <"Remember that the deserters swayed by the Hei Fengan priest are out there. I know some of you have good friends among their ranks, but I appeal to your sense of duty - these deserters are to be trialed and punished for what they have done. Keep that in mind. Thank you, and good luck.">

Afterwards, she approaches your table. <"I would like to thank you for helping us. Since we lack men, I will allow you to pick some of the extra gear from our armory. Speak to me after the meal, and we can arrange it.">

As the Pathfinders enter the chow hall, Holan-Ji waves in greeting from where he stands near the serving line chatting with a group of soldiers. He doesn't move to join them when they grab a table, instead choosing to sit with the aasimars and a few tengu.

He's pretty happy with how the meal turned out (thanks to Jobu and CBT), and how well it's raised morale. But his face suddenly darkens when Commander Xiang mentions the deserters. When she finishes her speech and approaches the Pathfinder table, he abruptly stands and walks over to join the team.

<"Commander, you said you want to try the deserters, and I totally get that. But if we gotta fight 'em, do we have to capture 'em? Or are we free to use deadly force if we gotta? Sorry to be morbid, but it makes a big difference in how we, and me especially, fight."> He gives an apology shrug to the team, knowing that the more goody among them are gonna want to capture the deserters. But he's gotta ask, and the Masks may not share their compunctions.

None of that gear is any use for Holan-Ji, except the Cure potion. And even that he isn't likely to stop to use, especially if he's Shifted, so someone else probably ought to take it anyway. 

Maria stays quiet to allow Commander Xiang to answer, but she expects the rule of law here is like most places. If an outlaw resists physically, one may use physical force to enforce the arrest. Even up to deadly force, depending on the level of resistance.

After a surprisingly nice meal, she heads to the armory to catalog their options. She selects a small cold iron shortsword and an oil of magic weapon. Anything not taken by the rest of the group also ends up in her magical bag of useful stuff, one never knows.

In the dying light of the day, she is outside practicing thrusts with her new weapon, "I haven't swung a blade like this in many years. But it seems like yesterday. It has excellent heft."

I should probably buy a melee weapon that can cut stuff after this mission. That is a slight oversight.

<"Our duty to this land and its people comes first,"> Commander Xiang answers quietly, her tone solemn. <"If you encounter any of the deserters and can bring them back alive, please do so. But if they resist or take up arms against you...do what needs to be done to defend yourselves.">