Few dare tread through the ancient groves of the Verduran Forest, and those who do settle in these woodlands tend to stay close to their communities. Mystery and danger rarely deter agents of the Pathfinder Society, however. When the semi-retired Pathfinder Falbin ventured from his home deep in the wood, he came across an unexpected pocket of flourishing growth and summer weather in the middle of the wintery forest. He fears that this disturbance is the work of a cabal of druids whose mayhem the Society ended six years ago. Have the druids returned to wreak havoc, or are other forces at play?
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1–5.
__________
The Sellen River bears a multicolored blanket of fallen leaves upon its broad surface, but the Freewind’s bow scatters them as it glides towards Bellis. Though the logging season has ended, the town still buzzes with life. Bellis is a small, but thriving town, whose inhabitants produce lumber, honey, beeswax, and mead. But as of late it's also been the neighbor to some unusual weather patterns observed in the nearby Verduran Forest - and that's where you come in. Venture-Captain Brackett of the Almas Lodge in Andoran bade you set sail for Bellis, offering only a short note of explanation as to why. But this isn't your first rodeo as Pathfinders and so here you are, watching as your destination grows steadily larger on the horizon.
__________
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As is often the case at the start of a mission, Auberon ponders why he was selected. Strange weather patterns? He has no mastery of such things. No doubt it is an opportunity to learn. The rush to boat meant little time for introductions, and now his natural shyness prevents him from being the first to approach others, although he recognizes Eutrophia from past missions. He admires her martial prowess. Auberon is intrigued by Pai, and hopes to learn from him. He finds Meligaster unnerving, and does not know what to make of Flynn or Xavilon.
|
Pai is glad to be on the river and spends much of his time sitting in the prow, watching the boat part the waves. He cannot remember traveling in this part of Avistan and the autumn display is stunning.
The fellow called Auberon seems uncomfortable among his peers. Pai wonders if the others find his appearance off-putting, or if Auberon assumes that they do. He makes a note to try small talk when the opportunity presents itself.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Megalister is pleased to be among a new group - new personalities means new opportunities for them to work their magic. They notice that Auburn seems uncomfortable. Shy perhaps. Good. That's something to work with. As for Pai, the fellow spends all his time staring at the water. Boring! There are people around, human beings full of foibles and feelings just begging to be played with. It's going to be a fun mission.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Trophie frowns as she leans over the railing of the ship, unable to find a trace of the pleasant autumnal breeze she had expected when she left for the Sellen River. She had welcomed the chance to get out of the libraries of Skyreach, but now she was more in the mood for bonfires than balmy afternoons.
I had my fill of tropical weather in Sargava! I thought we’d get some relief out here. Has anyone been to Bellis before? You all look like you've seen a bit of the world.
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Flynn spends his time chatting and listening. He lives by the motto that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Of course, not so much because he has a natural desire to connect with and understand people but because he's learned that listening is crucial if want to be able to manipulate people. He's not evil mind you, just a generally pro social sociopath. He lives by the motto that might makes right, too.
I've never been to Bellis, but if it's half as fun as the last mosquito ridden place I landed in, we should be in for a good time. Assuming you consider pigs pupating into puss covered pig/mosquito hybrids a good time.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Standing on the deck, his hair to the wind, there is a half-elf whose face is covered with a white mask. He wears a black breastplate made of mithral and has a scarification on his right hand displaying an eagle and a dagger. His long pale hair fly on both sides of his mask. When the woman named Eutrophia breaks the ice, he bows to each of you and speaks up.
"Fellow agents, even if my name matters not, the code dictates that I share it. I'm a professional sent by the silver crusade to ensure your security. I'm Xavilon Starnon. Pleasure." he says.
On his side, you notice two deadly eastern blades, a katana and a wakizashi.
Looking at the town growing in the horizon, he scoffs. "Trouble with the weather? I've known this in my homeland. Never is a good sign, as you say."
Facing the party, he clears his throat. "Don't think I want to be a leader of some sort. However, we could profit from the few instants we still have left to share our 'specialities', for the 'cooperate' part of our motto."
He pauses but begins to speak. Through the mask, you can still feel his eagerness to be on the field. "I am a melee striker. If I vanish in combat, do not fear for I am probably studying my target to slay it the fastest way possible. I won't let them harm any member of the society. What about you, companions?" he asks to no-one in particular.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Trophie considers Xavilon's words for a moment, and replies, ”I know my way around a barroom brawl, Xavilon, but I do like to keep a bit of space between myself and anything truly nasty.”
As she continues, Trophie lets the light coat she’s wearing fall open, revealing a bandolier packed with sharpened wooden stakes. “I suppose my biggest conviction is: Once something’s dead, it should stay that way.
Rounding to Pai, she says, ”The only thing I feel in the air is too much moisture, but I trust your judgement if you think something sinister is happening. Venture-Captain Brackett wouldn’t have sent us out here to investigate, otherwise. Hopefully that gnome he mentioned can fill us in.”
|
|
May the ancestors honor you both. My many and varied lives have made me versatile in combat. I can afflict enemies with bad luck, tap into my knowledge of matters arcane for offensive spells, call upon the ancestors to smite our enemies, and heal my friends and allies.
Pai responds to Trophie, "Trophie, I find your youthful insouciance refreshing and I share your hope that Falbin can assist us on our quest."
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Sensing an opportunity to speak, Auberon says, "Xavilon, I join you in seeking to protect others." And then, by way of demonstration, he leaps into the air, sailing over Meligaster's head, to brush the ball of his foot gently along Xavilon's mask, as he comes to land next to him. "I am also a student of the world, and with Irori's guidance, I've studied widely, including this world and it's wonders."
Gesturing to Trophie, "And wait to you see what she can do with those stakes."
Bowing his head slightly in deference to his many lives, Auberon asks "Master Enapaishni, what do the spirits say of this weather disturbance?"
|
|
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
Meligaster inwardly rolls their eyes. The usual mix of do gooders and showboats - it's astonishing that the Society manages to get anything done at all, with these people tripping over themselves on the way to the front line of battle. The best battles, Meligaster thinks, is the one you don't even have to fight.
Or better yet, the one you can get others to fight for you.
Without having any real firsthand accounts of the unusual weather phenomena or direct observation, it's difficult to say just what's going on - but of course when you have the spirits themselves on your side, all bets are off! And of course some of you might already know a little bit about Bellis and the nearby Verduran Forest through past experience, word of mouth, or study.
The vast Verduran Forest teems with druids, fey, and treants, many of whom clash with the Andoran-based Lumber Consortium over their clear-cutting practices.
One reason for the Verduran’s high population of fey is the thin border between the forest and the First World, a plane of reality where fey can live forever.
Enclaves of druids perennially cause trouble for loggers in the Verduran Forest. Although the most feared cabal are the Primordial Ones, a feral gang from Briar Henge has been sniffing about the woods to the east, transforming into giants and ambushing loggers.
The forest’s fabled affinity with the First World sometimes attracts those who wish to exploit extraplanar magic. Tales tell of hapless arcanists who open gates to the First World only to unleash more than they bargain for. These gates are often accompanied by sudden and fantastical spurts of growth among the local flora and fauna that planar scholars refer to as blooms.
|
|
Xavilon tries to maintain the maximum of serenity when Auberon does his trick.
I'm glad for the mask in such situations... he thinks.
"I'm not tied to the spirits, however I have heard that the vast Verduran Forest teems with druids, fey, and treants, many of whom clash with the Andoran-based Lumber Consortium over their clear-cutting practices. One of my many contacts in the area reported that one reason for the Verduran’s high population of fey is the thin border between the forest and the First World, a plane of reality where fey can live forever. Maybe our mission has something to do with this?" says the half-elf, scratching his head.
He pauses and then notices the silent halfling.
"What about yourself, master halfling? Are you also an 'at stake person' ?" he asks politely, grinning slightly beneath the mask.
|
|
Auberon reflects on what he knows of the area . . .
"Indeed, Xavilon, and druids perennially cause trouble for loggers in the Verduran Forest. The most feared cabal are the Primordial Ones, a feral gang from Briar Henge. I hear they've been sniffing about the woods to the east, transforming into giants and ambushing loggers.
|
|
Flynn continues to primarily listen (in an active manner) - using non-verbals and brief responses to attempt to make the speakers feel heard and respected.
Feel free to roll SM (or use whatever method you think makes sense) to see how effective he is (or not, and just play it or ignore it as you like :-) )
When the conversation slows, and and eyes turn to him for a response,
Well, I'm not too proud to try accomplishing the society's goals with words, magical or otherwise, but once, or if, fighting breaks out, Gorum will send me to the front
Flynn seems to unconsciously give the handle of his greatsword sticking up from behind his back a slight nod
|
|
Well you two could not be more right. While I have not spent any time in Bellis, I have spent some time in the Verduran Forest (and even more time with some who have spent their youth there). All I could add to your insights is I hear that the forest’s fabled affinity with the First World sometimes attracts those who wish to exploit extraplanar magic. Tales tell of hapless arcanists who open gates to the First World only to unleash more than they bargain for. These gates are often accompanied by sudden and fantastical spurts of growth among the local flora and fauna that planar scholars refer to as blooms. I'm no expert, but it seems that all of this may very well be connected to weather issues that have the society so concerned
As if right on cue with Eutrophia's words, the Freewind finishes her approach and glides right up to the docks. "Awright folks, welcome to Bellis! Hope you have a pleasant stay," calls the first mate as the ship's crew begin the process of tying up to the docks and getting ready to start unloading their cargo. Eager to get started, you gather your things and disembark, ready to seek out Falbin and learn more of your mission.
As you survey your surroundings, you find that this area of the town along the riverbank seems to largely consist of tents and small shanties, while the rest of the town proper sits atop a high bluff that overlooks the Sellen. While Bellis is by no means a large city, it's busy enough - sailors and dockworkers bustle about as do those who appear to be hauling lumber. You realize that finding Falbin is likely going to take a little work, either by asking around or perhaps by trying to track him via other means.
Flynn decides to take the lead and begins flagging down some of the passing workers and lumberjacks, taking care to be friendly but also getting right to the point so as to not keep anyone from their tasks. This approach works quite well and a particularly grizzled-looking and hairy specimen directs you towards the Bellis library.
"Yeah, it's up in Old Town, where most of the rest of the town's situated," he says, gesturing towards the buildings atop the nearby bluff. "Ol' Falbin stands out a bit, even for a gnome. Surprised you folks can't smell those herbs and spices he carries all the way down here - I dunno what he uses 'em for but I swear the stink on some of them's enough to lay out a horse!"
After getting directions, you make your way through the ramshackle streets of the Pit - the name for this section of Bellis - and up into the much nicer Old Town. Most of the structures here are simple but tidy timber-frame designs, two to three stories tall at most. But what really catches you eyes are the numerous flower gardens found throughout Old Town; beds of both wild and cultivated flowers in dozens of colors line nearly every street and footpath and weave along arbor-covered walkways, fountains, and trellises.
It only takes you a few minutes to reach the Bellis Library, as denoted by a small white sign situated in front of a two-story wooden building with bright yellow shutters. Standing on the steps of the library are a gnome and a stately-looking woman with golden eyes and intricate henna tattoos. A bird with magnificent plumage perches on the woman's shoulder. As the group of you walk up, you catch what seems to be part of some kind of argument.
"The druids are to blame, I'd bet anything," the little gnome - Falbin, you assume, insists. The golden-eyed woman shakes her head in response. "Think bigger! There's more to this than your old grudges," she replies.
__________
As Pai calls out to the pair they turn, both looking a little startled at first but then immediately relaxing as they realize who you are. The woman smiles and waves before heading down the steps towards you, the little gnome following right behind and then darting around her to race up and shake Pai's hand.
"Yes! Hello! I'm Falbin indeed, nice to meet you," the gnome exclaims, pumping Pai's hand up and down. A pungent aroma of herbs and spices seems to follow Falbin, tickling your noses. "That fellow from a few days ago, your Venture-Captain sent him, yes? He said to be expecting you and here you are! I'm very glad that your Society decided to take the reports of this strange weather seriously, you know."
From behind Falbin, the golden-eyed woman coughs. "Yes, well, they are not the only ones with an interest in the weather," she remarks with a wry smile. "Greetings, Pathfinders! I am Jamila, friend of Ashasar - who some of you might know as the chief liaison between your Society and the Concordance of Elements. The Concordance is also interested in learning more about the strange events taking place in the Verduran Forest and so Ashasar sent me to offer you what aid I can as you investigate."
"I tell you it's those-" Falbin begins again, but Jamila quickly raises her hand to cut him off. "Patience, Falbin. I'm sure that they have some questions first; give them a chance to speak."
|
|
"Well met, Ashasar and Falbin. I have not yet had the pleasure of working with the Concordance, though of course your reputation has reached even my tribespeople on the Storval Plateau. We welcome your help. May I ask what aid you can offer us?"
Pai turns to Falbin, "You were saying, Falbin? Who or what do you suspect is behind the disturbance? Has it caused any harm, or is it only a concern for those with a curious mind?"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Meligaster sizes up the two while Pay questions them. Unfortunately, M doesn't know much about this Concordance, and working with gnomes is always a pain - weirdos. Still, you only get one shot at a first impression.
Meligaster bows low to the two.
<b>My companion speaks true - the gardens of your city are a wondrous site. As is your gorgeous companion. </b>
Meligaster indicates the bird on Jamila's shoulder.
<b>I heard you mention druids, my wise friend. </b>
Meligaster bows again to Falbin.
<b>Few of the druids I have known have the power to twist the weather so.</b>
"All the way to the Storval Plateau? Ashasar will like hearing that," Jamila chuckles. "But it's fine if none of you are familiar with the Concordance - in fact, maybe it's actually better this way. We admittedly got off to a bit of a rocky start with the Pathfinder Society and so I expect that any of your agents that had to directly deal with the fallout might've been a little...put-out, by our presence here. And I couldn't really blame them," she sighs.
Falbin shakes his head. "Not to take away from your friends' problems Jamila but they need to focus on the task at hand, right?"
"Yes, yes of course - I'm sorry, I did get a little off-track," Jamila agrees. "To answer your question, I believe Falbin had planned to guide you to the verdant zone so that you may conduct your own investigations," she explains. "I'd like to tag along as well. Hopefully there won't be anything out there that you can't handle but Falbin and I won't stand idly by if circumstances should turn south."
"Yes yes yes, the verdant zone! I saw it, clear as my own nose, and felt it on my gooseflesh," Falbin interjects. "About 3 miles south of Bellis — a fine spot to gather pokeroot, even in autumn — everything suddenly gets hot. Summery. I dare say, even tropical! The flora overflows. It’s a jungle out there!" The gnome shoots a look at Jamila and then gives Meligaster a knowing nod. "Some people think otherwise but I'm positive it's druidic influence. I’ve tangled with a rank crop of druids from Briar Henge, east of here. It’s just like that rotten lot to go mucking with the seasons."
At this, Jamila sighs yet again and throws her hands up in the air. "It’s a rift. A portal between planes. I lack proof, but I’d bet good money that’s what we’re dealing with. The blooms you mention," she nods at Trophie, "might prove a boon to Bellis but they could just as easily be a bane. Remember that the First World is home to many fantastical beings - including sentient plants, animals, and fey. Most are harmless enough but still aren't anything you'd want roaming around close to home."
"Hmm....I know I just said that it's a jungle out there but thankfully not literally - at least not yet," Falbin chuckles awkwardly. "The clothes you're wearing should be fine but I can't really say about antitoxin and the like. If you're already carrying some that should be good enough, right Jamila?"
"Right! This thankfully isn't the Mwangi nor the deserts of Osirion," Jamila agrees. "Good thing, too, else I think I'd melt into a puddle long before we get to where we're going!"
Noticing that everyone seems ready to go right now, Falbin smiles delightedly and claps his hands together. "Well then! The verdant zone is about six miles south of the city. Provided we stick to the hunting trails - which are well traveled - I'd say it'll take us about two hours of walking to reach it. Are you ready? I'm ready! Let's go! Oh and don't worry, if you think of anything that you absolutely must have we can swing by one of the shops on our way out of town."
__________
Once everyone seems ready to go Falbin takes the lead and guides everyone along the winding, flower-lined paths of Bellis and out through a gate to the south. The sun shines brightly in the sky this day and the flowers and leaves in the trees dance in the cool breeze, making for a quite pleasant start to your journey. Falbin first leads the group along a well-worn dirt road until the road draws close to the forest's edge and you leave it entirely, following the gnome into the forest along what appears to be a large game and hunting trail.
While Falbin chatters away incessantly, pausing to occasionally point out particularly beautiful or healthy specimens of plant as you travel along, Jamila seems content to walk in relative silence and simply enjoy the journey. Once the party is, you would guess, roughly two miles or so out of Bellis, Falbin pauses and glances over his shoulder at Jamila.
"Have you been seeing this growth, Jamila? We aren't even at the verdant zone yet and I can already tell a difference in the hardiness of the plants here," he calls out. "If this isn't the work of druids I don't know what is! Sure, this isn't so bad but you can't just have everything growing willy nilly all at the same time! There has to be a balance to the ecosystem or everything will go haywire!"
Jamila groans and rolls her eyes, though it seems more out of irritation at Falbin's stubbornness than anything else. "I keep telling you Falbin, someone's opened a portal nearby - wouldn't there be more rhyme or reason to the growth and weather patterns we've been seeing if druids were involved?"
"No way! I've seen what those Briar Henge druids can do," Falbin insists. "They nearly burned my house down! They're crazy, they'll do anything to further their agenda! In fact...I...I'll bet you 150 gold that they're the ones behind all this," he exclaims, pointing at Jamila in a rather dramatic and exaggerated fashion. To perhaps everyone's surprise, a slow smile creeps across Jamila's face as she begins digging into her pocket. "Very well, you want a bet? Then a bet it'll be," she says as she produces a large tourmaline gem. "I'll stake this gem against your gold that there's been a portal opened somewhere and that that is what's causing all the trouble!"
Now grinning like a loon, Falbin eagerly nods his head and shakes hands with Jamila. "You're on!" He looks to the group. "Any of you folks gambling types? Who do you think is right? I'll take additional wagers - one of my tangleburn bags for 50 gold! Or...if you really want to play, I'll stake a potion of Remove Disease for 250 gold. And of course if you think Jamila is wrong, as you should, you should bet against her. It'll be fun!"
__________
"Really? You believe her over me?" Falbin whines, though it's a good-natured sort of whining. "Fine, fine...that's my 150 gold against Jamila's gem and your gold against one of my tangleburn bags," he repeats. "Anyone else?"