New Dot..
Way too indecisive dot
The Master of Spells Aram Zey waits in a deep subbasement of the Grand Lodge, where he scowls as another group of Pathfinder agents walks into a door-sized tapestry of intricately woven but badly frayed cloth. As the last agent’s foot disappears into the Hao Jin Tapestry, Aram Zey snaps a quick order for his assistants to reconfigure the tapestry for Kyonin before turning his eyes—weary and bloodshot from long hours of work—to you.
“Pathfinders, let’s keep this brief. That was the seventeenth group it has been my grueling duty to send through the tapestry today, and words cannot express my inordinate pleasure at understanding there will be an eighteenth,” he growls through the gritted teeth of a forced smile. “Nonetheless, this mission is an important one, and the society has few others who are cut out to handle the task.” He pauses to take several deep breaths, which do much to alleviate his sour mood.
“One of my colleagues, Venture-Captain Varian Jeggare, spent a considerable amount of time in Kyonin, and in doing so he performed a considerable service for Queen Telandia Edasseril. She owes him a considerable favor in return, and he was gracious enough to use it for the society’s benefit. Jeggare is busy elsewhere, so he cannot deliver the message himself. Instead he wrote out a formal request and letter of introduction for all of you. It seems he thinks you would represent the society well in playing messenger,” Zey explains before adding under his breath, “and to his credit I can imagine worse ambassadors."
“As you can see, the letter is sealed, and it should remain so until you meet General Theila Tenasi and give it to her. In effect, it requests that she provide the Pathfinder Society a contingent of rangers specialized in hunting demons to assist us as we make our way to Jormurdun. So, that’s your mission: Go to Kyonin, meet with the general, and make sure the elves don’t back out of this favor. We have a contact in Greengold who can secure you quick passage back to Absalom or anywhere else you need to go afterward. You’ll be taking the Tapestry to reach Kyonin, and Kreighton Shaine has already contacted the elves to let them know to expect you. Any questions?”
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Amira is a thin, Kelish woman, standing at a middling 5'4". Her black hair is pulled back into a ponytail, matching colour with her glasses. She wears Abadarian clergy robes, clearly 'hiding' some kind of light armour underneath them. On her belt is a booklet entitled "Abadar-Pathfinder Society Account #22357" in Kelish.
Following behind her is a haggard-looking Tien-Min boy of roughly the same age. He wears Abadaran robes of far lesser rank, and seems to be carrying a heavy load of objects.
Amira accepts the letter, as she assumes she will beset with a squadron of brutes yet again. "I believe Venture Captain Jeggare made the right choice, though I find it odd he would know of me." She adjusts her glasses after receiving the note. "Are there any quantifiable variables on this favor? From what you have said, it does not sound like this is a negotiation, merely a delivery, correct?"
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A small gnome with bright pink hair and elaborate red robes stands in the room. She listens to the Master of Spells while watching her new companions closely. My, an attractive bunch today. Never been with an elf before-surely I'll experience it before the end of the mission. The Kelish girl isn't bad either. . . .
The spunky gnome picks up the letter and hands it to Samhain. "I believe someone of elven blood should present the letter."
"Like so many others, I've never been to Kyonin. How do I make sure not to offend anyone while I'm there?"
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Before stepping in, she will turn to the party. "My name is Glaurung, by the way. I don't think I've met some of you before. Hopefully we will grow much closer by the end of the mission."
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Cantrips
Acid Splash
Detect Magic
Detect Poison
Disrupt Undead
Message
Ray of Frost
Read Magic
1st level (7/day) - 2 cast
Burning Hands
Enlarge Person
Feather Fall
*Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Ray of Enfeeblement
Shield Companion
2nd level (7/day) - 1 cast
Bull's Strength
False Life
Scorching Ray
*Resist Energy
3rd level (6/day)
Communal Darkvision
Fireball
*Fly
4th level (3/day)
Dragon Breath
*=from bloodline
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Samhain accepts the letter from Glaurung. He remains silent though his face shows there's some mental turmoil.
He seems more ready to travel with little more than cloth covering him and a bow and quiver on his back. His only blade is a longsword on his hip. A sizable owl squats on his shoulder, nipping at his long ear beneath a few loose strands of his auburn hair, oddly dark for an elf.
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"Ay, good to see you again, Glau." A large Kellid man replies. His armor, though a gleaming mithral breastplate as fancy as it is, does not hide his various scars, the signs of being a slave, or rather a former one. His hair, a sandy brown hangs long in a braid. Two silver Gladius' hang from his waist right next to a giant leather belt with a golden buckle with the likeness of a bull on it. "So I'm just here as a guard then? I'm glad to hear he's heard of me."
lies and judge the visitors’ integrity.
Aram rolls his eyes and impatiently reassures Glaurung. “Elven courtesy is simple enough. Don’t embarrass yourself. You’ll do fine.”
He turns to Amira in bewildered disappointment. I don't know how Jeggare heard of you, beats me. When I asked if there were any questions, I meant it more as a rhetorical question. Get moving”!
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Amira looks to the elf who now (apparently) has the letter. "If you're unfamiliar with Elven practice of court, then let me brief you. It is largely a three-step process, ignoring minor, regional finery. First, you are to present the seal to the recipient, the Queen in this case, to show the letter is unopened. Next, you are to then open the letter yourself once she deems the seal satisfactory. Lastly, you are to read the contents yourself. Understood?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
On Zey's prompting, the party steps into the tapestry. An instant later, the party is standing in front of six silent elves wearing full plate armor as smooth as pearl. The elves confirm the party's identity and escort you into an elegant keep of artfully styled wood and stone. After climbing several sets of stairs, the escort stops at a set of double doors, knocks, and then opens them, motioning for the party to enter General Tenasi’s chambers.
Tenasi's spacious room provides a panoramic view of the surrounding woodlands. General Tenasi, an elven woman with chestnut brown hair and wearing medium armor over fine teal clothing, nods and neutrally invites the party to enter and explain their business, saying, “As outsiders in Kyonin, I would appreciate your contemplating the rarity of your positions. As a general in charge of these lands’ defense, I expect you to appreciate the gravity of mine. This conversation would not be possible were it not for the letter in your possession.”
As you may have been informed, soon after making your acquaintance at the Midsummer Masquerade, I enjoyed the privilege of performing a service to the Viridian Crown. Her Majesty’s generous tokens of appreciation included her counselors’ intimation that you might aid me in an urgent endeavor.
When the demon horde breached the wardstones surrounding the Worldwound, the nations of the Inner Sea region responded with unprecedented unity. Both the Kyonin rangers and the Pathfinder Society have provided support to the latest Mendevian Crusade in an effort to halt the invasion and to repair the breach.
The Worldwound horde is not, however, the only emerging concern. A long-lost dwarven Sky Citadel has recently reappeared. Within its ancient chambers lie millennia of previously unobtainable history. While the Pathfinder Society has already devised plans for a campaign to explore the Sky Citadel, the citadel remains within the region of the Worldwound.
No warriors in Avistan can boast the experience of your rangers, who have fought with such valor against the demonic forces of the Witchbole. If you can spare but a score of these peerless fiend-slayers, your assistance would be long remembered not only by the Society but by one to whom Queen Telandia has favored with her gratitude. Hopeful of your assistance, I present the bearers of this message as capable Pathfinders and beseech you to aid their endeavor.
Count Varian Jeggare
The general nods as Samhain finishes reading the letter. “It seems news of the Wardstones’ failure reached the Witchbole as quickly as it did Iadara, and the demons have renewed their attacks with greater ferocity,” General Tenasi explains. “I recalled the Uprooters, but one group has not returned, has not responded, and by all evidence has been lost. I signed the order to discontinue attempts to locate them, for we do not have the resources to commit even a scout to the task. As a result, none of my battle plans account for these thirteen lost rangers or their commander Lanverel. Were you to find and rescue them, I would assign them to assist you in reaching the Sky Citadel—after ample recovery time, of course.” General Tenasi finshes speaking and studies the group before her.
The general nods. “We have their last known location, which was near Thorngate at a feature called Mount Armiya, a rocky hill on the border of Tanglebriar. It, like all aiudara in and near Tanglebriar, is shut down to avoid demon exploitation, but I shall have a wizard transport you to Mount Armiya. Any tracks the Uprooters made should originate from there, and any arrows fired could provide clues as to which direction the elves went.”
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And now it's Samhain's turn to smile. He wipes the lenses of his spectacles and replaces them on the bridge of his nose. "And this is why they sent me, perhaps. Whatever clues there may be, wherever they've gotten to, I am fair certain we'll find them."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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A sinewy half-elf, just over five an a half feet tall, nods in agreement.
The half-elf wears a well-conditioned, silvery breastplate covered only in part by a threadbare, sand-hued cloak draped across his left shoulder. It is not difficult to see the brooch shaped like a beetle holding this cloak in place. He has a bald head — in fact, there is no trace of hair on any visible skin — and shrewd, amber-colored eyes. Strapped across his back is a wicked glaive.
Lost rangers? Something close to my heart as well. Now tell us of this Mount Armiya, and Tanglebriar, besides that which we already know, which is...
Oh, forgive me, where are my manners? Hawthorne Candlewood the Constant, honored Risen Guard of the Ruby Prince, descendant of the Absalom Candlewood family, at your service.
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"Sounds like something we're capable of," Glaurung adds.
Cantrips
Acid Splash
Detect Magic
Detect Poison
Disrupt Undead
Message
Ray of Frost
Read Magic
1st level (7/day) - 2 cast
Burning Hands
Enlarge Person
Feather Fall
*Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Ray of Enfeeblement
Shield Companion
2nd level (7/day) - 1 cast
Bull's Strength
False Life
Scorching Ray
*Resist Energy
3rd level (6/day)
Communal Darkvision
Fireball
*Fly
4th level (3/day)
Dragon Breath
*=from bloodline
The elves used the Sovyrian Stone, a powerful relic, to leave Golarion. Treerazer attempted to corrupt the Sovyrian Stone, triggering the elves’ return. They fought and defeated Treerazer, reducing his domain in Kyonin to what is now Tanglebriar.
When Treerazer was defeated, he retreated to the Witchbole, a giant fortified thorn tree able to uproot and move about Tanglebriar at Treerazer’s command. Lesser demons commonly populate Tanglebriar, as do corrupted animals, fey, plant creatures, and vermin.
Tanglebriar’s corruption is patterned after Treerazer’s former Abyssal realm. Whether Treerazer has any connection to the Worldwound’s breach is unknown, but Tanglebriar’s reputation as a hotbed of demonic activity is known in the Abyss, and though there's no portal there, it serves as a beachhead for demonic forces.
Demons are immune to poisons exuded by many of the plants in Tanglebriar. Lesser demons are vulnerable to cold iron and good-aligned attacks, though greater demons typically resist all but the latter.
Although most demons are created in and by the Abyss, there are also rituals—typically lengthy—that can transform one or more mortal creatures into demons. If the ritual is interrupted early enough, the victims might escape transformation.
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"I would hope I need not inform you all about how powerful demons are and their typical abilities, right?" Amira asks, knowing how prevalent the printing presses back in Absalom have been with demon-oriented pamphlets in mind. If even one soul looks slightly confused, Amira yells back to Toshi. Educate them! 3 parts! Demons, Treerazor, Tanglebriar!"
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The Tien boy digs through numerous books, piecing together information in his head. He takes down numerous notes with a large contraption he is carrying that is fed paper and prints out what he says.
"Remember that it is, the devil is an evil outsider chaotic Abyss from originally, Tanglebriar is one of their bases in Golarion. Treerazer devil is known primarily of blast turn, it is worshiped by cult dark of Kyonin."
"Corruption of Tanglebriar is patterned after the old abyss area of Treerazer. It is not known Treerazer is whether it have a connection to the violation of Worldwound, but not what the portal reputation Tanglebriar and are known in the Abyss as a hotbed of activity of the devil, but it is for the power of the devil I will act as a bridgehead."
"Is immune to poison many plants Tanglebriar is the devil. Usually, lesser devil is vulnerable to attack aligned good and cold iron. To withstand all but the latter is big devil."
"Devil most are created by and Abyss, but long technique will be able to convert a creature fatal to one or more to the devil, that is also Although it is usually ritual long. The ritual, if interrupted early enough, there is likely to escape conversion victim ."
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"Wrong! First off, you need to work on your translations of outsiders. You're confusing the term "devil" with "demon." Secondly, the forest of Kyonin has no portals to the Abyss; the proper term from the Kyonin manual was 'beachhead,' not 'bridgehead.' I'll be sure to have your diction classes increased once we return home."
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Samhain nods at the corrections, having met his share of both. "That is why my quiver is always loaded with cold iron. Among other things," he adds with a smile..
-Posted with Wayfinder
The general stares at the party with a discriminating look. Finally she says. Anymore questions? Or are you ready to be teleported to the last known location? If you need to purchase any last minute equipment, I can have an attendant show you to our supply rooms. Otherwise I'll send for a wizard.
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"I have one purchase to request, if you have any. I request a set of First Aid Gloves. I believe someone here may know the Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam..."
If they are acquired, she will present them to Gannus. "These gloves are simple. Should I die, please focus a whole hand's worth of sapphires and... well... punch me with these." She looks away after thinking about the phrasing. "Who designs gloves that revive people by punching them with sapphires? So odd..."
Amira is able to track down and purchase she was looking for, though the elves looked at her sidelong when Toshi described it as a punching glove of healing...
The wizard, called for by General Tenasi, arrives and gathers the group into a small cluster. He begins his incantations and within moments, the you all feel the air change and the sickly sweet smell of demon diseased pines reach your noses. You find yourselves in the forest, on the bank of a small stream.
As your party regains your senses, suddenly you all hear a terrific crashing of trees and looking up, see a colossal centipede with fiendish red eyes bearing in your direction!
invaders” and “Another demon trick!”
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Glaurung draws her spear and advances in front of the party before blowing fire on the giant centipede!
Breath Weapon (2/day):
DC 19 Ref for half
She calls out, "There are elves above, probably the remains of the elves Tenasi sent us to find!"
Cantrips
Acid Splash
Detect Magic
Detect Poison
Disrupt Undead
Message
Ray of Frost
Read Magic
1st level (7/day) - 2 cast
Burning Hands
Enlarge Person
Feather Fall
*Mage Armor
Magic Missile
Ray of Enfeeblement
Shield Companion
2nd level (7/day) - 1 cast
Bull's Strength
False Life
Scorching Ray
*Resist Energy
3rd level (6/day)
Communal Darkvision
Fireball
*Fly
4th level (3/day)
Dragon Breath
*=from bloodline