You have all been called to the Pathfinder Lodge in Katheer, Qadira...
Venture-Captain Esmayl ibn Qaradi sits behind his immaculately clean desk with his head in his hands. He sighs, takes a deep breath, and rises to address his guests.
“Originally, I wasn’t planning on sending a team back out to the Zho Mountains. The risk of losing another team is, frankly, too high. If that weren’t enough of a reason, the Society’s assault on the Worldwound has left the lodge’s coffers much lighter—too light to fund another expedition into dangerous territory so soon. However, following some conversations with fellow agents, I am reminded that all Pathfinders must come home—no matter the cost, no matter the danger. The lessons of the Shadow Lodge still resonate.” He nods toward a Pathfinder who stands silently in the corner. “In fact, the recent disappearance in the Zho Mountains has brought a surge of monetary support from the onetime disciples of Grandmaster Torch. It was enough to finance your voyage here, and I would happily provide you the remainder if you succeed.”
The venture-captain takes a few steps toward a map of Qadira hanging from his wall. “Six years ago, a team of Pathfinders received a map of an unexplored area in the Zho Mountains, and ever since they have stayed busy surveying the region and sending me updates. Until recently, they had uncovered only a few dozen small sites and a plethora of new plant and animal species, but their most recent update referenced a large illusory barrier. Since then we have not heard from them, and I believe they found something dangerous beyond." He sighs loudly.
“I ask that you use what notes I have on file to track down these agents and make sure they return safely. Investigating the nature of this illusory... field, barrier, shield... is secondary at best." Esmayl pauses for a moment before continuing. “If you have any questions, I shall answer them as best I can, though most of what the Society knows about the mountains is in the logbooks of those agents."
|
After VC Qaradi finishes the briefing, Zhana rises with feline grace from her seat, the jewelry adorning her clothing flashes reflectively in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows.
Zhana Basthotep
She then adjusts the tekko-kagi strapped to her forearm and says, "I too have little patience for wizards and their queer ways...I prefer to trust divine fury to sunder any enchantment in my way. With Bastet's blessing we will track down the missing Pathfinder agents and bring vengeance upon those who stand against us."
|
Aviendha is a half-orc in a clean set of full plate, wearing a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Sarenrae. She is pretty, but has a serious look on her face.
"Hmm what I know is this:
It is common knowledge that the Zho Mountains are home to feral beasts, draconic monsters, and other dangerous creatures.
Qadira’s spellcasters have long practiced elemental magic and conjured genies, and geniekin are relatively common in the region. It is believed that most have gravitated toward settlements in the Zho Mountains, though nobody seems able to confirm this rumor.
The few explorers who’ve tried to locate these communities have found the mountains to be deceptively difficult to navigate, and what looks like a mountain pass from afar is often merely a mirage.
Hope that's helpful. We will try to return these Pathfinders to safety sir."
|
I can´t but agree with your words Captain. If a fellow agent needs us we must go to rescue him.
Can you tell us something about where is the barrier. How far away it is?, is there any natural barrier between the place and us? this kind of things could be useful to prepare ourselves accordingly.
Artian looks a little worried of going to an unexplored area with no one in the group used to wilderness.
The Venture Captain shrugs in response to Artian. "“Not many people have been truly able to settle in those mountains. Those who try either never return or return badly hurt and scarred forever. Expect the worse in those mountains.” Thinking for a moment, he says. "I do know that, although the mountains rarely more than 2 miles high, they are nonetheless a formidable barrier between Qadira’s Ketz and Meraz Deserts. Also, two of the most famous peaks are Zhonar and Zhobl, area pair of large volcanoes that violently erupted nearly a thousand years ago."
Eyeing the party, he says. "If that's all, you'd best be on your way."
Once the party has purchased any other supplies you need, another agent leading a dozen horses and wearing a wayfinder meets you, loans you the horses, and offers you luck in the name of the Shadow Lodge.
Heading out into the wilderness, you realize the first Pathfinder team’s notes and maps provide an incomplete picture of the mountain range and its myriad pathways.
The party has little trouble finding the way through the mountain passes. The trail winds around and over several of the lower peaks, gradually taking the party several dozen miles into the Zho Mountains and several thousand feet higher in altitude. Signs of the first groups’ progress vanish as the party enters an alpine meadow filled with scrub brush and dry grasses that cling to the thin soil. This arid, mile long mountain cove suddenly dead-ends!
Though the party has trouble seeing through the illusion, Roaary manages to suppress the illusion for a few seconds.
With its illusory nature clear, much of the plant life gradually fades into transparent shadows, and the cliffs at the far end of the vale part to reveal a much larger valley beyond. In the distance, a large wall encircles a humble town of stone structures. An immense castle built of bronze bricks towers over the settlement from its perch just above the base of a nearby mountain.
|
|
There should live the geniekind we´ve been told of.
Well, if the people who can track start looking behind the barrier for clues about our comrades we can start just here. I´ll be on watch, in case any of the dangerous creatures of this place wants to mess with us.
If we don´t find anything we should go to the town to ask about our comrades. It´s not my prefered option because who knows how will react people so reclusive, but I see no other options.
Anyone has another idea?
Approaching the town, you find it populated by oreads. Most favor the party with a nod and continue about their business.
|
|
I´ve been told that barbarians could break anything, and the barrier not have real mass at all ;P
But I´ll cheer you next time
Artian approachs an oread and starts asking for help. I´ve heard about oreads, but never encontered any of them. Let´s hope they speak common
Good morning, and forbid my if I have interrupted you in any way, but I really need some help.
We´ve came to your valley searching a group of friends wich could have been lost, or worse. He give him/her the description about the missing pathfinders Ismayl gave them.
Have you heard, or better, seen any of them? They can´t have went unnoticed being as different to your people as they are.
As Artian begins asking around, two ifrit guards approach the party and deman you state your business. The oread bows his head and shrinks away, going about his business.
|
|
Zhana narrows her eyes at the approach of the ifrit guards and ensures that her jaguar is heeled to her side. Could the lost pathfinders have ran afoul of local constabulary? she wonders to herself.
More comfortable with pressure tactics than honeyed words she stays quiet and waits for the more eloquent Artian to respond.
|
|
We are here searching some mates who appera to have been lost.
Has the town any tradition about we could had disturbed? We didn´t wanted to be rude, so if you tell us about it we´ll respect it in the future
Artian is trying to befriend the guards, with his words and avoiding to put his hands over the weapons.
He don´t want problems and has thought this guards, or their boss could know more of the pathfinders than a farmer.
Could you tell me if you have seen some of my mates. I´m sure people so vigilant should have hear of them, at least.