An unnamed siege castle has stood in the Cairnlands for hundreds if not thousands of years, magically sealed after the death of its forgotten master. But recently, a minor earthquake rocked the land, accomplishing in
moments what dozens of scholars, sages, and adventurers could not achieve in years—the quake caused part of the siege castle to collapse, opening its interior for the first time in centuries. The locals now call this tower the Fallen Fortress. Upon hearing of this new opening, Venture-Captain Drendle Drang sent you a missive and instructed you to explore the siege castle. You are to muster at the north gate of the city and meet your group. There will be a total of six party members, do not leave until all are assembled.
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A young noble woman dressed in a plain gown, stands outside the siege castle staring into the very heart of the dreaded spire. Well, well, my faithful companion, it looks like we go into the breach again. The platinum blonde tells her artic rabbit. As you draw near you notice that your breath is formed in the air like on a cold winter morning. Her skin as the slightest tint of blue. She turns to you, piercing your soul with her icy blue eyes. Well, I am so glad someone else decided to show up.
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A tall and well-muscled Garundi man walks up, his skin the color of bronze with the pale sun reflecting off his shaved head. He carries a large polearm, the butt of which he slams on the ground as he stands tall and proud. I was given orders by Venture-Captain Drang to meet you here. I am Nakhti, a servant of the Ruby Prince. He remains stiff and immobile, staring ahead at the siege fortress like a statue, responding only when spoken to.
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A fairly young and rather handsome Tien man approaches. "Yes, so was I. Greetings, you may call me Han. Dreng also ordered me to come lend my aid." You notice that his outfit is definitely not from Absalom or even the Inner Sea. You figure it's something from his homeland. The sleeves are wide and he has some strange symbols on the back of his tunic.
He has short dark hair that matches his dark eyes while his skin is ruddy orange like someone who spends a fair amount of time in the sun.
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A pale young woman thoroughly wrapped in a black cloak walks slowly towards the group, her large gray eyes quickly analyzing each person in turn before speaking in quiet, but clear voice. Greetings. I, too, have been dispatched here for an investigation. My name is Maddie.
She seems to consider adding more about herself, but merely fingers the wooden holy symbol of Pharasma hanging around her neck. I am told that we will be exploring a ruined siege castle. That should be exciting. She said dryly, her tone denoting little of said excitement.
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Maddie appears a little taken aback by Han's words, regarding him again silently for a few long moments before responding. I did not think my inexperience would have been so obvious. Yes, it's my first assignment. You need not worry about me, however. I will not be a detriment to you.
She blinks a few times, looking off into the distance away from the exotic looking man. Would it be rude if I inquired about your ancestry? I have not had many opportunities to meet individuals from far distant lands.
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Interesting. She replies to Han, attempting terribly to mask that fact the places he referenced had no meaning to her whatsoever. It is good to know we have a seasoned veteran with us.
Maddie's composure finally reasserts itself and her eyes turn to him again, her tone somber. Despite appearances, I am eager to examine the siege castle. I've just found it's never wise to let one's excitement overcome one's judgment. I don't suppose you've explored any sort of ruins like these in the past?
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A bald pale Half-Orc with a wiry black beard approaches. "I see I am not the first one here. I am called Sandy, the Guiding Orc. Venture Captain Drang told me that we are to delve this ruined siege castle. I do so in the name of the Ruby Prince" His weapon is a two headed ax, both heads resemble a crescent moon facing the same direction. His face is covered with scars that appear to be a result of some past torture rather then the decorative scarification popular among half-orcs. Around his neck he wears a necklace of large white stones.
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A young Elf(well for an elf) dressed in a Green Leaf armor and colorful camo robe,walks up too the group who's outside the siege castle staring into the very heart of the dreaded spire. Standing just behind her is a young trent sapling...
hi, I have also been dispatched here for an investigation. My name is Silviana, this here is my friend Camellia I am told that we will be exploring a ruined siege castle. That should be exciting as it's my first real mission
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as long as you protect the forest and those who are members of wild life are not or don't become tainted i don't see a problem but don't be too bold about who'd your doing what for as they all them seem to have their issues, but as long they don't interfere with our mission I'm good with you and so called factions...
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Maddie nods softly to Han in acknowledgment as their conversation winds down when the rest of the group arrives, the young woman taking time to look over Sandy's various scars for a moment too long, then turning her attention to Silviana and her young treant as the elf appears. A look of satisfaction briefly crosses her features, but she quickly smooths it away.
Cooperation is one of the basic tenants of the society, but that is a two person dance. Our leaders and fellow pathfinders should be held as accountable as we are to them. Although, since they put us into harm's way, I believe our leaders should concern themselves about our interests as much as they do their other goals. She says in response to the interaction between Birgit, Han, and Silviana.
Following behind Sandy, she takes a couple of steps forward and pulls her light crossbow at the ready. But the time for philosophy can come later, we should get going, yes.
As the group makes their way the siege castle. The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping hole in the side of the building that provides access to the tower’s darkened interior. As you begin your approach to the opening, you begin to hear bark and growls. The party see a group of three dogs come loping around the tower, heading straight for the group, saliva dripping from their gaping maws.
Atum strides forward and swings his bardiche mightily, leaving the dog in halves.
Silviana mutters mystical words and the nearest dog calms and stands watching the druid expectantly. The other dog targeted by Birgit, yawns and lays down, falling into a deep slumber.
As the group approaches the breach in the tower, you can see, peering into the gaping hole, that there are two doors beyond one to the south and one to the north.