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You are spending your time in the Absalom Grand Lodge, relaxing after your last dangerous excursion. The main hall is having a feast for its members in celebrating of the up and coming "Game Day", a celebration that has only started seven years ago.
The hall has several long tables and a bountiful feast. Roasted Axebeak, Toasted Reefclaw, sauté farmers vegetables, and fruits all the way from the Mwangi. All of it looks so delicious. You can hardly wait to find a seat and indulge in some of the delicacies, courtesy of the Society.
You move up and down the tables, then there it is. A spot just for you, near some other individuals that are also indulging in this festive day...
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A tall Pathfinder, garbed in a dark green cloak with hood pulled up, enters the main hall and looks over the feast...just returned from dealing with an incident at the Golemworks in Magnimar, he finds himself famished. Seeing an empty seat, he heads there, bowing as he pulls back his hood to reveal long dark hair and distinct Elven facial features...
"Daedîn, at your service..."
Introduction over, he goes to work on the Mwangi fruit...
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Entering into the main hall, Lorian observed Daedin and spoke with him in elven. "Marquis Lorian the Peacemaker." he said as introduction. Wearing fine clothes, he looked more at home at court and not as an adventurer. Partaking of the spread, he spoke with some of the younger members that wanted to know of his great victory at the Worldwound leading the Taldor Army of Exploration.
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A lithe halfling with mocha colored skin is dressed in exotic leathers. A headdress of sticks and feathers sits against her brow and flows all the way down to her mid back. She is armed only with a knife at her hip. Her skin has taken on the texture of bark, tendrils of viny plants constantly grow, budding with the thick smell of fresh earth and the light scent of floral blooms that grow on the vines. These blossoms fall off as the vines die back. The cycle then begins anew.
"Greetings. I am Flora."
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Matsu Anfial is a rather average sized young man with a small frame, hiding his strong muscles. He has white skin and very long hair in the colour of freshly fallen snow, and usually wears blue kimonos and a white obi.
This gives him a very androgynous look.
In battle he wears a full plate armor stylished a Tian-Xa style, completed by a fearsome halfmask, showing a raging demon.
His voice is a very deep, yet smooth pearly tone.
He will only in the most dire instances leave his trusted Katana and rarely does his hand not touch it. Often just absentmindly stroking the hilt.
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Shortly after your meal concludes, a missive appears before you all at the table, alongside an itinerary for travel to Janderhoff with expenses covered.
To the Pathfinders Matsu Anfial, Thorek Stonebeard, Flora Mossgreen, Lorian, Daedîn, Botfil Badamber and Sindell Lifewater.
Greetings.
The Society seeks your assistance in a matter most urgent. Recent engineering works uncovered a series of lost chambers beneath Janderhoff, but the company that began exploration and refurbishment of this space soon encountered trap-related difficulties.
I quickly assembled a group of nearby agents to explore the lost corridors in exchange for a brief window of time in which to study anything found within. I have not heard back from those agents, and a contact has informed me that the team has been missing for two days, prompting the Mithral Mallet Mining Company to send a team of its own specialists to find out what became of them. Nobody has heard from either group since.
It is rare that we have an opportunity to document the interior of a Sky Citadel, so your task is twofold. First, find out what happened to the first team of Pathfinders. Second, explore the recently reopened chambers, and recover or document any historical treasures found within. I doubt that representatives of the Mithral Mallet will be pleased to see additional Pathfinders, so contact Rukha Borthwick, the sister-in-law of one of our agents in the first team. She is a resourceful dwarf and likely knows what steps to take to get you into those ruins.
Luck be yours, Pathfinders.
Shiela Heidmarch
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A sky citadel! Thorek couldn’t keep the excitement from his face. To see the works of his ancestors! To marvel in the glory of the past, and of the future that might yet be reclaimed. It was enough to make his heart pound in his chest. He could barely wait. The inquisitor busied himself with double and triple checking his gear for the journey.
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Finally, a stocky, black-bearded dwarf saunters into the room in a huff. He is lightly armored but heavily armed and doesn't look like he's ever been in a good mood. "I'm late again am I? Bloody short legs and heavy weapons, what can I say? Absolutely nothin' ta do with 10 flagons of ale, a plump wench and a tub full of freshly whipped cream."
Seeing that the group are all hunched over a letter, he saunters over and takes a peek. After reading the details of the mission, the dwarf becomes a bit sullen, in stark contrast to his fellow dwarf, Thorek. He seems to be lost in his own troubled thoughts. "Huh! A Sky Citadel? Well I'll be buggered!"
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As you all take your passes for travel and begin the long journey to Janderhoff the time spent with each other helps you acquaint some better understanding to what exactly it is you are being roped into. With some diplomatic tactics also you may be able to learn what may be some valuable information of the Sky Citadel.
The ruins beneath Janderhoff are part of the ancient city closed off because it was dangerous, or because it fell out of use. The trading company that uncovered the area also reports missing tools, broken equipment, and general disruption to its efforts even before the chambers were uncovered.
The exact purpose of the chambers is unclear, as the official records appear to have been altered several hundred years ago. Although few citizens of Janderhoff recognize that Pathfinders have explored the newly discovered area, a half-elf known to be a Pathfinder recently began a brawl in a local brewery.
A few employees from the Mithral Mallet Mining Company have mentioned that the newly discovered area is unstable and will need considerable reinforcement before being safe for regular use.
One of the Pathfinders spotted going into the ruins was Beetle, a male halfling wanted for murder in Palin’s Cove.
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Within due time, you find the contact you were looking for; Rhuka Borthwick. The dwarf has spent years as a civil engineer specializing in trenches and pipes that channel water around and away from Janderhoff. Through her career she has acquired a modest amount of status and her office is not hard to find.
As you approach she is easily seen waiting near the entrance to a stout Dwarven architect building. The brunette dwarven woman is anxiously waiting, and seems to recognize you as swiftly as you may recognize her. She hurriedly waves the party into her office before stepping inside herself.
"Its good that they sent you to help. My kin have been missing for a while now, and I am starting to grow worried. I can't imagine what might waylay both a team of Pathfinders and members of the Mithral Mining Company." She has a seat in a desk chair before inviting you to all sit on some nearby couches.
"Sandricaan Molnworret, my in-law, led the group of Pathfinders into the tunnels. He is a wizard of some talent, and with him there were a Halfing, a Human, and a Half-elf. Sandricaan said the human was a jinx that was the sole survivor of her past several missions. Sandy ain't no saint either, since his stint with the Apsis Consortium, but he is family and I would like to see him safely out of there. If theres anything else you would like to know I can answer some questions for you."
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"Beyond what I just shared, there is not much I know. The human, as Sandy put it, is a Tian woman who was the only survivor for several of her past missions. If what you say is true about the Half-Elf and the Halfling, then it sounds like an entire crew of troublemakers. Even dear Sandy and his time working with the Aspis Consortium." She shakes her head disapprovingly.
"I can tell you that with such a crew going in that its less likely the Mithral Mallet will allow other explorers into the tunnels, especially since early reports show that the section seems to need bracing. Sweet talking the foreman will require you to prove to him that your a competent lot, unlikely to deal any damage to the area."
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Lorian shook his head at the mention of going underground, "I am sorry, I will not be able to attend this as I have a severe case of claustrophobia and would not be very effective crawling through the area under Janderhoff. I will however send a good associate that has no problems exploring underground areas, and he is pretty good with a Naginata. He is called Sanzu Fukushū. he said as he made his apologies to the group.
A short time later, a figure in full o'yori armor and carrying a naginata, along with the daisho (Katana & Wakizashi) entered. Upon seeing Matsu, he made a formal bow to him. "Greeetings, I am Sanzu Fukushū." he said, first in Tien and then switching to Common. "I was send by Marquise Lorian to assist. Please allow me to join you in this matter." he said.
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Boftil listens to the briefing from the dwarf woman, commenting every now and again. "Jinx, huh? Yeah, I can relate. Bein' a sole survivor ain't much fun, though. Do ya know anythin' about the previous missions this human went on? Are ya suggestin' his survival may be more than just luck?"
At the request to be careful, Boftil just laughs. "I'll leave the sweet talkin' to the rest a' this lot. I'm more a' the causin' damage type of bloke, so might be better steppin' back for that particular conversation!"
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A pale lady with golden eyes clearly of a slightly outer planar heritage arrives a little after everyone else. She is dressed in simple robes but a good glance notices a thin layer of elven-style leather armor tightly hugging her skin. Aside from a few daggers and wands and a sling she doesn't appear to be armed. A polished-smooth wooden holy symbol of Calistria is tied around her neck like a choker resting at the base of her throat. Her voice is sultry as she smiles and speaks.
"So sorry to be late. I had to take care of a "client" elsewhere and I suppose I just lost track of the time! I am Sindelle Lifewater, and it's my duty to you all to make sure that you stay nice and healthy during our mission. I can keep a link active between my life force and yours at all times if you want that will keep your bodily health in good order. Just say the word and I shall make this connection with you."
After questions about the mission and such dies down and we are about to depart, Sindelle touches a few of you to get your attention and speak to you quietly.
"In times of great stress, or in the middle of a fight, I'm told that I might not sound like myself...can any of you understand...ภาษานี้หรือไม่? or השפה הזאת?"
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”Nay fookin’ clue what ye said there, lass.”
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Later, Thorek made his way down to the foreman alone. In his mind, this was dwarven land. And an inquisitor of kols, the dwarven god of duty and oaths was likely going to well received. Even more so without a gaggle of long-legs with him
Once with the foreman, Thorek spoke to him of his own exploits within the pathfinders, and of how he had seen first hand the competency of the organization. He also assured his fellow dwarf, that he would do all he could to ensure the preservation of their people’s history and legacy.
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Boftil lets out a snort at Thorek's reply to Sindelle's strange speech. "Ha! What he said, 'cept I've got even less idea what the bloody hell ya just said. But don't mind that love, if ya talk funny in battle it won't bother me. I'll be too busy crushin' skulls to worry 'bout that!"
As his fellow dwarf approaches him about preserving their history and legacy, Boftil looks a bit uncomfortable as if memories and thoughts he'd rather forget are being stirred by all this talk of Dwarven heritage and the like. "Whatever ya say, mate! I don't know much 'bout that stuff, or at least I've tried ta forget...and by forget I mean drown out of me mind with copious amounts of ale, rum or whatever spirit I can get me hands on!" The flash of sorrow and pain in the rough-looking dwarf's eye suggests that whatever his gruff exterior may be saying, somewhere deep inside a raw nerve has been touched.
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"I don't plan on standing right in the face of danger, but that does not mean that danger will not find me. Still, do not tax yourself too much. Most of my fatigue comes through the use of my powers and it can only be healed through rest."
"I suppose I should say something about my abilities even though as you can see by all that blooms around me, they are fairly self evident. I can call the spirits of plant in many ways. I can call them to be a weapon against my enemies. I can also speak to wood and coax it to give up its secrets. As Flora says this she takes out a wand made of ash from her belt."
"And if we need eyes from above..."
Flora touches her brow and closes her eyes. The wood and feather headdress she wears begins to shiver and then undulate rhythmically before taking flight and circling in the air above before eventually coming to rest on her head once again.
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Boftil lets out a snort at Thorek's reply to Sindelle's strange speech. "Ha! What he said, 'cept I've got even less idea what the bloody hell ya just said. But don't mind that love, if ya talk funny in battle it won't bother me. I'll be too busy crushin' skulls to worry 'bout that!"
As his fellow dwarf approaches him about preserving their history and legacy, Boftil looks a bit uncomfortable as if memories and thoughts he'd rather forget are being stirred by all this talk of Dwarven heritage and the like. "Whatever ya say, mate! I don't know much 'bout that stuff, or at least I've tried ta forget...and by forget I mean drown out of me mind with copious amounts of ale, rum or whatever spirit I can get me hands on!" The flash of sorrow and pain in the rough-looking dwarf's eye suggests that whatever his gruff exterior may be saying, somewhere deep inside a raw nerve has been touched.
Thorek looked at his fellow dwarf with a knowing eye. He wasn’t going to dishonor Boftil by prying for more information, or expecting him to need a shoulder to cry on as if he were some kind of elf. No, Thorek could see that the dwarf had his own inner demons, and like any good dwarf that he was doing what was right and healthy: fighting his inner demons alone, and letting the pent up rage and anger explode on his enemies.
”Ancestors walk with and watch you.”
If Boftil wanted to share more it would be on his terms and time. Until then, all Thorek could do was indicate that he understood.
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Boftil listens to the briefing from the dwarf woman, commenting every now and again. "Jinx, huh? Yeah, I can relate. Bein' a sole survivor ain't much fun, though. Do ya know anythin' about the previous missions this human went on? Are ya suggestin' his survival may be more than just luck?"
"Ah no. That I do not know about. It were a short conversation between all of us at the dinner table before they left. The stout was certainly on his lips and the beef was worth more attention to me. Sorry."
Once with the foreman, Thorek spoke to him of his own exploits within the pathfinders, and of how he had seen first hand the competency of the organization. He also assured his fellow dwarf, that he would do all he could to ensure the preservation of their people’s history and legacy.
Ruhka leads you through Janderhoff to the checkpoint, letting you know the guards currently on duty are Delver Ornregar and Delver Kannis from the Mithral Mallet Mining Company. After that she takes a step back to allow negotiations of entry to take place.
Diplomacy 30
"Ahahahahha oh you need to try Janderhoff mead sometime! It buzzes and clicks on your tongue like the Gnomish Fireworks! Ohohohoh!" The Delver Ornregar says, laughing and enjoying a fine conversation with a dwarf who clearly knows what its all about.
A moment after their chuckling and humor they are clearly in a better mood. Delver Kannis then says, "But you know lads and lasses, we can't just let anyone in only to disappear again. If you can show us your a reasonably capable crew, we can't let you in. We may, however, just go on break and leave the area open for a moment or two."
Checks that can Prove your Capable: Disable Device, Knowledge Dungeoneering, Knowledge Engineering, Profession Miner, or Survival. Since Thorek engaged with Diplomacy to improve their moods, he has already used a skill check for this conversation.
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The dwarven duo shake their heads, and then one says. "Just as I thought. Sorry, you can't go in as long as we are here." The other then looks over and says "Ah yes, that was productive. How about we get some mead to celebrate telling these people they can't go in while were here?" They heartily laugh and then leave their post.
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A recent, unfinished passageway branches off from a preexisting dwarven hallway. The extension runs for only a few dozen feet before reaching a smooth, worked stone corridor that opens into a large circular room with two exits leading east. Aside from the musty atmosphere, these ancient chambers are strikingly similar to Janderhoff’s more modern construction. Hewn from the mountain, the floor is worked to resemble flagstones and the walls are intermittently decorated with mock brickwork. Arrows—some broken, some splintered, and all ancient—litter the cold floor.
Current Lighting: DARK
Ceiling Height: 10ft
As Daedîn and Flora are the first to move in they realize they will require some level of light to scope out the room ahead. Activating the Wayfinder, Daedîn sees them right away before pointing them out to Flora. With careful observation, it is not challenging to notice that some of the tiles on the floor are slightly different from the others.
Arrow Traps are nothing too uncommon to come across. The mechanism is usually easy to deactivate, as long as one has a steady hand.
Disable Device to deactivate or Acrobatics to jump across.
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Daedîn throws his hand up, warning Flora and the others to stop. "Looks like we have some nasty arrow traps...I think I can deactivate these tiles..."
The rogue gets the tools from his pouch and goes to work...
Reasonably sure he's disabled the traps, Daedîn puts away his tools, draws his bow, and continues on, testing out his handiwork while looking out for more traps or hidden foes...
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Sindelle smiles at Flora, "Okungenani sinokuthetha ngasese xa izinto zingakhathazeki, ukuba sifuna."
"My skills are not good enough yet to link everyone at the same time...but I will keep close to you, Flora, so if you are injured I can tend to it with a more...personal touch."
Her eyes flutter for a moment as she reaches out with her senses, feeling the life forces of Matsu, Daedîn, Sanzu, Boftil, and Thorek. She lets her oracular energies flow to each of them, adding them to her Life Link, prior to entry into the depths.
She will also cast Deathwatch on herself to keep track of the health of everyone in proximity to her.
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Sanzu keep an eye out as Daedin worked on the trap, like he was taking notes of the process in case he needed to do it himself. "You are quite skilled there. It is good to see a master at work." he said
He cocked an eyebrow as the strange words that the woman said and had an idea as to what she had done having experienced it before.