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"Motherf--!", Skye shrieks as the robed kobold blasts him with a bolt of electricity.
The shaman looks around, "Say, if any of you beefy types want to move up, please, don't let me get in your way."
Skye reaches into his spell component pouch and withdraws a piece of flint and a pinch of silver dust and casts burst of radiance, and a brilliant flash of shimmering light detonates between the skulking kobolds.
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Dodging around the rapier Kitajo launches a counter attack. His fists blur as he strikes with knuckles and elbows.
A series of parries and dodges are all that is met when Kitajo unleashes his assault.
Rallas ambles forward and brings his blade down on the left most kobold.
Rallas steps onto the ice and realizes the kobolds are actually farther away than he would like to have them, thus he must carefully try to position himself in melee with them.
Skye reaches into his spell component pouch and withdraws a piece of flint and a pinch of silver dust and casts burst of radiance, and a brilliant flash of shimmering light detonates between the skulking kobolds.
The two Kobolds with the blades manage to shield their eyes just in time, but the spellcaster was too slow! He is blinded by the light. Their flesh sizzles after the effect of the spell wears off. The spellcaster lays on the ground, slowly dying.
Malik(22 or 11,Fine)(Reflex DC17)
Kitajo(0,Fine)
Rallas(0,Fine)
Xuan(0,Fine)
Skye(22,Bloodied)
Shivalier(0,Fine)
Blue(9,Fine)
Orange(23,Fine)
Caster(36,Unconcious,Dying)
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"Oh!" Fung exclaims when the kobold similarly throws its own lightning blast at his allies. Sighing a sigh of relief that his friends look mostly fine, he turn back to the battle in time to see the spellcaster take down. He thus allows himself to drift closer, then send another bolt, this time at the kobold at the rear.
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Malik(22 or 11,Fine)(Reflex DC17)
Kitajo(0,Fine)
Rallas(0,Fine)
Xuan(0,Fine)
Skye(22,Bloodied)
Shivalier(0,Fine)
Blue(32,Unconcious,Dying)
Orange(31,Unconcious,Dying)
Caster(36,Unconcious,Dying)
Shivalier's arrow hits the already greviously injured Orange kobold. The blow is decisive and the kobold falls to the ground, now bleeding out.
Xuan's electric charged blast pummels the last of the kobolds. He could not tolerate the sheer power of electric forces ripping him apart, and he falls unconscious.
All of the Kobolds have been defeated!
The Fey, intrigued by your capabilities as a party, comes forward.
"Well hello, bold adventurers. I must admit I have not seen your kind in these woods for a long time. I am Enezial of the First World." She then offers a little bow. "And pray tell, who are you?"
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The effects of his wand's comprehend languages spell still active, Skye translates for the dryad. "She says, 'Well hello, bold adventurers. I must admit I have not seen your kind in these woods for a long time. I am Enezial of the First World. And pray tell, who are you?'"
The shaman returns the dryad's bow. "I am Skye, shaman of the Lyrune-Quah, and these are my friends, the kineticist Xuan Fung, the paladin Shivalier, the monk Kitajo Uchihide, the medicine man Malik Rimeclan, and the elf, em, scout Rallas Linnderil."
The owl flaps her wings and digs her talons into Skye's shoulder. "And this is Sova, my spirit animal, a snowy owl."
"Why were these creatures troubling you?
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The dryad looks to Skye and continues...
"The Kobolds have become more aggressive as of late. The trouble is a dragon recently took over the region. My monarchs are unable to agree as to what to do about it. I came in time to see the kobolds took a bear away. I tried to implore them to cease but a few became aggressive."
A Twinhorn messenger then rushes over the hill and reaches the party.
"To any available Pathfinder allies! The kobold lair has been discovered. If any teams are capable or willing to can enter the caves they can help clear the way further. Awaiting your response!"
If you wish to try to influence the Fey to help, you may speak to Enezial about influencing her Monarchs. Variety of social and unique skills checks recommended.
If you wish to chase the Kobolds into the tunnels, be prepared for dungeon crawling. Kobolds are commonly known for setting traps.
If you wish to track down the Kobolds who took off with the wild life, Enezial can send you the correct direction. Who knowd what they are doing to the animals, so be prepared for varied combat.
Decide wisely. We most likely won't have time for all 3.
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Skye smiles at Eneziel and holds up a hand. "I'd love to meet your King and Queen and discuss a possible alliance to defeat the dragon. But I'd also like to help you, Eneziel, complete your quest."
The shaman looks around at the rest of the party.
"Bumbling about in kobold lair wouldn't be the way I'd like to spend an afternoon, but hey, if that's your poison, I'll tag along."
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Enezial bows. "Very well. If you will follow me I will show you the way to the Court of the First." With swift steps she moves through the forest. As you try to keep up you realize she does not seem to be moving away from you, in spite of her faster movement. The very forest itself seems to be expediting your hike.
In a trip that should have taken an hour it is easy covered in a few minutes, the nearby surrounding moving almost as a blur. The party arrives to a large clearing with surrounding birch trees that almost resemble a palisade wall. Many fey sit and watch, as if they had been awaiting your presence the entire time.
In the center of the clearing, at a lopsided oak tree with green leaves, sits two regal fey who sit atop the roots of the oak. They appear to be locked in a discussion in Sylvan.
Its hard to keep up with the discussion, but it appears the male fey, an Erkling, is discussing all out war against the dragon problem.
The female fey, a hamadryad, seems to be concerned about the safety of all in their court. She distresses what would happen should they fall and no one can protect the forest from the threat.
They cease their argument to look up at you all.
The male turns in his seat towards you. Birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extend from the back of this regal, elf-like humanoid.
"So, now mortals walk among the First World Courts. Your tenacity to make it this far is ever impressive. I am Vallahk, King of this Woodland realm." Then his face turns sharply into a frown."Now tell me why mortals are in my court?"
The female fey remains in her seat, but the oak seems to adjust itself to have her turn to face you all. This elf-like woman
wears a dress of pine needles and crown of geraniums.
"Violence won't be necessary Vallahk. They have come to ask us for aid undoubtedly." She reaches over to a drink that wasn't there before, and takes a gentle sip before setting on a root that pulls it away. "I am Quiselle, Queen of this Woodland realm."
Both seem to await your response with anticipation.
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Taking his cue from Kitajo, Skye offers a formal bow as well. "Greetings, King Vallahk and Queen Quiselle. I am Skye, shaman of the Lyrune-Quah. We offer thanks to Lady Enzial for guiding us to your fair court."
The shaman smiles at the dryad before continuing. "We travelled north with Medda of the Twinhorn Following. Her people and yours share a common concern, namely, the white wyrms and their kobold minions."
"Perhaps, we could work together to address this threat?"
Skye's spirit animal, Sova the snowy owl, stretches out her wings, displaying the starry nightscape etched upon her downy feathers. "Hoot!", she adds for emphasis.
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The table has a total of 12 Skill Checks available to them to convince the Monarchs to join their cause. 10 of the 12 skill checks must be split as evenly as possible among everyone. The last 2 skill checks can be attempted by anyone.
Each PC may attempt an aid another check ONCE during this encounter. If you are having issues making a strategical approach to convincing the Monarchs, Enezial can be asked for guidance. She will inform you of their strategies towards the Dragon and Kobold threat and their personalities.
Strategy
Vallahk has watched the kobolds hunting to feed the dragons, and he has some respect for their tenacity. Adhering to a rather merciless “survival of the fittest” philosophy, he feels nature should be able to take its course.
Personality
Vallahk embodies the aggressive, dangerous, and vengeful aspects of the wilds. He is quick to judge and even quicker to anger. His words are fast and fierce.
Influence
Average Intimidate, Profession (hunter or trapper), or Survival; Hard Perception or Stealth.
Strategy
Quiselle prefers a gentle approach that would slow the kobold’s hunting. She knows deep down that with a new clutch of wyrmlings, the dragon problem will only grow over time, but she’s reluctant to give in to violence.
Personality
Quiselle represents the protective, patient, and nurturing aspects of nature. Although generally happy and carefree, she has become melancholy thanks to the dragons’ ravenous appetites.
Influence
Average Diplomacy, Handle Animal, or Heal; Hard Knowledge (nature) or Perform (any)
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Skye cocks his head and whispers to Sova. He digs around in the deep pockets of his robes and pulls out a water-pipe and small leather pouch. He hands them to Sova, and the snowy owl takes flight, delivering the items to Queen Quiselle by dropping them into her hand from a few feet above her head of beautiful hair.
"My personal pipe, Your Grace, and a pouch of Shoanti Special Blend, No. 7, grown by my hand in the herb gardens of the Dark Archive in Absalom. Please, let us share a bowl for peace." He summons a flame and lights the pipe, water gurgling as the fey queen takes a long pull.
The shaman whispers another command, and Sova returns to his shoulder, landing softly with a "Hoot," a little embarrassed by the whole display.
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Skye turns to Vallahk. "'Survival of the fittest' is the heroic saga of my northern forebears, my Jadwiga mother, a witch of Irrisen, and my Kellid father of the Night Hunt following, as well as my adopted people, the Shoanti of the Lyrune-Qhah."
The shaman mutters a cantrip, stoops down and draws tracks of kobolds and dragons in the loose dirt of the clearing. "These foes may be fierce, but with your aid, the Twinhorn following and we can defeat them--and restore the balance."
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Rallas bows his head in respect and answers the regents in Sylvan.
I am Rallas, your highnesses. It us a rare chance to meet those if such station. I acknowledge your reticence to dealing with the kobolds,
as an elf, I understand the role if survival of the fittest. But there also must be a move made if there is an abcess or an infestation. The kobolds are such a tumour here. Excising them would benefit both your realm and the Twinhorns. Of course, I defer to your eminent wisdom.
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Shiv speaks to the fey monarchs in Sylvan, hoping his fluency in their tongue will net him some brownie points. Or some brownies.
"Your majesties, kobolds attack your woods, and we are told a dragon is behind them as well. You know well that a single dragon is enough to bring substantial and lasting change to the land, devastating everything that comes near, and you cannot think that your own will remain untouched. Help us end this threat within your own lands, for all our sakes!"
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5/12 Skill Checks Used.
Influence: Vallahk 2/4
Influence: Quiselle 1/4
The shaman mutters a cantrip, stoops down and draws tracks of kobolds and dragons in the loose dirt of the clearing. "These foes may be fierce, but with your aid, the Twinhorn following and we can defeat them--and restore the balance."
The Fey King Vallahk seems intrigued by your proposition. He rubs his hand against his chin as if pondering what you have said.
I am Rallas, your highnesses. It us a rare chance to meet those if such station. I acknowledge your reticence to dealing with the kobolds, as an elf, I understand the role if survival of the fittest. But there also must be a move made if there is an abcess or an infestation. The kobolds are such a tumour here. Excising them would benefit both your realm and the Twinhorns. Of course, I defer to your eminent wisdom.
"Ahhh the hunt of Kobolds would do well to satiate my thirst." King Vallahk says as he leans back on the root that adapts to now have a backrest. Quiselle seems to be displeased by this, however.
Enezial whispers "Quiselle does not like it when Vallahk is given more reason for Bloodshed.
"Your majesties, kobolds attack your woods, and we are told a dragon is behind them as well. You know well that a single dragon is enough to bring substantial and lasting change to the land, devastating everything that comes near, and you cannot think that your own will remain untouched. Help us end this threat within your own lands, for all our sakes!"
Enezial does not seem to appreciate the message as well, but gets the intention of it. She leans back against the root throne she sits upon and takes another sip of her drink.
Vallahk, on the other root however, laughs and slaps his knee. "Oh look, grovelling mortals! What else is to be expected from your kind?"
Enezial leans over and whispers, "Vallahk despises Diplomats."
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Fung looks intimidated by the Vallahk the king. But the aggressive might of the fey is needed in this upcoming battle against the kobolds... and the dragon. Plucking up his courage, Fung floats in front of him with some uncertainty.
"We have just fought these kobolds. They are many and persistent. But as Enezial demonstrated when she brought us here, you and your people can fall on them swift and silent like the shadows. Together, we can push them back."
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Malik nods towards the Monarchs with humility, and steps forward when it's his time to speak. "From what I saw on the way here, these woods seem to be very much alive. That is how I interpret the way here, anyway. It was a very odd experience to me, if a welcome one. Our Twinhorn allies believe an ancient evil is about to end its dormancy, and that a return of a white dragon is a mere side effect of this. A kobold settlement seems to indicate the presence of a dragon cult - you know how they are."
He pausees for a moment to gather his thoughts for a final push, and continues. "Help us and the Twinhorns protect this land from Eshimka and Grathatonhakis. Surely, them being released on the land would cause much harm, and you get to banish an ancient white dragon to boot! Thank you for listening to our plea."
He nods towards the monarchs, and steps back into line with the other pathfinders.
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Shiv gives a low growl when the fey king suggests he was grovelling.
"Ain't too wise to mistake a pragmatic statement for grovelling, but if you don't like the friendly tone, maybe you'll get it if I put it more plainly. We're going to fight a dragon and his kobolds. These guys are on YOUR lands. Maybe we win, and your own people wonder why the heck their own king didn't do squat to protect them. Was a weakness or did he just not care. And you best hope you don't have detractors, as if kings and queens never have detractors. But hey that's your BEST case scenario. Worst case? We lose and the start attacking YOUR people, and if you thought things would be inconvenient if we won without you, you better believe it's gonna be a lot worst in the alternative - they're defnitely gonna see ya as a weak king."
"That make better sense to ya? 'Cos you better also believe that if any of those detractors are here in attendance, they just heard what I said and are taking notes. And right now, what your people are thinking right now is - is our king weak?"
"Or you can join our fight and show that being king means a damn around these parts."
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10/12 Skill Checks used.
Characters who used 2 skill checks:
Skye, Shivalier, Rallas
Influence: Mallahk 4/4
Influence: Quiselle 3/4
Rallas turns to Quiselle. Sometimes there are only hard options to be made, highness. If nothing is done, there is a mass upset in the balance of the area, which could cascade into the surrounding areas. I would rather do something than do nothing...
Perhaps Rallas's heart was not into that speech, or perhaps the Monarchs didn't hear him. It seems no one was listening to it.
Malik nods towards the Monarchs with humility, and steps forward when it's his time to speak. [b]"From what I saw on the way here, these woods seem to be very much alive. That is how I interpret the way here, anyway. It was a very odd experience to me, if a welcome one. Our Twinhorn allies believe an ancient evil is about to end its dormancy, and that a return of a white dragon is a mere side effect of this. A kobold settlement seems to indicate the presence of a dragon cult - you know how they are."
Quiselle seems to wear an expression of grim understanding on her face as you remind her that the cult will act regardless of what the Fey decide to do.
"Or you can join our fight and show that being king means a damn around these parts."
This seems to get under Vallahk's skin in a way, but he also gives you a nod. "You have a valid point."
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A sudden gust of wind rushes through the area, riming the trees and rocks with frost that resembles faces of the region’s fey monarchs. “Your Society has requested our aid, and we have agreed to support your endeavors. Carry our token, call upon us in your time of need, and ensure the dragons prey upon this region no more.” With that, the icy faces melt away, and each of you find a tiny crown of pine needles nearby.
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When this occurs, all PCs and companion creatures gain a single-use benefit they can use during Part 4. As a free action on its turn, a creature can use its benefit to gain either damage reduction equal to half the table’s APL (minimum 1) or cold resistance equal to the table’s APL until the end of that encounter. Each PC and companion creature can select a different benefit.
Our Table APL: 5.
Average Diplomacy, Handle Animal, or Heal.
Hard Knowledge (nature) or Perform (any).
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Hoping he can't irritate the erlking any more than he and his friends already have done, Skye appeals to the hamadryad's vanity and goodly nature.
Lazarus looks at Quiselle, his midnight-blue eyes sparkling like starlight, giving him an aura of otherworldliness. "I speak now as a humble servant and vessel of Desna, The Song of the Spheres, The Great Dreamer, Starsong, The Tender of Dreams, Lady Luck, Resplendent Goddess of Fortune, Goddess of the North Star, Queen of the North Star, Mother Moon."
The shaman calls upon the aid of the Tender of Dreams♫♫♮♪♬. Calling upon his spirit's abilities, his eyes turn pitch black, and the colors around him drain for a brief moment.
Rising up to her full height on his shoulder, Sova spreads her expansive wings, displaying for everyone to see, all the stars in the sky depicted on her downy breast. "Hoot!"
"Your Grace, your beauty is only exceeded by your wisdom. Peace is our goal, but the great white wyrms will never call off their kobold minions, until we put a stop to their aggression. Please lend us your aid and that of the entire fey court." Skye's otherworldly appeal ends, and he bows in deference to the Queen of the Forest, awaiting her judgment.
"Again...", Malik raises a finger to add a point to Skye's words. "... if you are not concerned about the dragon, the kobolds will run around worshiping it. Only a few hours ago, we found one of your own in a heated argument with some of them.", he gestures towards Enezial. "As far as I am aware, kobolds are not known for being xenophiles. If not for us, do it for your own people."