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"Welcome to Varisia, welcome to the city of Magnimar, welcome to the Pathfinder Lodge of Heidmarch Manor, but most importantly, welcome to my home.” Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch greets you in her low, breathy voice, finishing with a warm smile.
"Varisia is a land of ancient wonders and exciting possibilities," she continues, "and I’ve found it most helpful to keep a team of Pathfinders on call at the lodge at all times, should anything of interest to the Society come up unexpectedly. This assignment is only temporary. We’ll rotate in a new team to take your places in a few weeks, but rest assured, there’s plenty of potential for you to make a name for yourselves as Pathfinders here."
"I’ve arranged for you to stay in Bakrakhan House, one of our guest cottages, for the duration of your stay here. It’s currently unoccupied, so you’ll have the place to yourselves. You’re on duty starting tomorrow morning, so take some time to settle in, wrap up any unfinished business you have in the city today, and should the Society have need of you, I’ll contact you directly."
"Ebrylis, if you could show them the way, please,” Sheila says as she turns and departs.
A half-elf guardsman steps forward. “This way, please,” Ebrylis says. "Bakrakhan House is the last house on the end. I’m sure you’ll want to unpack, set up your bunks, and so on. Dinner’s at sunset in the manor’s dining room. Look for me at the gate if you need anything else. I’ll leave you to it." With that, Ebrylis strolls back down the path.
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Rogar bows and gives the Venture-Captain an appreciative smile as she walks away then she follows the half elf attendant:"Well... this is just what I needed. A nice confy vacation in Varisia. I doubt much happens around here... right?" he says to Ebrylis before he starts unpacking.
At the other pathfinders inside the room he says:"Well met! I'm Rogar of House Valertis, I'm sure we shall have a wonderful time togheter".
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Standing in The venture captain's home is a small creature with bleach white skin and various patterns made from raised dots on their skin, walking slightly awkwardly under the weight of their well worked breastplate and shield, Senketsu gives a short bow to Sheila Heidmarch before following the guardsman out of the room. Large yellow inquisitive eyes examine everything in the room with a slight squint and a well meaning but creepy smile adorns the Wayang's face. Their voice is soft and their Taldane is fairly poor.
"A team yes? This one is content with that, this one thanks honourable Venture Captain."
Once outside the manor, Senketsu gives a short whistle and soon an Albino wolf, almost as high as the shoulders as Senketsu is tall, barrels silently through the garden and sinks obediently to it's haunches. Senketsu mounts the wolf with surety and then follows along, a fine lance hanging from the saddle.
"This one is called Senketsu" they say after a while, "and loyal companion is Yurei." indicating the wolf.
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Luthor listens carefully as the venture captain explains the current assignment.
That sounds like a paid holiday to me! the thought makes him smile.
"Thank you venture captain. he says to the retreating form of the Pathfinder superior.
"Good day to you all. My name is Luthor, it's good to meet you all. he says extending his hand to each member of the group in turn.
He follows along as the half-elf guard heads out the door.
"Ebrylis, this is my first time in Magnimar, and Varisia too. Are there any places you recommend we visit while we're here? If we have some free time it would be nice to see some more of this wonderful city!"
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Ebrylis smiles at Rogar's question. "Not usually, no. The city is normally safe, and indeed this manor affords all of the luxuries one could want in a vacation. The Venture Captain simply wishes to have a team available should something unexpected arise in this busy city."
"Ah, a Wayang," Ebrylis says, looking at Senketsu and his companion. "I have not learned much of your kind. For what reason do you join the Pathfinder Society?" he asks as they continue walking down the path.
Turning now to Luthor, he pauses for a second in thought, then continues, "Oh, yes, Magnimar is a magnificent place. I personally recommend visiting the Bazaar of Sails. There are traders from every end of the nation there, and you can find any good you could imagine. If you are in the mood for a drink, theatre performance, or a dance hall, Lowcleft is the city's most vibrant neighborhood. With any luck, we may have just a little time before you begin your duties here."
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A tall, lean half-elf listens intently. He wears his platinum blonde hair long, and it loosely frames his face. His hand, which bears a rough brand, rests on his chin.
He wears no armor, symbol of deity, or implements of magic-use. Instead, he is dressed in the fine, flashy garb of a noble. Aside from a pack resting nearby, his only possession seems to be a finely-crafted blade. This sword appears to be a bit over three feet long and very slightly curved. It is not the blade of a brute, but of a duelist. The half-elf's long limbs and agile build seem well-suited to be a swordsman.
When he speaks, it is with a tone full of hubris.
"Finally, a mission that seems well-suited to my capabilities," he says. "I am Erevan Stormstride," he adds.
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Senketsu happily takes Luthir's hand and gives it a firm shake, bleached white fingers calloused from years at a forge and wielding their lance. The wayang gives another beaming smile when asked the question from their guide and ponders it for a moment before answering.
"This one cannot speak for their kin you understand, but fine Pathfinder once told me of great land outside forge and the many wonders this one would see as member of society. Why did you join?"
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After listening to the Venture-Captain, Mac Beth nods in agreement. He watches the others exchange niceties and greetings. Soon though there is a silence as the rest of group looks to him.
With a low, gruff voice, "The small white creature has a strong wolf... I like strong wolf."
Another moment passes. Mac Beth sniffs and fiddles with his greatsword."
"I am Mac Beth ... That is all."
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Ebrylis manages to decipher Senketsu's strange-sounding tongue and responds, "I have guarded this Manor for a few years, and working for someone as honorable as Venture Captain Sheila has been nothing short of fulfilling. I do occasionally head out to the field for the Society when not serving the Captain."
Ebrylis warmly greets the confident-sounding half-elf and the quiet human who have spoken up. "Welcome, Pathfinders."
He continues, "May I suggest you visit Magnimar after leaving your things at the Bakrakhan House? As for taverns, I recommend The Fang, a favorite drinking hole among many of the locals. I have spent many an enjoyable evening there."
With that, he leaves the party at the cottage.
Bakrakhan House is a cozy stone cottage with a slateshingled roof and stained glass windows depicting colorful Varisian designs. The ground floor consists of a den centered around a wide stone hearth, a small kitchen with a side dining area, and an exterior sun porch. The second-story loft contains private sleeping quarters for up to eight people.
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Before the entrance to the house, Pathfinders catches up with the gloomy-looking gnome. You can see that he was in a hurry and out of breath.
"Hello everyone! A little late! I'm Zilmorn! Binkilink Zilmorn." He looks at the wolf - "Oh, good doggie.." Then looks at wayang with interest and some embarrassment - "Well, always nice to see that there is someone in the squad is not as abnrmally large as those ugly humans."
He stiffens in surprise.
"What did I say that out loud? Uuups... It wasn't me, it's that half-elf. I swear on my parents grave!"
Clearly wanting somewhere to hide and to change the subject he suggested: "So, let's go in the house... there's, uh... cozy and all like that."
Gnome is very tense, constantly looking around warily, and grabs his daggers.
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Senketsu tilts their head to the left and looks oddly at the fast talking odd gnome, having never met a gnome before, the Wayang is intrigued by them and smiles broadly.
"Welcome Zilmorn, this one is Senketsu and 'good doggie' is Yurei. Goodbye honoured guide, this one hopes you fare well. See you at taven later?"
Stepping off Yurei and ordering them to heel, Senketsu picks a bunk without much inspection and places their meagre belongiings on the bed. Once everyone is finished, the Wayang turns to their group of new friends.
"This one humbly suggests we get to know each other, shall we go to Fang for drink and swap stories?"
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Mac Beth grunts at the new addition to the group.
"Mmm... Our host said something about a theater. I saw a play once. Some bits were shaky, but it included men of war, men of the spear and steel. It was a good play."
He then turns to Senketsu, "The small white creature requests ale, and I will join him... her... the small creature. Let us go then to this tavern. I warn the lot of you though, if we decide to exchange tales of our origins, mine will haunt the very depths of your soul. . ."
Mac Beth remains silent, waiting for the trip to the tavern to commence.
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Some of the party heads to The Fang, a cheap and cheerful taproom decorated with all sorts of nautical paraphernalia and located in the Dockway Region. Many a tale and drink are shared. Others remain at the cottage, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere they've been provided.
It's just about evening when everyone returns to the main room at the cottage.
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'Something here not so. Something's not right. They want to poison us. Or to steal. Or be forced to play in a stupid show. Better death. I don't like it here. Little stuffy. They want to use gas? Why it's so comfortable here? Is this some kind of a trick? They want to relax our attention. These creatures watching us. All the time. All the time. All the time. No, I won't. Something here not so...' - Zilmorn obviously can not find a place and instead of resting all the time restlessly and aimlessly wanders around, looking around at different angles, sometimes peering out the window and muttering something all the time.
Clearly all that time searching for something, he was not able to focus and really something to find.
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Senketsu, riding Yurei around town so as to not lag behind the rest of the group is enamoured by the many sights and sounds Magnimar has to offer. Once at the Fang, the wayang hops off and gives Yurei the comman to heel hopping onto the bar bench with some difficulty.
"This one has never seen so many people! Ale? What does Ale taste like? All taverns like this yes?"
After a few drinks, the Wayang wobble stands on their stool and raises their tankard in the style that so many people had been doing all night.
"To friends yes?"
Silent as the grave, rhe albino wolf offers no complaint at transporting the Wayang across the strange new place. Taking moments to smell new patches inquisitively, at one point, Yurei growls softly at a passig cat, the noise barely above a whisper.
Onediently lay at Senketsu's feet, Yurei keeps their ears twitching at all the strange noises coming from those above.
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"This place is a pretty nice place. I think i could get used to to missions like this! Though i'm sure it won't be long before i'm off on another adventure somewhere! says Luthor, mostly to himself, as he enjoys the comforts of Bakrakhan house.
"Does anyone have any dice or cards? Maybe we could have a little friendly game while we wait for the others to return from the tavern?
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Mac Beth, Erevan, Senketsu (and its wolf) and Rogar return from the tavern feeling a lot more acquainted with each other. They join up with Luthor and Binkilink in the main area of the cottage downstairs, where they had been enjoying an afternoon of All Fours and other various dice games.
You both hear scuffling and creaking noises coming from an upstairs bedroom
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As the party reaches the top of the stairs, a small creature with bluish-gray skin hears them. She stops rummaging through the wardrobe in terror. Unfortunately, Binkilink's stealth is not enough to hide everyone else.
Ahhhh!! Ekkie see humans...EKKIE GO!!!
She lets out a surprised squeak and bolts for the window. She looks down and quickly leaps out, landing as gracefully as a feather, and continues heading to the outer wall of the manor.
Bold is up!
Rogar
Binkilink
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Mac Beth
Luthor
Senketsu
Yurei
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Goblin
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Erevan
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Seeing the Goblin flee, Senketsu looks at the drop and shakes its head, fearing that such a drop would be too much for them in armour, the Wayang calls and order to Yurei to track the creature and then darts after Rogar reaching the front of the manor house with the man, panting eith breath.
This. One. Not. Used. To. Running" comes from between ragged breaths.
Yurei looks at their companion as Senketsu darts down stairs and then onto the goblin running from the room, a soft growl leaving its throat. Dashing across the room, the wolf tries to join thenothers at the manor wall with a roll.
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Rogar runs downstairs and outside the manor, in hot pursuit of the goblin.
Binkilink pulls off a Cirque du Soleil-tier somersault and lands at the wall where the goblin is.
Luthor jumps and rolls out of the window with ninja-like dexterity.
Senketsu speeds outside the manor as fast as it can to meet Rogar.
Yurei leaps into the air and out the window with a roll and meets the others at the wall.
The Goblin attempts to squeeze through a crack in the manor wall, only to get her backpack stuck in between the two edges. She falls back on her rump and lets out a shriek.
THE CHASE
Bold is up!
Mac Beth
Erevan
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Erevan, last up the stairs, is slow to act as he surveys the situation. With the goblin bolting out the window, and some of his companions filing down the stairs they had just climbed, the nimble half-elf realizes that will take way too much time.
The swordsman makes for the window and leaps, grabbing the window frame to swing through the second-story window. As he swings, he sees an awning below, and he directs his momentum toward it, lands lightly on one end, and with a few light steps reaches the other side, before jumping to the ground with the goblin still in sight.
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Rogar runs downstairs and outside the manor, in hot pursuit of the goblin.
Binkilink pulls off a Cirque du Soleil-tier somersault and lands at the wall where the goblin is.
Luthor jumps and rolls out of the window with ninja-like dexterity.
Senketsu speeds outside the manor as fast as it can to meet Rogar.
Yurei leaps into the air and out the window with a roll and meets the others at the wall.
Mac Beth follows Senketsu and Rogar outside
The Goblin attempts to squeeze through a crack in the manor wall, only to get her backpack stuck in between the two edges. She falls back on her rump and lets out a shriek.
With the grace of a kitten, Erevan tactfully makes a few leaps from awning to awning and ends up on the ground near the manor wall.
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Binkilink, Luthor, Yurei, and Erevan look on as the goblin frantically searches for another way out past the wall. Rogar, Senketsu, and Mac Beth can see them just down the path.
Bold can post
Rogar
Binkilink
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Mac Beth
Luthor
Senketsu
Yurei
--
Goblin
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Erevan
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The goblin screams in agony as Mac Beth's blade carves a sharp gash through her armor and across her chest.
She looks very angrily at Mac Beth, and speaks
She drops to her knees, letting go of her pack and weapon. It appears as if she is surrendering.
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Rogar arrives on the scene just after the goblin's surrenders:"Well done! This escape attempt certainly was as shortlived as it could be hoped for!"
Then he turns his attention to the goblin:"Now you... goblin! Tell us what were you doing in our lodge! And you have better be truthful or we'll cook you alive!" finishes Rogar grinning maliciously...
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"Who of you knows the language of this creature?"
Binkilink approaches the Goblin, menacingly playing with a dagger.
"I know several ways to make it learn our common language. But it will take a couple of days and I need the remote location, so as not to bore you with all that screaming".
He stops and looks over his shoulder.
"I told you that THEY're watching us! I warned you! Warned-warned!"
Gnome rushes up to the Goblin and starts to choke and shake, though very clumsily. This clearly can not cause him any harm.
"Who do you work for? Who sent you? What's your plan? TELL me!! Arrrghhh!"
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Hearing the tone in Rogar's voice, the goblin responds in its native tongue.
Another mean longshanks! You cook goblin and eat? You barbarian!
The goblin looks terrified at Binkilink as she watches him play with his dagger, and even moreso when Binkilink grabs her and begins to shake her recklessly. She shakes her head violently as she hears the tone in Binkilink's questioning.
Leave-Ekkie-alone! Ekkie only following orders from other goblins! Please let me go!
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Senketsu hobbles over and slaps at the mad-Gnome's wrists with an irritated tut. Holding its palms up calmly Senketsu looks at the strange gray-green creature with some interest with a tilt of its head. Apart from the bleach white skin and slightly longer arms the two creatures would look eerily similar. Pondering this thought the Wayang pulls a slim ebony wand from a pocket sewn into its Tabard and holds it up non-threateningly towards their companions.
"Someone use this on strange creature? Heal poor thing?"
Then they focus their attention on the Goblin and gives it a reassuring smile, before speaking softly and miming at their gash from the wild man and miming the cut closing, then pointing to the wand.
"We help yes? Heal you yes?"
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Rogar looks at Binkilink and then at Senketsu, baffled by their actions:"Hey! I was trying to scare the little bastard into revealing its intentions, not to strangle it but also not to heal its well deserved wounds! Whatever, seems like it's carrot time. But I'll keep the stick ready, just in case, it's never wise to trust a gobLIN" he shrugs letting the Wayang have her way.
"I don't suppose anyone here speaks the little punk's language anyway, right? Maybe we should bring it back to the lodge and ask our guests to translate what it's saying then..." adds the Taldan after skulking a bit.
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The goblin looks pleased with Senketsu, flashing it a smile full of missing but otherwise sharp teeth.
Yes! Help!....You look like Ekkie and heal Ekkie. Thank you! Purple longshank is nice longshank!
Just then, Sheila Heidmarch comes running out of the manor towards the wall. "I came as quickly as I could. The guards told me there was a break-in. It's not everyday that we see a goblin roaming Magnimar. I assume this is the culprit?" She looks at the goblin.
"Bring it back to the manor and continue your interrogation. Find out what it knows, who it works for, and moreover, why it was robbing the lodge at all. Take its pack, and I'd recommend tying it up. You never know if it may decide to run off again."
Sheila shakes her head at the goblin, and turns back to the manor. "I'll meet you there."
The goblin makes a pouty face and crosses its arms. It begins to whine.
NOOOO!! NO TIE EKKIE UP! EKKIE DO NO HARM TO ANYONE!!