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Naiar, a tall slender human with gray skin that made him look like a moving statue walked next to his companion, a medium-sized adult owlbear by the name of Boots. He has a sword hanging from his belt with a large crack down the middle of it, a small strap around his belt hooked under the hilt to hold it up with the cracked blade in plain view. He wears a light breastplate over his thin frame and carries a tall quarterstaff carved to look like a black and a white serpent entwined together.
Naiar turns his head to look over at Boots as they walk to where the Society told him to meet up for his mission, "They said it was somewhere around here." he groans as he slowly walks along. Boots gives out a loud growl in response and Naiar retorts, "Oh shut up.", before he's interrupted by a voice coming from his sword, "I believe our destiny awaits in another direction, young scholar." Naiar stops in his tracks and looks down at the sword, "I'm not going to hear it from you too!" he shouts before becoming distracted by an unseen entity, capturing his attention as he looked up into the air to the right of him and waited a moment before angrily shaking his head, "I don't NEED a lecture about the geography of Golarion!".
He closes his eyes and slips into a trance, shutting out all the sounds around him as he focuses on his whereabouts to make sure he's in the right place, using the vast maps in his head to figure out his location.
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Running about like a chicken with its head cut off, a young looking half-elf with a blue cloak around his shoulders seems a little out of place.
"Gonna be late, gonna be late, gonna be late!" He looks one way, looks another, he gets turned around, he's totally lost!
"Gods damnit!" He holds his head in shame as he hears another voice shout at something, also apparently lost.
Turning the corner, he sees a man yell at a sword and then at nothing. "Excuse me, sir? Are you alright? Perhaps you can help me. I'm looking for the meeting place of a certain Venture Captain." He notices the stone scarab enfused into the man's forehead. [b]"Ok, that's something I've never seen before..."
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Dalligar suddenly feels a powerfully built hand on his shoulder. A 6,5 foot tall half-orc stands next to him, hulking. He is wearing nothing but a loincloth, a greataxe and some trinkets. His torso is covered in a tattoo made of glimmering light blue ink, resembling a stylized octopus.
A low, growling, yet calm voice greets the people gathered, releaving dozens of deep facial scars as he speaks.
Don't worry, young man. The venture captain will arrive shortly. Let us wait for now.
Then you notice the smell. A sickening vapor emerges in wafts from the half-orcs sweaty body, an aroma best described as that of a stagnant pool... with something dead in it. The half-orc keeps talking, unaware of his own body odor.
Greetings, fellow pathfinders. My name is Dizzy Dinkletrinket. I was found in the blight forest of Treerazer as a child and was raised by gnomes.. hence the name. I hope you don't feel uncomfortable with my... affliction, a remnant of that fell demon's taint on the forest. Now, I am an envoy for the elves of Kyonin and am ordered to act on their behalf in the Sovereign's Court. Please do not hesitate to tell me if you have problems with my... appearance, for then I will take a bath.
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Boots the Owlbear catches Dizzy's scent and backs away a little, Naiar following him as he can feel a little bit of the musk reaching him also. He turns to Dalligar, "Ah yes, we were sent here also by the Dark Archives for some Pathfinder business. I see you noticed my scarab, this signifies me as a living monolith, more specifically a living monolith of Nethys, a house to store his knowledge in. This is Boots, my owlbear companion that I received for helping a small goblin tribe, and Gamin, my talking sword. If you notice me babbling off into the winds, it's only the spirits of Lore that I speak to." Naiar nods to the other two members, "Pleasure to meet you both."
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A stocky tengu walks into the lodge with a profound hunched back wearing mithril breastplate and dressed in black. He removes a jingasa from his head and wipes the sweat from his brow. A longbow is slung over his shoulder next to a sagging backpack. He glances around the room for a moment pondering to himself.
The half-orc is a big, interesting fellow. I expect him to be an agent.
He spots Dizzy and draws closer speaking in a formal tone with Tian Xia accent. He swiftly bows before his introduction.
"Good day sir. My name is Nokazi Stoneclaw, and I have come to assist on a special Pathfinder mission....cough...cough"
"Your body odor is overwhelming my senses, but I think I can stomach the smell for the day. May I suggest a rose petal bath?"
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"Dalligar Reldane, at your ser--" Dalligar catches himself as he nearly gags. "At your service!"
The half-elf doesn't seem armored, but the light tinkling of chains can be heard when he moves. When he sees the Tengu, he seems a little bewildered.
"Well hello there! Dalligar Reldane at your service, Mr. Stoneclaw."
Looking at the gathered team, Dalligar holds his chin in thought. "We have a living monolith and his owlbear and talking sword, a uh--pardon the phrase,--foul smelling half-orc, a Tengu with exceptional manners, and myself, a humble acrobat from a failed circus. Sounds like a good team, eh?"
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a uh--pardon the phrase,--foul smelling half-orc
Hmpf, so much for manners... I have might have to be careful with this one... Don't think he knows what he's getting himself in to.
I am aware of my condition, thank you. Remember that this is the taint that demons bring to this world, and that I never asked for it. In fact, I bathe multiple times a day, to no avail. People usually just get used to it. Patience is the only way to bear this burden, so I shall be patient with you. Next time, let it be a reminder to the evil that still lurks in this world, so that your resolve may be strengthened to help those in need.
"Your body odor is overwhelming my senses, but I think I can stomach the smell for the day. May I suggest a rose petal bath?"
Rose petals you say, eh? I think I will give this a try. Excuse me, I'm going to try and find some.
After finding some roses, he sets up a large foldeable bathtub taken from a belt pouch, filling it up with water using create water. He then proceeds by taking a bath, scrubbing himself thoroughly with the rose petals. Patches of black, oily sweat float on the water's surface...
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A bronze skinned man wearing shiny full plate clanks up to the group, Hello, the name is Chadik, but you guys can call me Bash. I wonder why the Society wants me, or us?
Chasik gets a whiff of the smell, The docks back home have worse smells than you my big friend. Hell, I have smelled worse after a hard days work. , he says with a big chuckle.
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.
“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.
The map we received six years ago corresponded with rumors of a great treasure that was said to lie hidden in the Zho Mountains. The mountains are also ill documented, making them a natural subject for Pathfinder investigation.
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In the room is a beautiful woman with Elven-like qualities, but the taller build of a human about 5' 9", with long wild flowing green hair and violet eyes. Unlike other's of the society she appears to be dressed in basic adventure armour and weapons, but she gives off a unnatural aura with a bright smile that lights up the room as she enters.
Around her neck hangs a symbol of the lesser-known Empyreal God, Arshae and a long shimmering cloak with a matching symbol.
"Greetings everyone, it's lovely to meet you. My name is Aurora Evelyn, but you can call me Aurora." she gives a bow to you all "Or sexy if you like." she gives a wink as she says this to everyone in the room.
"The Zhu Mountains? Is that near the Storval Stairs?" Aurora asks curiously
"This news is aweful. I hope the other pathfinders are alright. We better get there quickly!" As she states this you notice she appears to be wearing gloves with red-gems encrusted upon them.
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Naiar looks almost absentmindedly into the air and gives a few nods to an invisible spirit. "How many were on the team, and where exactly did they receive this mysterious map from?" Before the Venture-Captain can answer, Naiar slips into a quick trance for...
...only 6 seconds, before emerging with all the information they could need on the area known as the Zho Mountains, even adding a little inspiration on top for good measure.
Naiar babbles on about the Zho Mountains from his archive of knowledge.
Also, Naiar pulls out three Ioun Stones from his pocket and release them to float around his stone-like head, adding to his pool of knowledge.
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Dizzy's eyes light up as the beautiful woman enters the Venture captain's office.
By Gozreh, if that isn't natural beauty...
Then he seems to realise he's in a bathtub, wearing nothing but his loincloth. His face turns red as he awkwardly tries to look for a way out. This situation continues for another five seconds, before Dizzy turns into a Giant Octopus.
I am very sorry you had to see that, milady... It was never my intention to affront you. Please, let me fix this awkward situation, by doing 50 eight-point-palm kata punches in rapid succession!
The squid does martial arts practice moves into the air, splashing substantial amounts of water onto the floor.
But wait! I have an even better idea! Let me be your bodyguard! We need cold weather gear!
He then proceeds by flexing muscles and doing more martial arts moves into thin air.
Would you like some... Cool Armour??
It is common knowledge that the Zho Mountains are home to feral beasts, draconic monsters, and other dangerous creatures. Although the mountains rarely more than 2 miles high, they are nonetheless a formidable barrier between Qadira’s Ketz and Meraz Deserts.
Two of the most famous peaks are Zhonar and Zhobl, a pair of large volcanoes that violently erupted nearly a thousand years ago.
There were three of us in that team. The map was bought off the black market channels, its origins would already have been hard dot trace back then, let alone now.
She then turns to Dizzy and says Dizzy, would you mind not... you know... splashing.. the carpet...
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Nokazi stands still for a minute with dumbfounded expression.
You are an air-breathing, talking giant octopus who studies martial arts with a portable bathtub in a magical pouch. I do not know why these facts amaze me. Sometimes I forget others see me as a large talking bird. I have so many questions for you, but urgent business is at hand.
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"I agree. I'm equally confused, but then again my own party were in a time-warp sometime ago and one of them has a paradoxal duplicate running around....whatever that is. He's basically him but not him from another time stream...it's confusing. she smiles and finds the squid rarther strange, but also intriging, until something unnatural about him hits her. "Urgh...what...n-nice to meet you." she takes a step away and begins to feel a little better after some time.
"You shouldn't feel so strange being a Tengu. My kind a rarely seen around the society anymore." she states with a shrug "I'm guessing there are less celestials around."
Turning to the Venture captain again she gives another bow.
"Will these mountains be cold? I'd like to buy a cold weather outfit." she asks, wanting to make sure they're all prepared.
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.
Venture-Captan Esmayl takes a sip of his tea, then spits it out as Aurora asks about the temperature. Cold? We are in Qadira here. Cold for me perhaps, but you'll find the chill of the mountains a relief from the heat of the desert.
With that, the meeting is concluded, leaving the party some time to buy any supplies they need. The next morning, an agent leading a dozen horses and wearing a wayfinder greets the party. [b]In the name of the Shadow Lodge, good luck...[/] he says.
The party's journey to the Zho Mountains is relatively uneventful, and you reach the foothills in a less than a week.
The first Pathfinder team’s notes and maps provide an incomplete picture of the mountain range and its myriad pathways. It's hard to spot the landmarks described.
After some searching, Nokazi finds some faded scrape marks left upon a rock, crudely depicting the glyph of the open road. The markings indicate a trail. 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. The arid, mile- long mountain cove dead-ends here.
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Naiar consults with the Spirits of Lore about any local events that have been going on, slipping into another trance...
...and shares any information he receives, along with his earlier information about the geography which is basically two large peaks (inactive volcanoes) and lots of beasts and draconic monsters.
Aurora find a faint aura of illusion in the area.
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.
The place is a large town, complete with walls and a keep. At the gate, two ifrit guards say something as the party approaches the gate Jūtas gaidīti uz kristāla klints. Kāds ir jūsu bizness šeit? they speak in Ignan.
Then they try Terran Feel velkomið að kristal Crag. Hvað er fyrirtæki þitt hér?
When that doesn't garner any response, they finally try Common, with a thick accent Are welcome under Khrystal Crag. What Business you khave?
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Naiar smiles and tries to answer them when they speak Ignan, but is interrupted as they change languages to accomodate us. After they finish in common, he responds in Ignan:
"Góðan dag, við erum að leita að einhverjum vini okkar, þrír af þeim til að vera nákvæm. Þeir komu á leiðangri kringum þetta svæði og við höfum ekki heyrt frá þeim."
Hef ekki séð vini þína. Ef þú vilt slá inn borgina, mæli ég með að þú finnur gististaði strax, og að þú virða útgöngubann. Færa með!
Haven't seen your friends. If you want to enter the city, I suggest you find lodgings straight away, and that you respect the curfew. Move along.
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"Þrjár spurningar alvöru fljótur, þar eru bestu gististaði í bænum, hvað er þetta útgöngubann og hvers vegna er þessi borg falin?"
Naiar turns back to the group, "They said they haven't seen a group of three people come through here. They suggest we find lodgings as quick as we can and respect some sort of curfew. I'm asking them where the best lodgings are, what time the curfew is, and also why this city is magically hidden. I'm not sure they'll share much but it seems at least we are allowed in the city." He pets Boots as he turns back to the guards and waits for their reply while ushering the others to start heading in.