After watching the Emissary savoring his drink of dwarven soul, Grigorii and Glorymane launch themselves into battle. Shel flies up and joins in, then Yojimbo, then Baaldryn. As Harsk takes umbrage against being a 'delectable' dwarf, Wei Ji brings the searing light once more.
The Emissary screams, every tentacle twitching.
Before he can have another orgasmic slurp of Harsk, the party slices, shreds and sears him, leaving only black tarry pile of goo with a few eyeballs and shorn off tentacles floating in it.
The inky darkness brought on my the Emissary melts away, but his wish of having turned midday into nighttime remains, the whole of Dustpawn bathed in an eerie afternoon twilight.
"Look! Dalviss!" Leeara points, and Dalviss's wolfish features are already receding, replaced again by his normal human ones. As you look, the mutated citizens of Dustpawn everywhere are reeling, as they fall, convulse, and change once again to human form. Many of them are wounded. All of them are confused, and many groan in agony.
The mayor coughs on his hands and knees and looks up at you. "What the hells just happened?"
Mayor Enmet Kurigoss gratefully accepts Grigorii's hand. "Oh my aching head. I don't think I've ever been on such a bender before." He looks down at the pile of tarry goo. "That's an Emissary? You guys don't mess around, do you? Did this have anything to do with that other stuff you talked with me about? The water? The..." He flaps his arms, suddenly at a loss for how to describe Sonarisa.
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"As best we can tell, the danger is over. The tainted water should work itself out and unless another one of these creatures comes to town. I can't promise that, but I don't hear one in my head, like I did with that one."
Shel pulls out her journal and sketches a picture of what is left of the eyeball laden tentacle. "even though I'll never forget this image, future generations need to know about these things."
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Kiku allows the tension to leave her body as the Emissary finally falls. She scans the town, the darkness fading and the people freed from the curse.
"The threat is over...."
She turns her gaze up to the sky. Emissaries herald others. And if that was just a herald....
"...for now."
But that was a battle for another day. They had triumphed and done it without any innocents dying and without losing any of their number. She smiled.
"You were all amazing, my friends. I am truly honored to travel with such companions." She bows to them.
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Grigorii grins at Kiku, as he gives her a mock salute.
"I shall begin composing a tale of our adventures here right away."
He turns to look toward where the Lirgen's Glory lies wrecked upon the mountainside.
"Now what can rhyme with Emissary... dairy? fairy? no... Great Beyond... fond? respond? aha!
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The tengu continues to fly for the duration of wing-time left, watching for any fires, injuries or the like. He'll help bring any seriously wounded to the Sarenite temple for healing.
At Kiku's comments he'll give her a formal salute and a slight bow of the head. "The Master of Masters will see us learn another day. Thank you all for learning with me on this journey... but it's not done yet. I have an idea..."
There will also be the fishing out of Insurance Policy Number Two.
He will give the fellow Pathfinders a bit of a nod, both retired and present, and then get a bit of a gleam in his eye. We can salvage the Glory! We can do this! We have the resources, we have the technology!
When things have calmed down a slight bit, he'll mention the following.
"First things first -- Mayor, start bringing your people home.
You'll need to probably rebuild a little bit in time, but I'm pretty sure that the fame of Dustpawn, the City that Could will help with that.
However, to be safe and certain we need to remove all traces of the Emissary's influence from Dustpawn as a precautionary measure.
We would humbly request any assistance once your people are healed and whole once more to make this a reality, before any fortune hunters come in here and make mischief for skymetals that aren't here.
Between Wendir, any of the good folks from Dustpawn that want to help, and our own skills, I'm pretty sure we can rig a means to transport all such things away AND get this city REALLY on the map, if desired."
...some people from Andoran have revolutionary fervor. For a follower of the Master of Masters, such wisdom and knowledge is the greatest of revolutionary thoughts, earned legitimately through the pain and toil of the elven crew from Lirgen, who started on their journey so many years ago...
...In a few days, a sled will be constructed by Wei, taking his time to make sure the thing is secured, prepared, and ready to be pulled by a team of Phantom Steeds brought forth. He will encourage his fellow Pathfinders to work with him to bring this amazing find to Almas or Augustana, and then via boat to Absalom, where it can be researched and all knowledge shared via the Society...
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Baaldryn watches nervously, but no other obvious threats arise. Alyssia comes out of the temple, holding the hand of the still half-bat Sonarisa. Of all those cursed by the Emissary’s crystal dream toxin, only the four members of the Lirgen’s Glory crew remain cursed, their mutations too long-standing to be removed of anything short of a miracle or a wish.
Sonarisa runs to you with a thump-flap-flap-flap, leaping with excitement and squealing with joy as she dances and twirls around the puddle of tarry goo.
Now comes the dawn.
We’ve had our brawl.
Tentacled creatures
With aberrant features
From the Great Beyond
Tried to slave Dustpawn
To their mutant thrall.
The Eye has gone,
We’ve seen it fall!
Will the call to space
Bring fresh trials to face
As the world goes on?
The demented prophet spins, flapping and singing, looking for all the world like small child playing her own private game before joining Alyssia in tending to the wounded. It’s a time for healing for everyone, from restoring the soul-drunk Harsk to repairing the businesses and trust destroyed in the looting spree. The embarrassed Mayor and the Goaters work together, not only on the rebuild, but also on recalling the dispersed populace.
Wendir and others, grateful for your defeat of the Emissary, throw themselves into Wei Ji’s engineering project: Operation S.L.E.D. (Save Lirgen’s Exploration Device.) It’s a mining town, and they dig out the Lirgen’s Glory in record time, mounting it to its cross country sled. The elves all join in with the project, the rhino brothers Cas and Pol helping dig and pull, and Captain Geldriel providing Gibbs slaps to anyone who goofs off. “We need to get this vessel to dry dock for repairs. What are you, a layabout?”
The first wave of returnees comes back, led by Ellados Demos and her organized band of smugglers. She greets Kiku with a grin. “So this is the infamous ship that caused all this mess? Mind giving us a tour, Mouse?” Demos and her halfling foreman tour the former ship enthusiastically, the halfling taking copious notes. Demos looks thoughtful, as she leaves. ”Thanks, Sweetheart. Should you ever come back to this backwater, look me up.”
When Kiku asks Leeara if she wants to join the Scarab Sages, Leeara’s eyes light up. “Do you mean it? I can come with you? Become a Pathfinder and everything? Of course I’ll say yes!”
Dalviss sighs but ruffles Lee’s hair. “I guess it’s time to let you see the world. Be careful out there.” Then he shakes all of your hands. “Anytime you’re back this way, remember, you’ll never have to pay for a room or a meal.”
Nalan raises his brows. "Good thing. With Lee gone, they won't want to."
Dalviss laughs. Sending his greetings back to Calisro and the Grand Lodge, he sends you on your way.
You’re met halfway along your overland trek through Druma by a team of Pathfinders sent by Calisro as an escort. Apparently, Wei Ji’s first insurance policy did make it to Elidir, and from then on to the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge. You make good time, and eventually the Grinning Pixie picks you up in a port in Andoran to take you the rest of the way to Absalom. It’s there that you present your findings to the Society and ask that it restore the crew of the Lirgen’s Glory to their former selves. Kreighton Shane scratches his chin, but says he’ll consider it. “A real starship and the crew who flew her? This is one of the biggest finds ever brought back to the society.”
Months later, you hear from Dalviss that Demos has set up an attraction just outside Dustpawn called ‘Emissary Land’ complete with a life size replica of the wreck, mine rides, a fake cult, and parades of people in animal costumes. There’s even wax replicas of all of you, though Kiku’s wax sculpture is depicted in a rather skimpy leather dress. What it loses in authenticity, it makes up for in enthusiasm, and even Dalviss admits that it’s breathed some new life into the town.
But alas, all great adventures come to a close. It's time for you to look to the future, to other assignments and chronicles yet to come. Where will the Pathfinder Society send you next?
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GM Hmm would like to thank all of the players for making a great module even more memorable.
If any of you would like to post a Closing Credits Easter Egg, feel free.
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Grigorii supervises the transport of the Orrery of Distant Worlds back to Absalom, and personally deposits the artifact into the Archives at the Grand Lodge for further study.
Later, he makes a direct report of the expedition to Zarta Dralneen, who was examining the newest artifact to come into her collection.
"It was used to contact beings on other worlds, you say? Pity you squashed this Emissary character." she pouts as she idly examines the Castrovel orb. She places it back onto the expanded device on her desk, then expertly collapses the orrery to its portable form. "But there is no point complaining of spilt blood."
Zarta stands and begins pacing her office, "The Dark Archives is still just a fledgling undertaking. We are still in need of many expert custodians, scholars, and *shudder* librarians, to preserve, identify, and catalogue the various artifacts under our care."
She stops and turns toward the half-orc, who raises an eyebrow.
"I’m sending you with a team headed for Osirion. Even if you can’t convince that blasted dragon of Amenopheus’ to help us with our work, I’m confident you will find other opportunities. You can’t throw a rock in Sothis without hitting a cursed toe-ring or Ancient Tablet of Lost Magics. Somebody must know how to take the proper precautions when identifying such things, even if they are dried-up, dusty and old. Artifacts aren't always in pristine condition, either." She purses her lips, "Do make sure they are suited to the work before convincing them to join, will you? I would hate to release another Eldritch Horror onto an unsuspecting Absalom. I just got the current batch of curators whipped into shape."
She takes a silver-tipped riding crop from atop her desk, thoughtfully running her hands along its length, testing the weight. With an exaggerated swing of her hips, she steps forward and strokes Grigorii’s cheek with the implement. The tress stops at his protruding tusk. "You’ve sharpened them! How delightful. I wish we had time to see what kind of mark they can make, but alas. Your ship is waiting." she snaps the crop onto her open palm, "So get going!"
Grigorii turns and leaves the room, but stops just before he turns the corner, and with a sly look "Until another time then" and flashes a grin toward his faction leader.
My goodness, she is taking this responsibility seriously. She did not once ask me to flex!
<Distrust> <Loyalty>
"Oh you. Zarta likes her games, but she is harmless. She even set us on our next adventure!"
<Reluctant Acceptance> <Eager Excitement> <Joy>
That’s the spirit. I’m sure I’ll get another song from it to share, and with Gorum’s help, I might even get to test out these new teeth.
As he makes his way toward the docks, his footsteps fall into a familiar beat, and without noticing he begins to whistle a tune. *I Wanna Butter Your Buns*
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To: Colson Maldris, Major, Eagle Knights, Absalom
From: Wei Ji, Eagle Knight, Absalom
Re: Recent Discoveries and Recoveries in the Field
Major:
Recently an expedition that I had the honor and privilege to be a part of to Andoran's northwestern neighbor in the land of Isger recovered four personnel that were horrifically and painfully warped under the thrall of an alien entity known as 'The Emissary'.
We were able to defeat said Entity, and the forces of freedom were strong in restoring those who were not as seriously afflicted in the process.
Unfortunately, the four crew of Lirgen's Glory still bear the horrific markings of their captivity, and their minds are still chained by the workings of above-mentioned foul entity. They are going to require a significant amount of resources to restore them to their previous states.
During the course of our expedition, I reached a great rapport with the navigator of their crew, an elf named Sonarisa, and we were able to subdue the other members of the crew, including the Captain Geldriel, and crew members Cas and Pol.
In addition, we were able with the resources of the hard-working people of Dustpawn to recover Lirgen's Glory.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to restore mental freedom to these four individuals, though nearly miraculous means will need to be utilized to do so. They have suffered in a similar way to those who still labor under the yoke of Cheliax and a dozen other oppressive regimes within the Inner Sea region.
If we cannot help these people be free, then our cause, the freedom of all to be able to choose their own paths is imperiled at the root. What would this say of the great nation of Andoran, the cause of Liberty, and ourselves?
If for some reason we are not willing to do what is right by these people, then we agree with those infernal fiends (and worse) that 'some people don't deserve to be free'.
I would humbly submit that we are better than that, and we can make this happen.
Please let me know what course of action the Edge of Liberty is taking, so that I may decide my path on this matter.
May Justice and Wisdom guide your thoughts and Mind on this matter.
Brother Wei Ji of the Home Office
The Valiant Wing of Andoran
Eagle Knight
Colson Maldris peered at the letter he'd been sent by one of the promising operatives of the Edge.
Wei is an odd bird, but his heart is in the right place and he's done a great deal for our cause, never shirking from his duties and even when things are dire stepping up and making tough calls that some of the most ardent Silver Crusaders flinch at. But is he threatening me? Or trying to teach me in his way? This is an expensive proposition, the sort that traditionally we'd hand back to the Pathfinders to shoulder... but the chance to bring four explorers *from Lirgen* into the Edge would absolutely bring us to greater prominence in the Society, and we could benefit from this for years to come.
The Major sat down and began to compose a letter...
Brother Wei Ji entered the temple of the Master of Masters with humility and care, finding a small corner to pray and meditate in.
Master of Masters, I so often call on you for wisdom and insight, but as a student I am always learning. There are four students who are lost and need a miracle to help them find their way back to the Learning Path. They do not follow Your Wisdom, but they are explorers who seek new wisdom and insight under the guidance of the Song of the Spheres. We are always learning, all of us, and in the next life they might follow your path. Having spared their lives that they might learn in this one, they just... need help. There's only so much your humble student can do, but perhaps there might be another who could bring us what we need?
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In day after defeating the Emissary Harsk traveled to the forest outside of Dustpawn. Biter found a quiet hole near their camp to take a nap in. Harsk left camp and look around the pine trees. Near the corner of his eye he caught sometime. Slowly he crept over. Peering down, he saw the hoof print of a large elk. It was a fresh not over a week old. Following the trail he saw it lead to a group of elk tracks. Slowly he took off the crossbow from his worn leather backpack.
Following the tracks for what seemed like hours...he heard a noise up ahead...and raised his crossbow. Pointing his eye down the sites he looked ahead with his keen eyes. Then something popped out of the brush...A hare...
"Shoo.. he whispered to himself. Seemingly having heard him the hare sprang off. Continuing down the trail for what seemed like an hour he started to climb a ridge. Dust approached. Harsk peered down again. There were many tracks..some not over an hour old. He looked at the tree line and judged the wind direction. Then backed down the ridge and approached from a different angle. Crouching lower he slowly climbed the ridge, the last few week on his belly toward a large rock.
Peering from behind the rock he saw the herd that he'd been following. A large bull bellowed out near the edge of the herd.
Ahh..there you are...he'd big one. He raised his crossbow and fired. The bolt flew down the ridge, striking the elk close to the shoulder near the heart. It dropped as the bolt plunged into it's side. Harks muttered a prayer to. Old bull..thank you for your sacrificing your life. I will not waste it in vain.
He traveled down the ridge pulled out his dagger and stripped a few large branches. Making a travois he tied the elk down with a few pieces of rope and slowly dragged it back to camp. In the morning Biter and the ranger returned to Dustpawn. A few towns people greeted him as he entered town.
"Elk roast and stew anyone? he shouted.
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Kiku performed her dance in service to Ashava for each and every person who fell over the events of the past few days, even the cultists. She gathers the amulets and holy symbols that were crafted to show reverence and obedience to the creatures of the Dark Tapestry and prays over them in the name of the Black Butterfly, Desna's Shadow. Hopefully, the Black Butterfly's influence over the void and darkness would keep shut out the Dark Tapestry's insidious tendrils.
She travels to each of the places the group visited as she ensures the dead find their rest. As she leaves each spot for the last time, she turns around and whistles once, long and clear. She pauses and waits, hoping but not expecting an answer, nodding to herself with a sad smile when she hears nothing.
On the trek back, on one night as the party winds down in the evening around the campfire, Kiku takes the new recruit Leeara aside.
"I want to tell you something, something important. If you'll, um, bear with me a moment, I'll explain."
Kiku brings her over to the edge of the camp and takes a seat, motioning for Leeara to join her. Kiku sits on the grass with perfect posture, her hands folded in her lap, as she watches the starry night sky.
"I used to know a young man back in Varisia. He and I were, um, very close."
She breathes in long and deep, her gaze still turned away towards the sky.
"I loved him."
She lets the words hang for a moment, savoring the sound of them for the first time. She smiles at some memory off in the distance.
"He said, 'Whenever you need me, just whistle, and I'll come running!' I taught myself how to whistle for him."
She lowers her eyes to the ground. She frowns at some memory chained to her feet.
"He's...gone. I still whistle. Maybe...I'll find his spirit wandering as he loved to do. I never do, but I can't stop whistling."
She finally turns back to Leeara. Kiku's eyes barely hold back the beginnings of tears as she smiles the best she can.
"Leeara, please, anytime you need anything, anything at all, you can come to me. I'll always make time. If I'm going to be away, I can get you a feather token, give you money to pay for a Sending, anything. I know what it's like to call for someone to no avail, so I won't ever do that to you. Since I'm bringing you to the Society, you are my responsibility now."
She lets herself fall back onto the grass and closes her eyes. Her smile now carries the twinge of embarassment.
"I'm sorry. That was all a lot of explanation. I just...thought maybe you would understand better."
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Leeara sits with Kiku under the stars. Her sketchbook is open, and a frog hops into her lap. Two more frogs hide quietly in the grass, but at Leeara’s smile, they hop a little closer. She’s drawn pictures of the others. Grigorii, sitting on a rock, barefeet splashing in the water as he sings her a song. Shel, small and fierce, kukris out in a challenge. Baaldryn, his bastard sword raised, yelling as he charges a mass of tentacles and eyes. Wei Ji, beak pointing to the sky as he sits next to Sonarisa, as the Bat Elf points out the stars, naming them one by one. Harsk and Biter, dragging the downed elk into Dustpawn.
“You’re like the sister I always wanted but never got.” Lee says, laying her shoulder on Kiku’s. The frog in her lap hops away, but two others come a little closer. “You know, that whistle thing.... I can do all sorts of whistles, bird and animal calls, but I shouldn’t be the only one calling. When you whistle, you should have someone to answer you back.” Lee grasps Kiku’s hand and squeezes it back. “There’s no way I’d ever leave you in the lurch, Kiku.” Then Leeara pulls out her sketchbook, and draws one last picture. It’s of two girls, leaning on each other. One girl, Kiku, is serene and kind and shy, completely unaware of her own presence and beauty. The other is a self-portrait, always hard to do, but Leeara has depicted herself laughing as she points to a little frog now sitting on her shoulder.
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Weeks later, Wei Ji meditates in his room when there’s a knock. Answering the door with a sigh, he looks down to see a face that he’s only seen in portraits and in the shared memories of his mind’s eye. A petite woman stands before him, a single butterfly pin gleaming in her chestnut hair. She opens her arms and smiles.
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