You have been summoned to the offices of Aram Zey, the Pathfinder Society's Master of Spells. He has told you that he has a critical mission for you to handle that is of a delicate political nature. You gather in the room just outside his office.
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Telurion walks in the room with a huge smile on his face - the massive young man with dark, black hair and eyes, sports a multitude of implements of war all about them - most seem to have seen an healthy dose of use, but are all in a good state of conservation.
It is almost surprising how he is even able to carry everything about his body, but he seems to move with ease, as if the weight mattered little or none at all - his clothing is plain in earthy tones of grey and brown, and clearly geared towards efficiency instead of decoration.
With sure steps he heads towards the others, and offers his hand - "Greetings friends, I am Telurion"
Your party is admitted to Zey's office by a clerk, and the Master of Spells rises to greet you. After exchanging pleasantries, he begins to speak.
"As you may know, the political situation between the nations of Molthune and Nirmathas is quite tense. The two have long been enemies, and Molthune has rarely ceased in its efforts to reclaim the lands it lost when Nirmathas won its independence."
"Despite the hostilities, things had been relatively quiet recently. That all changed just a few weeks ago. A Nirmthai lieutenant named Pavo Vos, acting without orders, took his platoon across the border and captured a fortress known as Fangwood Keep."
"Neither government is eager to intervene, for fear of setting off another large-scale battle. That's where we come in. Forest Marshal Weslan Gavirk, the Nirmathi military leader, contacted our lodge in Tamran seeking a solution to the problem."
"Naturally, we are open to improving relations with the Nirmathi government. Also, there are rumors that Fangwood Keep was built over some ruins. Your assignment will be twofold: reclaim the Keep for Nirmathas, and explore it thorougly for the Society."
"Please make any preparations you think are necessary. I will transport you to Tamran via magic. Once there, seek out Marshal Gavirk and one of our local agents, Pathfinder Osric Longstride. They will be able to provide you with more information. Please return within two hours, ready for departure."
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Adebisi has an old and mangled face. It appears he has suffered much in the past. Having already been debriefed several times by Aram Zey Adebisi knows better than to ask the Master of Spells unnecessary questions.
He will however take the time to greet his fellow pathfinders with his gravely voice.
"Greetings fellow pathfinders, you may call me Adebisi. I'm afraid the actions of others have left my sword arm rather crippled."
Adebisi holds up his clearly repeatedly broken and poorly set left arm before continuing.
"While my magical talents are not what they once were, Abadar has still seen fit to empower me enough that I might still call myself a Wealth Mage."
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As Zey leaves them, Telurion comments - "Well, boys and girls, I am about ready to go, I just need to grab me some dried pork and water to have something to gnaw at if we need it. Whoever wants to follow along, you are more than welcome, then I would suggest we gather for a drink before the two hours are up, get to know each other a little better? What say you?" - he smiles.
Wit keeps quiet in the corner of the room, where he had been standing unnoticed. He seems not to be paying attention much, and as others prepare to leave, he follows behind, walking with either a limp or a strut--it would be hard for anyone to be sure. His dark cloak and wide-brimmed hat keep his body covered, hiding anything he might be carrying.
Wit, though silent, follows along as well, his steps almost imperceptible to even those nearby.
Adebisi and Brigit are together able to locate a good deal of information on the two countries. Adebisi's research and Birgit's questioning of locals turns up the following relevant information:
When the various factions within Cheliax began to splinter, Molthune, under Governor Kellon, was quick to take advantage and declared itself independent, later inspiring Andoran and Galt to follow their example. Unfortunately, shortly after they seceded from Cheliax, Molthune itself fractured further. The rebellious folk who dwelt in and around the Fangwood in northern Molthune had long chafed under the repressive rule of Cheliax and longed for freedom. They rejoiced when Molthune turned its back on its oppressors, but within a few short years they realised that this had changed nothing except where they sent their tithes. So in 4648 AR, the people of northern Molthune began their violent rebellion. Within seven short years the rebels had won and the nation of Nirmathas was born.
The founding of Nirmathas was not the end to hostilities between these two nations; it just heralded a new direction for the conflict. Ever since Nirmathas's founding, Molthune has been trying desperately to get it back. The most recent imperial governor, Markwin Teldas, has instrumented many new policies with the suspected aim of an invasion of Nirmathas.
In 4706 AR, Governor Teldas declared the Pathfinder Society an enemy of the state in Molthune after the Society opened a lodge in the Nirmathi capital. However, many Pathfinders still sneak into Molthune to explore the country's ruins and other mysterious locales.
Aram Zey responds to Hawkwren's questions.
"We don't believe the ruins to be Azlanti, but we really only have rumors to go on. Many strange things happened in these lands in bygone eras, so I would caution you to be as well-prepared as you can be. You are all veteran Pathfinders by now, and you'll need your wit and skills, I'm sure."
"As to the size of Vos' contingent, I am not sure. Military matters of that nature do not ordinarily concern me. Speak with Marshal Gavirk when you arrive in Nirmathas, and he should be able to guide you further."
Wit nods his ascent.
"No need to waste time. Let's be off."
The party reassembles in Aram Zey's study. From there, he teleports them to the city of Tamran, capitol of Nirmathas.
"Good luck Pathfinders." he says as he disppears back into Absalom.
Tamran is a small city, and consists of mostly small wooden buildings. The capitol has been razed more than once by Molthune, and the Nirmathi prefer now to simply allow the city to be captured. They then harass the Molthuni forces until they withdraw, and rebuild afterward.
After making some inquiries, the group arrives at the headquarters of Forest Marshall Weslan Gavirk, the leader of the Nirmathi military.
He greets you as you enter. His office is a simple room. You see one other person there, a tall grizzled man wearing a new cloak and a wayfinder in the shape of a silver dragon.
Marshall Gavirk greets you."Welcome Pathfinders! I am pleased that you have volunteered for this assignment. As you have no doubt been informed, your objective will be to re-capture Fangwood Keep, a small but vital post on the border with Molthune. This is Osric Longstride, a good Nirmathi man and a Pathfinder agent like yourselves. He will be able to provide some assistance, but is unfortunately committed to the Silver Crusade's efforts in supporting Mendev, and will not be able to accompany you into the keep. We will do our best to answer your questions. Let me urge caution in this assignment. You will be outnumbered and attacking a well-fortified position. Stealth will be your ally - please do not underestimate Pavo Vos. He's proven himself a crafty opponent before."
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"I will sure to keep a eye about, though I would like to say now that I am poor in the art of wordcraft. I have been working in the thoughts of determining lies, but I have no skill in forming such dialogues." Xathaltial states to the group.
He looks to the Venture-Captain and Ostric for his following statement. "Though this Pavo, what do you know of him?"
Marshall Gavirkspeaks to Telurion.
"Pavos Vos is a lieutenant in the Molthuni army. He commands a small platoon, perhaps two dozen men or so. The Molthuni commanders claim he crossed our border without orders. His men wiped out a small detachment of our rangers stationed at the keep. As far as we know, Vos is a rogue agent and has had no contact with Molthuni command since his attack. His band was known for making strikes deep in Nirthmathi territory, and usually traveled light."
Osric adds some comments of his own.
"Vos is a crafty one. My fellow rangers often skirmished with his men, and he's no pushover in a fight. We'd all like to see him face justice. I'll be happy to escort you to the vicinity of the keep and give you what information I can regarding its defenses. We can leave whenever you are ready. We'll have to hike in for a couple of days in order to best maintian the element of surprise."
Wit, still standing in the corner, nods his agreement.
"Well, let's move out then" says Osric. He leads you through the winding streets of Tamran.
On the way, Osric makes a little conversation with the party.
"You know, I was born near Tamran. The war with Molthune was hard on my family, hard on all the people here, really. My parents usually envisioned me fighting with our militia forces. Helping out with the farm, then defending our hoem when needed, you know. But I sensed there was great evil afoot all over the world. When the fighting quieted down a few years ago, I left to join the Society. My parents were a bit disappointed, but they understand my choice now. I only wish I had the chance to help defend my homeland this time."
It's a smaller city, so before long the group is on the road headed south. Osric leads you one for a few hours, then brings up a different topic entirely.
"Aram Zey no doubt told you about some possible ruins beneath the keep. We don't know much about them, I'm afraid. Just rumors really. Supposedly when the Molthuni army built Fangwood Keep they laid the foundation on top of some old fortress of some sort. Maybe it has something to do with Pavo Vos' attack, but who know for sure? That's where you come in. A direct attack by a large force would not only cause trouble with Molthune, but it might cause Vos to flee or sabotage somthing there. I'm sorry I can't be more specific, but I was never stationed near the border and I can't say too much about the keep."
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Xathalial adds to the first line of dialogue. "I am from Kyonin, though my travels for perfection have driven me into the Society, and thusly, all over the world in efforts of practical training. Perhaps your desire may enter your path again, only the unseen forces will know."
He also adds onto the following bit. "It is not a problem; there are many things that even the most brilliant of individuals will not know. There are many things hidden by lies and facades that are only overcome with time."
After walking all day, the group camps for the night. You are not disturbed by anyone, and get a good rest. As the sun begins to set on the next day, you see a small stone fortress in the distance, atop a low hill.
"Fangwood Keep" says Osric. "This is as far as I can go with you. Watch out for enemy patrols. One more thing."
You can see the Keep is surrounded by the forest, although the area around the fort is clear out to at least 150 feet.
"Your best chance of getting in is probably to approach from the north. That means crossing the Marideth River, but the bridge can been seen from the fort in the daytime. I suggest you move in under cover of darkness, maybe even tonight. There's a secret entrance on the north side, according to Marshall Gavirk. Look for a stone engraved with four interwoven circles as a marker for it. Here. I have been given a few extra supplies for you to use. And one more thing - I'll be back with a large force of Nirmathi rangers in a few days. Please capure and hold the fort until we arrive. Good luck"
He hands you two elixirs of hiding, a scroll of knock, and a scroll of hold portal. Osric then waves to you, and lopes off into the woods, back towards Tamran.
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Hawkwren enters into the conversation. I hail from Andora. I left when.... The half-elf's jaws clinch with some rememberes thought. ...well...I left when I was younger. Traveled for a while then joined the Pathfinder Society.
After Osric describes the details, Hawk nods. Sounds like as good a plan as any. Let's circle around and set up, then wait for nightfall.
The party waits until night fully settles in, and then begins making their way through the woods towards the keep. They gather among a thick copse of trees about 200 feet from the north wall of the fort. Just south of them is a bridge crossing the Marideth River, and just over the bridge the ground begins to slope upwards towards the wall.
The party notices a pair of humanoids moving towards the bridge. They all hold very still, and watch the two cross the bridge, and then turn towards the East. They come close enough for the party to tell they are not human. Xathaliel gets a better look with his elven eyes.
The group waits until the patrol moves out of sight before daring to speak.
"Well," Wit begins in his nasally voice. "I could sneak up and take a look—I'm very hard to see when I don't want to be seen. Anyone else think they could stay hidden?"