Venture-Captain Brackett stands in the opulent Grand Cathedral of Aroden in Almas, the intricate stained glass window onto Andoran’s bustling capital speckling his thin, hawk-nosed face with colored light as he presents your orders.
"The Society has been granted a unique opportunity, and I hope you are up to the task. Last week I received a missive from the nymph queen Syntira of Darkmoon Wood to the north. It seems a deadly plague afflicts the fey of the Wood and they are desperate to find its source and a cure. While we would not normally waste our time and resources on this sort of endeavor, this particular situation presents us several
potential boons we can not pass up."
"Syntira has long attempted to improve relations between her fey subjects and the human inhabitants of nearby Falcon’s Hollow. Sadly, the Lumber Consortium agents who run the town are not open to a diplomatic solution, and tensions remain high. The Society stands to learn much from the fey, both about their magical nature and the elusive First World, and we could certainly benefit from a powerful ally in Darkmoon Vale. Do whatever you can to get the bottom of this plague and find a solution. We must show Syntira that the Pathfinder Society deserves her trust."
"We believe the strange disease may originate from a cursed relic known as Isandrea’s Basin rumored hidden deep within Darkmoon Wood. If this theory proves accurate, I want you to obtain the basin and bring it to me for study. I imagine an external force harnessed the artifact’s power and guards it heavily — so be prepared."
"One Lumber Consortium logging camp in particular was involved in several conflicts with the forest’s resident fey over the last year, and both Syntira and I believe that starting your investigation at this cutyard will prove most productive. I will provide you a map to this location as it’s a good place to start your investigation. Once you have located and identified the disease, seek Syntira herself and aid her in any way possible. Stock up on provisions here in Almas before heading up-river, as you may find Falcon’s Hollow too small and provincial for many of your needs. Don’t dally too long, however, because the disease is quickly spreading, and we want to stop it before
it gets out of hand."
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Calanthe was quite impressed by the journey to Andoran. Having faced the ire of the largely Chelish nationals within Korvosa for much of her life, the young witch was excited to see a place where - at least according to rumours - every citizen was equal to one another. Of course, she still carefully hid her bat-like wings and goat-like horns; even in a nation as open as this there would no doubt be people who would judge her for it.
She watches out of the stained-glass windows as VC Brackett speaks, rather awed at the sight. However, the talk of a horrible disease quickly snaps Calanthe back to attention.
"That sounds horrible" she says pityingly. "Those poor creatures... I will do my best to save them."
She turns back to the group, eyeing them up briefly. Thank goodness; she was familiar with all of them. Xavian had a good point as well.
"The disease may be limited to fey only... but it would probably be a good idea to purchase antiplague and take other precautions while we are here in Almas... just to be sure."
Calanthe directs her next question to the venture-captain, "What are the symptoms of the disease?"
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wooowwweee! lets get rolling! as for the disease... umm i dunno. Im sure we will be fine! Contilo says with a cheery attitude.
and Hey! since this time we are going to be outside it looks like i will be able to ride HayHead more this time! he felt neglected from last time when we were down in those sewers!
Contilo seems to be almost shaking with excitement at the thought of another "adventure"
Venure Captian Brackett looks the group over and answers their questions.
"Let me tell you a bit more about the basin. Legend states that an evil dryad created it to harm humanoids lost in Darkmoon Wood who wandered into her glade. Locals say that it curses any water it holds and that anyone who drinks from it succumbs to a deadly wasting disease. Some believe that while the basin was created to infect humanoids, it possesses an unfortunate side effect wherein it also infects fey, who succumb to it much faster than humanoids."
"According to Syntira’s description, the infected are covered in small white pustules and quickly weaken and wither to their deaths."
"We have not heard reports of any afflicted humanoids in the area — only fey — but you should use caution as humanoids can catch the disease. It may be in your best interests to prepare for dealing with the disease before heading to Falcon’s Hollow, as Pathfinder Calanthe has said."
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"I... I am a trained healer of the church of Pharasma," Calanthe says to Xavian, trying her best to seem confident in her skills (a failing endeavour no doubt). "I am not sure that I've heard of this disease before, but... hopefully we can figure something out..."
The tiefling muses for a few moments, one hand on her chin. "It sounds like... it's a waterborne disease... in that case... we should probably be very careful about eating and drinking while we're at Falcon's Hollow... we should bring our own food and water so that we do not accidentally become infected..."
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I think Calanthe is right, if we stick to our own water and food and be very careful about anything we eat from that area we should be okay... i think... mind you, i know nothing about healing. or diseases, or forests... infact all i do know is cold.
Contilo looks around slightly discouraged from his sudden realization of his limited life experience, but then instantly perks up.
Perhaps this is my chance to learn!
"Agent Tristan, we are not sure if the usual magical remedies are effective. Simple cure spells seem insufficient to stopping this plague. However, there is a local herbalist healer in Falcon's Hollow, I believe. You'll need to check with the locals to be sure."
The party makes their final preparations, and gathers in the Lodge building. Captain Brackett gives them the appropriate directions, and the party makes an uneventful journey to Falcon's Hollow. The group soon approaches the logging camp they've been directed to.
The light in Darkmoon Wood is dim under the thick forest canopy, and an eerie mist blankets the damp forest floor. A humble cutyard fills this man-made clearing. Thick darkwood stumps cover the ground and the scent of sawdust lingers in the air. Two rows of tents line a central path strewn with abandoned axes, saws, chains, and coils of rope. Over the unnatural silence of the forest, sounds of terrified screaming and ripping canvas carry from the far side of the camp.
The party rushes forward, with Tristan and Belvica in the lead. As they enter the clearing, they can see ahndgul of loggers fending off two big wolves. The wolves are clearly undead, with gaping holes in their bodies. The holes are filled with brightly colored flowers. The wolves seem intent on killing the logger for now, and do not move towards you. The loggers retreat back into thier tents.
Initiative:
Ok, you guys get a surprise round while the wolf-things are distracted!
The order: Tristan, Belvica, Xavian, Contilo, Calanthe.
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Tristan will move to close the gap between himself and the wolf-things acting as a barrier to the others as they fire ranged weapons. If any of the wolves try to move past, he will try to strike them. As he approaches he cries out:"In the name of all that is Good in the world, these abominations must be stopped. Back foul beasts and take the death that all creatures of the world deserve. I banish you back to the grave..."
All three arrows strike the left-hand wolf-thing. Calanthe correctly identifies them as some sort of zombies. The left wolf is clearly battered, but is still on its feet.
Round 1:
Tristan, Belvice, Xavian, *wolves*, Contilo, Calanthe
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After the zombie wolves move...
Contilo will start shouting in his high pitched voice as he casts ray of frost at the wolf on the right (the healthier one).
If successfull the wolf must make a DC 14 of be slowed for one round.
Xavian's arrow flies true, striking the zombie wolf. As the shaft sinks home, the creature explodes in a burst of decay, covering all the area around it.
Belvica's shot narrowly misses the other zombie. Tristan strides up to it and lands a solid hit with his longsword, leaving a deep gash in the undead beast's side.
Contilo's ray slams into the wolf's side, leaving a small frozen patch of rotting flesh!
The creature seems to look more sluggish after the ray strikes.
[ooc]After Calanthe we start Round 2[/ooc}
Round 2: Tristan, Belvica, Xavian, *wolf*, Contilo, Calanthe
The remaining zombie lunges at Tristan, trying to clamp its jaws on his arm!
The beast's teeth make a screeching sound as they scrape across Tristan's armor!
The combined force of Tristan's sword blow, Calanthe's holy energy, and Contilo's ray casues the second zomie-wolf to explode! The bright-colored flowers stuffed inside its fetid corpse burst out, and fall all over Tristan and Calanthe.
Combat is over, but Tristan and Calanthe aren't sure they feel quite themselves.
The disease will begin to show in hours. You will suffer 1 Cha damage at that time. More to come as it becomes relevant.
The survivors are wary of fey trickery, and suspect your involvement in an elaborate ruse to gain their trust. When you question them, they are not outright antagonistic, but they are also not forthcoming with information on their affliction, the events of the last week, or anything else, really.