[PFS] GM Doug's Down the Verdant Path (Closed) (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

Here we explore verdant Verduran paths.

Molten dot

Room temperature dot?

Dot

Companion dot

Who’s a good little owlbear? Who is? It’s you! Yes, it is!

I just need to shop for Eugressia, but I should be good to go whenever.

A few days ago you received a letter from Venture-Captain Brackett and, after making the usual preparations, boarded the riverboat Freewind. You are to sail up the Sellen River, deep into the ancient Verduran Forest.

MY FELLOW TRAVELERS,

Strange weather has taken hold in a part of the Verduran Forest, south of the town of Bellis. Falbin, a gnome herbalist who serves our interests in the region, has reported tropical winds and abundant floral growth. I invite you to explore and record the phenomena to the best of your abilities. I’ve arranged passage for your party on the riverboat Freewind, and sent an operative ahead so Falbin knows to expect you. Falbin can be hard to spot, since he’s shorter than the average gnome, but his voice carries like a church bell. If all else fails, use your nose—I’ve never seen the fellow without a fat satchel of herbs at his side.

Safe Journeys,
Venture-Captain Brackett

As you settle in for a lazy upriver journey, you take note of your fellow Pathfinders — there are both new and familiar faces on this assignment!

It's time to introduce your characters! Your characters will have a week or so before reaching Bellis.

You may also roll Knowledge(Nature) or Knowledge(Local) to know things about this particular forest and its denizens.

A petite sylph carefully walks along the deck of the Freewind. "I still haven't got the hang of boats; the ground just doesn't move right." The crew have learned to call her over when they want the wind to fill a particular sail: the breezes follow her as she walks. They can't help but murmur to themselves though, how in the world did she get all those scars?

Eventually she settles into a position at the railing. A seagull flies over and she chats with it briefly, then contentedly watches the horizon.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

A tall Shoanti man walks the deck, spending most of his time up near the front of the ship, feeling the wind on his face. "The ocean breeze is pleasant. Calming. I feel at peace with the salty spray on my face. It takes me to the cliffs of my homeland."

Standing next to him is a small bear. Or...it looks like a small bear, until the wind catches it, causing its feathers to puff up as the breeze catches them. It's at that point that you notice the beak and distinctively owl-like features. Mrrrrn? She rubs her head against the man's hand and looks up, expectantly.

"Ok, Nokka, let's practice. Stay!"

Handle Animal, companion, training harness, owlbear: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 4 + 2 - 2 = 28

"Good girl." He tosses her a scrap of meat. She catches it deftly, then turns her back to him and quickly devours it, lest someone try to take it from her.

During one particularly windy afternoon, a crewman loses hold of an important sheet, causing a sail to flap free. Seeing the sailor struggle to gain hold of the rope, the man walks to the nearby mast. He seems to tense for a moment, and suddenly his appearance changes. He grows hairier, thicker, his face widened and elongated, and his fingers seem to curve into claws. He easily climbs the mast until he can reach the near part of the sheet, wrapping it securely around his arm as he climbs down and hands it to the sailor. A moment later he is back to himself, as if it had never happened.

"Hello. I am Kahru, envoy of the Shriikirri-Quah, the Clan of the Hawk in your tongue. This is Nokka."

*Nom nom nom*

"Hello, Kahru, Nokka. It is lovely to meet you. I am Eugressia Biogon, and most recently, I come from the Plane of Air."

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

A shock of red hair bobs its way up the stairs from below decks, resolving as a wiry individual with piercing green eyes. Thick charcoal tattoos run parallel up their throat before curling off into deep blue whorls on their cheeks. The folds of a dusty crimson scarf hang loosely about their shoulders.

Oiur yelps in delight when they reach the open air. Self-tousling white mane? Eugressia! They bound towards the smaller woman, but the grin that splits their face becomes a quizzical twist when they notice the man speaking to her.

"I'm, ah... I'm Oiur. Recently from convalescing in the Grand Lodge after almost dying in the desert a number of times. I... well..." Thin eyebrows dive towards the bridge of Oiur's nose. They look from the man, to the owlbear, back to the man. "Do I know you?"

"I don't think...so...wait. You're the one from the Klaanin Pelejä last year, who beat me at Kasa Ajo!"

As the Pathfinders board…

Captain Hawking leans on a rail and chews a pine toothpick, watching anxiously as the Pathfinders embark. Under Nokka's weight the gangplank groans, near its snapping point. The toothpick splinters in her gnashing teeth; she spits it into the water. A nearby sailor winces and pretends to be busy.

As the journey progresses

The crew give Nokka a wide berth, but seeing the Owlbear behave well, become somewhat accustomed to her presence — even the Captain, by journey's end, has surreptitiously slipped her a few slices of meat.

Kahru and Eugressia's help is met with exuberance. Among those crewmembers who've been punished with oar duty, Eugressia is particularly popular. Hawking extends them a spot on the crew, should they ever leave the Pathfinder society.

Oiur is welcomed along with the other Pathfinders; they find the lodging cramped, but clean and comfortable. They might even spend the evenings playing Kasa Ajo with Kahru and the sailors. GM has no idea what that is.

Under Nokka's weight the gangplank groans

Just to be clear, Nokka is currently a small-sized owlbear.

Well, I suppose Owlbears are just heavy then :)

Somehow a tiny orange fox has stowed onto the ship. It loves sleeping in spools of rope and stealing eggs from the larder. It keeps one eye on the pathfinders and while ii is leery of the owl bear it is keenly interested in games of Kasa Ajo.

Hearing interest in learning Kasa Ajo, Kahru has to laugh. "I'm afraid it would not be wise to have such competitions on a ship, unless you fancy a trip to the river bottom. It involves setting two large posts into the ground, then competing to see who can drive them in the fastest using their maasulku, what you call an earth breaker. Last year at the Klaanin Pelejä....hm, you might translate that as Clan Games....Oiur over there bested me in the finals."

Nokka sniffs around the ship, prowling for food. When she finds the larder she begins to wag her tail feathers as she examines the barrels and crates of food, eyeing with particular interest the nets of sausages and smoked meats hanging from the rafters. Just as she's preparing to jump, Kahru notices her absence and tracks her down. Properly scolded, she reluctantly follows him back out to the main deck, shooting longing glances over her shoulder at the bounty behind her. Just as she's walking back out onto the main deck, she spots a small, furry creature nimbly open the crate and purloin an egg. She starts to turn, intent on chasing down the critter and having fox with side of egg for lunch, but a powerful hand quickly grabs her by the scruff and lifts her into the air.

"I don't know what's gotten into you, Nokka, but leave it! You're not starving. I fed you already this morning, and you'll get your dinner at dinner time. No owlbears in the larder!"

From around the kitchen corner steps a handsome young tian man with a well groomed mustache. He greets Kahru with a bow while trying to surreptitiously slip an egg into his pocket.

Slight of Hand: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"Greetings fellow pathfinder, I'm Kokoyuki," he says in accented Common. He's dressed in well-worn tabi and a yukta decorated with colorful fireworks. A mithril chain shirt peeks out of the collar. "I'm sure that fox meant no harm. He's simply hungry. Are you also traveling to the Verduran Forest?"

Oiur listens to Kahru's recollection, grinning at the memory. "It's all about good footing." They eye the man's physique. "Not sure how a rematch would go. You look pretty fit!"

They lean down and look in Nokka's eyes, waiting for some sign of acceptance before touching the owlbear. "What got you to leave the Plateau, anyways, owlbear in tow? We're a long way from home."

Something crosses Oiur's face, like a cloud over the sun, and their eyes gaze into somewhen else. "Häpeä."

They shake their head, smiling again. "Well, you're here, and I bet there's a great story as to how!"
****************
Oiur's helps out with the crew as best they can, ears alert for shanties and stories about their travels. They greet Kokoyuki pleasantly and listen intently to any tales he might tell.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

In addition to what Eugressia remembers, Oiur also knows that the forest’s connection to the First World makes it a destination for magic users. Unwise arcanists can even open gates to the First World. Some of these gates can form "blooms," which are fantastical spurts of growth among the local flora and fauna.

Oiur made the last check; please refer to Eugressia's check results above if you have not done so.

Moving things along here. If you want another boat scene, feel free to post tonight.

The Freewind's bow cuts through a carpet of rose, orange, and pale yellow leaves as it glides into the riverside harbor. The logging season has just ended, and Bellis brims with lumber workers who have pay in their pockets and a long vacation ahead. The smells of sawdust, beeswax, and mead fill the air. You can purchase items costing 1,500 gp or less in this settlement.

Falbin and the operative are supposed to meet you here… but you don't see anyone matching the gnome's description.

"Oiur! It's so good to see you." She greets her friend warmly. "I hear that Ibb has pulled a long string of office duty. Something about syrup. Kokoyuki, it's a pleasure to meet you. I heard that you dealt with some problems in Istanbul...Icicle...Isger. I've been there myself, fairly recently."

"This could be a dangerous mission, if the Primordial Ones are involved. They're a gang of druids from Beer Hall... Briar Hedge. They like tranforming into giants and attacking loggers."

****************************************************************

"Oh, look! Honey!" Eugressia walks up to a stall to try some wares. "I don't suppose you could help us? We're looking for a gnome. Oh, this wildflower honey is delicious. The library? Arguing with a stranger with golden eyes? Well, that's odd. Yes, I'll take a pint, please! Thank you, Warren! I mean, Wendell!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

"What got you to leave the Plateau, anyways, owlbear in tow? We're a long way from home."

"Well, after the Pathfinders investigated that kielletty tower beneath the sky fire for us, the elders decided that they may make worthy allies, and sent me as an envoy of sorts, to learn from the Society and strengthen our bond." Spoilers for a scenario you may or may not have played if I go into any more details.

"Brackett said we could find this gnome by the scent of his herbs, yes?" Kahru focuses for a moment before he once again takes on bestial features, with a particularly elongated nose this time. He and Nokka wander forward, sniffing the air occasionally. Shapechange to gain scent ability.

Kahru perception, scent: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 lol
Nokka perception, scent: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 LOL!

Both are immediately distracted by a man selling sausages inna bun, "Only 5 copper, and that's cuttin' me own throat!"

1/6

Sausage grease on lips (and beaks), and mason jars of organic honey in tow, you make your way into the city proper.

Not far along, you hear shouting:

Druids! Druids Druids Druids!

A pause. A songbird tweets a single splendid note into the silent moment.

DRUIDS!

You turn the corner and see the Bellis Public Library. On the building's worn granite steps a gnome with a dirty beard hops up and down, gesticulating wildly at a female humanoid who stands as far apart as decorum will allow. She has an air of dignity, golden eyes, and intricate henna tattoos; a strange bird with magnificent plumage perches on her shoulder.

2/6

The druids are to blame, I’d bet anything! The gnome frantically digs in his pouch and holds aloft several weird fungi. Chanterelle! Puffball! Take your pick!

3/6

The stately humanoid frowns and steps back, but then leans in to peer closely at the herbs; she is clearly intrigued by a wager. Pah! Musty things; I'm no chef or herbalist — wager something better! In general, you must think bigger, Falbin! There’s more to this than your grudges.

4/6

Old grudges!? They burned my belladonna garden! Never have I seen nightshades so lovely, so deadly — burnt down in their prime! Who else could it be!?

At a momentary impasse, the gnome crosses his arms and pouts, chewing his beard.

5/6
The female humanoid grunts, and glances over her shoulder. She sees the group approach, and pokes Falbin in the hat. She gestures to the group. Pathfinders! Welcome! I am Jamilia, and this is Falbin the Herbalist.

She pauses when she sees Eugressia, and tilts her head in thought. You… you look vaguely familiar… I've seen you before. Do you hail from Armun Kelisk? Perhaps we've a mutual acquaintance or three, hmmm? Do you know Fairuza of the Azure Hall? Ashasar of the Concordance?

Eugressia knows this is a janni.

6/6

Concurrently the gnome turns and bounds down the weathered steps — three at a time. He pats Nokka on the head and then grabs Kahru's hand, vigorously shaking it. Of course, of course! They sent the mighty Kahru and Nokka — who better to exterminate druid infestations and save the innocent deadly nightshades?

He gives a haughty backward glance at Jamila. Yes, welcome! Who have you brought? Welcome indeed!

"Why, yes! I worked for the Concordance before they sent me to join the Pathfinder Society. I went on a few missions for Ashasar around Armun Kelisk. I am Eugressia Biogon. Did you also find it difficult to get used to the Material Plane?"

Oiur does their best to compose themself at the gnome's energetic demeanor. You deal with Irp just fine! And speaking of, I wonder what kind of bird's on her shoulder...

They step forward and offer a firm handshake. "Oiur. Mightier even than Kahru, in some cases." A smile and a wink towards the Shoanti man. "Armun Kelisk—now there's a place I'd like to visit some day! It sounds fascinating, if the Grand Lodge's books can be believed."

They take a step back and nod at the gnome, gesturing to him with an extended arm and open palm. "But as Master Falbin says, we're here for other matters. I don't know about druid infestations and innocent nightshades, but I understand there's been abnormal weather lately? Stop me if I get anything wrong."

They begin ticking points off on their fingers.
"The Verduran Forest is metaphysically close to the First World." Index.
"That proximity is attractive to magic users of all sorts." Middle.
"Said users who are... ambitious enough can make gates to the First World." Ring.
"Said gates can create blooms of rampant growth." Pinky.

They curl and turn the hand, hooking its thumb with the their other index finger.
"So my first question is—any arcanists, wizards, spellslingers, etcetera come into town lately?"

Jamila gives Eugressia a infinitesimal bow. Eugressia Biogon. I apologize to you that I am here and not Ashasar himself; his new duties with the Pathfinders find him full of duty and cares. That said, it's a pleasure to see you… again. I hope to know you better this time around.

She considers Eugressia's question and her eyes wander away, to the South. I've been here, for the most part, a long time now; it's as if I've lived several lives on the material plane. Likely, it is easier for a Janni to adjust than for a Sylph.

To Oiur: Armun Kelisk… endless skies… these things make places like little Absalom seem even more quaint. At some point, I am sure you will visit.

Falbin fidgets until Oiur stops counting. Yes yes yes. It's clear you know the ins and outs of the forest! What was your name? They always send the best. His eyes dart around.

As to your question: yes! Druids! Arcanasts! Well — Divine…ists! They infest the forest like weevils! They are probably skulking about in town too, vandalizing gardenias!

Jamila cuts in. That isn't cogent! I told you, this pocket of summertime is likely a planar rift. Nevertheless, the first step is to investigate!

”A rift between planes?” asks Kokoyuki. ”What could cause that?”

As Oiur noted, the forest is near to the First World — a delicate balance. If something were to upset this natural equilibrium, a rift could open.

Falbin rolls his eyes, and sighs very loudly. Jamila pointedly ignores him.

"I see," says Kokoyuki. "So, it could be druids then."

HA-HA! Falbin leaps up and claps Kokoyuki on the shoulder. You see? Wise Pathfinders know it's the druids! What else could it be!? He sticks out his tongue and makes a rude noise. Rifts… poppycock.

Jamila rolls her eyes and sighs very loudly. Falbin pointedly ignores her.

Oiur's lips press into a thin line at Falbin's abrasive behavior; nevertheless, they maintain their composure.

"So, investigation. We're looking for rifts or druids. Where might we find one, the other, or both, and once we do, do you know what specifically we might look for? Signs of allegiance for druids, particular arcane emanations for rifts, that sort of thing?"

They eye Nokka preening sausage grease from her paw-wings. Maybe I should've had one. Hard to be diplomatic when you're peckish!

"Well," Kahru says, swallowing the last bite of questionable sausage, "those druids weren't exactly subtle, last time. Why don't we just head toward this weird summer zone and beat them up again? If they're behind this, they shouldn't be too hard to find."

1/2

Yes, Kahru! Yes indeed! Let's beat up those druids! That's the way! He makes stabbing motions with a mushroom stem. HA-HA!

He then peers up into Oiur's emerald eyes. I'm sure we will find ample and obvious and one-hundred-percent irrefutable evidence of druids once we go to the glade.

Jamila snorts.

I can take you there. It's about two hours to the south, in a glade where the pokeroot lingers into the beginning of Winter. He squints, peering suspiciously at each of you in turn. I am loathe to share my secrets with others, but I trust you won't tell anyone about my pokeroot gathering location.

We'll know we're there when it's summertime again. It'll even be tropical! The flora overflows. Quite literally, it's a jungle out there!

2/2

I hope you don’t mind, but I will accompany you. An extra pair of eyes can’t hurt… rifts can sometimes be hard to spot, after all.

Falbin splutters.

Are we ready to depart?