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Our story starts in Korvosa, a city-state in southeastern Varisia. There,
you meet Venture-Captain Sir Canayven Heidmarch in a run-down shop in Thief Camp, an informal district just outside the city itself.
“The Blakroses are among the oldest and most influential families in Absalom,” Venture-Captain Canayven Heidmarch begins, wasting no time. “We’ve built a good relationship with them, but in doing so we’ve inherited a few of their enemies, namely a shadowy group of power-mongers who call themselves the Onyx Alliance. The Blakroses recently contacted the Society with intelligence about the Onyx Alliance’s movements, and it seems they’re set on breaking into a particularly ancient barrow mound in northern Nidal. Normally, we wouldn’t worry too much about amateur tomb robbers in such a dangerous area, but apparently they’re prepared to recover a potent relic from inside. They’ve some plot to use whatever this ancient talisman is against that
Blakros family—and probably against us as well.
“It’s rare that we get a promising lead in Nidal, and the prospect of earning more good will with the Blakroses is even better. The barrows are thought to contain graves dating all the way back to the Age of Darkness, and the Society has very little information about the mysterious ‘horselord’ ancestors of the modern Nidalese people.
“Luckily we have contacts within the Whispered Song, a group of Desna worshipers who work against the local government in Nidal. Agents of the Whispered Song have been tracking the Onyx Alliance, and believe these grave robbers are close to discovering the entrance of a tomb they call the Cairn of Shadows. If we move quickly, we should be able to get you into Nidal and in touch with the Whispered Song in time to catch up with the Onyx Alliance and prevent them from acquiring this relic. And if you can learn something about the ancient tribal people of Nidal in the process, so much the better.” Canayven leans in, his expression becoming even more serious. “Nidal is a perilous destination and one where we’re not welcome. I don’t mind some subtle heroics, but I’d refrain from any particularly overt displays of gallantry if you want to come back alive. If you attract too much attention in Nidal, there’s no chance we’ll be able to help if you’re captured, or worse.
“I know a member of the Whispered Song who frequents the Broken Cup, a rather morose tavern in Nisroch. He should know how to lead you to where in the Onyx Alliance is searching for the Cairn of Shadows. He’s also prepared to help you avoid tangling with the local authorities. I can get you on a ship there in an hour, after which I leave you to meet with him with all haste. From there, I’m trusting your resourcefulness. Explore, report, cooperate, and secure whatever treasure the Onyx Alliance is after. The risk is significant, but so is the danger if the Onyx Alliance acquires what they’re looking for.”
The Onyx Alliance retaliated during the Grand Convocation of the Pathfinder Society in 4712, but the Pathfinders were able to defeat the fetchlingled invasion. Ever since, the Onyx Alliance has licked its wounds, rebuilt its holdings, and sought a new advantage.
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A sprightly gnome comes bounding up to the party in flamboyantly blue dragon-hide armor. A large greatsword sticks out above his shoulder. "Hello there! Good to see you all! I am Lord Fizzbeard Dragonfiend, a servant of the Lord Smiad and expert hunter of dragons and saver of damsels in distress! Hoho!"
Fizz listens to the briefing with excitement. "Trouble in Nidal! Of course! And I suppose the Blakros family will hail us as heroes if-nay, when!-we come back successful! Damsels in distress, yes! Indirectly, but I think the logic still applies, haHA!"
"Of course, the Blakros family are no dolts to sit around and wait for heroes to rescue them, oh no! Smart! Vigilant, they are! They've had trouble with this Onyx Alliance for some time and their spies within in the organization tell that this artifact the Alliance seeks is somewhere in the burial grounds of Barrowmoor. A chance of discovery for the Society while we're there as well, I should say!"
The gregarious gnome finally quiets down and looks at the rest of the party. "What say you? A noble quest for honor and renown? Hooray!"
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A stately woman with a strict demeanour in a spotless suit of of armor walks into the room, eyes betraying a weariness of the horrors she's seen. She listens dutifully to the briefing, then looks around the room.
Hail Sir Heidmarch, Hail Lord Dragonfiend! I am Penelope Tyaden III, sworn protector of those in peril, and upholder of the values of Iomedae: Valor, Justice and Honor!
That we may find this artist and snatch it from the shadowy clutches of evil in this dark land of Nidal.
Good Sir Heidmarch, the nation of Nidal is a known bastion of evil. What of the enforcers in Nisroch, what do you know of their organisation and their ways?
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A towering Kellid man moves into the room, striding with a bold purpose. "I am Thorgrim, royal guard of Estrid, King of Halgrim in the Land of the Linnorm." the man states before nodding at Venture Captain Heidmarch. "I am here to join the journey to Nidal at my master's request after my failure in the legendary Bonekeep."
He lets the massive maul over his shoulder fall to the floor and, if you look closely, the adamantine depicts scenes of destruction across the sledge and haft. A thunderstone thrums inside the weapon. The man's gauntlet bears the symbol of a gaping mouth.
He listens to the rest of the briefing and any of his companions questions, but poses none of his own.
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A tall elf with a mane of glossy black hair, eerie opalescent eyes, and a midnight-colored faerie dragon perched on his shoulder, enters the room. There is something singularly strange about observing his movement, as though multiple moments in time sometimes appear simultaneously visible, and others may also feel like there are the barest fractions of moments when he might not be there at all.
"It's good to be back," he says with a radiant, but somewhat unnerving, smile.
"Who doesn't know about the 'horselords?' The Nidalese had to be something before their covenant with Zon-Kuthon, didn't they? Earthfall kind of forced them into it - that, and the minority who didn't feel forced into it were disposed of by the rest. Are we really going to Barrowmore? For those of you who might not know, comrades, Barrowmore is sort of the penny-dreadful image of adventuring embodied. You know: grisly traps, dripping walls, darkness so thick it practically has to be attacked with magic, and of course, treasure beyond accounting!...and then there's the local legends - we all know how this goes, don't we? - that there's some kind of genius loci at work in the place that plays weird games with interlopers, manipulating the tombs so that they can never be properly mapped!" Vladek appears near to tears of laughter at the sheer quintessential quality of it all.
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Heidmarch strokes his beard, a smile hidden behind it as he beholds the agents so enthusiastic about this mission. "Make no mistake, it won't be a walk in the park. Nidal is probably one of the worst place I could ever think of to send Pathfinders, even experienced ones like yourselves."
"A sensible question." he replies to Penelope. "All you need to know is that you don't want to face these sadistic madmen. Their law is a mockery of any decent country's, and their judgement is swift and merciless. If you attract attention, run and hide. Get out of the city quickly. Every pair of eyes in this city is one sold to the enforcers."
The Venture-Captain sums up your mission. "My best advice is to be quick about it. Venture into Nisroch without attracting undue attention, meet with this Golbrier Frosh, and get out as fast as you can."
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Grinir points to his legs.. "Do these things look like they were built for speed? Why am I always asked to hurry up everywhere.. Haven't you humans ever heard that good things take time complete? Bahh.. I probably have a spell of two that can help I guess." His question being more of a statement and not needing response the dwarf goes back to grumbling in his corner.. A moment later he lights up a cigar and starts puffing it contently.. "Where's the ale in this place?" that seems to be a question he was actually looking for an answer too!
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Well what the in the Nine Hells are all you lot waiting for! Comes a booming voice from the doorway. I've been ready to set sail for over an hour now and here you all are, sitting down and having a cup of tea! A handsome man, in his mid 20’s, stands in the doorway, though his face has distinctly cheliaxian features he is much fairer that most from that dark nation. His dirty blond hair is cut short in military style, and his light, steel blue, eyes seem to be lit from behinds by some inner fire. His smile is genuine and warm but he has a proud bearing, which hints at a noble heritage.
Dressed in immaculate full plate armor, that has a strange coloration similar to the Thorgrim's hammer, trimmed in gold and covered in medals and insignia. His brilliant blue cloak is emblazoned with a golden Eagle making him as a member of the the Andoran Eagle Knights. At his side is a beautiful sword, accented in blue and gold. Though the blade is of a very old Azlanti style it is in such good conditions as to look brand new.
Moving forward he salutes the VC. Captain Kayluss Baradin. My ship, The Star Blade, is ready to sail for Nisroch sir.
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Your voyage to Nisroch proves fortuitously uneventful, and the ship docks in the evening at the Portside district after the captain pays a considerable harbor fee. The city is a dreary place constructed of wood and slate, and one of the region’s common downpours makes it feel even more oppressive. You can easily find your way to the Broken Cup, a tavern in the Southbank district that caters to common folk.
There is nothing bright or cheerful about the Broken Cup. The walls are worn gray and the furniture drab brown. There are few lights, the brightest sitting by the stairs that presumable lead to rooms upstairs. There is no singing, no laughter, and no real sign that the tavern even welcomes new customers. Those who linger here mostly mind their food and themselves, going out of their ways not to make eye contact.
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Fizz strides in with a bounce in his step and a broad smile on his face. Sensing the demeanor of the place, however, his grin slowly fades and he hunches over in a manner more befitting the company. His extravagant blue dragonhide armor and wild, bright red hair and beard still leave him as a bit of an eyesore in this place though.
"Hello! Bartender! Do you have rooms available? My friends and I would like some rooms and food if you have any. Oh! And drinks of course! You'll have a few pints with me, won't you Bizz?"
Not being the most subtle, Fizz hopes that his companions are better able to locate their covert contact.
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Penelope mutters The shorter we linger here, the better. This looks like the kind of place where redemption is thinly spread. Let's see if we can find our contact, and without dra..
wing too much attention to ourselves Penelope doesn't finish her sentence, as it is already obsoleted by Fizzbeard. She has a look around herself.
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Grimnir frowns and the to happy paladin.. He pulls him to the side and keeps his voice low.. "Stop being so friendly gnome.. Remember we're in a place that doesn't take kind to it. We're supposed to be laying low not making friends with the whole town." He then moves to the bar and lays down some coin.. "5 pints like shortround said." He kills one and grasp 2 others in his mits. Moving to a table he scans for this Whispered Song fellow..
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The innkeeper gazes at you with an inquisitive eye, almost scowling at you. Yet he simply nods and brings you whatever drinks you order.
Grimnir's attention is immediately caught by one of the only voices that rise above the drab tone everyone talks with around here. A young woman, currently leaning against the bar, is apparently celebrating something which she's sharing with reluctant neighbours. You only catch bits of that one-sided conversation: "... and I caught'im good! You should've seen his face, when he realized he was trapped. This is going to fetch me a fair price!"
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The woman eyes Grimnir before responding, apparently surprised.
"Why, of course. I'll take you up on that offer, dwarf. I'm Alya by the way, bounty hunter extraordinaire! Quite a bounty I've just caught, as I was just saying. Desnan devouts are worth a lot of gold these days, for their indulging in forbidden faiths. I don't care one way or another for these religious matters, but good money is good money."
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Kayluss leaves his medals and insignia on the ship and wears his cloak inside out showing its warm brown lining. He keeps his cloak pulled close to hide is fancy armor and weapons.
Grim, we already have a job, or are you getting bored? Kayluss asks harshly as he joins the two at the bar and orders a drink. He gives the woman a critical look before nodding, seeming impressed. So you're a bounty hunter, and a decent one too from the sounds of it. You might be able to help us out with our job. Who was this Deana cultist you captured?
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The bounty hunter appears to rejoice at the interest everyone shows for her tale. As for Kayluss's question, she shrugs. "Not sure, really. Men about to die don't have names."
"Grimnir, huh? You look capable enough. I'll keep that in mind, though I usually work alone."
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With a hushed voice Kayluss leans in, Well you see, we happen to be on the hunt for a Desna cultist too. Now our employers are not with the local government but if the guys dead he's dead and our job is done. If you let us in on what you know about the guy you caught, and he happens to be our guy, I'll make sure you get a "finders fee". Say 5%
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Alya frowns for a second, then lowers her voice, apparently interested in Kayluss's offer. "I think we could certainly find a way to rub each other's shoulders, shan't we? You see, I found out that the Desnan priest was part of some kind of secret group, called the Whispered Song. That of any help to you? It certainly won't be of any help to him, he's not about to escape his bonds and my room, I'll tell you!" she boasts with an inebriated chuckle.
Meanwhile, Fizzbeard chats with the innkeeper, a gloomy rat-faced woman eyeing the gnome with the utmost suspicion until the paladin is able to get a half-smile from him - a true success indeed!
"Ah, er... yes, we're doing it in our basement. Glad you like it, stranger. There's not much going on around, save for that lass boasting all she can about the heretic she's caught. Ah, can you wait a second? I have to bring a meal upstairs." interrupts the innkeeper, checking for his keys at his belt.
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Fizz takes a moment to scarf down some food while the innkeeper delivers the food. When they get back, Fizz strikes up conversation again. "So is that normal around these parts?" he asks them, nodding in the direction of the woman bragging with the others. "And who exactly did she catch? I didn't catch the name. Was is someone important?"
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Vladek's familiar disappears from view. The Faerie dragons flies behind the innkeeper and manages to slip unnoticed into the room she opens.
When the innkeeper comes back, she shakes her head. "I wouldn't know. Not my business anyway. I don't want any problems with the Silent Enforcers. You look friendly enough, so I'll give you this piece of advice: You shouldn't ask so many questions."
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Qadathra flutters over to the head of the bed when the coast is clear and looks at the man, his head directly over his face.
Hello, he says telepathically. It looks like perhaps I accidentally flew in on an evening of lustful courtship in the Nidalese fashion, but given that your description matches that of someone which my best friend and his associates have come all this way to see, I'm guessing not. If I free you, can you, I don't know, crawl out the window or something?
Meanwhile, Vladek empathically senses that Qadathra is excited about something. He leans over to Kayluss.
"We need to keep this bounty hunter good and busy," He hisses quietly. "Desnans have an outstanding distaste for imprisonment, and have a way escaping - or being rescued - right out from under their captors' noses." He leans back and gives an enigmatic, very Elven, smile.
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The Desnan captive's look shines with excitement as he beholds the faerie dragon. I knew Desna wouldn't let me down... you're a godsent! I mean... Hello! I'm afraid the window is locked and I'm not very good at opening locks. You spoke of your best friend and his associates - where are they and can they help us? he replies telepathically while he slips out of his bonds.
The innkeep looks at Thorgrim briefly, almost surprised of the question, but then nods obediently. "Certainly, good sir. Here's our collection of fine ales. I hope you'll find them to your liking, though it has nothing to do with the fine brews from the Linnorm Kings. Good barley is hard to come by here, alas."
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You see Fizz stop in mid-sentence, listening to something far away. Seconds later a halfling wearing worn traveling clothes walks into the bar. With his dark hair and dark outfit, he looks quite at home in a seedy establishment such as this. He walks over to Fizz, though, and flashes a wayfinder, whispering "You've been called to another assignment, ol' Fizzy. The Ten sent me here to replace you."
Fizz waves a quick good-bye to the other agents as the halfling takes his seat at the bar and finishes the gnome's food. He will wait for a more opportune time to introduce himself to the other Pathfinders.
A few quick things about Bart: as a diviner, he always acts in the surprise round. Because of his bandit archetype, during the surprise round he gets to take a swift, standard, and move (so essentially a regular turn).
Normally drawing a concealed weapon is a standard action but thanks to Quick Draw it is a move action. Bart also has the Underhanded rogue talent, which lets him deal maximum sneak attack damage if he strikes with a concealed weapon during the surprise round (bandit archetype and Quick Draw are really the only way to make this rogue talent work).
Finally, he has the Fast Fingers rogue talent which lets him (2/day) roll twice on Sleight of Hand and take the better. So before walking in Bart will stow his two cold iron daggers up his sleeves:
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They're down where everyone else is, replies Qadathra. Vladek isn't good with locks either, and none of the others look like they could do much beside smash the window open, but I will ask. With that, he reaches out to Vladek to explain the situation.
Vladek sips his mead as he watches the changing of the guard, then his expression changes infinitesimally. He leans over to Bart (he'd been sitting right next to Fizzbeard).
"Welcome. I am Vladek Odradek, and I cannot help but notice you have fine thieving hands - perhaps that is merely wishful thinking, of course, but there is a man in one of the rooms here who would love to see a good thief right about now. He's trapped in his room, you see. Except that it isn't his room. It's a room he doesn't want to be in, of someone he doesn't want to be with. Do you see?"