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A tall and lean half elf with red hair walks into the waiting area where the venture captain and the other pathfinders will soon be. He has kind eyes, and a welcoming smile for any and all he sees.
He wears a common chain shirt and no weapons to speak of, other than a cestus on his left hand, presumably as a weapon of last resort.
An unfamiliar, enclosed six-pointed star symbol adorns many of his belongings, and he wears a medallion with the same symbol prominently displayed on his chest.
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Tarael the Peregin is a slim average sized young woman. He has light blue skin and very long silver blue hair , with silver orbs for eyes. She usually wears a linen emerald coloured Tunic over a strong leather skirt and soft black boots.
In battle she wears an emerald green coloured leather lamellar armor, and a crossbow.
Her voice is a soft sopran.
She is accompanied by a snow white hare she calls Tamashī no ketsugō.
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Tofang Siyaah is a slight Wayang. He typically wears outfits with many pockets and sometimes wears protective eyewear except when in polite company.
After conversing with him a little bit you notice that Tofang is sharp and talks somewhat quickly, but is deliberate with his word choices and tends to approach problems as an engineer would.
He is fascinated by the melding of technological practices found in early firearms, and to that end he has fashioned a personal pistol of his own design.
He is generally wary of weapons and would like to avoid hurting anyone with them, but understands how dangerous the world can be and keeps his weaponry hidden on his person should the need arise.
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Being relatively new pathfinder members and in the area of Isgeri, your group was dispatched to the small town of Saringallow at the request of mayor Sandra Trinelli to look into some odd occurrences for her. You are to meet with her upon arrival, to find out the details.
The Pathfinders Society, has booked you passage on a river boat heading up the Conerica River. Which is where you are now.
You have heard that the people of Saringallow are generally hardworking and independent, but can be cold and unwelcoming to outsiders. They tolerate travelers and merchants only as long as is necessary to conclude business.
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Lido engages the ships crew often during the trip, from telling stories of his own youthful adventures, to asking questions about their families and places they have been.
Eventually he steers questions toward the more currently relevant topic of where they are headed, Saringallow, and the people of importance there, mainly mayor Sandra Trinelli.
"Thank you for the information my friends! I am sure we will be the better off for it." he offers sincerely to the crew.
Then reporting to his fellow pathfinders, he shares all he has learned.
"Well it seems I've picked up a few things..."
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Though she is white-haired and wrinkled, Nanny Ahd stands straight as a ramrod at the rail for much of the ship's journey, peering over at the banks of the Conerica River lost in thought.
Tales of the region seem to tickle her memory:
By the time the journey is over, Nanny has pet names for all of the members of the crew, though they've learned to avoid the horrid-tasting medicinal lozenges she presses on them at the first sign of a cough. She chats with her "little dears" to see if they know anything about their destination:
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After regaling the crew with a few stories, Lido asks about the Mayor and other important people of Saringallow.
The first mate looks both ways, before answering "The Mayor? I hear they elect administrators in Saringallow, and that Mayor Sandra Trinelli is a capable leader. She'd have to be given the town's history. As for other people of note, There is a gnome apothecary Majara Pricknettle she will fix you right up for what ills you, and what she can't fix Father Ildris Ruvarra can heal with a little help from Erastil. Then there is Alcie Kruptin a right nice Tavern-Keeper. "
Nanny Ahd seems to recall a bit of Saringallow’s History.
A minor house at the time, House Sarini of Cheliax founded the town of Sarini’s Hollow in Isger as a garden estate for its more influential members several decades before the rise of House Thrune. The town grew steadily as the nobles brought in peasants to serve its many needs, from farming to ranching to housework. As the Sarinis began to dabble in witchcraft and diabolism more, the peasants also served as a steady and clandestine supply of victims. Once the townspeople caught on, they executed all the Sarinis they could catch and drove out the other nobles. They changed the town’s name to Sarini Gallows as a warning, though it eventually became Saringallow.
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Without much in the way of physical tools, or detailed description of the rituals used by the Sarini's a hundred years ago, Tofang can only speculate since the Sarinis were from Cheliax it was probably similar to the diabolic summoning and sacrifices practiced by some priest of Asmodeus.
The speculation about diabolism is so very knowledgeable and detailed, it makes the rest of the pathfinders wonder what Tofang does in his off time.
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Tathane moves with ease around the boat. Sometimes he's lounging at the stern of the ship, feet dangling over the side while he watches the wake. Other times he's laid out on the bowsprit, the wind tousling his hair.
His mind wanders and he tries to remember some of the things he's heard about this region.
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Tathane recalls hearing that shortly after the uprising against House Sarini, the town’s leaders began constructing a wall that soon extended beyond the town, even enclosing some of the farmland that supported its populace. Their intention was to allow the townsfolk to live and farm in peace and to keep the dangers of the outside world at bay. Indeed, Saringallow’s wall protected the town from most of the Goblinblood Wars’ dangers—the disorganized goblins simply flowed around it in search of easier targets. To this day, only the poorest farmers and most marginal citizens live near the walls. The rest of Saringallow’s residents refuse to build too close, and the guards breathe heavy sighs of relief when they finish their patrols of the ramparts.
Despite its suspicious populace and high walls, trade in Saringallow has flourished thanks to its proximity to Conerica River. While noble visitors are carefully watched and merchants must subject their wares to thorough inspections, the town thrives on the varied commerce that passes through its borders.
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Aryas walks up to the group as if he owned the world.
"Hello everybody!!" says a young human with a sly smile.
He looks a little scrawny but quite agile. His blonde hair looks fabulously styled and he is wearing a casual but trendy shirt.
Resting on top of his chest, an amulet showing the holy symbol of Sarenrae is visible.
He has a natural confidence and presence that only few can project at such a young age.
He wears light leather armor that looks like it has been recently oiled and carries a Scimitar at his hip that is attached to his wrist with a very fine chain.
”Oh my dear friends! I am unbelievably sorry to inform you that my dear colleague Tofang is unfortunately unable to accompany us on this mission due to an urgent request to return to the Grand Lodge!“ he says a little too theatrically.
”For that reason I am going to replace him and join you to investigate the mysteries that lie in front of us! As you probably have noticed I am unbelievably charming and handsome and for that reason I would usually do the talking if you allow.“ he states with a nonchalant attitude.
Facing you with bright smile he continues ”I am quite intrigued about all the information that you have gathered so far! And I will surely use all of this during my discussions with the leaders of this town!“
He sighs ”But I have to admit that I have a horrible memory so please excuse me and correct me if I ... well ... I don’t know. Hmmm ... what were we talking about!?“
"I hope that we will have a challenging adventure that we have can enjoy together!"
he continues.
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”As you probably have noticed I am unbelievably charming and handsome and for that reason I would usually do the talking if you allow.“ he states with a nonchalant attitude.
Lido merely smiles and nods along with the newcomer, while quietly whispering to the nearest other agent.
"It doesn't really feel like he's giving us a choice."
Then in a more normal tone, he says to Aryas, "Well met my friend. I also hope it is an enjoyable adventure."
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Early in the morning, the ship arrives at Saringallow’s Conerica Docks. Asking around the Pathfinders are give directions to the Town Hall where they find Mayol Sandra Trinelli.
The plush red carpet and oak furniture upholstered with velvet lend this room an air of comfort, but it’s also clearly a place of official business, with several layers of administrative papers, staff memos, maps, and charts covering the wide surface of the solid desk in the center. From her tall-backed chair behind her desk, Mayor Sandra Trinelli looks up, shaking herself out of a deep concentration. A subtle look of relief flashes across her face as she motions to the oversized chairs in front of her.
“Normally, I’d exchange more pleasantries with my guests, but I fear there is no time,” she says. “The business that brought you here is quite urgent—it may actually be a matter of life and death.”
“Let me explain. You may have heard that several young apprentices from various establishments in Saringallow have disappeared. Every one of them has failed to show up to work, and nobody seems to know where they’ve gone.”
“That’s not all. Rumors are spreading about sightings of enormous insects roaming about town. So far, the townspeople have chalked up such rumors to overactive imaginations, but I fear they might be real, and that they might have something to do with the missing apprentices. I have no proof that the situations are connected, but if folks get that notion into their heads, things are bound to spiral out of control.”
She shifts nervously as if avoiding an uncomfortable implication, before continuing. “Please, I implore you to look into this matter quietly and thoroughly—find out where our apprentices have gone and discover the cause of our vermin problem. Don’t jump to conclusions until you have investigated every possible angle; we need to be absolutely sure that we know who or what is responsible before we take any necessary law enforcement actions.”
“I suggest you start by interviewing the masters of every missing apprentice on this list I’ve compiled. I suspect that, collectively, they might shed some light on the youngsters’ whereabouts. That could, in turn, illuminate our vermin problem, but until we have more information, I caution you against suggesting to anyone that the two situations are connected. Beyond that, though, you have my full cooperation in this matter. If anyone gives you guff about your line of questioning, show them this letter.”
The mayor pushes a scrap of paper with several names scribbled on it across her desk, as well as a rolled-up, ribbon bound letter written on thick parchment.
“As far as an incentive,” the mayor says, “I’ve pooled together 50 gold pieces as a reward for each apprentice you manage to find and rescue, as well as an additional 100 gold pieces if you can determine the cause of our vermin problem—and eliminate it. Pretty much standard Pathfinder’s awards. Do we have a deal?”
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"I am sure the sum is fine Madam Mayor. You were right to ask for our assistance as this matter sounds both delicate and dangerous." Lido says with a soothing tone.
He then asks, "Can you tell us where the apprentices where last seen? Of course that might come out during our conversations with their masters, but if you have knowledge beforehand, that would be welcome."
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”Oh that is such a wonderful assignment! We are able to save people and we are able to support a community! If you are right and monsters are in your town then we will of course lend them our assistance to pass over to the next plane! Thank you for all your explanations but I am already forgetting half the things that you said so I hope someone wrote that down?!?“ Aryas asks with a slightly confused look on his face.
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Arys thinks for a moment after seeing the list. Him thinking looks kind of strange as he obviously is not used to overthinking things.
"Okay, I am not a Sheriff or something like that but I was young, too! I mean, I am young, you know!? Boys, girls, youngsters ... they play around, they run away! So why do you believe that this is so serious? They could be lying on the grass playing the guitar, right?!?" he asks the mayor.
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During their first meet up, a haggard half-orc plops himself down at the table (making sure the halfling is not behind him) noisily and glares at the other pathfinders, particularly Lido with his oh-so-kind eyes! Probably a butt kisser.
"Hekk!" he declares loudly, almost daring you to ask 'what?'.
Like most half-orcs he is large, green, and ugly with some really large tusks. He is wearing scale mail and a has a falchion at his side with a number of nicks in it, though it does look pretty sharp.
He looks at the rabbit (hare, rabbit, what's the difference?) speculatively. Looks like the blue lady brought lunch.
On the boat, when he meets Aryas Katsu he gapes at him incomprehensibly as he spouts off about what a nice guy he is. Why would anyone WANT to be nice and friendly like that? It makes absolutely no sense.
During the briefing at their destination, he thinks Damn rescue mission. I hate rescue missions. I've never been on one, but I hate them anyway. At least I get to squash some bugs. That could be fun.
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"They could be lying on the grass playing the guitar, right?!?" he asks the mayor.
Lido listens and watches quietly, his mind pondering the mission as the scene unfolds... Aryas isn't wrong, but the mayor is obviously bothered by this. There must be more to it for her to worry so, but I was hoping to get her to relax before we set in with questions on what is really bothering her.
He offers a brief smile and nod to Hekk, before turning back to the mayor. His thoughts take a turn as he considers Hekk's presence here... Hekk certainly looks unhappy. Come to think of it, he's looked unhappy since we left to come here. I wonder, with those large tusks, would he look more or less intimidating if he was happy...I suppose we may never know.
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Lido asks for more information about where the apprentices were last seen.
Sandra shakes her head, All I know is that the apprentices haven’t been seen in several days some longer than others. If I tried to handle the investigation personally then my absence would soon become obvious. gesturing to the mess of documents around her. ”On top of that, I’d have to involve a least a small contingent of the guard -- they’re a talkative lot who would no doubt reveal the nature of my inquiries. That’s why I need you to investigate, but from what I gather, their masters mostly think they’ve just momentarily runoff. The longer they’re missing, however, the more worried the townsfolk will become. I do hope you find them safe and sound soon.”
Aryas agrees to help and ask if anyone took notes.
Tarael is good.
Aryas does wonder if the apprentices are just being youngsters?
The Mayor smiles, ”That could be the case then no harm done, but if they are in trouble I would like to find them sooner than later.”
Hekk keeps his thought to himself and Lido wonders what Hekk is thinking.
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Oh no. This just got worse. Not only do we have to rescue and babysit a bunch of kids, we have to INVESTIGATE? Not good. Not good."
Hekk, who has been busy sharpening his weapon with a whetstone, loses himself in his anti-social thoughts and puts another small nick in his weapon with a particularly overly vigorous swipe.
"Awe, HECK."
Then sets to repairing the damage as best he can.
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Seemingly quite interested by Nanny's question, Lido follows up with one of his own.
"Yes, and what kind of insects are they rumored to be? And when you said enormous, exactly how big are you saying? Big as a rat, a dog, or a horse? I imagine if they were any larger everyone would see them and you would have confirmation."
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Tathane sits to the side while the Mayor describes her problems. As expected, Aryas jumps to the center to take the limelight. But that's fine with him. If all attention is focused on the pretty one, people are less likely to notice a small slip of the hand in a pocket or a trinket that somehow goes missing.
For the moment, Tathane is content letting the others do the talking.
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Hekk seems disappointed in the mission and goes about sharpening his weapon.
Nanny ask for more details about the giant vermin.
Lido follows up with questions about how big the insects are rumored to be.
Sandra consults some notes, ”Several unconfirmed sightings of greenish spiders the size of a cat catching a rat in an alleyway. One guard returning from the outer wall shift claimed to see a man-sized ant with green glowing eyes. There have been reports of glowing lights flying over the city at odd hours at night. Also, someone claimed to see glowing beetles the size of dogs in the city orchard. It’s easy to dismiss anyone report but it’s worth investigating several unrelated reports.”
Tathane listens to the others questions and the mayor’s answers.
Standing up Aryas is ready to go gather more information from random people on the street.
Lady luck seems to favor him today almost immediately he runs across a group of townswomen who are chatting away gossiping about Majara Pricknettle, the town’s apothecary, from whom they often purchase home remedies and other supplies. ”Most of the shop owners see their apprentices like workers-in-training. Majara, though, she’s different. She tries to hide it, but that apprentice boy of hers is more like a son to the gnome. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her raise her voice to him.”
A little while later he runs into a group of peddlers scurrying through the streets and asking about the apprentice in passing, “They seem like they’re all friends. In fact, it’s almost like they run in a pack. One or two of them probably convinced the others to all skip work at once, the lazy kids.”
Finally, near the Merchant’s Square, he overhears two old folks playing dice ruminate about the town’s younger generation, including the apprentices. “Youngsters today are so amiable and carefree with everyone. They aren’t cautious like we were back in our day. If any of them have done anything other than run off of their own accord, it’s probably because they were too trusting of the wrong person. Why back in my day we work from sunup to sundown and then ask for more work!”
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The group heads to the Saringallow Orchard which the town seems to have grown around over the years. Rows of neglected apple trees sway in the wind, and the occasional rotting, worm-eaten fruit falls with a wet thud to the ground below. The earth is heavily trampled near the southern end of the orchard, and an overturned barrel of apples lies broken on its side, exuding a sickly sweet scent.
After a minute of searching you hear a buzzing sound.
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Hekk looks at the tiny little bag of rocks and responds, "Heck if I know." Then dismisses it from his mind and looks around for the buzzing sound while keeping a safe distance from the icky tree.
That Tarael seems easily distracted by bags of rocks and threes and things. Now where are those giant bugs!
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”We have to find out what is going on here! If two people were fighting then this is not a good sign! Can you guys track in which direction the man that was defeated was dragged within the orchard? No!? Okay, then let us proceed.“ Aryas says.
He puts down his backpack and draws his scimitar. Then he starts to walk in and looks for trouble.
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Tarael and Tathane notice black stuff on a sickly tree.
Tarael just barely recognizes the strands of a purplish-black substance as Demon’s Bile a unique Abyssal substance biological in nature that can grow over time.
Hekk looks for the source of the buzzing
Nanny is examining the apples
Lido finds the weapon odd.
Aryas is concerned with the signs of two men fighting before being distracted by the Buzzing.
Out of the sicken treetop fly three housecat-sized beetle is a dull brown color brightened by two light shedding spots on its carapace. They are flying towards your group menacingly.
Tathane, Aryas, and Hekk are quick enough to act before the bugs get far.
Tathane:
Aryas:
Hekk:
Glowing Beetles
Lido:
Nanny:
Tareal:
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Tathane jumps back from the bugs as he draws and fires his short bow at the closest one wounding the purple beetle badly.
Aryas walks forward and readies an attack.
Hekk makes lots of noise at the bugs and also prepares to attack.
The glowing beetles fly down from the tree attacking the nearest people.
The Green beetle flies at Aryas, but gets swatted just as it gets within range. The blow not only knocks the bug out but cracks it shell as it drops to the ground dying.
The wounded purple bug flies straight at Hekk who is ready for it as well striking it so hard it sends purple bug guts flying in all directions as the half-orc’s falchion smashes it to pulp.
The orange Beetle flies down to attack Tarael, but the clumsy bug misses.
to hit
The group notices that all three bugs have that purplish-black substance clinging to them.
Tathane:
Aryas:
Hekk:
Glowing Beetles
Green: +10 NL = 4NL & 6 overflow as lethal. *Dying*
Purple: +3+14 = 17 dam *dead*
Orange:
Lido:
Nanny:
Tareal: