Before Spackle starts his dance, Locke shoots three artows at the man.
The first arrow strikes the man, while the remainder miss their target.
Move to start Dance of the Fiery Gaze, Standard to activate the Wand of Obscuring Mist.
Melisande backs up a bit into the second cloud to be out of channel range, then waves her hands and launches another missile barrage.
The second barrage of magic missiles falter briefly as they near the target, but once again pierce through the man's protections to strike unerringly!
Andor attacks the cleric!
The swashbuckler's first strike causes the man to collapse, even as the cold flames surrounding him flare up to damage Andor in return!
Confusion: This spell causes confusion in all creatures in the area, making them unable to determine their actions. Any confused creature that is attacked automatically attacks or attempts to attack its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused at the start of its next turn.
I think the negative energy channel would be viewed as an attack, no?
The dwarf, previously too confused to realize she was being attacked, turns to confusedly attack the man...but finds him dead on the ground. Confused by this turn of events, she proceeds to hits herself in the face with her axe.
End of Initiative!
Locke -9
Spackle -1
Melisande -12
Andor -46
Tereze -28
Brallenera -30
Thugs (each): potion of cure moderate wounds, +2 chain shirt, rapier, kukri, and bronze Aspis Consortium badge (1 gp).
Talia: +1 chain shirt, +1 ring of protection, masterwork rapier, +1 shortbow, +2 arrow (50), bronze Aspis Consortium badge (1 gp), Pathfinder diary containing notes on the Jistka Imperium
Haliduras: wand of cure light wounds (50 charge), scroll of cure critical wounds (2); +3 chain shirt, +1 defending large heavy mace, periapt of Wisdom +2, barbed silver holy symbol of Asmodeus, bronze badge of the Aspis Consortium (1 gp)
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Spackle pulls out a tankard. He mutters a quick prayer, and then a thick mean pours from his finger into the vessel.
"Anyone else a wee bit thirsty? Gotta admit, that wuz a tough one." He takes a refreshing sip as he walks over to see if anything can be done for the fallen Eldis.
Cocking his head to one side. "I ain't no expert, but Ah'm pretty sure this lad weren't breathin' none afore the dust up. Looks like 'is body's been an'mated like a puppet. Pretty sure nuthin' we did kilt 'im."
Epilogue...
With the Aspis Consortium defeated, the group temporarily secure Rachikan, though sounds of hundreds, maybe thousands of morlocks deeper in the city can be heard even as the battle with Haliduras comes to an end. Hearing the sound of countless morlocks still infesting the city, the group retrieves Eldis' body and quickly returns to the surface.
They exit the structure to the waiting crowd of slaves that were laboring earlier, the collective lot of them tensing briefly as the Pathfinders emerge. Their fate is up the the group of adventurers, now that their captors are defeated.
The return trip to Absalom is uneventful, and Eldis' body is returned to Benton. The grieving uncle sends his thanks to each Pathfinder involved in Eldis' return; Benton deciding to re-enter work with the Society and continue the efforts left off by his nephew.
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Andor nods at Tereze.
“Tereze, you have a good heart! I completely agree with you! This was a mission that showed that many people out there prey on the weak! We found a Pathfinder companion that was corrupted to become an undead being … but we could reunite his body with his father! I think we did good we should also do good now and let the slaves leave freely!“ Andor says with determination.
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Pathfinders, two weeks ago, you received a message from Osprey, a mysterious and reclusive member of the Pathfinder Society.
The message said:
“A grim shadow creeps over Absalom, one that threatens all of us. We know not its source or even its purpose, and need answers to secrets only known to the dead. Your task is one of great importance and urgency. You must retrieve the bones of the ancient mystic Amao from his cairn and bring them to me in the Grand Lodge so our seers can contact his spirit. We need to contact him before these dark forces track his spirit down in the worlds beyond and devour him. Take extra care on this mission, for the Aspis Consortium also dearly desires these bones and their secrets. Amao’s bones rest in a cairn atop a mountain. Go to Cania’s Drop, a small waystation high in the Fog Peaks along the border of Southern Galt. There, you will meet with an ex-Pathfinder named Rysam Aklon who will provide you with equipment and directions to Amao’s cairn. Other members of your team will be waiting or will arrive soon after you do. You shall hear from me again once you complete your mission, but for now may the gods speed you on your way.”
After purchasing the necessary supplies and receiving letters from contacts with the society you made the arduous journey that Osprey asked of you, braving the blistering cold winds of the Fog Peaks highlands, a wild expanse of rock and glaciers that creates a craggy border between southern Galt and northern Taldor.
Before you lies your destination, Cania’s Drop, a mountain waystation run by exiles and recluses. A wisp of chimney smoke comes from the small cabin, while outside are rows of sleeping sled dogs curled up together in the deep snow
It’s now sunset, but as you approach it looks like your fellow Pathfinders have arrived at about the same time.
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A gnome dressed for the road strides along the barely visible path. He looks about, slightly the worse for wear. Sticking out from the thick hood is the face of a small pseudo-dragon. Spackle's blonde locks rest on the dragon's head, making it seem as if he has a mane of gold. Stroking the chin of the companion wrapped his shoulders, "Well now Mead, s'lookin' like we finally found the place we're lookin' fer." Mead yawns in response, but offers no other council. "Still not too sure 'bout disturbin' the bone of a man, 'specially a mystic o' some sort. Sounds like we're just asking fer trouble. Truthfully? It gives me the heebee geebies. Well, nothin' for it now. Let's get us inside 'n warm up a spell." Mead buries his snout deeper into the warm coat. "Sorry fer disturbin' ya yer majesty."
Meanwhile, the bard tightens all his straps and checks the string on his bow. He has seen few like it in all his time in The Society. Made from horn in the Land of the Linnorm Kings, the ornately decorated weapon probably deserved a better archer. Packs enough of a punch though!
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It was a long walk in the cold.
But hey, mountains can be beautiful and dangerous at the same time.
Just like a woman..
The tall blonde was carrying an armor, and a whole arsenal, walking in the snow with relative ease.
Despite the long road, she keeps her smile, and spots a little ahead of her a gnome trudging in the snow.
Hey there, needin" some help?
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Tereze walks quietly along, Thankful for the high boots and fur cap, as she steps lightly through the snow. Snug in her warm coat, only her face feels the bite as a gust of wind blows cold air at her.
As she stpes up net to the tall blond woman, she says softly so the others can't hear.
Are you not cold with all zat Metal Armor? Ze wind must blow straight zrough it. I have an extra cloak in my pack if zat would help. You are taller zen me, so it would be short on you, but it might cut the wind, and still leave your arms free to use your spear.
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"Oh he ain't no bother." Looking over his shoulder, a whistle escapes the gnome's lips. "Well now. Ain'tin' you a tall drink o' danger. Y'sure ya got enough stuff there? Looks like ya didn't leave anythin' left in the store fer the next person ta come 'long." He holds out a welcoming hand, "M'names Spackle." Pointing to the little dragon face hiding in the warmth of his coat, "N' this here's Mead. Well, he prefers Meadalanthus, but I figure as he's hidin' like a coward he don't really get a say in the matter."
Empty Kegs 'n Filthy Dregs! She's a biggun. Here's ta hopin' she's a Pathfinder and not one o' them dirty Aspis snakes. Best ta not mention anything fer the here and now.
"Looks like yer headin' fer the only shack fer miles. Ah gotta be honest, Ah've worked up a powerful thirst. Once we get inside, Ah'd be happy ta share a little o Cayden's blessin' with ya."
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Melisandre strides out of the whirling snow, clad in a form-fitting red silken dress with a long slit up the left leg revealing a pair of tall, black leather boots. She has a red silk scarf around her neck, occasionally covering her décolletage as it blows about in the wind as her only concession to the weather. She seem undisturbed by the cold.
She smiles at Spackle and Tereze. Lovely to see you again. Hopefully we can handle this process quickly.
She spots Drusilla, gives her a warm smile and holds out her hand. Melisande. I assume you will be joining us in dealing with the ever-entertaining tasks the society sets forth?
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A flurry of snow ushers in another figure to join the group, a tengu man wearing a sky-blue tunic under a heavy traveling cloak; his wide-brimmed straw hat angled to deflect some of the brisk mountain wind that comes down from the slopes, the gusts causing the collection of odd Tian weapons dangling from his belt to clink musically in the air. A pair of beady yellow eyes peer out from under the hat at the group, quickly darting back and forth between the Pathfinders as the man takes in the scene.
"Greetings, you all must be the other agents on the mission," the tengu says in a voice that is an awkward blend of cawing lisps and a heavy backwater Tien accent. "My name is Shirogane, and I-" the tengu cuts off as it abruptly notices the dragon on Spackle's shoulder; the tengu's head rotating quickly at an uncomfortable angle to focus on the creature, its eyes dilating slightly as his head bobs and tilts several times while Shiro caws softly. He shakes out of his distraction after a brief moment, coughing into his clawed hand. "Err...yes. Shiro for short. I am a student of..." the tengu trails off as his head snaps to focus on a shiny glint of light that reflects off of Drusilla's armor. Another head-bobbing-and-soft-cawing routine passes quickly, and the tengu returns back to reality.
"Ermm...yes. Nice to meet you all." Shiro appears to struggle intensely to not become distracted by a sudden flurry of snow that catches light to sparkle briefly. "It appears some of you have worked together before. I look forward to working together with you."
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Last to arrive is a young woman wearing a long coat styled attire, with a variety of pockets. She had accompanied Tereze for the clothing shopping, but didn't buy anything for herself.
Locke had tied her hair at the back to avoid it blowing into her face.
Like Melisande, she didn't seem bothered by the weather.
"Hello Tereze, Melisande, Spackle. Quite a scenery change from what we have been in for some time."
Seeing two new arrivals, she gives a polite nod.
"You are our colleagues for this mission, then? Greetings, i am Locke."
As you’re introducing yourselves to each other, a burly man with a shock of wild curly black hair and strong features that jut through his scraggly beard emerges from the cabin and shouts: “You must be the Pathfinders! It’s about time! I’m Rysam Aklon.”
The wind starts to pick up, but his voice manages to cut through it.
"I understand you want to get the cairn? Won't be easy. You'll have to follow a snaking trail up a mountain pass--the locals call the trail 'The Dragon' on account of how dangerous it is! Not to mention, the pass goes through lands overrun with primitive beastmen who don't take kindly to intruders. Rysam looks you over sceptically.
"Well, I'll help you as much as I can. I've got some supplies for you: dogsleds, a couple of days' rations each, some furs to help you keep warm, and some heavy picks. I can also give you a map of the trail. Better stay the night in the cabin and leave at first light."
He motions to the outpost behind him.
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As they walk toward the small house, Drusilla tries to answers all the questions
To Terenze, with a big smile
Got some warm clothes underneath the armor, but thank you for your kind and generous offer. We're soon arrived, I hope.
To Spackle
Happy to see I'm not the only faithful to Cayden in the group. I haven nothing against drinking alone, but sharing a few bottles with people is funnier, usually. "Mead", uh? Nice name. I like the sound of it. You can all call me Dru. Everyone in the Pathfinders does. As for my equipment.. I suppose there were still a few rusty nails on the walls of the store. Do you want me to go back and bring them, just in case?
She laughs happily
Drusilla is "a big one", near 6 feet tall with solid muscles. And she looks totally human, without a drop of vampire blood. She smiles back at the lightly covered woman
Nice to meet ya, Melisandre. Sweet name. How come I'm asked if I ain't too cold in armor, while nobody bother giving you a cape? Just looking at you make me shiver..I'm a professional bodyguard when I don't work for the Pathfinders, but I can't do much against cold, I'm afraid
She finally greets Locke and Shiro
Nice to make your acquaintance. So some of you have already traveled and worked together before?? Good to know!
She listens to Rysam Aklon when they arrive
A good night rest and some food around a fire can do us some good before we go, sure.
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Nice to meet ya, Melisandre. Sweet name. How come I'm asked if I ain't too cold in armor, while nobody bother giving you a cape? Just looking at you make me shiver..I'm a professional bodyguard when I don't work for the Pathfinders, but I can't do much against cold, I'm afraid.
Tereze grins... Meliandre... Ummm... She, generates her own heat if you let her. then she glances over at Melisandre and says. A pleasure to see you again too. New dress?
Tereze looks the outfit over with an admiring eye. Hmmm, the style isn't bad, but the skirt is too tight for dancing... Though it would show the hip rolls well...But as the others arrive, Tereze stops thinking about the dress and goes to greet the others.
Spackle! It is good to be working with you again! Hopefully zis time zings go smoother zen last time.
Then she steps over to Locke.
I still think you should've picked up that cloak with all the pockets. It would have worked well with your coat.
She looks up as the Rysam approaches.
Listening to him she pipes up. Maybe we can question him in the Cabin out of ze cold?
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Maybe we can question him in the Cabin out of ze cold?
The bird supports this suggestion, entering the cabin if the group appears to be generally heading in that direction. He makes a point to wipe his feet and meticulously clean off any dirt and/or snow that may have accompanied him in along his travels.
Rysam can't help but smile at Locke. "Well, I don't think they're men, exactly. They're covered in fur, for one thing. Maybe more like apes? It's hard to say. Just keep your distance if at all possible. There's entire tribes of them up there, and they're brutal foes."
Rysam listens to you and shrugs.
"I'm not sure what to tell you. Ascending the Dragon isn't easy--it's cold, the air's thin, and the pass is dangerous whether you're going up or down. Hopefully a couple of you are good with animals--the dogsleds will speed your journey, if you know how to mush."
He rubs his chin.
"In fact, I happen to have some scrolls to calm or charm animals. I could let you have them for a discount."
Rysam claps his hands.
”Well, you’ve got a big day tomorrow!”
He shows you the waystation. There’s about a half-dozen staff and travellers inside. It’s perhaps more people than you might expect for such a remote destination, but waystations like Cania’s Drop are dotted throughout the Fog Peaks and serve as places of self-imposed solitude for some and legally-imposed punishments for others.
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Does anyone have particular skill with animals? Most of the handling I do is of humanoids, so I've little expertise there. I might be able to use the scrolls with a bit of work.
"Those seem useful, to err on the side of caution. I would be willing to invest in the scrolls, if you would like to have them available."
"I also have some wands that I would like to have the spellcasters hang onto for me as well. They are useful for me, though I cannot use them myself."
I assume you’re ready to turn in for the night, but just let me know.
Shiro will turn in for the night, only partaking of a unseasoned rice he makes for himself during the meal that evening.
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Scrolls like zose, I can also use most of ze time. I am still learning to read Druid prayers, so sometimes it does not work. But zat is rare lately with prayers so basic.
That evening Tereze stays near Spackle, trying to make sure anyone who stays is included and having a good time, even getting up and dancing to keep people entertained while Spackel takes a break.
You spend the night in the waystation.
It's snug, but warm, with a roaring fire. The other people in the station keep to themselves.
The wind howls outside while you sleep. Eventually the first weak rays of sunlight begin to peak through the darkness.
Rysam wakes you up.
"I've put some porridge on. Best eat and get going--unless you've got some experience, I wouldn't suggest staying out on that mountain when it starts to get dark any longer than you have to."
The life of a Pathfinder is one of ever-changing adventure. One month you might be on the heaving decks of a pirate ship in the Shackles, while another may find you exploring the deepest dungeons of ancient Thassilon. Now you find yourself whizzing along a plain of ice and snow on a sled, pulled along by a team of well-trained dogs.
Wrapped in the thick furs that Rysam gave you, the crisp, cold air doesn't even bother you--if anything, it's a surprisingly peaceful experience.
After just a few hours' travel, you reach the base of the treacherous pass the locals refer to as The Dragon. Winding its way up the slopes of a mountain, the 8-mile long trail promises to be an altogether different experience than what you've encountered so far.
Mead is above you and screens the surroundings.
The smart Mead is ready to inform Spackle in case anything strange is visible.
You begin ascending the Dragon.
The first part, marked on the map that Rysam gave you as "The Tail", is rocky but mostly flat. You're able to take your time and get through it without difficulty. THe next part, "The Haunches", has a steep incline--going up is slow but not dangerous. Coming back down on the other hand might be tricky indeed!
The next part, "The Spine", is packed with boulders partially submerged in ice and snow--if you're not careful, it'd be easy to accidentally smash your dogsled right into one.
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Tereze takes a long look at the sled before she sets off.
Hmmm…. Nana used to say, you must put your seed in the ground, before you can Cut the harvest…. What the Hell, Sometimes you get the bear and sometimes the bear gets you.
Mush!
Tereze takes it slow and steady trying to do her best to keep the sled up with the others.
You all manage to skillfully steer your sled around a boulder and prevent your bodies from being sent flying off and tumbling through the icy field!
Definitely not bruised and battered, the Pathfinders continue their journey through the boulder-strewn landscape.
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Having made it through the "Spine" of the Dragon, the sleds enter the area on the map that Rysam has labelled the "Heart."
A dangerously narrow bridge of solid ice spans a 15’-wide-ravine that splits the pass; a weathered chain, secured to large boulders at either end of the bridge, hangs suspended about three feet above its surface.
Thirty feet below, a stream of icy water trickles through the ravine.
Some of you find yourselves out of breath--it could just be the excitement of the boulder field, but you are climbing ever-higher into the mountains.
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Melisande has Endure Elements on a wand and will cast it on herself and on anyone else who needs it. I don't think that does anything for altitude, however. We would need Air Bubble or Life Bubble for that.
A couple of obvious options to cross the bridge are to tie off to the chain and walk the sleds across the bridge (safer), or to build up enough momentum with the sleds to skate across (faster but more dangerous).
Shiro votes for the cautious approach, also using his keen eyes to see if anything is amiss about the crossing.