Here is the opening place where players can dot in and talk about gear ups or ask questinos before we start.
The city of Padiskar near the northern tip of the Isle of Jalmeray is not so much a city as a ring of small villages surrounding a massive, howling ruin, from which terrifying screams of whatever the Vudrani Maharaja Khiben-Sald left there in ancient times can still be heard. The new Venture- Captain Vasuman Mihir maintains a small safe house for the Pathfinder Society here, taking over from Padiskar’s longtime Venture-Captain, Aamina Shahrazad, who was recently murdered by men loyal to Zamir, a bandit lord and rumored Aspis Consortium agent who operates out of the nearby jungles.
Venture-Captain Mihir’s briefing was short and serious.
"This is a fake scepter of the arclords," he said, hefting a bejeweled staff in his hands bearing glowing runes across its surface. "You will lead a caravan toward Niswan carrying this false relic and several crates of minor magical items. My porter, a young boy named Waman, will give you a detailed travel itinerary, which you must follow with care. Except that it is almost certain that you will be ambushed before you reach your destination, since young Waman is a spy for the Aspis Consortium and has sold out and murdered a dozen or more of our brethren and associates, including our former venturecaptain— I’m sure of it. The scepter is bait in a trap, and you are the teeth. Do not let on to Waman that you know of his transgressions—we need him to lead us to his master, the bandit lord Zamir. We’ll either make Zamir our man or disrupt his business permanently. I’ll deal with Waman myself once this affair is resolved."
Venture-Captain Mihir held up a second item, a plain-looking but easily recognizable wayfinder. "This wayfinder is also a fake, although unlike the scepter, it does have real power. The dial always points to the scepter." Mihir demonstrated, moving the wayfinder in a circle around the scepter, the needle pointing unerringly at it.
"Waman gave Zamir information that enabled the bandit fool to steal artifacts from dozens of our caravans and even from safe houses such as this one. Zamir has a method of disassembling the artifacts so that he can smuggle them off the island with ease, bound for ports of call in Cheliax. What we do not know is where Zamir is, since he never attacks with his men."
"I gave Waman the information about your journey, so at some point along the route, Zamir’s bandits will ambush you. Previous experience indicates that his bandits will not kill if they don’t have to. Let them steal the scepter. You must put up a small struggle, maybe even kill or injure several of his men, but most importantly you must let them escape and they must escape with the scepter."
"Give them a few hours after the ambush to escape and then use the wayfinder to track Zamir to his hideout. Zamir is an arrogant man whose loyalties lie with whoever can make him famous to the people of Jalmeray. Right now he believes the Aspis Consortium is the answer. You will either convince him that the Society is the answer—as he could be a very powerful ally in the region—or you’ll end his operations for good. How you handle it, I leave to you. Good luck on your journey and may the gods guide your hand."
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A young plain looking woman sits listening attentively, she idly picks her nails with an arrowhead as the briefing goes on.
She has roughly tousled brown hair and a hard face that shows the marks of the wild. A hefty bow is slung across her back and a large dangerous looking cat sits at her feet. Once the briefing ends, she nods.
Ok, be betrayed, kill some but allow the thieves to escape, catch them up and kill or recruit the mastermind. Let's give it a go... You mention minor magical items, what are these and can we use any of them, once the 'ambush' has occurred?
Once she see's if any of the others have questions for the captain. she asks
So, how'd we make sure we put up enough of a fight, but let them make the steal? shall we set up some code words or something? Names swiftwing by the way.
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A young tian woman listens quietly to the VC. Her hair is cropped closely on both sides of her head and a small bruise is visible under one eye. Around her neck she wears a jade pendant in the shape of a half moon.
She places one fist to the palm of her other hand, and bows slightly before saying, "I am Hikari Mai. Such subterfuge will require foresight. Swiftwing's idea for codewords is a good one."
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G’Boar is a rugged sort from the northern clans, betrayed by his ancestral tribal tattoos, ethnic kilted tartan, and abundant scars which tell the tale of his tempestuous upbringing. He is tall for his people, at 6’3”, but his air of confidence and self-worth make him appear somehow taller; his demeanor not being one of arrogance, but instead one of supreme confidence. His build is athletic and supremely defined, like that that of a wild animal who challenges his very essence with every physical endeavor. Such strength and endurance comes from repeated exerting ordeals, as if his very existence relied on his body’s ability to perform.
G’Boar wears studded leather armor and bracers and is as equally comfortable fighting with his traditional clan structure of the longsword and buckler as he is with his bastardized version of a woodsman’s axe. His years of needing to hunt game to stay alive have also perfected his acumen with the longbow. He wears a pack that looks painstakingly organized and containing everything one would need to survive in the wilderness for extended periods of time.
"Greetings, may the blessings of Tinker the Great Boar, and the Lord of the Wilds, bless your path and swordarm. I am called G'Boar... Swift wing, that might be wise. Either a code word or code action, like a fighter who who takes a pratfall during a bout, when the first one of us "falls" the rest stop because of our "concern" for the fallen."
The Venture-Captain smiles at Swiftwing's comments. "Spoken like a true Pathfinder. Always looking for the angle to get something for yourself. I admire that. But unfortunately, the false scepter and the specially enchanted wayfinder must be returned to me after the mission. As for the minor items they of no use to you but are part of the bait to attract Zamir's raiding party."
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A Tanned skinned half-orc wearing desert clothing with a dark metal double ax on his back sits and ponders the mission at hand. His pointed ears and small tusks clearly betraying his heritage.
"I do not like this pretending. However they do say to kill a snake you must cut off the head." Mordan stands up and addresses the Venture Captain. "I will do this thing. It has a bit of what your people call flair."
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A wayang sits silently during the explanation of the assignment, tilting his bald head from one side to the other while he's making notes, his clawed hand moving the delicate quill across the parchment. He is dressed in a black sarong with gold trim and a thick redden sash across his waist. Next to his chair lies his small backpack, along with a small crossbow. On the side of the backpack sits a separate satchel with two rows of tiny holes. Some some scratching sounds can sometimes be heard from within.
When the Venture-captain concludes his introduction, the wayang bobs his head on its thin neck. He speaks in fast common with a thick, chopping accent. "Yes, yes, a cunning plan. I approve. However, it appears to me that there are still some flaws. You have failed to plan for some contingencies. No matter, no matter. I can find a solution for this. First, how well will the fake scepter hold up to scrutiny? Once these Aspis figure out this isn't real, they will surely just get rid of it. Second, how can we be sure that our ambushers will not take the wayfinder as well, while we play dead? Or worse, if they take all of our own precious equipment? No, no. That won't do. I suggest we fight them to a stand-still until two of us are down. I think a few of these," he motioned to the others, "can make a convincing case of storming into danger and getting themselves 'killed'. And then we offer them your scepter and trinkets, if they just let us keep our own belongings. Being the cowards and traitors that they are, it will seem completely logical for them that we will betray our employers' trust, just to save out own belongings. Yes, yes. I am confident in this plan."
As an afterthought, he looks around the group of sturdy men and women around him. Even though they already added their suggestions, he hasn't seemed to acknowledge their contributions. Well, they look sturdy and will do just fine for keeping me safe. Good, good. "Pleasure to meet you all. You may call me Periyotro Bapak. I am a master of the arcane arts."
Satisfied with their orders, the group leaves the local lodge in Padiskar and seeks out the young, traitorous porter Waman, who is to deliver them their itinerary and route map for leading the caravan of magical items to Niswan.
True enough, the boy is found in the house delineated by VC Shahrazad. He gives you a folded parchment showing the route you should take to Niswan.
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Before they meet the boy Swiftwing is keen to get an agreement on how to stage manage the attack.
So we've got some different ideas, how are we going to manage this in a way which is convincing and doesn't end up with any of us really dead? Periyotro's plan, or we could just all run away making out we're cowardly... an idea that doesn't sit well with some of us i'm sure...
she arches her eyebrows at G'boar and Mordan.
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"No, I do not think running away is a wise option. That might give these brigands the idea that we are carrying the important items, and they might give pursuit. That will not do at all." especially since I will probably be the slowest...
"How about this?" He points to G'Boar and Mordan. "They run in first to meet the brigands, they look like they can take a few punches. When they are suitable bruised to make it look convincing, they will say something like dramatic like 'No, they must not get the scepter' while falling down. And then we can give ourselves up. Yes, yes?"
Periyotro take a look at the map, as it is being unfolded.
How do they draw maps in this forsaken country? This tells me nothing! Periyotro points a bony finger at G'Boar. "You, why don't you lead our caravan. That seems suitable to your skills, yes?"
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"I have traveled far from my homeland and the journey has taught me that the straightest path is not always the fastest. The course on this map will lead us away from dangers that could prove more perilous than the brigands we seek."
Away from the traitorous ears of Waman, Hikari says, "Peri's plan has merit. I will commit myself to staying near our 'wounded' comrades when they fall to carry one away so the brigands do not attempt further harm. If we put up a decent fight and reduce their number before falling back I believe our ruse will work. The brigands should be more inclined to take their bounty than risk further harm by continuing to engage the rest of us."
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"This I can do, Master Periro... Master Peritoro.... Master Peri!" the Ranger awkwardly attempts in his distinctive brogue.
Survival, Take 10+8=18
"And as for the 'plan,' as we haven't got a fortune teller among our number, a general understandin' of the events to occur must guide our actions at the time of consequence. I have no intention of anyone 'passin' over,' nor do I intend on surrenderin' an ounce of my pride for anyone... but if I am to be the 'stooge' for this play so that we can accomplish the mission, then so be it. This should be the same for any of us."
After passing his eyes over the assembled companions, he concludes with, "Tighten yer straps and cinch up yer boots and let us be off..."
The caravan sets out following the route directed by Waman. The first day of travel happens uneventfully. And the next morning, the weary travelers go at it again, nerves on edge the entire time, every sound from the hills along the road could be the possible, inevitable ambush at last. But it just doesn't happen.
At the end of the second long day of travel through rough hills, a campsite comes into view. Smoke curls upward from a small fire, where a man is tending a roast on a spit. Three more men are setting out bedrolls and four mules are picketed beside a pile of sacks and bundles nearby. They are camped exactly on the ambush site described in Waman’s itinerary.
The four men are dressed in the simple garb of merchants, and a troop of mules are heavily laden with carpets, furs and other trade-able items, but each also has a shortsword at his belt, and a shortbow within easy reach.
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Before the group is in the company of Waman, G'Boar offers, "As for the Wayfinder, I propose that since it is 'of the arcane' that our master of the these arts possess it during the journey." his eyes resting on Periyotro Bapak, looking for his reaction.
Once with young Waman, G'Boar makes small talk with the boy and asks, "I assume that you are more familiar with these lands than I. I jus' wanna' see if ye can suggest any points along our path where caution should be at its highest?", knowing that where ever the porter points will automatically be discounted. G'Boar is sure that the boy will not divulge the location of the impending ambush, and he will try and sense what part of the map the boy avoids in order to hone in on the possible attack location. Conversely, the Ranger studies the crude map trying to discern from its limited detail where he feels that the trap will be sprung.
The boy points out a likely ambush spot. "This is the spot where caravans are often ambushed. It is a dangerous spot. Be wary here." He points out a place where two roads meet with woods growing thickly up along the road at both sides.
G'Boar agrees that looks like a likely ambush spot. It is the spot where you now see a group of merchants already camped out.
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Swiftwing listens to the planning
So, it seems that a pathfinders life is one of trickery and deception. I'd imagined something more straightforward the honest flight of an arrow, not the murky dealings of daggers and tongues. But if this is what it to be, then so be it...
So, just to be clear G'boar and Mordan engage the enemy, after we do some damage they fall. at which point we surrender and Peri gives up the scepter in exchange for our lives, right?
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Periyotro is delighted that he is entrusted with the all-important wayfinder. The statement by G'Boar that they will have to protect him with their lives gives him a grin from ear to ear. "You have made a good choice. This will be safe with me. Yes, yes." He stuffs the wayfinder into his backpack, right at the bottom, hidden among some mundane items.
On the morning of the second day, he pours over his spellbook for an hour or so, picking the spells that will probably be best suited for the ambush and any eventualities.
Periyotro walks along the caravan on his short legs, peering at the campsite in the distance, crossbow at the ready. "We are wary and prepared for anything." Of course we are prepared. We know more than you do, little boy.
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When the caravan comes to a halt at the campsite Hakiri dismounts from the [wagon, horse, whatever...] and walks nonchalantly forward next to the caravan's wagon. She leans her spear against the wagon and stretches deeply while taking a step away from her spear.
"Ho, travelers. May we share your fire? We've been on the road for a long day and are long overdue for a rest."
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Out of the city Swiftwing noticbly relaxes, she spends a lot of the journey 'playing' with Sharptooth her mountain lion companion - the less hardy of the party might consider such play as a close brush with death, but the young woman and lion seem to be enjoying themselves and not causing lasting injury.
When they arrive at the campsite Swiftwing's mood becomes more serious and she positions her self off to one side as suits her role as archer and flank support. She watches and waits for the more talkative amongst the party to engage with these 'travellers'
Winds blowing north to south, i'd need to compensate for that, and any sudden movements. That one on the right could be behind that wagon in a few seconds... The one in the middle, yes. He'd be the first....
Her fingers idly play with the string on her bow, waiting...
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As the caravan comes to a halt, Eldak opens his eyes and begins to take in the surroundings. The elf found the wagon along the way and dozed off in the back, exhausted from his travels. Unfortunately for him, the caravan wasn't staying at the spot he found it.
Wonder where I've gotten off to now. I was supposed to have a meeting with a venture captain about a mission, but it looks like I'm not going to make it now.
Eldak takes up his staff and climbs from the back of the wagon, blinking rapidly to adjust his eyes to the fire he sees lit in the distance. As the world comes into focus again, the elf notices a youngish looking girl playing with a lion. It would appear she doesn't value her life very much, or at the least doesn't understand what those creatures are truly capable of. Eldak approaches her slowly, his deep blue robes and stark white hair contrasting with the environment around them.
"Greetings. I'm Eldak Moonshadow. Do you by chance know where we are? Also, you might want to be careful with that thing." Eldak says pointing at the lion. "I was supposed to be meeting with a venture captain in regards to another mission with the Pathfinder Society, but during my travels to the location exhaustion overcame me. I took up shelter inside this caravan," the elf says pointing the the back of the caravan behind him "and when I woke up I was here." As Eldak speaks, he keeps a watchful eye on the lion, infrequently daring himself to take in the rest of the camp around him. "Are these others," he says with a gesture towards the rest of the party "friends of yours?"
The merchants eye you coolly. "It is said, "There is safety in numbers". Certainly, you look capable of helping us defend our campsite should bandits or animals fall on us in the night, and for that you are welcome. But it is also said "Make not friends on the road, for most are not what they seem." Tell us, travelers, what are you? And in what way are you more than you appear to be?"
The leader, who speaks, is a tall Vudrani man with a heavily pierced ear and the finely tailored, but not richly made, robes. He and his men eye you cautiously, awaiting your response.
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Hikari finishes stretching, using the opportunity to glance at her companions actions. Turning back towards the merchants she says, "Those are wise words, good sir. My people have a similar saying 风雨同舟."
"A trouble shared is a trouble halved. My companions and I are simply taking some relics to Niswan. If trouble were to harass our sleep tonight I can assure you it will not come from us."
Leaving her spear propped up against the caravan, Hikari steps forward towards the merchant and bows in greeting. "My name is Kotori Kai, my Tsukiyo bless us all."
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Swiftwing looks up as the elven mage addresses her.
Oh, hello. I think you were mentioned at the briefing, we are Pathfinders and someone said we were waiting for an Elven Mage - guess you're him. My name is Swiftwing and this Sharptooth, and he most certainly is not a thing! He's my friend. How's about you whats your name and how come you missed the meeting? Come to that, how come your here, given you missed the meeting? Been hitting the dwarf spirits by chance?
The man bows respectfully to Hikari. "Wise words, lady of the East. We submit to your joining us. While you are welcome to our meager fare, as any hungry traveler, we have not much to spare especially for so many."
Another man comes up shaking hands wiht the travelers and inviting them to the fire. "Tell us what brings you on the road. This part of the journey is known to be dangerous. Have you not heard?"
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Periyotro waves to the travelers in greeting, but keeps his distance for the moment. He is unsure what to make of the group of travelers. Are these our attackers? Will they strike in the night, while we are sleeping? Or are they just here by coincidence? That would be very inconvenient, if they would think to 'defend' us while the Aspis strike. That could ruin the entire plan!
Periyotro studies Waman again.
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G'Boar brings over some dried venison and jug of water to add to the camp fare.
"Danger is everywhere, the true mark of a man (or woman )" as he looks to his female companions, "lies in how you deal with it. I am G'Boar, well met"
The Ranger will keep his wits about him, sensitive to deteriorateing conditions.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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Swiftwing saunters over to the heat and campfire conversation. Just catching the travellers question
But to answer your question, as you can see we are caravaneers probably much like yourselves, although from further afield than yourselves. What can you tell us of the road ahead? From this point forwards yours is as safe and swift as one of my arrows.
Swiftwing smiles, obviously 'trying' to be sociable...
Bapak, who watches the young traitor Waman carefully, sees the youth surprised as anyone by the merchants, and more than a little disappointed that they aren't immediately driven away.
In reply to Swift Wing, one of the merchants says:"The road to Niswan is clear but there is rumor of unrest among the bandits here. Have you seen any bandits or heard of their passing?" He draws close, quite interested in your response.
The evening wears on without incident, the groups trading some food and drinks, and small talk. As the sun sets, the question about watch comes up. The leader of the merchant caravan says his group will maintain watches in quarters through the night. "You are welcome to rest as our guests, or you may share the duty. What say you?"
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Hikari breathes a small sigh of relief and inwardly thanks Tsukiyo for his divine inspiration in diffusing the situation for now. Seeing G'Boar share his venison Hikari smiles and says, "We too have little in the way of provisions but will gladly share what we have."
Hikari then returns to the caravan and retrieves her spear and rucksack. Turning back to the fire she begins heating water for tea before spreading her sleeping roll near her companions.
While she makes her preparations Hikari keeps an eye on Waman to see if he betrays any sign of knowing the merchants or attempts to pass information to them.
To the merchant she says, "You seem to know this land well. Do you travel this way often?"
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Periyotro joins the rest of the group at the campfire. He offer his name by way of introduction, but doesn't speak a lot.
After dinner, Periyotro excuses himself to check up on the contents of their caravan. He calls over Swift wing to have a private conversation, as she seemed the most keen on having a plan for the ambush. He whispers "I don't trust these folk, but I'm not sure that these are ones we were warned about: Waman didn't seem to expect them here. But they don't seem like innocent travelers either. We might have to improvise out plan, yes?"
When they get back to the fire and discuss the watch, Periyotro offers to take third.
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Circles within circles... give me the honesty of lion and gazelle any day. If they are thieves as well, we could use our conflict with them as a distraction leaving the 'treasure' unguarded, then maybe the bandits we want to track will take off with it and then we can follow them. Any better ideas?
Back around the fire Swiftwing and sharptooth can take 4th watch.
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G'Boar will take third watch, although his untrusting mind thinks... If these are the bandits and if they all slept thru the night these men would just take their cargo (most notably the septor) and the first part of the mission would be complete.... Unless these are other bandits... Ah ya can't trust anyone!
-Posted with Wayfinder
"We travel this way a fair bit," says the leader with a rueful smile. "More than we would like, to be sure."
The first watch takes it's positions and the others stretch out in bedrolls and blankets to get a good a sleep as they can. The firelight provides good illumination for about 30' and then dim light for another 30' or so.