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Among those assembled is a woman dressed in clean, brown leathers and a neatly arranged -- if clearly full -- pack slung across her back. Her most striking feature is her hair, which, unlike the rest of her figure, is very untidy and seems to blow this way and that in an invisible wind. As she thumbs through a worn manual to pass the time, the sharp-eyed in her company observe the traces of gardener's dirt beneath her fingernails that even the warmest bath cannot erase.
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At first, Amiri doesn't pay much attention to the rather unassuming woman of smaller stature. But as she gets a better look at Caerwynn's wild, unkempt appearance, she offers a nod of approval and comes over to offer her hand.
"Name's Amiri. P'rhaps you've heard of me?" Amiri even does her best to suppress her natural inclination toward handhakes that nearly crush the soul, much less the other person's hand. She knows how important it is for naturalist casters to have the use of both hands...
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A sharply dressed halfling, Xavier has a bit of an "air" about him as he listens to the briefing, adjusting his monocle and tricorne hat while walking and assessing his companions. Even though his skin is a bit sun-and-sea-worn, his accent is that of a high-born Taldan noble.
Upon arriving, he tips his hat to each of you individually in turn. "I am Xavier Grayson Flaxseed, at your service. A pleasure to meet you, and to be part of your retinue this day."
The renowned Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch strides into her study at the Magnimar lodge. Her eyes scan the space with habitual vigilance, honed by years of successful adventuring. Satisfied that there's nothing amiss, she stands behind her desk, and turns her blade-like attention to the party before her.
The Pathfinder Society has long been interested in the First World — the otherworldly realm of the fey. By all accounts the fey homeland is dangerous, bizarre, and entirely unpredictable. It's the very type of place sane people avoid, and Pathfinders flock toward.
Countless expeditions and research teams have been dispatched over the years to investigate regions where the boundaries between the First World and our own plane grow threadbare. Sanos Forest, which lies to the east of this very lodge, is one such place. The Pathfinder Society's latest research party is currently stationed there, under the capable direction of the druid Ignizi Dinnelletter.
Dinnelletter doesn't normally work well with others, but this time she's got several newly recruited Pathfinders assisting her. We thought it prudent that she pass on some of her best practices, just in case. After all, we Pathfinders are not known for our longevity. Dinnelletter is entirely self sufficient, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for her five trainees. Consequently, Ignizi's station needs to be resupplied periodically, something the Magnimar lodge has taken responsibility for. You lot have been chosen to make the next supply run to Sanos Forest, and will leave first thing in the morning. It's not a glamorous detail, but the fey forest never lacks for intrigue, and I'm sure you'll make the most of it.
Your mission is simple: Deliver a pack horse loaded with supplies to Dinnelletter's cottage in Sanos. I don't expect any problems, but you never know with the fey. If Ignizi needs any additional help, please assist her in any way possible. And do try to be patient. Ignizi can be a handful.
Any questions? No? Good, then off you go!
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Werner starts to raise a finger to ask a question, thinks better of it, and shrugs. To the group he says, "If we're to face any danger, it'll be from fey creatures. I know cold iron weaponry is effective, and I plan to buy a sword for this trip."
Later in the day, Werner buys a cold iron greatsword.
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Silgil listens attentively. The dwarf is a typical specimen of his race, gruff yet polite. His hair is a bright red, though not outrageous as only a gnomes may be. He is outfitted in robes with no armor and carries a battle axe along with a couple of wands at his belt.
"The fey? Should be interesting. Hope we meet some gnomes. I love gnomes. I don't suppose there are any gnomes in the group assigned to assist Dinnelletter? No matter. You said east of her. How far east?"
At least I won't end up being the pack animal for this venture. With all the stuff they will be sending there should be room for our gear.
Venture-Captain Heidmarch exhales in something like a sigh at Silgil's questions. You'll meet Dijjit when you get there. And Ignizi is a gnome herself.
I've got instructions that detail the route to Ignizi's cottage. The journey is quite simple, mainly just following a distinctive stream until you reach the valley that she's settled.
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Amiri ponders Werner's words carefully, then pats the giant sword strapped to her back.
"I usually find this big beautiful lady more than enough for most problems, and this sounds like a simple stroll through the woods." With a shrug, she adds, "Then again, it never hurts to carry some backup."
If available, Amiri willl purchase a cold iron morningstar and 20 cold iron arrows.
"Ready?"
Her lips pursed, Heidmarch hands over the note with directions on it. It indicates travel east along the Dry Way — the trade road along the northern bank of the mighty Yondabakari River toward Korvosa — for a few days, then north along a distinctive stream into Sanos Forest.
She shakes her head at Caerwynn's inquiry. No news of trouble. This mission is pretty routine.
Heidmarch drums her fingers on her desk. Ignizi is originally from Whistledown, the gnome settlement just to the east of Sanos Forest. She joined the Pathfinders as a young gnome, and was a very capable adventurer in her day — a little difficult to work with, but effective. As she grew older, she returned to her homeland to study the First World's influence on the Material Plane, eventually becoming the preeminent researcher in the field. She still looks young and wide-eyed, but don't be fooled. She knows how to get what she wants.
Silgil doesn't recall any historical significance about the Sanos Forest.
You follow the directions provided by Venture-Captain Heidmarch and locate the stream leading into the woods on day 5 of the journey. Shortly after entering Sanos Forest, all signs of humanoid activity abate.
Midway through the day you spy a small vale up ahead. A whiff of rotting meat hangs thickly in the air, and Caerwynn notes several bear tracks on the forest floor.
The wood falls hushed, and the instructions indicate that you should be within half a mile of the cottage where Ignizi Dinnelletter lives. A loud crash erupts as you crest a small rise, and you see several owlbears slamming themselves against the cottage, which creaks under the weight of the impacts. Cries of alarm filter out from inside.
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Xavier's typical modus operendii is to hit himself with his wand of Mage Armor at the first signs of anything even remotely suspect. The nearby bear tracks do, in fact, qualify.
As they get within sight, Xavier sighs at the presence of the owlbears, muttering "never ever goes as planned..." to himself as he takes out and uses a wand of Shield on himself, preparing to help his party combat these things however he can.
Round 1
Silgil
Amiri
owlbears
Xavier
Caerwynn
Werner
Amiri does, in fact smash. The undead owlbear reels backward but does not fall!
Silgil begins casting a spell!
Orange lashes back at Amiri! Unlike most zombies, this one does not appear to be staggered, and in fact seems faster than a live owlbear!
Blue charges at Silgil!
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Xavier curses a bit as he five-foot steps to one side, "blast...can't use some of my normal tactics on them because they're undead...let's see if I can't lend Silgil some aid at least..."
Xavier casts Grease at the squares underneath the Blue undead owlbear, then takes out his Wand of Magic Missile as a move action.
The owlbear keeps its feet! Werner's blade hits but is not a critical hit!
The zombie owlbear somehow avoids much of the damage!
B
Round 2
Silgil
Amiri
owlbears
Xavier
Caerwynn
Werner